Apparatus, method, and computer program

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising : means for receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; means for configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and means for determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program for providing a service (e.g. detection or tracking service) related to a target object in a communication system.

[0004] Background

[0005] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as communication devices, base stations and / or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path.

[0006] The communication system may be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN) operating based on radio standards such as those provided by 3GPP, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0007] The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. Examples of standard are the so-called 5G standards.

[0008] Summary

[0009] According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

[0010] The method may be performed by an apparatus.

[0011] The subscription request may comprise the characteristics of the target object or may comprise information to derive the characteristics of the target object.

[0012] The at least one transmitter or receiver may comprise at least one base station or user equipment.

[0013] The signal received from the target object may be reflected, scattered, refracted, dissipated or otherwise interacted with by the target object.

[0014] The service may be a detection or tracking service.

[0015] The target object may be connected to a base station.

[0016] The target object may be a user equipment or collocated with a user equipment.

[0017] The request may indicate that the sensing client gives consent to determine and store the target signature identifier of the target object.

[0018] The target object may not be connected to a base station.

[0019] The characteristics of the target object may include at least one of: a type of the target object; a shape of the target object; a material of the target object; a size of the target object; or a radar cross section of the target object. A type of the target object may refer to whether the target object is connected to a base station or whether the target object is not connected to a base station.

[0020] The request may comprise at least one of a photo of the target object or a video of the target object; and the method may comprise deriving the characteristics of the target object based on at least one of the photo of the target object or the video of the target object.

[0021] The subscription request may comprise at least one of: a target signature identifier of the target object; a location of the target object; an environment of the target object; a required sensing duration of the target object; a required sensing area of the target object; a required sensing accuracy of the target object; or an address of a target signature identifier repository.

[0022] The target signature identifier repository may be part of a core network.

[0023] The target signature identifier repository may not be part of a core network. For example, the target signature identifier repository may be part of an application function trusted or not trusted by a core network.

[0024] The method may comprise: configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of the signal received from the target object based on at least one of: the location of the target object; the required sensing duration of the target object; the required sensing area of the target object; or the required sensing accuracy of the target object.

[0025] The method may comprise: receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, a location of the target object determined by the at least one transmitter or receiver based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object; or receiving, from a location management function, a location of the target object. The method may comprise: receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal receiver from, the target object; and determining a location of the target object based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object.

[0026] The method may comprise at least one of: storing the target signature identifier of the target object with at least a target object identifier of the target object or the location of the target object; or transmitting, to a target signature identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object and at least one of a target object identifier of the target object or the location of the target object.

[0027] The target object identifier may be allocated by an object identity management function.

[0028] The object identity management function may be part of the core network.

[0029] The object identity management function may not be part of the core network. For example, the object identity management function may be part of an application function trusted or not trusted by the core network.

[0030] Configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of the signal received from the target object may comprise configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to: transmit the signal toward the target object; receive the signal from the target object; and measure the signal reflected by the target object.

[0031] The method may comprise: configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to determine measurements statistics based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object; and receiving, from at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements statistics.

[0032] The method may comprise: receiving, from at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal received from the target object; and determining measurements statistics based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object.

[0033] The measurements statistics may comprise at least one of: time domain measurements statistics; or frequency domain measurements statistics.

[0034] The time domain measurements statistics may comprise at least one of: a mean; a standard deviation; a mean cross rate; an energy; an autocorrelation; a kurtosis; a skewness; a min; a max; a median; a range; a quartile squared sum above a quartile; or an interquartile range.

[0035] The frequency domain measurements statistics may comprise at least one of: a frequency with highest fast Fourier transform value; a ratio between a frequency with first highest fast Fourier transform value and a frequency with second highest fast Fourier transform value; a mean; a standard deviation; all fast Fourier transform values; a sum and std in a frequency; a ratio between energy in a subband and energy in a whole band; energies at different frequencies; or a ratio between energies at different frequencies;

[0036] The sensing client may comprise a user equipment, a core network function or an application function.

[0037] The method may comprise: determining an updated sensing area based on the location of the target object; configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from an object based on the update sensing area; determining a target signature identifier of the object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal received from the object; determining that the target signature identifier of the object does not match the signature identifier of the target object; and discarding the target signature identifier of the object. The method may comprise: determining an updated sensing area based on the location of the target object; configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received form an object based on the update sensing area; determining a target signature identifier of the object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal received from the object; and determining that the target signature identifier of the object matches the signature identifier of the target object.

[0038] The method may comprise: determining an updated target signature identifier of the target object based on the target signature identifier of the object.

[0039] The method may comprise: receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal received from the object; determining a location of the object based on the measurements of the signal received from the object; and determining an updated location of the target object based on the location of the object.

[0040] The method may comprise: storing the updated target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object; or means for transmitting, to the target signature identifier repository, the updated target signature identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object to cause the target signature identifier repository to store the updated target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object.

[0041] The method may comprise: storing the target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object; or transmitting, to the target signature identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object to cause the target signature identifier repository to store the target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object.

[0042] The target object identifier of the target object may be obtained by the apparatus or the target signature identifier repository from an object identifier management function.

[0043] The method may comprise: transmitting, to the sensing client, a message indicating that the target object has been detected.

[0044] The message may comprise at least one of the target object identifier; the updated location of the target object, a trajectory of the target object, a time of detection of the target object, characteristics of the target object or characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0045] The apparatus may be a core network function.

[0046] The core network function may be a sensing management function.

[0047] The method may comprise: receiving, from the sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to the service related to the target object, wherein the subscription request indicates a target object identifier of the target object; transmitting, to a target object identifier repository, a request to receive the target signature identifier of the target object; wherein the request comprises the target object identifier of the target object; and receiving, from the target object identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object.

[0048] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising : means for receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; means for configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and means for determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

[0049] The subscription request may comprise the characteristics of the target object or may comprise information to derive the characteristics of the target object.

[0050] The at least one transmitter or receiver may comprise at least one base station or user equipment.

[0051] The signal received from the target object may be reflected, scattered, refracted, dissipated or otherwise interacted with by the target object.

