Information processing device, sensing control method, and terminal

Abstract

The present disclosure makes it possible to transmit a sensing instruction to a sensing participant corresponding to an event. This information processing device that operates as a first network entity constituting a core network of a mobile communication network executes: receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event related to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant on the basis of the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

Description

Information Processing Apparatus, Sensing Control Method, and Terminal

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a sensing control method, and a terminal.

[0002] The 5th Generation Mobile Communication System (referred to as the 5th generation mobile communication system, 5G or 5GS) has a function called 5G wireless sensing. 5G wireless sensing (hereinafter simply referred to as sensing) uses NR (New Radio) radio frequency signals to provide a function of acquiring information on the characteristics of the environment and / or objects in the environment (for example, shape, size, orientation, speed, position, distance between objects, or relative movement, etc.).

[0003] 3GPP TS 22.137 V19.1.0 (2024-03)3GPP TR 22.837 V19.4.0 (2024-06)

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, a sensing control method, and a terminal that can transmit a sensing instruction to a sensing participant according to an event.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus that operates as a first network entity constituting a core network of a mobile communication network, the information processing apparatus including a control unit that receives a notification indicating the occurrence of an event related to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network, determines a sensing participant based on the event, and transmits a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a sensing control method comprising: an information processing device operating as a first network entity constituting the core network of a mobile communication network receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event relating to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant based on the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes an information processing device operating as a first network entity constituting the core network of a mobile communication network to perform the steps of: receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event relating to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant based on the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal that can communicate with a core network of a mobile communication network including a first network entity, comprising sensing means for performing sensing based on instructions from the first network entity, and transmitting means for transmitting information for notifying the occurrence of an event, wherein the sensing means performs sensing based on the instructions when the first network entity determines the terminal to be a sensing participant based on the transmission of the information.

[0009] Other aspects of this disclosure may include a computer-readable temporary storage medium storing the aforementioned program, a communication system, and the like.

[0010] According to this disclosure, sensing instructions can be sent to sensing participants in response to events.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example operation of the communication system according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an information processing device (computer). Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example operation of the communication system according to the embodiment.

[0012] The following describes embodiments of the information processing device, sensing control method, terminal, and program based on the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and this disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example of a communication system according to the embodiment. As an example of a communication system, a cellular network 4 (an example of a mobile communication network) which is 5GS is shown, but the mobile communication network is not limited to 5GS and may be LTE or a mobile communication network of 5G or later. The cellular network 4 consists of a core network 1 (called 5GC) and a RAN (Radio Access Network) 2. The RAN 2 consists of base stations (called BS, gNB). The base stations are wirelessly connected to user terminals (called terminals, user equipment, UE (User Equipment)) 3. The UE 3 is connected to the cellular network (core network 1) by its connection to the base station.

[0014] The core network 1 is composed of a collection of network entities (also called network nodes) called network functions (NFs). Each NF is implemented in one or more information processing devices (computers) that operate as each NF. In other words, an NF is a function realized by one or more information processing devices (computers) executing a program.

[0015] The Application Function (AF) shown in Figure 1 is connected to the core network 1 via a Network Exposure Function (NEF), which is a type of Network Field (NF). The NEF acts as an intermediary for communication between external network nodes such as the Application Function (AF) and the NF of the control plane that constitutes the core network 1.

[0016] Core network 1 can include the following network entities (NFs) in addition to the NEF: UPF (User Plane Function), AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), and NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function).

[0017] The UPF is the only network node for the user plane in 5GC, while all other NFs are for the control plane. The UPF performs routing and forwarding of user packets (user plane packets sent and received by UE3), packet inspection, and QoS processing. The AMF is the UE3 location accommodation device in the core network 1. The AMF accommodates RAN2 (base stations) and performs subscriber authentication control, UE3 location (mobility) management, etc. The UDM is a database that stores subscriber information and contract information, and retrieves, registers, deletes, and modifies the status of UE3.

[0018] SMF manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and controls UPF for implementing QoS (Quality of Service) control and policy control. A PDU session is a virtual communication channel for exchanging data between UE3 and DN (Data Network). DN is an external data network (such as the Internet) outside of 5GC.

[0019] The PCF performs QoS control, policy control, and billing control under the control of the SMF. QoS control involves controlling the quality of communication, such as prioritizing packet forwarding. Policy control involves communication control, such as QoS, packet forwarding eligibility, and billing, based on network or subscriber information. The AUSF is a subscriber authentication server that performs subscriber authentication under the control of the AMF. The NWDAF is an NF that has the function of collecting and analyzing data from each NF and AF, and provides network analysis information (referred to as analytics information).

