Communication system

Abstract

A communication system according to the present invention includes base stations configured for a fifth generation wireless access system and communication terminals that connect to the base stations. In response to a sensing request from an external device, nodes related to sensing are derived from among at least one of the base stations and the communication terminals on the basis of information about a sensing area, and a sensing transmission node that is to transmit a sensing resource and a sensing reception node that is to receive the sensing resource are determined from among the derived nodes.

Description

communication systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication technology.

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a standardization organization for mobile communication systems, is considering a fifth-generation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "5G") wireless access system as a successor to Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), one of the fourth-generation wireless access systems (see Non-Patent Document 1) (for example, Non-Patent Document 2). The technology for the wireless section of 5G is called "New Radio Access Technology" ("New Radio" is abbreviated as "NR"). The NR system is being studied based on the LTE system and the LTE-A system.

[0003] For example, in Europe, an organization called METIS has compiled 5G requirements (see Non-Patent Document 3). The requirements for a 5G wireless access system are that it must have 1000 times the system capacity, 100 times the data transmission speed, one-fifth the data processing delay, and 100 times the number of simultaneous connections of communication terminals compared to an LTE system, while also achieving further reductions in power consumption and cost reductions for the equipment (see Non-Patent Document 3).

[0004] In order to meet such demands, 3GPP is currently studying 5G standards (see Non-Patent Documents 4 to 23).

[0005] The NR access method uses OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) in the downlink direction and OFDM and DFT-s-OFDM (Discrete Fourier Transform-spread-OFDM) in the uplink direction. Also, like LTE and LTE-A, the 5G system does not include circuit switching and is only a packet communication method.

[0006] NR allows the use of higher frequencies than LTE in order to improve transmission speeds and reduce processing delays.

[0007] In NR, which may use higher frequencies than LTE, cell coverage is ensured by forming a narrow beam-shaped transmission and reception range (beam forming) and changing the direction of the beam (beam sweeping).

[0008] The decisions made by 3GPP regarding the frame structure in an NR system, as described in Non-Patent Document 1 (Chapter 5), are explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a radio frame used in an NR communication system. In Figure 1, one radio frame is 10 ms. The radio frame is divided into 10 equally sized subframes. The NR frame structure supports one or more numerologies, i.e., one or more subcarrier spacings (SCSs). In NR, one subframe is 1 ms long, and one slot consists of 14 symbols, regardless of the subcarrier spacing. Furthermore, the number of slots included in one subframe is one when the subcarrier spacing is 15 kHz, and the number of slots at other subcarrier spacings increases in proportion to the subcarrier spacing (see Non-Patent Document 11 (3GPP TS38.211)).

[0009] 3GPP's decisions regarding channel configuration in NR systems are described in Non-Patent Document 2 (Chapter 5) and Non-Patent Document 11.

[0010] A physical broadcast channel (PBCH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "base station") to a communication terminal device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "communication terminal" or "terminal") such as a mobile terminal device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a "mobile terminal"). The PBCH is transmitted together with a downlink synchronization signal.

[0011] Downlink synchronization signals in NR include a primary synchronization signal (P-SS) and a secondary synchronization signal (S-SS). Synchronization signals are transmitted from base stations as synchronization signal bursts (hereinafter sometimes referred to as SS bursts) at predetermined intervals and for a predetermined duration. SS bursts are composed of synchronization signal blocks (hereinafter sometimes referred to as SS blocks) for each beam of the base station.

[0012] The base station transmits the SS block of each beam by changing the beam during the duration of the SS burst. The SS block consists of the P-SS, S-SS, and PBCH.

[0013] The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station to a communication terminal. The PDCCH carries downlink control information (DCI). The DCI includes resource allocation information for a Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH), which is one of the transport channels described below, resource allocation information for a Paging Channel (PCH), which is one of the transport channels described below, and Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) information related to the DL-SCH. The DCI may also include an uplink scheduling grant. The DCI may also include an acknowledgement (Ack) / negative acknowledgement (Nack), which is a response signal to the uplink transmission. In addition, in order to flexibly switch between DL and UL within a slot, the DCI may include a slot format indication (SFI). The PDCCH or the DCI is also called an L1 / L2 control signal.

[0014] In NR, a time-frequency region that is a candidate for including a PDCCH is provided. This region is called a control resource set (CORESET). A communication terminal monitors the CORESET and acquires a PDCCH.

[0015] The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) is a channel for downlink transmission from a base station to a communication terminal. The Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH), which is a transport channel, and the PCH, which is a transport channel, are mapped to the PDSCH.

[0016] The Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is a channel for uplink transmission from a communication terminal to a base station. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI). The UCI includes Ack / Nack, which is a response signal to a downlink transmission, CSI (Channel State Information), a scheduling request (SR), and the like. The CSI is composed of a Rank Indicator (RI), a Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI), and a CQI (Channel Quality Indicator) report. The RI is rank information of a channel matrix in MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). The PMI is information on a precoding weight matrix used in MIMO. The CQI is quality information indicating the quality of received data or the quality of a communication path. The UCI may be carried by the PUSCH, which will be described later. The PUCCH or UCI is also called an L1 / L2 control signal.

[0017] The Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) is a channel for uplink transmission from a communication terminal to a base station. The Uplink Shared Channel (UL-SCH), which is one of the transport channels, is mapped to the PUSCH.

[0018] A physical random access channel (PRACH) is a channel for uplink transmission from a communication terminal to a base station. The PRACH carries a random access preamble.

[0019] A downlink reference signal (RS) is a known symbol in an NR communication system. The following four types of downlink reference signals are defined: a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), which is a UE-specific reference signal, a phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS), a positioning reference signal (PRS), and a channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS). Measurements of the physical layer of a communication terminal include reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement and reference signal received quality (RSRQ) measurement.

[0020] Similarly, the uplink reference signal is a known symbol in an NR communication system. The following three types of uplink reference signals are defined: a data demodulation reference signal (DM-RS), a phase tracking reference signal (PT-RS), and a sounding reference signal (SRS).

[0021] The transport channels described in Non-Patent Document 2 (Chapter 5) will be described below. Among the downlink transport channels, a broadcast channel (BCH) is broadcast to the entire coverage of the base station (cell). The BCH is mapped to a physical broadcast channel (PBCH).

[0022] Retransmission control using HARQ is applied to the Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH). The DL-SCH can be broadcast to the entire coverage of the base station (cell). The DL-SCH supports dynamic or semi-static resource allocation. Semi-static resource allocation is also called semi-persistent scheduling. The DL-SCH supports discontinuous reception (DRX) in communication terminals to reduce power consumption of the communication terminals. The DL-SCH is mapped to the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH).

[0023] The Paging Channel (PCH) supports DRX of communication terminals to enable low power consumption of the communication terminals. The PCH is required to broadcast to the entire coverage of the base station (cell). The PCH is mapped to physical resources such as the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) that can be dynamically used for traffic.

[0024] Among the uplink transport channels, the uplink shared channel (UL-SCH) is subject to retransmission control using HARQ. The UL-SCH supports dynamic or semi-static resource allocation. Semi-static resource allocation is also called configured grant. The UL-SCH is mapped to the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH).

[0025] The Random Access Channel (RACH) is limited to control information, has a risk of collision, and is mapped to the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH).

[0026] The following describes HARQ. HARQ is a technology that improves the communication quality of a transmission path by combining Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) and Forward Error Correction. HARQ has the advantage that error correction functions effectively through retransmission even for transmission paths whose communication quality varies. In particular, by combining the reception result of the initial transmission and the reception result of the retransmission when retransmitting, it is possible to obtain further quality improvement.

[0027] An example of a retransmission method will be described below. If the receiving side is unable to decode the received data correctly, in other words, if a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) error occurs (CRC=NG), the receiving side will send a "Nack" to the transmitting side. The transmitting side, having received the "Nack", will retransmit the data. If the receiving side is able to decode the received data correctly, in other words, if no CRC error occurs (CRC=OK), the receiving side will send an "Ack" to the transmitting side. The transmitting side, having received the "Ack", will send the next data.

[0028] Another example of a retransmission method will be described. If a CRC error occurs on the receiving side, the receiving side requests a retransmission from the transmitting side. The retransmission request is made by toggling an NDI (New Data Indicator). The transmitting side, upon receiving the retransmission request, retransmits the data. If no CRC error occurs on the receiving side, no retransmission request is made. If the transmitting side does not receive a retransmission request for a predetermined period of time, it assumes that no CRC error occurred on the receiving side.

[0029] The logical channels described in Non-Patent Document 1 (Chapter 6) are explained below. The Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) is a downlink channel for broadcasting system control information. The BCCH, which is a logical channel, is mapped to the broadcast channel (BCH) or the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH), which are transport channels.

[0030] The Paging Control Channel (PCCH) is a downlink channel for transmitting paging information and changes to system information. The PCCH, which is a logical channel, is mapped to the Paging Channel (PCH), which is a transport channel.

[0031] The Common Control Channel (CCCH) is a channel for transmitting control information between a communication terminal and a base station. The CCCH is used when the communication terminal does not have an RRC connection with the network. In the downlink direction, the CCCH is mapped to the Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH), which is a transport channel. In the uplink direction, the CCCH is mapped to the Uplink Shared Channel (UL-SCH), which is a transport channel.

[0032] A Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH) is a channel that transmits dedicated control information between a communication terminal and a network in a one-to-one relationship. The DCCH is used when the communication terminal has an RRC connection with the network. The DCCH is mapped to an uplink shared channel (UL-SCH) in the uplink and to a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) in the downlink.

[0033] A Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH) is a point-to-point communication channel for transmitting user information to a communication terminal. DTCH exists in both uplink and downlink. In uplink, DTCH is mapped to an uplink shared channel (UL-SCH) and in downlink, it is mapped to a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH).

[0034] The location of a communication terminal is tracked in units of an area consisting of one or more cells. Location tracking is performed to track the location of the communication terminal even when it is in standby mode and to call the communication terminal, in other words, to enable the communication terminal to receive calls. The area for tracking the location of this communication terminal is called a Tracking Area (TA).

[0035] In NR, paging of communication terminals within a range that is smaller than a tracking area is supported. This range is called a RAN Notification Area (RNA). Paging of communication terminals in the RRC_INACTIVE state, which will be described later, is performed within this range.

[0036] In NR, in order to support wide frequency bandwidths (transmission bandwidths), carrier aggregation (CA) is being considered, which aggregates (also referred to as "aggregation") two or more component carriers (CCs). CA is described in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0037] When CA is configured, a communication terminal (UE) has only one RRC connection with the network (NW). In the RRC connection, one serving cell provides NAS (Non-Access Stratum) mobility information and security input. This cell is called a primary cell (PCell). Depending on the UE's capabilities, a secondary cell (SCell) is configured to form a serving cell set together with the PCell. A serving cell set consisting of one PCell and one or more SCells is configured for one UE.

[0038] In addition, in 3GPP, in order to further increase communication capacity, there is a dual connectivity (abbreviated as DC) in which a UE connects to two base stations to communicate. DC is described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 22.

[0039] Of the base stations performing dual connectivity (DC), one may be referred to as a "master base station (Master Node: MN)" and the other as a "secondary base station (Secondary Node: SN)." Serving cells configured by the master base station may be collectively referred to as a master cell group (MCG), and serving cells configured by secondary base stations may be collectively referred to as a secondary cell group (SCG). In DC, the primary cell in the MCG or SCG is referred to as a special cell (SpCell or SPCell). The special cell in the MCG is referred to as a PCell, and the special cell in the SCG is referred to as a primary SCG cell (PSCell).

[0040] In addition, in NR, the base station pre-sets a portion of the carrier frequency band (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the Bandwidth Part (BWP)) for the UE, and the UE transmits and receives data to and from the base station using this BWP, thereby reducing power consumption in the UE.

[0041] Additionally, 3GPP is considering supporting services (or applications) using side link (SL) communication (also referred to as PC5 communication) in both the Evolved Packet System (EPS) (described later) and the 5G core system (see Non-Patent Documents 1, 2, 26 to 28). SL communication involves communication between terminals. Services using SL communication include, for example, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services and proximity services. In SL communication, not only direct communication between terminals but also communication between a UE and a network via a relay has been proposed (see Non-Patent Documents 26 and 28).

[0042] The physical channels used for SL (see Non-Patent Documents 2 and 11) are as follows: The physical sidelink broadcast channel (PSBCH) carries information related to the system and synchronization and is transmitted from the UE.

[0043] The physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH) carries control information from the UE for sidelink and V2X sidelink communications.

[0044] The physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) carries data from the UE for sidelink and V2X sidelink communications.

[0045] The physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH) carries HARQ feedback on the sidelink from a UE that received a PSSCH transmission to the UE that transmitted the PSSCH.

[0046] The transport channel used for SL (see Non-Patent Document 1) will be described. The sidelink broadcast channel (SL-BCH) has a predetermined transport format and is mapped to the PSBCH, which is a physical channel.

[0047] The Sidelink Shared Channel (SL-SCH) supports broadcast transmissions. The SL-SCH supports both UE autonomous resource selection and base station scheduled resource allocation. UE autonomous resource selection involves a collision risk, whereas when the UE is allocated dedicated resources by the base station, there is no collision. The SL-SCH also supports dynamic link adaptation by changing transmit power, modulation, and coding. The SL-SCH is mapped to the PSSCH, which is a physical channel.

[0048] The logical channels used for SL (see Non-Patent Document 2) will be described. The Sidelink Broadcast Control Channel (SBCCH) is a sidelink channel for broadcasting sidelink system information from one UE to other UEs. The SBCCH is mapped to the SL-BCH, which is a transport channel.

[0049] The Sidelink Traffic Channel (STCH) is a point-to-multipoint traffic channel for transmitting user information from one UE to other UEs. The STCH is used only by UEs with sidelink communication capability and UEs with V2X sidelink communication capability. Point-to-point communication between two sidelink-capable UEs is also realized by the STCH. The STCH is mapped to the SL-SCH, a transport channel.

[0050] The Sidelink Control Channel (SCCH) is a control channel for transmitting control information from one UE to another UE. The SCCH is mapped to the SL-SCH, which is a transport channel.

[0051] In LTE, only broadcast was supported for SL communication. In NR, support for unicast and groupcast as SL communication in addition to broadcast is being considered (see Non-Patent Document 27 (3GPP TS23.287)).

[0052] In unicast communication and groupcast communication in SL, HARQ feedback (Ack / Nack), CSI reporting, etc. are supported.

[0053] In addition, 3GPP is considering integrated access and backhaul (IAB), which performs both the access link between a UE and a base station and the backhaul link between base stations wirelessly (see Non-Patent Documents 2, 20, and 29).

[0054] Several new technologies have been proposed for mobile communication systems, including the integration of sensing (detection of objects using radio waves) and communication (see Non-Patent Documents 30 and 31).

[0055] 3GPP TS36.300 V17.5.03GPP TS38.300 V17.5.0“Scenarios, requirements and KPIs for 5G mobile and wireless system”、ICT-317669-METIS / D1.13GPP TR23.799 V14.0.03GPP TR38.801 V14.0.03GPP TR38.802 V14.2.03GPP TR38.804 V14.0.03GPP TR38.912 V16.0.03GPP RP-1721153GPP TS23.501 V18.2.23GPP TS38.211 V17.5.03GPP TS38.212 V17.5.03GPP TS38.213 V17.6.03GPP TS38.214 V17.6.03GPP TS38.321 V17.5.03GPP TS38.322 V17.3.03GPP TS38.323 V17.5.03GPP TS37.324 V17.0.03GPP TS38.331 V17.5.03GPP TS38.401 V17.5.03GPP TS38.413 V17.5.03GPP TS37.340 V17.5.03GPP TS38.423 V17.5.03GPP TS38.305 V17.5.03GPP TS23.273 V18.2.03GPP TR23.703 V12.0.03GPP TS23.287 V18.0.03GPP TS23.303 V17.1.03GPP TS38.340 V17.5.03GPP TR22.837 V19.0.03GPP RWS-230250

[0056] In mobile communication systems, it has been proposed to detect targets by sensing in addition to communication with UEs (see Non-Patent Documents 30 and 31). Sensing targets include non-UEs (those not equipped with UEs), such as intruders, obstacles, rivers, and the atmosphere. Although location management functions (see Non-Patent Documents 24 and 25) have been introduced into mobile communication systems, the UEs are the objects of location management. Therefore, the location management function cannot simply be applied to sensing. The specific methods required for executing sensing in mobile communication systems have not been disclosed and are unclear. This can lead to problems such as the inability to execute sensing processes in mobile communication systems.

[0057] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one of the objects of the present disclosure is to realize not only communication with a UE but also sensing processing in a communication system.

[0058] The communication system according to the present disclosure includes a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system and a communication terminal connected to the base station, and in response to a sensing request from an external device, derives nodes related to sensing from at least one of the base station and the communication terminal based on information regarding the sensing area, and determines from among the derived nodes a sensing transmitting node that transmits sensing resources and a sensing receiving node that receives the sensing resources.

[0059] According to the present disclosure, in a communication system, not only communication with a UE but also sensing processing can be realized.

[0060] The objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0061] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a radio frame used in an NR communication system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an NR communication system 210 being discussed in 3GPP. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of DC by a base station connected to an NG core. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal 202 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a base station 213 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a 5GC unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an overview of the process from cell search to standby operation performed by a communication terminal (UE) in an NR communication system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cell in an NR system. FIG. 9 is a connection configuration diagram showing an example of the connection configuration of a terminal in SL communication. FIG. 10 is a connection configuration diagram showing an example of the connection configuration of a base station that supports access / backhaul integration. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of sensing when a base station is a transmitting node of sensing resources and a UE is a receiving node of sensing resources. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of sensing when a base station is a transmitting node of sensing resources and a base station is a receiving node of sensing resources. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of sensing when a UE is a transmitting node of a sensing resource and a receiving node of a sensing resource. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example sequence of a sensing process for a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example sequence of a sensing process for a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example sequence of a sensing process for a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example sequence of a sensing process for a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example sequence of a sensing process for a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example sequence of a sensing process for a fifth embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example sequence of a sensing process for a fifth embodiment.

[0062] Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an NR communication system 210 being discussed in 3GPP. Figure 2 will be explained. The radio access network is called an NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) 211. A mobile terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a "mobile terminal (User Equipment: UE)") 202, which is a communication terminal device, is capable of wireless communication with a base station device (hereinafter referred to as an "NR base station (NG-RAN NodeB: gNB)") 213, and transmits and receives signals via wireless communication. The NG-RAN 211 is composed of one or more NR base stations 213.

[0063] Here, the term "communication terminal device" includes not only mobile terminal devices such as mobile cell phone terminal devices, but also stationary devices such as sensors. In the following description, the term "communication terminal device" may be simply referred to as a "communication terminal."

[0064] An access stratum (AS) protocol is terminated between the UE 202 and the NG-RAN 211. Examples of AS protocols include radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC), and physical layer (PHY). RRC is used in the control plane (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the C-plane, C-Plane, or CP), SDAP is used in the user plane (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the U-plane, U-Plane, or UP), and PDCP, MAC, RLC, and PHY are used in both the C-plane and the U-plane.

[0065] The control protocol RRC (Radio Resource Control) between the UE 202 and the NR base station 213 performs broadcasting, paging, RRC connection management, etc. The states of the NR base station 213 and the UE 202 in RRC include RRC_IDLE, RRC_CONNECTED, and RRC_INACTIVE.

[0066] In RRC_IDLE, PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) selection, system information (SI) broadcast, paging, cell re-selection, mobility, etc. are performed. In RRC_CONNECTED, the mobile terminal has an RRC connection and can transmit and receive data with the network. In addition, in RRC_CONNECTED, handover (HO), measurement of neighbor cells, etc. are performed. In RRC_INACTIVE, the connection between the 5G core unit 214 and the NR base station 213 is maintained, and system information (SI) broadcast, paging, cell re-selection, mobility, etc. are performed.

[0067] The gNB 213 is connected to a 5G core unit (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "5GC unit") 214, which includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), or a User Plane Function (UPF), via an NG interface. Control information and / or user data is communicated between the gNB 213 and the 5GC unit 214. The NG interface is a collective term for the N2 interface between the gNB 213 and the AMF 220, the N3 interface between the gNB 213 and the UPF 221, the N11 interface between the AMF 220 and the SMF 222, and the N4 interface between the UPF 221 and the SMF 222. Multiple 5GC units 214 may be connected to one gNB 213. The gNBs 213 are connected via an Xn interface, and control information and / or user data are communicated between the gNBs 213.

[0068] The 5GC unit 214 is a higher-level device, specifically a higher-level node, and controls the connection between the NR base station 213 and the mobile terminal (UE) 202, distributes paging signals to one or more NR base stations (gNB) 213 and / or LTE base stations (E-UTRAN NodeB: eNB), and performs other functions. The 5GC unit 214 also performs mobility control in the idle state. The 5GC unit 214 manages the tracking area list when the mobile terminal 202 is in the idle state, in the inactive state, and in the active state. The 5GC unit 214 initiates a paging protocol by transmitting a paging message to a cell belonging to the tracking area in which the mobile terminal 202 is registered.

[0069] The gNB 213 may configure one or more cells. When one gNB 213 configures multiple cells, each cell is configured to be able to communicate with the UE 202.

[0070] The gNB 213 may be divided into a central unit (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as CU) 215 and a distributed unit (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as DU) 216. One CU 215 is configured within the gNB 213. One or more DUs 216 are configured within the gNB 213. One DU 216 configures one or more cells. The CU 215 is connected to the DU 216 via an F1 interface, and control information and / or user data is communicated between the CU 215 and the DU 216. The F1 interface consists of an F1-C interface and an F1-U interface. The CU 215 is responsible for the functions of the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols, and the DU 216 is responsible for the functions of the RLC, MAC, and PHY protocols. One or more TRPs (Transmission Reception Points) 219 may be connected to the DU 216. The TRP 219 transmits and receives radio signals to and from the UE.

[0071] The CU 215 may be divided into a C-plane CU (CU-C) 217 ​​and a U-plane CU (CU-U) 218. One CU-C 217 is configured within the CU 215. One or more CU-Us 218 are configured within the CU 215. The CU-C 217 is connected to the CU-U 218 via an E1 interface, and control information is communicated between the CU-C 217 and the CU-U 218. The CU-C 217 is connected to the DU 216 via an F1-C interface, and control information is communicated between the CU-C 217 and the DU 216. The CU-U 218 is connected to the DU 216 via an F1-U interface, and user data is communicated between the CU-U 218 and the DU 216.

