Network node, base station, and communication method

Abstract

This network node comprises: a reception unit that receives, from a first base station, measurement results of a sensing reference signal; and a control unit that determines, on the basis of the measurement results, whether a second base station can support sensing. If the second base station cannot support sensing, the reception unit receives, from the first base station, sensing data collected by the first base station.

Description

Network Node, Base Station, and Communication Method

[0001] The present invention relates to wireless sensing technology.

[0002] In 3GPP (Registered Trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project), wireless sensing technology that utilizes communication radio waves for sensing applications is being studied in the advancement of 5G (also referred to as NR (New Radio)) and the next-generation 6G systems.

[0003] By utilizing wireless sensing technology in a cellular network, for example, it is possible to detect the state of an object or a person.

[0004] 3GPP TS 38.331 V18.3.0 (2024-09)

[0005] A terminal connects to a plurality of base stations while moving between cells. However, not all base stations may be capable of supporting sensing. When the terminal moves into a cell of a base station that does not support sensing, sensing cannot be continued. Therefore, there is a possibility that the sensing data collected by sensing performed in the source cell may be discarded and the sensing data cannot be utilized.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a technology that enables continuous utilization of sensing data even when there is a base station that does not support sensing.

[0007] According to the disclosed technology, there is provided a network node including a receiver that receives a measurement result of a sensing reference signal from a first base station, and a controller that determines whether a second base station supports sensing based on the measurement result. When the second base station does not support sensing, the receiver receives sensing data collected by the first base station from the first base station.

[0008] According to the disclosed technology, a technology is provided that enables continuous utilization of sensing data even when there is a base station that does not support sensing.

[0009] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of SF40. This is a diagram illustrating a sensing method. This is a diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of a communication system. This is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation sequence in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal 20 and a network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle 2001 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to those described below.

[0011] In the operation of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, existing technologies may be used as appropriate. However, such existing technologies include, for example, existing LTE or existing NR, but are not limited to these.

[0012] The following will first describe an example of a mobile network configuration that is expected to be used in this embodiment, and then describe the configuration and operation of this embodiment in detail. Note that "wireless sensing" may sometimes be referred to as "sensing".

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system equivalent to a mobile network. As shown in Figure 1, this communication system consists of a UE20 and multiple network nodes. Hereafter, one network node will be assigned to each function, however, one network node may implement multiple functions, or multiple network nodes may implement one function. Also, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection. Note that the UE20 may also be referred to as terminal 20.

[0014] The RAN (Radio Access Network) 10 is a network node with wireless access functionality, which may include a base station, and is connected to the UE 20, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 30, and UPF (User plane function). The AMF 30 is a network node that has functions such as terminating the RAN interface, terminating the NAS (Non-Access Stratum), registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node that interconnects with the DN (Data Network) and has functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside, packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice.

[0015] AMF30 is connected to UE20, RAN10, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function) 50, NRF (Network Repository Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), and AF (Application Function) 60. AMF30, SMF, NSSF, NEF50, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF60 are network nodes that are interconnected via interfaces based on their respective services: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0016] The SMF is a network node with functions such as session management, IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management for UE20, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) functionality, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming functionality. The NEF50 is a network node with the function of notifying other NFs (Network Functions) of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node with functions such as selecting the network slice to which UE20 connects, determining the allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determining the NSSAI to be set, and determining the AMF set to which UE20 connects. The PCF is a network node with the function of controlling network policy. The AF60 is a network node with the function of controlling the application server. The NRF is a network node with the function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The UDM is a network node that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM is connected to the UDR (User Data Repository) that holds this data. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, an SF (Sensing Function) 40 is provided.

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in Figure 2, the network consists of a UE and multiple network nodes.

[0018] SEPP is an opaque proxy that filters control plane messages between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). In Figure 2, vSEPP is SEPP in the visited network, and hSEPP is SEPP in the home network.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the UE is in a roaming environment connected to the RAN and AMF in the Visited PLMN. The Visited PLMN and Home PLMN are connected via vSEPP and hSEPP. The UE can communicate with the UDM of the Home PLMN, for example, via the AMF of the Visited PLMN.

