Information processing method, information processing device, program, and wireless communication device

Abstract

A first network function (NF) in a core network acquires sensing data obtained by sensing a communication environment of a first user equipment (UE) from the first UE or a communication device that communicates with the first UE, and a second NF generates, on the basis of a result of analyzing the sensing data, a policy rule to be applied to a communication session of the first UE.

Description

Information Processing Method, Information Processing Apparatus, Program, and Wireless Communication Apparatus

[0001] This disclosure relates to a communication network.

[0002] In a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) communication system, technologies for sensing the surrounding environment of a terminal have been studied (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] 3GPP TR 22.837 V19.4.0 “Feasibility Study on Integrated Sensing and Communication”, 3GPP TSG SA, June 2024

[0004] An object of this disclosure is to generate appropriate policy rules based on the communication environment of a UE.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is an information processing method that includes: a first NF (Network Function) in a core network acquiring sensing data obtained by sensing the communication environment of a first UE (User Equipment) from the first UE or a communication device communicating with the first UE; and a second NF generating a policy rule to be applied to a communication session of the first UE based on a result of analyzing the sensing data.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is an information processing apparatus operable as a first NF (Network Function) disposed in a core network, the apparatus having a control unit that acquires sensing data obtained by sensing a communication environment from a first UE (User Equipment) or a communication device communicating with the first UE, and instructs a second NF to generate a policy rule to be applied to a communication session of the first UE based on a result of analyzing the sensing data.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device having a control unit that performs the following actions: receiving first data from a first NF (Network Function) in a core network, which is a request to sense a predetermined object in order to generate a communication policy to be applied to a predetermined PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session; and transmitting sensing data obtained by sensing the predetermined object in response to the first data to the first NF.

[0008] Other embodiments include a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

[0009] According to this disclosure, appropriate policy rules can be generated based on the UE's communication environment.

[0010] A diagram showing an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. A diagram explaining the process of generating a communication policy in a communication system. A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of operating as a network function. A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of SF2. A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of PCF4. A diagram showing an example of a parameter table in the first embodiment. A flowchart of the process performed by SF2. A flowchart of the process performed by PCF4. A diagram showing an example of the sequence of the SM policy application process. A diagram showing an example of the sequence of the SM policy update process. A diagram showing an example of a parameter table in a modified example.

[0011] In fifth-generation communication systems (5G systems), a Policy Control Function (PCF) is provided, which can apply an appropriate communication policy to the PDU session used by the terminal for communication, according to the requirements. The communication policy provided by the PCF and applied to the PDU session is called the SM (Session Management) policy. The SM policy is generated by the PCF included in the core network and applied to existing PDU sessions. The PCF can generate and apply an SM policy that conforms to specified conditions in response to an external request.

[0012] On the other hand, an appropriate communication policy for user equipment (UE) may vary depending on the communication environment surrounding the UE. For example, if there is rainfall around the target UE, radio waves using millimeter waves may be attenuated, making it impossible to obtain a high bitrate. In this case, it may be advisable to apply a communication policy to the UE that does not guarantee bandwidth and allows for a high packet error rate. Furthermore, if the communication system is used for autonomous driving of a vehicle, and other UEs (pedestrians, other vehicles, etc.) are densely concentrated around the target UE (vehicle), it may be advisable to apply a communication policy that sets strict delay requirements and high packet priority to ensure safety. Additionally, if the UE is moving at high speed, it may be advisable to apply a communication policy that sets strict delay requirements and a low allowable packet error rate.

[0013] Thus, by sensing the communication environment around a UE, it becomes possible to apply a more appropriate communication policy to that UE. However, existing technologies have not been able to perform such policy control. The information processing method disclosed herein solves this problem.

[0014] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first NF (Network Function) in a core network acquiring sensing data obtained by sensing the communication environment of a first UE (User Equipment) or a communication device communicating with the first UE; and a second NF generating policy rules to be applied to the communication session of the first UE based on the results of analyzing the sensing data.

[0015] The first NF is a network function that triggers the generation of policy rules to be applied to the communication session of the first UE. The first NF acquires sensing data about the communication environment of the first UE. The sensing targets are not limited to specific things, as long as they relate to the communication environment, such as weather, precipitation conditions, the number of other UEs in the vicinity, or the movement speed of the first UE. The sensing data may be acquired from the first UE or from a communication device (e.g., a base station) that communicates with the first UE. If the sensing data can be acquired by wireless communication between the first UE and the communication device, the first NF may acquire the sensing data from either device.

[0016] The first NF may be a network function designed to sense the communication environment of the first UE. Based on the obtained sensing data, the first NF may instruct the second NF to generate a communication policy. Based on this instruction, the second NF can generate a communication policy to be applied to the communication session of the first UE. The second NF may also be a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0017] Furthermore, the first NF may analyze the communication environment of the first UE based on the acquired sensing data, and the second NF may generate the policy rules based on the results of the analysis.