[0020] When UE3 establishes a wireless connection with RAN2 (base station), it transmits predetermined information to AMF via the base station. AMF registers UE3's location information in UDM. If UE3's authentication by AUSF (authentication function) is successful, AMF instructs SMF to establish a PDU session for UE3 to communicate with DN. SMF selects a UPF to transfer UE3's user data and instructs the selected UPF to establish a PDU session. A PDU session is then established between UE3 and the UPF.

[0021] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the communication system shown in Figure 1. The core network 1 has an NF called a sensing function (SF), which is responsible for sensing-related operations (control). The SF may be an NF independent of the existing NF (a new NF), or it may be an NF established by extending the existing NF. The SF is an example of a "first network entity," and each of the AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, UPF, etc. that constitute the core network 1 are examples of "second network entities."

[0022] Among the base stations and UE3s, those capable of sensing (in the example shown in Figure 1, UE3a and 3b among UE3a, 3b, and 3c) send a message (sensing capability registration) to the SF containing information such as sensing capability and conditions under which sensing can be performed (Figure 2<1>). The SF stores the information of the UE3s and base stations that sent the message as information of potential sensing participants. A sensing participant is one or more UEs or base stations that perform sensing. As a result, the UE3s and base stations are registered with the SF as candidates for sensing participants. However, the storage location for the information related to the UEs and base stations may be the storage area of ​​the SF or the storage area of ​​another entity (such as another NF), as long as the SF can access it. For example, UE3-related information may be stored in the UDM.

[0023] In this embodiment, the AF obtains sensing result data, which is processed from the sensing data, and provides a predetermined service to the service user. For this purpose, the AF sends a sensing request message to the core network 1 via the NEF requesting the provision of sensing results (Figure 2<2>). However, in cases such as when the AF is a Trusted AF, it may access an NF such as an SF without going through the NEF. The sensing request includes information for selecting at least one of at least one UE3 and at least one base station to perform sensing (for example, an identifier of the UE (UE ID), an ID of the base station, information indicating the area and time period in which sensing will be performed, etc.).

[0024] The SF compares the information included in the sensing request with the information of candidate sensing participants and selects at least one of at least one UE3 and at least one base station to be a sensing participant (Figure 2 <3>: sensing participant discovery). Sensing can be performed by only one UE3, only the base station, or both the base station and its subordinate UE3s with respect to the object being sensed.

[0025] The SF sends sensing indication messages to the UE3 and base station, which were selected as sensing participants (Figure 2 <4>, Figure 1 (1)).

[0026] Upon receiving a sensing instruction, the UE / base station collects sensing data (Figure 2, <5>) and transmits the information obtained through sensing (sensing data) to the SF (Figure 2, <6>, Figure 1, (2)). Sensing is performed using various sensors such as radar or lidar. Sensors are installed in the UE or base station performing the sensing. Sensing data, for example, when radar or lidar is used, includes the distance to an object (relative distance), the direction in which the object is located, the velocity of the object (relative velocity), and the position of the object obtained from the reflected electromagnetic waves (radio waves or laser pulses) emitted from the sensor. The type of sensor is not limited to the above, and sensors can include cameras (image sensors). In this case, sensing data may include data obtained by image processing of images captured by the camera. The SF performs predetermined processing on the sensing data and processes the sensing data into a format desired by the AF (Figure 2, <7>: sensing data processing). The SF transmits the sensing data obtained through processing to the AF via the NEF (Figure 2, <8>). The AF can then use the sensing results to provide the desired service. In some cases, the sensing data may be transmitted to the AF along with the sensing results, or in place of the sensing results.

[0027] In this embodiment, the SF sends an event subscription message (referred to as a notification prompt message) to the NF, which corresponds to the second network entity, prompting it to send a notification indicating the occurrence of an event (referred to as an event occurrence notification) when an event is detected (Figure 2, <9>). In the example shown in Figure 2, the notification prompt message is sent after the transmission of the sensing results, but it may also be sent at an appropriate timing before the transmission of the sensing results.