[0052] The service may be a detection or tracking service.

[0053] The target object may be connected to a base station.

[0054] The target object may be a user equipment or collocated with a user equipment.

[0055] The request may indicate that the sensing client gives consent to determine and store the target signature identifier of the target object.

[0056] The target object may not be connected to a base station.

[0057] The characteristics of the target object may include at least one of: a type of the target object; a shape of the target object; a material of the target object; a size of the target object; or a radar cross section of the target object.

[0058] A type of the target object may refer to whether the target object is connected to a base station or whether the target object is not connected to a base station.

[0059] The request may comprise at least one of a photo of the target object or a video of the target object; and the apparatus may comprise means for deriving the characteristics of the target object based on at least one of the photo of the target object or the video of the target object.

[0060] The subscription request may comprise at least one of: a target signature identifier of the target object; a location of the target object; an environment of the target object; a required sensing duration of the target object; a required sensing area of the target object; a required sensing accuracy of the target object; or an address of a target signature identifier repository.

[0061] The target signature identifier repository may be part of a core network.

[0062] The target signature identifier repository may not be part of a core network. For example, the target signature identifier repository may be part of an application function trusted or not trusted by a core network.

[0063] The apparatus may comprise: means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of the signal received from the target object based on at least one of: the location of the target object; the required sensing duration of the target object; the required sensing area of the target object; or the required sensing accuracy of the target object.

[0064] The apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, a location of the target object determined by the at least one transmitter or receiver based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object; or means for receiving, from a location management function, a location of the target object.

[0065] The apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal receiver from, the target object; and means for determining a location of the target object based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object. The apparatus may comprise at least one of: means for storing the target signature identifier of the target object with at least a target object identifier of the target object or the location of the target object; or means for transmitting, to a target signature identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object and at least one of a target object identifier of the target object or the location of the target object.

[0066] The target object identifier may be allocated by an object identity management function.

[0067] The object identity management function may be part of the core network.

[0068] The object identity management function may not be part of the core network. For example, the object identity management function may be part of an application function trusted or not trusted by the core network.

[0069] Configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of the signal received from the target object may comprise configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to: transmit the signal toward the target object; receive the signal from the target object; and measure the signal reflected by the target object.

[0070] The apparatus may comprise: means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to determine measurements statistics based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object; and means for receiving, from at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements statistics.

[0071] The apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal received from the target object; and means for determining measurements statistics based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object. The measurements statistics may comprise at least one of: time domain measurements statistics; or frequency domain measurements statistics.

[0072] The time domain measurements statistics may comprise at least one of: a mean; a standard deviation; a mean cross rate; an energy; an autocorrelation; a kurtosis; a skewness; a min; a max; a median; a range; a quartile squared sum above a quartile; or an interquartile range.

[0073] The frequency domain measurements statistics may comprise at least one of: a frequency with highest fast Fourier transform value; a ratio between a frequency with first highest fast Fourier transform value and a frequency with second highest fast Fourier transform value; a mean; a standard deviation; all fast Fourier transform values; a sum and std in a frequency; a ratio between energy in a subband and energy in a whole band; energies at different frequencies; or a ratio between energies at different frequencies;

[0074] The sensing client may comprise a user equipment, a core network function or an application function.

[0075] The apparatus may comprise: means for determining an updated sensing area based on the location of the target object; means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from an object based on the update sensing area; means for determining a target signature identifier of the object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal received from the object; means for determining that the target signature identifier of the object does not match the signature identifier of the target object; and means for discarding the target signature identifier of the object.

[0076] The apparatus may comprise: means for determining an updated sensing area based on the location of the target object; means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received form an object based on the update sensing area; means for determining a target signature identifier of the object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal received from the object; and means for determining that the target signature identifier of the object matches the signature identifier of the target object.

[0077] The apparatus may comprise: means for determining an updated target signature identifier of the target object based on the target signature identifier of the object.

[0078] The apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal received from the object; means for determining a location of the object based on the measurements of the signal received from the object; and means for determining an updated location of the target object based on the location of the object.

[0079] The apparatus may comprise: means for storing the updated target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object; or means for transmitting, to the target signature identifier repository, the updated target signature identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object to cause the target signature identifier repository to store the updated target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object.

[0080] The apparatus may comprise: means for storing the target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object; or means for transmitting, to the target signature identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object to cause the target signature identifier repository to store the target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object. The target object identifier of the target object may be obtained by the apparatus or the target signature identifier repository from an object identifier management function.

[0081] The apparatus may comprise: means for transmitting, to the sensing client, a message indicating that the target object has been detected.

[0082] The message may comprise at least one of the target object identifier; the updated location of the target object, a trajectory of the target object, a time of detection of the target object, characteristics of the target object or characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0083] The apparatus may be a core network function.

[0084] The core network function may be a sensing management function.

[0085] The apparatus may comprise: means for receiving, from the sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to the service related to the target object, wherein the subscription request indicates a target object identifier of the target object; means for transmitting, to a target object identifier repository, a request to receive the target signature identifier of the target object; wherein the request comprises the target object identifier of the target object; and means for receiving, from the target object identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object.

[0086] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

[0087] According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to perform: receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

[0088] According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to perform: receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

[0089] According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0090] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

[0091] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the aspects described above.