[0018] For example, if the sensing target is precipitation conditions around a first UE, the first NF may analyze the sensing data to determine the amount of precipitation and notify the second NF. The second NF can then generate a policy rule corresponding to the notified amount of precipitation. Alternatively, if the sensing target is the presence of other UEs around the first UE, the first NF may analyze the sensing data to determine the number, distribution, or density of other UEs around the first UE and notify the second NF. The second NF can then generate a policy rule based on the results of this determination. Furthermore, if the sensing target is the movement of the first UE, the first NF may analyze the sensing data to determine the movement speed of the first UE and notify the second NF. The second NF can then generate a policy rule based on the results of this determination.

[0019] Furthermore, the second NF may apply the generated policy rules to the PDU sessions of the first UE. For example, the second NF may instruct the Session Management Function (SMF) to apply the policy rules to existing PDU sessions.

[0020] Furthermore, the first NF may receive a request from the third NF to generate a policy rule based on the sensing results, and may start acquiring the sensing data based on the generation request. The first NF may receive a request to generate a policy rule based on the sensing results from, for example, a network function (third NF) corresponding to an external application. The external application may be, for example, an application that provides policy control considering the communication status around the UE. The generation request may include information for identifying the first UE (for example, an identifier for the first UE). The first NF may identify the first UE or a communication device (for example, a base station) that communicates with the first UE based on this information.

[0021] The information processing method relating to this disclosure can be executed by a computer within a core network. The core network may be, for example, a 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), or 6G (6th Generation) or later mobile core network.

[0022] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configurations, module configurations, functional configurations, etc., described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those described therein.

[0023] (First Embodiment) [Overview of the Communication System] Figure 1 shows an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G). The 5G network has a 5G core network and a radio access network (RAN). User Equipment (UE) 10, Data Network (DN) 40, and Application Function (AF) 1 are connected to the 5G network. The UE 10 is the user's (subscriber's) terminal. The Radio Access Network (RAN) 20 is a radio access network to the 5G core network. The RAN 20 includes base stations (gNB). Although Figure 1 illustrates a radio access network, a non-radio access network (AN) may be used to connect to the 5G core network.

[0024] Figure 1 shows some of the components included in the 5G core network. Also, in Figure 1, components according to the first embodiment are denoted by reference numerals. In 5G, the software that implements network functions and the hardware on which that software is executed are separated using hardware abstraction technology. This allows various network function software to operate on common hardware resources, regardless of the configuration of each hardware product. Figure 1 shows the network functions (NFs) included in the 5G core network. Each of the multiple NFs included in the 5G core network is implemented by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing programs. However, a single computer may implement any two or more NFs.

[0025] The UPF (User Plane Function) 30 performs routing, forwarding, packet inspection, and QoS processing of user packets. User packets are user plane packets transmitted and received by the UE 10.

[0026] The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 6 accommodates the RAN and performs Registration Management, Connection Management, and Mobility Management of UEs in the 5G core network. The AMF 6 also relays messages between the SMF 3 and the UE 10.

[0027] The Session Management Function (SMF) 3 manages Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, assigns and manages IP addresses to UEs, and selects and controls the UPF 30. PDU session management includes establishing, modifying, and releasing PDU sessions. For example, when a communication policy is changed, a PDU session modification occurs, and the change in communication policy is applied to the UPF 30 through the SMF 3. A PDU session is a virtual communication channel for exchanging data between the UE 10 and the Data Network (DN) 40. The DN 40 is an external data network (such as the cloud or the internet) outside the 5G core network.

[0028] The PCF (Policy Control Function) 4 provides each NF with policy rules (hereinafter simply referred to as "policy" or "communication policy") in order to cause each NF to perform processing in accordance with the policy rules. Communication policies include, for example, rules related to QoS, filtering, routing, or billing. When a communication policy is registered, modified, or deleted, the PCF 4 is first notified of these changes, and the PCF 4, through the SMF 6, controls the corresponding UPF 30 to set, modify, or delete the communication policy. In this specification, the SM (Session management) policy applied to PDU sessions is described as a communication policy handled by the PCF.

[0029] UDR5 stores and provides data used by UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF4, and NEF7.

[0030] Sensing Function (SF) 2 performs real-world sensing using terminals and communication devices included in the 5G system. For example, SF 2 causes a specific communication device connected to a wireless access network to measure the characteristics of the wireless signal propagation path and acquires the results. By analyzing the acquired results, it determines the communication environment around a predetermined communication device. This makes it possible to detect, for example, the presence of objects around the communication device. In this embodiment, SF 2 has the function of sensing precipitation around the target communication device. Further details will be described later.