[0072] In a 5G communication system, a Unified Data Management (UDM) function and a Policy Control Function (PCF) described in Non-Patent Document 10 (3GPP TS23.501) may be included. The UDM and / or PCF may be included in the 5GC unit 214 in FIG. 2 .

[0073] In a 5G communication system, a Location Management Function (LMF) described in Non-Patent Document 24 (3GPP TS 38.305) may be provided. The LMF may be connected to a base station via an AMF as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 25 (3GPP TS 23.273).

[0074] A 5G communication system may include a Non-3GPP Interworking Function (N3IWF) described in Non-Patent Document 10 (3GPP TS23.501). The N3IWF may terminate an Access Network (AN) between the UE and the N3IWF in non-3GPP access between the UE and the N3IWF.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a DC (dual connectivity) configuration connected to an NG core. In FIG. 3, solid lines indicate U-Plane connections, and dashed lines indicate C-Plane connections. In FIG. 3, the master base station 240-1 may be a gNB or an eNB. Furthermore, the secondary base station 240-2 may be a gNB or an eNB. For example, in FIG. 3, a DC configuration in which the master base station 240-1 is a gNB and the secondary base station 240-2 is an eNB may be referred to as NG-EN-DC. In FIG. 3, an example is shown in which the U-Plane connection between the 5GC unit 214 and the secondary base station 240-2 is performed via the master base station 240-1, but it may also be performed directly between the 5GC unit 214 and the secondary base station 240-2. 3, an EPC (Evolved Packet Core), which is a core network connected to the LTE system and the LTE-A system, may be connected to the master base station 240-1 instead of the 5GC unit 214. A U-Plane connection may be directly established between the EPC and the secondary base station 240-2.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of mobile terminal 202 shown in FIG. 2. The transmission process of mobile terminal 202 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. First, control data from control unit 310 and user data from application unit 302 are sent to protocol processing unit 301. Buffering of the control data and user data may be performed. Buffers for the control data and user data may be provided in control unit 310, application unit 302, or protocol processing unit 301. Protocol processing unit 301 performs protocol processing such as SDAP, PDCP, RLC, and MAC, for example, determining a destination base station in DC, and adding a header for each protocol. The protocol-processed data is passed to encoder unit 304, where it is subjected to encoding such as error correction. Some data may be output directly from protocol processing unit 301 to modulation unit 305 without being encoded. The data encoded by encoder unit 304 is modulated by modulation unit 305. Precoding in MIMO may be performed by modulation unit 305. The modulated data is converted into a baseband signal, and then output to frequency conversion section 306, where it is converted into a radio transmission frequency. Then, the transmission signal is transmitted from antennas 307-1 to 307-4 to base station 213. Although the example in FIG. 4 shows a case where the number of antennas is four, the number of antennas is not limited to four.

[0077] Furthermore, the reception process of the mobile terminal 202 is performed as follows. Radio signals from the base station 213 are received by the antennas 307-1 to 307-4. The received signals are converted from a radio reception frequency to a baseband signal by the frequency conversion unit 306, and demodulated by the demodulation unit 308. The demodulation unit 308 may also perform weight calculation and multiplication processing. The demodulated data is passed to the decoder unit 309, where decoding processes such as error correction are performed. The decoded data is passed to the protocol processing unit 301, where protocol processing such as MAC, RLC, PDCP, and SDAP is performed, for example, operations such as removing headers in each protocol. Of the data that has undergone protocol processing, the control data is passed to the control unit 310, and the user data is passed to the application unit 302.

[0078] A series of processes in the mobile terminal 202 is controlled by a control unit 310. Therefore, the control unit 310 is also connected to each of the units 302, 304 to 309, although this is omitted in FIG.

[0079] Each unit of the mobile terminal 202, such as the control unit 310, protocol processing unit 301, encoder unit 304, and decoder unit 309, is implemented by a processing circuit including, for example, a processor and memory. For example, the control unit 310 is implemented by a processor executing a program describing a series of processes performed by the mobile terminal 202. The program describing the series of processes performed by the mobile terminal 202 is stored in memory. Examples of memory include non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and flash memory. Each unit of the mobile terminal 202, such as the control unit 310, protocol processing unit 301, encoder unit 304, and decoder unit 309, may be implemented by a dedicated processing circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In FIG. 4, the number of antennas used by the mobile terminal 202 for transmission and the number of antennas used for reception may be the same or different.

[0080] 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the base station 213 shown in FIG. 2. The transmission process of the base station 213 shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The EPC communication unit 401 transmits and receives data between the base station 213 and the EPC. The 5GC communication unit 412 transmits and receives data between the base station 213 and the 5GC (such as the 5GC unit 214). The other base station communication unit 402 transmits and receives data with other base stations. The EPC communication unit 401, the 5GC communication unit 412, and the other base station communication unit 402 each exchange information with the protocol processing unit 403. Control data from the control unit 411, and user data and control data from the EPC communication unit 401, the 5GC communication unit 412, and the other base station communication unit 402 are sent to the protocol processing unit 403. Buffering of the control data and user data may be performed. Buffers for control data and user data may be provided in the control unit 411, the EPC communication unit 401, the 5GC communication unit 412, or the other base station communication unit 402.

[0081] The protocol processing unit 403 performs protocol processing such as SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, etc., such as routing transmission data in DC, etc., and adding headers for each protocol. The protocol-processed data is passed to the encoder unit 405, where it is subjected to encoding processing such as error correction. Some data may be output directly from the protocol processing unit 403 to the modulation unit 406 without being encoded. Data may also be sent from the protocol processing unit 403 to the other base station communication unit 402. For example, in DC, data sent from the 5GC communication unit 412 or the EPC communication unit 401 may be sent to another base station, such as a secondary base station, via the other base station communication unit 402. The encoded data is modulated by the modulation unit 406. The modulation unit 406 may also perform MIMO precoding. The modulated data is converted into a baseband signal, and then output to the frequency conversion unit 407, where it is converted into a radio transmission frequency. Thereafter, the transmission signals are transmitted from antennas 408-1 to 408-4 to one or more mobile terminals 202. Although the number of antennas is four in the example shown in Fig. 5, the number of antennas is not limited to four.

[0082] Furthermore, the reception process of the base station 213 is performed as follows. Radio signals from one or more mobile terminals 202 are received by antennas 408-1 to 408-4. The received signals are converted from a radio reception frequency to a baseband signal by a frequency conversion unit 407, and demodulated by a demodulation unit 409. The demodulated data is passed to a decoder unit 410, where decoding processes such as error correction are performed. The decoded data is passed to a protocol processing unit 403, where protocol processes such as MAC, RLC, PDCP, and SDAP are performed, for example, operations such as removing headers in each protocol. Of the data that has undergone protocol processing, control data is passed to the control unit 411, 5GC communication unit 412, EPC communication unit 401, or other base station communication unit 402, and user data is passed to the 5GC communication unit 412, EPC communication unit 401, or other base station communication unit 402. Data sent from the other base station communication unit 402 may be sent to the 5GC communication unit 412 or the EPC communication unit 401. The data may be, for example, uplink data sent to the 5GC communication unit 412 or the EPC communication unit 401 via another base station in DC.

[0083] A series of processes in the base station 213 is controlled by a control unit 411. Therefore, the control unit 411 is also connected to each of the units 401, 402, 405 to 410, and 412, although this is omitted in FIG.

[0084] Each unit of the base station 213, for example, the control unit 411, the protocol processing unit 403, the 5GC communication unit 412, the EPC communication unit 401, the other base station communication unit 402, the encoder unit 405, and the decoder unit 410, is realized by a processing circuit including a processor and a memory, or a dedicated processing circuit such as an FPGA, an ASIC, or a DSP, similar to the above-mentioned mobile terminal 202. In Fig. 5, the number of antennas used by the base station 213 for transmission and the number of antennas used for reception may be the same or different.

[0085] As an example of the configuration of the CU 215 shown in Fig. 2, a configuration in which a DU communication unit is provided is sometimes used, excluding the encoder unit 405, modulation unit 406, frequency conversion unit 407, antennas 408-1 to 408-4, demodulation unit 409, and decoder unit 410 shown in Fig. 5. The DU communication unit is connected to a protocol processing unit 403. The protocol processing unit 403 in the CU 215 performs protocol processing such as PDCP and SDAP.

[0086] As an example of the configuration of the DU 216 shown in Fig. 2, a configuration in which a CU communication unit is provided may be used, excluding the EPC communication unit 401, other base station communication unit 402, and 5GC communication unit 412 shown in Fig. 5. The CU communication unit is connected to a protocol processing unit 403. The protocol processing unit 403 in the DU 216 performs protocol processing such as PHY, MAC, and RLC.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the 5GC unit. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the 5GC unit 214 shown in FIG. 2 described above. FIG. 6 shows a case where the 5GC unit 214 shown in FIG. 2 includes an AMF configuration, an SMF configuration, and a UPF configuration. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the AMF may have the function of the control plane control unit 525, the SMF may have the function of the session management unit 527, and the UPF may have the functions of the user plane communication unit 523 and the Data Network communication unit 521. The Data Network communication unit 521 transmits and receives data between the 5GC unit 214 and the Data Network. The base station communication unit 522 transmits and receives data via the NG interface between the 5GC unit 214 and the base station 213. User data sent from the Data Network is passed from the Data Network communication unit 521 to the base station communication unit 522 via the user plane communication unit 523, and then transmitted to one or more base stations 213. User data sent from the base station 213 is passed from the base station communication unit 522 to the Data Network communication unit 521 via the user plane communication unit 523, and then transmitted to the Data Network.

[0088] The control data sent from the base station 213 is passed from the base station communication unit 522 to the control plane control unit 525. The control plane control unit 525 may pass the control data to the session management unit 527. The control data may be sent from the Data Network. The control data sent from the Data Network may be sent from the Data Network communication unit 521 to the session management unit 527 via the user plane communication unit 523. The session management unit 527 may send the control data to the control plane control unit 525.

[0089] The user plane communication unit 523 includes a PDU processing unit 523-1, a mobility anchoring unit 523-2, etc., and performs general processing for the user plane (hereinafter sometimes referred to as U-Plane). The PDU processing unit 523-1 processes data packets, for example, transmitting and receiving packets to and from the Data Network communication unit 521, and transmitting and receiving packets to and from the base station communication unit 522. The mobility anchoring unit 523-2 is responsible for anchoring the data path during UE mobility.

[0090] The session management unit 527 manages the PDU session established between the UE and the UPF. The session management unit 527 includes a PDU session control unit 527-1, a UE IP address allocation unit 527-2, etc. The PDU session control unit 527-1 manages the PDU session between the mobile terminal 202 and the 5GC unit 214. The UE IP address allocation unit 527-2 assigns an IP address to the mobile terminal 202, etc.

[0091] The control plane control unit 525 includes a NAS security unit 525-1, an idle state mobility management unit 525-2, etc., and performs overall processing for the control plane (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the C-Plane). The NAS security unit 525-1 performs security for NAS (Non-Access Stratum) messages, etc. The idle state mobility management unit 525-2 performs mobility management in the standby state (idle state: also referred to as RRC_IDLE state or simply idle), generation and control of paging signals in the standby state, addition, deletion, update, search, tracking area list management, etc. for one or more mobile terminals 202 under its control.

[0092] A series of processes of the 5GC unit 214 is controlled by a control unit 526. Therefore, although the control unit 526 is omitted in Fig. 6, it is connected to each unit 521 to 523, 525, and 527. Like the control unit 310 of the mobile terminal 202 described above, each unit of the 5GC unit 214 is realized by, for example, a processing circuit configured to include a processor and memory, or a dedicated processing circuit such as an FPGA, ASIC, or DSP.

[0093] Next, an example of a cell search method in a communication system is shown. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process from cell search to standby operation performed by a communication terminal (UE) in an NR communication system. When the communication terminal starts a cell search, in step ST601, it synchronizes slot timing and frame timing using a primary synchronization signal (P-SS) and a secondary synchronization signal (S-SS) transmitted from a surrounding base station.

[0094] P-SS and S-SS are collectively called a synchronization signal (SS). A synchronization code is assigned to the synchronization signal (SS) in one-to-one correspondence with a PCI (Physical Cell Identifier) ​​assigned to each cell. 1008 different PCIs are being considered. A communication terminal synchronizes using these 1008 different PCIs and detects (identifies) the PCI of the synchronized cell.

[0095] In step ST602, the communication terminal receives the PBCH for the next synchronized cell. A master information block (MIB) including cell configuration information is mapped to the BCCH on the PBCH. Therefore, the MIB can be obtained by receiving the PBCH and obtaining the BCCH. Examples of MIB information include a system frame number (SFN), scheduling information for system information block (SIB) 1, subcarrier spacing for SIB1 and the like, and information on the DM-RS position.

[0096] Furthermore, the communication terminal acquires an SS block identifier from the PBCH. A part of the bit string of the SS block identifier is included in the MIB. The remaining bit string is included in an identifier used to generate a sequence of DM-RS associated with the PBCH. The communication terminal acquires the SS block identifier using the MIB included in the PBCH and the sequence of DM-RS associated with the PBCH.

[0097] Next, in step ST603, the communication terminal measures the received power of the SS block.

[0098] Next, in step ST604, the communication terminal selects the cell with the best reception quality, for example, the cell with the highest reception power, that is, the best cell, from among the one or more cells detected up to step ST603. The communication terminal also selects the beam with the best reception quality, for example, the beam with the highest reception power of the SS block, that is, the best beam. The reception power of the SS block for each SS block identifier is used, for example, to select the best beam.

[0099] Next, in step ST605, the communication terminal receives DL-SCH based on the scheduling information of SIB1 included in the MIB, and obtains SIB (System Information Block) 1 in the broadcast information BCCH. SIB1 includes information on access to the cell, cell configuration information, and scheduling information of other SIBs (SIBk: k is an integer greater than or equal to 2). SIB1 also includes a tracking area code (TAC).

[0100] Next, in step ST606, the communication terminal compares the TAC of SIB1 received in step ST605 with the TAC portion of the tracking area identity (TAI) in the tracking area list already held by the communication terminal. The tracking area list is also called a TAI list. The TAI is identification information for identifying a tracking area, and is composed of an MCC (Mobile Country Code), an MNC (Mobile Network Code), and a TAC (Tracking Area Code). The MCC is a country code. The MNC is a network code. The TAC is a tracking area code number.

[0101] If the comparison in step ST606 shows that the TAC received in step ST605 is the same as the TAC included in the tracking area list, the communication terminal enters standby mode in the cell. If the comparison shows that the TAC received in step ST605 is not included in the tracking area list, the communication terminal requests a core network (EPC) including an MME and the like to change the tracking area through the cell in order to perform a Tracking Area Update (TAU).

[0102] An apparatus constituting a core network (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "core network apparatus") updates the tracking area list based on the identification number (e.g., UE-ID) of a communication terminal sent from the communication terminal together with a TAU request signal. The core network apparatus transmits the updated tracking area list to the communication terminal. The communication terminal rewrites (updates) the TAC list held by the communication terminal based on the received tracking area list. Thereafter, the communication terminal enters standby mode in the cell.

[0103] Next, examples of random access methods in a communication system are shown. Four-step random access and two-step random access are used for random access. For each of the four-step and two-step random access methods, there is contention-based random access, i.e., random access in which timing collisions with other mobile terminals may occur, and contention-free random access.

[0104] An example of a collision-based four-step random access method is shown below. In the first step, the mobile terminal transmits a random access preamble to the base station. The random access preamble may be selected by the mobile terminal from a predetermined range, or may be individually assigned to the mobile terminal and notified by the base station.

[0105] In the second step, the base station transmits a random access response to the mobile terminal, which includes uplink scheduling information used in the third step, a terminal identifier used in the uplink transmission in the third step, and the like.

[0106] In the third step, the mobile terminal performs uplink transmission to the base station. The mobile terminal uses the information acquired in the second step for uplink transmission. In the fourth step, the base station notifies the mobile terminal whether or not the collision has been resolved. If the mobile terminal is notified that there is no collision, it ends the random access process. If the mobile terminal is notified that there is a collision, it starts the process over from the first step.

[0107] The contention-free four-step random access method differs from the contention-based four-step random access method in the following points: Prior to the first step, the base station pre-assigns a random access preamble and uplink scheduling to the mobile terminal, and the notification of whether or not contention has been resolved in the fourth step is not required.

[0108] An example of a collision-based two-step random access method is shown below. In the first step, the mobile terminal transmits a random access preamble and performs uplink transmission to the base station. In the second step, the base station notifies the mobile terminal whether there is a collision. If the mobile terminal is notified that there is no collision, it terminates the random access process. If the mobile terminal is notified that there is a collision, it restarts the process from the first step.

[0109] The contention-free two-step random access method differs from the contention-based two-step random access method in the following points: prior to the first step, the base station pre-assigns a random access preamble and uplink scheduling to the mobile terminal, and in the second step, the base station transmits a random access response to the mobile terminal.

[0110] FIG. 8 shows an example of a cell configuration in NR. In an NR cell, narrow beams are formed and transmitted in different directions. In the example shown in FIG. 8, at certain times, base station 750 transmits and receives signals to and from a mobile terminal using beam 751-1. At other times, base station 750 transmits and receives signals to and from a mobile terminal using beam 751-2. In a similar manner, base station 750 transmits and receives signals to and from a mobile terminal using one or more of beams 751-3 to 751-8. In this way, base station 750 forms a wide-area cell 752.

[0111] 8 shows an example in which the number of beams used by the base station 750 is 8, but the number of beams may be different from 8. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the number of beams used simultaneously by the base station 750 is 1, but it may be multiple.

[0112] The concept of Quasi-CoLocation (QCL) is used to identify beams (see Non-Patent Document 14 (3GPP TS38.214)). That is, the beam is identified by information indicating which reference signal (e.g., SS block, CSI-RS) the beam can be considered to be the same as. The information may include types of information regarding the aspects of the beams that can be considered to be the same, such as Doppler shift, Doppler shift spread, mean delay, mean delay spread, and spatial Rx parameters (see Non-Patent Document 14 (3GPP TS38.214)).

[0113] In 3GPP, a side link (SL) is supported for D2D (Device to Device) communication and V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle) communication (see Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 16). The SL is defined by the PC5 interface.

[0114] In order to support unicast and groupcast in addition to broadcast in SL communication, support for PC5-S signaling is being considered (see Non-Patent Document 27 (3GPP TS23.287)). For example, PC5-S signaling is implemented to establish a link for implementing SL, i.e., PC5 communication. The link is implemented in the V2X layer and is also called a Layer 2 link.

[0115] Furthermore, support for RRC signaling in SL communication is being considered (see Non-Patent Document 27 (3GPP TS23.287)). RRC signaling in SL communication is also referred to as PC5 RRC signaling. For example, it has been proposed to notify UE capabilities between UEs performing PC5 communication, or to notify AS layer settings for performing V2X communication using PC5 communication.

[0116] An example of a connection configuration of mobile terminals in SL communication is shown in Fig. 9. In the example shown in Fig. 9, UE 805 and UE 806 exist within the coverage 803 of base station 801. UL / DL communication 807 is performed between base station 801 and UE 805. UL / DL communication 808 is performed between base station 801 and UE 806. SL communication 810 is performed between UE 805 and UE 806. UE 811 and UE 812 exist outside the coverage 803. SL communication 814 is performed between UE 805 and UE 811. In addition, SL communication 816 is performed between UE 811 and UE 812.

[0117] As an example of communication between a UE and a NW via a relay in SL communication, a UE 805 shown in FIG. 9 relays communication between a UE 811 and a base station 801.

[0118] A configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 4 may be used for a UE that performs relaying. The relaying process in the UE will be described using FIG. 4. The relaying process by UE 805 in communication from UE 811 to base station 801 will be described. A radio signal from UE 811 is received by antennas 307-1 to 307-4. The received signal is converted from a radio reception frequency to a baseband signal by frequency conversion unit 306, and demodulated by demodulation unit 308. Weight calculation and multiplication processing may also be performed by demodulation unit 308. The demodulated data is passed to decoder unit 309, where decoding processing such as error correction is performed. The decoded data is passed to protocol processing unit 301, where protocol processing such as MAC and RLC used for communication with UE 811 is performed, such as removing headers in each protocol. Protocol processing such as RLC and MAC used for communication with base station 801 is also performed, such as adding headers in each protocol. Protocol processing of PDCP and SDAP may be performed in protocol processing unit 301 of UE 811. The protocol-processed data is passed to encoder unit 304, where encoding such as error correction is performed. Some data may be output directly from protocol processing unit 301 to modulation unit 305 without being encoded. The data encoded by encoder unit 304 is modulated by modulation unit 305. Precoding in MIMO may be performed by modulation unit 305. The modulated data is converted into a baseband signal, and then output to frequency conversion unit 306, where it is converted into a radio transmission frequency. Thereafter, a transmission signal is transmitted to base station 801 from antennas 307-1 to 307-4.

[0119] In the above, an example of relaying by UE 805 in communication from UE 811 to base station 801 has been shown, but similar processing is also used in relaying communication from base station 801 to UE 811.

[0120] 5G base stations can support integrated access and backhaul (IAB) (see Non-Patent Documents 2 and 20). A base station supporting IAB (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an IAB base station) is composed of an IAB donor CU, which is a CU of the base station operating as an IAB donor that provides IAB functions, an IAB donor DU, which is a DU of the base station operating as an IAB donor, and an IAB node connected to the IAB donor DU and to a UE via a radio interface. An F1 interface is provided between the IAB node and the IAB donor CU (see Non-Patent Document 2).

[0121] An example of IAB base station connections is shown in Figure 10. IAB donor CU 901 is connected to IAB donor DU 902. IAB node 903 is connected to IAB donor DU 902 using a wireless interface. IAB node 903 is connected to IAB node 904 using a wireless interface. In other words, IAB nodes may be connected in cascade. UE 905 is connected to IAB node 904 using a wireless interface. UE 906 may be connected to IAB node 903 using a wireless interface, and UE 907 may be connected to IAB donor DU 902 using a wireless interface. Multiple IAB donor DUs 902 may be connected to an IAB donor CU 901, multiple IAB nodes 903 may be connected to an IAB donor DU 902, and multiple IAB nodes 904 may be connected to an IAB node 903.

[0122] A BAP (Backhaul Adaptation Protocol) layer is provided in the connection between the IAB donor DU and the IAB node and in the connection between the IAB nodes (see Non-Patent Document 29). The BAP layer performs operations such as routing received data to the IAB donor DU and / or the IAB node, and mapping to an RLC channel (see Non-Patent Document 29).

