Information communication system, information communication method, program, and terminal

Abstract

Provided is a method which makes it possible to suitably respond to a request for sensing.　A control unit receives the request including a designation condition for detecting a detection target and responding with information. The control unit selects a detection entity that detects the detection target such that the designation condition is satisfied. The control unit instructs the selected detection entity to detect the detection target. The control unit acquires a detection result of the detection target from the detection entity, and provides information related to the detection target to the request source.

Description

Information communication system, information communication method, program, and terminal

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information communication system, an information communication method, a program, and a terminal.

[0002] Conventionally, for example, regarding the sensing process provided by a communication system, the following description is given in Section 5.8.3 of Non-Patent Document 1 below. That is, the network provides policies and settings so that the User Equipment (UE) can take appropriate actions during sensing. And guidance is provided for discovering a UE or an entity of the Radio Access Network (RAN) with appropriate new wireless sensing capabilities. These policies and settings may be frequently updated by the network based on network conditions, mobility patterns, and the like.

[0003] ”Study on Integrated Sensing and Communication”, [online], 2024-06-28 updated, 3GPP (registered trademark) TR 22.837 V19.4.0 Section 4, [November 4, 2024 search], Internet <URL: https: / / portal.3gpp.org / desktopmodules / Specifications / SpecificationDetails.aspx?specificationId=4044>

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, no specific method has been proposed regarding the selection of the entity that becomes the sensing subject. An object of the present invention is to provide a method that can suitably respond to a request for sensing.

[0005] In one aspect, the embodiments of the disclosure are exemplified by an information communication system that responds with information related to a target to be detected in response to a request from a requester. The information communication system comprises a control unit. The control unit receives a request that includes specified conditions for detecting a target and responding with information. The control unit then selects a detection entity that will detect the target in order to satisfy the specified conditions. Furthermore, the control unit instructs the selected detection entity to detect the target. Furthermore, the control unit obtains the detection result of the target from the detection entity and provides the information related to the target to the requester.

[0006] It can respond effectively to sensing requirements.

[0007] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information and communication system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the components that constitute the 5GC of a fifth-generation mobile communication system within the information and communication system. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the UE location information DB. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the RAN information DB. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the SENSING pair performance information DB. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the UE information DB. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the detection process in an information and communication system including SENSING. Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the detection process in an information and communication system including SENSING. Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the selection process based on capability and availability. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the sensing parameter determination process. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the UE handover process. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating filtering by the detection target extraction process.

[0008] Hereinafter, this disclosure describes an information communication system, information communication method, program, and terminal of one embodiment with reference to the drawings. This information communication system is exemplified by mobile communication systems such as LTE, 5G, and 6G. In this embodiment, the information communication system includes a control unit that responds with information related to a detection target in response to a request from a requester. The control unit receives a request, for example, that includes specified conditions for detecting a detection target and responding with information. The control unit then selects a detection entity that will detect the detection target in order to satisfy the specified conditions. The control unit then instructs the selected detection entity to detect the detection target. In this way, the control unit obtains the detection result of the detection target from the detection entity. The control unit then provides the information related to the detection target to the requester.

[0009] In this embodiment, the control unit may be one of the Network Functions (NFs) provided in the core network of the mobile communication system. In this embodiment, the control unit may also be called a SENSING. The information communication system may be a combination of NFs in the core network of the mobile communication system.

[0010] In this embodiment, the requester may be one of the other NFs. Alternatively, the requester may be an Application Function (AF) provided in the core network of the mobile communication system. Furthermore, the requester may be a computer, server, or information processing device connected to the mobile communication system. In this embodiment, the requester is, for example, consumer 7-1 in Figure 1.

[0011] In this embodiment, the detection entity may be a radio access network (RAN) included in a mobile communication system, or a base station constituting a RAN. Alternatively, the detection entity may be a user equipment (UE) or mobile communication device as a terminal connected to a mobile communication system.

[0012] In this embodiment, the information acquired by the detection entity when detecting or monitoring a target may be, for example, related to geographical information, or dynamic information when the target moves or changes over time. There are no limitations on the target detected by the detection entity or the sensors used for detection. The sensors may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter and receiver of a RAN (or base station). Alternatively, the sensors may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter and receiver of one UE. Alternatively, the sensors may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter of a first UE and a receiver of a second UE other than the first UE. Alternatively, the sensors may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter of a RAN (or base station) and a receiver of a UE. Furthermore, the sensors may be, for example, a pair of a transmitter of a UE and a receiver of a RAN (or base station). In this embodiment, if the sensor includes a transmitter, the signal transmitted by the transmitter to detect the target is called a reference signal.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensors may detect, for example, images including videos and still images, sounds including audio, temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, pressure, mass, and physical quantities detected by vehicles. The image-detecting sensor may be a camera or the like, and should acquire images from a predetermined area, environment (roads, rivers), object, etc. Cameras and the like can also be mounted on moving objects (vehicles, ships, aircraft, satellites, etc.) to acquire images while in motion.