[0028] The notification prompt message can be sent to one or more of several types of NFs corresponding to the second network entity. When an NF receives a notification prompt message and detects the occurrence of an event (Figure 2, <10>), it sends an event notification message "event notification" to the SF (Figure 2, <11>). In this embodiment, the event relates to at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station, and the event notification includes information that identifies at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station. However, the event may be any event related to the mobile communication network, and is not limited to events related to UEs and base stations, but also includes events occurring in places other than UEs and base stations (e.g., NFs such as AMFs). For example, congestion at a predetermined location in the radio network or core network of a mobile communication network may be detected as an event. Congestion at a predetermined location may be, for example, congestion at a base station managing a UE, or congestion at an AMF managing a base station, but is not limited to these.

[0029] Upon receiving an event notification, the SF performs participant processing (Figure 2, <12>). Participant processing is the process of determining which participants (targets) will perform sensing based on the event notification. Specifically, participant processing is the process of deciding to add or remove participants from the sensing participants in Figure 2, <4>, that is, sensing participants who have been performing sensing up to that point, based on the event notification. Participant processing involves adding or removing participants using information that identifies the UE and base station included in the event notification. For example, if the SF determines that at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station that has become suitable to be selected as a sensing participant due to the occurrence of the event is not included in the UE3 and base station that sent the sensing instruction in Figure 2, <4>, then at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station will be added as a sensing participant.

[0030] In this case, the SF transmits a sensing instruction to at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station that are additional sensing participants (<13> in Figure 2). Subsequently, the additional sensing participants and the SF perform processes <14> to <17>, which are the same processes as <5> to <8> in Figure 2.

[0031] On the other hand, in participant processing in <12>, if at least one of the UE and base station identified from the event notification is included in the sensing participants selected in Figure 2 <4>, but has become unsuitable as a sensing participant due to the occurrence of the event, the SF removes the relevant UE and base station from the sensing participants. That is, if the SF determines that at least one of the specific UE3 and specific base station identified from the event notification is included in at least one of the at least one UE3 and at least one base station that sent the sensing instruction in Figure 2 <4>, the SF removes at least one of the specific UE3 and specific base station from the candidates for sensing participants.

[0032] In this case, when selecting a sensing participant in response to another sensing request from AF (<18> in Figure 2), SF selects a sensing participant from candidates that exclude at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station (<19> in Figure 2), and sends a sensing instruction to the sensing participant (<20> in Figure 2). Subsequent processing is omitted.

[0033] If the recipient of the notification prompt message is AMF, AMF will detect the following as events, for example: (1-1) A specific UE3 has connected to the core network 1. (1-2) The connection between a specific UE3 and the core network 1 has been lost. (1-3) A specific UE3 has entered a designated communication area (e.g., a cell or tracking area (TA)). (1-4) A specific UE3 has left a designated communication area.

[0034] For example, based on a certain UE3 (terminal) transmitting connection and location information (an example of information that notifies of the occurrence of an event) to the core network 1 (5GC), a second network entity, in this case AMF, may send a notification to SF (first network entity) indicating the occurrence of an event, and SF may determine the sensing participant based on this notification. The transmission path of information or data for the second network entity to send a notification indicating the occurrence of an event to SF, triggered by the reception of information from UE3 to the core network 1, can be set as appropriate. Here, if UE3 is determined to be a sensing participant, UE3 performs sensing. At this time, UE3 may perform control such as adding a flag to the information it transmits to the core network 1 (setting the flag value to ON (e.g., "1")) or not adding a flag (setting the flag value to OFF (e.g., "0")). A configuration may be adopted in which, when UE3 sends information with a flag to the core network 1, the AMF sends a notification to the SF indicating the occurrence of an event, and when UE3 sends information without a flag (or when UE does not send the information itself), the AMF does not send a notification to the SF indicating the occurrence of an event.

[0035] For example, control may be implemented so that when UE3 enters the first area within a cell, it sends information with a flag to the core network, and when UE3 enters the second area within the same cell, it sends information without a flag to the core network. Entering the first area and the second area are just examples of predetermined conditions. Alternatively, even if UE3 enters a predetermined communication area, control may be implemented so that if UE3's battery level is below a predetermined value, it sends information without a flag to the core network 1, and if UE3's battery level is above a predetermined value, it sends information with a flag to the core network 1. Entering the first area and the second area are just examples of predetermined conditions. Thus, a configuration may be adopted in which UE3 controls whether or not to send a notification to the SF indicating the occurrence of an event that updates the sensing participant by setting a flag. By adopting the above configuration, UE3 can be suitably added to or removed as a sensing participant. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which UE3 sends a notification indicating the occurrence of an event directly to the SF without going through the AMF.