[0123] As an example of the configuration of the IAB donor CU, a configuration similar to that of CU 215 is used.

[0124] An example of the configuration of the IAB donor DU is the same as that of the DU 216. The protocol processing unit of the IAB donor DU performs BAP layer processing, such as adding a BAP header to downstream data, routing to an IAB node, and removing the BAP header from upstream data.

[0125] As an example of the configuration of an IAB node, a configuration excluding the EPC communication unit 401, other base station communication unit 402, and 5GC communication unit 412 shown in Figure 5 may be used.

[0126] The transmission and reception processing at the IAB node will be described using FIGS. 5 and 10 . The transmission and reception processing at the IAB node 903 in communication between the IAB donor CU 901 and the UE 905 will be described. In uplink communication from the UE 905 to the IAB donor CU 901, a radio signal from the IAB node 904 is received by the antenna 408 (some or all of the antennas 408-1 to 408-4). The received signal is converted from a radio reception frequency to a baseband signal by the frequency conversion unit 407, and demodulated by the demodulation unit 409. The demodulated data is passed to the decoder unit 410, where decoding processing such as error correction is performed. The decoded data is passed to the protocol processing unit 403, where protocol processing such as MAC and RLC used for communication with the IAB node 904 is performed, such as removing headers in each protocol. In addition, routing to the IAB donor DU 902 is performed using a BAP header, and protocol processing such as RLC and MAC used for communication with the IAB donor DU 902, such as adding headers for each protocol, is performed. The protocol-processed data is passed to the encoder unit 405, where it is subjected to encoding processing such as error correction. Some data may be output directly from the protocol processing unit 403 to the modulation unit 406 without being encoded. The encoded data is modulated by the modulation unit 406. The modulation unit 406 may also perform precoding in MIMO. The modulated data is converted into a baseband signal, and then output to the frequency conversion unit 407, where it is converted into a radio transmission frequency. Then, a transmission signal is transmitted to the IAB donor DU 902 from antennas 408-1 to 408-4. Similar processing is performed in downlink communication from the IAB donor CU 901 to the UE 905.

[0127] The IAB node 904 also performs the same transmission and reception processing as the IAB node 903. The protocol processing unit 403 of the IAB node 903 performs BAP layer processing, such as adding a BAP header and routing to the IAB node 904 in upstream communication, and removing the BAP header in downstream communication.

[0128] In a mobile communication system in 3GPP, it has been proposed to detect targets by sensing in addition to communication with UEs (see Non-Patent Documents 30 and 31). Since sensing targets include entities other than UEs, the location management function introduced in the mobile communication system in 3GPP cannot simply be applied to sensing. A specific method for performing sensing in a mobile communication system is required.

[0129] In this embodiment, a method for solving such a problem will be disclosed.

[0130] A function (which may be a node or an entity) having the function of managing sensing is provided. For example, this may be called a sensing function (SF). Sensing management includes, for example, management of sensing-related processes such as sensing requests, sensing settings, and sensing termination. The SF may also have the function of a sensing server. By providing a function with the function of managing sensing, sensing processing can be managed in a unified manner, reducing the complexity of the sensing processing.

[0131] The SF may be provided separately from other functions in the network. This can reduce the complexity of processing and reduce malfunctions. Alternatively, the SF may be included in other functions in the network. This can facilitate cooperation with other functions and reduce the amount of signaling.

[0132] A sensing gateway function may be provided. The sensing gateway function may be, for example, a gateway function from an external device that is a sensing client (a subject that requests sensing) to the 3GPP mobile communication system. Also, for example, the sensing gateway function may be a routing function for sensing processing. A sensing gateway may be provided. The sensing gateway may have the sensing gateway function. By providing the sensing gateway function, it becomes possible for the external device to easily perform sensing processing on the 3GPP mobile communication system.

[0133] A gateway for LCS (LoCation Services) (e.g., a Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC)) may have a sensing gateway function. By using the LCS gateway, for example, it is possible to facilitate cooperative processing between sensing processing and location management processing. Also, a common gateway having a gateway function for other processing may be provided. The common gateway may have a sensing gateway function. By having the common gateway have a sensing gateway function, it is possible to facilitate cooperative processing between other processing and sensing processing, for example.

[0134] The sensing gateway may have the functionality of a PSA (PDU Session Anchor) UPF. For example, this may be implemented when sensing results are transmitted via UP. This can facilitate sensing processing and improve the reliability of the sensing processing.

[0135] A method for starting a sensing process is disclosed. An external device may start the sensing process. The external device sends a sensing request to the SF. The external device may send the sensing request via a sensing gateway (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a gateway). The external device sends the sensing request to the gateway. The gateway sends the sensing request to the AMF. The AMF sends the sensing request to the SF. The SF can execute the sensing process by receiving the sensing request.

[0136] Nine examples of information included in the sensing request are disclosed below.

[0137] (1) Information about the sensing target. (2) Information about the area to be sensed. (3) Information about the time of sensing. (4) Information about the sensing results. (5) Information about accuracy. (6) Information about QoS (Quality of Service) and QoE (Quality of Experience). (7) Information specifying the sensing request. (8) Information about the service. (9) A combination of (1) to (8).

[0138] The information about the sensing target in (1) may be, for example, information about what to sense. The sensing target may be information about an area, such as a predetermined area or a predetermined direction. This may be combined with the information about the sensing area in (2). For example, the information about the sensing target may be information about an intruder, an obstacle, a river, the atmosphere, or the like. For example, a sensing method may be determined in SF, and this information may be used for the determination.

[0139] The information regarding the sensing area in (2) may be, for example, information regarding a predetermined area, a predetermined direction, the vicinity of a predetermined base station, the vicinity of a predetermined UE, between a predetermined base station and a UE, between predetermined base stations, between predetermined UEs, etc. One or more of these pieces of information may be included. The information regarding the predetermined area may be, for example, latitude and longitude. Furthermore, the information regarding the predetermined area may include altitude. The information regarding the predetermined direction may be, for example, a direction from a predetermined point, or an orientation from a predetermined point. The information regarding the vicinity of a predetermined base station may be, for example, information for identifying which base station. For example, the information regarding the vicinity of a predetermined base station may be an identifier for identifying which base station. It is not limited to a base station, but may also be a DU, a TRP, or a cell. Alternatively, it may be an antenna. The information regarding the vicinity of a predetermined UE may be, for example, information for identifying which UE. For example, the information regarding the vicinity of a predetermined UE may be an identifier for identifying which UE. For example, it may be possible to determine which area to sense in SF, and this information can be used for this determination.

[0140] The information about the sensing time in (3) may be, for example, a sensing start time, a sensing end time, a sensing period, a cycle, etc. The information about the sensing time may be information about a scheduled sensing time. For example, the start and end of the sensing process may be determined in the SF, and this information may be used for the determination.

[0141] The information on the sensing result in (4) may be, for example, information indicating what kind of sensing result is required. The information on the sensing result may be, for example, a three-dimensional object detection result of the target, a six-dimensional (three-dimensional coordinates + three axis directions) object detection result, the shape, size, position, speed, movement direction of the object, water level, humidity, air pressure, heartbeat, etc. The information on the sensing result may be, for example, time information. The time information may be, for example, information indicating the time when the target was detected, the detection period, the time when it became undetectable, etc. For example, the sensing result may be derived in SF, and this information may be used for the derivation.

[0142] The information about accuracy in (5) may be information about the accuracy of the sensing result. The information about accuracy may be, for example, the accuracy of each piece of information about the sensing result disclosed in (4). For example, a sensing method may be determined in SF, and this information may be used for the determination.

[0143] The information on QoS and QoE in (6) may be information on QoS and QoE required for sensing. The information on QoS and QoE may be, for example, reliability of the sensing result, accuracy (which may be precision), resolution, sensing delay, refreshing rate of the sensing result, missed detection rate, false alarm rate, etc. The information on QoS and QoE may be, for example, a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) required for sensing. For example, a sensing method may be determined in SF, and this information can be used for the determination.

[0144] The information for identifying the sensing request in (7) may be, for example, an identifier for identifying the sensing request. Multiple sensing requests may be executed. By providing information for identifying the sensing request, it becomes possible to identify which sensing request is being executed when multiple sensing requests are executed. A maximum value may be set for the number of sensing requests. By setting a maximum value, it is possible to prevent the sensing process from becoming extremely complicated. For example, information for identifying the sensing request may be included in the sensing result. It is possible to identify which sensing request the sensing result corresponds to.

[0145] The information about the service in (8) may be, for example, information about a service (which may be an application) that performs sensing. The information about the service in (8) may be, for example, information for identifying the service. For example, the information for identifying the service may be service identification information. The information about the service in (8) may be, for example, information about a service that makes a sensing request. For example, by receiving the information about the service, the SF can set QoS and QoE appropriate for the service.

[0146] It has been disclosed that an external device may initiate the sensing process. As another method, an AF (Application Function) may initiate the sensing process. The AF may send a sensing request to the SF. The sensing request may be sent via another NW function. For example, the AF sends a sensing request to a NEF (Network Exposure Function). The NEF sends a sensing request to the AMF. The AMF sends a sensing request to the SF. The SF can execute the sensing process by receiving the sensing request. The sensing process can be initiated by the AF. For example, the AF can use the sensing results obtained by the sensing process.

[0147] The NW function may start the sensing process. The NW function may be, for example, a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). The NWDAF may send a sensing request to the SF. The sensing request may be sent via another NW function. For example, the NWDAF may use the sensing results obtained by the sensing process for NW data analysis.

[0148] The NW function may be, for example, a RAN node or a UE. The RAN node or the UE may transmit a sensing request to the SF. The sensing request may be transmitted via another NW function. For example, the RAN node or the UE may use the sensing result obtained by the sensing process to optimize the wireless communication process.

[0149] The management node may initiate the sensing process. The management node may be, for example, an MnS (Management Service) or an OAM (Operations, Administration and Management). The MnS or OAM may send a sensing request to the SF. The MnS or OAM may send a sensing request to the SF via another network function. For example, the MnS or OAM may use the sensing results obtained by the sensing process for network management to optimize communication processing.

[0150] In sensing using a mobile communication system, it has been proposed to sense targets using a UE or a base station (see Non-Patent Document 31). Figures 11 to 14 are conceptual diagrams of sensing using a UE or a base station. Figure 11 shows a case where the base station is the transmitting node of the resources used for sensing (sensing resources), and the UE is the receiving node of the sensing resources. Figure 12 shows a case where the base station is the transmitting node of the sensing resources, and the base station is the receiving node of the sensing resources. Figure 13 shows a case where the UE is the transmitting node of the sensing resources, and the base station is the receiving node of the sensing resources. Figure 14 shows a case where the UE is the transmitting node of the sensing resources, and the UE is the receiving node of the sensing resources.

[0151] However, Non-Patent Document 31 does not disclose anything about a method for determining the UE and base station to be used for sensing. The problem is how to determine the UE and base station to be used for sensing.

[0152] A method for solving such problems is disclosed.

[0153] UEs present in the sensing area are derived from information about the sensing area. UEs present in the vicinity of the sensing area, UEs capable of performing sensing processing, or UEs capable of receiving sensing resources may be derived. These UEs are referred to as sensing-related UEs (sensing-related communication terminals). Information about a predetermined area may be used as information about the sensing area. One or more UEs may be derived. Sensing-related UEs may be derived as candidates for UEs that receive sensing resources (sometimes referred to as receiving UEs).

[0154] The LMF may derive sensing-related UEs from information about the sensing area. The LMF knows the location information of the UEs. Using the LMF, sensing-related UEs can be identified. The sensing-related UEs may be UEs that have location information within a predetermined time period. The sensing-related UEs may be UEs that have the most recent location information. The sensing-related UEs may be UEs that are currently performing location management or location measurement. Using UEs with more recent location information enables more accurate sensing.

[0155] A node making a sensing request may transmit information about the sensing area to the LMF. A node making a sensing request may request the LMF to provide sensing-associated UE information. The request may include information about the sensing area. The request may include information about the vicinity of the sensing area. For example, the information about the sensing area may be a distance from a predetermined area. By using this information, the LMF can derive sensing-associated UEs. The request may include information about sensing targets. By using this information, for example, it can derive sensing-associated UEs that are more suitable for the sensing request.

[0156] The LMF transmits the derived information about the sensing-associated UEs to the node that requested the provision of the sensing-associated UE information. For example, when a gateway requests the provision of the sensing-associated UE information, the LMF transmits the derived information about the sensing-associated UEs to the gateway. The information about the sensing-associated UEs includes, for example, information for identifying the UE (e.g., a UE identifier), UE location management information (location information, speed information, etc.), information on whether the UE is within the sensing area, and the distance of the UE from the sensing area.

[0157] An interface is provided between the sensing gateway and the LMF. The gateway may send a request to provide sensing-related UE information to the LMF. The gateway may receive a sensing request from an external device and send the request to provide sensing-related UE information. The gateway has a routing function for sensing. The routing function may have a function for selecting a destination for sending the request to provide sensing-related UE information. The LMF receives a request to provide sensing-related UE information from the gateway and derives sensing-related UEs. The LMF transmits information about the derived sensing-related UEs to the gateway. In this way, the gateway can obtain information about UEs related to sensing.

[0158] The LMF may send the derived information about sensing-related UEs to the SF. The information about sensing-related UEs may be sent via a gateway. The gateway may have an SF selection function (which may be a routing function to the SF). The information about sensing-related UEs may be sent via an AMF. The AMF may have an SF selection function. The LMF sends the information about the UEs to the gateway. The gateway sends the information about the UEs to the AMF. The gateway may include the information in a sensing request sent to the AMF. The AMF sends the information about the UEs to the SF. The AMF may include the information in a sensing request sent to the SF.

[0159] Although it has been disclosed that the LMF derives sensing-related UEs from information about the sensing area and provides the information, the node is not limited to the LMF and may be any node that has location information of UEs. For example, if the UDM, GMLC, location server, etc. have location information of UEs, the UDM or GMLC may derive sensing-related UEs from information about the sensing area of ​​the location server, etc., and provide the information. The method of providing the information may be appropriately applied as described above.

[0160] It has been disclosed that a gateway may send a sensing request to an AMF (or to an SF via an AMF). However, unlike a conventional location management gateway, in sensing where the target is not a UE, the gateway cannot obtain UE information. The gateway cannot request the UDM to provide UE information, and cannot select an AMF to send a sensing request.

[0161] A method for solving such problems is disclosed.

[0162] An interface is provided between the sensing gateway and the UDM. The gateway receives information about a sensing-related UE from the LMF and requests information about the UE from the UDM. The UDM receives the request and derives information about the UE. The information about the UE includes, for example, the UE's subscription information and the AMF information serving the UE. The UDM transmits the information about the UE to the gateway. In this way, the gateway can obtain information about the AMF serving the sensing-related UE. The gateway can select the AMF to send the sensing request. If the UDM has the UE's location information, the request for providing sensing-related UE information and the request for information about the UE may be made together, or may be made in a single message. This reduces the amount of signaling.

[0163] The UE may transmit information about the sensing function of the UE to the NW node. The UE may transmit information about the sensing function of the UE to the NW node by including it in capability information. The NW node may be an SF.

[0164] Six examples of information regarding the sensing function of the UE itself are disclosed below.

[0165] (1) Sensing resource transmission function. (2) Sensing resource reception function. (3) Function for performing measurements for sensing (sensing measurement function). (4) Supported sensing frequency information. (5) Sensing window support information. (6) Combination of (1) to (5).

[0166] (1) is not limited to information on whether or not a sensing resource has a transmission function, but may also be information on which sensing resource is capable of transmission, such as an SRS or an RS provided for sensing.

[0167] (2) is not limited to information on whether or not the receiving function of the sensing resource is available, but may also be information on whether or not the receiving function of the sensing resource is available, such as PRS, CSI-RS, SSB (Synchronization Signal Block), SRS, or RS provided for sensing.

[0168] (3) is not limited to information on whether or not a sensing measurement function is provided, but may also be information on which sensing measurement indices are supported. For example, sensing measurement indices include RSRP, RSRQ, SIR, Doppler frequency, AOD (Angle of Departure), TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival), AOA (Angle of Arrival), CIR (Channel Impulse Response), and PDP (Power Delay Profile). (3) may also be information on whether or not a function for measuring temporal changes in such information is provided. (3) may also be information on sensing measurements using LOS (Line of Sight) or NLOS (Non-Line of Sight). For example, (3) may be information on whether or not sensing measurements using LOS are supported, information on whether or not sensing measurements using NLOS are supported, or information on whether or not a function for deriving whether a sensing measurement path is LOS or NLOS is supported. (3) may also be information on whether or not a function for deriving position, range, speed, acceleration, movement direction, etc. is provided.

[0169] (4) may be, for example, information on a frequency band, a frequency layer, a BWP, etc. (4) may be, for example, information on whether or not a full-duplex function or a sub-band full-duplex function is provided.

[0170] A sensing window may be provided for sensing measurements. The UE performs sensing measurements in the sensing window. Communication does not have to be performed in the sensing window. (5) is, for example, information indicating whether or not the UE has the function to perform sensing measurements in such a sensing window.

[0171] A NW node that receives such information about the sensing function of its own UE can determine, for example, which UE can be used for sensing, what kind of sensing can be performed, and so on.

[0172] The NW node may request the UE to provide information about its sensing capabilities. The UE that receives the request transmits the information about its sensing capabilities to the NW node. For example, the SF may request the receiving UE to provide the information. The receiving UE transmits the information to the SF. The SF can perform sensing configuration for the receiving UE by taking into account the information about the sensing capabilities of the receiving UE. For example, the SF may request the sensing-associated UE to provide the information. The sensing-associated UE transmits the information to the SF. The SF can determine the receiving UE by taking into account the information about the sensing capabilities of the sensing-associated UE.

[0173] The NW node may be, for example, an AMF. The AMF may transmit information regarding sensing capabilities of a UE received from the UE to the SF. For example, the SF may transmit a sensing request to the AMF. The sensing request may include information regarding sensing-related UEs. In response to receiving the sensing request, the AMF may transmit information regarding sensing capabilities of the sensing-related UEs to the SF. The NW node may be, for example, a base station. The base station may transmit information regarding sensing capabilities of the UE received from the UE to the AMF.

[0174] Information about the sensing function of the UE may be transmitted to the NW node together with information about the location management function of the UE. A sensing-related UE may have the location management function. For example, the NW node can determine which UE can be used for sensing, what kind of sensing can be performed, etc., by using the information about the sensing function from the UE and the information about the location management function.

[0175] A method for deriving sensing-associated nodes is disclosed. The sensing-associated nodes may be candidate nodes for transmitting sensing resources used for sensing. The nodes may be base stations. When the nodes are base stations, the base stations are referred to as sensing-associated base stations. The AMF derives base stations serving sensing-associated UEs. The derivation may be performed using information about the sensing-associated UEs. For example, the derivation may be performed using information about the sensing-associated UEs received from a gateway. The AMF may obtain information about the sensing-associated UEs from the UDM and use the information to derive the sensing-associated base stations. The AMF may obtain information about the sensing-associated UEs from the UDM via a gateway. The AMF may obtain information about the sensing-associated UEs from the UDM after the AMF is selected by the gateway as disclosed above. This reduces processing complexity.

[0176] The AMF may initiate a service request for the sensing-related UE. The service request may include information indicating that it is for sensing. The sensing-related UE connects to the AMF and may maintain an RRC connection with the base station. This is effective when the sensing-related UE is not connected to the AMF or the base station.

[0177] It has been disclosed that the AMF may send a sensing request to the SF. Information about the sensing-related base stations may be included in the sensing request. The SF can obtain information about the sensing-related base stations.

[0178] There may be one or more SFs in a network. For example, an SF may be provided for each predetermined sensing area. An interface may be provided between SFs. An SF may send a sensing request to another SF. The other SF may be an SF that manages the sensing area included in the sensing request. The SF may manage sensing in the sensing area.

[0179] A method for determining a node that transmits sensing resources (sometimes referred to as a sensing transmitting node or simply a transmitting node) and a node that receives sensing resources (sometimes referred to as a sensing receiving node or simply a receiving node) is disclosed. The SF may determine the transmitting node and the receiving node. The node may be a UE or a base station. The receiving node is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0180] The SF may determine the receiving UE and transmitting base station, for example, using information about the sensing-related UE and information about the sensing-related base station received from the AMF.

[0181] The SF may transmit information indicating a sensing setting request to the transmitting base station. The information may include information about the receiving UE, information about the sensing measurement method, information about the sensing frequency, etc. The information may also include the information to be included in the sensing request.

[0182] Another method is disclosed. The receiving UE may be determined by the base station. The base station may be a transmitting base station. For example, the transmitting base station is determined by the SF, and the receiving UE is determined by the transmitting base station. This is effective when one or more receiving UEs are under the umbrella of one base station. The SF may transmit information to the transmitting base station requesting the determination of the receiving UE. The SF may include this information in a sensing setting request to the transmitting base station. The base station may determine the receiving UE in response to this request.

[0183] The transmitting base station may transmit information about the receiving UE to the SF. For example, the base station may transmit information about the receiving UE to the SF together with sensing setting information. The SF can acquire information about the receiving UE. The SF may transmit the sensing setting to the receiving UE. As another method, the transmitting base station may directly notify the receiving UE of the sensing setting. This can reduce the amount of signaling.

[0184] Another method is disclosed. The receiving UE may be determined by the AMF. For example, the transmitting base station is determined by the SF, and the receiving UE is determined by the AMF. This is effective when one AMF serves one or more receiving UEs. The SF may transmit information to the AMF requesting the determination of the receiving UE. Information about the transmitting base station may be included in the request. The information may be included in a sensing request from the SF to the AMF. For example, the AMF may determine one or more UEs under the transmitting base station and surrounding base stations as receiving UEs. Not only UEs under the transmitting base station but also surrounding UEs can be determined as receiving UEs.

[0185] The AMF may send information about the receiving UE to the SF. The SF can obtain information about the receiving UE. The SF may send sensing configuration to the receiving UE. Alternatively, the AMF may directly notify the receiving UE of the sensing configuration. The AMF may notify the receiving UE of the sensing configuration via the base station serving the receiving UE. This can reduce the amount of signaling.

