A method for creating a sensing priority ranking of zones of an environment of a communications network

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for creating a sensing priority ranking of zones (21, 22, 23) of an environment (20) of a communications network, comprising the following: - Providing (101) one or more zones (21, 22, 23) of the environment (20) for acquiring sensing information, wherein the environment (20) is assigned to a base station (10) of the communications network, - Determining (102) a sensing priority rank for the one or more zones (21, 22, 23) based on a prioritization model, wherein the sensing priority rank indicates a priority of acquiring sensing information regarding the respective zone (21, 22, 23) of the environment (20), - Creating (103) a sensing priority ranking of the one or more zones (21, 22, 23) of the environment (20) to be sensed based on the determined one or more sensing priority ranks.

Description

[0001] R.415328

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[0003] Description

[0004] Title

[0005] A method for creating a sensing priority ranking of zones of an environment of a communications network

[0006] The invention relates to a method for creating a sensing priority ranking of zones of an environment. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program, an apparatus, and a storage medium for this purpose.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] Sensing services provided by network operators are expected to evolve significantly with the advancement of 5G, 6G, and beyond. These networks will integrate more sophisticated sensing capabilities into their infrastructure. Future cellular networks will use their inherent infrastructure to provide sensing services. These networks will not only transmit data but also collect real-time environmental data using various sensors integrated into base stations, antennas, and devices connected to the network.

[0009] Network operators might offer sensing as a service to various industries (e.g.: logistics, healthcare, agriculture). Enterprises will subscribe to network sensing services, enabling them to access environmental, positional, and movement data gathered by the network's sensors without needing to invest in their own sensor infrastructure.

[0010] Different network operators and device manufacturers may use proprietary technologies that are not compatible with each other, leading to fragmentation. A lack of industry-wide standards could limit the scalability and integration of sensing services across regions or industries. Ensuring that all sensors, networks, and devices work seamlessly together may be a challenge, especially as new technologies are introduced or older ones become obsolete. R.415328

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[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved procedure for efficient sensing.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] According to aspects of the invention a method with the features of claim 1 , a computer program with the features of claim 7, a data processing apparatus with the features of claim 8 as well as a computer-readable storage medium with the features of claim 9 are provided. Further features and details of the invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features and details described in the context of the inventive method also correspond to the inventive computer program, the inventive data processing apparatus as well as the inventive computer-readable storage medium, and vice versa in each case.

[0015] According to an aspect of the invention a method for creating a sensing priority ranking of zones of an environment of a communications network, comprising the following:

[0016] Providing one or more zones of the environment for acquiring sensing information, wherein the environment is assigned to, preferably covered by a base station, of the communications network, Determining a sensing priority rank for the one or more, preferably at least two, zones based on a prioritization model, wherein the sensing priority rank indicates a priority of acquiring sensing information regarding the respective zone of the environment,

[0017] Creating a sensing priority ranking of the one or more zones of the environment to be sensed based on the determined one or more sensing priority ranks.

[0018] The communications network may be a wireless, preferably a cellular communications network. Sensing may be understood as using radio resources of the communications network, preferably assigned to the base station, for performing (radar) sensing of its environment, e.g., mono-static or bi-static sensing. This has the advantage that the inventive method can dynamically adapt to changing conditions in the environment. By continuously monitoring factors such as user requests, data freshness, and confidence levels, the prioritization model can adjust the sensing priority ranking accordingly. This ensures that R.415328

[0019] - 3 - resources are always allocated to the most critical zones, maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the sensing operation. The dynamic nature of the system allows it to respond to real-time events and maintain an accurate representation of the environment.

[0020] It is also possible that the prioritization model calculates the sensing priority rank depending on one and / or a combination of prioritization factors, wherein the prioritization factor specifies a respective order when the respective zone will be sensed.

[0021] This has the advantage that various factors are used to determine the sensing priority rank of each zone. These factors could include user requests for data from a specific zone, the age of existing sensor data, the confidence level in previously collected data, and the type of sensing modality used (e.g., radio, camera). By incorporating these factors, the model can dynamically adjust the sensing priority based on real-time needs and environmental conditions. This approach allows for efficient resource allocation, ensures that critical areas are monitored regularly, and improves the overall accuracy and relevance of the sensor data.