[0020] (About SF40) Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of SF40. As shown in Figure 3, SF40 transmits RF sensing measurement information (sensing data) transmitted from UE20 or base station 10 to AF60 via NEF50.

[0021] Furthermore, the SF40 can assign an ID to the sensing target (object, etc.) and store the sensing data for that target. The SF40 can also search for whether sensing data for the same sensing target is already stored before providing the sensing service. Additionally, the SF40 can store sensing data linked to the UE20, which performs sensing together with the base station 10. The SF40 can also search for whether sensing data linked to the UE20 is already stored before providing the sensing service.

[0022] Furthermore, the SF40 can analyze stored sensing data (data collected at the source base station) and new sensing data (data collected at the destination base station) together, and provide this data to external application servers, etc.

[0023] (Examples of sensing) Refer to Figure 4 to explain examples of sensing methods. In the example shown in Figure 4, the sensing methods are "Monostatic sensing" and "Bistatic sensing".

[0024] In "Monostatic sensing," for example, base station 10 transmits a sensing signal, and base station 10 receives the sensing signal reflected from the object. Base station 10 (which may also be SF40 or AF60) can estimate the object's condition (e.g., position, shape, speed of movement, etc.) by analyzing the received sensing signal. In "Monostatic sensing," the entity transmitting and receiving the sensing signal may also be UE20.

[0025] In "Bistatic nuisance," for example, base station 10 transmits a sensing signal, and another device (e.g., UE20) receives the sensing signal reflected from an object. Alternatively, the other device (e.g., UE20) may transmit a sensing signal, and base station 10 may receive the radio signal reflected from an object.

[0026] In this embodiment, the sensing methods primarily envisioned are "Monostatic sensing," specifically "a method in which the base station 10 acts as the transmitter and the UE 20 acts as the receiver" and "a method in which the UE 20 acts as the transmitter and the base station 10 acts as the receiver."

[0027] (Regarding the problems) The problems with the technology of this embodiment will be explained in more detail.

[0028] UE20 moves between cells via handover. In a typical handover, a received power threshold is set for UE20 located in a cell by the base station 10 of that cell. When the received power of signals from the cell it is located in / nearby cells meets the threshold condition, UE20 sends an MR (Measurement Report) to the base station 10. After communicating with the destination base station, the base station 10 instructs UE20 to hand over to the destination base station.

[0029] For example, suppose base station 10 provides sensing services, and sensing is performed by base station 10 and UE 20. However, if UE 20 moves to a destination base station, the destination base station may not provide sensing services, and if the destination base station does not provide sensing services, sensing cannot be continued.

[0030] If the destination base station is unable to provide sensing services, it may not be possible to fully utilize the sensing data collected at the source cell.

[0031] The following describes the technology related to this embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0032] (Outline of the technology according to the embodiment) In this embodiment, the SF40 determines whether the destination base station is capable of sensing based on the measurement result of the sensing RS (Reference Signal) by the UE20. If the destination base station is not capable of sensing, the source base station transmits the sensing data of the sensing that has already been performed to the SF40, and the SF40 stores the sensing data. The storage of the sensing data by the SF40 may be temporary.

[0033] Subsequently, if the destination base station of the UE20 becomes capable of sensing, the SF40 provides the stored sensing data to that destination base station. In other words, the destination base station takes over the sensing data.

[0034] Through the above process, even if there are base stations that are unable to perform sensing, sensing data is not discarded, and the sensing data is provided to the destination base station, thereby allowing the sensing service to continue.

[0035] "Sensing unavailable" refers to situations such as "the base station has sensing capabilities but is unable to provide sensing services due to blocking, interference, etc." or "the base station does not support sensing services (e.g., in private areas)." "Sensing available" means that the base station has sensing capabilities and there are no blocking, interference, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, the sensing RS may be a new RS, or an existing RS may be used as the sensing RS. Existing RSs include, for example, existing NR DL / UL RSs (SSB / CSI-RS / SRS / PRS / DMRS, etc.). In addition, some data may be used as the sensing RS.