[0186] The AMF may initiate a service request for the receiving UE. For example, when the AMF receives a sensing request from the SF to the receiving UE, the AMF may initiate a service request for the receiving UE. For example, when the AMF determines the receiving UE, the AMF may initiate a service request for the receiving UE. The service request may include information indicating that the service request is for sensing. The receiving UE connects to the AMF. The RRC connection with the base station may be maintained. This is effective when the receiving UE is not connected to the AMF or the base station.

[0187] An example method for determining a transmitting base station and a receiving UE is disclosed. The transmitting base station and receiving UE are determined individually. The SF determines the transmitting base station. The SF sends a sensing setting request to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station determines the sensing setting. The transmitting base station sends the sensing setting to the SF. The SF determines the receiving UE. The SF performs a network activation service request process for the receiving UE. Each receiving UE may be connected to a different base station. The SF connects to each receiving UE and transmits the sensing setting to the receiving UE via the base station. In this way, the sensing setting can be shared between the transmitting base station and the receiving UE. The sensing process can be performed using the sensing setting.

[0188] The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configuration to the base station to which the receiving UE is connected. The inter-base station interface may be used for this transmission. For example, the transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configuration using the Xn interface. The transmitting base station may transmit information about the receiving UE along with the sensing configuration. The base station that receives this information may transmit the sensing configuration to the receiving UE under its own base station. In this way, the sensing configuration can be transmitted to the receiving UE without going through the SF, thereby reducing the amount of signaling.

[0189] Another exemplary method is disclosed. After determining the receiving UE, a transmitting base station is determined from information about the determined receiving UE. The SF determines one or more receiving UEs. The SF performs a network-initiated service request process for the receiving UE. The AMF transmits information about the base station to which the receiving UE is connected to the SF. The SF determines a transmitting base station from the base station to which the receiving UE is connected. The SF transmits a sensing setting request to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station determines the sensing setting. The transmitting base station transmits the sensing setting to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing setting to the receiving UE. In this way, the sensing setting can be shared between the transmitting base station and the receiving UE. The sensing process can be performed using the sensing setting.

[0190] In addition, the transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configuration to the base station to which the receiving UE is connected. The method disclosed above may be applied as appropriate.

[0191] The receiving UEs may be limited to one or more UEs connected to one base station. The one base station may be the transmitting base station. A base station to which a predetermined number or more receiving UEs are connected may be the transmitting base station. Using one base station and the UEs connected to the base station can reduce the complexity of the sensing process.

[0192] The receiving UE may be limited to an RRC_Connected UE. The receiving UE does not have to be limited to an RRC_Connected UE. The receiving UE may be an RRC_Idle or RRC_Inactive UE. The receiving UE may receive the sensing configuration when it is RRC_Connected. For example, it may receive the sensing configuration from the SF or the base station. The receiving UE may use the last received sensing configuration even after transitioning to RRC_Idle or RRC_Inactive. The receiving UE can perform sensing measurements even when it is in RRC_Idle or RRC_Inactive.

[0193] The transmitting base station transmits sensing radio waves toward the target. The transmitting base station transmits resources used for sensing (sensing resources) on the sensing radio waves. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing resources using a beam. The sensing resources may be resources on the frequency-time axis. For example, the sensing resources may be signals provided for sensing. For example, the sensing resources may be RSs transmitted on the frequency-time axis. For example, the sensing resources may be RSs provided for sensing, PRSs, CSI-RSs, SSBs, SSs, MIBs, DM-RSs of MIBs, etc.

[0194] The transmitting base station determines a beam to be used for sensing. The transmitting base station may use a communication beam as a sensing beam. The communication beam is not limited to a beam that actually transmits data, but may also be a beam that the transmitting base station has set for the UE. For example, the base station may determine a sensing beam using a measurement result report from the UE of an RS corresponding to the communication beam. The transmitting base station may determine a sensing beam using a measurement result report of an SSB, CSI-RS, or PRS, for example. The transmitting base station may use, for example, information about a receiving UE received from an SF to determine a beam to be used for sensing using a beam for communication with the receiving UE. For example, using information about a receiving UE received from an SF, the transmitting base station may determine a beam to be used for sensing using a beam to be transmitted in the vicinity of the beam for communication with the receiving UE.

[0195] The transmitting base station may select one of multiple communication beams as the sensing beam. This is effective when there are multiple receiving UEs and multiple beams to use for communication with the UEs. Using one beam for sensing can simplify the sensing process.

[0196] The transmitting base station transmits sensing resources using the determined sensing beam. The sensing resources may be, for example, RSs set for sensing. Alternatively, the sensing resources may be PRSs, CSI-RSs, SSBs, etc. The transmitting base station determines the sensing resources to be used for sensing.

[0197] The transmitting base station may transmit QCL information of the sensing resource to the UE to identify the beam. The QCL information can indicate which RS and Quasi-CoLocation the sensing resource is.

[0198] The transmitting base station performs sensing configuration including sensing resource information, QCL information, etc. In this way, it is possible to derive the sensing configuration used to detect the sensing target. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configuration to the SF.

[0199] The transmitting base station may sweep a beam. It may transmit multiple beams in different directions. It may perform beam sweeping using multiple beams. The transmitting base station may select multiple beams as sensing beams from multiple communication beams. The transmitting base station may determine beams to be used for sensing using multiple communication beams with the receiving UE, for example, using information about the receiving UE received from the SF. For example, a communication beam through which one receiving UE is communicating data and a beam in a nearby direction may be used as sensing beams. For example, the transmitting base station may use communication beams through which multiple receiving UEs are communicating data as sensing beams. The transmitting base station may sweep these multiple sensing beams. The transmitting base station may transmit sensing resources set for each beam using the determined multiple sensing beams. The transmitting base station may set sensing configuration including sensing resource information, QCL information, etc. for the multiple beams. In this way, it is possible to derive sensing configurations to be used to detect sensing targets. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configurations to the SF.

[0200] It has been disclosed that the UE reports measurement results of a communication beam to a transmitting base station, and the transmitting base station uses the measurement results to determine a sensing beam. The UE may transmit measurement results of multiple paths for the same beam to the base station. The UE may transmit measurement results for each path to the base station. The UE may transmit measurement results of LOS and / or NLOS to the base station. The UE may transmit measurement results of LOS and NLOS for each path to the base station. The UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results for each path are LOS or NLOS. As another method, the UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results transmitted to the base station are NLOS or not, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating the probability or likelihood that the measurement results are NLOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating the probability or likelihood that the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating the probability or likelihood that the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The LOS may be FAP (First Arriving Path). The UE may assume that the FAP is LOS.

[0201] The transmitting base station may select a beam having a non-linear path as a sensing beam. In sensing, the receiving UE may measure the non-linear path from the transmitting base station. The receiving UE can receive and measure reflected waves from the target.

[0202] A sensing configuration method is disclosed, in which the sensing configuration is shared between a transmitting node and a receiving node, for example, between a transmitting base station and one or more receiving UEs.

[0203] The SF transmits a sensing configuration request to the base station. Upon receiving the request, the base station performs sensing configuration. The base station transmits sensing configuration information to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing configuration information to one or more receiving UEs. The SF may transmit the sensing configuration information to one or more receiving UEs via the base station serving the receiving UEs. In this way, the receiving UE can obtain the sensing configuration. The sensing configuration can be shared between the transmitting base station and the receiving UE.

[0204] As a method of transmitting sensing configuration information from a base station to multiple receiving UEs, for example, the multiple receiving UEs may be grouped. For example, a common RNTI may be provided. By detecting a PDCCH using the common RNTI, the multiple receiving UEs can recognize that sensing configuration information addressed to the receiving UE is included. As another method, for example, a group ID may be provided. For example, the group ID may be transmitted to the receiving UE together with the sensing configuration information or included in the information. By detecting the group ID, the multiple receiving UEs can recognize that sensing configuration information addressed to the receiving UE is included. The common RNTI and group ID may be set in advance. For example, they may be set to the UE by the base station during the UE's service request process. For example, they may be notified to the UE by the base station during the initial sensing configuration. The common RNTI and group ID may be used in subsequent sensing configurations. While the transmission of sensing configuration information has been disclosed, this is not limited to this, and may also be applied to the notification of information related to sensing between a base station and multiple receiving UEs. In this way, the amount of signaling between the transmitting base station and multiple receiving UEs can be reduced.

[0205] The SF may transmit a sensing setting request to multiple base stations. The base station that receives the request performs sensing setting. The multiple base stations may be, for example, sensing-related base stations. The SF may select a transmitting base station using the sensing settings of the multiple base stations. By performing the above-mentioned processing before determining the transmitting base station, it is possible to select, for example, a base station that is more suitable for the QoS and QoE required for sensing as the transmitting base station.

[0206] The SF may notify the selected transmitting base station of the selection. The SF may also send a sensing request. The selected base station can recognize that it is the transmitting base station. The SF transmits sensing setting information to one or more receiving UEs. In this way, the receiving UE can acquire the sensing setting. The transmitting base station and the receiving UE can share the sensing setting.

[0207] The sensing configuration request may include information about the sensing target and information about the receiving UE. The transmitting base station determines the beam to be used for sensing and derives the sensing configuration.

[0208] Four examples of information included in the sensing settings are disclosed below.

[0209] (1) Information about the configuration of sensing resources, (2) Information about the configuration of sensing measurements, (3) Information about reporting of sensing measurement results, and (4) A combination of (1) to (3).

[0210] Eight examples of information regarding the setting of sensing resources (1) are disclosed below.

[0211] (1-1) Information about resources used for sensing. (1-2) Allocation information of sensing resources. (1-3) Cycle and offset information of sensing resources. (1-4) Start time, end time, and sensing resource transmission period information of sensing resources. (1-5) Information about beams used for sensing. (1-6) QCL information of sensing resources. (1-7) Information about the power of sensing resources. (1-8) A combination of (1-1) to (1-7).

[0212] (1-1) may be, for example, information about a frequency used for sensing. For example, (1-1) may be information about an RS used for sensing. The information about the frequency used for sensing may be, for example, information about a frequency band, a frequency layer, a BWP, etc. A frequency band, a frequency layer, a BWP, etc. may be provided for sensing. These may be dedicated to sensing. By specifying the frequency used for sensing, it is possible to reduce the complexity of processing in nodes that perform sensing processing, such as UEs and base stations. The information about the RS used for sensing may be, for example, an RS, PRS, SSB, CSI-RS, etc. provided for sensing. The receiving UE can recognize what sensing resources it should receive.

[0213] (1-2) may be, for example, time-frequency information for mapping sensing resources. Examples of time information include symbols, slots, radio frames, etc. for mapping sensing resources. Alternatively, it may be time units such as seconds, hours, days, or years. Examples of frequency information include subcarriers, resource blocks, subbands, BWPs, carrier frequencies, and sensing frequency layers for mapping sensing resources.

[0214] Sensing may be supported by the SCell (which may be a CC). Sensing may be supported by the SCG. Sensing may be supported by the PSCell. An SCell, SCG, or PSCell dedicated to sensing may be provided. For example, the complexity of sensing processing during communication can be reduced by performing communication using the PCell and sensing using the SCell.

[0215] The sensing resource allocation information of (1-2) may be information for identifying the SCell, SCG, or PSCell. The receiving UE can receive configuration information of the sensing resources in the SCell, SCG, or PSCell.

[0216] The sensing resource may be transmitted periodically. (1-3) may be the period and offset information of the periodically transmitted sensing resource.

[0217] (1-4) is information on the start time, end time, and transmission period of the sensing resource transmission. For example, the sensing resource is transmitted periodically during the transmission period. The unit of time may be a symbol, a slot, a radio frame, or a second, an hour, a day, a year, etc.

[0218] (1-5) is information about a sensing beam that transmits sensing resources. An identifier may be set for the sensing beam. The receiving UE can identify the sensing beam. For example, the identifier used for the communication beam may be the identifier used for the sensing beam. This can indicate the association with the communication beam, and the settings of the communication beam can be utilized.

[0219] (1-6) is information about a resource that has a QCL relationship with the sensing resource. For example, the sensing RS may be information about a communication RS that has a QCL relationship with the sensing RS. This can facilitate processing, for example, by using measurement results about communication resources that have a QCL relationship with the sensing resource as a substitute for measurement results about the sensing resource.

[0220] (1-7) is information about the transmission power of the sensing resource. For example, the transmission power information may be the absolute value of the transmission power. For example, the transmission information may be the difference between the sensing resource and another channel or another RS. The receiving UE can recognize the transmission power of the sensing resource. For example, the receiving UE may use the transmission power information to derive the path loss. The path loss may be used as a sensing measurement index.

[0221] Four examples of information regarding the sensing measurement settings (2) are disclosed below.

[0222] (2-1) Information about the sensing measurement gap. (2-2) Information about the sensing measurement window. (2-3) Information about the sensing measurement index. (2-4) A combination of (2-1) to (2-3).

[0223] A measurement gap may be provided for sensing. (2-1) is, for example, a sensing measurement gap period, a start time, an end time, etc. The unit of time may be a symbol, a slot, a radio frame, or a second, an hour, a day, a year, etc. The sensing measurement gap is not limited to one, and multiple sensing measurement gaps may be set. A sensing measurement gap is effective, for example, when sensing is performed at a frequency different from the communication frequency. The receiving UE can switch from the communication frequency to the sensing frequency during the gap, making it possible to perform sensing measurements.

[0224] A window may be set for sensing measurement. (2-2) is, for example, the duration, start time, end time, etc. of the sensing window. The unit of time may be a symbol, slot, radio frame, or second, hour, day, year, etc. The sensing window is not limited to one, and multiple sensing windows may be set. The sensing window is effective, for example, when sensing is performed at a communication frequency. For example, the receiving UE may not need to receive communication channels or signals in the sensing window. The receiving UE can perform sensing measurement in the sensing window.

[0225] Ten examples of information regarding the sensing measurement indexes (2-3) are disclosed below.

[0226] (2-3-1) RSRP. (2-3-2) RSRQ. (2-3-3) Doppler frequency. (2-3-4) AOA. (2-3-5) AOD. (2-3-6) TDOA. (2-3-7) CIR. (2-3-8) PDP. (2-3-9) Sensing measurement time. (2-3-10) Combination of (2-3-1) to (2-3-9).

[0227] The receiver UE can be configured to determine which indicators to measure as sensing measurements. By receiving this information, the receiver UE can recognize which indicators to measure as sensing measurements.

[0228] Furthermore, the information about the sensing measurement configuration may include information about the sensing resource. For example, when multiple sensing resources are configured, it becomes possible to identify which sensing resource is to be measured.

[0229] The receiving UE receives the sensing measurement configuration and is then able to perform sensing measurements.

[0230] Three examples of information regarding the reporting of sensing measurement results (3) are disclosed below.

[0231] (3-1) Report trigger. (3-2) Information about measurement results. (3-3) Combination of (3-1) to (3-2).

[0232] (3-1) may be, for example, information indicating whether the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result is periodic or event-triggered. If the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result is periodic, it may be information such as the measurement result reporting period, start time, and end time. If the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result is event-triggered, it may be information regarding the conditions for reporting the sensing measurement result. The conditions may be, for example, a predetermined threshold value for the sensing measurement index. For example, a threshold value for RSRP may be set. The receiving UE may report the measurement result when the RSRP is equal to or greater than the threshold. The condition may be, for example, when the radio wave propagation conditions or channel conditions change. For example, the measurement result may be reported when the LOS or NLOS path changes. For example, the measurement result may be reported when the FAP changes.

[0233] Alternatively, in the case of an event trigger, the receiving UE may report that the event has occurred. The node receiving the report can recognize that an event has occurred. For example, the report can be used to change the sensing settings, enabling more appropriate sensing processing to be performed.

[0234] (3-2) may be, for example, information about the transmitting base station, information about the measured sensing resource, information about the measured sensing beam, a sensing measurement index, etc. (3-2) may be an identifier of the transmitting base station, an identifier of the sensing resource, or an identifier of the sensing beam. A node that receives the measurement result can identify which sensing resource of which sensing beam of which transmitting base station.

[0235] The sensing setting, sensing resource setting, information on sensing resource setting, sensing measurement setting, information on sensing measurement setting, sensing measurement result reporting setting, or information on reporting of sensing measurement results may be set not only one but also multiple times. Each setting or information may be provided with information for identifying the setting or information. For example, the information for identification may be an identifier. For example, the SF may determine one sensing setting or information from multiple sensing settings or information, making it possible to identify which setting or information is being used. In this way, for example, the sensing setting may be changed depending on the measurement environment, enabling flexible sensing settings.

[0236] A sensing execution method is disclosed. The SF sends a sensing start request to the base station. The sensing start request may be a sensing request. The sensing start request may be a request to start transmitting sensing resources. The base station that receives the sensing start request transmits sensing resources. The sensing resources comply with the sensing configuration.

[0237] The SF sends a sensing start request to the UE. The sensing start request may be a sensing request. The sensing start request may be a request to start receiving sensing resources. The UE that receives the sensing start request receives sensing resources. The sensing resources follow the sensing configuration. The receiving UE that receives the sensing start request performs sensing measurement. The sensing measurement is performed using the sensing configuration. The receiving UE transmits sensing measurement results to the SF. The sensing measurement results are reported using the sensing configuration. In this way, the receiving UE is able to perform sensing measurement, and the SF is able to receive the sensing measurement results performed by the receiving UE.

[0238] The sensing measurement results may include measurement results of multiple paths for the same beam. Measurement results for each path may be included. The sensing measurement results may include measurement results of LOS and / or NLOS. Measurement results for each LOS and NLOS path may be included. Information indicating whether the measurement result is LOS or NLOS may be included for each path. Information indicating whether the measurement result is NLOS or not may be included. Information indicating the probability or likelihood of NLOS may be included. Information indicating whether the measurement result is LOS or not may be included. Information indicating the probability or likelihood of LOS may be included. LOS may be represented as FAP. The SF can determine whether the sensing measurement results obtained from the receiving UE are measurement results for a LOS path or a NLOS path.

[0239] For example, if there is LOS, the receiving UE may determine that it is receiving radio waves directly from the transmitting base station and that it is not a reflection from the target. It is desirable that the reflection from the target is NLOS. The measurement results of the NLOS path may be used for sensing the target. The measurement results of the LOS path may be excluded for sensing the target. In this way, it is possible to derive more accurate sensing results from the sensing measurement results.

[0240] The transmitting base station may change the sensing setting and transmit the changed sensing setting to the SF. The SF transmits the changed sensing setting information to one or more receiving UEs. In this way, the receiving UEs can obtain the changed sensing setting. The transmitting base station and the receiving UEs can share the sensing setting.

[0241] The SF may change the sensing setting. For example, it may select another sensing setting or information from among multiple sensing settings or information received from the transmitting base station. The SF then transmits the selected sensing setting or information as changed sensing setting information to the transmitting base station and one or more receiving UEs. In this way, the transmitting base station and receiving UE can obtain the changed sensing setting. The sensing setting can be shared between the transmitting base station and receiving UE.

[0242] The receiving UE may request a change in sensing configuration. For example, the UE may make such a request to a node that performs sensing configuration or changes the sensing configuration, such as an SF, an AMF, or a base station. The node that receives the request may change the sensing configuration. The sensing configuration change request may include information for identifying the sensing configuration and information regarding the sensing measurement quality. As another example, the sensing configuration change request may include desired sensing configuration information. This makes it possible to notify the receiving UE of what sensing configuration is best. The node that performs sensing configuration or changes the sensing configuration can perform sensing configuration using the desired sensing configuration information from the UE. This makes it possible to perform sensing configuration that is more suited to the situation of the receiving UE.

[0243] By enabling the receiving UE to request a change in the sensing setting, it becomes possible to execute the request for a change in the sensing setting when, for example, the receiving UE experiences a deterioration in reception quality or overlap with communication resources, thereby making it possible to avoid or reduce such problems.

[0244] For example, an SF that receives a sensing setting change request from a UE may transmit the sensing setting request to a base station. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing setting change request. As an alternative method, a sensing setting change request may be provided separately from the sensing setting request. An SF that receives a sensing setting change request from a UE may transmit the sensing setting change request to a base station. The base station that receives the sensing setting change request changes the sensing setting. The base station transmits the changed sensing setting to the SF. The SF transmits the changed sensing setting to the receiving UE. In this way, the receiving UE can obtain the changed sensing setting and can perform sensing measurement using the setting.

[0245] The transmitting base station may request a change in the sensing configuration. The transmitting base station may make the request to the node that performs the sensing configuration or the node that performs the change in the sensing configuration. The above-mentioned method by which the UE requests a change in the sensing configuration may be applied as appropriate. This enables the sensing configuration to be suited to the situation of the transmitting base station.

[0246] The AMF may request a change in sensing configuration. The AMF may make the request to the node that performs the sensing configuration or the node that performs the change in sensing configuration. The above-mentioned method by which the UE requests a change in sensing configuration may be appropriately applied. This enables sensing configuration suitable for the situation of the AMF.

[0247] Sensing activation / deactivation may be provided. Sensing activation may be provided separately from the sensing start request. Sensing activation / deactivation may include information for identifying the sensing setting to be activated / deactivated. For example, the sensing setting identifier disclosed above may be included. One or more sensing settings may be activated / deactivated from one or more pre-set sensing settings. The SF transmits the sensing setting activation / deactivation to the receiving UE. The receiving UE performs sensing measurement using the activated sensing setting. The receiving UE stops the sensing measurement using the deactivated sensing setting.

[0248] The sensing settings may be changed using sensing execution start / stop. Execution is stopped for the sensing settings before the change, and execution is started for the sensing settings after the change. By doing so, when it is necessary to change the sensing settings depending on the situation, it is possible to eliminate the need for the transmission time of the changed sensing settings and the associated processing in the receiving UE, the retransmission of a sensing request with the changed sensing settings and the associated processing in the receiving UE, etc., and it is possible to perform the sensing setting change process with low delay.

[0249] Although it has been disclosed that the SF starts / stops sensing execution, the AMF may also perform this. The AMF transmits the sensing setting start / stop execution to the receiving UE. The execution start / stop can be performed by signaling between the AMF and the UE, and signaling between the SF and the UE is not required. The sensing setting change process can be performed earlier.

[0250] The base station may start / stop the execution of sensing. The base station transmits the start / stop of execution of the sensing setting to the receiving UE. Signaling between the base station and the UE may be used. For example, RRC signaling may be used. A large amount of information can be transmitted. For example, MAC signaling may be used. It can be transmitted early. For example, L1 / L2 signaling may be used. It may be included in DCI. It can be transmitted earlier. It is possible to start / stop the execution by signaling between the base station and the UE, and signaling between the SF and the UE is not required. It is possible to carry out the process of changing the sensing setting earlier.