[0036] For events (1-1) and (1-3), the SF adds at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station to the sensing participants. That is, the UE3 is added to the sensing participants on the condition that it is connected to the core network 1, or that it enters a predetermined communication area, and a sensing instruction is sent to the added sensing participant. As a result, sensing processing is performed, for example, based on a certain UE entering a predetermined area. Also, for events (1-2) and (1-4), the SF removes at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station that has been disconnected from the core network 1 or has left a predetermined area from the list of candidates for sensing participants. Again, the UE3 is added to the sensing participants on the condition that it is connected to the core network 1, or that it enters a predetermined communication area, and a sensing instruction is sent to the added sensing participant. As a result, sensing processing is performed, for example, based on a certain UE entering a predetermined area. Furthermore, for events (1-2) and (1-4), the SF excludes at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station that have been disconnected from the core network 1 or have left a designated area from being candidates for sensing participation.

[0037] Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the type of UE3 is managed, and event detection and event occurrence notification transmission shown in Figures 2<10><11> are performed according to the type of UE3. For example, if the type of UE3 that enters a predetermined area is a vehicle, event detection and event occurrence notification transmission as shown in Figures 2<10><11> will be performed. Conversely, if the type of UE3 that enters a predetermined area is a smartphone or the like, control can be implemented so that event detection and event occurrence notification transmission as shown in Figures 2<10><11> will not be performed. The types of UE3 that are subject to event detection and event occurrence notification transmission are not limited to the above example and can be set as appropriate. For example, if the type of UE3 that enters a predetermined area is a vehicle, event detection and event occurrence notification transmission as shown in Figures 2<10><11> will be performed. Conversely, if the type of UE3 that enters a predetermined area is a smartphone or the like, control can be implemented so that event detection and event occurrence notification transmission as shown in Figures 2<10><11> will not be performed. The types of UE3s that are subject to event detection and event notification can be configured as appropriate, and are not limited to the examples described above.

[0038] If the recipient of the notification prompt message is SMF, SMF will detect the following as events, for example: (2-1) A session related to a specific UE3 has been established. (2-2) A session related to a specific UE3 has been disconnected.

[0039] For event (2-1), the SF adds at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station to the sensing participants. For event (2-2), the SF removes at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station from the list of potential sensing participants.

[0040] If the recipient of the notification prompt message is PCF, PCF will detect the following as events, for example: (3-1) A specific UE3 has come into a state that conforms to a specified network policy. (3-2) A specific UE3 has come into a state that does not conform to a specified network policy.

[0041] Regarding the event in (3-1), at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station is added as a sensing participant by the SF. Regarding the event in (3-2), at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station is excluded from the candidates for sensing participants by the SF.

[0042] When the destination of the notification promotion message is the UDM, the UDM detects, for example, the following as events. (4-1) The contract content regarding a specific UE3 has reached a state that satisfies a predetermined condition. (4-2) The contract content regarding a specific UE3 has ceased to satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0043] Regarding the event in (4-1), at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station is added as a sensing participant by the SF. Regarding the event in (4-2), at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station is excluded from the candidates for sensing participants by the SF.

[0044] When the destination of the notification promotion message is the UPF, the UPF detects, for example, the following as events. (5-1) Traffic regarding a specific UE3 has occurred. (5-2) Traffic regarding a specific UE3 has disappeared.

[0045] Regarding the event in (5-1), at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station is added as a sensing participant by the SF. Regarding the event in (5-2), at least one of a specific UE3 and a specific base station is excluded from the candidates for sensing participants by the SF.

[0046] In the communication system of the embodiment, by performing the above-described operations, at least one of a specific terminal and a specific base station can be preferably added as a sensing participant in response to the occurrence of an event. Also, regarding the UE3 and the base station for which the propriety as a sensing participant is considered to be impaired due to the occurrence of an event, they are excluded from the candidates for subsequent sensing requests. Thereby, suitable sensing data and sensing results can be obtained.

[0047] Note that the operation example shown in FIG. 2 assumes that one sensing instruction is given for one sensing request from the AF, and the sensing result corresponding to this instruction is returned to the AF. On the other hand, when a configuration that periodically collects sensing data for one sensing request is adopted, regarding the selection of the sensing participant who sends the sensing instruction after the second time, at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station can be added to the sensing participant, or at least one of the specific UE3 and the specific base station can be excluded from the candidates for the sensing participant. That is, it becomes possible to transmit a sensing instruction to the sensing participant according to the event.

