Network node and data processing method

Abstract

This network node comprises: a data pre-processing unit that performs pre-processing on data which has been collected by a data collection function; a data accumulation unit that accumulates the data on which the pre-processing has been performed; and a data post-processing unit that performs, on data which has been read from the data accumulation unit, post-processing for data release.

Description

Network Node and Data Processing Method

[0001] The present invention relates to data collection technology in a mobile network.

[0002] In 3GPP (Registered Trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project), in order to achieve further increases in system capacity, further increases in data transmission speed, further reduction in latency in the radio section, etc., a wireless communication method called 5G or NR (New Radio) (hereinafter, this wireless communication method is referred to as "5G" or "NR") has been introduced. In 5G, various wireless technologies have been introduced in order to meet the requirement of achieving a throughput of 10 Gbps or more while reducing the latency in the radio section to 1 ms or less. Furthermore, research on 6G, which is a future communication system, is also being conducted.

[0003] In 5G, communications corresponding to use cases such as eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC are provided. In 6G, which is a future communication system, in addition to providing the same services as 5G, services such as AI and sensing are provided. In both AI and sensing, it is necessary to collect data from UEs, etc. Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose conventional technologies in 5G related to data collection and data disclosure.

[0004] 3GPP TS 23.222 V18.6.0 (2024-09)3GPP TS 26.531 V18.2.0 (2024-06)

[0005] However, the conventional technologies disclosed in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 are methods of indirectly disclosing data through an API or an event, and are not methods of disclosing the data itself. Therefore, in the conventional technologies, it has been impossible to efficiently disclose the collected data. As a result, in the conventional technologies, it has been difficult to efficiently use the big data in the 3GPP (Registered Trademark) network in accordance with the purpose from both inside and outside the 3GPP (Registered Trademark) network.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a technology that enables the efficient release of collected data.

[0007] According to the disclosed technology, a network node is provided which includes a data preprocessing unit that preprocesses data collected by a data collection function, a data storage unit that stores the preprocessed data, and a data postprocessing unit that performs postprocessing for data release on data read from the data storage unit.

[0008] Disclosure technology provides a method that enables the efficient release of collected data.

[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 configuration for data collection and release in the prior art. This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration for data collection and release in the prior art. This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the Data Exposure Function 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating the data storage procedure in the Data Exposure Function 100. This is a diagram illustrating the data release procedure in the Data Exposure Function 100. This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the Data Exposure Function 100 and existing nodes. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the 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] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, "configuring" wireless parameters means that predetermined values ​​are pre-configured, or that wireless parameters notified from a network node or terminal are configured. Below, we will first describe an example of the configuration of a 5G core network, which is an example of a network to which the technology of the present invention is applied, and then describe the configuration and operation related to embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system corresponding to a core network. As shown in Figure 1, this communication system consists of a UE (User Interface) which is a terminal, and multiple network nodes. Note that a configuration including one or more network nodes may be called a "network". Hereinafter, one network node will be assumed to correspond to each function, but 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. Furthermore, although Figure 1 shows a 5G core network, all or part of the network nodes in the core network shown in Figure 1 may also be used in 6G, which is envisioned as the application target of the technology according to this embodiment.

[0014] A RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network node with radio access functionality, which may include a base station, and is connected to a UE, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), and UPF (User plane function). A RAN may also be called a base station. An AMF 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. A UPF is a network node that interconnects with a DN (Data Network) and has functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside world, packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice.

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

[0016] The SMF is a network node with functions such as session management, IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management for UEs, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) functionality, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming functionality. The NEF 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 the UE connects, determining the allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determining the NSSAI to be set, and determining the AMF set to which the UE connects. The PCF is a network node with the function of controlling network policies. The AF is a network node with the function of controlling application servers. 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 that holds the said data. Note that the AF may also be called the application function.

[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 (User Engine) as a terminal 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] (Regarding the problem) Conventional methods for releasing data within a 3GPP (registered trademark) network include releasing data through the NEF / SCEF or CAPIF APIs. Non-patent document 1 discloses the configuration shown in Figure 3 as an example of such a method.

[0021] Furthermore, Non-Patent Document 2 discloses a mechanism for UE data collection, reporting, and exposure as a method for opening up events related to UE data. Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of this mechanism.

[0022] However, the technical specifications of conventional technologies involved indirectly releasing data through APIs or events, rather than directly releasing the data itself. Even when it is desired to utilize big data within the 3GPP® network from both inside and outside the 3GPP® network for a specific purpose, the technical specifications of conventional technologies do not allow for efficient utilization of such big data.

[0023] (Example System Configuration) In this embodiment, the Data Exposure Function 100 shown in Figure 5 is provided as a network node in the 3GPP® core network (e.g., the core network shown in Figure 1). The Data Exposure Function may also be called a data release function, data release device, or data release system. By providing the Data Exposure Function 100, the utilization of big data inside and outside the 3GPP® network in the 6G era is made possible.