[0037] Sensing RS may be a sensing signal used for sensing, or it may be a signal used to determine whether sensing is possible but not used for sensing itself.

[0038] (Example of operation) Here, we assume the case shown in Figure 5. In the case shown in Figure 5, first, UE20 moves from base station 10A to base station 10B. Base station 10A is sensing-enabled. Base station 10B is not sensing-enabled. Therefore, sensing cannot be performed when UE20 is in a cell at base station 10B. Subsequently, UE20 moves from base station 10B to base station 10C. Base station 10C is sensing-enabled. Therefore, sensing can be performed when UE20 is in a cell at base station 10C.

[0039] An example of an operation sequence assuming the above-described case will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Note that Figure 6 mainly shows the sequence of parts related to the present invention, and only an overview of the sequence related to the handover of UE20 is shown. In addition, communication between SF40 and the base station may be conducted via other network nodes (e.g., AMF).

[0040] <S101 (Step 101)> Assume that UE20 moves from a cell at base station 10A to a cell at base station 10B. In S101, UE20 transmits an MR (Measurement Report and Sensing RS Measurement) to base station 10A. This MR includes, for example, measurement results related to a normal handover and measurement results of the sensing RS (received power, etc.). Alternatively, UE20 may transmit the measurement results related to a normal handover and the measurement results of the sensing RS by UE20 (received power, etc.) separately to base station 10A.

[0041] The "Sensing RS measurement results" include, for example, the Sensing RS measurement results received by UE20 from base station 10A and the Sensing RS measurement results received by UE20 from a nearby base station (e.g., base station 10B).

[0042] <S102> The base station 10A transmits a message (e.g., NR Handover Required) indicating that a handover of the UE 20 to the base station 10B is required for the SF40, and a message (e.g., Sensing HandoverRequest ACK) for inquiring whether the base station 10B is capable of handling sensing.

[0043] The message for inquiring whether the base station 10B is capable of handling sensing includes the measurement result of the sensing RS. The measurement result of the sensing RS is the measurement result received by the base station 10A from the UE 20. Also, the base station 10A may measure the UL sensing RS received from the UE 20 and include the measurement result in the above message for transmission.

[0044] <S103> The SF40 determines whether the base station 10B is capable of handling sensing. Here, it is assumed that the SF40 determines that the base station 10B is not capable of handling sensing. For example, when the SF40 detects that the received power of the sensing RS transmitted from the base station 10B at the UE 20 is below the threshold based on the measurement result of the sensing RS, it determines that the base station 10B is not capable of handling sensing.

[0045] In S102, the base station 10A may also determine whether the base station 10B is capable of handling sensing using a threshold in the same manner as the SF40 in S103. In this case, the base station 10A notifies the SF40 that "the base station 10B is not capable of handling sensing".

[0046] The SF40 answers the base station 10B that the base station 10B is not capable of handling sensing using the UE 20.

[0047] Also, the SF40 may notify the base station 10A that the base station 10B is not capable of handling sensing using the UE 20.

[0048] <S104, S105> The base station 10B transmits an NR HandoverRequest ACK to the SF40. The NR HandoverRequest ACK is a message indicating that the base station 10B has approved the handover of the UE20 to the base station 10B. In S105, the SF40 transmits a message (e.g., NR Handover Command) to the base station 10A. The UE20 is connected to the base station 10B by handover.

[0049] Note that the message in S105 may include information indicating that the base station 10B is not capable of sensing.

[0050] <S106> The base station 10A associates the sensing data collected by the base station 10A with the UE20 and transmits it to the SF40. The SF40 stores the sensing data in association with the UE20 in a storage device. For example, the SF40 stores the sensing data together with the ID of the UE20.