[0251] The SF derives sensing results using sensing measurement results. Examples of information included in the sensing results include three-dimensional object detection results for the target, six-dimensional (three-dimensional coordinates + three-axis directions) object detection results, object shape, size, position, speed, movement direction, water level, humidity, air pressure, heartbeat, etc. The information included in the sensing results may be time information, for example. The time information may be the time when the target was detected, the detection period, the time when it became undetectable, etc. The sensing results may be derived using information related to the sensing results. The sensing results may also include information indicating the type of object the target is, for example, an intruder, an obstacle, a river, the atmosphere, etc. The sensing results may also be derived using information related to the target. The information included in the sensing results may also include information related to the sensing area, information related to the sensing time, information related to accuracy, QoS measurement results, information related to QoE measurement results, etc. The information included in the sensing results may be information regarding the presence or absence of a target and whether it was detected. The sensing results may also be derived using information included in the sensing request.

[0252] The SF transmits the sensing result to the external device that initiated the sensing request, the AF, the NW node, or the management node. For example, when transmitting the sensing result to the external device, the SF may transmit it via a gateway. When the SF receives a sensing request from the AMF, the SF may transmit the sensing result to the AMF, and the AMF may transmit the sensing result to the external device via the gateway.

[0253] The SF may transmit some or all of the sensing measurement results to the external device that initiated the sensing request, the AF, the NW node, or the management node. It may also be transmitted separately from the sensing results. It becomes possible for external devices and nodes other than the SF to handle the sensing measurement results. It may also be transmitted together with the sensing results. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of signaling. For example, this is effective when you want to process the sensing results in an external device.

[0254] A method for ending sensing is disclosed. The SF transmits a sensing end to the transmitting base station. A sensing end message may be provided. The transmitting base station, upon receiving the sensing end, ends the transmission of sensing resources. The transmitting base station may end the transmission of sensing resources for all sensing settings that have started sensing execution. The transmitting base station may release the sensing settings. The transmitting base station may release all sensing settings. The transmitting base station transmits a sensing end completion to the SF. A sensing end completion message may be provided.

[0255] The SF sends a sensing end to some or all of the receiving UEs. A sensing end message may be provided. The receiving UE that receives the sensing end ends the reception of sensing resources. It may also end the reception of sensing resources for all sensing settings that have started sensing execution. The receiving UE may release the sensing settings. The receiving UE may release all sensing settings. The receiving UE sends a sensing end completion to the SF. A sensing end completion message may be provided.

[0256] The external device may initiate sensing termination. The external device may send sensing termination to the SF. The external device may send sensing termination to the SF via a gateway. The sensing request sending method disclosed above may be applied as appropriate. The SF that receives sensing termination performs the sensing termination process disclosed above for the transmitting base station or the receiving UE. The SF that completes the sensing termination process may send sensing termination completion to the external device. The SF may send sensing termination completion to the external device via the gateway. The external device that initiated sensing can initiate sensing termination. Furthermore, the external device can determine whether sensing is completed.

[0257] The initiation of sensing processing for the same target may be restricted. Multiple initiation of sensing processing for the same target may be prohibited. If an external device, NW node, or management node that initiates sensing processing has not received a sensing completion notification for a certain target, it may be prohibited from making a sensing request for the same target. In this way, it is possible to avoid the sensing processing from becoming complicated.

[0258] As another method, multiple sensing processes for the same target may be started. For example, multiple sensing processes requesting different sensing times for the same target may be started. For example, multiple sensing processes requesting different sensing results for the same target may be started. For example, the external device, NW node, or management node that starts the sensing process may be different. In this way, for example, it becomes possible to obtain multiple sensing results for the same target. More flexible sensing processes become possible.

[0259] 15 and 16 are diagrams showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing. An example is disclosed in which sensing is initiated by an external device. Also, an example is disclosed in which an LMF derives sensing-related UE information. In step ST1501, a sensing request is generated in the external device, and sensing is initiated. In step ST1503, the external device transmits a sensing request to a sensing gateway in order to transmit the sensing request to the NW. The sensing request may include the information disclosed above. For example, the information regarding the sensing area may be information indicating a predetermined area. The sensing target does not have to be a UE. For example, an example in which the sensing target is not a UE is disclosed.

[0260] In step ST1505, the gateway transmits a sensing-associated UE information provision request to the LMF. The request may include information about the sensing area. The request may also include information included in other sensing requests. In step ST1507, the LMF derives sensing-associated UE information. Information about the sensing area may be used to derive the sensing-associated UE information. The number of sensing-associated UEs is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, a maximum value for the number of sensing-associated UEs may be set. For example, the maximum value may be set as a mobile communication system. The LMF derives sensing-associated UEs within the maximum value. Setting a maximum value can reduce the complexity of the sensing process.

[0261] An LMF may transmit information about a sensing area to another LMF. The other LMF may be an LMF that manages the sensing area. The other LMF may derive sensing-related UE information using information about the sensing area. The other LMF may transmit sensing-related UE information to an LMF. An interface between LMFs may be used to transmit and receive the information between LMFs. For example, if an LMF that receives a request to provide sensing-related UE information from a gateway does not manage the sensing area, it can request the provision of sensing-related UE information from another LMF that manages the sensing area.

[0262] In Step ST1509, the LMF transmits a response to the request for providing sensing-related UE information to the gateway. The response may include sensing-related UE information. Even if the sensing target is not a UE, the gateway can obtain information about UEs that can be used for sensing.

[0263] In step ST1511, the gateway transmits a UE information request for sensing-related UEs to the UDM. The request may include sensing-related UE information. The request may include information indicating that the request is for sensing. The request may include information on what UE information is being requested. The UDM that receives the request derives UE information for the sensing-related UEs. For example, this information may include UE registration information and network address information of the AMF that serves the UE. In step ST1513, the UDM transmits the UE information for the sensing-related UEs to the gateway. The gateway can obtain the UE information for the sensing-related UEs.

[0264] In step ST1515, the gateway transmits a sensing request to the AMF serving the sensing-associated UE. The number of AMFs is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing request and information about the sensing-associated UE served by the AMF. In step ST1517, the AMF derives information about the base station serving the sensing-associated UE. The base station may be designated as the sensing-associated base station. In step ST1519, the AMF transmits a sensing request to the SF. The AMF may have a function to select the SF. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing request, information included in the sensing request, sensing-associated UE information, and sensing-associated base station information. The processes of steps ST1501 to ST1519 are collectively referred to as sensing request processing in step ST1591.

[0265] In step ST1531, the SF transmits a request for information regarding the sensing functions of the UE to the sensing-associated UE. The SF may transmit a request for capability information to the sensing-associated UE. The SF may transmit the request to the sensing-associated UE via the AMF and base station. In step ST1532, the sensing-associated UE transmits information regarding the sensing functions of its own UE to the SF. The sensing-associated UE may transmit information regarding the sensing functions to the SF via the base station and AMF. The SF can obtain information regarding the sensing functions of the sensing-associated UE. The processes of steps S1531 and S1532 are collectively referred to as sensing capability request processing in step ST1592.

[0266] In step ST1535, the SF determines the transmitting base station and the receiving UE. The number of receiving UEs is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The SF may derive the receiving UE using information included in the sensing request. When deriving the receiving UE, the SF may use information about the sensing function of the sensing-related UE.

[0267] In step ST1541, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the transmitting base station. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing setting request. The request may include information about the receiving UE. The request may include information about the sensing function of the receiving UE. The transmitting base station that has received the sensing setting request performs sensing setting in step ST1542. For example, it configures sensing resources, sensing measurement settings, and information about reporting sensing measurement results. In step ST1543, the transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information to the SF. The SF can acquire the sensing setting information. In step ST1544, the SF transmits the sensing setting information to the receiving UE. The receiving UE can acquire the sensing setting information. The processing of steps ST1541 to ST1544 is collectively referred to as the sensing setting processing of step ST1593.

[0268] The transmitting base station may perform some of the sensing configuration, and the SF may perform other sensing configuration. For example, the transmitting base station may perform sensing resource configuration, and the SF may perform sensing measurement configuration and sensing measurement result reporting configuration. The SF can perform sensing measurement configuration and sensing measurement result reporting configuration suitable for all receiving UEs.

[0269] The SF may perform the sensing configuration. In this case, there is no need to transmit a sensing configuration request and the configuration between the SF and the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station does not need to perform the sensing configuration. This reduces the processing at the transmitting base station. The SF may transmit the sensing configuration to the transmitting base station and all receiving UEs. By the SF performing the sensing configuration, it becomes possible to perform sensing configuration suitable for the transmitting base station and all receiving UEs.

[0270] The SF decides to perform sensing measurement. In step ST1546, the SF transmits a sensing request to the transmitting base station. In step ST1548, the SF transmits a sensing request to the receiving UE. In step ST1550, the transmitting base station transmits sensing resources in accordance with the sensing configuration. In step ST1552, the receiving UE performs sensing measurement in accordance with the sensing configuration. In step ST1561, the receiving UE transmits sensing measurement results to the SF in accordance with the sensing configuration. The SF can obtain the sensing measurement results from the receiving UE. The processes from steps ST1546 to ST1561 are collectively referred to as the sensing measurement process of step ST1594.

[0271] In step ST1563, the SF derives the sensing result from the sensing measurement result received from the receiving UE. In step ST1565, the SF may determine whether sensing was successful or not. The SF may also derive the target overlook rate and false alarm rate. If the SF determines that sensing was unsuccessful in step ST1565, it performs sensing again. For example, it may perform sensing again from the point of transmitting a sensing setting request to the transmitting base station in step ST1593. As another method, for example, the SF may perform sensing again from the point of resetting the sensing setting and transmitting the sensing setting to the transmitting base station and the receiving UE. As another method, for example, the SF may perform sensing again from the point of transmitting a sensing request to the transmitting base station and the receiving UE. If sensing is unsuccessful, it becomes possible to perform sensing again.

[0272] In step ST1571, the SF transmits the derived sensing result to the AMF. In step ST1572, the AMF transmits the sensing result to the gateway. In step ST1573, the gateway transmits the sensing result to the external device. The sensing result may include not only the sensing result but also an identifier of the sensing request. This makes it possible to recognize which sensing request the sensing result corresponds to. Multiple sensing requests may be made. This is effective when multiple sensing requests are made. The processing from step ST1571 to step ST1573 is collectively referred to as the sensing result reporting processing in step ST1595.

[0273] The location information of the receiving UE may be used to derive the sensing result of the sensing target. A method for using the location information of the UE in the sensing process is disclosed.

[0274] The LMF transmits the location information of the sensing-associated UE to the SF. The LMF may transmit the location information of the sensing-associated UE together with the sensing-associated UE information or may include the location information in the sensing-associated UE information. In this way, the SF can obtain the location information of the sensing-associated UE. The SF can obtain the location information of the receiving UE.

[0275] The SF that has acquired the sensing measurement result from the receiving UE may derive the sensing result using the location information of the receiving UE, which makes it possible to derive the necessary sensing result.

[0276] The SF may request location information of the receiving UE from the LMF. For example, the SF may send the request to the LMF upon receiving a sensing measurement result from the receiving UE. The request may include identification information of the receiving UE and sensing measurement time information included in the sensing measurement result of the UE. The LMF derives location information of each receiving UE at the sensing measurement time or the time closest to that time. The LMF transmits the derived location information to the SF. The LMF may transmit a response to the request to the SF, and the response may include the location information of the receiving UE. In this way, more accurate sensing results can be obtained even when the UE is moving.

[0277] The LMF may transmit location information of the sensing-associated base station to the SF. The LMF may transmit the location information of the sensing-associated base station together with the sensing-associated base station information or by including it in the sensing-associated base station information. In this way, the SF can obtain the location information of the sensing-associated base station. The SF can obtain the location information of the transmitting base station.

[0278] The SF that has acquired the sensing measurement results from the receiving UE may derive the sensing results using the location information of the transmitting base station, which makes it possible to derive the necessary sensing results.

[0279] The SF may request location information of the transmitting base station from the LMF. For example, the SF may send the request to the LMF when it receives a sensing measurement result from the receiving UE. The request may include identification information of the transmitting base station, identification information of the receiving UE, and sensing measurement time information included in the sensing measurement result of the UE. The LMF derives location information of the transmitting base station at the sensing measurement time or the time closest to that time. The LMF transmits the derived location information to the SF. The LMF may transmit a response to the request to the SF, and the response may include the location information of the transmitting base station. In this way, more accurate sensing results can be obtained even when the transmitting base station moves.

[0280] The sensing-associated UEs may be limited to UEs having location information. When deriving the sensing-associated UEs, the LMF may limit the sensing-associated UEs to UEs having location information. Alternatively, the sensing-associated UEs may be limited to UEs undergoing location information acquisition processing (UEs undergoing location management). In this way, the location information of the receiving UE can be used in the sensing processing.

[0281] The UE may transmit to the NW node whether or not it has a location information acquisition function for location management. The UE may transmit information indicating whether or not it has the location information acquisition function by including it in capability information. For example, the UE may transmit to the LMF whether or not it has the location information acquisition function during the registration process. The LMF may determine that a UE having the function is a sensing-related UE.

[0282] For example, the UE may transmit to the SF whether it has a location information acquisition function during the registration process. The UE may transmit information indicating whether it has the location information acquisition function together with sensing capability information. The SF may determine that the UE has the function as the receiving UE.

[0283] The LMF may initiate a location information acquisition process for the UE. Another NW node may initiate the process. Another NW node may send a location information acquisition process activation request to the LMF. As the location information acquisition process, for example, a UE assistance positioning process may be used. In this case, the LMF derives the UE's location. As the location information acquisition process, for example, a UE based positioning process may be used. In this case, the UE may derive location management information and transmit it to the LMF. For example, this is effective in obtaining the latest location information when a large amount of time has passed since the UE's location information was acquired.

[0284] The SF may initiate a location information acquisition process for the UE. For example, the SF sends a location information acquisition process activation request to the LMF. The request may include information about the target UE. For example, the information about the target UE may be a UE identifier. The target UE may be, for example, a receiving UE. The LMF initiates a location information acquisition process for the UE. The LMF derives location information for the UE. The LMF may transmit the location information of the UE to the SF. The SF can use the UE location information to derive sensing results.

[0285] The other NW node may be, for example, a transmitting base station or a receiving UE. When the transmitting base station determines the receiving UE, it may transmit a request to start a location information acquisition process for the receiving UE.

[0286] The activation request may be made, for example, when a sensing request is notified to the SF or when a sensing request is transmitted to the transmitting base station or the receiving UE. This makes it possible to measure a time closer to the sensing measurement.

[0287] The SF may request location measurement from the receiving UE. For example, the request information may be included in the sensing configuration and transmitted. For example, the location measurement may be included in the sensing measurement index. The receiving UE may perform sensing measurement and location measurement. The receiving UE may transmit the location measurement result together with the sensing measurement result to the SF. The SF may transmit the location measurement result to the LMF. The LMF derives location information of the receiving UE using the location measurement result at the receiving UE. The LMF may transmit the location information of the receiving UE to the SF. The SF can derive the sensing result using the location information of the receiving UE.

[0288] The receiving UE may derive the location information. For example, the location information may be derived using a UE based positioning process. The receiving UE transmits the derived location information to the SF. The receiving UE may transmit the location measurement result together with the sensing measurement result to the SF. The SF may transmit the location information to the LMF. The SF can derive the sensing result using the location information of the receiving UE. Since the LMF does not need to derive the location information, the complexity of the process can be reduced and the amount of signaling can be reduced.

[0289] The UE may perform location measurement together with the sensing measurement. For example, the location measurement may be performed using the sensing resources. Alternatively, the sensing measurement may be performed using the location measurement resources. For example, the receiving UE may perform the sensing measurement using the PRS configured for location measurement. The sensing resources and the location measurement resources may be configured to be the same.

[0290] Alternatively, the sensing resource and the positioning resource may be transmitted within a predetermined period. The receiving UE performs the sensing measurement and the positioning measurement within the predetermined period. The predetermined period may be, for example, a sensing measurement window. Alternatively, the positioning window may be set to be the same as the sensing measurement window.

[0291] The SF may adjust the sensing resource configuration and the positioning resource configuration. The LMF may send the positioning resource configuration to the SF. The SF configures the sensing resource using the received configuration. The SF may adjust the sensing window configuration and the positioning window configuration. The LMF may send the positioning window configuration to the SF. The SF configures the sensing window using the received configuration.

[0292] The LMF may adjust the sensing resource configuration and the positioning resource configuration. The SF may send the sensing measurement resource configuration to the LMF. The LMF configures the positioning resource using the received configuration. The LMF may adjust the sensing measurement window configuration and the positioning window configuration. The SF may send the sensing measurement window configuration to the LMF. The LMF configures the positioning window using the received configuration.

[0293] The SF may send a request to the LMF to change the positioning resources. The request may include information about the positioning resources to be changed. The information may be, for example, information for identifying the positioning resources. The LMF that receives the request may change the positioning resources. The information about the positioning resources may be used. The LMF may send the changed positioning resource configuration to the SF. Or, it may send only the changed positioning resource configuration. The SF can recognize the changed positioning resource configuration. For example, if the positioning resources and the sensing resources collide, the SF can request the LMF to change the positioning resources. This can avoid the resource collision.

[0294] The LMF may send a sensing resource change request to the SF. The request may include information about the sensing resource requested to be changed. The information may be, for example, information for identifying the sensing resource. The SF that receives the request may change the sensing resource. The information about the sensing resource may be used. The SF may send the changed sensing resource configuration to the LMF. Or, it may send only the changed sensing resource configuration. The LMF can recognize the changed sensing resource configuration. For example, if there is a conflict between the sensing resource and the positioning resource, the LMF can request the SF to change the sensing resource. This can avoid the resource conflict.

[0295] In this way, the receiving UE can perform the sensing measurement process and the position measurement process at the same time. The position measurement result acquired together with the sensing measurement can be used to derive the position information, and the sensing result can be derived using the position information. This makes it possible to derive a more accurate sensing result.

[0296] When a UE performs both sensing and location measurements, the sensing measurements may be performed using an NLOS path and the location measurements may be performed using an LOS path. The sensing measurements and the location measurements may be performed using the same beam. Both the sensing measurements and the location measurements may be performed using the same resources. For example, the transmitting base station may transmit resources for sensing and location measurements using the same beam. The transmitting base station may use a beam that provides a good LOS path and a good NLOS path for the receiving UE.

[0297] By doing so, the time required for sensing measurement and position measurement can be reduced, and the time required for deriving the sensing results can be reduced.

[0298] When the sensing process is completed, the location information acquisition process may be terminated. For example, the SF may send a sensing termination notification to the LMF. Upon receiving the termination notification, the LMF may terminate the location information acquisition process for the sensing-related UE.

[0299] The SF may transmit a request to terminate the location information acquisition process to the LMF. This transmission may be performed upon completion of the sensing process. The LMF performs the termination process of the location information acquisition process.

[0300] The location information acquisition process may or may not be terminated depending on the end of the sensing process. The LMF may determine whether to terminate the location information acquisition process depending on the end of the sensing process. For example, if the location information acquisition process is being performed by another service, the process can continue to be executed.

[0301] In this way, it becomes possible to acquire the location information of the receiving UE in the sensing process, and the sensing results can be derived using the location information of the receiving UE. For example, if the location information of the receiving UE is unknown, it becomes unclear at what position the sensing measurement results were measured, and it is possible to solve the problem of not being able to derive the position of the sensing target.

[0302] Although the use of UE location information in the sensing process has been disclosed, location management information other than location information, such as UE speed information, may also be used. Location management information other than location information may also be used in combination with the location information. For example, by using the UE location information and speed information, more accurate sensing results can be obtained.

[0303] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, it becomes possible to sense targets using UEs and base stations. In a mobile communication system, it becomes possible to perform not only communication but also sensing. It becomes possible to provide sensing services using the mobile communication system infrastructure. There is no need to build a separate infrastructure for sensing, and sensing services can be provided at low cost. It also becomes possible to handle sensing results in the mobile communication system. For example, it is possible to optimize the network, such as by using sensing information about obstacles to select and control the direction of a transmission beam. It becomes possible to obtain better communication performance.

[0304] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, another method for solving the problem disclosed in the first embodiment is disclosed.

[0305] In the second embodiment, base stations present in the sensing area are derived from information about the sensing area. Base stations present near the sensing area, base stations capable of performing sensing processing, or base stations capable of transmitting sensing resources may be derived. Some or all of these base stations may be sensing-related base stations. Information about a predetermined area may be used as information about the sensing area. One or more base stations may be derived.

[0306] The LMF may derive the sensing-associated base station from information about the sensing area. The LMF is aware of the location information of the base station. The LMF may obtain the location information of the base station from another NW node or management node that has the location information of the base station. Using the LMF makes it possible to identify the sensing-associated base station. The sensing-associated base station may be a base station that has location information within a predetermined time. The sensing-associated base station may be a base station that has the latest location information. The sensing-associated base station may be a base station that is currently performing location management or location measurement. Using a base station that has more recent location information enables more accurate sensing.

[0307] In the first embodiment, it is disclosed that a node making a sensing request may transmit information about a sensing area to an LMF. A node making a sensing request may request the LMF to provide sensing-associated base station information. The information included in the request may be appropriately adapted from the information included in the request for provision of sensing-associated UEs. By using this information, the LMF can derive sensing-associated base stations.

[0308] The LMF transmits the derived information about the sensing-associated base station to the SF. The information about the sensing-associated base station includes, for example, information for identifying the base station (e.g., a base station identifier, a cell identifier, etc.), location management information about the base station (e.g., location information, speed information, etc.), information about whether the base station is within the sensing area, and the distance from the sensing area of ​​the base station. The transmission method may be appropriately applied to the method for transmitting information about the sensing-associated UE or the method for transmitting information about the sensing-associated base station disclosed in the first embodiment. For example, the information may be transmitted via a gateway. For example, the information may be transmitted via an AMF. The information about the sensing-associated base station may be included in the sensing request. The SF can acquire the information about the sensing-associated base station. The SF may use the information about the sensing-associated base station to determine the transmitting base station.

[0309] The SF may transmit a sensing configuration request to the transmitting base station. The request may include information about the sensing area. The request may include information included in the sensing request. The transmitting base station that receives the request performs sensing configuration. The SF may request the base station to provide sensing-related UE information. The transmitting base station that receives the request derives sensing-related UEs. The sensing configuration request may include a request to provide sensing-related UE information. Alternatively, the sensing configuration request may be included in the request to provide sensing-related UE information.