[0014] The sound sensor may be a microphone and should collect sound from the environment in which it is installed or from the surrounding area where the mobile object it is mounted is located. Sensors that detect temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, pressure, mass, etc., can be measuring devices that measure the respective physical quantities. The physical quantities detected by the vehicle may include, for example, speed, acceleration, angular velocity, direction of movement, direction of acceleration, direction of rotation, engine speed, fuel or battery level, one or more sets of voltage, current and resistance values ​​of a power circuit, the current location of the mobile object, etc.

[0015] However, the sensor may simply be the control unit of the computer itself. For example, the sensing information acquired by the computer control unit acting as a sensor may include values ​​calculated by a computer as exemplified in a simulator, parameters set for manufacturing equipment in a manufacturing process, sales and inventory of a store over a predetermined period, the number of units sold for each product over a predetermined period, the number of users and sales of a service provided over a predetermined period, etc.

[0016] The detection results obtained by SENSING can be provided to the requester (consumer 7 in Figure 1) using either the Subscribe / Notify method or the Request / Response method (similar to the provisions of TS23.288 Chapter 6.1, TS38.502 Chapter 4.15.3, etc.). It is assumed that a consumer using a sensing application or sensing results has at least one of the following requirements: the object to be sensed, the area or location where the object exists, the desired accuracy, confidence level, and response time. Therefore, it is desirable to perform sensing using appropriate resources that can meet such requirements. In this embodiment, the control unit dynamically manages the arrangement or configuration of various sensing entities such as UE and RAN to respond to sensing requests in order to provide an appropriate and scalable sensing response.

[0017] (System Configuration and Application Examples) Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of an information communication system 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the information communication system 1 has a SENSING 11n as a control unit, SEMSING DATA CONSUMERs (hereinafter simply referred to as consumers 7-1 to 7-3, etc.) as requesters, and RAN3 (3-1, 3-2), base stations 3A (3A-1, 3A-2, etc.) and UE2 (2-1, 2-2, etc.) as detection units. In this embodiment, when RAN3, base stations 3A and UE2 are individually distinguished, they are given sub-numbers such as RAN3-1, base station 3A-1 and UE2-1, etc. Also, consumers 7-1 to 7-3, etc. are collectively referred to as consumers 7. RAN3, base stations 3A, and the transmitter and receiver included in base station 3A are examples of base station equipment.

[0018] Consumer 7 includes network functions (FN), application functions (AF) on the core network of the information and communication system 1, and external servers 6 (see Figure 2), UE2, etc., connected to the information and communication system 1. Consumer 7 can also be called a receiver because it receives data detected by SENSING 11n.

[0019] SENSING 11n receives requests for the provision of sensing information (SENSING REQUEST) from consumers 7-1 to 7-3, for example, via NEF 11e (see Figure 2) (F1-1 to F1-3). The request includes specified conditions for when SENSING 11n detects a target and responds with information. The specified conditions may include at least one of the target to be detected, the area in which detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when responding with the detection result.

[0020] When SENSING 11n receives the above request, it searches the database (DB8) for detection entities such as RAN3, base station 3A, and UE2 that satisfy the specified conditions and correspond to the request. Then, SENSING 11n selects the entities (elements) that constitute the detection entity based on the capabilities or availability of the detection entity. For example, SENSING 11n forms configuration CF1 according to the specified conditions included in the request in F1-1 from consumer CS1. In Figure 1, configuration CF1 includes, for example, RAN3-1, base station 3A-1, and UE2-1. However, configuration CF1 as a detection entity may include multiple RAN3s, multiple base stations 3A, and multiple UE2s.

[0021] Then, SENSING 11n instructs each entity included in configuration CF1, namely RAN3-1, base station 3A-1, and UE2-1, to detect the target object (F4-1). SENSING 11n then acquires the detection result data from each entity included in configuration CF1 (F5-1). Furthermore, SENSING 11n extracts data that satisfies the specified conditions from the acquired data and provides it to the requesting consumer 7-1, etc.

[0022] Then, after processing the request for F1-1, SENSING 11n processes the next request (for example, the request received in F1-2). For the request in F1-2, SENSING 11n constitutes the detection entity of configuration CF2 and processes it similarly (F4-2, F5-2). Configuration CF2 includes, for example, RAN3-2, base station 3A-2, and UE2-2, corresponding to the specified conditions included in the request in F1-2. As described above, the information communication system 1 is equipped with SENSING 11n as a control unit and responds with information related to the detection target in response to a request from the requester.