[0092] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

[0093] List of abbreviations

[0094] AF: Application Function

[0095] Al: Artificial Intelligence

[0096] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function

[0097] API: Application Programming Interface

[0098] ALISF: Authentication Server Function

[0099] BS: Base Station

[0100] CU: Centralized Unit

[0101] DC: Direct Current

[0102] DL: Downlink

[0103] DU: Distributed Unit

[0104] DN: Data Network

[0105] FFT: Fast Fourier Transform gNB: gNodeB

[0106] GSM: Global System for Mobile communication

[0107] HSS: Home Subscriber Server

[0108] IE: Information Element loT : Internet of Things

[0109] LMF: Location Management Function

[0110] LPP: Location Positioning Protocol

[0111] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0112] MAC: Medium Access Control

[0113] ML: Machine Learning

[0114] MS : Mobile Station MTC : Machine Type Communication

[0115] NAS: Non-Access Stratum

[0116] NEF: Network Exposure Function

[0117] NF: Network Function

[0118] NR: New radio

[0119] NRF: Network Repository Function

[0120] NSSF: Network Slice Selection Function

[0121] OIMF: Object Identifier Management Function

[0122] PCF: Policy Control Function

[0123] PDU: Packet Data Unit

[0124] RAM: Random Access Memory

[0125] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0126] RCS: Radar Cross Section

[0127] ROM: Read Only Memory

[0128] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0129] SeMF: Session Management Function

[0130] TR: Technical Report

[0131] TS: Technical Specification

[0132] TSEF: Target Signature Elaboration Function

[0133] TSIR: Target Signature Identifier Repository

[0134] UDM: Unified Data Management

[0135] UE: User Equipment

[0136] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

[0137] 3GPP: 3rdGeneration Partnership Project

[0138] 5G: 5thGeneration

[0139] 5GC: 5G Core network

[0140] 5GS: 5G System

[0141] Brief Description of the Figures

[0142] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which: Fig. 1 a shows a schematic representation of an example of a communication system;

[0143] Fig. 1 b shows a schematic representation of another example of a communication system;

[0144] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a control apparatus;

[0145] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a user equipment;

[0146] Fig.4a shows a schematic representation of a monostatic mechanism to provide a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system;

[0147] Fig.4b shows a schematic representation of a bistatic mechanism to provide a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system;

[0148] Fig.4c shows a schematic representation of a multistatic mechanism to provide a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system;

[0149] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a deployment where a user A subscribes to a detection or tracking service and a user B does not subscribe to a detection or tracking service in a communication system.

[0150] Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b and Fig. 6c show a signalling diagram of a process for providing a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system;

[0151] Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b show a signalling diagram of another process for providing a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system;

[0152] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of an implementation wherein a sensing management function, an object identifier management function and a target signature identifier repository are part of a core network; Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of an implementation wherein a sensing management function is part of a core network and an object identifier management function and a target signature identifier repository are not part of a core network;

[0153] Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of a method for providing a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system performed by a sensing management function; and

[0154] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Fig. 10.

[0155] Detailed Description of the Figures

[0156] In the following certain embodiments are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communication via a wireless cellular system and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a wireless communication system, access systems thereof, and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Fig. 1 , Fig.2 and Fig.3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0157] FIG. 1a shows a schematic representation of a communication system, such as a 5G system (5GS). The 5GS may comprises a user equipment (UE), a radio access network (RAN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AF) and one or more data networks (DN).

[0158] The RAN may comprise one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit functions.

[0159] The 5GC may comprise an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (ALISF), a user data management (UDM), a user plane function (UPF), a network exposure function (NEF), a policy control function (PCF), a location management function (LMF), a sensing management function (SeMF), a target signature identifier repository (TSIR), a (target) object identifier management function (OIMF).

[0160] In this disclosure, the expressions “sensing management function” or “target signature elaboration function” may be used interchangeably.

[0161] The AF may be a trusted or non-trusted AF.

[0162] Fig. 1 b shows schematic representation of another example of a 5G system (5GS) wherein the TSIR and the OIMF are not part of the 5GC. For example, the TSIR and the OIMF are part of the AF.

[0163] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for controlling a function of the RAN, the 5GC, the AF or the DN as illustrated on Fig. 1 . The control apparatus may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211 a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 211 b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input / output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211 a and the ROM 211 b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may for example allow to perform one or more steps to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211 b. The control apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 200 controlling another function of the 5G RAN or the 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the RAN or the 5GC comprises a control apparatus 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the RAN or the 5GC may share a control apparatus.

[0164] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a UE 300, such as the UE illustrated on Fig. 1 . The UE 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smartphone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, a Cellular internet of things (CloT) device, a wearable device or any combinations of these or the like. The UE 300 may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on.

[0165] The UE 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Fig. 3 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0166] The UE 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301 , at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302b and the ROM 302a. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may for example allow to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302a.

[0167] The processor, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The device may optionally have a user interface such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the device. One or more aspect of this disclosure relates to providing a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system.

[0168] In this disclosure, detecting a target object may refer to discovering and identifying a target object.

[0169] In this disclosure, tracking a target object may refer to following the movements of a target object.

[0170] A target object may be a user (e.g. individual), an animal, a UE, a car (connected or not), a drone (connected or not), a robot, an unmanned aerial vehicle, an unmanned ground vehicle, an autonomous guided vehicle, an autonomous moving robot or another object in an environment wherein a communication system is deployed.

[0171] A target object may be connected to the RAN (i.e. the target object may be an active target object). For example, a target object may comprise a UE or a user may be associated with a UE. The user may be collocated with the UE, that is the user and the UE may be in the same location (e.g. the user may carry the UE or the user and the UE may be in the same room).

[0172] A target object may not be connected to the RAN (i.e. the target object may be a passive target object). For example, a target object may be a user not associated with any UE. The user may not be collocated with any UE (e.g. the user may not carry any UE).

[0173] Various techniques have been proposed to provide a detection or tracking service in a communication system.

[0174] Fig.4a shows a schematic representation of a monostatic mechanism to provide a detection or tracking service in a communication system. In an example, a transmitter and a receiver may be collocated in a BS. The BS may transmit a signal. The BS may perform measurements of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The BS may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal.

[0175] In this disclosure, the terms “signal”, “sensing signal” or “communication signal” may be used interchangeably.

[0176] In another example, a transmitter and a receiver may be collocated in a UE. The UE may transmit a signal. The UE may perform measurement of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The UE may transmit, to the BS, the measurements of the signal. The BS may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal.

[0177] It will be understood that a monostatic mechanism may not necessarily be implemented with a BS or a UE. A monostatic mechanism may be implemented with any device comprising a transmitter and a receiver.

[0178] Fig.4b shows a schematic representation of a bistatic mechanism to provide a detection or tracking service in a communication system.