[0051] Also, the base station 10A may associate the sensing data collected by the base station 10A with the ID of the sensing target and transmit it to the SF40. The SF40 stores the sensing data in association with the ID.

[0052] <S107> Subsequently, the UE20 moves from the cell of the base station 10B to the cell of the base station 10C. In this case, similar to S101, the UE20 transmits an MR (MeasurementReport and Sensing RS Measurement) to the base station 10B. This MR includes, for example, measurement results related to normal handover and measurement results of the sensing RS (received power, etc.). Note that the UE20 may transmit the measurement results related to normal handover and the measurement results of the sensing RS by the UE20 (received power, etc.) to the base station 10B separately.

[0053] The "measurement results of the sensing RS" include the measurement results of the sensing RS received by the UE20 from the base station 10B and the measurement results of the sensing RS received by the UE20 from a neighboring base station (e.g., the base station 10C).

[0054] <S108> Similar to S102, base station 10B sends a message to SF40 indicating that a handover of UE20 to base station 10C is required (e.g., NR Handover Required), and a message inquiring whether base station 10C is capable of sensing (e.g., Sensing HandoverRequest ACK).

[0055] <S109> SF40 determines whether the base station 10C is capable of sensing. Here, it is assumed that SF40 has determined that the base station 10C is capable of sensing. For example, SF40 determines that the base station is capable of sensing if it detects that the received power at UE20 of the sensing RS transmitted from the base station 10C is greater than a threshold value, based on the measurement results of the sensing RS.

[0056] SF40 responds to base station 10C that it is possible to enable sensing using UE20 at base station 10C.

[0057] <S110> SF40 checks whether sensing data associated with UE20 exists by referring to its own storage device. Here, sensing data associated with UE20 exists, so it transmits the sensing data to base station 10C.

[0058] Furthermore, if SF40 is aware of the ID of the sensing target associated with UE20, it may also check whether or not sensing data associated with that sensing target ID exists.

[0059] As a result, base station 10C can provide sensing services using sensing data collected by base station 10C and sensing data collected by base station 10A. For example, base station 10C estimates the state of the object to be sensed (e.g., shape, position, speed) based on the sensing data and transmits the estimated result to AF60. By using sensing data collected by base station 10C and sensing data collected by base station 10A, base station 10C can estimate the continuous state of the object to be sensed.

[0060] The above example is just one example. Base station 10C may transmit the sensing data it has collected to SF40, and SF40 may provide a sensing service using the sensing data collected by base station 10C and the sensing data collected by base station 10A.

[0061] Alternatively, base station 10C may transmit the sensing data collected by base station 10C to AF60, SF40 may transmit the sensing data collected by base station 10A to AF60, and AF60 may provide a sensing service using the sensing data collected by base station 10C and the sensing data collected by base station 10A.

[0062] (Summary of Operation) The operation for cases 1 to 4 is described below. In all of cases 1 to 4, UE20 will move from the cell of base station 10A (source) to the cell of base station 10B (destination).

[0063] <Case 1> In Case 1, base station 10A is capable of sensing, and base station 10B is also capable of sensing. In this case, as UE20 moves, sensing at base station 10A stops, the base station to which UE20 communicates is switched, and sensing continues at base station 10B. Note that the SF may also be switched when the base station is switched.

[0064] <Case 2> Case 2 is the same as the case of movement from base station 10A to base station 10B shown in Figure 5. In Case 2, base station 10A is capable of sensing, and base station 10B is not. In this case, as UE20 moves, sensing at base station 10A stops, and the sensing data from base station 10A is temporarily stored in SF40. When UE20 moves to the next base station that is capable of sensing, that base station takes over the sensing data from base station 10A.

[0065] <Case 3> Case 3 is similar to the case of movement from base station 10B to base station 10C shown in Figure 5. In Case 3, base station 10A is not capable of sensing, and base station 10B is capable of sensing. In this case, SF40 checks whether there is sensing data from the source of base station 10A's movement, and if there is such data, it passes that data to base station 10B, for example. If there is no such data, only the sensing data of base station 10B is collected.