[0023] DB8 includes a UE location information DB (Figure 3), a RAN information DB (Figure 4), a SENSING pair performance information DB (Figure 5), and a UE information DB (Figure 6). SENSING 11n stores the latest information in DB8, selects a detection entity based on the information in DB8, obtains detection result data that satisfies the specified conditions from the detection entity, and provides it to the requesting consumer 7.

[0024] UE2 is, for example, an example of a user device, and may be an in-vehicle device called In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI), a smartphone, etc. UE2 may be, for example, mounted in a vehicle or carried and moved by a person.

[0025] (Network Example) Figure 2 illustrates the components (constituent elements) that make up the core network (5GC) of the fifth-generation mobile communication system (also called a 5G network or 5GNW) within the information and communication system 1. In this embodiment, the constituent elements of the 5GC are collectively called Network Function (hereinafter referred to as NF11), and individually called Access and Mobility Management Function (hereinafter referred to as AMF 11b), etc. In Figure 2, each constituent element is given a general code along with an individual code in parentheses. However, the types of NF11 are not limited to the examples in Figure 2.

[0026] UPF (User Plane Function) 11a AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 11b SMF (Session Management Function) 11c PCF (Policy Control Function) 11d NEF (Network Exposure Function) 11e NRF (Network Repository Function) 11g NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) 11h AUSF (Authentication Server) Function) 11i UDM (Unified Data Management) 11j NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) 11k SENSING (Sensing Function) 11n

[0027] UPF11a performs routing and forwarding of user packets (user plane packets sent and received by UE2), packet inspection, and QoS processing. UPF11a is connected to DN (Data Network) 5. DN5 is an external data network (such as the Internet) outside of 5GC.

[0028] The AMF11b is the UE2 location accommodation device in the core network. The AMF11b accommodates the RAN3 (base station) and performs subscriber authentication control, UE2 location (mobility), and registered area management. The UDM11j is a database (storage device) that provides subscriber information and retrieves, registers, deletes, and modifies the status of UE2.

[0029] SMF11c manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and controls UPF11a for the implementation of QoS (Quality of Service) control and policy control. A PDU session is a virtual communication channel for data exchange between UE2 and DN5.

[0030] The PCF11d performs QoS control, policy control, and billing control under the control of the SMF11c. 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.

[0031] The NEF11e acts as an intermediary for communication between external nodes (external devices) such as the AF (Application Function) 12 and nodes (NF) within the control plane. In other words, the NEF11e functions as a gateway (GW) between the core network and the external network. The AF 12 is an application server (external server) located outside the core network (for example, connected to DN5).

[0032] NRF11g stores and manages information about the NFs that make up the core network. In response to an inquiry regarding an NF that the user wishes to use, NRF11g can return a list of multiple candidate NFs to the inquirer.

[0033] NSSF11h has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications tailored to its intended use.

[0034] AUSF11i is a subscriber authentication server that performs subscriber authentication under the control of AMF11b. NWDAF 11k has the function of collecting and analyzing data from each NF11, OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) terminal, AF12, etc. NWDAF 11k is an NF that provides analytical information related to 5GS.

[0035] UDM11j maintains subscriber-related information and provides subscriber information, as well as retrieves, registers, deletes, and modifies the status of UE2.

[0036] SENSING 11n performs sensing services that include collecting sensing information from UE2, RAN3 (base stations (gNB)), or other nodes, and providing the collected sensing information to UE2 or other external systems (AF12, DN5, etc.). Details of SENSING 11n will be described later.

[0037] AF12 is an NF11 that processes sensing data and provides application services using the sensing data to the UE (terminal). For example, AF12 notifies the UE (terminal) of the sensing results in a specified spatial range acquired by SENSING 11n. Alternatively, an application program executed on the UE (terminal) may also operate as AF12. The functions of NF11 described above are examples, and each NF11 may have other functions, execute the functions of other NF11s, or multiple NF11s may cooperate to execute a single function.

[0038] These FN11s are defined, for example, in 3GPP® TS23.501. DN5 is an external data network (such as the Internet) outside of 5GC. For example, a server 6 is connected to DN5. Server 6 may also be AF12 of 5GC. RAN3 is a wireless access network to 5GC. RAN3 is formed, for example, by a base station 3A. Note that the information communication system 1 may not be the entire system shown in Figure 2, but rather a combination of the 5GC FN11s illustrated in Figure 2.

[0039] Of the FN11 components, AMF 11b is the UE location accommodation device in 5GC. AMF 11b accommodates RAN3 and performs subscriber authentication control, UE2 location (mobility) management, etc.