[0179] In an example, a transmitter may be located in a UE and a receiver may be located in a BS. The UE may transmit a signal. The BS may perform measurements of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The BS may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal.

[0180] In another example, a transmitter may be located in a BS and a receiver may be located in a UE. The BS may transmit a signal. The UE may perform measurements of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The UE may transmit, to the BS, the measurements of the signal. The BS may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal.

[0181] It will be understood that a bistatic mechanism may not necessarily be implemented with a BS or a UE. A bistatic mechanism may be implemented with any device comprising a transmitter or a receiver.

[0182] Fig.4c shows a schematic representation of a multistatic mechanism to provide a detection or tracking service in a communication system.

[0183] In an example, transmitters may be located in a UE1 and a UE2 and receivers may be located in a BS1 and a BS2. The UE1 may transmit a signal. The BS1 may perform measurements of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The BS1 may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal.

[0184] The UE2 may transmit a signal. The BS2 may perform measurements of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The BS2 may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal.

[0185] In another example, transmitters may be located in a BS1 and a BS2 and receivers may be located in a UE1 and a UE2. The BS1 may transmit a signal. The UE1 may perform measurements of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The UE1 may transmit, to the BS1 , the measurements of the signal. The BS1 may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal. The BS2 may transmit a signal. The UE2 may perform measurements of the signal reflected by a target object (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time). The UE2 may transmit, to the BS2, the measurements of the signal. The BS2 may determine a range, a velocity or an angle of the target object based the measurements of the signal.

[0186] It will be understood that a multistatic mechanism may not necessarily be implemented with BSs or UEs. A multistatic mechanism may be implemented with any device comprising a transmitter or a receiver.

[0187] One or more aspect of this disclosure relates to providing a detection or tracking service in a communication system wherein a user may give consent or not give consent to take part in the detection or tracking service.

[0188] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a deployment comprising a user A carrying a user equipment and a user B not carrying a user equipment. The user A and the user B may be located in a house.

[0189] The user A may carry a UE. The user A may use the UE to subscribe to a detection or tracking service. That is, the user A may use the UE to give consent to the SeMF to determine and use a target signature identifier (TSI) of the user A to detect or track the user A.

[0190] In this disclosure, the expression “target signature identifier”, “target signature” or “target signature identifier pattern” may be used interchangeably.

[0191] The user B may not carry a UE. The user B may not subscribe to the detection or tracking service. That is, the user B may not give consent to the SeMF to determine and use a target signature identifier (TSI) of the user B to detect or track the user B.

[0192] Here, the detection or tracking service may be used to alert a third party in the event the user A slips or falls down. A SeMF may be configured to detect or track the user A and the user B based on measurements of a signal received from the user A and the user B.

[0193] The SeMF may be configured to transmit, to an application server, the results of the detection or tracking of the user A for storing and processing, because the user A subscribes to the detection or tracking service.

[0194] The SeMF may be configured to discard the results of the detection or tracking of the user B, because the user B does not subscribe to the detection or tracking service.

[0195] Fig. 6a, Fig. 6b and Fig. 6c show a signalling diagram of a process for providing a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system.

[0196] At step 1 , a sensing client may transmit, to a SeMF, a subscription request to subscribe to a detection or tracking service related to a target object. The sensing client may be a UE, a network function, a trusted AF or a non-trusted AF trusted. The UE may be triggered to transmit the subscription request by an individual or by an Al application (e.g. chatGPT or large language model)

[0197] The subscription request may indicate that the sensing client gives consent for the SeMF to determine and use a TSI of the target object to detect or track the target object.

[0198] The request may indicate characteristics of the target object. The characteristics of the target object may comprise one or more of a type of the target object (i.e. connected or not connected), a shape of the target object, a material of the target object, a size of the target object or a radar cross section (RCS) of the target object.

[0199] In this disclosure the expressions “radar cross section”, “radar cross section diagram” or “radar image" may be used interchangeably. The request may comprise the characteristics of the target object or may comprise information (e.g. a photo of the target object or a video of the target object) to derive the characteristics of the target object.

[0200] The request may comprise a target signature identifier of the target object.

[0201] The request may comprise a location of the target object. The location of the target object may be an absolute location of the target object or a relative location of the target object (e.g. if the target object is collocated with a UE then the request may comprise a location of the UE relative to the user).

[0202] The request may comprise characteristics of an environment of the target object. The characteristics of environment of the target object may comprise whether the environment of the target object is a rural environment, an urban environment, a factory environment, a home environment or a car park environment.

[0203] The request may comprise a required sensing duration of the target object.

[0204] The request may comprise a required sensing area of the target object. The required sensing area of the target object may comprise one or more of a BS identifier, a cell identifier, a tracking area or global positioning system coordinates.

[0205] The request may comprise, a required sensing accuracy of the target object.

[0206] The request may comprise an address of the TSIR.

[0207] The request may comprise an address of the OIMF.

[0208] It will be understood that the subscription request does not necessarily relate to a single target object. The subscription request may relate to a plurality of target objects. At step 2, the SeMF may determine a sensing configuration based on the subscription request.

[0209] The SeMF may determine which sensing mechanism(s) to use amongst the monostatic mechanism, the bistatic mechanism or the multistatic mechanism.

[0210] The SeMF may determine which BS(s) or UE(s) should be used to implement the sensing mechanism. In the event that the target object is collocated with a UE, the UE and / or the BS connected to the UE may be used to implement the sensing mechanism.

[0211] The SeMF may determine how long the sensing mechanism should be implemented.

[0212] The SeMF may determine which measurements (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time) should be collected. The measurements may comprise time domain measurements or frequency domain measurements.

[0213] The SeMF may determine which measurements statistics should be computed based on the measurements. Measurements statistics may comprise time domain measurements statistics or frequency domain measurements statistics as illustrated in the table below.

[0214] Time domain measurements may refer to measurements in a period of time. Time domain measurement may for example comprise CSI measurements (amplitude or phase) during the period of time. Time domain measurements statistics may for example be an average amplitude or phase during the period of time.