[0066] <Case 4> Case 4 is a case where neither base station 10A nor base station 10B is capable of sensing. In this case, only a normal handover is performed.

[0067] (Effects of the Embodiment) According to the technology of this embodiment, even if there are base stations that are not capable of sensing, it becomes possible to continue using sensing data.

[0068] In other words, when the UE20 moves between base stations, sensing data from the base station providing the sensing service can be utilized without being discarded. By adding the procedure of the technology according to this embodiment (Sensing Handover Preparation), it is possible to find an appropriate base station and continuously provide sensing services.

[0069] (Device Configuration) Next, an example of the functional configuration of the network node 100 that performs the processing and operations described above will be explained. The network node 100 may be either the SF40 or the base station 10. In other words, both the SF40 and the base station 10 have the configuration shown in Figure 7.

[0070] <Network Node 100> Figure 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of network node 100.

[0071] As shown in Figure 7, the network node 100 includes a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Figure 7 is merely an example. Any functional classification and functional unit names are acceptable as long as they enable the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The transmitting unit 110 includes the function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or other network node and transmitting the signal by wire or wireless. The receiving unit 120 includes the function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or other network node and obtaining information from the received signal, for example, information of a higher layer. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 110 and the receiving unit 120 may be configured.

[0073] The setting unit 130 stores pre-configured setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in a storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The control unit 140 controls the network node 100. The signal transmission function unit of the control unit 140 may be included in the transmission unit 110, and the signal reception function unit of the control unit 140 may be included in the reception unit 120. The transmission unit 110 and the reception unit 120 may also be called the transmitter and receiver, respectively. The control unit 140 may also include a sensing function.

[0074] <Terminal 20> Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 20. As shown in Figure 8, terminal 20 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Figure 8 is merely an example. Any functional classification and functional unit names are acceptable as long as they enable the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The transmitting unit 210 creates a transmission signal from the transmission data and transmits the transmission signal wirelessly. The receiving unit 220 wirelessly receives various signals and acquires signals from higher layers from the received physical layer signals. The receiving unit 220 has the function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL / UL control signals or reference signals transmitted from network nodes. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 210 and the receiving unit 220 may be configured.

[0076] The setting unit 230 stores various setting information received from network nodes by the receiving unit 220 in a storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The setting unit 230 also stores pre-configured setting information.

[0077] The control unit 240 controls the terminal 20. The signal transmission function of the control unit 240 may be included in the transmission unit 210, and the signal reception function of the control unit 240 may be included in the reception unit 220. The transmission unit 210 and the reception unit 220 may also be called the transmitter and receiver, respectively. The control unit 240 may also include a sensing function.

[0078] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagrams (Figures 7 and 8) used in the description of the above embodiments show functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may be realized by combining the one device or the multiple devices with software.

[0079] Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, decision, determination, calculation, calculation, processing, derivation, investigation, exploration, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, selection, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, assumption, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating (mapping), and assigning. For example, a functional block (configuration part) that enables transmission is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. In all cases, as mentioned above, the method of implementation is not particularly limited.

[0080] For example, the network node 100 and terminal 20 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as computers that process the communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the network node 100 and terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 100 and terminal 20 described above may be physically configured as computer devices including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like.

[0081] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the network node 100 and the terminal 20 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured to omit some of the devices.

[0082] Each function in the network node 100 and terminal 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and storage device 1002, which allows the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of data reading and writing in the storage device 1002 and auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0083] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running an operating system. The processor 1001 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 140, control unit 240, etc., described above may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0084] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, or data from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the storage device 1002, and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. For example, the control unit 140 of the network node 100 shown in Figure 7 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Also, for example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in Figure 8 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Although the above-described processes have been explained as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may also be transmitted from the network via a telecommunications line.