[0040] NWDAF 11k is an NF11 that provides data analysis for 5G networks. NWDAF 11k notifies other NF11s (e.g., AMF 11b, SMF 11c, PCF 11d, etc.) of the data analysis results, supporting the dynamic network control and management of these NF11s. Examples of data analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k include latency per UE2, UE2 travel path, location information, travel speed, and travel direction. Other examples of data analysis results include load levels (resource utilization for each cell or base station), future load predictions, load distribution by area, and resource block or frequency availability information. For more information on NWDAF 11k, see, for example, 3GPP® TS 29.520 or TS 23.288, which define its functions and processing.

[0041] SENSING 11n performs processing including collecting information from UE2 or other external systems, analyzing the collected information, and providing the analysis results to other FN11, UE2, AF12, or other external systems (such as DN5). However, NWDAF 11k may perform the analysis processing of the detection results by SENSING 11n instead of SENSING 11n.

[0042] SENSING 11n, other NF11, AF12, etc. are formed on a computer according to a computer program. The configurations of SENSING 11n, other NF11, AF12, etc. are virtual and may be formed on different computers or on multiple computers. Alternatively, any multiple of SENSING 11n, other NF11, AF12, etc. may be formed on the same computer. Furthermore, such a computer may have a configuration similar to that of server 6 or UE2 connected to the data network DN5.

[0043] These computers have a Central Processing Unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU 61), a main memory device 62, and external devices, and execute information processing and communication processing by a computer program. The CPU 61 is also called a processor. The CPU 61 is not limited to a single processor and may have a multi-processor configuration. Further, the CPU 61 may include a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or the like.

[0044] The CPU 61 executes a computer program developed to be executable in the main memory device 62 and provides the processing of the server 6. The main memory device 62 stores a computer program executed by the CPU 61, data processed by the CPU 61, and the like. The CPU 61 and the main memory device 62 are called a control unit 60.

[0045] Examples of the external devices include an external storage device 63, an output device 64, an operation device 65, and a communication device 66. The external storage device 63 is used, for example, as a storage area that supplements the main memory device 62, and stores a computer program executed by the CPU 61, data processed by the CPU 61, and the like.

[0046] The output device 64 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an electroluminescent panel. However, the output device 64 may include a device that outputs sound such as a speaker. The operation device 65 may be, for example, a touch panel in which a touch sensor is overlaid on the display of the output device 64. The communication device 66 accesses, for example, a network provided by the information communication system 1 and communicates with a computer or the like connected to the network.

[0047] (Data Example) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the UE location information DB included in the DB 8. The UE location information DB records the location information of the UE to which SENSING 11n has responded from the AMF 11b. SENSING 11n acquires the location information of the UE 2 that is the target of location information acquisition, for example, according to the procedures defined in Sections 6.3 or 8.3.2 of 3GPP (registered trademark) TS23.273. However, SENSING 11n may identify the location information of the UE 2 based on the mobility pattern acquired from the NWDAF 11k and update the UE location information DB.

[0048] In FIG. 3, the UE location information DB is constructed in a table format. However, the UE location information DB is not limited to the table format and may be constructed in the form of keyword = value. In FIG. 3, each record of the UE location information DB has, for example, a UE ID, a cell ID, latitude, longitude, and a pointer to the movement trajectory. The UE ID is the identification information of the UE. The cell ID is the identification information of the cell to which the UE 2 is currently connected. Note that the UE location information DB may store the ID (Tracking Area Code; TAC) of the tracking area (TA) instead of the cell ID. The TA is one of the basic units for dividing and managing a specific geographical area in the mobile communication network. The TAC is a unique identification number.

[0049] The latitude and longitude are values ​​indicating the latest position of UE2. The latitude and longitude can be obtained, for example, by SENSING 11n periodically querying UE2 connected to the information communication system 1. UE2 should recognize its own position using the Global Positioning System (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and respond to SENSING 11n. SENSING 11n may also request UE2 connected to the information communication system 1 to periodically report its current latitude and longitude. The latest position is the position of UE2 last acquired by SENSING 11n. However, SENSING 11n may instruct three or more detection entities (base station 3A or other UE2-1) to measure the latitude and longitude of each UE2-1 using a triangulation method. For example, multiple detection entities can calculate the position of each UE2-1 based on the time of arrival (ToA), angle of arrival (AoA), or both of ToA and AoA, of the signals they communicate with each UE2-1.

[0050] The pointer to the movement trajectory is the starting address (or file name, etc.) of the area in the main memory 62 or external memory 63 where the movement trajectory information of UE2 is stored. The movement trajectory of UE2 is the movement trajectory of UE2 from a predetermined period of time up to the latest position. The movement trajectory may be an array containing, for example, multiple (latitude, longitude, time) values. Here, the time is the time when UE2 was located at each latitude and longitude. Alternatively, the movement trajectory may be a sequence of data combining, for example, the time and the ID of the cell or TA (TAC) where UE2 was located at that time. Furthermore, SENSING 11n may extrapolate and estimate the next U2E position from the movement trajectory of UE2. The movement trajectory may also be a mobility pattern obtained from NWDAF 11k.