[0310] The transmitting base station derives the sensing configuration. The transmitting base station may also derive the sensing-associated UEs. As disclosed in the first embodiment, the sensing configuration and the sensing-associated UEs may be not limited to one but may be multiple. The transmitting base station determines a beam for the sensing area. The transmitting base station may determine a beam for the sensing area, for example, using information about the sensing area. The beam for the sensing area may be the beam used for sensing. A communication beam may also be used as a sensing beam.

[0311] The transmitting base station derives the UE that will communicate using the determined sensing beam. For example, the transmitting base station may derive the UE using a measurement result report of the SSB, CSI-RS, or PRS of the beam from the UE. The transmitting base station may also derive the UE using information included in the sensing request. The derived UE may be a sensing-associated UE. In this way, the transmitting base station can derive the sensing-associated UE.

[0312] The transmitting base station may derive UEs that communicate using beams adjacent to the determined sensing beam. For example, the transmitting base station may derive UEs using measurement result reports of SSB, CSI-RS, or PRS of the beam from the UE. The UEs may be derived in combination with the above-mentioned method. The derived UEs may be designated as sensing-associated UEs. In this way, the transmitting base station can derive sensing-associated UEs.

[0313] The transmitting base station, having determined the sensing beam, derives the sensing configuration. For example, the determined sensing beam, the sensing resources in the beam, and the like may be set as information regarding the sensing configuration. The transmitting base station may also use the derived sensing-related UE information. In this way, the transmitting base station can determine the sensing configuration.

[0314] The transmitting base station transmits information about the determined sensing configuration and information about the sensing-related UEs to the SF.

[0315] The transmitting base station may sweep the beam. The method disclosed in the first embodiment may be applied as appropriate. The transmitting base station may, for example, use information about the sensing area to determine a sensing beam and multiple beams in the vicinity of the sensing beam as the sensing beam. These multiple sensing beams may be swept. The transmitting base station may transmit sensing resources set for each beam using the determined multiple sensing beams. The transmitting base station performs sensing configuration including sensing resource information, QCL information, etc. for the multiple beams. In this way, it is possible to derive the sensing configuration used to detect the sensing target. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configuration to the SF.

[0316] The transmitting base station derives UEs that will communicate using the determined plurality of sensing beams. The UEs may be designated as sensing-associated UEs. The transmitting base station may transmit information about the sensing-associated UEs to the SF.

[0317] In the first embodiment, it was disclosed that the transmitting base station may select a beam having an NLOS path as a sensing beam, but these methods may also be applied appropriately in this embodiment. For example, the transmitting base station derives UEs that can receive signals via the NLOS path of the determined sensing beam. UEs that can receive signals via the NLOS path may be set as sensing-related UEs. In this way, it becomes possible to use an NLOS path as a sensing beam for the receiving UE. The receiving UE can receive and measure reflected waves from the target.

[0318] The SF determines a receiving UE using information about sensing-related UEs. The SF transmits information about the determined receiving UE to the transmitting base station. The SF transmits information about sensing settings to the receiving UE. The method by which the SF transmits information about sensing settings to the receiving UE may be appropriately applied to the method disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0319] 17 is a diagram showing another example of the sequence of the sensing process. This figure shows an example in which the LMF derives sensing-related base station information. The same step numbers are used for steps common to those in FIGS. 15 and 16, and common explanations will be omitted.

[0320] In step ST1501, a sensing request is generated in an external device. In step ST1503, the external device transmits the sensing request to the gateway. Then, in step ST1601, the gateway transmits a request to provide sensing-associated base station information to the LMF. The request may include information about the sensing area. The request may also include information included in other sensing requests. In step ST1603, the LMF derives sensing-associated base station information. Information about the sensing area may be used to derive the sensing-associated base station information. The number of sensing-associated base stations is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, a maximum value may be set for the number of sensing-associated base stations. For example, the maximum value may be set as a mobile communication system. The LMF derives sensing-associated base stations within the maximum value. Setting a maximum value reduces the complexity of the sensing process.

[0321] In step ST1605, the LMF transmits a response to the request for providing sensing-related base station information to the gateway. The response may include sensing-related base station information. Even if the sensing target is not a UE, the gateway can obtain information about base stations UE that can be used for sensing.

[0322] In step ST1515, the gateway transmits a sensing request to the AMF serving the sensing-associated base station. The number of AMFs is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing request and information about the sensing-associated base station served by the AMF. In step ST1519, the AMF transmits a sensing request to the SF. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing request, information included in the sensing request, and information about the sensing-associated base station. The processes from step ST1501 to step ST1519 are collectively referred to as sensing request processing in step ST1691.

[0323] In step ST1621, the SF determines a transmitting base station. The SF may determine one transmitting base station. The SF may derive the transmitting base station using information included in the sensing request.

[0324] In step ST1541, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the transmitting base station. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing setting request. In step ST1641, the transmitting base station that has received the sensing setting request performs sensing setting. The transmitting base station derives sensing-associated UEs. In step ST1643, the transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information and sensing-associated UE information to the SF. The SF can acquire the sensing setting information and sensing-associated UE information. In step ST1592, the SF and the UE perform sensing capability request processing.

[0325] In step ST1645, the SF determines a receiving UE. The SF may determine one or more receiving UEs. The SF may derive the receiving UE using the sensing setting information and sensing-associated UE information received from the transmitting base station. The SF may use information included in the sensing request received from the AMF to derive the receiving UE. The SF may use the capability information of the sensing-associated UE acquired in step ST1592 to derive the receiving UE. In step ST1544, the SF transmits sensing setting information to the receiving UE. The receiving UE can acquire the sensing setting information. The processes of steps ST1541 to ST1544 are collectively referred to as sensing setting processing of step ST1692. The processes of steps ST1594 to ST1595 following step ST1692 are the same as those in FIG. 16.

[0326] As disclosed in the first embodiment, the SF may perform part or all of the sensing configuration.

[0327] In this way, it becomes possible to sense targets using UEs and base stations.

[0328] The AMF may determine the receiving UE. For example, the transmitting base station is determined by the SF, and the receiving UE is determined by the AMF. This method may be appropriately applied to the method disclosed in the first embodiment. The same effect as that disclosed in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0329] The transmitting base station may determine the receiving UE. The transmitting base station derives UEs that will communicate using the determined one or more sensing beams. Some or all of the derived UEs are determined to be receiving UEs. The transmitting base station may transmit information about the determined receiving UEs to the SF. The process of determining the receiving UEs in the SF can be omitted.

[0330] The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configuration to the determined receiving UE. Since the SF does not need to transmit the sensing configuration to the receiving UE, it is possible to simplify the processing and reduce the amount of signaling.

[0331] Figure 18 is a diagram showing another example of a sequence of sensing processing. It discloses an example in which the LMF derives sensing-related base station information. It also discloses an example in which the transmitting base station transmits sensing configuration to the receiving UE. Steps common to Figures 15, 16, and 17 are assigned the same step numbers, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0332] In step ST1691, sensing request processing is performed. After the SF determines the transmitting base station in step ST1621, the SF transmits a sensing configuration request to the transmitting base station in step ST1541. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing configuration request. In step ST1731, the transmitting base station that has received the sensing configuration request transmits a sensing capability request to the UE that it serves. In step ST1732, the UE that has received the request transmits sensing capability to the transmitting base station. In step ST1701, the transmitting base station that has received the sensing configuration request derives the sensing configuration and the receiving UE. After deriving the sensing configuration and / or sensing-associated UE, the transmitting base station that has received the sensing configuration request may request sensing capability from the sensing-associated UE. The sensing-associated UE may transmit sensing capability to the transmitting base station. In step ST1703, the transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information and receiving UE information to the SF, which can acquire the sensing setting and receiving UE information.

[0333] In step ST1705, the transmitting base station transmits sensing configuration to the receiving UE. The receiving UE can acquire the sensing configuration. In step ST1707, the receiving UE may transmit sensing configuration completion to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station can recognize that the receiving UE has received the sensing configuration and completed the configuration. In step ST1709, the transmitting base station transmits a sensing configuration response to the SF. The response may include information indicating that sensing configuration has been completed in the receiving UE. The response may include sensing configuration information and information about the receiving UE. The processing of step ST1703 may be omitted, and the SF can acquire the sensing configuration information and receiving UE information in step ST1709. The processing of steps ST1541 to ST1709 is collectively referred to as the sensing configuration processing of step S1791.

[0334] In this way, it becomes possible to sense targets using UEs and base stations.

[0335] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those disclosed in embodiment 1. Furthermore, by first determining the transmitting base station from information related to the sensing area and information included in the sensing request, it is possible to simplify the process of deriving sensing-related UEs and receiving UEs, for example.

[0336] Although it has been disclosed that the LMF may derive the sensing-associated base station from information about the sensing area, a network node or management node having location information of the base station, not limited to the LMF, may derive the sensing-associated base station from information about the sensing area. In the method disclosed above, the network node or management node may be substituted for the LMF. Similar effects can be obtained.

[0337] As another method for solving the problem disclosed in the first embodiment, sensing-associated UEs and sensing-associated base stations may be derived from information on the sensing area. The LMF may derive sensing-associated UEs and sensing-associated base stations. The method for performing sensing from sensing-associated UE information and sensing-associated base station information may be appropriately applied to the methods disclosed in the first and second embodiments. For example, in step ST1505 of FIG. 15, the gateway may request the LMF to provide sensing-associated UE information, as well as the sensing-associated base station information request shown in step ST1601 of FIG. 17. The LMF derives the sensing-associated UE information and sensing-associated base station information, and transmits the information to the SF via the gateway and the AMF. The processing of step ST1517 can be omitted. In this way, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those disclosed in the first and second embodiments. Furthermore, by the LMF deriving the sensing-related UE and sensing-related base station, for example, when sensing a specified area, a transmitting base station and receiving UE suitable for the area are selected, thereby obtaining good sensing results.

[0338] Third Embodiment In this embodiment, another method for solving the problem disclosed in the first embodiment is disclosed.

[0339] The sensing-associated base station is derived from information about the vicinity of a predetermined base station. The information about the vicinity of the predetermined base station included in the sensing request may be used for this derivation. The LMF may derive the sensing-associated base station from information about the vicinity of the predetermined base station. For example, the LMF may derive location information of the predetermined base station and derive base stations in the vicinity of the derived location information. The predetermined base station and base stations in the vicinity of the predetermined base station may be set as sensing-associated base stations.

[0340] The method of performing sensing using sensing-related base station information may be the method disclosed in the second embodiment, as appropriate.

[0341] Another method is disclosed. Sensing-associated UEs are derived from information about the vicinity of a predetermined base station. The sensing-associated UEs may be derived by an LMF. The LMF derives location information of a predetermined base station and derives UEs that are in the vicinity of the derived location information. The UEs may be designated as sensing-associated UEs.

[0342] The method of performing sensing using sensing-related UE information may be the method disclosed in the first embodiment, as appropriate.

[0343] Another method is disclosed. The LMF may derive sensing-associated base stations and sensing-associated UEs from information about the vicinity of a predetermined base station. The method of performing sensing using sensing-associated base station information and sensing-associated UE information may be the method disclosed in the first and second embodiments, as appropriate.

[0344] Another method is disclosed. A node that initiates a sensing request transmits information about a specific base station to a node that records AMF information serving the base station. For example, when an external device initiates a sensing request, the information may be transmitted by a gateway. The node that records AMF information serving the base station may be, for example, a management node (MnS, OAM, etc.). The node derives an AMF serving the specific base station from the information about the specific base station. The node may also derive neighboring base stations of the specific base station. The neighboring base stations may be base stations served by the AMF serving the specific base station.

[0345] The node transmits the derived information about the predetermined base station and its neighboring base stations to the SF. The information about the predetermined base station and its neighboring base stations may be used as sensing-related base station information. The node may transmit the derived information about the predetermined base station and its neighboring base stations to the SF via the AMF. The node may transmit the information about the predetermined base station and its neighboring base stations to the SF via the gateway. The node transmits the information about the AMF and the sensing-related base station information to the gateway. The gateway uses the received information about the AMF to transmit a sensing request to the AMF. The request may include the sensing-related base station information. The AMF transmits a sensing request to the SF. The request may include the sensing-related base station information. In this way, a sensing request can be transmitted from an AMF appropriate for a sensing-related base station to the SF.

[0346] The method of performing sensing using sensing-related base station information may be the method disclosed in the second embodiment, as appropriate.

[0347] 19 is a diagram showing another example of the sequence of the sensing process. This example shows an example in which the sensing process is performed without using an LMF. Steps common to those in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 are given the same step numbers, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0348] When a sensing request occurs in the external device in step ST1501, the external device transmits the sensing request to the gateway in step ST1503, and the gateway receives the sensing request. The sensing request may include, for example, information about a predetermined base station as information about the sensing area. In step ST1801, the gateway transmits a base station information request to the MnS. The request may include information about the sensing area. The request may also include information about the predetermined base station. The MnS that receives the request derives information about the AMF serving the predetermined base station and sensing-related base station information, and transmits this to the gateway as base station information in step ST1803.

[0349] The information about the sensing area may include information about a predetermined area. The MnS may derive sensing-related base stations from the information about the predetermined area and derive information about the AMF serving the base stations.

[0350] In step ST1515, the gateway uses the received information about the AMF to transmit a sensing request to the AMF. In step ST1519, the AMF transmits a sensing request to the SF. The AMF may include sensing-associated base station information in the request and transmit it. The request may include the information included in the sensing request. The processes from steps S1501 to ST1519 are collectively referred to as sensing request processing in step ST1891. In step ST1621, the SF can determine the transmission base station from the sensing-associated base station information. The processes of steps ST1594, ST1563, ST1565, and ST1595 following step ST1692 are the same as those in Figures 15 to 18.

[0351] In this way, the SF can acquire sensing-related base station information without using the LMF.

[0352] In this way, for example, when the sensing request includes information such as the vicinity of a predetermined base station, it becomes possible to sense a target using a UE or a base station. For example, the vicinity of a predetermined base station can be set as a sensing target. For example, it becomes possible to perform sensing with a predetermined base station as a transmitting base station. In a mobile communication system, it becomes possible to perform not only communication but also sensing.

[0353] Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, another method for solving the problem disclosed in the first embodiment is disclosed.

[0354] The sensing-associated base station is derived from information about the vicinity of a specific UE. Information about the vicinity of the specific UE included in the sensing request may be used for this derivation. The LMF may derive the sensing-associated UE from information about the vicinity of the specific UE. For example, the LMF may derive location information of the specific UE and derive UEs in the vicinity of the derived location information. The specific UE and UEs in the vicinity of the specific UE may be set as sensing-associated UEs. The vicinity may be, for example, UEs within a predetermined distance from the specific UE. For example, it may be UEs within a predetermined area where the specific UE is located. The predetermined distance may be predetermined by a standard or the like, or may be determined by the SF and notified to the LMF. Alternatively, the external device, NW node, or management node that activates the sensing process may determine it and notify the LMF.

[0355] The LMF may derive a sensing-associated base station from information about the vicinity of a predetermined UE. For example, the LMF may derive location information of the predetermined UE and derive base stations in the vicinity of the derived location information. The base stations in the vicinity of the predetermined UE may be set as sensing-associated base stations.

[0356] For example, the gateway may send information about the vicinity of a given UE included in the sensing request to the LMF, and the LMF may use the information to derive sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information.

[0357] The method of performing sensing using the sensing-related UE information and the sensing-related base station information may be any of the methods disclosed in the first and second embodiments, as appropriate.

[0358] The gateway may request the UDM to provide information about a specific UE. The request may include an identifier of the specific UE. Upon receiving the request, the UDM transmits the information about the specific UE to the gateway.

[0359] The gateway sends a sensing request to the AMF using the AMF information serving the UE received from the UDM. In this way, for example, even if the gateway does not recognize the AMF serving the UE, the AMF can receive the sensing request.

[0360] The AMF may send a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF. The AMF may send a sensing-related base station information provision request to the LMF. The AMF may send the request in one message. The request may include information about the vicinity of the specific UE included in the sensing request. The request may also include information about the specific UE received from the UDM. The AMF may send the request to the LMF via the SF. The LMF may use the information to derive sensing-related UE information. The LMF may also use the information to derive sensing-related base station information.

[0361] Figure 20 is a diagram showing another example sequence of sensing processing. It discloses an example in which the LMF derives sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information. It also discloses a case in which an interface between the AMF and the LMF is used. Steps common to Figures 15 and 16 are assigned the same step numbers, and common explanations are omitted.

[0362] In step ST1501, a sensing request is generated in an external device. The gateway receives the sensing request from the external device in step ST1503. In step ST1511, the gateway transmits a UE information request to the UDM. After obtaining the UE information from the UDM in step ST1513, the gateway transmits a sensing request to the AMF in step ST1515. In step ST1901, the AMF transmits a request to the LMF to provide sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information. This transmission may be performed using the interface between the AMF and the LMF. In step ST1903, the LMF derives the sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information. In step ST1905, the LMF transmits the sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information to the AMF. In step ST1519, the AMF transmits a sensing request to the SF. The processes of steps S1501 to ST1519 are collectively referred to as the sensing request process of step ST1991.

[0363] By doing so, communication with the LMF is possible even if an interface is not provided between the gateway and the LMF. Sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information can be acquired from the LMF. Target sensing using the UE and base station becomes possible.

[0364] Another method is disclosed. The gateway sends a sensing request to the AMF. The AMF may derive sensing-related base station information from information about the vicinity of a specific UE. The AMF derives base stations serving the specific UE. The AMF may derive base stations adjacent to the base station. These base stations may be sensing-related base stations. In addition, the specific UE may be the sensing-related UE.

[0365] The AMF sends a sensing request to the SF. The request may include sensing-related base station information and / or sensing-related UE information. This allows the SF to obtain sensing-related base station information and sensing-related UE information without going through the LMF. This simplifies processing in the LMF and reduces the signaling load.

[0366] The method of performing sensing using the sensing-related UE information and the sensing-related base station information may be any of the methods disclosed in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0367] When the number of predetermined UEs is one, the transmitting base station may derive the sensing-associated UEs. The sensing method using this method may be the method disclosed in the second embodiment, as appropriate.

[0368] In this way, for example, when the sensing request includes information such as the vicinity of a specific UE, sensing of a target using a UE or a base station becomes possible. For example, the vicinity of the specific UE can be set as a sensing target. For example, sensing can be performed with the specific UE as the receiving UE. In a mobile communication system, not only communication but also sensing can be performed.

[0369] Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, another method for solving the problem disclosed in the first embodiment is disclosed.

[0370] In the first embodiment, it has been disclosed that a sensing request from an external device or an AF is transmitted from an AMF to an SF. In the present embodiment, another method will be disclosed.

[0371] The sensing request is sent to the SF without going through the AMF. The node that initiated the sensing request sends the sensing request to the SF, but does not go through the AMF. For example, the external device may send the sensing request to the SF via a gateway.

[0372] The SF requests the LMF to provide sensing-related UE information. An interface may be provided between the SF and the LMF. The interface may be used to transmit signaling between the SF and the LMF. The SF may request the LMF to provide sensing-related base station information. Upon receiving the request from the SF, the LMF derives the sensing-related UE information and / or sensing-related base station information. The LMF transmits the derived sensing-related UE information and / or sensing-related base station information to the SF. In this way, the SF can obtain the information from the LMF.

[0373] The SF determines the receiving UE and transmitting base station using the sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information.

[0374] The SF may request the UDM to provide information about the receiving UE. The request may include information about the receiving UE determined by the SF. The UDM derives information about the UE from the UE information. The UDM may send the derived information about the UE to the SF. In this way, the SF can obtain information about the AMF serving the receiving UE. The SF can select an AMF to send a sensing request. The SF may send the sensing request to the selected AMF.

[0375] The SF may request the UDM to provide information about UEs. The SF may request the UDM to provide information about sensing-related UEs. The request may include sensing-related UE information. The UDM derives information about the UEs from the UE information. The UDM may transmit the derived information about the UEs to the SF. In this way, the SF can obtain information about the AMF serving the sensing-related UEs. For example, the SF may perform this process before determining the receiving UE. The SF may determine the receiving UE using information about the UE received from the UDM. The SF can determine the receiving UE using subscription information of the sensing-related UE received from the UDM and AMF information serving the UE. For example, the receiving UE may be a UE served by the same AMF. This allows for more flexible determination of the receiving UE.

[0376] The AMF may initiate a service request for the sensing-related UE. The service request may include information indicating that it is for sensing. The sensing-related UE connects to the AMF and may maintain an RRC connection with the base station. This is effective when the sensing-related UE is not connected to the AMF or the base station.

[0377] Figure 21 is a diagram showing another example of a sequence of sensing processing. It discloses an example in which a sensing request is sent to an SF without going through an AMF. It also discloses an example in which an LMF derives sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information. Steps common to Figures 15 and 16 are assigned the same step numbers, and common descriptions are omitted.

[0378] In step ST1501, a sensing request is generated in an external device, and in step ST1503, the gateway receives the sensing request and transmits the sensing request to the SF in step ST2001. The gateway may have an SF selection function. In step ST2003, the SF transmits a request to the LMF to provide sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information. This transmission may be performed using the interface between the SF and the LMF. In step ST2005, the LMF derives the sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information. In step ST2007, the LMF transmits the sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information to the SF. The SF can acquire the sensing-related UE information and sensing-related base station information.

[0379] In step ST2009, the SF may transmit a UE information request to the UDM. The request may include sensing-related UE information. The UDM derives the UE information of the sensing-related UEs and transmits it to the SF in step ST2011. The SF can obtain the UE information of the sensing-related UEs from the UDM. The processes from step ST1501 to step ST2011 are collectively referred to as sensing request processing in step ST2091.

[0380] After the processes of steps ST1592, ST1535, ST1593, and ST1594, in step ST1563, the SF derives the sensing result using the sensing measurement result acquired from the receiving UE. After determining whether re-sensing is necessary in step ST1565, the SF transmits the sensing result to the gateway in step ST2071. In step ST2073, the gateway transmits the sensing result to the external device. The processes of steps ST2071 and ST2073 are collectively referred to as the sensing result reporting process in step ST2095.

[0381] By doing this, it is possible to send a sensing request to an SF without going through an AMF. It is possible to send a sensing result to an external device without going through an AMF. It is possible to notify an SF of a sensing request early. It is possible to provide a sensing result to an external device early. Therefore, it is possible to perform target sensing processing using a UE or a base station with low delay.