[0024] Figure 5 also shows the Data Function 200, which is a function that collects data (e.g., a terminal, a network node), and the Data Release Requester 300. The Data Release Requester 300 is, for example, a terminal or server of a business that requests data release.

[0025] In this embodiment, the Data Exposure Function 100 is provided within a 3GPP® network, but this is not the only option. For example, if a massive amount of data volume and data flow is anticipated, the entire Data Exposure Function 100, or one or more of the functional units constituting the Data Exposure Function 100, may be located outside the 3GPP® network.

[0026] Data Function 200 is provided in each of the UE, RAN, TN (Transport Network), and CN (Core Network). UE, RAN, TN, and CN may also be referred to as the UE domain, RAN domain, TN domain, and CN domain, respectively. Note that some domains among UE, RAN, TN, and CN may not have Data Function 200.

[0027] Furthermore, the name of the function that collects data is not limited to "Data Function"; other names may also be used for the function that collects data.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the Data Exposure Function 100 comprises a raw data storage unit 110, a data pre-processing unit 120, a data storage unit 130, a data post-processing unit 140, and a data release unit 150. Each of the raw data storage unit 110, data pre-processing unit 120, data storage unit 130, data post-processing unit 140, and data release unit 150 may be a network node.

[0029] The system also includes a raw data storage unit 110, a data pre-processing unit 120, a data storage unit 130, a data post-processing unit 140, and a data release unit 150. Some of the functional units of the raw data storage unit 110, data pre-processing unit 120, data storage unit 130, data post-processing unit 140, and data release unit 150 may constitute a network node.

[0030] Furthermore, a "network node" may be one or more physical computers, or one or more virtual computers (e.g., containers) on the cloud.

[0031] The following describes the data storage procedure and the data release procedure of the Data Exposure Function 100 as examples of how the Data Exposure Function 100 operates.

[0032] (Data Storage Procedure) The data storage procedure of the Data Exposure Function 100 will be explained with reference to the sequence chart in Figure 6. As a prerequisite for the procedure in Figure 6, it is assumed that a preprocessing policy has been set in advance for the data preprocessing unit 120. This policy may be, for example, one, more, or all of the following for data storage: "data abstraction method, data anonymization method, data reduction method, and data encryption method." This policy may be set for each region, country, or company.

[0033] In S101, the Data Function 200 of each domain transfers data to the raw data storage unit 110. In S102, the raw data storage unit 110 temporarily stores the data received from the Data Function 200.

[0034] In S103, the raw data storage unit 110 transfers the data to the data preprocessing unit 120. After the data transfer, the raw data storage unit 110 deletes the data stored in the raw data storage unit 110 (S105). The timing of data deletion can be at any time.

[0035] In S104, the data preprocessing unit 120 performs preprocessing for data storage. The preprocessing is carried out according to a pre-configured policy.

[0036] Data preprocessing steps include, for example, data abstraction, data size reduction, data anonymization, and data encryption. Depending on the policy, one of these steps may be performed; two of these steps may be performed; three of these steps may be performed; or all of these steps may be performed.

[0037] In S106, the data preprocessing unit 120 transfers the preprocessed data to the data storage unit 130. In S107, the data storage unit 130 stores the data received from the data preprocessing unit 120. This data storage is long-term, not temporary. However, the data storage unit 130 may temporarily store the data and read it out immediately.

[0038] <Options> In each of the following: "Data transfer from Data Function 200 to raw data storage unit 110", "Data transfer from raw data storage unit 110 to data preprocessing unit 120", and "Data transfer from data preprocessing unit 120 to data storage unit 130", the data transfer method may be a pull-type method using Request / Response, or a push-type method where the user subscribes in advance and is notified when data is transferred.

[0039] (Data Release Procedure) The data release procedure for the Data Exposure Function 100 will be explained with reference to the sequence chart in Figure 7.

[0040] In S201, the data release requester 300 transmits a data release request including information on the data to be released and a data release policy to the data release unit 150. Note that when the data release policy is preset in the data post-processing unit 140, etc., the data release policy may not be included in the data release request.

[0041] In S202, the data release unit 130 transmits the data release request to the data post-processing unit 140.

[0042] In S203, the data post-processing unit 140 creates a data release request to be transmitted to the data storage unit 130 based on the information (information on the data to be released, data release policy, etc.) included in the data release request. In S204, the data post-processing unit 140 transmits the data release request to the data storage unit 130.

[0043] In S205, the data storage unit 130 creates release data by acquiring, from all the accumulated data, the data for the requested release based on the data release request. For example, the data storage unit 130 acquires a collection of rough data corresponding to the requested data, including surplus data for the requested data, and uses it as the release data before data post-processing.