[0051] Figure 4 illustrates the configuration of the RAN information DB included in DB8. In this embodiment, the RAN information DB stores, for example, the characteristics of the base station 3A that forms RAN3. The data in the RAN information DB may be obtained, for example, by user input from an Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) terminal or by distribution from a higher-level management device included in the information communication system 1.

[0052] In Figure 4, the RAN information database is structured in a tabular format. However, the RAN information database is not limited to a tabular format and may also be structured in a keyword-value format. In Figure 4, each record in the RAN information database contains, for example, a base station ID, cell ID, latitude, longitude, cell radius, and reference signal specifications.

[0053] The base station ID is identification information used by the communication carrier managing the information and communication system 1 to manage the base station 3A. The cell ID is identification information for the cell formed by the base station 3A. The cell ID is distributed to the UE2 by a synchronization signal broadcast by the base station 3A. The cell ID is identification information used to allow the UE2 to recognize the cell. The latitude and longitude are the latitude and longitude values ​​of the location where the base station 3A is located. The sequence of cell radii for each frequency may be values ​​that exemplify the range of cells for each frequency of the transmitted and received carrier waves in terms of radius. The reference signal parameters are a sequence of physical characteristics of the signal used for detection. The reference signal parameters may include, for example, frequency, resolution, precision, transmission interval of the reference signal (default value), symbol pattern (bit pattern showing on / off waveform), etc.

[0054] Figure 5 illustrates the configuration of the SENSING pair performance information DB included in DB8. The SENSING pair performance information DB manages performance information when detecting a target using a transmitter and receiver pair of RAN3 (base station 3A) or UE2 as a sensor. The transmitter and receiver pair is called a SENSING pair.

[0055] In Figure 5, the SENSING pair performance information database is constructed in a tabular format. However, the SENSING pair performance information database is not limited to a tabular format and may also be constructed in a keyword-value format. In Figure 5, each record in the SENSING pair performance information database has, for example, a transmitter ID, a receiver ID, frequency and size of the sensing area, accuracy, response time, reliability, and a pointer to the sensing execution record.

[0056] The transmitter ID is information that identifies the transmitter that transmits a reference signal for detecting the target object. The transmitter ID may be, for example, a combination of a base station ID (or UE ID) that identifies the device and a string that identifies the transmitter within the device.

[0057] The receiver ID is information that identifies the receiver that receives the reflected wave resulting from the interference between the reference signal arriving at the detection target and the detection target. Like the transmitter ID, the receiver ID may also be a combination of a base station ID (or UE ID) that identifies equipment such as base station 3 (or UE2), and a string that identifies the transmitter within the equipment.

[0058] Furthermore, the transmitter ID and receiver ID may be the same. That is, in a SENSING pair, the transmitter and receiver may be included in the same base station 3A or the same UE2. In other words, a SENSING pair may be configured such that a reference signal transmitted from a transmitter in the same device is received by a receiver in the same device. However, the combination of transmitter and receiver may be different base stations 3A, different UE2s, or a combination of base station 3A and UE2.

[0059] The frequency and size of the sensing area are, for example, the distance (radius) at which the receiver can receive reflected waves that interfere with the detection target for each frequency of the reference signal. Two or more frequencies and sizes of sensing areas can be recorded. The frequency and size of the sensing area are determined, for example, experimentally or empirically.

[0060] Accuracy can refer to, for example, positional accuracy in detecting the location of an object, or minimum separable distance. Minimum separable distance can also be called distance resolution. However, since the time measurement accuracy can be considered sufficiently high, positional accuracy can also be defined as the detection accuracy of velocity, which is the change in position over time.

[0061] When a SENSING pair operates as a pulse radar, the precision exemplified by the distance resolution is a length determined by the product of the pulse width and the speed of light. Operating as a pulse radar means that the transmitter sends a reference signal within a pulsed period Tc, and the receiver receives the reference signal reflected from the object being detected.

[0062] Furthermore, when the SENSING pair operates as a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar, the accuracy exemplified by the distance resolution is calculated using the value c / 2B, where c is the bandwidth B over which the frequency transitions.

[0063] Response time is also called delay time (latency). Response time may be the time from when a change in the position of the detection target occurs (for example, when the change is greater than or equal to the minimum separation distance) until it is detected by SENSING 11n. Alternatively, response time may be the time from when a change in the position of the detection target occurs (for example, when the change is greater than or equal to the minimum separation distance) until it is notified to consumer 7. Furthermore, response time may be determined, for example, from the processing performance of the receiver. Also, response time may be, for example, the latency of communication by UE2, which can be obtained as an analysis result by NWDAF 11k, or an estimated value calculated based on such latency.