[0215] Frequency domain measurements may be obtained by performing FFT on the time domain measurements. Frequency domain measurements statistics may comprise an average power spectrum density, a maximum peak, a minimum peak or a sum of peak It will be understood that the time domain measurements statistics or the frequency domain statistics may be inputs to an Al or ML model used to determine a TSI as explained below. For example, the SeMF may determine to use two monostatic mechanisms. The SeMF may configure a BS1 and a BS2 to collect measurements of a signal transmitted by the BS1 and the BS2 to a UE1 and a UE 2 and reflected by the target object. At step 3, the SeMF may transmit, to the BS1 and the BS2, the sensing configuration.

[0216] At step 4a, the BS1 may transmit a signal to the UE1 .

[0217] At step 4b, the BS2 may transmit a signal to the UE2.

[0218] At step 5a, the BS1 may receive the signal transmitted to the UE1 and reflected by the target object.

[0219] At step 5b, the BS2 may receive the signal transmitted to the UE2 and reflected by the target object.

[0220] At step 6, the BS1 may collect first measurements of the signal transmitted to the UE1 and reflected by the target object. The BS1 may compute first measurements statistics based on the first measurements. The BS1 may transmit, to the SeMF, the first measurements statistics. Alternatively, the BS1 may transmit the first measurements to the SeMF and the SeMF may compute the first measurements statistics based on the first measurements.

[0221] Likewise, the BS2 may collect second measurements of the signal transmitted to the UE2 and reflected by the target object. The BS2 may compute second measurements statistics based on the second measurements. The BS2 may transmit, to the SeMF, the second measurements statistics. Alternatively, the BS2 may transmit the second measurement to the SeMF and the SeMF may computes the second measurements statistics based on the second measurements.

[0222] At step 7, the SeMF may determine the TSI of the target object based on one or more of the first measurements statistics received at step 6, the second measurements statistics received at step 6, the characteristics of the target object indicated in the subscription request received at step 1 or the characteristics of the environment of the target object indicated in the subscription request received at step 1 .

[0223] The SeMF may further determine the TSI of the target object based on the TSI of the target object comprised in the subscription request.

[0224] It will be understood that the first measurements statistics may depend on the first measurements, which may be dependent on measurements of the RCS of the target object and measurements of the channel state information between the target object and the BS1. The measurements of the RCS of the target object may depend on the frequency, the power or the incident angle of the signal transmitted by the BS1 .

[0225] Likewise, the second measurements statistics may depend on the second measurements, which may dependent on measurements of the RCS of the target object and measurements of the channel state information between the target object and the BS2. The measurements of the RCS of the target object may depend on the frequency, the power or the incident angle of the signal transmitted by the BS2.

[0226] By using both the BS1 and the BS2 the impact of the frequency, the power or the incident angle of the signal transmitted by the BS1 and the impact of the frequency, the power or the incident angle of the signal transmitted by the BS2 on the determination of the TSI may be minimized and the accuracy of the TSI may be increased.

[0227] By using the characteristics of the target object indicated in the subscription request received at step 1 , the impact of the frequency, the power or the incident angle of the signal transmitted by the BS1 and the impact of the frequency, the power or the incident angle of the signal transmitted by the BS2 on the determination of the TSI may be further minimized and the accuracy of the TSI may be further increased.

[0228] The SeMF may determine the TSI using an artificial intelligence (Al) or machine learning (ML) model. The Al or ML model may comprise a neural network with a plurality of nodes or neurons. Each neuron may include at least one input and weight.

[0229] Additionally, the SeMF may determine updated characteristics of the target object based on one or more of the first measurements received at step 6, the second measurements received at step 6 or the characteristics of the target object indicated in the request received at step 1 .

[0230] Additionally, the SeMF may determine updated characteristics of the environment of the target object based on one or more of the first measurements received at step 6, the second measurements received at step 6 or the characteristics of the environment target object indicated in the request received at step 1 .

[0231] It will be understood that step 4a, step 4b, step 5a, step 5b, step 6 or step 7 may be performed repeatedly (e.g. periodically) and as a result the accuracy of the TSI may be further increased.

[0232] At step 8 (if the location of the target object has been received in the subscription request at step 1 ), the SeMF may obtain a target object identifier of the target object from the OIMF. The target object identifier of the target object may for example be a string of character or an integer. The SeMF may store (i.e. register) the TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the updated characteristics of the environment target object.

[0233] Alternatively, the SeMF may not obtain a target object identifier of the target object from the OIMF. The SeMF may store (i.e. register) the TSI of the target object associated with one of more of the location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the updated characteristics of the environment of the target object. The SeMF may transmit, to the TSIR, the TSI of the target object associated with one or more of the location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the updated characteristics of the environment of the target object. The TSIR may obtain a target object identifier of the target object from the OIMF. The TSIR may store (i.e. register) the TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the updated characteristics of the environment target object.

[0234] The TSIR may store the target object identifier of the target object to the SeMF so that the TSI of the target object can be anonymised at the SeMF.

[0235] At step 9 (if the location of the target object has not been received in the subscription request at step 1 ), the SeMF may determine the location of the target object based on one or more of the first measurements or the second measurements received at step 6. Alternatively, if the target object is collocated with a UE, the SeMF may receive the location of the target object from the LMF. In that case the SeMF may directly send the request to the LMF or via the AMF.

[0236] The SeMF may obtain a target object identifier of the target object from the OIMF. The SeMF may store (i.e. register) the TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the updated characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0237] At step 10, the SeMF may transmit, to the TSIR, the TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the updated characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0238] At step 11 , the SeMF may determine an updated sensing area of the target object based on one or more of the location of the target object received in the subscription request at step 1 , the location of the target object determined or received at step 9 or the sensing area of the target object received in the subscription request at step 1. The updated sensing area of the target object may be identical to the sensing area of the target object received in the subscription request at step 1 or different from the sensing area of the target object received in the subscription request at step 1 .

[0239] The updated sensing area of the target may be the SeMF coverage area or may be smaller than the SeMF coverage area (which is not efficient from a sensing and computational resources point of view).