[0031] NEF7 provides the ability to securely disclose network functions and event information within the 5G system to external applications such as Application Functions (AFs). NEF7 also provides the ability to transfer information from authorized external applications into the network.

[0032] AF is an application server (external server) that provides auxiliary services other than the 5G core specifications. In this embodiment, AF1 is given as an example of such a server. AF1 can, for example, send and receive information with devices within the 5G core network via NEF7. In this embodiment, AF1 is an external application that controls the communication performed by the user terminal (UE) 10 by applying a communication policy according to the communication environment around the UE 10. In this embodiment, AF1 provides a function to optimize the communication performed by the UE 10 based on the communication environment around the UE 10. Further details will be described later.

[0033] NWDAF8 provides analytics information within the network. This analytics information includes, for example, communication delay, throughput, jitter, and traffic load levels in each segment.

[0034] EASDF (Edge Application Server Discovery Function) mediates communication between UE10 and the DNS server.

[0035] The NRF stores and manages information on Network Fields (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF) within the 5GC. The NRF can return multiple candidate Network Fields to the inquirer in response to an inquiry regarding a desired Network Field. The NSSF has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications tailored to its intended use. The AUSF provides UE authentication functionality. The UDM provides subscriber contract information and authentication information for AKA authentication.

[0036] In a 5G core network, multiple Network Fields (NFs) of the same type may be provided. For example, one NF may be provided for each data center. Alternatively, one NF may be shared among data centers. Furthermore, multiple NFs of the same type may be configured within a single data center. The correspondence between NFs and data centers can be configured as appropriate.

[0037] Figure 2 illustrates the process of acquiring and providing a communication policy (SM policy) in the communication system according to this embodiment. An SM policy is a communication policy applied to a PDU session.

[0038] The communication system according to this embodiment includes a 5G core, UE10, RAN20, and UPF30. In Figure 2, the communication system shows the 5G core and its associated network functions, specifically AF1, SF2, SMF3, PCF4, UDR5, and NEF7. However, the network functions included in the communication system are not limited to these.

[0039] In 5G systems, the PCF (Platform Control Function) has a mechanism to determine and apply the Service Manage (SM) policy for a given PDU session. Typically, the SM policy is generated by the PCF based on the content of the communication contract, the type of service, the performance of the User Interface (UE), and the requirements from the application.

[0040] On the other hand, in such a configuration, it is not possible to generate an SM policy based on the communication environment around the UE. As an example, let's explain the impact of weather conditions on the 5G system. When communication uses millimeter waves (mmWave), communication may be affected by precipitation. For example, millimeter wave radio waves are easily scattered and absorbed by raindrops, so precipitation can cause attenuation of radio waves, leading to a decrease in communication quality or a reduction in propagation distance. Therefore, ideally, if there is precipitation around the UE, it is preferable to apply an SM policy that does not guarantee bandwidth and allows for a high packet error rate. To achieve this, it is preferable to sense the presence and amount of precipitation around the UE and generate a communication policy based on the sensing results. However, in conventional technology, it was not possible to generate and apply a communication policy based on the sensing results around the UE 10.

[0041] Therefore, in the first embodiment, a network function is added to the core network to sense the communication environment of the target UE and control the generation and application of SM policies based on the results of the sensing. In this embodiment, the network function is referred to as the Sensing Function (hereinafter, SF2). SF2 has the function of commanding the UE10 and base stations to sense and acquiring the results.

[0042] For example, since the intensity of a millimeter-wave radio signal attenuates according to the precipitation, when there is precipitation in the vicinity of the UE 10, the propagation characteristics of the radio signal change compared to when there is no precipitation. Therefore, for example, by causing communication to be performed between the target UE 10 and the base station and measuring its propagation characteristics, the precipitation amount in the vicinity of the UE 10 can be estimated. For example, by using a known channel analysis method, the attenuation amount of the radio signal in the propagation path can be measured, and the precipitation amount can be estimated based on the result. SF2 can thus instruct the target UE or the base station communicating with the UE to sense the propagation path of the radio signal and obtain the result (sensing data). Furthermore, based on the obtained sensing data, the communication environment (e.g., the amount of precipitation) in the vicinity of the UE 10 can be analyzed. The sensing data may be, for example, channel information (CSI (Channel State Information) information) in the propagation path, or data obtained by analyzing the CSI information.

[0043] Furthermore, SF2 has a function of notifying the PCF4 of the analysis result, thereby causing the PCF4 to generate an SM policy to be applied to the UE 10.