[0064] The confidence level is the confidence level of the data measured by the SENSING pair. For example, the confidence level may be the confidence level when the data measured by the SENSING pair is statistically processed. Alternatively, for example, it may be the confidence level when the SENSING pair estimates the future position of the object to be detected. For example, SENSING 11n may include a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and have a trained model that has been trained on training data in which the movement trajectory of the object to be detected and the position after a predetermined time are the correct labels. Alternatively, for example, SENSING 11n may include a Vision Transformer (ViT). After training on a pre-trained dataset, ViT may be fine-tuned on a dataset of images including the movement trajectory of UE2 to form a trained model.

[0065] SENSING 11n may use such a learning model to estimate the position of the detected object after a predetermined time, taking the movement trajectory of the detected object as input. In this case, the confidence level of the SENSING pair may be, for example, the confidence level of the estimated future position of the detected object estimated by SENSING 11n based on the detection results of the SENSING pair. That is, SENSING 11n may calculate the confidence level using the estimated value based on the detection results of the SENSING pair and the actual value when that future time point arrives.

[0066] Furthermore, the pointer to the sensing execution record is the starting address (or file name, etc.) of the area in the main memory 62 or external memory 63 where the sensing execution record is stored. The sensing execution record may also be log information from when the sensing was performed. The log information may include date and time information when the log information was recorded, and the status of the detection performed at that date and time, for example, the detection start time, detection end time, detection duration, and a data sequence of the detection result. The sensing execution record allows, for example, to understand the frequency of use for each SENSING pair.

[0067] Figure 6 illustrates the configuration of the UE information database included in DB8. The UE information database stores the state of UE2, including the remaining secondary battery charge of UE2, and the characteristics of UE2. In Figure 6, the UE information database is constructed in a tabular format. However, the UE information database is not limited to a tabular format and may be constructed in a keyword-value format. In Figure 6, each record in the UE information database has, for example, a UE ID, remaining secondary battery charge, reference signal specifications, and a pointer to the sensing execution record.

[0068] The UE ID, like the UE location information DB, is information that identifies UE2. The secondary battery level is a value that indicates the State of Charge (SOC) of the secondary battery installed in UE2. The secondary battery level can be obtained, for example, by SENSING 11n periodically querying UE2, which is connected to the information communication system 1. The reference signal specifications are the same as those in the RAN information DB. The pointer to the sensing execution record is the same as those in the SENSING pair performance information DB.

[0069] Furthermore, UE2 notifies SENSING 11n of information such as the frequency, size of the sensing area, accuracy, and response time as illustrated in Figure 5, or the remaining secondary battery level, reference signal specifications, and sensing execution record as illustrated in Figure 6. UE2 may also notify SENSING 11n of this information when requested. Additionally, UE2 may notify SENSING 11n of this information at predetermined intervals, for example, periodically. Furthermore, UE2 may notify SENSING 11n of this information when a predetermined event occurs. A predetermined event is, for example, when UE2 connects to the information communication system 1, or when a handover occurs in UE2, i.e., when a cell is changed.

[0070] On the other hand, SENSING 11n determines the detection entity based on the information in the database shown in Figures 4 to 6. Therefore, it can be said that UE2 transmits information for selecting a detection entity to detect the target in a way that satisfies the specified conditions in the information communication system 1. Furthermore, UE2 is an example of a terminal that communicates with the information communication system 1, which responds with information related to the target in response to a request that includes the specified conditions from the requester.

[0071] (Processing Example) Figures 7 and 8 are sequence diagrams illustrating the detection process in the information communication system 1 including SENSING 11n. In this process, SENSING 11n reserves the provision of analysis information to NWDAF 11k in advance via a Subscribe message (S1). In response, NWDAF 11k notifies SENSING 11n of the analysis results periodically (Periodic Notification) or when a specified event occurs (On-Event Notification) (S2). For example, SENSING 11n can specify in the Subscribe message to NWDAF 11k that UE2 has moved to a cell and a handover has occurred as an Analytics Reporting Criteria. However, SENSING 11n may request NWDAF 11k to provide analysis information via a Request message when it becomes necessary (Immediate or One-Time Analytics).

[0072] Furthermore, SENSING 11n requests AMF 11b to provide location information of UE2 (S3). In Figure 7, location information is requested in a Subscribe message, but it may also be requested in a Request message. Upon receiving the request, AMF 11b notifies SENSING 11n of information (event) related to the location information of UE2 (S4).