[0240] At step 12, the SeMF may determine an updated sensing configuration based on the updated sensing area.

[0241] The SeMF may determine which sensing mechanism(s) to use amongst the monostatic mechanism, the bistatic mechanism or the multistatic mechanism.

[0242] The SeMF may determine which BS(s) or UE(s) should be used to implement the sensing mechanism. In the event that the target object is collocated with a UE, the UE and / or the BS connected to the UE may be used to implement the sensing mechanism.

[0243] The SeMF may determine how long the sensing mechanism should be implemented.

[0244] The SeMF may determine which measurements (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time) should be collected.

[0245] The SeMF may determine which measurements statistics should be computed based on the measurements.

[0246] At step 13, the SeMF may transmit, to the BS1 and the BS2, the updated sensing configuration. At step 14, the BS1 may transmit a signal to the UE1. The BS2 may transmit a signal to the UE2. The BS1 may receive the signal transmitted to the UE1 and reflected by the target object. The BS2 may receive the signal transmitted to the UE2 and reflected by the target object.

[0247] The BS1 may collect first measurements of the signal transmitted to the UE1 and reflected by the target object. The BS1 may compute first measurements statistics based on the measurements. The BS1 may transmit, to the SeMF, the first measurements statistics.

[0248] Alternatively, the BS1 may transmit the first measurement of the signal transmitted to the UE1 and reflected by the target object and the SeMF may compute first measurements statistics based on the first measurements.

[0249] Likewise, the BS2 may collect second measurements of the signal transmitted to the UE2 and reflected by the target object. The BS2 may compute second measurements statistics based on the second measurements. The BS1 may transmit, to the SeMF, the second measurements statistics. Alternatively, the BS2 may transmit the second measurement of the signal transmitted to the UE2 and reflected by the target object and the SeMF computes the second measurements statistics based on the second measurements.

[0250] At step 15, the SeMF may determine a TSI of an object discovered in the updated sensing area based on one or more of the first measurements statistics received at step 14, the second measurements statistics received at step 14, the updated characteristics of the target object determined at step 7 or the updated characteristics of the environment of the target object determined at step 7.

[0251] Additionally, the SeMF may determine characteristics of the object based on one or more of the first measurements received at step 14 or the second measurements received at step 14. Additionally, the SeMF may determine characteristics of the environment of the object based on one or more of the first measurements received at step 6 or the second measurements received at step 6.

[0252] The SeMF may compare the TSI of the object with the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF.

[0253] If the SeMF determines a match between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF (e.g. difference between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF below a threshold), the SeMF may determine that the object is the target object.

[0254] If the SeMF does not determine a match between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF (e.g. difference ween the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF above a threshold), the SeMF may determine that the object is not the target object. The SeMF may discard the TSI of the object.

[0255] Alternatively, the SeMF may transmit the TSI of the object to the TSIR. The TSIR may compare the TSI of the object with the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the TSIR.

[0256] If the TSIR determines a match between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the TSIR (e.g. difference ween the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the TSIR below a threshold), the TSIR may determine that the object is the target object. The TSIR may notify the SeMF the object is the target object.

[0257] If the TSIR does not determine a match between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the TSIR (e.g. difference ween the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the TSIR above a threshold), the TSIR may determine that the object is not the target object. The TSIR may notify the SeMF that the object is not the target object. The SeMF may discard the TSI of the object.

[0258] At step 16, the SeMF may determine that at least one condition is met to update the TSI of the target object.

[0259] The at least one condition may comprise that the sensing area used to determine the sensing configuration at step 2 is different from the updated sensing area using to determine the sensing configuration at step 12.

[0260] The at least one condition may comprise that the sensing area used to determine the sensing configuration at step 2 comprises less BSs or UEs than the updated sensing area using to determine the sensing configuration at step 12.

[0261] The at least one condition may comprise that the measurements or the measurements statistics received at step 6 is less accurate than the measurements or the measurements statistics received at step 14.

[0262] The SeMF may determine an updated TSI of the target object based on the TSI of the object (e.g. the TSI of the object may replace the TSI of the target object).

[0263] Additionally, the SeMF may determine updated characteristics of the target object based on one or more of the characteristics of the object determined at step 15 or the characteristics of the target object received at step 1 (e.g. the characteristics of the object determined at step 15 may supplement or replace characteristics of the target object received at step 1 ).

[0264] Additionally, the SeMF may updated characteristics of the environment of the target object based on one or more of the characteristics of the environment of the object determined at step 15 or the characteristics of the environment of the target object received at step 1 (e.g. the characteristics of the environment of the object determined at step 15 may supplement or replace the characteristics of the environment of the target object received at step 1 ).

[0265] At step 17, the SeMF may determine an updated location of the target object based on one or more of the first measurements received at step 14 or the second measurements received at step 14. Alternatively, if the target object is collocated with a UE, the SeMF may receive the updated location of the target object from the LMF.

[0266] The SeMF may determine a trajectory of the target object based on one or more of the location of the target object received in the subscription request at step 1 , the location of the target object determined or received at step 9 or the updated location of the target object determined or received at step 17.

[0267] At step 18, the SeMF may transmit, to the TSIR, the updated TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the updated location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the updated characteristics of the target object. The TSIF may store (i.e. register) the updated TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the updated location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object or the characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0268] Alternatively, the SeMF may store (i.e. register) the updated TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the updated location of the target object, the updated characteristics of the target object and the updated characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0269] At step 19, the SeMF may transmit, to the sensing client, a response. The response may indicate one or more of the target object identifier of the target object, the updated location of the target object, a trajectory of the target object, a time of detection of the target object, updated characteristics of the target object or updated characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0270] It will be understood that steps 11 to 19 may be repeated (e.g. periodically) during the sensing duration of the target object received in the subscription request at step 1.

[0271] It will be understood that a non access stratum (NAS) or radio resource control (RRC) protocols may be used for interactions between the sensing client and the SeMF when the sensing client is a UE. Indirect interactions via NEF may be used when the sensing client is a non-trusted AF. Direct interactions may be used when the sensing client is a trusted AF or another NF.