[0022] It is further possible that the method further comprising:

[0023] Checking the sensing priority rank for a respective zone based on a comparison of the sensing priority rank with the created sensing priority ranking,

[0024] Initiating a sensing procedure for the respective zone depending on the check.

[0025] This has the advantage that the base station can continuously monitor the sensing priority ranks of all zones and initiate sensing procedures for the zones with higher priority ranks. This allows for a dynamic and responsive sensing process that adapts to changing needs and conditions in the environment. The comparison of the sensing priority rank with the created sensing priority ranking enables the system to efficiently allocate resources and ensure timely acquisition of relevant sensing information.

[0026] It is also possible that the method further comprising: R.415328

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[0028] Establishing required resources of the base station for acquiring the sensing information from the zone with the maximum sensing priority rank before starting the sensing procedure, wherein a resource is specified by time, bandwidth and / or beamforming.

[0029] This allows the base station to optimize its resource allocation prior to initiating the sensing process. This pre-allocation ensures that the resources required for acquiring information from the highest priority zone are readily available. By specifying the necessary time, bandwidth, and / or beamforming in advance, the system can efficiently target the most critical area for sensing. This proactive approach minimizes delays and maximizes the effectiveness of the sensing operation.

[0030] It is possible that the method further comprising at least one of the following: Allocating resources of the base station for initiating the sensing procedure simultaneously for a specified number of zones of the environment, Allocating resources of the base station for initiating the sensing procedure for prioritized zones in a proportional manner to their determined sensing priority rank.

[0031] This allows for efficient resource allocation. By allocating resources proportionally to the sensing priority rank, the base station can focus its efforts on the most critical zones first. This approach optimizes the use of resources and ensures that the most important areas are monitored effectively. Simultaneous sensing of multiple zones can also be implemented, enabling a broader coverage of the environment within a shorter timeframe.

[0032] It is also possible that the method further comprising:

[0033] Dividing the environment controlled by the base station into one or more zones to acquire the sensing information.

[0034] This has the advantage that the division of the environment into zones facilitates a more granular and targeted approach to sensing. This allows for efficient allocation of resources, as sensors can be focused on areas requiring greater attention or where specific data is needed. Furthermore, dividing the environment into zones enables easier management and analysis of sensing data, as it can be grouped and processed based on location. R.415328

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[0036] In another aspect of the invention, a computer program may be provided, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the invention. Thus, the computer program according to the invention can have the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a method according to the invention.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for data processing may be provided, which is configured to execute the method according to the invention. As the apparatus, for example, a computer can be provided which executes the computer program according to the invention. The computer may include at least one processor that can be used to execute the computer program. Also, a nonvolatile data memory may be provided in which the computer program may be stored and from which the computer program may be read by the processor for being carried out.

[0038] According to another aspect of the invention a computer-readable storage medium may be provided which comprises the computer program according to the invention and / or instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps of the method according to the invention. The storage medium may be formed as a data storage device such as a hard disk and / or a non-volatile memory and / or a memory card and / or a solid state drive. The storage medium may, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0039] Furthermore, the method according to the invention may be implemented as a computer-implemented method. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one of the disclosed method steps may be computer-implemented and / or automated.

[0040] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this context, the features mentioned in the claims and in the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Showing: R.415328

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[0042] Fig. 1 : A method, computer program, a storage medium and apparatus according to embodiments of the invention,

[0043] Fig. 2: A schematic diagram of an exemplary environment to be sensed according to embodiments of the invention.

[0044] In the following figures, the identical reference signs are used for the same technical features even of different embodiment examples.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a method, computer program, a storage medium and apparatus according to embodiments of the invention. In particular, Fig. 1 depicts a method 100 for creating a sensing priority ranking of zones 21 , 22, 23 of an environment 20 of a communications network. The method 100 comprises the following steps: In a step 101 one or more zones 21 , 22, 23 of the environment 20 are provided for acquiring sensing information. The environment 20 is assigned to, preferably covered by, a base station 10 of the communications network. For instance, the environment may comprise or be comprised by a radio cell of the base station 10 In a step 102 a sensing priority rank for the one or more zones 21 , 22, 23 is determined based on a prioritization model. The sensing priority rank indicates a priority of acquiring sensing information regarding the respective zone 21 , 22, 23 of the environment 20. Then, at a step 103 a sensing priority ranking of the one or more zones 21 , 22, 23 of the environment 20 to be sensed is created based on the determined one or more sensing priority ranks.