[0073] Location information can be provided either as a one-time or continuous service. In the case of continuous service, for example, it is provided when a change in the location of a UE is detected, with a resolution of the cell size or the size of a TA containing multiple cells. In addition, when a change in presence in the area of ​​interest is detected, AMF 11b reports the change event to FN11 such as SENSING 11n (see section 4.15.3 of 3GPP® TS23.502). Alternatively, AMF 11b notifies FNs such as SENSING 11n that a UE has moved in or out of a reserved area of ​​interest (see Section 5.2.2.3 of 3GPP® TS23.502 and Section 5.3.4.4 of TS23.501). Based on the information (event) notified by AMF 11b, SENSING 11n registers the location of each UE2 in the UE location information DB in units of cells or TAs.

[0074] Furthermore, SENSING 11n may individually query each UE2 for the latitude and longitude of its current location, among other elements of the UE location information DB. Also, when SENSING 11n receives notification of an event from AMF 11b, it may obtain the latitude and longitude of the current location of each UE2 using a triangulation method, as explained in Figure 3. SENSING 11n may also periodically obtain the latitude and longitude using a triangulation method. SENSING 11n can instruct the detection entity to measure the latitude and longitude of each UE2, obtain the measurement results, and update the latitude and longitude in the UE location information DB.

[0075] In Figure 7, Consumer 7, via NEF 11e (S5), requests detection of the target object to SENSING 11n by specifying conditions using parameters such as ENTRY1, area, target, accuracy, response time, confidence level, etc., and sending a Subscribe message (S6). The Subscribe message is a message requesting that the detection of the target object be continued. As a result of S6, detection is repeated, for example, at a specified frequency for a specified duration or until a cancellation request is made by an Unsubscribe message.

[0076] However, consumer 7 can also request detection from SENSING 11n each time using a Request message. Also, in Figure 7, consumer 7 is assumed to be an external server 6 connected to DN5 or an untrusted AF 12, so the request is sent to SENSING 11n via NEF 11e. However, if consumer 7 is FN 11, or a trusted AF 12, consumer 7 can notify SENSING 11n directly of the request without going through NEF 11e.

[0077] Among the parameters specified in the Subscribe message, ENTRY1 is an identifier (Subscription ID) that distinguishes continuous requests made by Subscribe messages. SENSING 11n distinguishes multiple ongoing requests (including requests from other requesters, including Consumer 7) using the Subscription ID. Consumer 7 also distinguishes the detection result data notified in NOTYFY messages using the Subscription ID.

[0078] Among the parameters, the region is the geographical area in which the detection process for the target object will be performed. The region may be specified, for example, by two sets of latitude and longitude coordinates that identify two points in a rectangle. Alternatively, the region may be specified, for example, by the cell ID or the TA ID (TAC).

[0079] Among the parameters, the "target" parameter specifies the object to be detected or to be filtered. The target may be information that identifies, for example, the size of a vehicle, person, or object. Alternatively, the target may specify, for example, the material of the object to be detected. The material may be specified, for example, by its reflectance (reflectance of electromagnetic waves) or its absorptive rate (absorptive rate). If no target is specified, SENSING 11n should detect all detectable objects within the geographical area specified by the "area" parameter and notify the consumer 7.

[0080] The precision parameter refers to the accuracy with which the target is detected. Precision is specified, for example, by the maximum acceptable error or the minimum distance between two detectable targets. If precision is not specified, SENSING 11n should apply the default precision it holds.

[0081] Among the parameters, the response time, as described in Figure 5, is the time from when an event occurs in the target of detection, such as a change in position exceeding the minimum separation distance, until it is detected by SENSING 11n. However, the response time may also be the time from when an event occurs in the target of detection, such as a change in position exceeding the minimum separation distance, until the detection result reaches consumer 7. The confidence level, as described in Figure 5, is the confidence level of the data measured by the SENSING pair.

[0082] When SENSING 11n receives a request, it first selects the detection entity to perform the detection as follows. For example, SENSING 11n performs a search based on geographical proximity (S7). That is, SENSING 11n searches the UE location information DB or RAN information DB to find UE2 located in the geographical area specified by the area parameter, RAN3 covering this geographical area, and base station 3A having cells overlapping with this geographical area. Then, SENSING 11n creates a list of pairs of UE2, RAN3, and base station 3A capable of detection targeting the requested area and object.

[0083] As explained in Figure 3, SENSING 11n may also identify the location information of UE2 and update the UE location information DB based on the mobility pattern obtained from NWDAF 11k. Therefore, the process in S7 can be considered an example of a process that determines the configuration of the detection entity based on the analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k.

[0084] Then, SENSING 11n selects a transmitter-receiver pair from the SENSING pair performance information DB (Figure 5) that satisfies the accuracy, response time, reliability, etc., requested in the Subscribe (or Request) message (S9). At this time, SENSING 11n may also refer to the UE information DB to select a UE2 with sufficient availability based on the remaining charge of the secondary battery of the UE2. In other words, the processing in S10, when selecting a mobile communication device such as a UE2 among the detection entities, reflects the remaining charge stored in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device. Furthermore, for example, SENSING 11n determines sensing parameters such as the reference signal interval used for detection (S10). In short, as described in Figure 6, the UE2 transmits the information necessary for SENSING 11n to select the detection entity to the core network.