[0272] Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b show a signalling diagram of another process for providing a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system.

[0273] At step 1 , the sensing client may transmit, to the SeMF, a subscription request to subscribe to a detection or tracking service related to a target object.

[0274] The subscription request may indicate that the sensing client gives consent for the SeMF to determine and use the TSI of the target object to detect or track the target object.

[0275] The request may indicate a target object identifier of the target object.

[0276] The request may comprise a required sensing duration of the target object.

[0277] The request may comprise a required sensing area of the target object. The required sensing area of the target object may comprise one or more of a BS identifier, a cell identifier, a tracking area or global positioning system coordinates.

[0278] The request may comprise, a required sensing accuracy of the target object. The request may comprise an address of the TSIR.

[0279] It will be understood that the subscription request does not necessarily relate to a single target object. The subscription request may relate to a plurality of target objects.

[0280] At step 2, the SeMF may verify that the sensing client is authorized to subscribe to the detection or tracking service.

[0281] At step 3, the SeMF may transmit, to the TSIR, a request to receive a TSI of the target object. The request may comprise the target object identifier of the target object.

[0282] At step 4, the SeMF may receive, from the TSIR, a response comprising the TSI of the target object. The response may further comprise one or more of a location of the target object, characteristics of the target object or characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0283] The SeMF may store (i.e. register) the TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the location of the target object, the characteristics of the target object or the characteristics of the environment of the target object

[0284] At step 5, the SeMF may determine a sensing configuration based on the response.

[0285] The SeMF may determine which sensing mechanism(s) to use amongst the monostatic mechanism, the bistatic mechanism or the multistatic mechanism.

[0286] The SeMF may determine which BS(s) or UE(s) should be used to implement the sensing mechanism. In the event that the target object is collocated with a UE, the UE and / or the BS connected to the UE may be used to implement the sensing mechanism.

[0287] The SeMF may determine how long the sensing mechanism should be implemented.

[0288] The SeMF may determine which measurements (e.g. strength, phase, angle of arrival, variation of strength over time or variation of phase over time) should be collected.

[0289] The SeMF may determine which measurements statistics should be computed based on the measurements.

[0290] For example, the SeMF may determine to use two monostatic mechanisms. The SeMF may configure a BS1 and a BS2 to collect measurements of a signal transmitted by the BS1 and the BS2 to a UE1 and a UE 2 and reflected by the target object.

[0291] At step 6, the SeMF may transmit, to the BS1 and the BS2, the sensing configuration.

[0292] At step 7, the BS1 may transmit a signal to the UE1 . The BS2 may transmit a signal to the UE2. The BS1 may receive the signal transmitted to the UE1 and reflected by the target object. The BS2 may receive the signal transmitted to the UE2 and reflected by the target object.

[0293] The BS1 may collect first measurements of the signal transmitted to the UE1 and reflected by the target object. The BS1 may compute first measurements statistics based on the first measurements. The BS1 may transmit, to the SeMF, the first measurements statistics. Alternatively, the BS1 may transmit the first measurement to the SeMF and the SeMF may compute the first measurements statistics based on the first measurements. Likewise, the BS2 may collect second measurements of the signal transmitted to the UE2 and reflected by the target object. The BS2 may compute second measurements statistics based on the second measurements. The BS1 may transmit, to the SeMF, the second measurements statistics. Alternatively, the BS2 may transmit the second measurement to the SeMF and the SeMF may computes the second measurements statistics based on the second measurements.

[0294] At step 9, the SeMF may determine a TSI of an object discovered in the updated sensing area based on one or more of the first measurements statistics received at step 9, the second measurements statistics received at step 9, the characteristics of the target object received at step 4 or the characteristics of the environment of the target object received at step 4.

[0295] Additionally, the SeMF may determine characteristics of the object based on one or more of the first measurements received at step 9 or the second measurements received at step 9.

[0296] Additionally, the SeMF may determine characteristics of the environment of the target object based on one or more of the first measurements received at step 9 or the second measurements received at step 9.

[0297] The SeMF may compare the TSI of the object with the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF.

[0298] If the SeMF determines a match between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF (e.g. difference between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF below a threshold), the SeMF may determine that the object is the target object.

[0299] If the SeMF does not determine a match between the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF (e.g. difference ween the TSI of the object and the TSI of the target object stored (i.e. registered) at the SeMF above a threshold), the SeMF may determine that the object is not the target object.

[0300] The SeMF may discard the TSI of the object.

[0301] At step 10, the SeMF may determine an updated TSI of the target object based on the TSI of the object (e.g. the TSI of the object may replace the TSI of the target object).

[0302] Additionally, the SeMF may determine updated characteristics of the target object based on one or more of the characteristics of the target object received at step 4 or the characteristics of the object determined at step 9 (e.g. the characteristics of the object determined at step 9 may supplement or replace the characteristics of the target object received at step 4).

[0303] Additionally, the SeMF may determine updated characteristics of the environment of the target object based on one or more of the characteristics of the environment of the target object received at step 4 or the characteristics of the environment of the object determined at step 9 (e.g. the characteristics of the environment of the object determined at step 9 may supplement or replace the characteristics of the environment of the target object received at step 4).

[0304] At step 11 , the SeMF may determine an updated location of the target object based on the first measurements received at step 7 or the second measurements received at step 7. Alternatively, if the target object is collocated with a UE, the SeMF may receive the updated location of the target object from the LMF.

[0305] The SeMF may determine a trajectory of the target object based on one or more of the location of the target object received in the response at step 4 or the location of the target object determined or received at step 11 .

[0306] At step 12, the SeMF may transmit, to the TSIR, the updated TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the updated location of the target object, the characteristics of the target object and the characteristics of the environment of the target object. The TSIF may store (i.e. register) the updated TSI of the target object associated with the target object identifier of the target object and one or more of the updated location of the target object, the characteristics of the target object and the characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0307] At step 19, the SeMF may transmit, to the sensing client, a response. The response may indicate one or more of the target object identifier of the target object, the updated location of the target object, a trajectory of the target object, a time of detection of the target object, updated characteristics of the target object or updated characteristics of the environment of the target object.