[0046] Further, a data processing apparatus 10, a computer-readable storage medium 15 and a computer program 50 are depicted in Fig. 1.

[0047] Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary environment to be sensed according to embodiments of the invention. A base station 10 is depicted in Fig. 2. The base station 10 controls a certain environment 20 or a region 20 , which can be sensed by the base station 10. The environment 20 can be divided into different zones 21 , 22, 23. Further each zone can comprise a zone ID. The base station 10 can be designed to an Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) capable base station.

[0048] The Integrated Communication and Sensing (ICAS) Concept refers to the convergence of communication and sensing functions into a unified system. Often, communication systems (e.g., mobile networks) and sensing systems R.415328

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[0050] (e.g., radar, LiDAR) operate separately, with distinct hardware and infrastructure. The ICAS concept aims to combine these functions, enabling devices to communicate and sense their surroundings simultaneously using the same signals and resources.

[0051] The base station 10 can be implemented in a communications network (not depicted). The communications network can be capable of performing long-term sensing, which means sensing over long periods, such as for example overnight. Long-term sensing may be understood as sensing performed for a duration of more than one minute, preferably at least one hour, specifically multiple hours, e.g., overnight.

[0052] The communications network may either perform sensing autonomously meaning for example radio-based sensing by means of ICAS or may request other parties such as for example sensing-capable user equipment (UEs), or communication- capable infrastructure nodes or the like.

[0053] For each zone 21 , 22, 23 within the sensed environment 20 the base station 10 or for example a 6G network core can maintain a sensing priority rank, which can be a numerical value such as for example a real non-negative number. This value may indicate the priority and / or urgency of acquiring sensing information for the respective zone 21 , 22, 23. For example, a higher value can signify a greater priority for sensing the associated zone 21 , 22, 23.

[0054] Formally, it can be expressed for the sensing priority rank R<1>associated with the j-th zone, where i e [1 : G] for a total of G zones, as following: where w1<l>>... , wFare numerical values of F e N different relevant prioritization factors that can be selected.

[0055] The function (■) can before for example a suitable mapping taking as input the values w1<;>, ... , wF<l>and giving as an output a scalar R<1>.

[0056] As an example, a possible non-restrictive implementation of such a function can be a weighted sum: R.415328

[0057] - 8 - are scaling coefficients that can be used to attribute higher (or less) importance to the respective factor.

[0058] For example, these coefficients can be real numbers lying within [0,1]. In this example the coefficients do not depend on the zone ID, namely i, in order to ensure fairness in the computation of the sensing priority ranks (i.e., in the same manner) of all zones 21 , 22, 23 within the same environment 20.

[0059] As an example, a prioritization factor can be an / a:

[0060] Importance of the zone (for sensing purposes): This can be reflected by the number of requests received by the network from User Equipment (UEs) to provide its long-term sensing results for the zone.

[0061] Age of available sensing information: Aspects such as when was the last time a particular zone was sensed can be of importance to keep the environment map (or sensing results) up to date.

[0062] Confidence in the sensing results: Another aspect that may play a role can be the confidence of the network in its own collected sensing data of the zone 21 , 22, 23. For instance, to increase its confidence, it can ask for sensing results from different sources and hence may allocate resources for this purpose.

[0063] Available sensing modalities, meaning what type of sensing results can be available for a particular zone. For instance, when radio-based sensing results are available for some zones 21 , 22, 23, it is also interesting to obtain camera data of the same zone 21 , 22, 23.

[0064] In total in this example, the base station 10 can maintain a G-dimensional vector containing the ranks for each of the zones 21 , 22, 23, like for example,

[0065] H = (7?<1 >, , R<G>)Te IRGX1, which means, once one of the factors or more change, the computed vector of the sensing priority shall be accordingly updated.

[0066] Before the next sensing cycle is launched, the base station 10 may plan for required resources like for example bandwidth, time, or beamforming as well as R.415328

[0067] - 9 - other relevant aspects such as: which zone(s) shall be prioritized, for how long shall a particular zone be sensed based on the ranks contained in - .