[0044] In S206, the data storage unit 130 transfers the data acquired in S205 to the data post-processing unit 140 as a response to the data release request.

[0045] For example, assume that time-series data of "communication quality X, communication quality Y, location information" for each terminal is stored in the data storage unit 130 as raw data. Here, when the data storage unit 130 receives a release request for "time-series data of communication quality X of a specific terminal A", for example, the data storage unit 130 acquires the entire time-series data for terminal A and transmits it to the data post-processing unit 140.

[0046] In S207, the data post - processing unit 140 performs data post - processing on the data received from the data storage unit 130 based on the data release policy. As data post - processing, for example, surplus data is deleted from a mass of rough data, and detailed data creation is carried out. Regarding which data is surplus data and what kind of detailed data to create (what granularity of data to create), it can be determined by the policy.

[0047] For example, in the case of the above - mentioned specific example, assuming that "1 minute" is specified as the policy for post - processing as the granularity of time - series data, the data post - processing unit 140 extracts "data every 1 minute of communication quality X for terminal A" from "the entire time - series data for terminal A" received from the data storage unit 130 as post - processing.

[0048] In S208, the data post - processing unit 140 transmits a data release request response including the post - processed data to the data release unit 150. In S209, the data release unit 150 transmits the data received from the data post - processing unit 140 to the data release requester 300 as released data. The released data is included in the data release request response.

[0049] Note that the data release policy may be preset in the data post - processing unit 140.

[0050] <Optional> As an optional function based on the data release request, the data storage unit 130 may be equipped with a function of performing data release in a Push manner through the data post - processing unit 140 and the data release unit 150.

[0051] That is, with this function, when the data storage unit 130 detects that there is an update to the data requested in the data release request among the data stored in the data storage unit 130, it sends the updated data and a notification to the data release requester 300 through the data post - processing unit 140 and the data release unit 150. Note that sending the notification is optional, and it may not be sent.

[0052] The ON / OFF status of this function may be included in the data release request policy, or it may be included as an information item within the data release request.

[0053] Furthermore, if the data storage unit 130 detects that there has been an update to the data requested in the data release request, it may send a notification to the data release requester 300 via the data post-processing unit 140 and the data release unit 150 indicating that the data has been updated. Upon receiving this notification, the data release requester 300 may, if necessary, send a data release request to the data release unit 150 in order to obtain the updated data.

[0054] (Example of relationship between Data Exposure Function 100 and existing nodes) The location on the network where the raw data storage unit 110, data pre-processing unit 120, data storage unit 130, data post-processing unit 140, and data release unit 150 that constitute the Data Exposure Function 100 in this embodiment are provided is not limited to a specific location.

[0055] As an example, the raw data storage unit 110, data pre-processing unit 120, data storage unit 130, data post-processing unit 140, and data release unit 150 may be provided in the positions shown in Figure 8.

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 8, the data release unit 150 is connected to the 3rd Party Application Function and the 3GPP Application Function.

[0057] In one example shown in Figure 8, the data release unit 150 works in conjunction with the exposure function of CAPIF and performs data exposure through CAPIF. Alternatively, the data release unit 150 may work in conjunction with SCEF and perform data exposure through SCEF. Furthermore, the data release unit 150 may work in conjunction with NEF and perform data exposure through NEF.

[0058] (Effects of the technology according to the embodiment) In the 5G era of 3GPP (registered trademark), only indirect data release via API or events could be implemented. However, the technology according to this embodiment makes it possible to implement more efficient and effective data release based on data release and utilization in the 6G era. This makes it possible to utilize big data both inside and outside the 3GPP (registered trademark) network.

[0059] Furthermore, the technology according to this embodiment will enable the utilization of data related to "AI / ML, Digital Twin, and sensing" in the 6G era both inside and outside the 3GPP® network, making it possible to create new services, new businesses, and new ecosystems.

[0060] (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 described below may be any of the following: Data Exposure Function 100, raw data storage unit 110, data pre-processing unit 120, data storage unit 130, data post-processing unit 140, and data release unit 150. Alternatively, the network node 100 described below may include the raw data storage unit 110, data pre-processing unit 120, data storage unit 130, data post-processing unit 140, and data release unit 150. It may also correspond to a subset of some of the functional units among the raw data storage unit 110, data pre-processing unit 120, data storage unit 130, data post-processing unit 140, and data release unit 150.

[0061] <Network Node 100> Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of network node 100. As shown in Figure 9, network node 100 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Figure 9 is merely an example. Any functional classification and name of functional unit is acceptable as long as it enables the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] The transmitting unit 210 includes the function of generating a signal to be transmitted to a terminal or other network node and transmitting the signal by wire or wireless. The receiving unit 220 includes the function of receiving various signals transmitted from a terminal 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 210 and the receiving unit 220 may be configured.