[0382] Figure 22 is a diagram showing another example of a sequence of sensing processing. This example shows an example in which a sensing request is sent to an SF without using an AMF. This example also shows an example in which sensing processing is performed without using an LMF. Steps common to Figures 15, 16, 18, and 21 are given the same step numbers, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0383] As disclosed in the example of Fig. 21, when a sensing request occurs in an external device, the sensing request is transmitted from the external device to the gateway, and from the gateway to the SF, without going through the AMF. The gateway that receives the sensing request may request, for example, the MnS to provide sensing-related base station information, as disclosed in the example of Fig. 19.

[0384] In step ST1621, the SF determines a transmitting base station. For example, if the sensing request includes information about the sensing area and the information includes predetermined base station information, the SF may determine the base station as the transmitting base station. This can omit the process of requesting the MnS to provide sensing-related base station information.

[0385] In steps ST1791 and ST1594, sensing setting processing and sensing measurement processing are performed, and in steps ST1563 and ST1565, it is determined whether sensing should be performed again, and in step ST2095, the sensing results are transmitted to an external device without going through AMF.

[0386] In this way, it is possible to obtain the effects disclosed in Fig. 21. In addition, sensing processing can be performed without using an LMF. Target sensing processing using a UE or a base station can be performed with less delay.

[0387] By using this method, a sensing request from a node that initiates a sensing request, such as an external device, can be transmitted without going through the AMF. Since the SF can receive the sensing request early, the sensing process can be executed early. In addition, the sensing result can be transmitted to the external device without going through the AMF. The node that initiates the sensing request can obtain the sensing result early. The delay in the sensing process can be reduced. In addition, the amount of signaling between the AMF and the SF can be reduced.

[0388] Sixth Embodiment As described above, unlike communication, sensing does not necessarily target a UE. If the target is a UE, information about the UE can be handled within the mobile communication system. However, if the target is not a UE, how to handle the sensing results in the mobile communication system becomes an issue.

[0389] In this embodiment, a method for handling sensing results in a mobile communication system is disclosed.

[0390] The NW node manages the sensing results. The NW node may manage the target information. For example, the target information may include the sensing results. For example, the sensing results may be associated with the target information. The NW node may be a node related to the sensing process. For example, the nodes related to the sensing process include the SF, the sensing server, the AMF, the NWDAF, etc. The SF may have the function of the sensing server.

[0391] In order to manage the sensing results, the sensing results need to be stored. A method for storing the sensing results will be disclosed.

[0392] The sensing result is stored in association with other information. For example, it may be stored in association with information included in the sensing request. For example, it may be stored in association with information for identifying the sensing request. This makes it possible to recognize which sensing request the sensing result corresponds to.

[0393] As another method, for example, the sensing result may be stored in association with information used for communication. Ten examples of information to be associated with the sensing result are disclosed below.

[0394] (1) Location information. (2) Base station information. (3) UE information. (4) Transmitting node information. (5) Receiving node information. (6) AMF information serving the transmitting base station. (7) AMF information serving the receiving UE. (8) Location management information of the transmitting node. (9) Location management information of the receiving node. (10) A combination of (1) to (9).

[0395] (1) may be, for example, information about the area of ​​the sensing target. The information about the sensing area and the sensing results are stored in association with each other.

[0396] (2) may be, for example, information about the transmitting base station. The information may be an identifier. The information about the transmitting base station and the sensing result are stored in association with each other.

[0397] (3) may be, for example, information about the receiving UE. The information may be an identifier. The information about the receiving UE and the sensing result are stored in association with each other.

[0398] (4) is information about the transmitting node. The node may or may not be a base station. The information may be an identifier. The information about the transmitting node and the sensing result are stored in association with each other.

[0399] (5) is information about the receiving node. The node may or may not be a UE. The information may be an identifier. The information about the receiving node and the sensing result are stored in association with each other.

[0400] (6) is information about the AMF serving the transmitting base station. The information may be an identifier. The information about the AMF serving the transmitting base station and the sensing result are stored in association with each other.

[0401] (7) is information about the AMF serving the receiving UE. The information may be an identifier. The information about the AMF serving the receiving UE and the sensing result are associated and stored.

[0402] (8) is information related to the location management of the transmitting node. The node may or may not be a base station. For example, the information may be location information or speed information. Any information obtained by location management is sufficient. The location management information of the transmitting node and the sensing results are stored in association with each other.

[0403] (9) is information related to the location management of the receiving node. The node may be a UE or may not be a UE. For example, the information may be location information or speed information. Any information obtained by location management is sufficient. The location management information of the receiving node and the sensing results are stored in association with each other.

[0404] In this way, by associating the information used for communication with the sensing results, it becomes possible to identify and store the sensing results in the mobile communication system.

[0405] Identification information for identifying the target may be provided. Identification information may be assigned to the target. A NW node may assign identification information to the target. The NW node may be, for example, an SF, an NWDAF, an AMF, a RAN node, a UE, etc. The identification information may be unique in the NW. Alternatively, the identification information may be created by combining an identifier of each node and an identifier within each node. For example, it becomes possible to identify which node the target is under or which node performed sensing on the target.

[0406] Identification information for specifying a target may be used as target information. The target identification information and the sensing results may be stored and managed in association with each other.

[0407] In this way, even if the target is not a UE, it is possible to identify the target within the NW and manage the sensing results. In the mobile communication system, sensing can be performed and the sensing results can be managed.

[0408] Seventh Embodiment When a receiving UE communicating in a mobile communication system performs sensing, for example, it must switch from a frequency band or frequency for communication to a frequency band or frequency for sensing to receive sensing resources. Such switching processing or sensing resource reception processing must not cause any disruption to communication. A method is required that enables the receiving UE to perform sensing while communicating.

[0409] In this embodiment, a method for solving such a problem will be disclosed.

[0410] A sensing measurement gap (referred to as S-MGAP) is provided. The S-MGAP is set for the receiving UE. The number of S-MGAPs set for the receiving UE may be one or more. An identifier may be set in the S-MGAP setting. The same S-MGAP may be set for multiple UEs. The receiving UE performs sensing measurements using the S-MGAP.

[0411] The SF sets the S-MGAP. The SF may set the S-MGAP using sensing setting information received from the transmitting base station. The SF may set the same S-MGAP for one or more receiving UEs. Sensing measurements can be performed in the same S-MGAP period for one or more receiving UEs. Sensing measurements are performed for one or more receiving UEs. The S-MGAP may be set for each receiving UE or for multiple receiving UEs (which may be a receiving UE group). Since the S-MGAP is set individually for each receiving UE or receiving UE group, it is possible to set it according to the communication status of each receiving UE or receiving UE group.

[0412] Seven examples of information relating to S-MGAP for S-MGAP setting are disclosed below.

[0413] (1) Gap length, (2) Gap offset, (3) Period, (4) Switching time, (5) Gap timing advance, (6) Information about the serving cell, and (7) Combination of (1) to (6).

[0414] (1) is information about the gap duration. (2) is information indicating the gap start time. (3) is information about the period when S-MGAP is repeated. (4) is information about the RF switching time at the receiving UE. This time may be the allowable time. (5) is information about the time at which measurement may start before the set gap start time. This time may be the allowable time. This information may be the period between the gap start time and the measurement start time. The information from (1) to (5) may be indicated by time (e.g., seconds or milliseconds) or by frame timing (e.g., SFN, slot number, symbol number, clock count, etc.).

[0415] (6) is information about a serving cell in which S-MGAP is configured. For example, it may be a serving cell identifier. The information may be information about an MCG or an SCG. The information may be information about a PCell or a PSCell.

[0416] The SF transmits information about S-MGAP to the receiving UE. The SF may transmit the information by including it in a sensing request. The SF may transmit the information together with the sensing configuration, or by including it in the sensing configuration. The SF may transmit the information as the sensing configuration by including it in information about the sensing measurement configuration. In this way, the receiving UE can perform sensing measurement using S-MGAP.

[0417] The SF may transmit information about S-MGAP to the transmitting base station. The SF may transmit information about S-MGAP to the base station serving the receiving UE. The SF may transmit the information in association with the identifier of the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE may not allocate communication resources to the receiving UE in the S-MGAP configuration. This allows the receiving UE to perform sensing measurements without interfering with communications.

[0418] The base station serving the receiving UE may configure the S-MGAP. The transmitting base station transmits the sensing configuration to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing configuration to the base station serving the receiving UE. The SF may transmit the sensing configuration to the receiving UE via the base station serving the receiving UE. At that time, the SF may transmit the sensing configuration to the base station serving the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE configures the S-MGAP using the received sensing configuration. The base station serving the receiving UE may configure the S-MGAP for the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE transmits information about the S-MGAP to the receiving UE. When the SF transmits the sensing configuration to the receiving UE via the base station serving the receiving UE, it may also transmit information about the S-MGAP. The receiving UE performs sensing measurements using the S-MGAP.

[0419] The base station serving the receiving UE may set the S-MGAP so as not to allocate communication resources to the receiving UE. This allows the receiving UE to perform sensing measurements without interfering with communications. Furthermore, since the base station serving the receiving UE sets the S-MGAP for the receiving UE, it is possible to set an S-MGAP that is suitable for the load of each base station and communication with the receiving UE. This allows for more efficient communication between the receiving UE and the base station, and for sensing measurements by the receiving UE.

[0420] If the base station serving the receiving UE is the transmitting base station, the transmitting base station may set the S-MGAP.

[0421] Another method for a base station to set an S-MGAP is disclosed. The base station serving the receiving UE may transmit the S-MGAP set for the receiving UE to the SF. The SF may transmit the S-MGAP received from the base station to the receiving UE. This allows the SF to obtain information about the S-MGAP set for the receiving UE. This allows the SF to recognize during which period the receiving UE will perform sensing measurements.

[0422] The SF may request S-MGAP configuration from the base station serving the receiving UE. The request may include sensing configuration information configured by the transmitting base station. The request may include information about the receiving UE. The base station that receives the request configures S-MGAP for the receiving UE. The base station may transmit information about S-MGAP to the receiving UE. Alternatively, the base station may transmit information about S-MGAP to the SF. The base station may transmit information about S-MGAP as a response to the S-MGAP configuration request from the SF.

[0423] In this way, the SF can request the S-MGAP setting, enabling flexible sensing control in the SF.

[0424] The receiving UE may request S-MGAP configuration from the SF. The receiving UE may request S-MGAP configuration via the base station serving the receiving UE. The request may include an identifier of the receiving UE. The request may include reason information. The reason information is information indicating the reason for requesting S-MGAP configuration. For example, the information may include sensing implementation, the sensing frequency and the communication frequency are different, switching processing is required for sensing resource reception, etc. The request may include information about the desired S-MGAP. The SF that receives the request may configure S-MGAP using the method disclosed above.

[0425] The receiving UE may request S-MGAP configuration from the base station. The receiving UE may request S-MGAP configuration from the base station serving the receiving UE. The request may include an identifier of the receiving UE. The request may include reason information. The request may include information about the desired S-MGAP. The base station that receives the request may configure S-MGAP for the receiving UE.

[0426] In this way, the receiving UE can request S-MGAP setup, and S-MGAP setup can be performed depending on the communication status and load status of the receiving UE.

[0427] An S-MGAP activation / deactivation may be provided. This may be provided separately from the S-MGAP settings. The S-MGAP activation / deactivation may include information for identifying the S-MGAP settings to be activated / deactivated. For example, the identifier of the S-MGAP settings disclosed above may be included. The activation / deactivation of one or more S-MGAP settings may be selected from one or more preset S-MGAP settings.

[0428] The SF transmits execution start / stop of the S-MGAP configuration to the receiving UE. The receiving UE performs sensing measurements using the S-MGAP configuration whose execution has been started. The receiving UE stops sensing measurements using the S-MGAP configuration whose execution has been stopped. The transmission from the SF to the receiving UE may use, for example, signaling between the SF and the UE. Alternatively, signaling between the SF and the base station and signaling between the base station and the UE may be used.

[0429] By doing this, if it is necessary to change the S-MGAP settings depending on the situation, the transmission time of the changed S-MGAP settings and the associated processing at the receiving UE can be eliminated, and the S-MGAP setting change process can be carried out with low delay.

[0430] Although it has been disclosed that the SF starts / stops the execution of the S-MGAP setting, the base station may also do so. The base station serving the receiving UE transmits a start / stop of the execution of the S-MGAP setting to the receiving UE. The start / stop of the execution of the S-MGAP setting can be achieved by signaling between the base station and the UE, and signaling between the SF and the UE is no longer necessary. This makes it possible to perform the S-MGAP setting change process earlier.

[0431] Although it has been disclosed that the SF starts / stops the execution of the S-MGAP configuration, this may also be done by an external device, a NW node, or a management node. The NW node may be, for example, an AF. The external device, NW node, or management node transmits the start / stop of the execution of the S-MGAP configuration to the receiving UE. This may be transmitted via the SF. This may also be transmitted via a base station. The method for starting / stopping the execution of the S-MGAP configuration from the SF or the base station may be any of the methods disclosed above, as appropriate. In this way, for example, the external device, NW node, or management node that initiates a sensing request can request the start / stop of the execution of the S-MGAP configuration. The external device, NW node, or management node that initiates a sensing request can flexibly control the execution and stop of the sensing process.

[0432] When the execution start / stop of the S-MGAP setting is provided, the execution may be stopped only by the S-MGAP setting. The execution of the S-MGAP setting is started by starting the execution of the S-MGAP setting. In this way, the execution of the S-MGAP setting can be started / stopped in a timely manner.

[0433] Execution may be started only by the S-MGPA setting. Execution of the S-MGAP setting is stopped by stopping the execution of the S-MGAP setting. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of signaling.

[0434] The receiving UE may request the SF to start / stop the execution of the S-MGAP configuration. The receiving UE may make the request via the base station serving the receiving UE. The request may include an identifier of the UE itself. The request may include reason information. The request may include an identifier of the S-MGAP configuration for which the execution start / stop is requested. The SF that receives the request may start / stop the execution of the S-MGAP configuration using the method disclosed above. In this way, for example, it is possible to change the S-MGAP configuration depending on the status of the receiving UE.

[0435] The receiving UE may request the base station to start / stop the execution of the S-MGAP configuration. The receiving UE may make the request to the base station serving the receiving UE. The request may include an identifier of the UE itself. The request may include reason information. The request may include an identifier of the S-MGAP configuration for which the execution is requested to be started / stopped. The base station that receives the request may start / stop the execution of the S-MGAP configuration using the method disclosed above. This makes it possible, for example, to change the S-MGAP configuration in a timely manner depending on the status of the receiving UE.

[0436] Transmission from the base station to the receiving UE and transmission from the receiving UE to the base station may use, for example, signaling between the base station and the UE. For example, RRC signaling may be used. This allows more information to be transmitted. Alternatively, MAC signaling may be used. For example, the information may be included in a MAC CE (Control Element) and transmitted. This allows information to be transmitted earlier. Alternatively, L1 / L2 signaling may be used. For example, the information may be included in DCI or UCI and transmitted. This allows information to be transmitted earlier.

[0437] In this way, even when the frequency band or frequency for communication is different from the frequency band or frequency for sensing, by using the sensing measurement gap for sensing, it becomes possible to perform sensing without causing any disruption to communication with the receiving UE. In a mobile communication system, it becomes possible to perform not only communication but also sensing.

[0438] A measurement gap for communication may be used as S-MGAP. A measurement gap for communication may be configured for S-MGAP. The configuration method may be appropriately applied using the above-mentioned method. The receiving UE performs sensing measurement using the measurement gap for communication configured for S-MGAP. Since the measurement gap for communication is used for S-MGAP, the measurement gap configuration for communication may include information indicating that it is for sensing. Information indicating whether the measurement gap is for communication or sensing may also be provided. A UE that receives the measurement gap configuration can recognize whether the measurement gap is for communication or sensing.

[0439] Embodiment 8 A method for enabling a receiving UE to perform sensing during communication is disclosed.

[0440] A sensing BWP may be provided. Sensing is performed within the sensing BWP. Sensing resources are transmitted and received within the sensing BWP. The sensing BWP may be set to be the same as the communication BWP. Sensing can be performed within the same BWP as the communication BWP. The receiving UE does not need to perform processing such as switching frequencies between communication and sensing. This reduces the complexity of the sensing process.

[0441] The sensing BWP may be set to be different from the communication BWP. This allows sensing to be performed in a BWP different from the communication BWP. Because the BWPs used for communication and sensing are different, it is possible to reduce malfunctions when a receiving UE that communicates performs sensing, for example.

[0442] The sensing BWP may be configured by the SF. There may be one or more sensing BWPs. Information about the sensing BWP may be transmitted from the SF to the receiving UE. For example, the information may be an identifier of the sensing BWP. The SF may configure the sensing BWP using the sensing configuration received from the transmitting base station. The SF may configure the same sensing BWP for one or more receiving UEs that perform sensing.

[0443] The sensing BWP may be configured by the base station serving the receiving UE. The transmitting base station transmits the sensing configuration to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing configuration to the base station serving the receiving UE. The SF may transmit the sensing configuration to the receiving UE via the base station serving the receiving UE. At that time, the SF may transmit the sensing configuration to the base station serving the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE configures the sensing BWP using the received sensing configuration. It is preferable to configure the sensing BWP for the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE transmits information about the sensing BWP to the receiving UE. When the SF transmits the sensing configuration to the receiving UE via the base station serving the receiving UE, it may also transmit information about the sensing BWP. The receiving UE performs sensing measurements using the sensing BWP.

[0444] If the base station serving the receiving UE is the transmitting base station, the transmitting base station may set the sensing BWP.

[0445] For sensing, the change to / from the sensing BWP may be performed by the base station serving the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE transmits information indicating the change to the sensing BWP to the receiving UE. The information may be, for example, an identifier of the sensing BWP. For example, RRC signaling may be used. More information may be transmitted. For example, the information may be transmitted in a MAC CE. The information may be transmitted earlier. For example, L1 / L2 signaling may be used. For example, the information may be transmitted in a DCI. The information may be transmitted earlier.

[0446] A plurality of sensing BWPs may be set for the receiving UE. A plurality of sensing BWPs may be set in advance, and the information indicating the change to the sensing BWP described above may be used to indicate which sensing BWP to use from among the plurality of sensing BWPs. In this way, a more appropriate sensing BWP can be set early.

[0447] In this way, sensing using a sensing BWP becomes possible. The complexity of the sensing process can be reduced. For example, the frequency layer for communication and the frequency layer for sensing may be set to be the same. Different BWPs for communication and sensing may be set in the same frequency layer. In this way, communication and sensing can be performed in a single frequency layer. The efficiency of frequency resource usage can be improved. In addition, the number of frequency layers supported by the receiving UE can be reduced, making it possible to reduce the complexity of the circuit.

[0448] A sensing window (referred to as S-WD) may be set. Sensing is performed in the S-WD. The transmitting base station transmits sensing resources in the S-WD. The receiving UE performs sensing measurements in the set S-WD.

[0449] Five examples of information about S-WD are disclosed below.

[0450] (1) BWP. (2) Sensing resource configuration. (3) Information about the time of S-WD. (4) Identifier. (5) Combination of (1) to (4).

[0451] (1) is information about the BWP in which the S-WD is set. For example, it may be an identifier of the BWP. (2) is the sensing resource setting used in the S-WD. It may be information about the sensing resource. (2) may be, for example, information for identifying the sensing resource. (2) may be, for example, an identifier of the sensing setting. (3) may be, for example, the period or offset of the S-WD. (3) may be, for example, the start time and end time of the S-WD. (4) is information for identifying the S-WD. When multiple S-WDs are set, it is possible to indicate which S-WD to use.

[0452] The S-WD setting may be one or multiple. By allowing multiple settings, sensing can be performed using the S-WD setting that is more suitable depending on the communication conditions at the receiving UE.

[0453] The S-WD may be set by the SF. There may be one or more S-WDs. Information about the S-WD may be transmitted from the SF to the receiving UE. The SF may set the S-WD using the sensing configuration received from the transmitting base station. The SF may set the same S-WD for one or more receiving UEs that perform sensing.

[0454] The S-WD may be configured by the base station serving the receiving UE. The transmitting base station transmits the sensing configuration to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing configuration to the base station serving the receiving UE. The SF may transmit the sensing configuration to the receiving UE via the base station serving the receiving UE. At that time, the SF may transmit the sensing configuration to the base station serving the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE configures the S-WD using the received sensing configuration. It is recommended to configure the S-WD for the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE transmits information about the S-WD to the receiving UE. When the SF transmits the sensing configuration to the receiving UE via the base station serving the receiving UE, it may also transmit information about the S-WD. The receiving UE performs sensing measurements using the S-WD.

[0455] If the base station serving the receiving UE is the transmitting base station, the transmitting base station may set the S-WD.

[0456] For sensing, the change of S-WD may be performed by the base station serving the receiving UE. The base station serving the receiving UE transmits information indicating the change to S-WD to the receiving UE. The information may be, for example, an S-WD identifier. For example, RRC signaling may be used. More information may be transmitted. For example, the information may be transmitted in a MAC CE. The information may be transmitted earlier. For example, L1 / L2 signaling may be used. For example, the information may be transmitted in a DCI. The information may be transmitted earlier.

[0457] A plurality of S-WDs may be set for the receiving UE. A plurality of S-WDs may be set in advance, and the information indicating the change of the S-WD may be used to indicate which S-WD to use from among the plurality of S-WDs. In this way, a more appropriate S-WD can be set early.

[0458] In this way, sensing using an S-WD becomes possible. The complexity of the sensing process can be reduced. For example, the BWP for communication and the BWP for sensing may be set to the same. By setting an S-WD for sensing in the same BWP, communication and sensing can be performed with one BWP. The efficiency of frequency resource usage can be improved. In addition, the number of BWPs supported by the receiving UE can be reduced, making it possible to reduce the complexity of the circuit.

[0459] Ninth Embodiment Sensing requires a different QoS from communication. This embodiment discloses a method for setting the QoS used for sensing.

[0460] Fourteen examples of information relating to QoS for sensing are disclosed below.

[0461] (1) Horizontal accuracy of position information. (2) Vertical accuracy of position information. (3) Response time of position information. (4) Information indicating whether speed is required. (5) Speed ​​accuracy. (6) Resolution. (7) Range resolution. (8) Speed ​​resolution. (9) Delay amount. (10) Sensing service delay. (11) Refreshing rate. (12) Missing detection rate. (13) False alarm rate. (14) A combination of (1) to (13).