[0085] Next, the sequence continues as shown in Figure 8 by symbols A1 to G1. Then, if the transmitter-receiver pair includes UE2, SENSING 11n requests UE2 to send the detection result with a Subscribe message, specifying an upload period within a time that can be specified based on the remaining battery charge of UE2 (S21). However, SENSING 11n may also request the transmission of the detection result on demand with a Request message each time. In this case, SENSING 11n may specify SENSING parameters such as frequency and reference signal interval to the transmitters included in the SENSING pair.

[0086] Furthermore, if the transmitter-receiver pair does not include UE2, SENSING 11n requests the transmission of the detection result using a Subscribe message that does not specify a limit on the duration (S22). In this case as well, SENSING 11n may specify sensing parameters such as frequency and reference signal interval to the transmitter included in the SENSING pair. The processing in S21 and S22 is an example of instructing the selected detection entity to detect the target.

[0087] Then, for example, UE2, which is designated as the receiver of the SENSING pair, notifies (Notifies) the detection result data at a specified frequency for the specified upload period (S23). Note that UE2 may notify the detection result data only once in response to a Request. The process in S23 is an example of responding with the detection result of the detected target when UE2 is selected as the terminal of the detection entity. Then, SENSING 11n notifies consumer 7 of the notified detection result data via NEF 11e (S24) (S25).

[0088] Furthermore, for example, RAN3 or base station 3A designated as the receiver of the SENSING pair notifies (Notifies) the detection result data at a specified frequency (S26). Then, SENSING 11n notifies consumer 7 of the notified detection result data via NEF 11e (S27) (S28). However, if consumer 7 is FN 11 or a trusted AF 12, SENSING 11n may notify consumer 7 of the detection result data directly without going through NEF 11e. The processes in S24, S25, S27, and S28 are examples of obtaining the detection result of the target to be detected and providing it to the requester.

[0089] Then, for example, when it is no longer necessary to receive the detection result data, consumer 7 instructs SENSING 11n to terminate detection via an Unsubscribe message through NEF 11e (S30) (S31). SENSING 11n then instructs UE2, RAN3, base station 3A, etc. of the SENSING pair to terminate notification (S32, S33). Also, SENSING 11n instructs AMF 11b and NWDAF 11k to terminate notification as needed (S34, S35).

[0090] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the selection process based on capability and availability (S9 in Figure 7). In this process, a desirable transmitter-receiver pair that satisfies the SENSING parameters is selected from the transmitter-receiver pairs created in the process of S8 in Figure 7.

[0091] In this process, SENSING 11n sequentially retrieves the transmitter and receiver pair to be checked from the list of transmitter and receiver pairs created in the process of S8 in Figure 7 (S90). Then, SENSING 11n determines whether the secondary battery level of the UE2 included in the pair to be checked is equal to or greater than the standard value, based on the secondary battery level in the UE information DB (S91). If the determination in S91 is YES, SENSING 11n refers to the SENSING pair performance information DB and determines whether the accuracy of the transmitter and receiver pair satisfies the consumer 7's requirements (S92). If the determination in S92 is YES, SENSING 11n refers to the SENSING pair performance information DB and determines whether the response time of the transmitter and receiver pair satisfies the consumer 7's requirements (S93). If the determination in S94 is YES, SENSING 11n refers to the SENSING pair performance information DB and determines whether the reliability of the transmitter and receiver pair satisfies the consumer 7's requirements (S94).

[0092] If the determination in S94 is YES, SENSING 11n selects the transmitter and receiver pair that received the determinations in S91 to S94 as the detection subject (S95). On the other hand, if any of the determinations in S91 to S94 is NO, SENSING 11n excludes the transmitter and receiver pair from being the detection subject (S96).

[0093] Then, SENSING 11n determines whether all pairs have been confirmed (S97). If there are unconfirmed pairs, SENSING 11n returns to processing S90. On the other hand, if all pairs have been confirmed, SENSING 11n terminates processing.

[0094] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the sensing parameter determination process (S10 in Figure 7). In this process, SENSING 11n obtains the movement speed of the object to be detected. Alternatively, SENSING 11n estimates the movement speed of the object to be detected (S101). For example, SENSING 11n can obtain the mobility pattern of UE2 from NWDAF 11k. The mobility pattern of UE2 may include the movement history of UE2 and predicted information of UE2's destination. The mobility pattern of UE2 may also include a list of cells to which UE2 has moved and a list of TAs. The mobility pattern of UE2 may also include UE2's time-based position information (cell ID, TA, etc.). The mobility pattern of UE2 may also include the time spent in each cell by UE2.

[0095] