Communication system

Abstract

This communication system includes base stations adapted to a fifth-generation radio access system and communication terminals connected to the base stations. The communication system determines, from among at least some of the base stations and the communication terminals, a plurality of transmission nodes for transmitting sensing resources and a reception node for receiving the sensing resources, and performs sensing measurement as a result of the plurality of transmission nodes transmitting sensing resources and the reception node receiving one or more sensing resources reflected by a sensing target.

Description

communication systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-030543, filed on February 29, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] 3GPP TS36.300 V18.0.03GPP TS38.300 V18.0.0“Scenarios, requirements and KPIs for 5G mobile and wireless system”、ICT-317669-METIS / D1.13GPP TR23.799 V14.0.03GPP TR38.801 V14.0.03GPP TR38.802 V14.2.03GPP TR38.804 V14.0.03GPP TR38.912 V16.0.03GPP RP-1721153GPP TS23.501 V18.4.03GPP TS38.211 V18.1.03GPP TS38.212 V18.1.03GPP TS38.213 V18.1.03GPP TS38.214 V18.1.03GPP TS38.321 V18.0.03GPP TS38.322 V18.0.03GPP TS38.323 V18.0.03GPP TS37.324 V17.0.03GPP TS38.331 V18.0.03GPP TS38.401 V18.0.03GPP TS38.413 V18.0.03GPP TS37.340 V18.0.03GPP TS38.423 V18.0.03GPP TS38.305 V18.0.03GPP TS23.273 V18.4.03GPP TR23.703 V12.0.03GPP TS23.287 V18.2.03GPP TS23.303 V17.1.03GPP TS38.340 V18.0.03GPP TR22.837 V19.0.03GPP RWS-2302503GPP SWS-2300503GPP RWS-2302273GPP TS37.320 V18.0.0

[0056] In mobile communication systems, it has been proposed to detect targets by sensing in addition to communication with UEs (see Non-Patent Documents 30 and 31). Sensing targets include, for example, intruders, obstacles, rivers, and the atmosphere, which are not UEs (i.e., do not have UEs). Specific methods required for performing sensing in a mobile communication system to satisfy the required sensing performance have not been disclosed and are unclear. This can lead to problems such as the inability to perform sensing processing in the mobile communication system.

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

[0058] The communication system according to the present disclosure includes a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system and a communication terminal connected to the base station, and determines from at least one of the base station and the communication terminal a plurality of transmitting nodes that transmit sensing resources and a receiving node that receives the sensing resources, the plurality of transmitting nodes transmit the sensing resources, and the receiving node receives one or more sensing resources reflected from a sensing target and performs sensing measurements.

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

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

[0061] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a radio frame used in an NR communication system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an NR communication system 210 being discussed in 3GPP. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of DC by a base station connected to an NG core. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a mobile terminal 202 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a base station 213 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a 5GC unit. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an overview of the process from cell search to standby operation performed by a communication terminal (UE) in an NR communication system. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cell in an NR system. FIG. 9 is a connection configuration diagram showing an example of the connection configuration of a terminal in SL communication. FIG. 10 is a connection configuration diagram showing an example of the connection configuration of a base station that supports access / backhaul integration. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of sensing using a UE and a base station. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of sensing using multiple transmitting nodes for the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example sequence of sensing processing using multiple transmitting nodes for the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example sequence of sensing processing using a method of cooperation between multiple transmitting base stations for the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example sequence of sensing processing using a method of transmitting a sensing setting request between base stations for the first embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing using a method in which a representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting request to a receiving UE, for the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing using a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state, for the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing using a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state, for the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing using a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state, for the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a method in which a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state transmits sensing measurement results without transitioning to an RRC_CONNECTED state, for the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a method in which paging is used to transmit a sensing measurement result request to a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state, for the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing in which a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state can perform sensing measurement at a target base station, for the second embodiment.10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an architecture in which a UE performs sensing processing between a mobile communication network and a mobile communication network via non-3GPP and an N3IWF, for a fourth embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an architecture in which a UE performs sensing processing between a mobile communication network and a mobile communication network via non-3GPP and an N3IWF, for a fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an architecture in which a UE performs sensing processing between a mobile communication network and a mobile communication network via non-3GPP and a TNAN, for a fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of sensing using a UE and a base station. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of sensing processing in which a UE becomes a transmitting node and a base station becomes a receiving node, for a fifth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of sensing processing in which a UE becomes a transmitting node and a base station becomes a receiving node, for a fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating another example of a sequence of sensing processing in which a UE becomes a transmitting node and a base station becomes a receiving node, for a fifth embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of a sequence of sensing processing in which a UE becomes a transmitting node and a base station becomes a receiving node, for a fifth embodiment. A figure showing an example sequence of sensing processing in a first variant of the fifth embodiment when multiple UEs are transmitting nodes and a base station is a receiving node.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0129] It has been proposed to provide a function (which may be a node or an entity) that has the function of managing sensing (see Non-Patent Document 32). For example, this is called a sensing function (SF). However, Non-Patent Document 32 does not disclose specific sensing management, such as what to manage and how to manage it.

[0130] Sensing management includes, for example, management of sensing-related processes such as sensing requests, sensing settings, and sensing termination. The SF may also have the functionality of a sensing server. By providing a function with the functionality to manage sensing, it becomes possible to unify and manage the sensing process, thereby reducing the complexity of the sensing process.

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

[0132] In sensing using a mobile communication system, it has been proposed to sense a target using a UE or a base station (see Non-Patent Document 31). Fig. 11 is a conceptual diagram of sensing using a UE or a base station. Fig. 11 shows a case where the base station is the transmitting node of the resource used for sensing (sensing resource), and the UE is the receiving node of the sensing resource.

[0133] A node that transmits sensing resources may be simply referred to as a transmitting node. If the node that transmits sensing resources is a base station, it may be simply referred to as a transmitting base station. A node that receives sensing resources may be simply referred to as a receiving node. If the node that receives sensing resources is a UE, it may be simply referred to as a receiving UE.

[0134] The transmitting base station transmits sensing radio waves toward the target. The transmitting base station transmits resources used for sensing (sensing resources) on the sensing radio waves. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing resources using beams. The sensing resources may be resources on the frequency-time axis. For example, the sensing resources may be signals provided for sensing. For example, the sensing resources may be RSs transmitted on the frequency-time axis. For example, the sensing resources may be RSs provided for sensing, PRSs, CSI-RSs, SSBs (Synchronization Signal Blocks), SSs, MIBs, DM-RSs of MIBs, etc.

[0135] The transmitting base station determines a beam to be used for sensing. The transmitting base station may use a communication beam as a sensing beam. The communication beam is not limited to a beam that actually transmits data, but may also be a beam that the transmitting base station has set for the UE. For example, the base station may determine a sensing beam using a measurement result report from the UE of an RS corresponding to the communication beam. The transmitting base station may determine a sensing beam using, for example, a measurement result report of an SSB, CSI-RS, or PRS. The transmitting base station may use, for example, information about a receiving UE received from an SF to determine a beam to be used for sensing using a beam for communication with the receiving UE. For example, using information about a receiving UE received from an SF, a beam to be transmitted in the vicinity of the beam for communication with the receiving UE may be determined to be used for sensing.

[0136] The transmitting base station may select one of multiple communication beams as the sensing beam. This is effective when there are multiple receiving UEs and multiple beams to use for communication with the UEs. Using one beam for sensing can simplify the sensing process.

[0137] The transmitting base station transmits sensing resources using the determined sensing beam. The sensing resources may be, for example, RSs set for sensing. Alternatively, the sensing resources may be PRSs, CSI-RSs, SSBs, etc. The transmitting base station determines the sensing resources to be used for sensing.

[0138] The transmitting base station may transmit QCL information of the sensing resource to the UE to identify the beam. The QCL information can indicate which RS and Quasi-CoLocation the sensing resource is.

[0139] The transmitting base station performs sensing configuration including sensing resource information, QCL information, etc. In this way, it is possible to derive the sensing configuration used to detect the sensing target. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configuration to the SF.

[0140] The transmitting base station may sweep a beam. It may transmit multiple beams in different directions. It may perform beam sweeping using multiple beams. The transmitting base station may select multiple beams as sensing beams from multiple communication beams. The transmitting base station may determine beams to be used for sensing using multiple communication beams with the receiving UE, for example, using information about the receiving UE received from the SF. For example, a communication beam through which one receiving UE is communicating data and a beam in a nearby direction may be used as sensing beams. For example, the transmitting base station may use communication beams through which multiple receiving UEs are communicating data as sensing beams. The transmitting base station may sweep these multiple sensing beams. The transmitting base station may transmit sensing resources set for each beam using the determined multiple sensing beams. The transmitting base station may set sensing configurations including sensing resource information, QCL information, etc. for the multiple beams. In this way, it is possible to derive sensing configurations to be used to detect sensing targets. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing configurations to the SF.

[0141] It has been disclosed that the UE reports measurement results of a communication beam to a transmitting base station, and the transmitting base station uses the measurement results to determine a sensing beam. The UE may transmit measurement results of multiple paths for the same beam to the base station. The UE may transmit measurement results for each path to the base station. The UE may transmit measurement results of LOS (Line Of Sight) and / or NLOS (Non Line Of Sight) to the base station. The UE may transmit measurement results of LOS and NLOS for each path to the base station. The UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results for each path are LOS or NLOS. As another method, the UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results transmitted to the base station are NLOS or not, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating the probability or likelihood that the measurement results are NLOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating the probability or likelihood that the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating whether the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The UE may transmit information indicating the probability or likelihood that the measurement results are LOS, by including the information in the measurement results. The LOS may be a First Arriving Path (FAP), and the UE may estimate the FAP as the LOS.

[0142] The transmitting base station may select a beam having a non-linear path as a sensing beam. In sensing, the receiving UE may measure the non-linear path from the transmitting base station. The receiving UE can receive and measure reflected waves from the target.

[0143] A sensing configuration method is disclosed, in which the sensing configuration is shared between a transmitting node and a receiving node, for example, between a transmitting base station and one or more receiving UEs.

[0144] The SF transmits a sensing configuration request to the base station. Upon receiving the request, the base station performs sensing configuration. The base station transmits sensing configuration information to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing configuration information to one or more receiving UEs. The SF may transmit the sensing configuration information to one or more receiving UEs via the base station serving the receiving UEs. In this way, the receiving UE can obtain the sensing configuration. The sensing configuration can be shared between the transmitting base station and the receiving UE.

[0145] The transmitting base station may change the sensing setting and transmit the changed sensing setting to the SF. The SF transmits the changed sensing setting information to one or more receiving UEs. In this way, the receiving UEs can obtain the changed sensing setting. The transmitting base station and the receiving UEs can share the sensing setting.

[0146] The transmitting base station determines a sensing beam, and sensing setting information including sensing resources to be transmitted by the sensing beam is transmitted from the transmitting base station to the SF and then transmitted from the SF to the receiving UE. Even when the sensing beam is changed, the sensing setting information including sensing resources to be transmitted by the changed sensing beam is transmitted from the transmitting base station to the SF and then from the SF to the receiving UE.

[0147] The transmitting base station may manage the sensing beam (sensing beam management (BM)).

[0148] Sensing BM may be performed between the transmitting base station and a predetermined UE. The predetermined UE is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The SF may request the transmitting base station to perform sensing BM. Upon receiving the request, the SF may perform sensing BM between the transmitting base station and the predetermined UE. The predetermined UE is a UE that performs sensing BM. For example, it may be a sensing-related UE, which will be described later, a UE that corresponds to the target sensing service, or a UE that can obtain a predetermined reception quality.

[0149] The transmitting base station performs a sensing BM configuration for a specific UE. The sensing BM configuration may include a sensing resource set configuration and / or measurement configuration and / or reporting configuration consisting of one or more sensing resources used in the sensing BM. The specific UE performs measurements on the sensing resource set. The specific UE transmits the measurement results of the resource set to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station determines a sensing beam. The transmitting base station may use measurements of the sensing resource set received from the specific UE to determine the sensing beam. The sensing beam may be a beam within the sensing resource set. The transmitting base station may determine a receiving UE. The number of receiving UEs is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The transmitting base station may use measurements of the sensing resource set received from the specific UE to determine the receiving UE. The receiving UE may be determined from within the specific UE. The transmitting base station transmits information about the sensing beam to the receiving UE.

[0150] The receiving UE receives sensing resources transmitted by the sensing beam using the received information about the sensing beam and performs sensing measurement. The sensing measurement may use the sensing configuration received from the SF. The sensing configuration may include measurement configuration and reporting configuration for sensing.

[0151] When a single transmitting base station is used for sensing, as shown in Figure 11, sensing is performed using radio waves transmitted from one direction. However, sensing using radio waves transmitted from one direction has the problem that it is not possible to improve the accuracy of target sensing. A method for solving this problem is disclosed.

[0152] In sensing, multiple transmitting nodes are provided. Sensing is performed by sending out transmission radio waves from the multiple transmitting nodes. Sensing transmission radio waves are sent from the multiple transmitting nodes, and the reflections from the target are received by the receiving node to perform sensing measurements. The number of receiving nodes is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, the transmitting node may be a base station or a UE. A base station that is a transmitting node is referred to as a transmitting base station, and a UE that is a transmitting node is referred to as a transmitting UE. For example, a receiving node may be a base station or a UE. A base station that is a receiving node is referred to as a receiving base station, and a UE that is a receiving node is referred to as a receiving UE.

[0153] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of sensing using multiple transmitting nodes. In this example, multiple base stations act as transmitting nodes for sensing resources (sensing resources), and multiple UEs act as receiving nodes for the sensing resources. The multiple transmitting nodes may be, for example, base stations #1, #2, and #3, and the base stations transmit sensing resources. The multiple receiving nodes may be UE #1 and UE #2, and the UEs receive sensing resources reflected by targets. One receiving node receives sensing resources from one or multiple transmitting nodes. For example, UE #1 and UE #2 may both receive sensing resources from base stations #1, #2, and #3. For example, UE #1 may receive sensing resources from base stations #1 and #2, and UE #2 may receive sensing resources from base stations #1 and #3. For example, UE #1 may receive sensing resources from base stations #1 and #2, and UE #2 may receive sensing resources from base stations #1 and #3. For example, UE #1 may receive sensing resources from base station #1, and UE #2 may receive sensing resources from base station #2. For example, UE #1 may receive sensing resources from base station #1 and base station #2, and UE #2 may receive sensing resources from base station #3. In this way, it is possible to use multiple transmitting nodes for sensing.

[0154] A sensing processing method is disclosed. For example, the transmitting node is a base station and the receiving node is a UE. Each transmitting base station performs sensing configuration. Each transmitting base station transmits sensing configuration information to the SF. The SF collects sensing configuration information from multiple base stations. The SF transmits the sensing configuration information of each transmitting base station to the receiving UE. The SF may request sensing configuration from multiple transmitting base stations. Each transmitting base station may perform sensing configuration in response to the sensing configuration request.

[0155] A method for combining transmitting base stations and receiving UEs is disclosed. All receiving UEs may receive sensing resources from all transmitting base stations. Alternatively, one or more receiving UEs may receive sensing resources from multiple transmitting base stations. One receiving UE may receive sensing resources from multiple transmitting base stations. One or more receiving UEs may receive sensing resources from one transmitting base station. The receiving UE may be a UE under the transmitting base station. The receiving UE may be a UE connected to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station may be a serving base station for the receiving UE. The receiving UE receives sensing resources from the serving base station. These methods may be combined. The combination of transmitting base stations and receiving UEs may be configurable. For example, the SF or the transmitting base station may determine the combination of transmitting base stations and receiving UEs. For example, another node may determine the combination of transmitting base stations and receiving UEs. Various combinations of transmitting base stations and receiving UEs that perform sensing can be configured. For example, by setting a combination appropriate for the sensing environment, sensing accuracy can be improved.

[0156] The transmitting base station may be a base station corresponding to the target sensing service. The transmitting base station may be a sensing-related base station. These base stations may be candidate transmitting base stations. The transmitting base station may be determined from among these base stations.

[0157] From the information about the sensing area, base stations present in the sensing area are derived. Base stations present near the sensing area, base stations capable of performing sensing processing, or base stations capable of transmitting sensing resources may be derived. The sensing area may be a predetermined area. It may also be within a predetermined distance. These base stations are called sensing-related base stations (sensing-related base stations). Information about a predetermined area may be used as information about the sensing area. One or more base stations may be derived. The sensing-related base stations may be derived as candidates for transmitting base stations.

[0158] The NW node may derive the sensing-associated base station. The NW node is a node in the mobile communication NW. The NW node may be, for example, an LMF. The LMF may derive the sensing-associated base station from information about the sensing area. The LMF recognizes the location information of the base station. Using the LMF makes it possible to identify the sensing-associated base station. The sensing-associated base station may be a base station that has location information of the base station within a specified time. The sensing-associated base station may be a base station that has the latest location information of the base station. Using a base station that has more recent location information of the base station enables more accurate sensing.

[0159] The SF may request another NW node to derive a sensing-associated base station. The SF transmits information about the sensing area to the NW node, and the NW node derives the sensing-associated base station using the information about the sensing area. The NW node transmits information about the derived sensing-associated base station to the SF. The information about the sensing-associated base station may be, for example, information that identifies the sensing-associated base station. The other NW node may be, for example, an LMF.

[0160] The receiving UE may be a UE corresponding to the target sensing service. The receiving UE may be a sensing-related UE. The receiving UE may be a UE from which a predetermined index value indicating reception quality, such as RSRP, RSRQ, SIR (Signal to Interference Ratio), or SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio), is obtained. The reception quality may be the reception quality of a sensing resource or the reception quality of a communication RS. These UEs may be candidate receiving UEs. The receiving UE may be determined from among these UEs.

[0161] UEs present in the sensing area are derived from information about the sensing area. UEs present in the vicinity of the sensing area, UEs capable of performing sensing processing, or UEs capable of receiving sensing resources may be derived. The sensing area may be a predetermined area. The sensing area may be within a predetermined distance from a predetermined position. These UEs are referred to as sensing-related UEs (sensing-related communication terminals). Information about the predetermined area may be used as information about the sensing area. One or more UEs may be derived. Sensing-related UEs may be derived as candidates for receiving UEs.

[0162] The NW node may derive the sensing-related UE. The NW node may be, for example, an LMF. The LMF may derive the sensing-related UE from information about the sensing area. The LMF recognizes the location information of the UE. By using the LMF, the sensing-related UE can be identified. The sensing-related UE may be a UE that has UE location information within a predetermined time period. The sensing-related UE may be a UE that has the latest UE location information. The sensing-related UE may be a UE that is currently performing location management or location measurement. Using a UE that has more recent UE location information enables more accurate sensing.

[0163] The SF may request another NW node to derive sensing-associated UEs. The SF transmits information about the sensing area to the other NW node, and the other NW node derives sensing-associated UEs using the information. The other NW node transmits the derived information about the sensing-associated UEs to the SF. The information about the sensing-associated UEs may be, for example, information that identifies the sensing-associated UEs. The other NW node may be, for example, an LMF.

[0164] The SF may transmit information about sensing-related UEs to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station may request information about sensing-related UEs from the SF. The SF may transmit information about sensing-related UEs received from the LMF to the transmitting base station.

[0165] The transmitting base station may request the LMF to derive sensing-associated UEs. The LMF may transmit information about sensing-associated UEs to the transmitting base station.

[0166] The SF may determine the transmitting base station. The SF may determine the receiving UE. By having the SF determine the transmitting base station and the receiving UE, it is possible to easily manage sensing. As an alternative method, the transmitting base station may determine the receiving UE. After the receiving UE is determined or changed, sensing measurement can be performed at the receiving UE soon after the determination or change. It is possible to reduce delays in the sensing process.

[0167] The base station may notify a NW node, such as an SF or an LMF, of information regarding the reception quality at the UE. The NW node may use the information to determine sensing-related UEs. The SF may use the information to determine receiving UEs. A receiving UE with good radio wave propagation conditions can be determined.

[0168] Four examples of information included in the sensing settings are disclosed below.

[0169] (1) Information about the configuration of sensing resources, (2) Information about the configuration of sensing measurements, (3) Information about reporting of sensing measurement results, and (4) A combination of (1) to (3).

[0170] Eight examples of information regarding the setting of sensing resources (1) are disclosed below.

[0171] (1-1) Information about resources used for sensing. (1-2) Allocation information of sensing resources. (1-3) Cycle and offset information of sensing resources. (1-4) Start time, end time, and sensing resource transmission period information of sensing resources. (1-5) Information about beams used for sensing. (1-6) QCL information of sensing resources. (1-7) Information about the power of sensing resources. (1-8) A combination of (1-1) to (1-7).

[0172] (1-1) may be, for example, information about the frequency used for sensing. For example, (1-1) may be information about the RS used for sensing. The information about the frequency used for sensing may be, for example, information about a frequency band, a frequency layer, a BWP, etc. A frequency band, a frequency layer, a BWP, etc. may be provided for sensing. These may be dedicated to sensing. By specifying the frequency used for sensing, it is possible to reduce the complexity of processing in nodes that perform sensing processing, such as UEs and base stations. The information about the RS used for sensing may be, for example, an RS, PRS, SSB, CSI-RS, etc. provided for sensing. The receiving UE can recognize what sensing resources it should receive.

[0173] (1-1) may be, for example, information about the code of a signal to be transmitted using a sensing resource for sensing, such as a sequence of an RS used for sensing, a comb value, or an orthogonal code.

[0174] (1-2) may be, for example, time-frequency information to which sensing resources are mapped. Examples of time information include symbols, slots, radio frames, etc. to which sensing resources are mapped. Alternatively, it may be time units such as seconds, hours, days, or years. Examples of frequency information include subcarriers, resource blocks, subbands, BWPs, carrier frequencies, and sensing frequency layers to which sensing resources are mapped.

[0175] (1-2) may be, for example, information about a resource element (RE) to which the sensing resource is mapped. Alternatively, the sensing resource may be hopped, and (1-2) may be, for example, information about a frequency hopping pattern in a predetermined time unit.

[0176] Sensing may be supported by the SCell (which may be a CC). Sensing may be supported by the SCG. Sensing may be supported by the PSCell. An SCell, SCG, or PSCell dedicated to sensing may be provided. For example, the complexity of sensing processing during communication can be reduced by performing communication using the PCell and sensing using the SCell.

[0177] The sensing resource allocation information of (1-2) may be information for identifying the SCell, SCG, or PSCell. The receiving UE can receive configuration information of the sensing resources in the SCell, SCG, or PSCell.

[0178] The sensing resource may be transmitted periodically. (1-3) may be the period and offset information of the periodically transmitted sensing resource.

[0179] (1-4) is information on the start time, end time, and transmission period for the sensing resource transmission. For example, the sensing resource is transmitted periodically during the transmission period. The unit of time may be a symbol, a slot, a radio frame, or a second, an hour, a day, a year, etc.

[0180] (1-5) is information about a sensing beam that transmits sensing resources. An identifier may be set for the sensing beam. The receiving UE can identify the sensing beam. For example, the identifier used for the communication beam may be the identifier used for the sensing beam. This can indicate the association with the communication beam, and the settings of the communication beam can be utilized.

[0181] (1-6) is information about a resource that has a QCL relationship with the sensing resource. For example, the sensing RS may be information about a communication RS that has a QCL relationship with the sensing resource. This can facilitate processing, for example, by using measurement results about communication resources that have a QCL relationship with the sensing resource as a substitute for measurement results about the sensing resource.

[0182] (1-7) is information about the transmission power of the sensing resource. For example, the transmission power information may be the absolute value of the transmission power. For example, the transmission information may be the difference between the sensing resource and another channel or another RS. The receiving UE can recognize the transmission power of the sensing resource. For example, the receiving UE may use the transmission power information to derive the path loss. The path loss may be used as a sensing measurement index.

[0183] Four examples of information regarding the sensing measurement settings (2) are disclosed below.

[0184] (2-1) Information about the sensing measurement gap. (2-2) Information about the sensing measurement window. (2-3) Information about the sensing measurement index. (2-4) A combination of (2-1) to (2-3).

[0185] A measurement gap may be provided for sensing. (2-1) is, for example, a sensing measurement gap period, a start time, an end time, etc. The unit of time may be a symbol, a slot, a radio frame, or a second, an hour, a day, a year, etc. The sensing measurement gap is not limited to one, and multiple sensing measurement gaps may be set. A sensing measurement gap is effective, for example, when sensing is performed at a frequency different from the communication frequency. The receiving UE can switch from the communication frequency to the sensing frequency during the gap, making it possible to perform sensing measurements.

[0186] A window may be set for sensing measurement. (2-2) is, for example, the duration, start time, and end time of the sensing window. The unit of time may be a symbol, slot, radio frame, or second, hour, day, year, etc. The sensing window is not limited to one, and multiple sensing windows may be set. The sensing window is effective, for example, when sensing is performed using a communication frequency. For example, the receiving UE may not need to receive communication channels or signals in the sensing window. The receiving UE can perform sensing measurement in the sensing window.

[0187] Ten examples of information regarding the sensing measurement indexes (2-3) are disclosed below.

[0188] (2-3-1) RSRP. (2-3-2) RSRQ. (2-3-3) Doppler frequency. (2-3-4) AOA. (2-3-5) AOD. (2-3-6) TDOA. (2-3-7) CIR. (2-3-8) PDP. (2-3-9) Sensing measurement time. (2-3-10) Combination of (2-3-1) to (2-3-9).

[0189] The receiver UE can be configured to determine which indicators to measure as sensing measurements. By receiving this information, the receiver UE can recognize which indicators to measure as sensing measurements.

[0190] Furthermore, the information about the sensing measurement configuration may include information about the sensing resource. For example, when multiple sensing resources are configured, it becomes possible to identify which sensing resource is to be measured.

[0191] The information on the sensing measurement configuration may include information on a measurement trigger. The information on the measurement trigger may be, for example, information indicating whether the timing of performing the sensing measurement is dynamic, periodic, or event-triggered. If the timing of performing the sensing measurement is dynamic, the receiving node may perform the sensing measurement when it receives a sensing request or an activation. The information on the sensing measurement configuration may be, for example, a predetermined period. The receiving node may perform the sensing measurement within a predetermined period after receiving the sensing request or activation.

[0192] If the timing of performing the sensing measurement is periodic, the receiving node may perform the sensing measurement periodically. The information related to the sensing measurement configuration may be information such as a measurement period, an offset, a start time, and an end time.

[0193] When the timing for performing sensing measurement is event triggered, the receiving node may perform sensing measurement according to the conditions for performing sensing measurement. The information regarding the sensing measurement settings may be, for example, information regarding the conditions for performing sensing measurement. For example, it may be information such as a predetermined area, a predetermined position, or a predetermined distance from the predetermined position. The information may be, for example, information regarding movement. For example, the sensing measurement is performed when the receiving node enters a predetermined range. For example, the sensing measurement is performed when the receiving node is within a predetermined distance from the predetermined position. For example, the sensing measurement is performed when the receiving node makes a predetermined movement.

[0194] The information on the conditions for performing sensing measurement may be, for example, information on an index measured in communication. For example, it may be a threshold value of an index measured in communication. The index measured in communication may be, for example, RSRP or RSRQ. For example, the receiving UE performs sensing measurement when the RSRP is equal to or greater than the threshold. The information on the conditions for performing sensing measurement may be, for example, when the radio wave propagation conditions or channel conditions change. For example, sensing measurement may be performed when the LOS or NLOS path changes. For example, sensing measurement may be performed when the FAP changes.

[0195] By including information about the measurement trigger in the information about the sensing measurement settings, it becomes possible to perform sensing measurements in a timely manner, which can reduce the power consumption of the receiving node, for example.

[0196] The receiving UE receives the sensing measurement configuration and is then able to perform sensing measurements.

[0197] Three examples of information regarding the reporting of sensing measurement results (3) are disclosed below.

[0198] (3-1) Report trigger. (3-2) Information about measurement results. (3-3) Combination of (3-1) to (3-2).

[0199] (3-1) may be, for example, information indicating whether the timing of reporting the sensing measurement results is dynamic, periodic, or event-triggered. If the timing of performing sensing measurements is dynamic, the receiving node may report the sensing measurement results when it receives a sensing request or activation. As another method, a sensing measurement result report request message may be provided. The NW node transmits a sensing measurement result report request to the receiving node. The receiving node that receives the request may report the sensing measurement results. The information regarding the reporting of the sensing measurement results may be, for example, a predetermined period. The receiving node may report the sensing measurement results within a predetermined period from receiving the sensing request, activation, or sensing measurement result report request. If the timing of reporting the sensing measurement results is periodic, the information may include information such as the measurement result reporting period, start time, and end time. If the timing of reporting the sensing measurement results is event-triggered, the information may include information regarding the conditions for reporting the sensing measurement results. The conditions may be, for example, a predetermined threshold value for a sensing measurement index. For example, an RSRP threshold value may be provided. The receiving UE may report the measurement result when the RSRP is equal to or greater than the threshold. The condition may be, for example, when the radio wave propagation conditions or channel conditions change. For example, the measurement result may be reported when the LOS or NLOS path changes. For example, the measurement result may be reported when the FAP changes.

[0200] Alternatively, in the case of an event trigger, the receiving UE may report that the event has occurred. The node receiving the report can recognize that an event has occurred. For example, the node can use the report to change the sensing settings, thereby enabling more appropriate sensing processing.

[0201] (3-2) may be, for example, information about the transmitting base station, information about the measured sensing resource, information about the measured sensing beam, a sensing measurement index, etc. (3-2) may be an identifier of the transmitting base station, an identifier of the sensing resource, or an identifier of the sensing beam. A node that receives the measurement result can identify which sensing resource of which sensing beam of which transmitting base station.

[0202] The sensing setting, sensing resource setting, information on sensing resource setting, sensing measurement setting, information on sensing measurement setting, sensing measurement result reporting setting, or information on sensing measurement result reporting may be set not only one but also multiple times. Information for identifying the setting or information may be provided for each setting or information. For example, the information for identification may be an identifier. For example, the SF may determine one sensing setting or information from multiple sensing settings or information, making it possible to identify which setting or information is being used. In this way, for example, the sensing setting may be changed depending on the measurement environment, enabling flexible sensing settings.

[0203] A node that performs sensing configuration is disclosed. A transmitting base station performs sensing configuration. Each transmitting base station among a plurality of transmitting base stations performs sensing configuration. The SF may transmit sensing configuration information configured by each base station to a receiving UE. Sensing configuration suitable for each base station can be performed.

[0204] The SF may perform sensing configuration. For example, the SF may determine the sensing configuration using sensing configuration information acquired from each transmitting base station. For example, the SF may determine to use part of the sensing configuration information acquired from each transmitting base station as the sensing configuration. For example, sensing resource configurations outside a predetermined period may be excluded and used as the sensing configuration. Coordinated sensing can be performed using multiple transmitting base stations. The SF transmits the determined sensing configuration information to the receiving UE. The SF may also transmit the determined sensing configuration information to each transmitting base station. Each transmitting base station can obtain the sensing configuration information determined by the SF.

[0205] These methods may be combined. A part of the sensing configuration may be performed by the transmitting base station, and the other part may be performed by the SF. For example, the sensing resource configuration among the sensing configurations may be performed by the transmitting base station, and the other sensing configurations may be performed by the SF.

[0206] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing using multiple transmitting nodes. The transmitting nodes are multiple base stations (base station #1, base station #2), and the receiving nodes are multiple UEs (UE #1, UE #2). The example shows a case where the transmitting base station performs sensing configuration.

[0207] In step ST1301, a sensing request is generated in an external device. The external device may be an application. The external device may be an application server (AS). The external device may be an application function (AF). In step ST1302, the external device transmits a sensing request to a gateway. The gateway may be included in the mobile communication network. A gateway for sensing may be provided. This allows the external device to request sensing processing from the mobile communication network. The sensing request may include, for example, information related to sensing. The information related to sensing may be, for example, target sensing service information, sensing target information, sensing area information, UE information or base station information supporting the sensing service, performance information required for sensing, KPI (Key Performance Indicator) required for sensing, or a combination of these.

[0208] A Network Exposure Function (NEF) may have a function of inputting and outputting data to and from the outside regarding sensing processing. For example, the NEF may have a function of routing a sensing request to a network node. For example, the NEF may have a function of outputting sensing results to an external device. An external device, for example, an AF, may send a sensing request to a gateway via the NEF. For example, the gateway may send sensing results to the AF via the NEF.

[0209] In step ST1303, the gateway transmits a sensing request to the AMF. In step ST1304, the AMF transmits a sensing request to the SF. The SF can receive the sensing request. The gateway may transmit the sensing request to the SF without going through the AMF. For example, if the sensing information does not include UE information that supports the sensing service, the gateway may not go through the AMF. This can reduce the load on the AMF.

[0210] A CN (Core Network) node may derive performance, such as QoS, required for sensing processing in the NW from information related to sensing. This derivation function may be referred to as a NW sensing required performance derivation function. A CN node, such as an NEF, gateway, or SF, may have a NW sensing required performance derivation function. Other CN nodes may also have this function. By transmitting information related to sensing to a CN node having this function, the CN node can derive the performance required for sensing processing in the NW. For example, an SF transmits information related to sensing to a CN node having this function. The CN node derives the performance required for sensing processing in the NW and transmits it to the SF. In this way, the SF can obtain the performance required for sensing processing in the NW.

[0211] In step ST1306, the SF may request information about sensing-associated base stations and sensing-associated UEs from the LMF. The request may include, for example, target location information. The request may include, for example, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the network, etc. The LMF derives information about sensing-associated base stations and sensing-associated UEs. The sensing-associated information and performance required for sensing processing in the network included in the received request may be used for this derivation. In step ST1307, the LMF transmits information about sensing-associated base stations and sensing-associated UEs to the SF. The processes from step ST1301 to step ST1307 are collectively referred to as the "sensing request transmission process" in step ST1380.

[0212] In step ST1309, the SF determines multiple transmitting base stations. The SF may also determine one or multiple receiving UEs. In step ST1311, the SF requests sensing configuration from multiple transmitting base stations. The sensing configuration request may include, for example, information about the receiving UE, information about the transmitting base station, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the NW, information about sensing-related base stations, information about sensing-related UEs, or a combination thereof. The information about the receiving UE may be, for example, information that identifies the receiving UE. The information about the transmitting base station may be, for example, information that identifies the transmitting base station.

[0213] In step ST1313, each transmitting base station performs sensing configuration. The sensing configuration at each transmitting base station may use information included in the sensing configuration request. In step ST1315, each transmitting base station transmits a sensing configuration response to SF. Each transmitting base station transmits sensing configuration information to SF. This allows SF to obtain the sensing configuration information of each transmitting base station.

[0214] The transmitting base station may transmit a sensing setting request rejection to the SF. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing setting request rejection by including it in a sensing setting response. For example, a sensing setting request rejection may be transmitted when the transmitting base station is heavily loaded and cannot perform sensing processing. The SF that receives the sensing setting request rejection may perform sensing processing excluding the transmitting base station that transmitted the sensing setting request rejection. The SF may determine not to issue a sensing request to the transmitting base station. As another method, the SF that receives the sensing setting request rejection may re-determine a transmitting base station excluding the transmitting base station that transmitted the sensing setting request rejection. The SF may transmit a sensing setting request to the re-determined transmitting base station. In this way, the transmitting base station can be determined taking into account the status of the base station.

[0215] In step ST1321, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the receiving UE. The SF transmits sensing setting information of the transmitting base station to the receiving UE. The sensing setting information may be sensing setting information of all transmitting base stations. Alternatively, the sensing setting information may be sensing setting information of the transmitting base station received by each receiving UE. These may be determined by a combination of the transmitting base station and the receiving UE. The combination may be performed by the SF. Information about the transmitting base station may be included in the sensing setting request to the receiving UE. Information about each transmitting base station may be associated with the sensing setting information at each transmitting base station and transmitted. This enables each receiving UE to acquire the sensing setting. In step ST1323, each receiving UE performs sensing setting for each transmitting base station. In step ST1325, each receiving UE transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting response may include information about the UE itself, information about the transmitting base station that performed the sensing setting, etc. The SF can recognize which transmitting base station the receiving UE performed the sensing setting for.

[0216] The receiving UE may transmit a sensing setting request rejection to the SF. The receiving UE may transmit the sensing setting request rejection by including it in a sensing setting response. For example, the sensing setting request rejection may be transmitted when the receiving UE is communicating and cannot perform sensing processing. The SF that receives the sensing setting request rejection may perform sensing processing excluding the receiving UE that transmitted the sensing setting request rejection. The SF that receives the sensing setting request rejection may determine not to perform sensing measurement for the receiving UE. The SF may determine not to make a sensing request to the receiving UE. As an alternative method, the SF that receives the sensing setting request rejection may re-determine a receiving UE excluding the receiving UE that transmitted the sensing setting request rejection. The SF may transmit a sensing setting request to the re-determined receiving UE. In this way, the receiving UE can be determined taking into account the UE's situation.

[0217] In step ST1331, the SF transmits a sensing request to multiple transmitting base stations. The sensing request may include, for example, sensing configuration information, such as a sensing configuration identifier and a sensing resource configuration identifier. For example, the sensing request may include a sensing measurement configuration identifier and a sensing measurement report configuration identifier. The sensing request may also include an identifier of the configuration for which sensing execution is requested. The sensing request may also include activation / deactivation information for each configuration. The transmitting base station that has received the sensing request transmits sensing resources in the sensing configuration for which sensing execution is requested in steps ST1333 and ST1334. In step ST1336, each transmitting base station transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include, for example, an identifier of the executed sensing configuration and an identifier of the sensing resource configuration. The SF can recognize that each transmitting base station has executed the sensing process.

[0218] The transmitting base station may transmit a sensing request rejection to the SF. The transmitting base station may transmit the sensing request rejection by including it in a sensing request response. For example, a sensing request rejection may be transmitted when the load on the transmitting base station is high and the transmitting base station cannot transmit sensing resources. The SF that receives the sensing request rejection may perform sensing processing excluding the transmitting base station that transmitted the sensing request rejection. As another method, the SF that receives the sensing request rejection may re-determine a transmitting base station excluding the transmitting base station that transmitted the sensing request rejection. The SF may transmit a sensing request to the re-determined transmitting base station. In this way, the transmitting base station can be determined taking into account the status of the base station.

[0219] In step ST1341, the SF transmits a sensing request to one or more receiving UEs. The sensing request may include, for example, sensing configuration information, such as a sensing configuration identifier, a sensing resource configuration identifier, a sensing measurement configuration identifier, and a sensing measurement report configuration identifier. The sensing request may include, for example, the identifier of the configuration for which sensing is requested to be performed. The sensing request may also include activation / deactivation information for each configuration. In step ST1343, the receiving UE that has received the sensing request performs sensing measurement using the sensing configuration for which sensing execution is requested. In step ST1345, each receiving UE transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include, for example, the identifier of the executed sensing configuration, the identifier of the sensing resource configuration, the identifier of the sensing measurement configuration, and the identifier of the sensing measurement report configuration. The SF can recognize that each receiving UE has performed the sensing process.

[0220] The receiving UE may transmit a sensing request rejection to the SF. The receiving UE may transmit the sensing request rejection by including it in a sensing request response. For example, the sensing request rejection may be transmitted when the receiving UE is communicating and cannot perform sensing measurement, or when a sensing measurement gap is not configured. The SF that receives the sensing request rejection may perform sensing processing excluding the receiving UE that transmitted the sensing request rejection. As another method, the SF that receives the sensing request rejection may re-determine a receiving UE excluding the receiving UE that transmitted the sensing request rejection. The SF may transmit a sensing request to the re-determined receiving UE. In this way, the receiving UE can be determined taking into account the UE's status.

[0221] In step ST1347, the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement result to the SF. Each receiving UE may report the sensing measurement result using the sensing configuration for which sensing was requested. The sensing measurement result may include measured sensing configuration information, such as an identifier of the sensing resource configuration and information about the transmitting base station where the measurement was performed. The sensing measurement result may also include measurement time information. The SF can recognize which sensing resource of which base station the receiving UE received and measured the result. The processes from steps ST1331 to ST1347 are collectively referred to as "sensing measurement process #1" in step ST1382.

[0222] In step ST1351, the SF derives a sensing result using measurement results of sensing resources from multiple base stations received from one or multiple receiving UEs. The sensing result may be, for example, a three-dimensional target object detection result, a six-dimensional (three-dimensional coordinates + three-axis directions) object detection result, the object's shape, size, position, speed, movement direction, water level, humidity, air pressure, heartbeat, etc. Information included in the sensing result may be, for example, time information. The time information may be, for example, the time when the target was detected, the detection period, or the time when it became undetectable. The sensing result may be derived using information related to the sensing result. The sensing result may also include information indicating the type of object the target is, for example, an intruder, an obstacle, a river, the atmosphere, etc. The sensing result may also be derived using information related to the target. The information included in the sensing result may also include information related to the sensing area, information related to the sensing time, information related to accuracy, QoS measurement results, information related to QoE measurement results, etc. The information included in the sensing result may also be, for example, information on the presence or absence of a target and whether it was detected. The information included in the sensing request may be used to derive the sensing result.

[0223] In step ST1361, the SF determines whether sensing is necessary again, and if sensing is necessary again, may transmit a sensing request to the transmitting base station or the receiving UE again. If the SF does not satisfy the performance required for sensing processing in the NW, such as sensing accuracy, for example, it may return to step ST1331 and request sensing again.

[0224] If sensing is required again, the process may return to step ST1309 and determine the transmitting base station and / or receiving UE again. The sensing measurement result may include the reception quality of the sensing resource. The SF may, for example, use the reception quality of the sensing resource to determine whether to change the receiving UE and / or transmitting base station. The SF may change the receiving UE and / or transmitting base station and perform sensing processing again. This allows for more accurate sensing processing.

[0225] If further sensing is not required, in step ST1371, the SF transmits the sensing result to the AMF, and in step ST1373, the AMF transmits the sensing result to the gateway, and in step ST1375, the gateway transmits the sensing result to an external device. The SF may transmit the sensing result to the gateway without going through the AMF. This can reduce the load on the AMF. The processes from step ST1371 to step ST1375 are collectively referred to as the "sensing result transmission process" in step ST1384.

[0226] In this way, it becomes possible to perform sensing processing using a plurality of transmitting base stations.

[0227] Sensing processes using multiple transmitting base stations may be performed in a coordinated manner between the nodes involved.

[0228] A specific cooperation method is disclosed. The sensing measurement results of the sensing resources from each transmitting base station may be used in a cooperative manner to derive the sensing result. A method for using the sensing measurement results in a cooperative manner is disclosed.

[0229] Time information is assigned to the sensing measurement result. The time information may be, for example, reception time information of the measured sensing resource. The time information may be, for example, time information of the measured sensing resource. The time information of the sensing resource may be, for example, information that can identify the timing at which the sensing resource is transmitted. For example, it may be an identifier of the transmitting base station that transmits the sensing resource. For example, it may be an identifier of the sensing resource. The identifier of the transmitting base station and the identifier of the sensing resource can identify the transmission time information of the sensing resource having the identifier. The time information may be, for example, frame information, slot information, or symbol information.

[0230] In this way, it becomes possible to use the sensing measurement results of the sensing resources from each transmitting base station in a coordinated manner to derive the sensing results. For example, it becomes possible to use the sensing measurement results within a predetermined time range to derive the sensing results. This makes it possible to further improve the sensing accuracy.

[0231] The sensing settings in each transmitting base station may be performed independently. This allows for sensing settings suited to the conditions of each transmitting base station. The above-described cooperative method may be applied when the sensing settings in each transmitting base station are performed independently. Because cooperative sensing processing is performed, sensing accuracy can be further improved.

[0232] Another coordination method is disclosed. Sensing configuration may be coordinated between transmitting base stations. This makes it possible to further improve sensing accuracy.

[0233] A method for coordinating sensing settings between transmitting base stations is disclosed. A desired sensing setting (sometimes referred to as a desired sensing setting) is set. The SF determines desired sensing setting information. The SF may transmit the desired sensing setting information to each transmitting base station. The desired sensing setting information may be set for each transmitting base station, or may be the same setting information for multiple transmitting base stations. For example, flexible setting is possible depending on the combination of transmitting base station and receiving UE, etc.

[0234] The desired sensing setting information may be included in the sensing setting request. Each transmitting base station performs sensing setting using the desired sensing setting information received from the SF. All of the desired sensing setting information may be used as the sensing setting, or only part of it may be used as the sensing setting. Alternatively, the desired sensing setting information may not be used as the sensing setting. Each transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information to the SF. The sensing setting information may be transmitted with information indicating whether or not it is the same as the desired sensing setting information. By providing information indicating whether or not the sensing setting information is the same as the desired sensing setting information, the SF can quickly recognize whether or not it is the same as the desired sensing information. Each transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting information may be included in the sensing setting response.

[0235] The transmitting base station may transmit a sensing setting request rejection to the SF. For example, if the transmitting base station cannot respond to the sensing setting request from the SF due to a lack of resources at its own base station, the transmitting base station may transmit a sensing setting request rejection. For example, if the transmitting base station cannot perform sensing setting using the desired sensing setting information from the SF, the transmitting base station may transmit a sensing setting request rejection. In such a case, the transmitting base station may transmit sensing setting information different from the desired sensing setting information to the SF.

[0236] The SF may exclude a transmitting base station that has sent a sensing setting request rejection from the transmitting base stations. If the sensing setting request rejection includes sensing setting information, the SF may determine whether the sensing setting information can be used for sensing. According to the determination result, if it is acceptable, the SF may use the sensing setting information as a transmitting base station, and if it is not acceptable, the SF may exclude the sensing setting information from the transmitting base stations. If it is acceptable, the SF may transmit the sensing setting to the receiving UE. The SF may also transmit the sensing setting to the transmitting base station. In this way, for example, a transmitting base station that is more suitable for sensing processing is determined.

[0237] The desired sensing setting information may be set to a desired value in the sensing setting information disclosed above. The desired sensing setting information may be set, for example, so that sensing resources from each transmitting base station are transmitted simultaneously or within a predetermined time. For example, the desired sensing setting information may be set so that each transmitting base station transmits the same frequency or within a predetermined frequency range. For example, the desired sensing setting information may be set so that interference does not occur due to the sensing resources transmitted from each transmitting base station.

[0238] As a configuration method for preventing interference between sensing resources from each transmitting base station, for example, different time resources may be used, different frequency resources may be used, or the codes of signals transmitted by the sensing resources may be different. A combination of these may also be used. The time resources may be, for example, symbols, slots, or frames. The frequency resources may be, for example, subcarriers, RBs (Resource Blocks), subbands, or BWPs. Different cells may also be used. The signal codes may be, for example, sequences, comb values, or orthogonal codes. The REs to which the sensing resources are mapped may also be different. The sensing resources may be hopped, or the hopping patterns may be different. In this way, it is possible to configure the sensing resources of transmitting base stations so that they do not interfere with each other.

[0239] For example, the sensing resource periods of each transmitting base station may be the same but the offsets may be different. For example, the symbols to which the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are mapped may be different. The offsets may be set so that the symbols are different. The symbols may be different within a predetermined range. For example, the sensing resources of each transmitting base station may be set so that they are mapped to different symbols in the same slot. In this way, the sensing resources of each transmitting base station can be set so that they are within a predetermined time. By performing sensing using sensing resources within a predetermined time, more accurate sensing results can be obtained. Furthermore, since the symbols to which the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are mapped are different, interference between transmitting base stations can be reduced.

[0240] For example, the period and offset of the sensing resources of each transmitting base station may be the same. For example, the symbols to which the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are mapped may be the same. For example, the frequency resources to which the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are mapped may be different. For example, the subcarriers may be set to be different. The subcarriers may be set to be different within a predetermined range. For example, the sensing resources of each transmitting base station may be set to be mapped to different subcarriers in the same RB. In this way, the sensing resources of each transmitting base station can be set to be within a predetermined frequency with the same symbol. By performing sensing using sensing resources within a predetermined frequency with the same symbol, more accurate sensing results can be obtained. Furthermore, since the subcarriers to which the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are mapped are different, interference between transmitting base stations can be reduced.

[0241] For example, the period and offset of the sensing resources of each transmitting base station may be the same. For example, the symbols to which the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are mapped may be the same. For example, the frequency resources to which the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are mapped may be the same. For example, the subcarriers may be set to be the same. For example, the codes of the signals transmitted using the sensing resources of each transmitting base station may be different. For example, the codes may be set to be orthogonal. In this way, the sensing resources of each transmitting base station can be set to have different codes using the same symbols and subcarriers. By performing sensing using sensing resources with the same symbols and subcarriers, more accurate sensing results can be obtained. Furthermore, since the codes of the signals transmitted using the sensing resources of each transmitting base station are orthogonal, interference between transmitting base stations can be reduced.

[0242] A sensing resource configurable range may be set. The sensing resource configurable range may be included in the sensing configuration. The sensing configurable range may be, for example, a time range, a frequency range, or a code range. The sensing configurable time range may be, for example, within a frame or slot, such as within a sensing measurement gap or a sensing measurement window. The sensing configurable frequency range may be, for example, within a BWP, a subband, or an RB. The sensing configurable code range may be, for example, a sequence of a predetermined sequence length. The sensing configurable range may be, for example, a range of the number, position, or orientation of antennas transmitting sensing resources. This enables flexible configuration of the sensing resource configuration range configurable at each transmitting base station. For example, it is possible to set different configurable sensing resource configuration ranges for each transmitting base station, and to set different sensing resources for each transmitting base station to a receiving UE within the same configuration range. This further reduces interference between sensing resources.

[0243] The desired sensing setting information may be, for example, desired sensing measurement setting information. For example, the sensing measurement timing may be set to be within a predetermined period. For example, the sensing measurement index may be set to be a predetermined index. A configurable range may be set for the sensing measurement setting. For example, by setting the sensing measurement timing at the receiving UE to be within a predetermined period, the timing of the sensing measurement results can be aligned, thereby improving sensing accuracy.

[0244] The desired sensing setting information may be, for example, desired sensing measurement result report setting information. For example, the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result is set to be within a predetermined period. For example, the sensing measurement result report index is set to be a predetermined index. A configurable range may be set for the sensing measurement result report setting. For example, by setting the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result at the receiving UE to be within a predetermined period, the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result can be aligned, making it easier to derive the sensing result in the SF. This can improve accuracy.

[0245] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing using a method for coordinating between multiple transmitting base stations. Steps common to those in FIG. 13 are assigned the same step numbers, and common descriptions will be omitted. The processing of step ST1380 and step ST1309 is common to those in FIG. 13. In step ST1411, the SF sets the desired sensing settings for each transmitting base station. As disclosed above, the SF should set the desired sensing settings so that the sensing settings are coordinated between the transmitting base stations.

[0246] In step ST1421, the SF transmits desired sensing setting information to each transmitting base station. This may be transmitted by including it in a sensing setting request. In step ST1423, each transmitting base station performs sensing setting. The received desired sensing setting information may be used for the sensing setting. In this way, coordinated sensing setting is possible between multiple transmitting base stations. In step ST1425, each transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting response may include information that the desired sensing setting information has been set as sensing setting. The sensing setting response may include the sensing setting information. In this way, the SF can recognize that each transmitting base station has performed the desired sensing setting.

[0247] If the transmitting base station cannot comply with the sensing setting request from the SF, it may transmit a sensing setting request rejection instead of the sensing setting response in step ST1425. The sensing setting request rejection may be included in the sensing setting response and transmitted. For example, if the transmitting base station cannot perform sensing setting using the desired sensing setting information from the SF, the transmitting base station may transmit sensing setting information different from the desired sensing setting information to the SF. In this way, the SF can recognize whether each transmitting base station has performed the desired sensing setting.

[0248] In step ST1431, the SF transmits sensing setting information of each transmitting base station to each receiving UE. This information may be included in a sensing setting request and transmitted. The sensing setting request of step ST1321 may be applied as appropriate to this sensing setting request. In step ST1433, the receiving UE performs sensing setting for multiple base stations. The sensing setting of step ST1323 may be applied as appropriate to this sensing setting. In step ST1435, the receiving UE transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting response of step ST1325 may be applied as appropriate to this sensing setting response. The processes of steps ST1382, ST1351, ST1361 and ST1384 ​​are the same as those in FIG. 13.

[0249] This enables cooperative sensing configuration among multiple transmitting base stations. For example, the accuracy of sensing processing can be improved by configuring the sensing resources from each transmitting base station to be simultaneous or within a predetermined time, configuring each transmitting base station to be within a predetermined frequency range, or configuring the sensing resources from each transmitting base station to not cause interference between transmitting base stations.

[0250] Another method for coordinating sensing configuration between transmitting base stations is disclosed. One transmitting base station is selected from multiple transmitting base stations. This one transmitting base station may be referred to as a representative transmitting base station. The representative transmitting base station may be determined by a CN node. For example, the SF may determine the representative transmitting base station. The representative transmitting base station may be a serving base station for any one or multiple receiving UEs. The representative transmitting base station performs sensing configuration. The SF transmits a sensing configuration request to the representative transmitting base station. The representative transmitting base station determines sensing configuration information in response to the sensing configuration request. The representative transmitting base station transmits the sensing configuration information to the SF.

[0251] The SF determines desired sensing setting information. The SF determines desired sensing setting information for each transmitting base station using the sensing setting information acquired from the representative transmitting base station. The SF transmits the desired sensing setting information to each transmitting base station. The sensing setting information determined by the representative transmitting base station may be used as the desired sensing setting information for the representative transmitting base station. In this case, the SF may transmit the desired sensing setting information to each transmitting base station excluding the representative transmitting base station. The desired sensing setting information may be included in a sensing setting request. Hereinafter, the method of coordinating sensing setting between transmitting base stations disclosed above may be applied as appropriate.

[0252] In this way, the desired sensing configuration can be derived based on the sensing configuration determined by one transmitting base station. For example, a transmitting base station that is close to the target may be used as the representative transmitting base station. A sensing configuration suitable for a transmitting base station that is close to the target can be used preferentially, thereby further improving sensing accuracy. For example, a serving base station of a receiving UE that is close to the target may be used as the representative transmitting base station. A sensing configuration suitable for a receiving UE that is close to the target can be used preferentially, thereby further improving sensing accuracy.

[0253] Other sensing processing methods are disclosed. A sensing setting request may be transmitted between base stations. Sensing setting information may be transmitted between base stations.

[0254] The SF transmits a sensing setting request to the representative transmitting base station. The representative transmitting base station performs sensing setting. Information about the transmitting base station may be included in the sensing setting request. The representative transmitting base station transmits the sensing setting request to the other transmitting base stations. The other transmitting base stations may be peripheral base stations of the representative transmitting base station. There may be one or more peripheral base stations. The peripheral base stations may be determined by the representative transmitting base station. The SF may determine the peripheral base station. The representative transmitting base station may perform a process to establish an interface with the other transmitting base stations. The other transmitting base stations that receive the sensing setting request perform sensing setting. The other transmitting base stations transmit sensing setting information to the representative transmitting base station. The representative transmitting base station consolidates the sensing setting of its own base station and the sensing settings from one or more other transmitting base stations. The representative transmitting base station transmits the sensing setting of its own base station and the sensing setting information from one or more other transmitting base stations to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing setting information of the representative transmitting base station and the other transmitting base stations to the receiving UE.

[0255] The SF may determine the sensing configuration using sensing configuration information acquired from the representative transmitting base station and other transmitting base stations. The method disclosed above may be applied as appropriate.

[0256] The representative transmitting base station may determine the sensing setting. The representative transmitting base station may determine the sensing setting using sensing setting information acquired from its own base station and other transmitting base stations. The method in which the SF determines the sensing setting disclosed above may be applied as appropriate. The representative transmitting base station may be used instead of the SF. The representative transmitting base station transmits the determined sensing setting information of its own base station and other transmitting base stations to the SF. The SF transmits the sensing setting information of the representative transmitting base station and other transmitting base stations to the receiving UE.

[0257] The representative transmitting base station may determine the desired sensing setting. The representative transmitting base station may transmit desired sensing setting information to other transmitting base stations. The desired sensing setting information may be set for each transmitting base station, or the same setting information may be used for multiple transmitting base stations. For example, the desired sensing setting information can be flexibly set depending on the combination of transmitting base station and receiving UE.

[0258] The desired sensing setting information may be included in the sensing setting request. The other transmitting base stations perform sensing setting using the desired sensing setting information received from the representative transmitting base station. All of the desired sensing setting information may be used as the sensing setting, or only part of the desired sensing setting information may be used as the sensing setting. Alternatively, the desired sensing setting information may not be used as the sensing setting. The other transmitting base stations transmit sensing setting information to the representative transmitting base station. Information indicating whether the sensing setting information is the same as the desired sensing setting information may be transmitted. The representative transmitting base station can quickly recognize whether the information is the same as the desired sensing information. The representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting information of the own base station and the other transmitting base stations may be included in the sensing setting response.

[0259] In this way, the amount of signaling between the SF and a large number of transmitting nodes can be reduced.

[0260] Information about the sensing-associated base stations may be included in the sensing setting request transmitted from the SF to the representative transmitting base station. The sensing setting request may include information requesting the determination of a transmitting base station. The representative transmitting base station may determine the transmitting base station using the received information about the sensing-associated base stations. For example, the representative transmitting base station may determine a surrounding base station that is a sensing-associated base station as the transmitting base station. The representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting request to each determined transmitting base station. In this way, it becomes possible to flexibly determine the transmitting base station.

[0261] The representative transmitting base station may transmit sensing setting information of its own base station and other transmitting base stations to the receiving UE. The representative transmitting base station can transmit the sensing setting information to the receiving UE without going through the SF. This makes it possible to transmit the sensing setting information to the receiving UE early. In addition, the amount of signaling between the SF and the representative transmitting base station and between the SF and the receiving UE can be reduced.

[0262] The method of cooperation between nodes involved in sensing processing using multiple base stations may be the same as that disclosed above. In the above-mentioned cooperation method, a representative transmitting base station may be used instead of the SF. For example, the representative transmitting base station may determine the desired sensing setting information of each surrounding base station. The representative transmitting base station may transmit the desired sensing setting information to each surrounding base station. In this way, cooperative sensing between nodes involved in the sensing processing is possible even when sensing setting requests are made between base stations.

[0263] There may be multiple representative transmitting base stations. Each representative transmitting base station may transmit sensing setting information to one or multiple receiving UEs. For example, this may be applied to a case where there are multiple serving base stations for a receiving UE. This allows for flexible selection of receiving UEs. This can improve sensing accuracy.

[0264] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a sensing processing sequence using a method of transmitting a sensing setting request between base stations. Steps common to FIGS. 13 and 14 are assigned the same step numbers, and common descriptions will be omitted. The example of FIG. 15 shows a method of transmitting a sensing setting request between base stations. In the example of FIG. 15, the representative transmitting base station is base station #1. For example, the representative transmitting base station is determined by SF. SF may determine the representative transmitting base station from among the transmitting base stations. Hereinafter, transmitting base stations other than the representative transmitting base station may be referred to as other transmitting base stations. In the example of FIG. 15, a method of cooperation between multiple transmitting base stations is used, and the representative transmitting base station determines the desired sensing setting. The processing of step ST1380 and step ST1309 is common to FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0265] In step ST1521, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the representative transmitting base station. The request may include, for example, information about the receiving UE, information about the transmitting base station, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the NW, information about the sensing-related base station, information about the sensing-related UE, or a combination thereof. The information about the receiving UE may be, for example, information that identifies the receiving UE. The information about the transmitting base station may be, for example, information that identifies the transmitting base station.

[0266] In step ST1523, base station #1, which is the representative transmitting base station, performs sensing configuration. The sensing configuration at the representative transmitting base station may use information included in the sensing configuration request. In step ST1523, the representative transmitting base station may determine desired sensing configurations for other transmitting base stations. The representative transmitting base station may determine desired sensing configurations for other transmitting base stations using the sensing configuration of its own base station.

[0267] In step ST1525, the representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting request to the other transmitting base stations. The sensing setting request may be transmitted together with desired sensing setting information. In step ST1527, the other transmitting base stations perform sensing setting. The received desired sensing setting information may be used for the sensing setting. In this way, coordinated sensing setting is possible between multiple transmitting base stations. In step ST1529, the other transmitting base stations transmit a sensing setting response to the representative transmitting base station. The sensing setting response may include information on whether the desired sensing setting information has been set as sensing setting. The sensing setting response may include sensing setting information. In this way, the representative transmitting base station can recognize whether the other transmitting base stations have performed desired sensing setting.

[0268] In step ST1531, the representative transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information of its own base station and other transmitting base stations to the SF. The sensing setting information of each transmitting base station may be transmitted in association with the identifier of the base station. The sensing setting information may be transmitted in a sensing setting response. The SF can recognize the sensing setting information of each transmitting base station.

[0269] If another transmitting base station cannot respond to the sensing setting request from the representative transmitting base station, it may transmit a sensing setting request rejection instead of a sensing setting response in step ST1531. The sensing setting request rejection may be included in the sensing setting response and transmitted. The representative transmitting base station may transmit the sensing setting request rejection and information about the transmitting base station that rejected it to the SF. For example, it may be included in the sensing setting response and transmitted. The SF can recognize the transmitting base station that rejected the sensing setting request. The method disclosed above may be applied as appropriate to the processing for the transmitting base station that rejected the sensing setting request. In this way, for example, a transmitting base station that is more suitable for sensing processing may be determined. The subsequent processing of steps ST1431, ST1433, and ST1435 is the same as that of FIG. 14.

[0270] In this way, the representative transmitting base station enables coordinated sensing configuration among multiple transmitting base stations. This improves the accuracy of sensing processing. In addition, the amount of signaling between the SF and the transmitting base station can be reduced, thereby reducing the signaling load on the system.

[0271] In step ST1551, the SF transmits a sensing request to the representative transmitting base station. The sensing request may include, for example, information about the transmitting base station making the sensing request. The sensing request may include, for example, sensing setting information, such as a sensing setting identifier, a sensing resource setting identifier, a sensing measurement setting identifier, a sensing measurement report setting identifier, and an identifier of the setting for which sensing execution is requested. Activation / deactivation information for each setting may also be included. This information may be included in association with information about the transmitting base station. In step ST1555, the representative transmitting base station that has received the sensing request transmits sensing resources to its own base station in the sensing setting for which sensing execution has been requested.

[0272] In step ST1553, the representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing request to the other transmitting base stations. The other transmitting base stations may be, for example, the transmitting base stations that transmitted the sensing setting request in step ST1525. The other transmitting base stations may be, for example, the transmitting base stations included in the information regarding the transmitting base station making the sensing request received in step ST1551. The sensing request may include, for example, sensing setting information, such as a sensing setting identifier, a sensing resource setting identifier, a sensing measurement setting identifier, and a sensing measurement report setting identifier. It is preferable to include an identifier of the setting for which sensing execution is requested. Activation / deactivation information for each setting may also be included. The transmitting base station that has received the sensing request transmits sensing resources in the sensing setting for which sensing execution is requested to its own base station in steps ST1557 and ST1559.

[0273] In step ST1561, the other transmitting base stations transmit sensing request responses to the representative transmitting base station. The sensing request response may include, for example, an identifier of the executed sensing setting and an identifier of the sensing resource setting. In step ST1563, the representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include, for example, information about the own base station, information about the transmitting base station that received the sensing request response, an identifier of the sensing setting executed in the own base station or another transmitting base station, and an identifier of the sensing resource setting. The SF can recognize that each transmitting base station has executed the sensing process. The subsequent processes of steps ST1341, ST1343, ST1345, ST1347, ST1351, ST1361, and ST1384 ​​are the same as those in FIG. 13.

[0274] In this way, it becomes possible to perform sensing processing using a plurality of transmitting base stations.

[0275] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing using a method in which a representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting request to a receiving UE. Steps common to FIGS. 13 and 15 are given the same step numbers, and common descriptions will be omitted. The example of FIG. 16 shows a method in which a sensing setting request is transmitted between base stations. In the example of FIG. 16, the representative transmitting base station is base station #1. In the example of FIG. 16, a method in which multiple transmitting base stations cooperate with each other is used, and the representative transmitting base station determines a desired sensing setting. The processes of step ST1380, step ST1309, step ST1521, step ST1523, step ST1525, step ST1527, and step ST1529 are common to FIG. 15.

[0276] In step ST1641, the representative transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information of its own transmitting base station and other transmitting base stations to each receiving UE. The sensing setting information may be sensing setting information of all transmitting base stations. Alternatively, the sensing setting information may be sensing setting information of the transmitting base stations received by each receiving UE. These may be determined by a combination of the transmitting base station and the receiving UE. The combination may be performed by the SF. The representative transmitting base station may transmit information about each transmitting base station to each receiving UE. Information about each transmitting base station may be transmitted in association with the sensing setting information of the transmitting base station. This information may be transmitted by being included in a sensing setting request. In step ST1643, the receiving UE performs sensing settings for multiple base stations. In step ST1645, the receiving UE transmits a sensing setting response to the representative transmitting base station. The sensing setting response may be the same as the sensing setting response of step ST1325, as appropriate. The sensing setting response may include information about its own UE, information about the transmitting base station that performed the sensing setting, etc. The representative transmitting base station can recognize which transmitting base station the receiving UE has configured sensing for. In step ST1647, the representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing configuration response to the SF. The sensing configuration response may include information about the receiving UE that has configured sensing, information about the transmitting base station that has configured sensing, and the like. The SF can recognize whether the receiving UE has configured sensing. The subsequent processing of steps ST1551, ST1553, ST1555, ST1557, ST1559, and ST1561 is the same as that in FIG. 15.

[0277] In step ST1651, the representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing request to one or more receiving UEs. The sensing request may include, for example, a sensing configuration identifier, a sensing resource configuration identifier, a sensing measurement configuration identifier, and a sensing measurement report configuration identifier. The sensing request may include a request to start receiving sensing resources. The sensing request may also include an identifier of the configuration for which sensing execution is requested. The sensing request may also include activation / deactivation information for each configuration. In step ST1653, the receiving UE that has received the sensing request performs sensing measurement using the sensing configuration for which sensing execution is requested. In step ST1655, each receiving UE transmits a sensing request response to the representative transmitting base station. The sensing request response may include, for example, information about the transmitting base station that performed the sensing measurement. The sensing request response may include, for example, an identifier of the executed sensing configuration, an identifier of the sensing resource configuration, an identifier of the sensing measurement configuration, and an identifier of the sensing measurement report configuration. This information may be associated with information about the transmitting base station that performed the sensing measurement. The representative transmitting base station can recognize that each receiving UE has performed sensing processing. In step ST1657, the representative transmitting base station transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include information such as information about the receiving UE that made the sensing request, information about the transmitting base station that made the sensing request, an identifier of the sensing configuration that made the sensing request, an identifier of the sensing resource configuration, an identifier of the sensing measurement configuration, and an identifier of the sensing measurement report configuration. The SF can recognize whether the receiving UE has performed sensing configuration.

[0278] In step ST1659, the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement result to the SF. Each receiving UE may report the sensing measurement result using the sensing configuration for which sensing was requested. The sensing measurement result may include an identifier of the measured sensing resource configuration and information about the transmitting base station for which the measurement was performed. The sensing measurement result may also include measurement time information. The SF can recognize which sensing resource of which base station the receiving UE received and measured the result. The subsequent processing of steps ST1351, ST1361, and ST1384 ​​is the same as that in FIG. 13 and FIG. 15.

[0279] In this way, it becomes possible to perform sensing processing using multiple transmitting base stations. The representative transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information and sensing requests to the receiving UE, eliminating the need to transmit them to the receiving UE via SF. This reduces the amount of signaling, further reducing the signaling load on the system.

[0280] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, it is possible to transmit sensing resources from multiple transmitting base stations and receive and measure the sensing resources at one or multiple receiving UEs. By transmitting sensing resources from multiple transmitting base stations, sensing using transmitted radio waves from various directions becomes possible. This improves the accuracy of target sensing.

[0281] Embodiment 2. When sensing is requested, the receiving UE may not be in the RRC_CONNECTED state. For example, this may be the case when the receiving UE is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. RRC_CONNECTED is a state in which the UE is connected via RRC (Radio Resource Control), while RRC_INACTIVE and RRC_IDLE are states in which the UE is not connected via RRC. If the receiving UE is not in the RRC_CONNECTED state, it may not be able to receive sensing resources, and the sensing process may be interrupted. For example, in the case of autonomous driving or health monitoring of cars or drones, an interruption of the sensing process may lead to a serious accident.

[0282] This embodiment discloses a method for solving such a problem.

[0283] The receiving UE supports sensing in the RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states. The receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states performs sensing measurements. The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results to the NW node.

[0284] The sensing setting information may be transmitted to the receiving UE when the receiving UE is in an RRC_CONNECTED state. The sensing setting information and the method for transmitting the sensing setting information may be the same as those disclosed in the first embodiment.

[0285] The sensing configuration used in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may be the same as the sensing configuration used for sensing processing in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The sensing configuration set when the receiving UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state may be used even when the receiving UE is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. The transmitting base station may use the sensing configuration for sensing processing regardless of the state of the receiving UE. This facilitates the sensing processing.

[0286] The sensing configuration used in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may be different from the sensing configuration used for sensing processing in the RRC_CONNECTED state. A sensing configuration suitable for the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can be set. For example, by lengthening the period of the sensing resource, the power consumption of the receiving UE can be reduced. The sensing configuration information used in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may be transmitted when the receiving UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state. It may also be transmitted to the receiving UE together with the sensing configuration used in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Compared to when the information is transmitted separately, the amount of signaling can be reduced.

[0287] The sensing configuration used for the sensing process in the RRC_IDLE state and the sensing configuration used in the RRC_INACTIVE state may be the same or different. This allows the sensing configuration to be adjusted according to the state of the receiving UE, enabling flexible sensing process.

[0288] The sensing configuration may be a sensing resource configuration, a sensing measurement configuration, a sensing measurement result report configuration, or a combination thereof. The sensing configuration can be set according to the state of the receiving UE, enabling flexible sensing processing.

[0289] In the sensing configuration, the transmission timing of the sensing resource may be set to coincide with the transmission timing of the paging. The transmission timing of the sensing resource may be set within a predetermined period of the transmission timing of the paging. The transmission timing of the paging may be the transmission timing of the paging occasion, the transmission timing of the PDCCH for paging, or the transmission timing of the PDSCH for paging. In this way, a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE can receive and measure the sensing resource using paging. This reduces the power consumption of the receiving UE.

[0290] The SF may transmit part or all of the sensing setting information to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station may transmit part or all of the sensing setting information to the receiving UE. The transmitting base station may broadcast part or all of the sensing setting information. A SIB for sensing may be provided. Part or all of the sensing setting information may be included in the SIB. A receiving UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can receive the sensing SIB broadcast from the transmitting base station and can acquire the sensing setting information.

[0291] Assistance information may be provided in addition to the sensing configuration information transmitted from the SF to the receiving UE in the sensing configuration request or sensing request. This assistance information may be referred to as sensing assistance information. The sensing assistance information may be part or all of the sensing configuration information. The sensing assistance information may be information used for sensing other than the sensing configuration information. The receiving UE may perform sensing processing using the sensing assistance information in addition to the sensing configuration information transmitted in the sensing configuration request or sensing request. The information transmitted from the SF to the receiving UE via the transmitting base station in the method disclosed above may be sensing assistance information. A receiving UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can receive the sensing SIB broadcast from the transmitting base station and can acquire sensing assistance information.

[0292] The receiving UE stores the sensing configuration information. The stored sensing configuration information may be sensing configuration information in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, or may be sensing configuration information in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The receiving UE retains the sensing configuration information even when it enters the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. A receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state uses the sensing configuration information in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. Sensing assistance information may also be used.

[0293] A receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state stores the sensing measurement results. A receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state retains the sensing measurement results. When the receiving UE transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state, it transmits the acquired sensing measurement results to the SF.

[0294] A receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may store and retain other information. For example, a receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may store and retain time information of the sensing measurement, location information, information about the base station that transmitted the measured sensing resource, information about the DU, information about the TRP, information about the cell, information about the RNA (Ran Notification Area), a sensing configuration identifier, an identifier of the sensing resource configuration, or a combination thereof. This information may be stored or retained together with the sensing measurement result or included in the sensing measurement result.

[0295] When the storage capacity of the receiving UE is exceeded, older information may be deleted and newer information may be stored or retained. The amount of information that the receiving UE stores or retains may be set. The amount of information may include the number of sensing measurements, the number of sensing resources to be measured, the amount of information on the sensing measurement results, etc. In this way, the most recent sensing measurement results can be retained.

[0296] The receiving UE may set a maximum amount of information that it can store or hold. The receiving UE may transmit the maximum amount of information to the NW node. The NW node may be, for example, a transmitting base station or a SF. The maximum amount of information may be included in the sensing capability and transmitted. The amount of information that the receiving UE will store or hold may be included in the sensing configuration. The SF or transmitting base station may transmit the amount of information that it will store or hold to the receiving UE. The amount of information may be included in the sensing configuration and transmitted. The SF or transmitting base station may derive the amount of information that the receiving UE will store or hold using the maximum amount of information. It may be set to be less than the maximum amount of information. In this way, the receiving UE can store or hold the sensing measurement results to the extent possible.

[0297] The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state to the NW node using the sensing configuration. The sensing configuration may be a sensing measurement result reporting configuration. For example, if the sensing measurement results are configured to be reported periodically, the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results to the NW node according to the period. As another example, if a condition for reporting the sensing measurement results is set (trigger-based), the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results to the NW node when the condition is satisfied. The receiving UE transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state before the timing of transmitting the sensing measurement results. The receiving UE that transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state transmits the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state to the NW node.

[0298] In this way, the receiving UE can transmit the sensing measurement result in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state to the NW node. The transmitting base station or SF can use the sensing configuration to make the receiving UE transmit the sensing measurement result in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0299] The NW node may transmit a sensing measurement result request to the receiving UE. The NW node may be, for example, a gateway, NEF, SF, NWDAF, AMF, SMF, UPF, RAN, etc. The UE that receives the sensing measurement result request transmits the sensing measurement result to the NW node. A NW node that requires the sensing measurement result can obtain the sensing measurement result. The NW node that requests the sensing measurement result may be different from the NW node that receives the sensing measurement result. This enables more flexible sensing processing.

[0300] The NW node may transmit a sensing measurement result request to a receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. The NW node may be, for example, a gateway, NEF, SF, NWDAF, AMF, SMF, UPF, RAN, etc. The UE that receives the sensing measurement result request transmits the sensing measurement result in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state to the NW node. The NW node can acquire the sensing measurement result in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0301] According to the sensing measurement result request for the receiving UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, an RRC connection establishment procedure may be performed between the receiving UE and the base station. After the RRC connection establishment procedure, the receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement result.

[0302] For example, the SF sends a sensing measurement result request to the receiving UE. The sensing measurement result request may include information about the target receiving UE. The sensing measurement result request may be sent, for example, using an interface between the SF and the UE. According to the sensing measurement result request, an RRC connection establishment process is performed between the base station and the receiving UE. After the RRC connection establishment process, the receiving UE sends the sensing measurement result to the SF.

[0303] For example, the SF sends a sensing measurement result request to the AMF. The sensing measurement result request may be sent, for example, using an interface between the SF and the AMF. According to the sensing measurement result request, the AMF sends a sensing measurement result request to the receiving UE. The sensing measurement result request may be sent, for example, using a NAS message. According to the sensing measurement result request, an RRC connection establishment procedure is performed between the base station and the receiving UE. After the RRC connection establishment procedure, the receiving UE sends the sensing measurement result to the SF via the AMF.

[0304] For example, the SF sends a sensing measurement result request to the RAN. The sensing measurement result request may be sent, for example, using an interface between the SF and the RAN. According to the sensing measurement result request, the base station sends a sensing measurement result request to the receiving UE. The sensing measurement result request may be sent, for example, using RRC signaling, MAC signaling, L1 / L2 signaling, SIB, etc. According to the sensing measurement result request, an RRC connection establishment process is performed between the base station and the receiving UE. After the RRC connection establishment process, the receiving UE sends the sensing measurement result to the SF via the RAN.

[0305] Paging may be used to transmit the sensing measurement result request. For example, paging may be used from the base station to the receiving UE. For example, paging may be used from the AMF to the base station. Paging for sensing may be provided. For sensing, for example, paging for transmitting the sensing measurement result request may be provided. The configuration of the paging for transmitting the sensing measurement result request may be included in the SIB and broadcast. As an alternative method, the configuration of the paging for transmitting the sensing measurement result request may be notified when the receiving UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state. It may also be transmitted individually to the UE. The configuration of the paging for sensing and the configuration of the paging for communication may be the same or different. For example, a paging occasion for sensing paging may be provided separately from the paging occasion for communication paging transmitted from the base station to the receiving UE. For example, an RNTI used for sensing paging may be provided separately from the RNTI used for communication paging transmitted from the base station to the receiving UE. For example, a PDSCH used for sensing paging may be provided separately from a PDSCH used for communication paging transmitted from a base station to a receiving UE. Information indicating whether the PDSCH is for sensing or communication may be included in the PDSCH. In this way, the receiving UE can recognize that the paging is for sensing. The receiving UE can receive the sensing paging. By using the sensing paging, the processing can be differentiated from the paging processing for communication, thereby reducing malfunctions in the sensing processing.

[0306] Paging for communication may be used to transmit the sensing measurement result request. Information indicating that the paging for communication is for sensing may be included in the paging for communication. Information indicating that the paging is for sensing may be included in the PDSCH used for the paging for communication. For example, information indicating that the paging is for a sensing measurement result request may be included. By using paging for communication for sensing, it is possible to avoid the sensing process from becoming complicated.

[0307] The receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state by RA (Random Access) processing. For example, the sensing measurement results may be included in Msg1 or Msg3. The receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state by including them in an RRC establishment completion message. In this way, the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can be transmitted earlier than after the RRC connection is completed.

[0308] The method in which the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results after transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state has been disclosed above. Another method will now be disclosed. After transmitting the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the receiving UE may return to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state without transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state. For example, the receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state by including them in an RA procedure or an RRC establishment complete message, and then return to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. If the receiving UE is unable to transmit all of the sensing measurement results in the RRC establishment complete message, the receiving UE may transmit them by including them in another RRC message. The other RRC message may be, for example, a ULInformationTransfer message. After transmitting all sensing measurement results, the receiving UE may return to RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0309] Information indicating whether the sensing measurement results have been completed may be provided. This information may be transmitted together with the sensing measurement results or may be included in the information. This information may also be transmitted in Msg1, Msg3, an RRC establishment complete message, or other RRC messages in the RA process. The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results including information indicating that the sensing measurement results have been completed when all sensing measurement results have been transmitted. The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results including information indicating that transmission of the sensing measurement results will continue when the sensing measurement results have not been completed. In this way, the NW node that receives the sensing measurement results can recognize whether the sensing measurement results from the receiving UE have been completed.

[0310] When a receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE state transmits sensing measurement results using the RA procedure, the base station may transmit Msg2 or Msg4 including an RRC release. The receiving UE that receives the RRC release may return to the RRC_IDLE state. When a receiving UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state transmits sensing measurement results using the RA procedure, the base station may transmit Msg2 or Msg4 including an RRC release with a suspend instruction. The receiving UE that receives the RRC release with a suspend instruction may return to the RRC_INACTIVE state. In this way, the receiving UE can return to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state without transitioning to RRC_CONNECTED after transmitting the sensing measurement results.

[0311] The EDT (Early Data Transmission) process (see Non-Patent Document 1) used in communications may be applied as appropriate to transmitting the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. The SDT (Small Data Transmission) process (see Non-Patent Document 2) used in communications may be applied as appropriate to transmitting the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0312] The CP CIoT (Cellular Internet of Things) EPC / 5GS Optimization process (see Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 10) used in communications may be applied as appropriate to the transmission of sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. By this process, the sensing measurement results are transmitted from the receiving UE to the base station, from the base station to the AMF, from the AMF to the SMF, from the SMF to the UPF, and from the UPF to the SF. This is effective when the UPF is used to transmit the sensing measurement results. The sensing measurement results may also be transmitted from the SMF to the SF. The sensing measurement results may also be transmitted from the AMF to the SF. This is effective when the CP is used to transmit the sensing measurement results. The UP CIoT EPC / 5GS Optimization process (see Non-Patent Documents 1 and 10) used in communications may be applied as appropriate to the transmission of sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This is effective for receiving UEs in a suspended state.

[0313] Sensing beam management may not be performed when the UE is in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0314] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of a sensing process using a receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE state.

[0315] In step ST1701, the UE transmits information about the sensing function to the SF. The information about the sensing function may be included in sensing capability information (capability information). In the example of FIG. 17, the information about the sensing function is transmitted by being included in the sensing capability information. The information about the sensing function may be the presence or absence of a function related to sensing processing. For example, it may be the presence or absence of sensing capability in the RRC_IDLE state, the presence or absence of sensing capability in the RRC_INACTIVE state, or the presence or absence of sensing capability in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The information may be, for example, the presence or absence of capability to transmit sensing measurement results in an RA process, or the presence or absence of capability to transmit sensing measurement results in an RRC establishment complete message. The information may be, for example, the presence or absence of capability to receive sensing paging. The information may be, for example, the presence or absence of capability to transmit sensing measurement results without transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state. The information may be, for example, information on whether EDT processing, SDT processing, CP CIoT EPC / 5GS Optimization processing, or UP CIoT EPC / 5GS Optimization processing can be applied to sensing. The SF can recognize which UE has which sensing processing function. For example, the SF can select a receiving UE using the sensing capability information of the UE.

[0316] The UE may transmit information about sensing capabilities to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station can recognize which UE has which sensing processing capability. The transmitting base station may transmit information about the UE's sensing capabilities to the SF. The transmitting base station may transmit information about the sensing capabilities to the SF via the AMF.

[0317] The NW node may request information about the sensing function from the UE. In response to the request, the UE may transmit information about the sensing function to the NW node. The NW node may be, for example, an SF, an AMF, or a base station.

[0318] In step ST1703, the base station transmits information about the sensing function to the SF. The information about the sensing function may be included in the sensing capability information. In the example of FIG. 17, the information about the sensing function is transmitted by being included in the sensing capability information. The information about the sensing function may be, for example, the presence or absence of sensing capability in the RRC_IDLE state, the presence or absence of sensing capability in the RRC_INACTIVE state, or the presence or absence of sensing capability in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The information may be, for example, the presence or absence of capability to receive sensing measurement results in an RA process, or the presence or absence of capability to receive sensing measurement results in an RRC establishment complete message. The information may be, for example, the presence or absence of capability to transmit sensing paging. The information may be, for example, the presence or absence of capability to receive sensing measurement results without transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state. The information may be, for example, information on whether EDT processing, SDT processing, CP CIoT EPC / 5GS Optimization processing, or UP CIoT EPC / 5GS Optimization processing can be applied to sensing. The SF can recognize which base station has which sensing processing function. For example, the SF can select a transmitting base station using information on the sensing function of the base station.

[0319] The transmitting base station may send information about sensing capabilities to the AMF. The AMF can recognize which base station has which sensing processing capabilities. In this case, the AMF may send information about the UE's sensing capabilities to the SF.

[0320] The NW node may request information about the sensing function from the base station. In response to the request, the base station may transmit the information about the sensing function to the NW node. The NW node may be, for example, an SF or an AMF.

[0321] In step ST1705, the SF requests sensing configuration from the transmitting base station. The sensing configuration request may be the sensing configuration request disclosed in embodiment 1, as appropriate. The sensing configuration request may include information indicating a request for sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. It may also include information indicating a request for sensing configuration in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Sensing configuration according to the state of the receiving UE becomes possible. In step ST1707, the transmitting base station performs sensing configuration. The sensing configuration at the transmitting base station may use information included in the sensing configuration request. For example, if the sensing setting request includes information indicating a request for sensing setting in the RRC_CONNECTED state as well as information indicating a request for sensing setting in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the transmitting base station performs sensing setting for the receiving UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state and sensing setting for the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. In step ST1709, the transmitting base station transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting response disclosed in the first embodiment may be applied as appropriate. The transmitting base station transmits sensing setting information to the SF. As a result, the SF can obtain the sensing setting information of the transmitting base station. The SF can obtain the sensing setting for the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0322] In step ST1711, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the receiving UE. The sensing setting request disclosed in embodiment 1 may be applied as appropriate. The SF transmits sensing setting information of the transmitting base station to the receiving UE. The sensing setting request may include information indicating a request for sensing setting in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. It may also include information indicating a request for sensing setting in RRC_CONNECTED state. Sensing setting according to the state of the receiving UE becomes possible. Sensing setting according to the state of the receiving UE becomes possible to acquire. In step ST1713, the receiving UE performs sensing setting of the transmitting base station. It is preferable to use sensing setting according to the state of the receiving UE. For example, in step ST1713, sensing setting in RRC_CONNECTED state is performed. In step ST1715, the receiving UE transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting request disclosed in embodiment 1 may be applied as appropriate. The sensing setting response may include information indicating which state of sensing setting has been received and information indicating whether the sensing setting for that state has been performed. The SF can recognize which state of sensing setting the receiving UE has received and which state of sensing setting has been performed. The processes from step ST1701 to step ST1715 are collectively referred to as "sensing setting process #1" in step ST1780.

[0323] In step ST1721, the SF transmits a sensing request to the transmitting base station. The sensing request disclosed in embodiment 1 may be applied as appropriate. The sensing request may include information indicating a sensing request for the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. It may also include information indicating a sensing request for the RRC_CONNECTED state. A sensing request according to the state of the receiving UE is possible. For example, the SF may include information indicating a sensing request for the RRC_IDLE state and the RRC_INACTIVE state in addition to the RRC_CONNECTED state. The transmitting base station performs sensing processing even when the receiving UE transitions from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. In step ST1723, the transmitting base station that has received the sensing request transmits sensing resources with a sensing setting according to the state of the receiving UE that has been requested to perform sensing. In step ST1725, the transmitting base station transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response disclosed in the first embodiment may be applied as appropriate. The sensing request response may include, for example, information indicating the state of the receiving UE's sensing request that has been accepted, information indicating the state of sensing setting to be performed, and the like. The SF can recognize that the transmitting base station has executed the sensing process.

[0324] In step ST1731, the SF transmits a sensing request to the receiving UE. The sensing request disclosed in embodiment 1 may be applied as appropriate. The sensing request may include information indicating a sensing request for the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. It may also include information indicating a sensing request for the RRC_CONNECTED state. A sensing request according to the state of the receiving UE is possible. For example, the SF may include information indicating a sensing request for the RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE states in addition to the RRC_CONNECTED state. The receiving UE performs sensing processing even when it transitions from the RRC_CONNECTED state to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. In step ST1733, the receiving UE that has received the sensing request performs sensing measurement with sensing settings according to the state of the receiving UE that has been requested to perform sensing. In step ST1735, the receiving UE transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response disclosed in the first embodiment may be applied as appropriate. The sensing request response may include, for example, information indicating the state of the receiving UE's sensing request that has been accepted, and information indicating the state of the sensing setting in which the sensing measurement will be performed. The SF can recognize that the receiving UE has executed the sensing process.

[0325] In step ST1737, the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement result to the SF. The sensing measurement result transmission method disclosed in embodiment 1 may be applied as appropriate. The receiving UE may report the sensing measurement result with a sensing setting according to the state of the receiving UE that was requested to perform sensing. The sensing measurement result may include information indicating the state of the sensing setting. The sensing measurement result may include information regarding the state of the receiving UE. The SF can recognize the state in which the receiving UE performed the sensing measurement. In step ST1741, the SF derives the sensing result using the measurement result of the sensing resource from the transmitting base station received from the receiving UE. The processes from step ST1721 to step ST1741 are collectively referred to as "sensing measurement process #2" in step ST1782.

[0326] In step ST1751, the transmitting base station transmits an RRC release message to the receiving UE. In step ST1755, the receiving UE performs RRC release processing and transitions to the RRC_IDLE state. In step ST1753, the transmitting base station performs sensing processing using the sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE state. For example, the receiving UE transmits sensing resources configured in the sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE state. In step ST1757, the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE state configures sensing for the RRC_IDLE state. In step ST1759, the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE state performs sensing measurement using the sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE state. In this way, the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE state can perform sensing measurement.

[0327] As another example, a case where the receiving UE is in the RRC_INACTIVE state will be disclosed. In Step ST1751, the transmitting base station transmits an RRC release message with a suspend instruction to the receiving UE. In Step ST1755, the receiving UE transitions to the RRC_INACTIVE state. In Step ST1753, the transmitting base station performs sensing processing using the sensing configuration in the RRC_INACTIVE state. For example, the receiving UE transmits sensing resources configured in the sensing configuration in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In Step ST1757, the receiving UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state configures sensing for the RRC_INACTIVE state. In Step ST1759, the receiving UE in the RRC_INACTIVE state performs sensing measurement using the sensing configuration in the RRC_INACTIVE state. In this way, a receiving UE in RRC_INACTIVE state can perform sensing measurements.

[0328] In step ST1761, the receiving UE performs a buffering process to store the sensing measurement results.

[0329] In step ST1771, the receiving UE performs RA processing and RRC connection establishment processing in advance according to the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result. The receiving UE transitions to an RRC_CONNECTED state with the base station. In step ST1773, the receiving UE that has transitioned to the RRC_CONNECTED state transmits the sensing measurement result to the SF. The method disclosed in embodiment 1 may be applied as appropriate to the method of transmitting the sensing measurement result. The receiving UE may report the sensing measurement result with a sensing setting that corresponds to the state of the receiving UE. The sensing measurement result may include information indicating the state of the sensing setting. The sensing measurement result may include information about the state of the receiving UE. The SF can recognize the state in which the receiving UE performed the sensing measurement. In step ST1775, the SF derives the sensing result using the sensing measurement result when the receiving UE is in the RRC_IDLE state.

[0330] The transmission of the sensing measurement result in step ST1773 may be performed via the transmitting base station. The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement result to the transmitting base station. The transmitting base station may transmit the received sensing measurement result to the SF. The transmitting base station can recognize that the receiving UE has transmitted the sensing measurement result.

[0331] In step ST1777, the transmitting base station determines whether to continue the RRC connection with the receiving UE or release the RRC connection. For example, if communication with the receiving UE occurs, the transmitting base station continues the RRC connection. If communication does not occur, the transmitting base station releases the RRC connection. If the RRC connection is to be released, the transmitting base station performs the processing from step ST1751. The transmitting base station transitions the receiving UE to the RRC_IDLE state again and executes the sensing processing in the RRC_IDLE state.

[0332] The base station may determine sensing configuration information for the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state after deciding to release the RRC connection. The sensing configuration information may be included in an RRC release message. The base station may transmit the sensing configuration information to the receiving UE in an RRC release message. The receiving UE may perform sensing measurements using the sensing configuration information in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. In this way, sensing configuration can be performed using the situation when the receiving UE releases the RRC connection. This can improve the accuracy of the sensing process.

[0333] In this way, the UE in the RRC_IDLE state can perform the sensing process, and the SF can obtain the sensing measurement results of the UE in the RRC_IDLE state. The SF can use the sensing measurement results to derive the sensing results.

[0334] 18 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence for ending a sensing process using a receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE state. Steps common to those in FIG. 17 are given the same step numbers, and common explanations will be omitted. The process for ending sensing is shown. The processes from step ST1780 to step ST1775 are common to those in FIG. 17.

[0335] In step ST1811, the SF decides to end the sensing requested by the sensing and transmits a sensing end signal to the transmitting base station. The sensing end signal may include, for example, information about the receiving UE, information about the transmitting base station, information about sensing, information about the sensing setting, etc. The sensing end signal may include, for example, information indicating the state of the receiving UE in which the sensing setting is being performed. The sensing end signal may include, for example, information for identifying the sensing request to which the sensing end signal corresponds. The transmitting base station that has received the sensing end signal ends the transmission of sensing resources for the sensing setting for which the sensing end signal is instructed. For example, if the instruction to end sensing is given when the receiving UE is in the RRC_IDLE state, the transmitting base station ends the transmission of sensing resources in the RRC_IDLE state. In step ST1813, the transmitting base station transmits a sensing end response to the SF. The sensing end response may include, for example, information about the ended sensing setting. The sensing end response may include, for example, information indicating the state of the receiving UE in which the sensing setting is being ended. The sensing end response may include, for example, information on which sensing request sensing has been ended, so that the SF can recognize which sensing the transmitting base station has ended.

[0336] In step ST1815, the SF transmits a sensing end to the receiving UE. The sensing end may include, for example, information about the transmitting base station, information about sensing, information about the sensing setting, etc. The sensing end may include, for example, information indicating the state of the sensing setting of the receiving UE. The sensing end may include, for example, information for specifying which sensing request the sensing end corresponds to. The receiving UE that has received the sensing end ends the sensing measurement for the sensing setting for which the sensing end is instructed. For example, if the instruction to end sensing is given when the receiving UE is in the RRC_IDLE state, the receiving UE ends the sensing measurement in the RRC_IDLE state. In step ST1817, the receiving UE transmits a sensing end response to the SF. The sensing end response may include, for example, information about the sensing setting that has been ended. The sensing end response may include, for example, information indicating which base station the sensing setting of which has been ended. The sensing end response may include, for example, information indicating in which state the sensing setting has been ended. The sensing end response may include, for example, information on which sensing request sensing has been ended, so that the SF can recognize which sensing the receiving UE has ended.

[0337] In step ST1819, the transmitting base station transmits an RRC release to the receiving UE. The receiving UE transitions to the RRC_IDLE state. Since the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE state has received the sensing end, it does not perform sensing processing.

[0338] The SF may transmit the sensing end to the receiving UE when the receiving UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The SF may transmit the sensing end to the receiving UE before transmitting the sensing end to the transmitting base station. The SF may transmit the sensing end to the transmitting base station after receiving the sensing end response from the receiving UE. The transmitting base station that receives the sensing end may transmit an RRC release message to the receiving UE. This ensures that the receiving UE can receive the sensing end message before transitioning to RRC_IDLE.

[0339] In this way, the sensing process using the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE state can be terminated.

[0340] 19 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a method in which a receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE state transmits a sensing measurement result without transitioning to an RRC_CONNECTED state. The same step numbers are used for steps common to those in FIG. 17, and common explanations will be omitted. The processing from step ST1780 to step ST1761 is common to that in FIG. 17.

[0341] In Step ST19111, the receiving UE performs RA processing in advance according to the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result. In Step ST1921, the receiving UE includes the sensing measurement result in an RRC establishment complete message (RRC Setup Complete) and transmits this to the transmitting base station. The information to be included in the sensing measurement result may be the information disclosed in FIG. 17 as appropriate. The sensing measurement result may include information indicating that sensing measurement results remain. In Step ST1923, the transmitting base station transmits the received sensing measurement result to the AMF. In Step ST1925, the AMF transmits the received sensing measurement result to the SF. The SF can acquire the sensing measurement result of the receiving UE.

[0342] If the receiving UE has not finished transmitting the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE state, in Step ST1931, the receiving UE includes the sensing measurement results in an RRC message, for example, an ULInformationTransfer message, and transmits the message to the transmitting base station. The sensing measurement results may include information indicating that sensing measurement results remain. In Step ST1933, the transmitting base station transmits the received sensing measurement results to the AMF, and in Step ST1935, the AMF transmits the received sensing measurement results to the SF. The SF can acquire the sensing measurement results of the receiving UE.

[0343] The receiving UE continues transmitting the sensing measurement result by including it in an RRC message. When ending transmission of the sensing measurement result, it may transmit information indicating that the sensing measurement result has been completed. The information may be included in the last sensing measurement result and transmitted. In step ST1941, the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement result by including information indicating that the sensing measurement result has been completed. In step ST1943, the transmitting base station transmits the received sensing measurement result to the AMF, and in step ST1945, the AMF transmits the received sensing measurement result to the SF. The SF can acquire the sensing measurement result of the receiving UE. Furthermore, the SF can recognize that the sensing measurement result of the receiving UE has been completed. The SF may derive the sensing result from the received sensing measurement result.

[0344] After transmitting all sensing measurement results, the receiving UE does not transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state, but maintains the RRC_IDLE state in step ST1951. The receiving UE may continue the sensing process in the RRC_IDLE state. In this way, the receiving UE does not transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state, so that the sensing process interruption period due to state transitions can be shortened. Sensing process with higher accuracy can be performed. The processes in steps ST1753 and ST1775 are the same as those in FIG. 17.

[0345] 20 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of a method using paging to transmit a sensing measurement result request to a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state. The same step numbers are used for steps common to FIG. 17, and common explanations will be omitted. The processing from step ST1780 to step ST1761 is common to FIG. 17.

[0346] For example, the SF determines a sensing measurement result request for the receiving UE to derive the sensing result. In step ST2011, the SF transmits a sensing measurement result request to the transmitting base station. The sensing measurement result request may include, for example, information about the receiving UE, information about the transmitting base station, information about sensing, information about the sensing configuration, etc. The sensing measurement result request may include, for example, information indicating the state of the sensing configuration of the receiving UE. The sensing measurement result request may include, for example, information for identifying which sensing request the sensing measurement result corresponds to. In step ST2013, the transmitting base station transmits paging to the receiving UE requesting the sensing measurement result. Sensing paging may be used. The sensing paging configuration may have been transmitted to the receiving UE in step ST1780, for example. The receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state performs discontinuous reception using the sensing paging configuration. If the receiving UE receives a sensing paging message in step ST2013, in step ST1771, the receiving UE performs RA processing and RRC connection establishment processing with the transmitting base station and transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state. In step ST1773, the receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement result in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The processing from step ST1771 to step ST1777 is the same as that in FIG. 17.

[0347] In this way, the NW node can determine the timing of the sensing measurement result request. Depending on the situation and judgment of the NW node, it becomes possible to timely obtain the sensing measurement result of the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0348] The number of receiving UEs is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The method disclosed above may be applied to multiple receiving UEs as appropriate. This makes it possible to perform sensing processing on multiple receiving UEs in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states.

[0349] The number of transmitting base stations is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The method disclosed above may be applied to multiple transmitting base stations as appropriate. The method disclosed in the first embodiment may also be applied as appropriate. For example, a sensing setting method for multiple transmitting base stations or a method of cooperation between multiple transmitting base stations may be applied to sensing processing in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This makes it possible to perform sensing with higher accuracy.

[0350] A receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may move to the coverage of another base station. The receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement result to the SF via the destination base station (sometimes referred to as the target base station). The receiving UE may transmit the sensing measurement result to the target base station. The target base station transmits the received sensing measurement result to the SF.

[0351] The method by which a receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state transmits sensing measurement results to a destination base station and SF may be appropriately applied using the methods disclosed above. The transmitting base station to which the sensing measurement results are transmitted, as disclosed in the above method, may be set as the destination base station. For example, when a receiving UE that has moved into the coverage area of ​​the destination base station transmits sensing measurement results, it performs RA processing or RRC connection establishment processing with the destination base station. The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results to the destination base station. The destination base station may transmit the sensing measurement results to SF. In this way, even if a receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state moves from the transmitting base station to another base station, it can transmit the sensing measurement results to SF.

[0352] This specification discloses a method for enabling a receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state to perform sensing measurements at a target base station. It is preferable to configure multiple transmitting base stations. For example, the SF considers a base station located in a predetermined area as the transmitting base station. The predetermined area may be, for example, an area that supports the target sensing service. The method using multiple transmitting base stations may appropriately apply the method disclosed in the first embodiment. For example, it is preferable to configure sensing settings for multiple transmitting base stations and set the multiple sensing settings for the receiving UE. The SF or the transmitting base station may transmit information associating information about each transmitting base station with the sensing settings to the receiving UE. The information about the transmitting base station may be, for example, an identifier of the transmitting base station, such as a PCI. By receiving the SSB or MIB, the receiving UE can recognize the identifier of the transmitting base station and the sensing settings associated with the transmitting base station.

[0353] The multiple transmitting base stations may broadcast information related to sensing. For example, the information may include information on whether sensing is supported, information on the corresponding sensing service, an identifier of the corresponding sensing service, information on whether the base station is within the area of ​​the corresponding sensing service, an identifier of the area of ​​the corresponding sensing service, information on the distance from the corresponding sensing target, information on the corresponding sensing target, or a combination of these. The information may be included in the MIB or SIB. An SIB including the information may be provided. The information may be included in the SIB for sensing.

[0354] A receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state receives an SSB, an MIB, or an SIB transmitted from a target base station. By using the received information, the receiving UE can recognize the identifier of the target base station, the sensing setting of the target base station, whether the target base station is a transmitting base station, and the like. If the target base station is a transmitting base station, a receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may perform sensing measurements. The sensing measurements may be performed using the sensing setting corresponding to the transmitting base station.

[0355] When a receiving UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state makes an RRC connection, it may prioritize a base station that supports the desired sensing service.

[0356] In this way, the receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can perform sensing measurement at the target base station. Even when the receiving UE moves, the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can be used, thereby improving sensing accuracy.

[0357] 21 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing that enables a receiving UE in an RRC_IDLE state to perform sensing measurement at a target base station. In the example of FIG. 21, a plurality of transmitting base stations are set.

[0358] In step ST2180, processing such as transmitting and receiving sensing capability information, sensing configuration at multiple transmitting base stations, and sensing configuration at multiple transmitting base stations to the receiving UE is performed. Step ST2180 may be appropriately adapted from step ST1780 in FIG. 17. Step ST1780 may be applied to multiple transmitting base stations. As a method for applying to multiple transmitting base stations, for example, the processing methods disclosed in the first embodiment, such as sensing configuration at multiple transmitting base stations, sensing configuration processing at multiple transmitting base stations to the receiving UE, and cooperation between multiple transmitting base stations, may be appropriately applied. By applying step ST1780 to multiple transmitting base stations, the receiving UE can acquire sensing configuration at multiple transmitting base stations in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0359] In step ST2182, processing such as transmitting a sensing request, transmitting sensing resources, performing sensing measurements, and transmitting sensing measurement results is performed. Step ST1782 in FIG. 17 may be applied to step ST2182 as appropriate. Step ST1782 may be applied to multiple transmitting base stations. As a method for applying to multiple transmitting base stations, for example, the processing methods disclosed in the first embodiment for transmitting sensing requests and sensing resources to multiple transmitting base stations, performing sensing measurements, and transmitting sensing measurement results may be applied as appropriate.

[0360] The transmitting base station to which the receiving UE establishes an RRC connection in step ST2182 may be referred to as the pre-movement transmitting base station. The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement results of the sensing resources transmitted by the transmitting base station to the pre-movement transmitting base station. The pre-movement transmitting base station transmits the sensing measurement results to the SF. There may be one or more transmitting base stations performing the sensing measurement.

[0361] In step ST1751, the previous transmitting base station transmits an RRC release to the receiving UE. In step ST1753, the previous transmitting base station transmits sensing resources using the sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE state. The receiving UE, which has transitioned to the RRC_IDLE state in step ST1755, performs sensing measurement in step ST1759 using the sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE state in step ST1757, and performs buffer processing to store the sensing configuration in step ST1761.

[0362] A receiving UE in RRC_IDLE state moves into the coverage of the post-movement transmitting base station. In step ST2121, the receiving UE performs RA processing and RRC connection establishment processing in advance with the post-movement transmitting base station according to the timing of reporting the sensing measurement result. The receiving UE transitions to the RRC_CONNECTED state between the post-movement transmitting base station. In step ST2131, the receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement result to the SF. The reporting of the sensing measurement result may be performed via the post-movement transmitting base station. The receiving UE transmits the sensing measurement result to the post-movement transmitting base station. The post-movement transmitting base station may transmit the received sensing measurement result to the SF. In step ST1775, the SF derives the sensing result. The post-movement transmitting base station can recognize that the receiving UE has transmitted the sensing measurement result.

[0363] In step ST2141, after the movement, the transmitting base station determines whether to continue the RRC connection with the receiving UE or release the RRC connection. For example, if communication with the receiving UE occurs, the RRC connection is continued. If communication is not occurring, the RRC connection is released. If the RRC connection is to be released, in step ST2151 the base station transmits an RRC release to the receiving UE to transition to the RRC_IDLE state, and in step ST2111 transmits sensing resources using the sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE state. The receiving UE then performs sensing processing in the RRC_IDLE state again.

[0364] The transmitting base station may transmit sensing resources using the sensing configuration in the RRC_IDLE state after the transmitting base station receives a sensing request, so that a receiving UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can immediately perform sensing measurements after moving between transmitting base stations.

[0365] In this way, even if a UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACIVE state moves between transmitting base stations, the sensing process can be performed, and the SF can acquire the sensing measurement results of the UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACIVE state. The SF can derive the sensing result using the sensing measurement results.

[0366] Some or all of the sensing configuration may be configured individually for each RAN node. The RAN node may be a base station, a CU, a DU, a TRP, or a cell. Some or all of the sensing configuration may be configured individually for each UE. The sensing configuration may be a combination of these. For example, the sensing configuration used in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state is configured individually for each cell, and the sensing configuration used in the RRC_CONNECTED state is configured individually for each UE. A UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state performs sensing measurement using the sensing configuration configured individually for each cell, and a receiving UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state performs sensing measurement using the sensing configuration configured individually for each UE. For example, a base station may transmit sensing resources using the cell-specific sensing configuration upon receiving a sensing request.

[0367] In this way, for example, by providing a sensing setting for each UE, it is possible to provide a sensing setting suitable for the receiving UE. Also, by providing a sensing setting for each RAN node, for example, it is possible to apply the sensing setting to a UE under the RAN node. Furthermore, compared to providing a sensing setting for each UE, providing a sensing setting for each RAN node can reduce the number of sensing settings, thereby reducing the number of sensing resources to be transmitted. For example, it is possible to reduce interference caused by transmitting sensing resources.

[0368] As described above, it has been disclosed that the sensing configuration information and the sensing request may be transmitted to the UE when the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state. As an alternative method, paging may be used to transmit the sensing configuration information and the sensing request. For example, the base station transmits the sensing configuration information to the receiving UE using paging. For example, the base station transmits the sensing request to the receiving UE using paging. The method of using paging to transmit the sensing configuration information and the sensing request may be appropriately applied to a method of requesting a sensing measurement result using paging. A UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can obtain the sensing configuration information and the sensing request without transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0369] The UE may transmit the sensing setting response or the sensing request response after the UE has transitioned to the RRC_CONNECTED state after receiving the sensing setting information or the sensing request paging. The above-described method may be applied as appropriate.

[0370] As another method, the UE may transmit the sensing configuration response or the sensing request response by RA processing. The UE performs RA processing after receiving paging for sensing configuration information or a sensing request. It is preferable to transmit the sensing configuration response or the sensing request response by RA processing. The method for transmitting the sensing configuration response or the sensing request response by RA processing may be appropriately applied to the method for transmitting the sensing measurement results by RA processing described above.

[0371] The EDT process used in communication may be applied as appropriate to the transmission of the sensing setting response or the sensing request response from the UE, or the SDT process may be applied as appropriate.

[0372] The CP CIoT EPC / 5GS Optimization process or the UP CIoT EPC / 5GS Optimization process used in communication may be applied as appropriate to transmission of the sensing setting response or the sensing request response from the UE.

[0373] The transmission of sensing setting information and sensing requests to the UE can be performed early.

[0374] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, even if the receiving UE is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, it can receive sensing resources from the transmitting base station and perform sensing measurements. Furthermore, the receiving UE can transmit the sensing measurement results in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state to the NW node. Even if the receiving UE transitions to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, it is possible to prevent serious accidents from occurring due to the interruption of the sensing process.

[0375] There are cases where communication ends during sensing processing. In such cases, only the sensing processing may be performed. For example, when communication ends, the receiving UE may transition to an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state and perform the sensing processing. The above-mentioned method may be applied as appropriate. This can reduce the power consumption of the receiving UE.

[0376] During the sensing process, the receiving UE may not transition to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. During the sensing process, the receiving UE may maintain the RRC_CONNECTED state with the base station. The SF may transmit information to the AMF or the base station indicating that the target UE is undergoing sensing. The information may be information indicating that sensing is being performed for each target UE. The information may be information indicating that the RRC_CONNECTED state is to be maintained. The AMF may transmit information to the base station indicating that the target UE is undergoing sensing. The base station can recognize that the target UE is undergoing sensing. The base station does not perform a process to release the RRC connection for the target UE. By doing this, for example, even if communication ends during the sensing process, the receiving UE does not transition to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_ACTIVE state, and therefore sensing measurement results can be obtained quickly.

[0377] Embodiment 3. Sensing technologies that do not use methods specified by 3GPP (sometimes referred to as non-3GPP or non-3GPP sensing) include, for example, LiDAR, Radar, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) sensing, and Camera. A UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may have a non-3GPP sensing sensor and may perform non-3GPP sensing. A UE in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may transmit non-3GPP sensing measurement results and sensing results acquired to the mobile communication network. In this way, even if the UE is in an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, it is possible to incorporate non-3GPP sensing measurement results and sensing results into the mobile communication network.

[0378] The SF may manage non-3GPP sensing. Management of non-3GPP sensing may include management of processes related to non-3GPP sensing, such as a non-3GPP sensing request, non-3GPP sensing setting, and non-3GPP sensing termination. The SF may have the function of a non-3GPP sensing server. By providing a function having a function for managing sensing, it becomes possible to unify and manage the sensing process, thereby reducing the complexity of the sensing process.

[0379] The SF having the function of managing non-3GPP sensing may be provided separately from other functions in the network. This can reduce the complexity of processing and reduce malfunctions. As another method, the SF having the function of managing non-3GPP sensing may be included in another function in the network. This can facilitate cooperation with other functions and reduce the amount of signaling.

[0380] The non-3GPP sensing configuration for the UE and the processing of the non-3GPP sensing request may be performed when the UE is in the RRC_CONNECTED state. This method may be appropriately applied to the method disclosed in the second embodiment. A UE that has transitioned to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may perform non-3GPP sensing using the non-3GPP sensing configuration received in the RRC_CONNECTED state.

[0381] The UE may store the non-3GPP sensing measurement results and non-3GPP sensing results performed in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. The storage method may be the method disclosed in the second embodiment, as appropriate.

[0382] After transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state, the UE may transmit the non-3GPP sensing measurement results or the non-3GPP sensing results. In order to transmit the non-3GPP sensing measurement results or the non-3GPP sensing results, the UE may transition to the RRC_CONNECTED state. As another method, the UE may transmit the non-3GPP sensing measurement results or the non-3GPP sensing results using the RA procedure or the RRC connection establishment procedure. After transmitting the non-3GPP sensing measurement results or the non-3GPP sensing results, the UE may maintain the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INAVTIVE state without transitioning to the RRC_CONNECTED state. The methods disclosed in the second embodiment may be applied as appropriate to these methods.

[0383] In this way, the SF can obtain non-3GPP sensing measurement results and non-3GPP sensing results performed by the UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0384] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, the mobile communication network can acquire non-3GPP sensing measurement results and sensing results from UEs in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states. Even if the receiving UE transitions to RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states, the non-3GPP sensing process is not interrupted, and the occurrence of serious accidents due to the interruption can be suppressed. In addition, the mobile communication network can provide a wide variety of sensing services requested by other NFs, AFs, and external storage devices.

[0385] Fourth Embodiment Communication may be interrupted due to deterioration of the radio wave propagation environment between the UE and the base station. In such a case, the NW node cannot acquire the sensing measurement results from the UE, and sensing is interrupted. As described in the second embodiment, for example, in the case of autonomous driving or health monitoring of cars or drones, an interruption of sensing may lead to a serious accident.

[0386] This embodiment discloses a method for solving such problems.

[0387] The UE performing sensing transmits the sensing measurement results to the NW node via non-3GPP access. The sensing may be 3GPP sensing or non-3GPP sensing. Non-3GPP access is a communication method that does not use a method specified by 3GPP, and may be, for example, Wi-Fi.

[0388] A UE performing sensing may transmit sensing measurement results to a NW node via an N3IWF (non-3GPP Interworking Function). The NW node to which the sensing measurement results are transmitted may be, for example, an SF. For example, it may be an AMF. For example, the sensing measurement results may be transmitted to the SF via the AMF. The NW node may be, for example, a UPF. For example, the sensing measurement results may be transmitted to the SF via the UPF.

[0389] 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of an architecture in which a UE performs sensing processing between a mobile communication network and a non-3GPP access point and an N3IWF. For sensing, the UE is connected to an AMF or a UPF via a non-3GPP access point and an N3IWF. The AMF or the UPF is connected to an SF.

[0390] The UE that performed sensing connects to a non-3GPP access and transmits the sensing measurement results to the N3IWF. The UE that performed sensing may connect to a non-3GPP access that is connected to the N3IWF. A CP may be used to transmit the sensing measurement results to the SF. When a CP is used, the N3IWF transmits the sensing measurement results to the AMF. The AMF transmits the sensing measurement results to the SF. In this way, the UE that performed sensing can transmit the sensing measurement results to the SF.

[0391] The UPF may be used to transmit the sensing measurement results to the SF. When the UPF is used, the N3IWF transmits the sensing measurement results to the UPF. The UPF transmits the sensing measurement results to the SF. In this way, the UE that performed sensing can transmit the sensing measurement results to the SF.

[0392] The UE performing sensing may transmit the sensing measurement results to the NW node via a Trusted Non-3GPP Access Network (TNAN), which is composed of a Trusted Non-3GPP Access Point (TNAP) and a Trusted Non-3GPP Gateway Function (TNGF).

[0393] 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of an architecture in which a UE performs sensing processing between a mobile communication network and a TNAN. For sensing, the UE is connected to an AMF or UPF via the TNAN. The AMF or UPF is connected to an SF.

[0394] The UE that performed sensing connects to the TNAP and transmits the sensing measurement result to the TNAP, and the TNAP transmits the sensing measurement result to the TNGF. A CP may be used to transmit the sensing measurement result to the SF. When a CP is used, the TNGF transmits the sensing measurement result to the AMF. The AMF transmits the sensing measurement result to the SF. In this way, the UE that performed sensing can transmit the sensing measurement result to the SF.

[0395] The UP may be used to transmit the sensing measurement results to the SF. The UPF may be used to transmit the sensing measurement results to the SF. When the UP is used, the TNGF transmits the sensing measurement results to the UPF. The UPF transmits the sensing measurement results to the SF. In this way, the UE that performed sensing can transmit the sensing measurement results to the SF.

[0396] When performing sensing setting, changing the setting, or making a sensing request, communication may be interrupted due to deterioration of the radio wave propagation environment between the UE and the base station. In such cases, the NW node cannot perform sensing setting, changing the setting, or making a sensing request to the UE, resulting in the sensing being interrupted. A method for solving such a problem is disclosed.

[0397] The NW node transmits the sensing setting, the change thereto, and the sensing request to the UE performing sensing via non-3GPP access. The NW node may transmit the sensing setting, the change thereto, and the sensing request to the UE performing sensing via N3IWF. The NW node may transmit the sensing setting, the change thereto, and the sensing request to the UE performing sensing via TNAN. In this way, the NW node can transmit the sensing setting, the change thereto, and the sensing request to the UE performing sensing via non-3GPP access.

[0398] By using the method disclosed in this embodiment, it is possible to transmit sensing measurement results to a NW node without using communication between a UE and a base station. Also, it is possible to transmit sensing settings and sensing requests to a UE without using communication between a UE and a base station. Even if communication between a UE and a base station is interrupted, it is possible to avoid interruption of sensing, and it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a serious accident due to interruption of sensing.

[0399] A sensing measurement unit (SMU) may be provided. The SMU performs sensing measurements. The SMU does not need to have all the functions of the UE. The SMU has the function of performing sensing measurements. The SMU may have some or all of the functions for performing sensing processing.

[0400] A non-3GPP access point may be provided with a UE mode, and communication for sensing processing may be performed between the UE and the N3IWF via another non-3GPP access point.

[0401] An SMU may be provided in a non-3GPP access point. An interface may be provided between the SMU and the N3IWF. An interface may be provided between the SMU and the SF. For example, the SMU transmits the sensing measurement results it has performed to the N3IWF, and the N3IWF transmits the received sensing measurement results to the SF. Communication between the N3IWF and the SF may be performed via the AMF or via the SMF. The SF can acquire the sensing measurement results.

[0402] The TNAP may have a UE mode. The TNAP may have an SMU. Communication for sensing processing may be performed between the TNAP having the UE mode and the TNGF.

[0403] An interface may be provided between the SMU and the TNGF. An interface may be provided between the SMU and the SF. For example, the SMU transmits the sensing measurement results it has performed to the TMGF, and the TMGF transmits the received sensing measurement results to the SF. Communication between the TMGF and the SF may be via the AMF or via the SMF. The SF can obtain the sensing measurement results.

[0404] Fifth Embodiment In sensing using a mobile communication system, it has been proposed to perform target sensing using a UE or a base station (see Non-Patent Document 31). It has been disclosed that, as a sensing method, the UE may be the transmitting node of the resources used for sensing (sensing resources), and the base station may be the receiving node of the sensing resources. However, no specific method has been disclosed for performing sensing when the UE is the transmitting node and the base station is the receiving node in a mobile communication system. This creates a problem in that such sensing cannot be performed.

[0405] This embodiment discloses a method for solving such problems.

[0406] FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram of sensing using a UE and a base station. The UE is the transmitting node of the resource (sensing resource) used for sensing, and the base station is the receiving node of the sensing resource reflected or transmitted by the target. The UE that is the transmitting node may be referred to as the transmitting UE. The base station that is the receiving node may be referred to as the receiving base station. The receiving base station is not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0407] The transmitting UE transmits radio waves for sensing. The transmitting UE transmits sensing resources used for sensing via the sensing radio waves. The transmitting UE may transmit the sensing resources using a beam. The sensing resources may be resources on the frequency-time axis. For example, the sensing resources may be PRACH. For example, the sensing resources may be signals provided for sensing. For example, the sensing resources may be RSs transmitted on the frequency-time axis. For example, the sensing resources may be RSs, PRSs, SRSs, etc. provided for sensing.

[0408] The information included in the sensing settings may be the example information disclosed in the first embodiment, as appropriate.

[0409] In this embodiment, the receiving UE described in the example of information regarding the sensing resource configuration in (1) may be the transmitting UE. Furthermore, the information regarding the resources used for sensing in the sensing configuration information in (1-1) may be, for example, information about the signal or RS used for sensing. The information about the signal used for sensing may be, for example, PRACH. The information about the RS used for sensing may be, for example, an RS, PRS, or SRS provided for sensing. The transmitting UE can recognize what sensing resource to transmit. When an SRS is configured, sensing may be provided as SRS usage information. The UE can recognize that the SRS will be used for sensing. The communication SRS may be used for sensing. The configuration of the communication SRS may be set as the sensing configuration. For example, the identifier of the SRS set in the sensing configuration may be the identifier of the SRS set in the communication configuration. Since the UE does not need to transmit the SRS for communication and the SRS for sensing separately, the processing of the UE can be simplified.

[0410] In this embodiment, the information on the sensing measurement configuration in (2) may be configuration information for the sensing measurement by the receiving base station. This information may also be sensing resource transmission configuration information for the transmitting UE for the sensing measurement. This information may be applied as appropriate.

[0411] In this embodiment, the information regarding the reporting of the sensing measurement results in (3) may be configuration information for the receiving base station to report the sensing measurement results. The receiving UE may be the receiving base station, and the transmitting base station may be the transmitting UE.

[0412] The sensing configuration may be configured for each UE individually. For example, when there are multiple transmitting UEs, the sensing configuration may be configured for each transmitting UE individually. For example, this may facilitate interference avoidance through cooperation between transmitting UEs.

[0413] The receiving base station may be a base station corresponding to the target sensing service. The receiving base station may be a sensing-related base station. The receiving base station may be determined from these base stations. The method for deriving the receiving base station may be the same as the method for deriving the transmitting base station disclosed in the first embodiment, as appropriate. The transmitting base station may be replaced with the receiving base station and applied as appropriate.

[0414] The transmitting UE may be a UE corresponding to the target sensing service. The transmitting UE may be a sensing-related UE. The transmitting UE may be a UE from which a predetermined reception quality (RSRP, RSRQ, SIR, SINR, etc.) can be obtained. The reception quality may be the reception quality of a communication RS. The transmitting UE may be a UE from which a predetermined transmission quality (RSRP, RSRQ, SIR, SINR, etc.) can be obtained. The predetermined transmission quality may be measured by a base station. These UEs may be candidate transmitting UEs. The transmitting UE may be determined from among these UEs. The method for deriving the transmitting UE may be appropriately applied to the method for deriving the receiving UE disclosed in the first embodiment. It is preferable to appropriately apply the method by replacing the receiving UE with the transmitting UE.

[0415] The SF may determine the receiving base station. The SF may determine the transmitting UE. By having the SF determine the receiving base station and the transmitting UE, it is possible to facilitate management of sensing. As another method, the serving base station of the transmitting UE may be determined as the receiving base station. This makes it possible to facilitate signaling between the transmitting UE and the receiving base station. As another method, the base station may determine the transmitting UE. The receiving base station may determine the transmitting UE from the UEs being served by it. Sensing measurements can be performed at the receiving base station soon after the determination or change of the transmitting UE. It is possible to reduce delays in the sensing process.

[0416] The transmitting UE may be limited to a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The transmitting UE does not have to be limited to a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state. The transmitting UE may be a UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. The transmitting UE may receive the sensing configuration when in the RRC_CONNECTED state. For example, the sensing configuration may be received from the SF or the base station. The transmitting UE may use the received sensing configuration even after transitioning to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. The sensing process when the transmitting UE is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state may appropriately apply the method disclosed in the second embodiment. The transmitting UE can transmit sensing resources even when in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state. This makes it possible to avoid interruption of sensing due to transition to the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, and to avoid the occurrence of serious accidents due to interruption of sensing.

[0417] A sensing configuration method is disclosed. The sensing configuration is shared between a transmitting node and a receiving node. For example, the sensing configuration is shared between one or more receiving base stations and a transmitting UE. The base station may perform the sensing configuration. The base station performing the sensing configuration may be, for example, a representative receiving base station or a serving base station of the transmitting UE. Alternatively, the SF may perform the sensing configuration.

[0418] The representative receiver base station performs sensing configuration. The SF may determine the representative receiver base station. For example, the SF may determine the representative receiver base station from one or more receiver base stations. The SF may acquire information about UEs connected to the representative receiver base station. The SF requests sensing configuration from the representative receiver base station. Acquisition of information about UEs connected to the representative receiver base station may be performed before the sensing configuration process for the representative receiver base station. The sensing configuration process can be performed with flexible timing. Acquisition of information about UEs connected to the representative receiver base station may be performed during the sensing configuration process for the representative receiver base station. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of signaling.

[0419] A method for the SF to obtain information on UEs connected to a representative receiving base station will be disclosed.

[0420] The SF requests information about UEs to be connected to the representative receiver base station. The SF may transmit information about transmitting UE candidates to the representative receiver base station. The transmitting UE candidates may be, for example, sensing-related UEs. The representative receiver base station may derive UEs connected to its own base station using the transmitting UE candidate information. The representative receiver base station transmits the connecting UE information to the SF. In this way, the SF can obtain information about UEs to be connected to the representative receiver base station.

[0421] Another method is disclosed. The SF may request information about UEs to be connected from the AMF. The SF may transmit information about the representative receiver base station to the AMF. For example, the information about the representative receiver base station may be a base station identifier. The SF may transmit transmission UE candidate information to the AMF. The AMF may derive UEs connected to the representative receiver base station using information about the representative receiver base station and transmission candidate UE information. The AMF transmits information about UEs connected to the representative receiver base station to the SF. In this way, the SF can obtain information about UEs connected to the representative receiver base station.

[0422] Another method is disclosed. The SF may request information about a base station to connect to from the UE. The SF may request information about a base station to connect to from a transmitting UE candidate. There may be one or more transmitting UE candidates. The transmitting UE candidate transmits information about a base station to connect to the SF. The SF may select a representative receiving base station from among the base stations indicated in the received base station information. The SF derives information about the UE to connect to the representative receiving base station.

[0423] If there is no candidate transmitting UE to connect to the representative receiving base station, another receiving base station may be set as the representative receiving base station, and processing may be performed again with the other receiving base station as the representative receiving base station.

[0424] In this way, the SF can obtain information about the UEs connected to the representative receiving base station.

[0425] There may be a plurality of representative receiving base stations. Transmitting UE information may be acquired for each representative receiving base station. The method disclosed above may be applied as appropriate.

[0426] Before determining the representative receiving base station, the SF may request information on the UEs to be connected from the receiving base station candidates. The number of receiving base station candidates is not limited to one, and may be multiple. All receiving base station candidates may be included. The receiving base station candidates transmit information on the UEs to be connected to the SF. The SF may determine the representative receiving base station and transmitting UE using the receiving base station candidate information and the connecting UE information. The SF can obtain information on more receiving base stations and information on UEs. For example, it can determine a representative receiving base station and transmitting UE that are more suitable for sensing.

[0427] A method for a representative receiver base station to perform sensing configuration is further disclosed. The SF sends a sensing configuration request to the representative receiver base station. The representative receiver base station performs sensing configuration. Sensing configuration may be performed in response to the sensing configuration request. The representative receiver base station sends sensing configuration information to the SF. The representative receiver base station may send a sensing configuration response to the SF, or may include the sensing configuration information in the sensing configuration response. The SF can obtain the sensing configuration information from the representative receiver base station.

[0428] The sensing setting request may include, for example, information about the transmitting UE, information about the receiving base station, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the NW, information about candidate receiving base stations or sensing-related base stations, information about candidate transmitting UEs or sensing-related UEs, or a combination thereof. The information about the transmitting UE may be, for example, information that identifies the transmitting UE. The information about the receiving base station may be, for example, information that identifies the receiving base station.

[0429] The serving base station may perform the sensing configuration, or the method disclosed above in which the representative receiving base station performs the sensing configuration may be applied as appropriate.

[0430] The SF transmits sensing setting information to the transmitting UE. The SF may transmit a sensing setting request, or may include the sensing setting information in the sensing setting request. The transmitting UE performs sensing setting using the received sensing setting. The transmitting UE transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting response may include the sensing setting information and information indicating whether the sensing setting has been completed. The SF can recognize whether the transmitting UE has completed the sensing setting.

[0431] The SF may exclude a transmitting UE that has not completed the sensing configuration. The SF may change the transmitting UE that has not completed the sensing configuration to another transmitting UE. The SF may perform sensing configuration using the changed transmitting UE using the method disclosed above. Since exclusion or change is possible depending on the status of the transmitting UE, a more suitable transmitting UE can be selected.

[0432] The UE may transmit information regarding the sensing function of the UE to the NW node. The information regarding the sensing function may be transmitted by including it in capability information. The NW node may be an SF. The UE may transmit information regarding the sensing function of the UE to the base station. The base station may transmit the received information to the SF. The base station may transmit the received information to the SF via the AMF.

[0433] The information on the sensing function may be, for example, information on the transmission function of the sensing resource. For example, it may be information on whether or not the sensing resource has the transmission function, or information on which sensing resource is capable of transmission. For example, it may be an SRS or an RS provided for sensing.

[0434] The information on the sensing function may be, for example, information on supported sensing frequencies. For example, it may be information on frequency bands, frequency layers, BWPs, etc. For example, it may be information on whether a full-duplex function or a sub-band full-duplex function is available. For example, it may be information on whether a communication frequency can be used.

[0435] A sensing window may be provided for transmitting sensing resources. The UE transmits sensing resources in the sensing window. Communication does not have to be performed in the sensing window. A sensing gap may be provided for transmitting sensing resources. The UE transmits sensing resources in the sensing gap. Communication does not have to be performed in the sensing gap. In the sensing gap, sensing resources may be transmitted at a frequency different from the communication frequency. Frequencies may be switched between those for communication and those for sensing.

[0436] The information on the sensing function may be, for example, information on whether or not a sensing window or a sensing gap is supported, or information on whether or not a function for transmitting sensing resources is provided.

[0437] A network node that receives information about the sensing functions of such a UE can determine, for example, which UE can be used as a transmitting node for sensing, and what kind of sensing can be performed.

[0438] The NW node may request the UE to provide information about its sensing capabilities. The UE, upon receiving the request, transmits the information about its sensing capabilities to the NW node. For example, the SF may request the UE to provide the information. The UE transmits the information to the SF. For example, the SF may determine the transmitting UE in consideration of the information about the UE's sensing capabilities, and may perform sensing configuration for the transmitting UE, for example.

[0439] The base station may transmit information regarding the sensing function of the base station to the NW node. The information may be included in capability information and transmitted. The NW node may be an SF. The base station may transmit information regarding the sensing function of the base station to the AMF. The AMF may transmit information regarding the sensing function of the received base station to the SF.

[0440] The information on the sensing function may be, for example, information on the receiving function of the sensing resource. For example, it may be information on whether or not the receiving function of the sensing resource is available, or information on which sensing resource can be received. For example, it may be SRS or RS provided for sensing.

[0441] The information on the sensing function is not limited to information on whether or not the sensing measurement function is provided, but may also be information on which sensing measurement indices are supported. For example, sensing measurement indices include RSRP, RSRQ, SIR, Doppler frequency, AOD (Angle Of Departure), TDOA (Time Difference Of Arrival), AOA (Angle Of Arrival), CIR (Channel Impulse Response), and PDP (Power Delay Profile). The information may also be information on whether or not the function to measure temporal changes in such information is provided. The information may also be information on sensing measurements using LOS or NLOS. For example, the information may be information on whether or not sensing measurements using LOS are supported, information on whether or not sensing measurements using NLOS are supported, or information on whether or not a function to derive whether a sensing measurement path is LOS or NLOS is supported. The information may also be information on whether or not the function to derive position, range, speed, acceleration, movement direction, etc. is provided.

[0442] The information on the sensing function may be, for example, information on supported sensing frequencies. For example, it may be information on frequency bands, frequency layers, BWPs, etc. For example, it may be information on whether a full-duplex function or a sub-band full-duplex function is available. For example, it may be information on whether a communication frequency can be used.

[0443] The information on the sensing function may be, for example, information on whether or not a sensing window or a sensing gap is supported, or information on whether or not a function for receiving a sensing resource is provided.

[0444] A network node that receives information about the sensing functions of such a base station can determine, for example, which base station can be used as a receiving node for sensing, and what kind of sensing can be performed.

[0445] The NW node may request the base station to provide information about the sensing function. The base station that receives the request transmits the information about the sensing function to the NW node. For example, the SF may request the base station to provide the information. The base station transmits the information to the SF. For example, the SF can determine the receiving base station by taking into account the information about the sensing function of the base station.

[0446] Information about the sensing function of the UE may be transmitted to the NW node together with information about the location management function of the UE. The UE may have the location management function. For example, the NW node can determine which UE can be used for sensing, what kind of sensing can be performed, etc., by using the information about the sensing function from the UE and the information about the location management function.

[0447] Information about the sensing function of the base station may be transmitted to the NW node together with information about the location management function of the base station. The base station may have the location management function. For example, the NW node can determine which base station can be used for sensing, what kind of sensing can be performed, etc., by using the information about the sensing function from the base station and the information about the location management function.

[0448] The SF transmits a sensing request to the UE. The sensing request may include, for example, a sensing configuration identifier, a sensing resource configuration identifier, a sensing measurement configuration identifier, a sensing measurement report configuration identifier, etc. The sensing request may include, for example, a request to start transmitting sensing resources. For example, the sensing request may include an identifier of the configuration for which sensing is requested to be performed. Activation / deactivation information for each configuration may also be included.

[0449] The UE that receives the sensing request transmits the sensing resource. The sensing resource to be transmitted may be in accordance with the sensing configuration. In this way, the transmitting UE can transmit the sensing resource.

[0450] The transmitting UE may transmit a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include, for example, an identifier of the performed sensing configuration, an identifier of the sensing resource configuration, an identifier of the sensing measurement configuration, an identifier of the sensing measurement report configuration, etc. For example, the sensing request response may include information about the base station that performed the performed sensing configuration. This information may be associated with information about the base station. The SF can recognize that each transmitting UE has performed a sensing process.

[0451] The SF transmits a sensing request to the base station. The sensing request may include, for example, a sensing configuration identifier, a sensing resource configuration identifier, a sensing measurement configuration identifier, and a sensing measurement report configuration identifier. For example, the sensing request may include a request to start receiving sensing resources. For example, the request may include an identifier of the configuration for which sensing execution is requested. Sensing execution start / deactivation (activation / deactivation) may also be provided. The sensing request may include execution start / deactivation information for each configuration.

[0452] The base station that receives the sensing request receives sensing resources. The received sensing resources may conform to the sensing configuration. The base station that receives the sensing request performs sensing measurement. The sensing measurement is performed using the sensing configuration. The base station transmits the sensing measurement results to the SF. The sensing measurement results are reported using the sensing configuration. In this way, the receiving UE can perform sensing measurement, and the SF can receive the sensing measurement results performed by the receiving UE.

[0453] The receiving base station may transmit a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include, for example, information about the transmitting UE that performed the sensing measurement. The sensing request response may include, for example, an identifier of the performed sensing configuration, an identifier of the sensing resource configuration, an identifier of the sensing measurement configuration, an identifier of the sensing measurement report configuration, etc. These pieces of information may be associated with information about the transmitting UE that performed the sensing measurement. The SF can recognize that each receiving base station has performed a sensing process.

[0454] The sensing measurement results may include measurement results of multiple paths for the same beam. Measurement results for each path may be included. The sensing measurement results may include measurement results of at least one of LOS and NLOS. Measurement results for each LOS and NLOS path may be included. Information indicating whether the measurement result is LOS or NLOS may be included for each path. Information indicating whether the measurement result is NLOS or not may be included. Information indicating the probability or likelihood of NLOS may be included. Information indicating whether the measurement result is LOS or not may be included. Information indicating the probability or likelihood of LOS may be included. LOS may be represented by FAP. The SF can determine whether the sensing measurement results obtained from the receiving base station are measurement results for a LOS path or a NLOS path.

[0455] For example, if there is LOS, the receiving base station may determine that it is receiving radio waves directly from the transmitting UE and that it is not a reflection from the target. It is desirable that the reflection from the target is NLOS. The measurement results of the NLOS path may be used for sensing the target. The measurement results of the LOS path may be excluded for sensing the target. In this way, it is possible to derive more accurate sensing results from the sensing measurement results.

[0456] The representative transmitting base station or the serving base station may change the sensing setting. The changed sensing setting may be transmitted to the SF. The SF transmits the changed sensing setting information to the transmitting UE. In this way, the transmitting UE can obtain the changed sensing setting. The sensing setting can be shared between the transmitting UE and the receiving base station.

[0457] The SF may change the sensing settings. For example, it selects another sensing setting or information from among multiple sensing settings or information received from the representative transmitting base station or the serving base station. The SF transmits the selected sensing setting or information to the transmitting UE and one or more receiving base stations. In this way, the transmitting UE and the receiving base station can obtain the changed sensing setting. The sensing setting can be shared between the transmitting UE and the receiving base station.

[0458] The transmitting UE may request a change in sensing configuration. For example, the transmitting UE may make such a request to a node that performs sensing configuration or changes the sensing configuration, such as a SF, a representative transmitting base station, or a serving base station. The node that receives the request may change the sensing configuration. The sensing configuration change request may include information for identifying the sensing configuration and information regarding the sensing measurement quality. As another example, the sensing configuration change request may include desired sensing configuration information. This makes it possible to notify the transmitting UE of what sensing configuration is best. The node that performs sensing configuration or changes the sensing configuration can perform sensing configuration using the desired sensing configuration information from the UE. This makes it possible to perform sensing configuration that is more suited to the situation of the transmitting UE.

[0459] By enabling a request to change the sensing setting from the transmitting UE, for example, when overlapping occurs between sensing resources and communication resources in the transmitting UE, the request to change the sensing setting can be executed, thereby making it possible to avoid or reduce such problems.

[0460] For example, the SF that receives a sensing setting change request from the UE may transmit the sensing setting request to the base station. The request may include information indicating that it is a sensing setting change request. As an alternative method, a sensing setting change request may be provided separately from the sensing setting request. The SF that receives a sensing setting change request from the UE may transmit the sensing setting change request to the base station. The base station that receives the sensing setting change request changes the sensing setting. The base station transmits the changed sensing setting to the SF. The SF transmits the changed sensing setting to the transmitting UE. In this way, the transmitting UE can obtain the changed sensing setting and can perform sensing measurement using the setting.

[0461] The receiving base station may request a change in the sensing configuration. The receiving base station may make the request to the node that performs the sensing configuration or the node that performs the change in the sensing configuration. The above-mentioned method for the UE to request a change in the sensing configuration may be applied appropriately. This enables the sensing configuration to be suited to the situation of the receiving base station.

[0462] The AMF may request a change in sensing configuration. The AMF may make the request to the node that performs the sensing configuration or the node that performs the change in sensing configuration. The above-mentioned method by which the UE requests a change in sensing configuration may be appropriately applied. This enables sensing configuration suitable for the situation of the AMF.

[0463] The sensing execution start / stop may be transmitted separately from the sensing request. The sensing execution start / stop may include information for identifying the sensing setting to be started / stopped. For example, the sensing setting identifier disclosed above may be included. One or more sensing settings may be started / stopped from one or more pre-set sensing settings. The SF transmits the sensing setting execution start / stop to the transmitting UE or the receiving base station. The transmitting UE or the receiving base station performs sensing measurement using the sensing setting whose execution has been started. The receiving UE stops the sensing measurement using the sensing setting whose execution has been stopped.

[0464] The sensing settings may be changed using sensing execution start / stop. Execution is stopped for the sensing settings before the change, and execution is started for the sensing settings after the change. In this way, if the sensing settings need to be changed depending on the situation, the time required to send the changed sensing settings can be eliminated, and the sensing setting change process can be performed with low latency.

[0465] Although it has been disclosed that the SF starts / stops sensing execution, the AMF may also perform this. The AMF transmits the sensing setting start / stop execution to the transmitting UE and the receiving base station. Signaling between the SF and the UE is not required. The sensing setting change process can be performed earlier.

[0466] The base station may start / stop the execution of sensing. The base station transmits the start / stop of execution of sensing configuration to the transmitting UE. It is preferable to use the interface between the base station and the UE. For example, RRC signaling may be used. A large amount of information can be transmitted. For example, MAC signaling may be used. Transmission can be made earlier. For example, L1 / L2 signaling may be used. The start / stop of execution of sensing configuration may be included in the DCI. Transmission can be made earlier. The start / stop of execution can be made by signaling between the base station and the UE, and signaling between the SF and the UE is not required. The sensing configuration change process can be carried out earlier.

[0467] A method for ending sensing is disclosed. The SF transmits a sensing end to some or all of the receiving base stations. A sensing end message may be provided. The receiving base station that receives the sensing end ends the reception of sensing resources. It may also end the reception of sensing resources in all sensing settings that have started sensing execution. The receiving base station may release the sensing settings. The receiving base station may release all sensing settings. The receiving base station transmits a sensing end completion to the SF. A sensing end completion message may be provided.

[0468] The SF transmits a sensing end to the transmitting UE. A sensing end message may be provided. The transmitting UE that receives the sensing end ends the transmission of sensing resources. It may also end the transmission of sensing resources for all sensing settings that have started sensing execution. The transmitting UE may release the sensing settings. The transmitting UE may release all sensing settings. The transmitting UE transmits a sensing end completion to the SF. A sensing end completion message may be provided.

[0469] 25 and 26 are diagrams showing an example of a sequence of sensing processing when a UE is the transmitting node and a base station is the receiving node. FIG. 25 shows the first half of the processing, and FIG. 26 shows the second half of the processing that is executed following the processing shown in FIG. 25. An example is shown in which the transmitting node is a UE and multiple base stations (base station #1, base station #2, base station #3) are receiving nodes. An example is shown in which base station #1 is the representative receiving base station. Steps that are common to FIG. 13 are assigned the same step numbers, and common explanations will be omitted. The processing of step ST1380 is common to FIG. 13.

[0470] In step ST2511, the SF transmits a request for information on sensing functions to the base station. The base station may be, for example, a candidate receiving base station. For example, the base station may be a sensing-associated base station. The information on sensing functions may be, for example, information on whether or not the base station has the function to become a receiving node. The information on sensing functions may be, for example, information on whether or not the base station has a sensing resource reception function. The SF may request information on sensing functions other than the above information. The base station that has received the request for information on sensing functions transmits the information on sensing functions to the SF in step ST2512. The SF can recognize which sensing functions the base station has.

[0471] In step ST2514, the SF transmits a request for information about sensing functions to the UE. The UE may be, for example, a transmitting UE candidate. For example, the UE may be a sensing-associated UE. The information about sensing functions may be, for example, information about whether or not the UE has the function to become a transmitting node. The information about sensing functions may be, for example, information about whether or not the UE has a sensing resource transmission function. The SF may request information about sensing functions other than the above information. The UE that has received the request for information about sensing functions transmits the information about sensing functions to the SF in step ST2515. The SF can recognize which sensing functions the UE has. The processes of steps ST2511 to ST2515 are collectively referred to as the "processing of transmitting information about sensing functions" in step ST2584.

[0472] In step ST2517, the SF determines a receiving base station. The SF may select a receiving base station, for example, from base stations that have the function of becoming a receiving node. In step ST2519, the SF determines a representative receiving base station. The SF may select a representative receiving base station from the receiving base stations.

[0473] In step ST2521, the SF transmits a UE information request to the representative receiving base station. The UE information request may include information about transmitting UE candidates and sensing-related UE information. The UE information request may include information about sensing. The representative receiving base station that receives the UE information request derives UEs being served by it. For example, the representative receiving base station may derive connected UEs. The representative receiving base station may derive UEs being served by it using the transmitting UE candidates and sensing-related UE information received from the SF. In step ST2522, the representative receiving base station transmits UE information to the SF. The SF can acquire UE information about the UEs being served by the representative receiving base station. The processes of steps ST2521 and ST2522 are collectively referred to as the "UE information transmission process" of step ST2585. In step ST2524, the SF determines the transmitting UE. The SF may determine the transmitting UE using the UE information received from the representative receiving base station.

[0474] In step ST2526, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the representative receiving base station. The sensing setting request may include, for example, information about the transmitting UE, information about the receiving base station, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the NW, information about the sensing-associated base station, information about the sensing-associated UE, or a combination thereof. The information about the transmitting UE may be, for example, information that identifies the transmitting UE. The information about the receiving base station may be, for example, information that identifies the receiving base station.

[0475] In step ST2527, the representative receiving base station performs sensing configuration. The sensing configuration may use information included in the sensing configuration request. For example, the sensing configuration is performed taking into consideration that the transmitting UE will transmit sensing resources. In step ST2528, the representative receiving base station transmits a sensing configuration response to the SF. The sensing configuration response includes sensing configuration information. This allows the SF to obtain the sensing configuration information configured by the representative receiving base station.

[0476] In step ST2531, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the other receiving base stations. The sensing setting request includes sensing setting information. The sensing setting request may include, for example, information about the transmitting UE, information about the receiving base station, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the NW, information about sensing-associated base stations, information about sensing-associated UEs, or a combination of these. In step ST2532, the other receiving base stations other than the representative receiving base station perform sensing setting. The information included in the sensing setting request may be used for the sensing setting. In step ST2533, the other receiving base stations transmit sensing setting responses to the SF. The sensing setting responses may include information on whether sensing setting is possible. This allows the SF to recognize whether the other receiving base stations have performed sensing setting.

[0477] In step ST2535, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the transmitting UE. The SF transmits sensing setting information to the transmitting UE. The sensing setting request may include information about the receiving base station and information about the representative receiving base station. In this way, the transmitting UE can acquire the sensing setting. In step ST2536, the transmitting UE performs sensing setting. In step ST2537, the transmitting UE transmits a sensing setting response to the SF. The sensing setting response may include information about its own UE, information about whether sensing setting is possible, etc. The SF can recognize whether the transmitting UE has performed sensing setting.

[0478] Proceed to the description of FIG. 26 . In step ST2541, the SF transmits a sensing request to the receiving base station. The sensing request may include, for example, sensing configuration information, such as a sensing configuration identifier, a sensing resource configuration identifier, a sensing measurement configuration identifier, and a sensing measurement report configuration identifier. For example, the identifier of the configuration for which sensing execution is requested may be included. For example, the activation / deactivation information for each configuration may be included. The receiving base station that has received the sensing request performs sensing measurement using the sensing configuration for which sensing execution is requested in steps ST2542 and ST2543. In step ST2544, the receiving base station transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include, for example, the identifier of the sensing configuration for which sensing measurement was executed and the identifier of the sensing resource configuration. The SF can recognize that each receiving base station has executed the sensing process.

[0479] In step ST2545, the SF transmits a sensing request to the transmitting UE. The sensing request may include, for example, sensing setting information, such as a sensing setting identifier and a sensing resource setting identifier. The sensing request may include, for example, an identifier of the setting for which sensing is requested to be performed. The sensing request may include, for example, activation / deactivation information for each setting. In step ST2546, the transmitting UE that has received the sensing request transmits sensing resources using the sensing setting for which sensing execution is requested. In step ST2547, the transmitting UE transmits a sensing request response to the SF. The sensing request response may include, for example, an identifier of the executed sensing setting and an identifier of the sensing resource setting. The SF can recognize that the transmitting UE has performed the sensing process.

[0480] In step ST2551, the receiving base station transmits the sensing measurement result to the SF. The receiving base station may report the sensing measurement result using the sensing configuration for which sensing execution was requested. The sensing measurement result may include measured sensing configuration information, such as a sensing resource configuration identifier, a sensing measurement configuration identifier, and a sensing measurement report configuration identifier. The sensing measurement result may include information about the transmitting UE. The sensing measurement result may include measurement time information. The SF can recognize which sensing resource the receiving base station received and measured the result on. The processes from step ST2541 to step ST2551 are collectively referred to as "sensing measurement process #3" in step ST2586.

[0481] In step ST2553, the SF derives a sensing result using the measurement result of the sensing resource received from the receiving base station. In step ST2554, the SF determines whether re-sensing is necessary, and if necessary, may transmit a sensing request to the receiving base station or the transmitting UE again. The SF may request re-sensing, for example, if the performance required for sensing processing in the NW, such as sensing accuracy, is not satisfied. If re-sensing is not necessary, the SF executes the sensing result transmission process of step ST1384, which is the same process as in FIG. 13.

[0482] In this way, it becomes possible to perform sensing processing when the UE is the transmitting node and the base station is the receiving node.

[0483] A beam management method for use in sensing is disclosed. A base station determines a beam to be used for sensing. The base station may determine a sensing beam separately from a communication beam. For example, the base station may determine a sensing beam using measurement results of sensing resources transmitted by the sensing beam. For example, the base station may determine a sensing beam using measurement result reports of a sensing RS, SRS, PRS, PRACH, or DM-RS.

[0484] The base station may use a communication beam as a sensing beam. The communication beam is not limited to a beam that actually transmits data, but may also be a beam that the base station has set for the UE. For example, the base station may determine the sensing beam using a measurement result report from the UE of an RS corresponding to the communication beam. For example, the base station may determine the sensing beam using a measurement result report from the SSB, CSI-RS, or PRS. For example, the base station may determine the sensing beam using a measurement result report from the base station of an RS corresponding to the communication beam. For example, the base station may determine the sensing beam using a measurement result report from the SRS, PRACH, DM-RS, or PRS. The base station may use information about the transmitting UE to determine the beam to be used for sensing using the beam for communication with the transmitting UE. For example, the transmitting UE may determine the beam to be used for sensing using a beam transmitted in the vicinity of the beam for communication with the base station.

[0485] The base station determines the sensing resources to be transmitted in the sensing beam.

[0486] The base station may transmit QCL information of the sensing resource to the UE to identify the beam. The QCL information may indicate which RS and Quasi-CoLocation the sensing resource is. The QCL information may be information associated with a signal or RS transmitted by the base station to the UE. For example, the QCL information may be the sensing resource, SSB, CSI-RS, or PRS.

[0487] The base station may transmit spatial relationship information of sensing resources to the UE to identify a beam. The spatial relationship information may indicate which RS the sensing resource is spatially related to. The spatial relationship information may be information associated with a signal or RS transmitted by the UE to the base station. For example, the information may be a sensing RS, an SRS, a PRS, a PRACH, or a DM-RS.

[0488] The base station may transmit information about the determined sensing beam to the transmitting UE or the candidate transmitting UE. The information about the sensing beam may be, for example, an identifier of the sensing beam. The information about the sensing beam may be, for example, information about a sensing resource transmitted by the sensing beam. The information about the sensing resource transmitted by the sensing beam may be, for example, an identifier of the sensing resource. The information about the sensing resource transmitted by the sensing beam may be, for example, QCL information or spatial relationship information of the sensing resource. The UE may transmit the sensing resource using the QCL information or spatial relationship information.

[0489] The base station transmits information about the sensing beam to the transmitting UE or the candidate transmitting UE. The information about the sensing beam may be included in the sensing configuration or the sensing request. The information about the sensing beam may be transmitted together with execution start / execution stop information.

[0490] The base station may set multiple sensing beams for the transmitting UE or the candidate transmitting UE. Information about the multiple sensing beams may be transmitted. For example, this is effective when the transmitting UE performs sensing with multiple base stations. For example, this is effective when the transmitting UE sweeps beams.

[0491] The transmitting UE or the transmitting UE candidate may sweep the sensing beam. The UE may transmit multiple sensing beams in different directions. Beam sweeping may be performed using multiple sensing beams. The base station may configure multiple sensing beams for the transmitting UE or the transmitting UE candidate. The transmitting UE or the transmitting UE candidate may sweep the sensing beam using the configuration of multiple sensing beams.

[0492] The base station may determine the beam to be used for sensing using multiple communication beams between the base station and the transmitting UE. Of the multiple sensing beams, some of the beams may be used for communication. For example, the communication beam through which the transmitting UE is performing data communication and a beam in the vicinity thereof may be used as the sensing beam.

[0493] The base station may select one or more beams as sensing beams from among multiple sensing beams. For example, the base station may receive sensing beams sweep-transmitted by the transmitting UE and identify sensing beams that provide better sensing measurement results. The base station determines that the UE should perform sensing using the sensing beams. The base station transmits information about the sensing beams to the UE. The UE transmits sensing resources using the sensing beams. The base station receives the sensing resources using the sensing beams and performs sensing measurements.

[0494] The sweep of the sensing beam may be performed before the start of sensing or may be performed during sensing, and the results of the sweep of the sensing beam can be used during sensing.

[0495] For example, the base station creates a sensing configuration including information about multiple sensing beams. The UE that receives the sensing configuration from the SF or the base station transmits sensing resources in the sensing beams that are swept using the sensing configuration. The base station receives the sensing resources of the sensing beams swept using the sensing configuration and performs sensing measurements. The base station decides to perform sensing using the sensing beam that has produced good sensing measurement results. The base station decides to have the UE perform sensing using the sensing configuration of the determined sensing beam and transmits a sensing request using the sensing configuration. The UE transmits the sensing resources of the sensing beams in the received sensing configuration. The base station receives the sensing resources and performs sensing measurements.

[0496] In this way, the base station can derive a sensing beam to be used for detecting the sensing target, thereby obtaining a more accurate sensing result for the target.

[0497] Another method for the representative receiver base station to perform sensing configuration is disclosed. The SF transmits a sensing configuration request to the representative receiver base station. The sensing configuration request may include information about the receiver base station, the transmitting UE, and the transmitting UE candidate. The representative receiver base station performs sensing configuration. The sensing configuration may be performed in response to the sensing configuration request.

[0498] The representative receiving base station transmits sensing setting information to the other receiving base stations. It may transmit a sensing setting request, or may include the sensing setting information in the sensing setting request. The other receiving base stations perform sensing setting using the received sensing setting. The other receiving base stations transmit a sensing setting response to the representative receiving base station. The sensing setting response may include the sensing setting information and information indicating whether the sensing setting has been completed. The representative receiving base station can recognize whether the other receiving base stations have completed the sensing setting.

[0499] The representative receiving base station transmits sensing setting information to the SF. It may also transmit information on whether other receiving base stations have completed sensing setting or information on other receiving base stations that have completed sensing setting. The representative receiving base station may transmit a sensing setting response to the SF, or may include this information in the sensing setting response. The SF can obtain sensing setting information from the representative receiving base station and information on whether other receiving base stations have completed sensing setting.

[0500] The SF may exclude a receiving base station that has not completed the sensing configuration from receiving base stations that perform sensing measurements. The SF may change the receiving base station that has not completed the sensing configuration to another receiving base station. The SF may perform sensing configuration using the changed receiving base station using the method disclosed above. Since the receiving base station can be excluded or changed depending on its status, a more suitable receiving base station can be selected.

[0501] The SF performs sensing configuration for the transmitting UE. The sensing configuration method for the transmitting UE may be any of the methods disclosed above.

[0502] Figure 27 is a diagram showing another example of a sequence of sensing processing when a UE is a transmitting node and a base station is a receiving node. This diagram shows an example in which a representative receiving base station performs sensing configuration on other receiving base stations. Steps common to Figures 13, 25, and 26 are given the same step numbers, and common descriptions will be omitted. The processing from step ST1380 to step ST2524 and step ST2535 to step ST1384 ​​is common to Figure 13, 25, or 26.

[0503] In step ST2601, the SF transmits a sensing setting request to the representative receiving base station. The sensing setting request may include, for example, information about the transmitting UE, information about the receiving base station, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the NW, information about sensing-related base stations, or a combination of these. In step ST2602, the representative receiving base station performs sensing setting. The sensing setting at the representative receiving base station may use information included in the sensing setting request.

[0504] In step ST2603, the representative receiving base station transmits a sensing setting request to the other receiving base stations. The sensing setting request may include sensing setting information when transmitted. The sensing setting request may include, for example, information about the transmitting UE, information about the receiving base station, information about the representative receiving base station, information about sensing, performance required for sensing processing in the NW, information about sensing-related base stations, or a combination of these. In step ST2604, the other receiving base stations perform sensing setting. It is preferable to use the received sensing setting information for the sensing setting. In this way, the other receiving base stations are able to perform sensing setting. In step ST2605, the other receiving base stations transmit a sensing setting response to the representative receiving base station. The sensing setting response may include information about whether or not sensing setting has been performed using the sensing setting information. The sensing setting response may include the sensing setting information. In this way, the representative receiving base station can recognize whether or not the other receiving base stations have performed sensing setting.

[0505] In step ST2606, the representative receiving base station transmits sensing setting information to the SF. The sensing setting information may be included in a sensing setting response and transmitted. The sensing setting response may include information on whether or not each receiving base station has performed sensing setting. The SF can recognize the sensing setting information and whether or not each receiving base station has performed sensing setting.

[0506] If another receiving base station cannot respond to the sensing setting request from the representative receiving base station, it may transmit a sensing setting request rejection instead of a sensing setting response in steps ST2605 and ST2606. The sensing setting request rejection may be included in the sensing setting response and transmitted. The representative receiving base station may transmit the sensing setting request rejection and information about the receiving base station that rejected it to the SF. For example, it may be included in the sensing setting response and transmitted. The SF can recognize the receiving base station that rejected the sensing setting request. The method disclosed above may be applied as appropriate to the processing for the receiving base station that rejected the sensing setting request. In this way, for example, a receiving base station that is more suitable for sensing processing may be determined.

[0507] Communication between the receiving base stations may be performed using an interface between the base stations. Communication between the receiving base stations may be performed using, for example, an Xn interface. The interface between the receiving base stations may be established between the receiving base stations before a sensing setting request is sent. Alternatively, the sensing setting request may be sent during the process of establishing the interface between the receiving base stations.

[0508] This allows each receiving base station to set up sensing, and reduces the amount of signaling between the SF and the receiving base station, thereby reducing the signaling load on the system as a whole.

[0509] Another method for the representative receiving base station to perform sensing setting will be disclosed. The method for requesting the representative receiving base station to perform sensing setting and the method for performing sensing setting on other receiving base stations may be appropriately applied to the methods disclosed above.

[0510] The representative receiving base station determines the transmitting UE. The representative receiving base station may use transmitting UE candidates and sensing-related UE information received from the SF to determine the transmitting UE. Alternatively, the representative receiving base station may not use transmitting UE candidates and sensing-related UE information to determine the transmitting UE. The representative receiving base station may also determine the transmitting UE using capability information of UEs being served by it.

[0511] The representative receiver base station transmits sensing configuration information to the transmitter UE. The transmitter UE performs sensing configuration using the received sensing configuration information. The transmitter UE transmits a sensing configuration response to the representative receiver base station. The sensing configuration response may include the sensing configuration information and information on whether other receiver base stations have completed sensing configuration. The representative receiver base station can recognize whether the transmitter UE has completed sensing configuration.

[0512] The representative transmitting base station may exclude a transmitting UE that has not completed the sensing configuration, or may change it to another UE. The representative transmitting base station may perform sensing configuration for the changed transmitting UE using the method disclosed above. Since exclusion or change is possible depending on the status of the transmitting UE, a more suitable transmitting UE can be selected.

[0513] The representative receiving base station transmits sensing configuration information to the SF. It may transmit information on whether other receiving base stations have completed sensing configuration or information on other receiving base stations that have completed sensing configuration. It may also transmit information on whether the transmitting UE has completed sensing configuration or information on transmitting UEs that have completed sensing configuration. The representative receiving base station may transmit a sensing configuration response to the SF, or may include this information in the sensing configuration response. The SF can recognize the sensing configuration information from the representative receiving base station, whether other receiving base stations have completed sensing configuration, and whether the transmitting UE has completed sensing configuration.

[0514] Figure 28 is a diagram showing another example sequence of sensing processing when a UE is the transmitting node and a base station is the receiving node. This shows an example in which a representative receiving base station determines a transmitting UE. Steps common to Figures 13, 25, 26, and 27 are given the same step numbers, and common descriptions will be omitted. The processing from step ST1380 to step ST2605 is common to Figure 13, 25, or 27.

[0515] In step ST2701, the representative receiving base station determines a transmitting UE. In step ST2711, the representative receiving base station transmits a sensing setting request to the transmitting UE. The representative receiving base station transmits sensing setting information to the transmitting UE. The sensing setting request may include information about the receiving base station and information about the representative receiving base station. In step ST2712, the transmitting UE performs sensing setting. In step ST2713, the transmitting UE transmits a sensing ...

Claims

1. A communication system comprising: a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system; and a communication terminal connected to said base station; wherein a plurality of transmitting nodes that transmit sensing resources and a receiving node that receives said sensing resources are determined from at least one of said base station and said communication terminal; said plurality of transmitting nodes transmit said sensing resources; and said receiving node receives one or more of said sensing resources reflected from a sensing target and performs sensing measurements.

2. A communication system comprising: a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system; and a communication terminal connected to said base station, wherein, when said communication terminal is in a state where it is connected via radio resource control, said base station transmits a sensing configuration to said communication terminal; and said communication terminal performs sensing measurements when said communication terminal is not in a state where it is connected via radio resource control, using said sensing configuration acquired when said communication terminal is in said state where it is connected via radio resource control.

3. The communication system according to claim 2, characterized in that the communication terminal performs sensing measurements using non-3GPP sensing, which is a sensing technology that does not use a method specified by 3GPP, when the communication terminal is not connected to the radio resource control.

4. A communication system comprising: a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system; and a communication terminal connected to said base station, wherein said communication terminal performs sensing measurements based on sensing resources transmitted by said base station and reflected by a sensing target, and transmits the results of said sensing measurements to a network node of said fifth-generation wireless access system using non-3GPP access, which is a communication method that does not use a method specified by 3GPP, in response to a deterioration in communication quality between said base station and said communication terminal.

5. A communication system comprising: a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system; and a communication terminal connected to said base station, wherein said communication terminal transmits a sensing resource; and said base station receives said sensing resource reflected by a sensing target and performs sensing measurements.

6. A communication system comprising: a base station compatible with a fifth-generation wireless access system; and communication terminals connected to said base station, wherein a plurality of said communication terminals, which are transmitting nodes, transmit sensing resources; and said base station or said communication terminal, which is a receiving node, receives said sensing resources reflected by a sensing target and performs sensing measurements.

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