[0462] A QoS setting method is disclosed. The SF receives information regarding the QoS required for sensing from an external device or an AF. The information may be an index such as a KPI required for sensing. For example, the external device or the AF may include the information or index in a sensing request and transmit it to the SF. The SF may derive information regarding the QoS required for sensing used in the NW from an index such as a KPI required for sensing.

[0463] The SF transmits information about QoS to the receiving node. The SF may, for example, transmit information about QoS to the receiving UE. The SF may transmit information about QoS to the transmitting node. The SF may, for example, transmit information about QoS to the transmitting base station. The SF may transmit information about QoS to the base station serving the receiving UE. The SF may transmit information about QoS to the AMF. The AMF may transmit information about QoS to the transmitting base station and / or the base station serving the receiving UE. In this way, the receiving UE, the transmitting base station, the base station serving the receiving UE, and the AMF can recognize the QoS required for sensing. For example, sensing configuration and sensing measurement can be performed to satisfy the QoS.

[0464] The QoS information may be included in the sensing request and transmitted, or may be included in the sensing setting request and transmitted, or may be included in the sensing setting information and transmitted. By including the information in another message and transmitting it, the amount of signaling can be reduced.

[0465] The SF may transmit information regarding the QoS required for sensing to the SMF or UPF. The SF may transmit the information regarding the QoS via the AMF. For example, the sensing measurement results may be transmitted using the UP (User Plane). For example, a PDU session may be established in the UP, and the sensing measurement results may be transmitted using the PDU session. The SMF or UPF that receives the information regarding the QoS required for sensing can use the information regarding the QoS to control data transmission in the PDU session, for example. This enables more appropriate control to satisfy the QoS required for sensing.

[0466] The receiving UE may derive a sensing result from the sensing measurement result by itself. The receiving UE may derive a sensing result using the sensing measurement results by itself and other receiving UEs. The receiving UE may notify the sensing measurement result between itself and other receiving UEs. For example, the notification may be performed using an interface between the UEs. For example, the notification may be performed via a base station. For example, the notification may be performed via an SF. In this way, the receiving UE can obtain the sensing measurement results of other receiving UEs and can derive a sensing result using the sensing measurement results of itself and other receiving UEs. More accurate sensing results can be obtained.

[0467] The receiving UE that has derived the sensing result may transmit the sensing result using the UP. The receiving UE may transmit the sensing result to the UPF. The sensing result may be transmitted using a PDU session. The UPF may transmit the sensing result to an external device. The UPF may transmit the sensing result to a DN (Data Network). The DN may transmit the sensing result to an external device. This enables more appropriate control to satisfy the QoS required for sensing.

[0468] The SMF or UPF may derive information regarding the QoS required for sensing used in the network from indicators such as KPIs required for sensing. This is effective, for example, when the sensing measurement results are transmitted using the UP. The SMF or UPF may transmit information regarding the QoS to the receiving UE. It may also be transmitted to the transmitting base station or the base station serving the receiving UE. It may also be transmitted via the AMF. In this way, the receiving UE, the transmitting base station, and the base station serving the receiving UE can recognize the QoS required for sensing. For example, it becomes possible to transmit the sensing measurement in the UP so as to satisfy the QoS.

[0469] Information regarding the QoS required for sensing may be measured. Some or all of this information may be measured by the receiving UE, the transmitting base station, the base station, the AMF, the SMF, the UPF, and / or the SF. Alternatively, one of the nodes, for example, the SF, may derive measurement results regarding the information regarding the QoS required for sensing. From the measurement results, it can be determined whether the QoS required for sensing is satisfied. The SF can use this determination to perform more appropriate control to satisfy the QoS required for sensing, such as changing the transmitting base station or the receiving UE.

[0470] When another node derives a measurement result of information regarding the QoS required for sensing, the node may transmit to the SF a determination result as to whether the QoS required for sensing is satisfied. The node may request information on desired control indicator changes, such as a change in the transmitting base station or a change in the receiving UE, from the SF. The SF may use the determination result or the information on desired control indicator changes to perform more appropriate control to satisfy the QoS required for sensing, such as a change in the transmitting base station or a change in the receiving UE.

[0471] Multiple QoS levels may be set for sensing. Priorities may be set for the multiple QoS levels. For example, a primary QoS and a secondary QoS may be set. If the QoS level required for sensing with a higher priority level is not met, control may be performed so that the QoS level required for sensing with the next higher priority level is met. For example, if the SF determines that the primary QoS level is not met, it changes the setting to the secondary QoS level. In this way, even if the sensing capability deteriorates in a bad environment, the sensing process can be prevented from stopping by changing to a QoS with a lower priority level. It is possible to continue the sensing process with a QoS with a lower priority level.

[0472] In this way, it is possible to set the QoS required for sensing. Even if the QoS required for sensing differs from the QoS required for communication, the sensing process is executed so as to satisfy the QoS required for sensing. It is possible to satisfy indicators such as KPIs required for sensing.

[0473] Embodiment 10 In sensing, the velocity of a target may be required as a sensing result. Also, tracking of a target may be required as a sensing result. In this embodiment, a method for enabling such sensing is disclosed.

[0474] Time information is associated with the sensing measurement results. Time information may be added to the sensing measurement results. The receiving UE associates the time information with the measurement results. The time information may be the measurement time, measurement period, measurement start time, and measurement end time of the sensing measurement. The unit of the time information may be year, month, day, hour, etc., or may be symbol, slot, subframe, radio frame, etc. It is preferable to associate time information with the sensing measurement results for each receiving UE. Time information of the sensing measurement results for each receiving UE can be obtained.

[0475] The receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement result together with time information associated with the measurement result, or the sensing measurement result with time information attached thereto, to the SF. The SF can receive the time information of the sensing measurement result from each receiving UE.

[0476] When multiple sensing measurements are performed continuously or periodically, they may be collected as a series of sensing measurement results. Measurement time information for a series of sensing measurement results may be, for example, associated with the first measurement time information and the sensing measurement time interval information for the series of sensing measurements. This allows time information to be associated with sensing measurement results performed continuously or at short intervals and acquired. This makes it possible to transmit time information with less information than if measurement time information were associated with each measurement result of a series of sensing measurements.

[0477] This allows the sensing measurement results to be associated with time information. By using the acquired multiple sensing measurement results and time information, it becomes possible to track the target, for example, by deriving the speed of the sensing target or the time change in the position of the sensing target.

[0478] Embodiment 11. The UE used for sensing may change its position due to movement. In such a case, the UE may not be able to receive the sensing resource reflected by the target. This may cause the UE to no longer function as a receiving UE, resulting in a problem that sensing cannot be performed.

[0479] In this embodiment, a method for solving such a problem will be disclosed.

[0480] A request for providing sensing-related UE information is periodically transmitted to the LMF. The NW node may periodically transmit the request to the LMF. The NW node may be the node that transmits the request for providing sensing-related UE information to the LMF, as disclosed in the above embodiment. The NW node may be, for example, a gateway, an AMF, a SF, etc. The NW node may be, for example, a transmitting base station, a receiving UE, or a base station serving the receiving UE. These NW nodes may transmit via the AMF, the SF, a gateway, etc. The period may be derived by the NW node using information included in the sensing request.

[0481] The period may be included in the sensing request. For example, an external device may include the information in a sensing request and transmit it. The NW node may periodically transmit a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF using the period included in the sensing request.

[0482] As another method, a sensing-related UE information provision request may be sent to the LMF when a predetermined condition is triggered. As the predetermined condition, for example, when the RSRP of the sensing resource of the receiving UE becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the sensing-related UE information provision request may be sent to the LMF. However, the information may be an index of other sensing measurement results, information related to the sensing result, or information related to the QoS required for sensing. The predetermined threshold may be set in advance in a node that transmits the sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF on a trigger basis.

[0483] The predetermined threshold may be included in a sensing request. For example, an external device may include the predetermined threshold in a sensing request and transmit it. The NW node may use the predetermined threshold included in the sensing request to transmit a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF on a trigger basis.

[0484] As a predetermined condition, for example, when the base station to which the receiving UE is connected is changed, a sensing-related UE information provision request may be transmitted to the LMF. For example, the pre-change base station connected to the receiving UE may transmit the sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF, or the post-change base station connected to the receiving UE may transmit the sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF.

[0485] The receiving UE may periodically or in response to a predetermined condition trigger, transmit a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF. The predetermined condition may be, for example, when the receiving UE leaves the sensing area, when the receiving UE moves more than a predetermined distance, or when the receiving UE reaches a predetermined speed or greater. For example, this may be implemented when the receiving UE derives location management information. For example, the receiving UE having location management information may derive its location relationship with the sensing area, determine a predetermined condition using the location relationship, and notify the LMF of the request.

[0486] As a predetermined condition, for example, when the base station to which the receiving UE is connected is changed, the receiving UE may transmit a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF. As a predetermined condition, for example, when the receiving UE is not connected to the base station, for example, in the case of RRC_Idle or RRC_Inactive, when the base station that receives broadcast information is changed, the receiving UE may transmit a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF. After RRC connection with the base station, the receiving UE may transmit a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the receiving UE may transmit a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF.

[0487] The sensing-related UE information provision request may include reason information, which may be, for example, information about a predetermined condition that triggers the sensing-related UE information provision request.

[0488] In this way, it is possible to update the sensing-associated UE information periodically or when a predetermined condition is triggered. The receiving UE may be updated from the updated sensing-associated UE information.

[0489] Another method is disclosed. The LMF determines a change in sensing-related UEs. The LMF transmits the changed sensing-related UE information to a NW node. The NW node may be the node that transmits a sensing-related UE information provision request to the LMF, as disclosed in the above embodiment. For example, it may be a gateway, an AMF, a SF, etc. The NW node may be, for example, a transmitting base station, a receiving UE, or a base station serving the receiving UE. These NW nodes may transmit via an AMF, a SF, a gateway, etc.

[0490] The LMF has location management information of UEs. Location management information includes location information and speed information. For example, when one of the sensing-associated UEs leaves the sensing area, the LMF removes the UE from the sensing-associated UEs. When another UE enters the sensing area, the LMF includes the UE in the sensing-associated UEs. For example, when a UE moves more than a predetermined distance, the LMF removes the UE from the sensing-associated UEs. For example, when a UE exceeds a predetermined speed, the LMF removes the UE from the sensing-associated UEs. When another UE drops below a predetermined speed, the LMF includes the UE in the sensing-associated UEs. In this way, the LMF can determine a change in the sensing-associated UEs by using the UE's location management information.

[0491] In this way, the sensing-associated UE information can be updated by the LMF. The receiving UE may be updated from the updated sensing-associated UE information. The LMF determines a change in the sensing-associated UE and transmits the changed sensing-associated UE information to the NW node, thereby eliminating the need for a request to provide sensing-associated UE information from the NW node. This reduces the amount of signaling and also reduces the signaling transmission determination process in the NW node.

[0492] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, even if the UE used for sensing moves and becomes unsuitable as a receiving UE, it is possible to update the UE used for sensing to another UE. Sensing can be continued by using the updated UE.

[0493] Modification 1 of Embodiment 11. The base station used for sensing may be mobile. A mobile base station may be used for sensing. For example, a mobile base station may be a sensing-related base station. For example, a mobile base station may be a transmitting base station.

[0494] When a mobile base station is used for sensing, the base station may not be able to transmit sensing resources to the target, and may no longer function as a transmitting base station, resulting in the problem that sensing cannot be performed.

[0495] A method for solving such problems is disclosed.

[0496] A request for providing sensing-associated base station information is periodically transmitted to the LMF. The NW node may periodically transmit the request to the LMF. The NW node may be the node that transmits the request for providing sensing-associated base station information to the LMF, as disclosed in the above-described embodiment. The NW node may be, for example, a gateway, an AMF, a SF, etc. The NW node may be, for example, a transmitting base station, a receiving UE, or a base station serving the receiving UE. These NW nodes may transmit via the AMF, the SF, a gateway, etc. The period may be derived by the NW node using information included in the sensing request.

[0497] The period may be included in the sensing request. For example, an external device may include the information in the sensing request and transmit it. The NW node may periodically transmit a sensing-related base station information provision request to the LMF using the period included in the sensing request.

[0498] As another method, a sensing-associated base station information request may be transmitted to the LMF using a predetermined condition as a trigger. For example, the predetermined condition may be that the RSRP of the sensing resource of the receiving UE becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, and the sensing-associated base station information request may be transmitted to the LMF. This is not a limitation, and the information may be an index of another sensing measurement result, information related to the sensing result, or information related to the QoS required for sensing. The predetermined threshold may be set in advance in a node that transmits a sensing-associated base station information request to the LMF on a trigger basis.

[0499] The predetermined threshold may be included in a sensing request. For example, an external device may include the predetermined threshold in a sensing request and transmit it. The NW node may use the predetermined threshold included in the sensing request to transmit a sensing-related base station information provision request to the LMF on a trigger basis.

[0500] In this way, it becomes possible to update the sensing-associated base station information periodically or when a predetermined condition is triggered. The transmitting base station may be updated from the updated sensing-associated base station information.

[0501] Another method is disclosed. The LMF determines a change in sensing-associated base station. The LMF transmits the changed sensing-associated base station information to the NW node. The NW node may be the node that transmits a sensing-associated base station information provision request to the LMF, as disclosed in the above embodiment. For example, it may be a gateway, an AMF, an SF, etc. The NW node may be, for example, a transmitting base station, a receiving UE, or a base station serving the receiving UE. These NW nodes may transmit via an AMF, an SF, a gateway, etc.

[0502] The LMF has location management information of base stations. Location management information includes location information, speed information, etc. For example, when one of the sensing-associated base stations leaves the sensing area, the LMF excludes the base station from the sensing-associated base stations. When another base station enters the sensing area, the LMF includes the base station in the sensing-associated UEs. For example, when a base station moves more than a predetermined distance, the LMF excludes the base station from the sensing-associated base stations. For example, when a base station exceeds a predetermined speed, the LMF excludes the base station from the sensing-associated base stations. When another base station falls below a predetermined speed, the LMF includes the base station in the sensing-associated base stations. In this way, the LMF can determine changes in the sensing-associated UEs by using the location management information of the base stations.

[0503] In this way, the sensing-associated base station information can be updated by the LMF. The transmitting base station may be updated from the updated sensing-associated base station information. The LMF determines a change in the sensing-associated base station and transmits the updated sensing-associated base station information to the NW node, thereby eliminating the need for a request to provide sensing-associated base station information from the NW node. This reduces the amount of signaling and also reduces the signaling transmission determination process at the NW node.

[0504] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, even if the base station used for sensing moves and becomes unsuitable as a transmitting base station, it is possible to update the base station used for sensing to another base station. Sensing can be continued by using the updated base station.

[0505] In this specification, a node may be a function, or a node may be an entity.

[0506] In this specification, a base station is referred to as a base station, but it may also be a RAN node unless otherwise specified. The RAN node may be a TRP or a TP (Transmission Point). The RAN node may be a CU or a DU. The RAN node may be an IAB node. The RAN node may be a DU of an IAB node.

[0507] In this specification, the UE may be an IAB node. The UE may be a Mobile Termination (MT) of the IAB node.

[0508] In the communication system according to the present disclosure, one or more cells are configured in one gNB. In the present disclosure, although it is described as a gNB or a cell, it may be a gNB or a cell unless otherwise specified.

[0509] In the present disclosure, a gNB may be an MCG or an SCG.

[0510] The above-described embodiments and their modifications are merely examples, and the embodiments and their modifications can be freely combined. Furthermore, any of the components of the embodiments and their modifications can be modified or omitted as appropriate.

[0511] For example, in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, a slot is an example of a time unit for communication in a fifth-generation communication system. A slot may be a scheduling unit. In the above-described embodiments and their modifications, processing described as being performed in slot units may be performed in TTI units, subframe units, subslot units, or minislot units.

[0512] For example, the methods disclosed in the above-described embodiments and their modifications may be applied to the IAB, to communication between an IAB donor and an IAB node, or to processing using a Uu in the IAB.

[0513] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0514] (Supplementary Note 1) A communication system comprising: a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system; and a communication terminal connected to the base station, wherein, in response to a sensing request from an external device, derives nodes associated with sensing from at least one of the base station and the communication terminal based on information about a sensing area, and determines, from the derived nodes, a sensing transmitting node that transmits sensing resources and a sensing receiving node that receives the sensing resources. (Supplementary Note 2) The communication system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein, based on the information about the sensing area, a sensing-associated communication terminal that is the communication terminal associated with sensing is derived as the node associated with sensing. (Supplementary Note 3) The communication system according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein, based on the information about the sensing area, a sensing-associated base station that is the base station associated with sensing is derived as the node associated with sensing. (Supplementary Note 4) The communication system according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the information about the sensing area includes information for identifying the base station, and the identified base station and base stations in the vicinity of the identified base station are derived as the sensing-associated base stations based on the information for identifying the base station included in the information about the sensing area. (Supplementary Note 5) The communication system according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the information about the sensing area includes information for identifying the communication terminal, and the communication system derives base stations in the vicinity of the identified communication terminal as the sensing-associated base stations based on the information for identifying the communication terminal included in the information about the sensing area. (Supplementary Note 6) The communication system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 5, further comprising: a gateway that accepts the sensing request; a sensing function that manages sensing; and a location management function that derives nodes associated with the sensing.(Supplementary Note 7) The communication system according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the sensing function receives the sensing request from the gateway, requests information on nodes related to the sensing from the location management function in response to the sensing request, and determines the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node based on the information on nodes related to the sensing acquired from the location management function. (Supplementary Note 8) The communication system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 7, wherein sensing results obtained by performing sensing using the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node are stored in association with information used for communication. (Supplementary Note 9) The communication system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 8, wherein a sensing measurement gap is set in the sensing receiving node. (Supplementary Note 10) The communication system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 9, wherein a sensing bandwidth part is set in the sensing receiving node, and the sensing receiving node receives the sensing resource within the sensing bandwidth part. (Supplementary Note 11) The communication system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 10, wherein information on quality of service required for sensing is derived and transmitted to each of the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node. (Supplementary Note 12) The communication system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 11, wherein the sensing receiving node associates time information with the sensing measurement result. (Supplementary Note 13) The communication system according to any one of Supplements 1 to 12, wherein information on nodes related to the sensing is updated periodically or when a predetermined condition is used as a trigger, and at least one of the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node is changed based on the updated information on the nodes related to the sensing.(Supplementary Note 14) A communication system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 12, further comprising: a location management function that has location information of the communication terminal and derives nodes related to the sensing, wherein the location management function determines whether or not there has been a change in the nodes related to the sensing based on the location information of the communication terminal and information about the sensing area, and if there has been a change in the nodes related to the sensing, updates the information on the nodes related to the sensing.

[0515] 202 Communication terminal device (mobile terminal), 210 Communication system, 213, 240-1, 240-2, 750 Base station device (NR base station, base station), 214 5G core unit, 215 Central unit, 216 Distributed unit, 217 Central unit for control plane, 218 Central unit for user plane, 219 TRP, 301, 403 Protocol processing unit, 302 Application unit, 304, 405 Encoder unit, 305, 406 Modulation unit, 306, 407 Frequency conversion unit, 307-1 to 307-4, 408-1 to 408-4 Antenna, 308, 409 Demodulation unit, 309, 410 Decoder unit, 310, 411, 526 Control unit, 401 EPC communication unit, 402 Other base station communication unit, 412 5GC communication unit, 521 Data Network communication unit, 522 base station communication unit, 523 user plane communication unit, 523-1 PDU processing unit, 523-2 mobility anchoring unit, 525 control plane control unit, 525-1 NAS security unit, 525-2 idle state mobility management unit, 527 session management unit, 527-1 PDU session control unit, 527-2 UE IP address allocation unit, 751-1 to 751-8 beam, 752 cell, 1100 learning device, 1110, 1210 data acquisition unit, 1120 model generation unit, 1121 reward calculation unit, 1122 function update unit, 1130 learned model storage unit, 1200 inference device, 1220 inference unit.

Claims

1. A communications system comprising: a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system; and a communications terminal connected to said base station; and, in response to a sensing request from an external device, deriving nodes related to sensing from at least one of said base station and said communications terminal based on information regarding a sensing area, and determining, from among the derived nodes, a sensing transmitting node that transmits sensing resources and a sensing receiving node that receives said sensing resources.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensing-related communication terminal, which is a communication terminal related to sensing, is derived as a node related to the sensing based on information related to the sensing area.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensing-related base station, which is the base station related to sensing, is derived as a node related to the sensing based on information related to the sensing area.

4. The communication system described in claim 3, characterized in that the information regarding the sensing area includes information for identifying the base station, and based on the information regarding the sensing area for identifying the base station, the identified base station and base stations in the vicinity of the identified base station are derived as the sensing-related base stations based on the information regarding the sensing area for identifying the base station.

5. The communication system described in claim 3, characterized in that the information regarding the sensing area includes information for identifying the communication terminal, and a base station in the vicinity of the identified communication terminal is derived as the sensing-related base station based on the information regarding the sensing area for identifying the communication terminal.

6. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: a gateway that accepts the sensing request; a sensing function that manages the sensing; and a location management function that derives nodes related to the sensing.

7. The communication system described in claim 6, characterized in that the sensing function receives the sensing request from the gateway, requests information on nodes related to the sensing from the location management function in response to the sensing request, and determines the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node based on the information on the nodes related to the sensing obtained from the location management function.

8. A communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensing results obtained by performing sensing using said sensing transmitting node and said sensing receiving node are stored in association with information used for communication.

9. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensing measurement gap is set in the sensing receiving node.

10. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: setting a sensing bandwidth part in the sensing receiving node; and the sensing receiving node receiving the sensing resource within the sensing bandwidth part.

11. The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: deriving information on the quality of service required for sensing and transmitting the information to each of said sensing transmitting node and said sensing receiving node.

12. The communications system of claim 1, wherein the sensing receiving node associates time information with the sensing measurement results.

13. The communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that information on the nodes related to the sensing is updated periodically or when a predetermined condition is triggered, and at least one of the sensing transmitting node and the sensing receiving node is changed based on the updated information on the nodes related to the sensing.

14. The communication system described in claim 1, further comprising a location management function that has location information of the communication terminal and derives nodes related to the sensing, wherein the location management function determines whether or not there has been a change in the nodes related to the sensing based on the location information of the communication terminal and information regarding the sensing area, and updates information about the nodes related to the sensing if there has been a change in the nodes related to the sensing.

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