[0308] It will be understood that steps 5 to 13 may be repeated (e.g. periodically) during the sensing duration of the target object received in the subscription request at step 1.

[0309] It will be understood that the procedure of Fig. 6 and the procedure of Fig.7 may be performed separately or may performed in combination (e.g. the procedure of Fig.7 is performed after the procedure of Fig.6)

[0310] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of an implementation wherein the SeMF, the OIMF and the TSIR are part of the 5GC.

[0311] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of an implementation wherein the SeMF is part of the 5GC and the OIMF and the TSIR are not part of the 5GC.

[0312] Fig. 10 shows a block diagram of a method for providing a detection or tracking service related to a target object in a communication system performed by the SeMF.

[0313] At step 1000, the SeMF may receive, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object. At step 1002, the SeMF may configure at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object.

[0314] At step 1004, the SeMF may determine a TSI of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

[0315] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1100 storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of Fig. 10.

[0316] It is noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0317] It will be understood that although the above concepts have been discussed in the context of a 5GS, one or more of these concepts may be applied to other cellular systems.

[0318] The embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof. The embodiments may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures, e.g., as in Fig. 10, may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD.

[0319] The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as nonlimiting examples.

[0320] Alternatively or additionally some embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and / or method steps previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and / or in the communications device.

[0321] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0322] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and / or digital circuitry);

[0323] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as:

[0324] (i) a combination of analogue and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and

[0325] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0326] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device.

[0327] The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An apparatus comprising: means for receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; means for configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and means for determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the service is a detection or tracking service.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the target object is connected to a base station.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the target object is a user equipment or is collocated with a user equipment.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the request indicates that the sensing client gives consent to determine and store the target signature identifier of the target object.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the target object is not connected to a base station.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the characteristics of the target object includes at least one of: a type of the target object; a shape of the target object; a material of the target object;a size of the target object; or a radar cross section of the target object.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the request comprises at least one of a photo of the target object or a video of the target object; and wherein the apparatus comprises means for deriving the characteristics of the target object based on at least one of the photo of the target object or the video of the target object.

9. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the subscription request comprises at least one of: a target signature identifier of the target object; a location of the target object; an environment of the target object; a required sensing duration of the target object; a required sensing area of the target object; a required sensing accuracy of the target object; or an address of a target signature identifier repository.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of the signal received from the target object based on at least one of: the location of the target object; the required sensing duration of the target object; the required sensing area of the target object; or the required sensing accuracy of the target object.11 . The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, a location of the target object determined by the at least one transmitter or receiver based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object; ormeans for receiving, from a location management function, a location of the target object.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal receiver from, the target object; and means for determining a location of the target object based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object.

13. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one of: means for storing the target signature identifier of the target object with at least a target object identifier of the target object or the location of the target object; or means for transmitting, to a target signature identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object and at least one of a target object identifier of the target object or the location of the target object.

14. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to determine measurements statistics based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object; and means for receiving, from at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements statistics.

15. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal received from the target object; and means for determining measurements statistics based on the measurements of the signal received from the target object.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the measurements statistics comprises at least one of: time domain measurements statistics; or frequency domain measurements statistics.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the time domain measurements statistics comprises at least one of: a mean; a standard deviation; a mean cross rate; an energy; an autocorrelation; a kurtosis; a skewness; a min; a max; a median; a range; a quartile squared sum above a quartile; or an interquartile range.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the frequency domain measurements statistics comprises at least one of: a frequency with highest fast Fourier transform value; a ratio between a frequency with first highest fast Fourier transform value and a frequency with second highest fast Fourier transform value; a mean; a standard deviation; all fast Fourier transform values; a sum and std in a frequency; a ratio between energy in a sub-band and energy in a whole band; energies at different frequencies; ora ratio between energies at different frequencies;19. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the sensing client comprises a user equipment, a core network function or an application function.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for determining an updated sensing area based on the location of the target object; means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from an object based on the update sensing area; means for determining a target signature identifier of the object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal received from the object; means for determining that the target signature identifier of the object does not match the signature identifier of the target object; and means for discarding the target signature identifier of the object.21 . The apparatus of any of claims 11 to 19, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for determining an updated sensing area based on the location of the target object; means for configuring the at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received form an object based on the update sensing area; means for determining a target signature identifier of the object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal received from the object; and means for determining that the target signature identifier of the object matches the signature identifier of the target object.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the apparatus comprises: means for determining an updated target signature identifier of the target object based on the target signature identifier of the object.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the at least one transmitter or receiver, the measurements of the signal received from the object; means for determining a location of the object based on the measurements of the signal received from the object; and means for determining an updated location of the target object based on the location of the object.

24. The apparatus of any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for storing the updated target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object; or means for transmitting, to the target signature identifier repository, the updated target signature identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object to cause the target signature identifier repository to store the updated target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for storing the target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object; or means for transmitting, to the target signature identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object to cause the target signature identifier repository to store the target signature identifier of the target object with a target object identifier of the target object and the updated location of the target object.

26. The apparatus of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the target object identifier of the target object is obtained by the apparatus or the target signature identifier repository from an object identifier management function.

27. The apparatus of any of claims 21 to 26, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for transmitting, to the sensing client, a message indicating that the target object has been detected.

28. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 27, wherein the apparatus is a core network function.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the core network function is a sensing management function.

30. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 29, wherein the apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to the service related to the target object, wherein the subscription request indicates a target object identifier of the target object; means for transmitting, to a target object identifier repository, a request to receive the target signature identifier of the target object; wherein the request comprises the target object identifier of the target object; and means for receiving, from the target object identifier repository, the target signature identifier of the target object.31 . A method comprising: receiving, from a sensing client, a subscription request to subscribe to a service related to a target object, wherein the subscription request indicates characteristics of the target object; configuring at least one transmitter or receiver to collect measurements of a signal received from the target object; and determining a target signature identifier of the target object based on the characteristics of the target object and the measurements of the signal.

32. A computer program product comprising instructions which when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform the method of claim 31 .

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