[0068] Possible options here are for example:

[0069] The base station 10 can use all its resource budget on sensing the zone 21 , 22, 23 with the maximum sensing priority rank, i.e.:

[0070] Subsequently, if resources such as time are still available, it may select the zone 21 , 22, 23 with the next greatest sensing priority rank, continuing this process until the resources are consumed or a predefined limit is reached.

[0071] In another embodiment, the base station 10 can split some of its resources to sense more than one zone 21 , 22, 23 at a time, e.g., to simultaneously sense K e [2: 6] zones 21 , 22, 23. The same amount of resources can be allocated for sensing each of the K zones 21 , 22, 23 (unbiased).

[0072] In another embodiment, it is possible to allocate the resources for sensing the prioritized zones 21 , 22, 23 in a proportional manner to their rank.

[0073] In another embodiment an environment map for the environment 20 may be built by a network using long-term sensing, ICAS-supported long-term sensing, or other suitable sensing modalities available to the network. Such modalities can be for example other User Equipment (UEs) equipped with different sensors and sharing their sensing results with the cellular network). This environment map can comprise for example static objects, which have been sensed over a considerable period of time (“long-term”) in different forms such as:

[0074] Occupancy grid: which can be a grid with a predefined cell size comprising information as to whether each cell is occupied or not. This does not necessarily need to be a binary number (i.e., occupied or not occupied), but rather a real number (properly quantified), which reflects the probability of the cell being occupied or not. For instance, a value of 1 means that the cell is occupied with 100% certainty, whereas a value of 0 is interpreted as the corresponding cell being unoccupied with 100% certainty. If the probability is R.415328

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[0076] 0.5, then it is uncertain whether the cell is occupied or not (i.e., 50-50% chance of being occupied / unoccupied).

[0077] Object lists: For example, a list of the objects within a certain zone (in the region) along suitable attributes. The environment 20 can be sensed by the base station 10 and can be divided into different zones 21 , 22, 23 with distinct zone IDs as depicted in Fig. 2.

[0078] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with each other, provided that this is technically reasonable, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

Claims

R.415328- 11 -Claims1 . A method (100) for creating a sensing priority ranking of zones (21 , 22, 23) of an environment (20) of a communications network, comprising the following:Providing (101) one or more zones (21 , 22, 23) of the environment (20) for acquiring sensing information, wherein the environment (20) is assigned to a base station (10) of the communications network, Determining (102) a sensing priority rank for the one or more zones (21 , 22, 23) based on a prioritization model, wherein the sensing priority rank indicates a priority of acquiring sensing information regarding the respective zone (21 , 22, 23) of the environment (20), Creating (103) a sensing priority ranking of the one or more zones (21 , 22, 23) of the environment (20) to be sensed based on the determined one or more sensing priority ranks.

2. The method (100) of claim 1 , characterized in that the prioritization model calculates the sensing priority rank depending on one and / or a combination of prioritization factors, wherein the prioritization factor specifies a respective order when the respective zone (21 , 22, 23) will be sensed.

3. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises:Checking the sensing priority rank for a respective zone (21 , 22, 23) based on a comparison of the sensing priority rank with the created sensing priority ranking,Initiating a sensing procedure for the respective zone (21 , 22, 23) depending on the check.R.415328- 12 -4. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises:Establishing required resources of the base station (10) for acquiring the sensing information from the zone (21 , 22, 23) with the maximum sensing priority rank before starting the sensing procedure, wherein a resource is specified by time, bandwidth and / or beamforming.

5. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises at least one of the following:Allocating resources of the base station (10) for initiating the sensing procedure simultaneously for a specified number of zones (21 , 22, 23) of the environment (20),Allocating resources of the base station (10) for initiating the sensing procedure for prioritized zones (21 , 22, 23) in a proportional manner to their determined sensing priority rank.

6. The method (100) of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises:Dividing the environment controlled by the base station into one or more zones to acquire the sensing information.

7. A computer program (50), comprising instructions which, when the computer program (50) is executed by a computer (10), cause the computer (10) to carry out the method (100) of any one of the preceding claims.

8. A data processing apparatus (10), comprising means for carrying out the method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium (15) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer (10), cause the computer (10) to carry out the steps of the method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6.

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