[0085] The storage device 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage device 1002 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. The storage device 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc., for implementing a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0086] The auxiliary storage device 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital multipurpose disk, a Blu-ray® disk), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The above-mentioned storage medium may also be a database, server, or other suitable medium that includes at least one of the storage device 1002 and the auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0087] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting / receiving device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include, for example, a high-frequency switch, duplexer, filter, frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmitting and receiving antenna, amplifier section, transmitting and receiving section, transmission path interface, etc., may be implemented by the communication device 1004. The transmitting and receiving section may be implemented in a physically or logically separated manner, with a transmitting section and a receiving section.

[0088] The input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from an external source (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to an external source (e.g., a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be configured as an integrated unit (e.g., a touch panel).

[0089] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the storage device 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be configured for each device.

[0090] Furthermore, the network node 100 and the terminal 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of each functional block may be realized by such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0091] Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of vehicle 2001. As shown in Figure 10, vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013. For example, a network node 100 or a terminal 20 may be included in the communication module 2013.

[0092] The drive unit 2002 consists of, for example, an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also called a handle) and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel, which is operated by the user.

[0093] The electronic control unit 2010 consists of a microprocessor 2031, memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and communication ports (IO ports) 2033. Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 installed in the vehicle 2001 are input to the electronic control unit 2010. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0094] Signals from various sensors 2021 to 2029 include current signals from current sensor 2021 for sensing motor current, front and rear wheel rotation speed signals acquired by rotation speed sensor 2022, front and rear wheel air pressure signals acquired by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals acquired by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals acquired by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression signals acquired by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depression signals acquired by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals acquired by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals acquired by object detection sensor 2028 for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc.

[0095] The Information Service Unit 2012 consists of various devices for providing (outputting) various types of information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, including a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, and one or more ECUs that control these devices. The Information Service Unit 2012 uses information acquired from external devices via a communication module 2013, etc., to provide various multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001. The Information Service Unit 2012 may include input devices that accept input from the outside (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, touch panel, etc.) and output devices that perform output to the outside (e.g., display, speaker, LED lamp, touch panel, etc.).

[0096] The driver assistance system unit 2030 consists of various devices that provide functions to prevent accidents or reduce the driver's workload, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning locators (e.g., GNSS), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System)), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. The driver assistance system unit 2030 also transmits and receives various information via the communication module 2013 to realize driver assistance functions or autonomous driving functions.

[0097] The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via its communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 sends and receives data via the communication port 2033 between the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, the microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the electronic control unit 2010, and sensors 2021-29 provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0098] The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with external devices. For example, it can send and receive various types of information to and from external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 may be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device may be, for example, a base station, terminal, network node, etc.

[0099] The communication module 2013 may transmit at least one of the following to an external device via wireless communication: signals from the various sensors 2021-2028 input to the electronic control unit 2010, information obtained based on said signals, and information based on input from an external source (user) obtained via the information service unit 2012. The electronic control unit 2010, the various sensors 2021-2028, the information service unit 2012, etc., may also be called input units that accept input.

[0100] The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, signal information, inter-vehicle information, etc.) transmitted from an external device and displays it on the information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001. The information service unit 2012 may also be called an output unit, which outputs information (for example, outputs information to devices such as displays and speakers based on the PDSCH (or data / information decoded from the PDSCH) received by the communication module 2013). The communication module 2013 also stores the various information received from the external device in a memory 2032 that can be used by the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in the memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 may control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc., provided in the vehicle 2001.

[0101] Furthermore, if the communication module 2013 includes a network node 100 (or terminal 20), the communication module 2013 can perform the operations of the aforementioned network node 100 (or terminal 20).

[0102] This specification discloses at least the configurations described in the following appendix.