[0044] Here, an outline of the processing executed by each network function will be described. (1) First, a request for applying a communication policy based on the communication environment is sent from the AF1 to the SF2. The request includes the identifier of the target UE 10 and the sensing requirement. The sensing requirement is information indicating what to sense as the communication environment. Examples of the sensing requirement include "the precipitation amount in the vicinity of the UE 10", "the number of other UEs in the vicinity of the UE 10", and "the moving speed of the UE 10". In the present embodiment, the precipitation amount in the vicinity of the UE 10 is specified as the sensing requirement. Hereinafter, the request sent from the AF1 is referred to as a "policy control request". The policy provision request sent from the AF1 reaches the SF2 via the NEF7.

[0045] (2) The SF2 that has received the policy control request determines the device that will perform the sensing. The device that performs the sensing may be the specified UE10, or may be a communication device (such as a base station (gNB)) that communicates with the UE10. Subsequently, the SF2 issues a sensing instruction to the determined device and receives the sensing result (for example, sensing data for estimating the precipitation amount in the vicinity of the UE10) from the device. The SF2 performs an analysis on the communication environment of the UE10 based on the sensing data. As a result, for example, a result of classifying the precipitation amount in the vicinity of the UE10 is obtained.

[0046] (3) Next, the SF2 notifies the PCF4 of the analysis result. The analysis result may be directly transmitted to the PCF4 or may be notified to the PCF4 via the UDR5.

[0047] (4) Next, the PCF4 generates an SM policy based on the received analysis result and applies the generated SM policy to the PDU session provided for the UE10. The PCF4 may apply the SM policy to the target PDU session by notifying the SMF3 of the policy change.

[0048] [Hardware Configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of each device constituting the system will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can operate as each of the network functions including the SF2 and the PCF4, and an external server.

[0049] The information processing device 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), main memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), and auxiliary storage (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary storage contains an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that match a predetermined purpose, as described later, can be realized. The information processing device 100 may also be a collection of one or more computers (cloud). However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules by hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0050] The information processing device 100 is comprised of a processor 110, a memory 120, and a communication module 130.

[0051] The processor 110 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the information processing device 100 by executing a predetermined program. The processor 110 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU. The processor 110 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0052] Memory 120 is a means for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, magnetic disks, and flash memory. Memory 120 may also include main memory and auxiliary storage. Auxiliary storage stores programs executed by the processor 110, data used by those programs, etc. Auxiliary storage is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Examples of programs stored in auxiliary storage include operating systems (OS) and control programs.

[0053] The communication module 130 is a communication interface for connecting the information processing device 100 to an external network. The communication module 130 includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), an optical line interface, etc., and is configured to communicate with a predetermined network via these.

[0054] [Software Configuration] Next, the software configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described. As mentioned above, the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 3 functions as SF2 and PCF4. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the software configuration when the information processing device 100 functions as SF2.

[0055] In this embodiment, the processor 110 of the information processing device 100 functions as the control unit 21 of SF2. The control unit 21 is configured to include an information collection unit 211 and an analysis unit 212 as software modules. Each software module may be implemented by the processor 110 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in the memory 120. The information processing performed by the software modules is synonymous with the information processing performed by the processor 110 (CPU, etc.).

[0056] When the information collection unit 211 receives a policy control request from AF1, it obtains the results of sensing the communication environment of the specified UE10. Specifically, the information collection unit 211 identifies the UE10 specified by AF1, or the base station that communicates with the UE10, and issues a command to either the UE10 or the base station to sense the communication environment of the UE10. It also obtains the sensing results (sensing data) from the UE10 or the base station.

[0057] In this embodiment, the target of sensing is the amount of precipitation around UE10. It is known that the intensity of radio waves (especially millimeter waves) used in cellular communication is attenuated due to precipitation. Therefore, by transmitting and receiving radio waves for measurement and analyzing the characteristics of the propagation path, data for estimating the amount of precipitation can be obtained. The data obtained as a result of sensing is called sensing data. Sensing data is data that represents the characteristics of the propagation path, and may be channel information (CSI information) or a value obtained by analyzing said information. The information collection unit 211 transmits the obtained sensing data to the analysis unit 212.

[0058] The information gathering unit 211 can acquire sensing data in two ways. One is to make a one-time request for sensing data to the UE 10 or base station in response to a policy control request received from AF1. The other is to continuously request the acquisition of sensing data during the period in which the policy control request from AF1 is valid. In this case, the information gathering unit 211 may repeatedly request sensing data at predetermined intervals, or it may register the transmission of sensing data as a subscription. If the transmission of sensing data is registered as a subscription, for example, when the amount of precipitation changes, the target UE 10 or base station will autonomously transmit sensing data.

[0059] The analysis unit 212 analyzes the communication environment of the UE 10 based on the acquired sensing data. When the sensing target is precipitation, the analysis of the communication environment can, for example, involve classifying the estimated precipitation into one of several classes.

[0060] For example, the analysis unit 212 determines, based on the measurement of the strength of the wireless signal, that the area around UE10 belongs to the class of "1-5 mm of rainfall per hour". The class obtained as a result of the classification will hereafter be referred to as the "communication environment class". The method for identifying the communication environment class based on sensing data may be stored in advance by SF2. For example, data showing the relationship between the attenuation of radio wave strength and rainfall may be stored in the storage unit 22 and used by the analysis unit 212.

[0061] Furthermore, the analysis unit 212 notifies the PCF4 of the communication environment class obtained as a result of the analysis. The results of the analysis may also be notified to the PCF4 via the UDR5. In addition, the analysis unit 212 may return data to the AF1 as a response to the policy control request indicating that a policy control request has been issued to the PCF4.

[0062] Furthermore, if the information gathering unit 211 periodically acquires sensing data, the analysis unit 212 may perform analysis each time new sensing data is acquired and notify the PCF4 of the results.

[0063] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the software configuration when the information processing device 100 functions as a PCF4.

[0064] In this embodiment, the processor 110 of the information processing device 100 functions as the control unit 41 of the PCF 4. The control unit 41 is configured to include a policy control unit 411 as a software module. The software module may be implemented by the processor 110 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in the memory 120. The information processing performed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing performed by the processor 110 (CPU, etc.).

[0065] The policy control unit 411 receives analysis results related to the communication environment of the UE 10 from the SF2 (analysis unit 212). For example, if the analysis results are notified via the UDR 5, the policy control unit 411 can use the Nudr_DM_Notify message to retrieve the analysis results stored in the UDR 5. The analysis results may include the communication environment class and information for identifying the target UE 10.

[0066] Furthermore, the policy control unit 411 stores data defining multiple communication environment classes and what QoS parameters to include in the SM policy to be generated for each communication environment class. Figure 6 shows an example of such data (referred to as a parameter table). In this embodiment, the parameter table is a table that defines multiple QoS parameters for each communication environment class.

[0067] For example, consider a scenario where the UE10 communication environment is defined by precipitation, and the classes are defined as "no precipitation," "low precipitation," and "high precipitation." For instance, if there is no precipitation, the QoS identifier will be set to a value indicating bandwidth guarantee (GBR, Guaranteed Bit Rate), and a relatively high bit rate will be set as the guaranteed value. In addition, a relatively low delay tolerance (PDB, Packet Delay Budget) and error rate (PER, Packet Error Rate) will be set. Conversely, if there is heavy precipitation, the QoS identifier will be set to a value indicating no bandwidth guarantee (Non-GBR), and no guaranteed bit rate will be set. In addition, a relatively high delay tolerance (PDB, Packet Delay Budget) and error rate (PER, Packet Error Rate) will be set.

[0068] The policy control unit 411 generates an SM policy to apply to the PDU session established by the specified UE 10, based on the notified communication environment class and parameter table. For example, if the estimated amount of rainfall is greater than a predetermined value, the policy control unit 411 generates an SM policy that does not guarantee the communication bitrate and allows for a relatively high delay tolerance and a relatively high error rate.

[0069] Furthermore, the policy control unit 411 performs predetermined processing to apply the generated SM policy to the target PDU session. For example, the policy control unit 411 requests SMF3 to apply the SM policy to the target PDU session using the Npcf_SMPolicycontrolUpdateNotify message.

[0070] Note that the configurations shown in Figures 3 to 5 are examples, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be executed using specially designed circuits. Furthermore, program storage and execution may be performed using combinations of main memory and auxiliary memory other than those shown.

[0071] [Processing Flowchart] Next, a flowchart of the processing performed by devices or network functions included in the 5G system will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process in which SF2 performs sensing based on a policy control request sent from AF1 and notifies PCF4 of the results. The process shown in Figure 7 starts when AF1 issues a policy control request. AF1 issues a policy control request that includes data specifying the target UE10 (for example, an identifier for the UE).

[0072] First, in step S11, the control unit 21 (information collection unit 211) of SF2 receives a policy control request sent from AF1. The policy control request is sent from AF1 to SF2 via NEF7.

[0073] The policy control request includes the identifier of the target UE10 and data regarding sensing requirements. Sensing requirements specify what the policy control should be based on, and in this embodiment, it is "precipitation around the UE10". Other sensing requirements can also be specified, such as "the number of other UEs around the UE10", "the number of objects around the UE10", and "the movement speed of the UE10". The policy control request may also include the identifier of the device that actually performs the sensing. As mentioned above, as long as the communication environment of the UE10 can be sensed, the device performing the sensing may be the UE10 itself, or another device that can communicate with the UE10 (a base station or another UE10).

[0074] Next, in step S12, the control unit 21 (information collection unit 211) determines the entity to perform sensing. The entity to perform sensing may be a designated UE 10, a base station (gNB) that communicates with the UE 10, or both. If the policy control request includes data (identifier) ​​that specifies the entity to perform sensing, the information collection unit 211 may determine the entity to perform sensing according to that data.

[0075] Next, in step S13, the control unit 21 (information collection unit 211) sends data requesting sensing for the entity determined in step S12 (hereinafter referred to as a sensing request). The sensing request may include data regarding the designation of the UE 10, sensing requirements, and procedures for sensing the target.

[0076] Furthermore, sensing requests may include data specifying the number of sensing operations, the frequency, and the timing. For example, a sensing request may request immediate sensing, or it may request sensing at a specified time. It may also be a request to monitor the sensing target and request the transmission of sensing data when the conditions are met (a subscription registration request).

[0077] In step S14, the UE 10 or base station that received the sensing request performs the specified sensing. If the object of sensing is precipitation around the UE, for example, the amount of precipitation can be indirectly estimated by measuring the attenuation of radio wave intensity in the propagation path between the UE and the base station.

[0078] Sensing using wireless signals can be performed using four types of devices: initiator, responder, transmitter, and receiver. The initiator is the device that starts the sensing procedure and ultimately acquires the sensing results, while the transmitter is the device that actually transmits the sensing signal. The responder is the device that participates in sensing according to instructions from the initiator, and the receiver is the device that receives the signal transmitted from the transmitter. The initiator and transmitter may be the same device, and the responder and receiver may be the same device. For example, UE10 may play the roles of both initiator and transmitter, or the base station may play the roles of both responder and receiver. Of course, the roles may also be reversed. Furthermore, the initiator can be the receiver and the responder can be the transmitter. In this case, the responder transmits the sensing signal according to instructions from the initiator, and the initiator generates the sensing results.

[0079] Once sensing is complete, sensing data is transmitted from the initiator UE10 or base station (step S15-Yes). The sensing data is received by the information collection unit 211.

[0080] Next, in step S16, the control unit 21 (analysis unit 212) analyzes the communication environment of the UE 10 based on the sensing data and determines the communication environment class. The analysis unit 212 may, for example, use data showing the relationship between the attenuation of radio wave intensity and the amount of rainfall to determine the communication environment class. The communication environment class obtained as a result of the determination is transmitted from SF2 to PCF4 along with data for identifying the target UE 10. For example, SF2 enables transmission to PCF4 by storing this data in UDR5.

[0081] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process by which PCF4 obtains the communication environment class determined by SF2 and applies the SM policy to the PDU session held by the target UE10. The process shown in Figure 8 starts, for example, when data addressed to PCF4 is stored in UDR5.

[0082] First, in step S17, UDR5 sends a message to PCF4. For example, if data is stored in step S16, UDR5 sends a message to PCF4 notifying it of this.

[0083] Based on the message received from UDR5, PCF4 determines whether the communication environment class of the target UE10 has been updated. For example, if the message received from UDR5 includes a notification of the communication environment class, PCF4 generates an SM policy to apply to the target UE10 based on the communication environment class (step S18). As mentioned above, PCF4 stores a list (parameter table) that associates communication environment classes with QoS parameters, and can generate an SM policy based on this list. In this example, data was sent from SF2 to PCF4 via UDR5, but this is not the only way to do so. For example, a message may be sent directly from SF2 to PCF4.

[0084] Next, in step S19, PCF4 sends a message to SMF3 requesting that the SM policy be applied to a specific PDU session. SMF3 can then see from this message that an update of the PDU session has been requested. In step S20, SMF3 updates the corresponding PDU session to apply the specified SM policy.

[0085] [Example of a sequence for applying an SM policy] Figure 9 shows an example of a sequence of processes from when a policy control request is issued by AF1 until the SM policy is applied to the target UE10.

[0086] First, in step S21, AF1 sends a message to SF2 that includes a policy control request. This message includes the identifier of the UE10 that is subject to policy control, and the sensing requirements. In this embodiment, the sensing requirements are included in the policy control request, but the sensing requirements may be sent from AF1 in a separate message. Alternatively, they may be held in advance by SF2.

[0087] Next, in step S22, SF2 sends data requesting sensing (sensing request) to UE10 or a base station (gNB) communicating with UE10. The sensing request may include data relating to the identifier of UE10, sensing requirements, and procedures for sensing the target. For this reason, SF2 may have data for generating a sensing request based on the sensing requirements.

[0088] The UE10 and / or base station (gNB) perform sensing in response to a sensing request and transmit the obtained sensing data to the SF2 (step S23). The sensing data may be, for example, unprocessed data obtained by measuring the characteristics of the propagation path of a radio signal, or it may be the result of performing a predetermined calculation on the data.

[0089] Next, SF2 analyzes the communication environment around UE10 based on the sensing data and stores the results in UDR5 (step S24). The analysis results are represented, for example, by a predetermined communication environment class. After this process is completed, SF2 may return the processing results to AF1 as a response to the policy control request (step S26).

[0090] If data is stored in step S24, UDR5 notifies PCF4 of this using the Nudr_DM_Notify message (step S25). Note that PCF4 must subscribe to data change notifications from UDR5 in advance. Based on the message received from UDR5, PCF4 determines whether the communication environment class of the target UE10 has been updated. If the message received from UDR5 includes a notification of the communication environment class, PCF4 generates an SM policy to apply to the target UE10 based on the communication environment class.

[0091] In this example, SF2 communicates with PCF4 via UDR5, but SF2 may also send data directly to PCF4 without going through UDR5.

[0092] Next, in step S26, PCF4 sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotifyRequest message to SMF3. This message contains the SM policy to be applied and data to identify the target UE10 and PDU session. SMF3 can detect from this message that an update of the PDU session has been requested.

[0093] SMF3 sends the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotifyResponse message, which is a response, to PCF4 (step S27), and updates the specified PDU session. As a result, the SM policy generated by PCF4 is applied to the target PDU session.

[0094] [Example of SM policy regeneration sequence] According to the process described above, in response to a request from AF1, an SM policy corresponding to the sensing results can be applied to the PDU session held by UE10. On the other hand, since the communication environment around UE10 is constantly changing, an SM policy that has been applied may no longer be suitable for the actual environment. For example, if the amount of precipitation changes, it may be necessary to regenerate the SM policy. The process in such cases will be explained here.

[0095] Figure 10 shows an example sequence when regenerating an SM policy. Here, it is assumed that the process in Figure 9 is complete, i.e., the application of the SM policy to the given PDU session is complete. UE10 or the base station (gNB) may retransmit sensing data in response to changes in the communication environment. For example, in step S22, SF2 may request continuous sensing from UE10 (RAN). A continuous sensing request is, for example, a request to send sensing data at a predetermined interval, or a request to retransmit sensing data when the sensing result changes. In this case, the transmission of sensing data will be repeated, for example, unless the subscription registration is canceled.

[0096] In such cases, UE10 or the base station (gNB) retransmits the sensing data (step S31). In this case, SF2 performs another analysis based on the received sensing data and stores the result in UDR5 (step S33). If the SM policy is regenerated due to a change in the sensing result, SF2 may notify AF1 of this (step S32).

[0097] If data is stored in step S33, UDR5 notifies PCF4 of this using the Nudr_DM_Notify message (step S34).

[0098] Based on the message received from UDR5, PCF4 determines whether the communication environment class of the target UE10 has been updated. If the message received from UDR5 indicates an update to the communication environment class, PCF4 regenerates the SM policy to be applied to the target UE10 based on the communication environment class.

[0099] Next, in step S35, PCF4 sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotifyRequest message to SMF3. This message contains the updated SM policy and data to identify the target UE10 and PDU session. SMF3 can detect from this message that an update of the PDU session has been requested. SMF3 sends a response message, Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotifyResponse, to PCF4 (step S36) and updates the specified PDU session. These processes are the same as those in steps S26 and S27.

[0100] (Modification of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, precipitation was sensed as part of the communication environment around the UE 10. However, the object of sensing is not limited to precipitation, as long as it can be measured in a 5G system. For example, the object of sensing may be "the number of objects around the UE," "the movement speed of the UE," etc.

[0101] For example, if the object to be sensed is the number of objects around the UE, the number and size of objects present around the UE can be estimated by measuring attenuation, delay, frequency shift, and multipath effects in the propagation path of the wireless signal. Alternatively, if the object to be sensed is the speed of the UE's movement, the UE 10 can estimate its own speed by repeatedly performing position estimation using the principle of triangulation based on signals received from multiple base stations.

[0102] Even if the sensing target is different, as in the first embodiment, SF2 can determine the communication environment class, and PCF4 can generate an SM policy based on the determined communication environment class.

[0103] Figure 11 shows an example of a parameter table stored by SF2 in this modified example. For example, when the number of objects around UE10 is the target of sensing, the guaranteed bitrate can be set higher or the priority can be set higher when the number of objects is large compared to when the number of objects is small. For example, if UE10 is installed in a car, a large number of surrounding objects means that there are many obstacles around the vehicle. Therefore, when using a 5G system in an autonomous driving system, it is preferable to increase the communication priority or guarantee high bitrate communication as the number of objects increases.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, when the movement speed of UE10 is the target of sensing, it is preferable to set a higher guaranteed bitrate, a lower allowable error rate, or a lower allowable delay time when the movement speed is faster than when the movement speed is slower.

[0105] In addition, if the 5G system can sense anything, it is also possible to sense the presence or physical quantity of other objects.

[0106] (Modifications) The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, SF2 is a newly established network function, but SF2 may be a modified version of an existing network function. For example, a network function that provides network analysis information, such as NWDAF8, may be operated as SF2. Also, in the first embodiment, SF2 performed analysis of the communication environment based on sensor data, but SF2 may relay the sensor data to PCF4, and PCF4 may perform analysis of the communication environment based on the sensor data.

[0108] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the policy control request included the identifier of UE10 and the sensing requirements, but the policy control request may also include flags for giving other instructions. For example, if there are multiple sensing requirements, a flag (activation flag) indicating "which sensing requirement to enable" may be provided, and SF2 may determine the sensing target based on this flag.

[0109] Furthermore, the policy control request may include the specification of specific QoS parameters (e.g., PER, PDB, etc.) that instruct (or permit) the change. This data may be transmitted to PCF4 via SF2. PCF4 may also determine which QoS parameters to apply based on this data.

[0110] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the sensing is performed by a designated UE 10 or a base station capable of communicating with the UE 10. However, other devices capable of communicating with the UE 10 may also participate in the sensing. For example, another UE capable of direct communication with the designated UE 10 may perform the sensing. That is, the other UE can be an initiator, transmitter, responder, or receiver.

[0111] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, PCF4 receives the communication environment class, but PCF4 may also receive other data related to policy control and use this in combination to generate the SM policy. For example, it is possible to further obtain contract information about the target UE10 from UDR5 and generate the SM policy based on that contract information. For example, if UE10 is a terminal installed in an autonomous vehicle, it is conceivable to perform policy control according to the number of adjacent objects. For example, if the communication contract of UE10 is a contract for an autonomous vehicle, in a situation where other UEs (pedestrians, other vehicles, etc.) are densely packed around the UE (vehicle), a communication policy can be applied that sets the resource type to Delay Critical GBR and sets the packet priority level to high in order to ensure safety. Also, if the communication subscriber has an energy-saving communication contract, a communication policy can be applied that sets the resource type to non-GBR, allows a low bitrate, and permits a relatively high delay tolerance time (PDB) and error rate (PER).

[0112] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the SM policy was applied to the UE10 designated by AF1, but the target to which the SM policy is applied does not necessarily have to be a single UE. For example, the same SM policy may be applied to multiple other UEs belonging to the same group as the UE10 that performed sensing.

[0113] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0114] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage mediums include, for example, any type of disk such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0115] 1...AF 2...SF 3...SMF 4...PCF 5...UDR 6...AMF 7...NEF 8...NWDAF 10...UE 20...RAN 30...UPF 40...DN

Claims

1. An information processing method comprising: a first Network Function (NF) in a core network acquiring sensing data obtained by sensing the communication environment of a first User Equipment (UE) or a communication device communicating with the first UE; and a second NF generating policy rules to be applied to the communication session of the first UE based on the results of analyzing the sensing data.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first NF analyzes the communication environment of the first UE based on the acquired sensing data, and the second NF generates the policy rules based on the results of the analysis.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the communication environment is the precipitation conditions around the first UE.

4. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the communication environment is the number of other UEs in the vicinity of the first UE.

5. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the communication environment is the speed of movement of the first UE.

6. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the second NF is a PCF (Policy Control Function).

7. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the second NF applies the generated policy rule to the PDU session of the first UE.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first NF receives a request from the third NF to generate a policy rule based on the sensing result, and starts acquiring the sensing data based on the generation request.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, wherein the generation request includes information for identifying the first UE, and the first NF acquires the sensing data from the first UE identified based on the generation request, or from a communication device communicating with the first UE.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An information processing device capable of operating as a first NF (Network Function) located within a core network, the information processing device having a control unit that performs the following: acquiring sensing data obtained by sensing the communication environment from a first UE (User Equipment) or a communication device communicating with the first UE; and instructing a second NF to generate policy rules to be applied to the communication session of the first UE based on the results of analyzing the sensing data.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit analyzes the communication environment of the first UE based on the acquired sensing data and transmits the results of the analysis to the second NF.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the communication environment is the precipitation conditions around the first UE.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the communication environment is the number of other UEs in the vicinity of the first UE.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the communication environment is the moving speed of the first UE.

16. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the second NF is a PCF (Policy Control Function).

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the control unit receives a request from the third NF to generate a policy rule based on the sensing result, and starts acquiring the sensing data based on the generation request.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the generation request includes information for identifying the first UE, and the control unit acquires the sensing data from the first UE identified based on the generation request, or from a communication device communicating with the first UE.

19. A wireless communication device having a control unit that performs the following: receiving first data from a first NF (Network Function) in a core network, which is a request to sense a predetermined object in order to generate a communication policy to be applied to a predetermined PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session; and transmitting sensing data obtained by sensing the predetermined object in response to the first data to the first NF.

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