[0063] The setting unit 230 stores pre-configured setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to terminals or other network nodes in a storage device, and reads it from the storage device as needed. The control unit 240 controls the network node 100. The signal transmission function unit of the control unit 240 may be included in the transmission unit 210, and the signal reception function unit 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.

[0064] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagram (Figure 9) used in the description of the above embodiment shows 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, wireless, etc.). A functional block may be realized by combining the above one device or the above multiple devices with software.

[0065] 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.

[0066] For example, the network node 100 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that processes the communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the network node 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 100 described above may be physically configured as a computer device 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.

[0067] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the network node 100 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured to omit some of the devices.

[0068] Each function in the network node 100 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 the reading and writing of data in the storage device 1002 and the auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0069] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running the 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 240 described above may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0070] 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 240 of the network node 100 shown in Figure 9 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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.

[0076] Furthermore, the network node 100 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.

[0077] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of vehicle 2001. As shown in Figure 11, 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 may be included in the communication module 2013.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.).

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] Furthermore, if the communication module 2013 includes a network node 100, the communication module 2013 can perform the operations of the network node 100 described above.

[0088] This specification discloses at least the configurations described in the following appendix.

[0089] <Notes> (Note 1) A network node comprising: a data preprocessing unit that performs preprocessing on data collected by a data collection function; a data storage unit that stores the preprocessed data; and a data postprocessing unit that performs postprocessing for data release on data read from the data storage unit. (Note 2) The network node according to Note 1, wherein the data preprocessing unit executes the preprocessing based on a pre-set policy. (Note 3) The network node according to Note 1, wherein the data postprocessing unit executes the postprocessing based on a policy included in a data release request or a pre-set policy. (Note 4) The network node according to Note 1, wherein the data storage unit, upon detecting an update to the stored data, sends the updated data to the data release requestor. (Note 5) The network node according to Note 1, further comprising: a raw data storage unit that stores data collected by a data collection function; and a data release unit that transmits the postprocessed data to the data release requestor. (Appendix 6) A data processing method executed by a network node, comprising: a data preprocessing step of performing preprocessing on data collected by a data collection function; a data storage step of storing the preprocessed data in a data storage unit; and a data postprocessing step of performing postprocessing for data release on data read from the data storage unit.

[0090] Any of the appendices 1 to 6 provides a technology that enables the efficient release of collected data. According to appendices 2 and 3, appropriate pre-processing or post-processing can be performed according to specific policies. According to appendice 4, push-type data release in response to data updates can be achieved.

[0091] (Supplement to Embodiments) While embodiments of the present invention have been described above, 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 combined as needed, 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 has been described using a functional block diagram, but such a device may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the network node 100 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.

[0092] Furthermore, notification of information is not limited to the embodiments 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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.

[0095] In this specification, specific operations performed by a base station may, in some cases, be performed by its upper node. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with a terminal can be performed by the base station and at least one other network node (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, the other network node may be a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure are interchangeable.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The network node 100 may also be called a transmitter, receiver, communication device, etc. The network node 100 may also be a device 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 naturally 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 operation commands. The mobile body may also be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane), an unmanned mobile body (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle), or a robot (manned or unmanned). Furthermore, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may include devices that do not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

[0112] 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 (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, the terminal may have the functions that the base station has as described above. 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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."

[0115] 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.

[0116] The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0117] 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."

[0118] 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.

[0119] In the configuration of each of the above devices, "means" may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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."

[0123] 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).

[0124] 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.

[0125] 100 Data Exposure Function, Network Node 110 Raw Data Storage Unit 120 Data Preprocessing Unit 130 Data Storage Unit 140 Data Postprocessing Unit 150 Data Release Unit 200 Data Function 210 Transmission Unit 220 Receiving Unit 230 Setting Unit 240 Control Unit 300 Data Release Requester 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 data preprocessing unit that performs preprocessing on data collected by a data collection function; a data storage unit that stores the preprocessed data; and a data postprocessing unit that performs postprocessing for data release on data read from the data storage unit.

2. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the data preprocessing unit performs the preprocessing based on a pre-configured policy.

3. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the data post-processing unit performs the post-processing based on a policy included in the data release request or a pre-configured policy.

4. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the data storage unit detects an update to the stored data and sends the updated data to the data release requestor.

5. The network node according to claim 1, further comprising: a raw data storage unit that stores data collected by the data collection function; and a data release unit that transmits the post-processed data to a data release requestor.

6. A data processing method executed by a network node, comprising: a data preprocessing step of performing preprocessing on data collected by a data collection function; a data storage step of storing the preprocessed data in a data storage unit; and a data postprocessing step of performing postprocessing for data release on data read from the data storage unit.

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