[0103] <Notes> (Note 1) A network node comprising: a receiving unit that receives measurement results of a sensing reference signal from a first base station; and a control unit that determines whether a second base station is capable of sensing based on the measurement results, wherein, when the second base station is not capable of sensing, the receiving unit receives sensing data collected by the first base station from the first base station. (Note 2) The network node according to Note 1, further comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits the sensing data to a third base station that is capable of sensing. (Note 3) The network node according to Note 1, wherein the control unit provides a sensing service using the sensing data collected at the first base station and the sensing data collected at the third base station that is capable of sensing. (Note 4) A base station that functions as the first base station in a communication system comprising a first base station and a second base station, comprising: a receiving unit that receives measurement results of a sensing reference signal from a terminal; and a transmitting unit that transmits sensing data collected by the first base station to the network node when the network node determines, based on the measurement results, that the second base station is not capable of sensing. (Note 5) A communication method executed by a network node, comprising the steps of: receiving measurement results of a sensing reference signal from the first base station; determining whether the second base station is capable of sensing based on the measurement results; and receiving sensing data collected by the first base station from the first base station when the second base station is not capable of sensing.

[0104] According to any of the appendices 1 to 5, a technology is provided that enables the continued use of sensing data even when there are base stations that are not capable of sensing. According to appendice 2, for example, a sensing service can be provided at a third base station, which is the destination of the terminal, using sensing data obtained at the first base station, which was the terminal's previous source. According to appendice 3, a continuous sensing service can be provided even when the terminal moves between base stations via a base station that is not capable of sensing.

[0105] (Supplement to Embodiments) Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, substitutions, etc. Specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, but unless otherwise specified, these numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any appropriate values ​​may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention, and matters described in two or more items may be used in combination as necessary, and matters described in one item may be applied to matters described in another item (as long as they do not contradict each other). The boundaries of functional units or processing units in the functional block diagram do not necessarily correspond to the boundaries of physical parts. The operation of multiple functional units may be physically performed by one part, or the operation of one functional unit may be physically performed by multiple parts. The processing procedures described in the embodiments may be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other. For the convenience of explaining the processing, the network node 100 and terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams, but such devices may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the EES 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be stored in any suitable storage medium such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or other appropriate storage medium.

[0106] Furthermore, notification of information is not limited to the embodiments / models described herein and may be carried out by other means. For example, notification of information may be carried out by physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), upper layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling), broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or combinations thereof. Also, RRC signaling may be called RRC messages, and may be, for example, RRC Connection Setup messages, RRC Connection Reconfiguration messages, etc.

[0107] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure refers to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (where x is, for example, an integer or decimal)), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 may apply to at least one system utilizing UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth®, or other appropriate systems, and to next-generation systems extended, modified, created, or defined based thereon. Alternatively, multiple systems may be applied in combination (e.g., a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

[0108] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described herein may be reordered, provided they are consistent with each other. For example, the methods described herein present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to that specific order.

[0109] In this specification, specific operations performed by the base station 10 ((R)AN10) may, in some cases, be performed by its upper node. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station 10, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with the terminal 20 can be performed by the base station 10 and at least one of the other network nodes (for example, an MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). Although the above example illustrates the case where there is one other network node besides the base station 10, the other network node may be a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW).

[0110] The information or signals described in this disclosure may be output from a higher layer (or lower layer) to a lower layer (or higher layer). They may also be input and output via multiple network nodes.

[0111] Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (e.g., memory) or managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or appended to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be transmitted to other devices.

[0112] The determination in this disclosure may be made by a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), by a Boolean value (true or false), or by a numerical comparison (for example, a comparison with a predetermined value).

[0113] Software should be broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, and so on, whether they are called software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or by any other name.

[0114] Furthermore, software, instructions, information, etc., may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using at least one of wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL)) and wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then at least one of these wired and wireless technologies is included in the definition of a transmission medium.

[0115] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0116] In addition, terms used in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and symbol may be a signal (signaling). Also, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0117] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure are interchangeable.

[0118] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources may be indicated by an index.

[0119] The names used for the parameters described above are not restrictive in any way. Furthermore, the formulas and other expressions using these parameters may differ from those expressly disclosed in this disclosure. Various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements can be identified by any suitable name, and therefore, the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not restrictive in any way.