[0048] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the SF receives a sensing request, it immediately performs the sensing participant discovery process (FIG. 2 <3>). However, the SF may start the sensing participant discovery process after the UE3 specified in the sensing request becomes a candidate state that can be a candidate in the SF due to the occurrence of an event.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an information processing apparatus (computer) in which an NF such as an SF is implemented. In FIG. 3, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a main storage device 102, an external storage device 103, and a communication device 104. The CPU 101 is an example of a processor. The CPU 101 is not limited to a single processor and may have a multi-processor configuration. Further, instead of the CPU 101 or in addition to the CPU 101, a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc. may be provided. Further, the CPU 101 may cooperate with an integrated circuit such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Further, the processing performed by the CPU 101 may be performed by an integrated circuit such as an FPGA or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0050] The CPU 101 operates the information processing device as the desired NF by executing a computer program that has been loaded into the main memory 102 in an executable format. The main memory 102 stores the computer program executed by the CPU 101, the data processed by the CPU 101, and so on. The main memory 102 is also used as a program loading area, a work area, a buffer area for communication data, and so on.

[0051] The main memory 102 is, for example, Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), etc. Furthermore, the external memory 103 is used as a storage area that assists the main memory 102, and stores computer programs executed by the CPU 101, data processed by the CPU 101, etc. The external memory 103 is, for example, a hard disk drive, Solid State Drive (SSD), EEPROM, flash memory, etc. The CPU 101 is an example of a "control unit".

[0052] The communication device 104 is, for example, a network interface card or an optical communication module. The communication device 104 may also include a wireless communication module conforming to a predetermined wireless communication standard. The communication device 104 is an example of a "communication unit" or "transceiver unit." The AF shown in Figure 2 may be implemented in the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the UE3 and base station also include a configuration similar to the information processing device 100, and can operate or perform functions as a UE3 or base station through program execution.

[0053] As an example, the UE may also adopt a configuration comprising a CPU 101, a main memory 102, an external memory 103, and a communication device 104, as shown in Figure 3. The communication device 104 of the UE includes a wireless communication module that performs wireless communication with a base station. The CPU 101 that constitutes the UE is an example of a "control unit," "sensing means," and "control means." The communication device 104 that constitutes the UE is an example of a "communication unit," "transmitting / receiving unit," or "transmitting means."

[0054] <Modification> The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing a modified example of the operation of the communication system according to the embodiment. The timing of sending the message prompting the sending of event occurrence notification (event subscription) is not limited to the example in Figure 2 and can be set as appropriate. For example, as shown in Figure 4<1A>, it may be immediately after the registration of the UE and base station to the SF, or it may be before the registration of the UE and base station to the SF. Furthermore, the transmission timing may be between Figure 4<4> and Figure 4<6>, or between Figure 4<6> and Figure 4<8>.

[0055] Furthermore, the timing of receiving the event occurrence notification in the SF can be any timing after the transmission of the sensing instruction (Figure 4<4>), and may even be before the sensing data is received.

[0056] Furthermore, if the modified SF receives an event notification, it may perform the following participant processing (Figure 4<12A>). That is, as participant processing, the SF may add at least one of at least one UE and at least one base station as sensing participants, depending on the content of the event identified from the event notification, and send sensing instructions to the additional sensing participants, or to all sensing participants (Figure 4<13>). Alternatively, as participant processing, the SF may remove at least one of at least one UE and at least one base station from the list of sensing participants (list of sensing participants), depending on the content of the event, and send sensing instructions to each of the remaining sensing participants (Figure 4<13>). In this way, sensing instructions can be sent to the desired participants in response to an event without waiting for the next sensing request.

[0057] In the communication system according to the embodiment, the information processing device 100, which operates as an SF (first network entity) constituting the 5GC (core network 1) of the cellular network 4 (mobile communication network), includes a CPU 101 (control unit) that performs the following: - Receives a notification indicating the occurrence of an event related to the cellular network 4 (mobile communication network) transmitted from a second network entity (AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, UPF, etc.) that is different from the first network entity (SF) constituting the core network (5GC). - Determines a sensing participant based on the event. - Sends a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant. In this way, a sensing instruction can be sent to a sensing participant corresponding to the event.