[0120] In this disclosure, terms such as "Base Station (BS)", "wireless base station", "base station equipment", "fixed station", "NodeB", "eNodeB (eNB)", "gNodeB (gNB)", "access point", "transmission point", "reception point", "transmission / reception point", "cell", "sector", "cell group", "carrier", and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. Base stations may also be referred to by terms such as macrocell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell.

[0121] A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. If a base station accommodates multiple cells, the entire coverage area of ​​the base station can be divided into multiple smaller areas, each of which may also be provided with communication services by a base station subsystem (e.g., a Remote Radio Head (RRH)). The terms “cell” or “sector” refer to part or all of the coverage area of ​​at least one of the base station and / or base station subsystems that provide communication services in that coverage.

[0122] In this disclosure, the transmission of information by a base station to a terminal may be interpreted as the base station instructing the terminal to perform control or operation based on the information.

[0123] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0124] A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or several other appropriate terms.

[0125] The base station 10, terminal 20, and SF40 may also be called a transmitting device, receiving device, communication device, etc. The base station 10, terminal 20, and SF40 may also be devices mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body refers to a movable object, and its speed of movement is arbitrary. This also includes cases where the mobile body is stationary. The mobile body includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcarts, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones (registered trademark), multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and items mounted on them. Furthermore, the mobile body may be a mobile body that autonomously drives based on operational commands. The mobile object may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane), an unmanned mobile object (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle), or a robot (manned or unmanned). Note that the base station 10, terminal 20, and SF80 may all be devices that do not move during communication. For example, the base station 10, terminal 20, and SF80 may all be IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as sensors.

[0126] Furthermore, the term "base station" in this disclosure may be interpreted as "user terminal." For example, the various aspects / embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals 20 (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, the terminals 20 may have the functions that the base station 10 has. Also, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be interpreted as terms corresponding to terminal-to-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., may be interpreted as side channel.

[0127] Similarly, the term "user terminal" in this disclosure may be replaced with "base station." In this case, the base station may be configured to have the same functions as the user terminal described above.

[0128] As used in this disclosure, the terms “determining” and “determining” may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, or inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), or ascertaining. “Determining” may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, or accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having been "judged" or "decided" after some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0129] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain, and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0130] The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0131] In this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely on" unless otherwise specified. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based solely on" and "based at least on."

[0132] Any reference to elements using the designations “first,” “second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, references to the first and second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way.

[0133] In the configuration of each of the above devices, "means" may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0134] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0135] In this disclosure, if articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0136] In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combine" may be interpreted similarly to "different."

[0137] Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed during implementation. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0138] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Therefore, the descriptions in the present disclosure are illustrative and not intended to be restrictive in any way.

[0139] 10 Base station ((R)AN) 20 Terminal (UE) 30 AMF 40 SF 50 NEF 60 AF 100 Network node 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting unit 140 Control unit 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting unit 240 Control unit 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1003 Auxiliary storage device 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device

Claims

1. A network node comprising: a receiving unit that receives measurement results of a sensing reference signal from a first base station; and a control unit that determines whether a second base station is capable of sensing based on the measurement results, wherein, when the second base station is not capable of sensing, the receiving unit receives sensing data collected by the first base station from the first base station.

2. The network node according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit for transmitting the sensing data to a third base station capable of sensing.

3. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the control unit provides sensing services using sensing data collected at the first base station and sensing data collected at a third base station that is capable of sensing.

4. A base station that functions as the first base station in a communication system comprising a first base station and a second base station, comprising: a receiving unit that receives measurement results of a sensing reference signal from a terminal; and a transmitting unit that transmits sensing data collected by the first base station to the network node when the network node determines, based on the measurement results, that the second base station is unable to perform sensing.

5. A communication method performed by a network node, comprising the steps of: receiving the measurement result of a sensing reference signal from a first base station; determining whether a second base station is capable of sensing based on the measurement result; and, if the second base station is not capable of sensing, receiving the sensing data collected by the first base station from the first base station.

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