[0058] The CPU 101 (control unit) may, in its decision-making process, decide to add at least one of at least one user terminal (UE) and at least one base station to the sensing participants that were performing sensing. Alternatively, the CPU 101 (control unit) may, in its decision-making process, decide to remove at least one of at least one user terminal and at least one base station from the sensing participants that were performing sensing. In this way, sensing instructions can be sent to sensing participants in response to events. Through these methods, suitable UEs or base stations can be selected as sensing participants.

[0059] As shown in the embodiment, the CPU 101 (control unit) may send a message to a second network entity (AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, UPF, etc.) prompting it to send a notification indicating the occurrence of an event related to the mobile communication network (cellular network). The source of the message may be other than SF.

[0060] The embodiment also discloses a terminal (UE3) that can communicate with the core network 1 (5GC) of a mobile communication network (cellular network 4) including a first network entity (SF). The UE3 includes sensing means (CPU 101) that performs sensing based on instructions (sensing instructions) from the SF, and transmitting means (communication device 104) that transmits information to the core network 1 to notify the occurrence of an event. When the SF determines that the UE3 is a sensing participant based on the transmission of such information, the sensing means (CPU 101) performs sensing based on the instructions. This allows the terminal (UE3) to give the first network entity (SF) an opportunity to determine that it is a sensing participant.

[0061] UE3 may further include control means (CPU 101) that controls whether or not to transmit information to notify of the occurrence of an event by transmission means (communication device 104) depending on whether predetermined conditions are met. The control means can determine that predetermined conditions are met when UE3 enters a first area within the cell and transmit the information, and control whether or not to transmit the information when UE3 enters a second area within the cell and determines that predetermined conditions are met (or not met). The predetermined conditions may be the state of UE3, or it may be determined that the predetermined conditions are met when UE3 is in a predetermined state. The state of UE3 may be, for example, the state related to the event described above.

[0062] The transmitting means (communication device 104) can transmit information for a second network entity (AMF, etc.), which is different from the first network entity (SF) constituting the core network (5GC), to transmit a notification indicating the occurrence of an event of the first network entity (SF). In other words, the information for notifying the occurrence of an event may be information for the AMF, etc., to transmit an event occurrence notification to the SF.

[0063] Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented, provided that no technical inconsistencies arise. Also, processes described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0064] 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. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium includes 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, or optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0065] Clause 1 An information processing device that operates as a first network entity constituting the core network of a mobile communication network, the information processing device includes a control unit that performs the following actions: receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event relating to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant based on the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

[0066] Clause 2 The information processing device described in Clause 1, wherein the decision made in the foregoing decision adds at least one of at least one user terminal and at least one base station to the sensing participants that were performing sensing.

[0067] Clause 3 The information processing device described in Clause 1, wherein the decision made to exclude at least one of at least one user terminal and at least one base station from the sensing participants that were performing sensing.

[0068] Clause 4 The information processing apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the control unit further performs the action of sending a message to the second network entity prompting it to send a notification indicating the occurrence of an event relating to the mobile communication network.

[0069] Clause 5 The information processing device according to Clause 2, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has connected to the core network.

[0070] Clause 6: The information processing device described in Clause 3, wherein the event is that the connection between a specific user terminal and the core network is lost.

[0071] Clause 7: The information processing device described in Clause 2, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has entered a predetermined communication area.

[0072] Clause 8: The information processing device described in Clause 3, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has left a designated communication area.

[0073] Clause 9: The information processing device described in Clause 2, wherein the event is that a session relating to a specific user terminal has been established.

[0074] Clause 10 The information processing device described in Clause 3, wherein the event is that a session relating to a specific user terminal has been disconnected.

[0075] Clause 11 The information processing device described in Clause 2, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has entered a state that conforms to a predetermined network policy.

[0076] Clause 12 The information processing device described in Clause 3, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has become in a state that does not conform to a predetermined network policy.

[0077] Clause 13 The information processing device described in Clause 2, wherein the event is that the contract terms relating to a specific user terminal have reached a state where the prescribed conditions are met.

[0078] Clause 14 The information processing device described in Clause 3, wherein the event is that the contract terms relating to a specific user terminal have come to a state where the prescribed conditions are not met.

[0079] Clause 15 The information processing device described in Clause 2, wherein the event is the occurrence of traffic relating to a specific user terminal.

[0080] Clause 16 The information processing device described in Clause 3, wherein the event is that traffic related to a particular user terminal has ceased.

[0081] Article 17 A sensing control method comprising: an information processing device operating as a first network entity constituting the core network of a mobile communication network receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event relating to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant based on the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

[0082] Clause 18 The sensing control method according to Clause 17, wherein the decision made to add at least one of at least one user terminal and at least one base station to the sensing participants that were performing sensing.

[0083] Clause 19 The sensing control method according to Clause 17, wherein the decision is made to exclude at least one of at least one user terminal and at least one base station from the sensing participants that were performing sensing.

[0084] Clause 20 A program that causes an information processing device operating as a first network entity constituting the core network of a mobile communication network to perform the steps of: receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event relating to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant based on the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant, or a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.

[0085] Clause 21 The program described in Clause 20, or a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, which is determined in the step of determining to add at least one user terminal and at least one base station to the sensing participants that were performing sensing.

[0086] Clause 22 A terminal capable of communicating with the core network of a mobile communication network including a first network entity, comprising: sensing means for performing sensing based on instructions from the first network entity; and transmitting means for transmitting information to the core network for notifying the occurrence of an event, wherein the sensing means performs sensing based on the instructions when the first network entity determines the terminal to be a sensing participant based on the transmission of the information.

[0087] The terminal according to Clause 23, further comprising control means for controlling whether or not to transmit the information by the transmission means depending on whether predetermined conditions are met, wherein the control means controls the terminal to transmit the information when it enters a first area within the cell, and not to transmit the information when it enters a second area within the cell.

[0088] Clause 24 The terminal according to Clause 22, further comprising control means for controlling whether or not to transmit the information by the transmission means depending on whether a predetermined condition is met, wherein the predetermined condition is the state of the terminal.

[0089] Clause 25 The terminal described in Clause 22, wherein the information for notifying the occurrence of the event is information for a second network entity, which is different from the first network entity constituting the core network, to send a notification to the first network entity indicating the occurrence of the event.

[0090] 1...Core network, 2...RAN, 3...User terminal (UE), 100...Information processing device, 101...CPU, 102...Main memory, 103...External memory, 104...Communication device

Claims

1. An information processing device operating as a first network entity constituting the core network of a mobile communication network, the information processing device including a control unit that performs the following actions: receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event related to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant based on the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the decision made to add at least one of at least one user terminal and at least one base station to the sensing participants who were performing sensing.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination involves excluding at least one user terminal and at least one base station from the sensing participants that were performing sensing.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further transmits a message to the second network entity prompting it to transmit a notification indicating the occurrence of an event related to the mobile communication network.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has connected to the core network.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the event is that the connection between a specific user terminal and the core network is lost.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has entered a predetermined communication area.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has left a predetermined communication area.

9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the event is that a session relating to a specific user terminal has been established.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the event is that a session relating to a specific user terminal has been disconnected.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has entered a state that conforms to a predetermined network policy.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the event is that a specific user terminal has entered a state that does not conform to a predetermined network policy.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the event is that the contract details relating to a specific user terminal have reached a state in which predetermined conditions are met.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the event is that the contract details relating to a specific user terminal have come to a state where they no longer meet the prescribed conditions.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the event is the occurrence of traffic relating to a specific user terminal.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the event is that there is no longer any traffic related to a specific user terminal.

17. A sensing control method comprising: an information processing device operating as a first network entity constituting the core network of a mobile communication network receiving a notification indicating the occurrence of an event related to the mobile communication network transmitted from a second network entity different from the first network entity constituting the core network; determining a sensing participant based on the event; and transmitting a sensing instruction to the determined sensing participant.

18. A terminal capable of communicating with the core network of a mobile communication network including a first network entity, comprising: sensing means for performing sensing based on instructions from the first network entity; and transmitting means for transmitting information notifying the occurrence of an event to the core network, wherein when the first network entity determines the terminal to be a sensing participant based on the transmission of the information, the sensing means performs sensing based on the instructions.

19. The terminal according to claim 18, further comprising control means for controlling whether or not to transmit the information by the transmission means depending on whether predetermined conditions are met, wherein the control means controls the terminal to transmit the information when it enters a first area within the cell, and not to transmit the information when it enters a second area within the cell.

20. The terminal according to claim 18, further comprising control means for controlling whether or not to transmit the information by the transmission means depending on whether predetermined conditions are met, wherein the predetermined conditions are the state of the terminal.

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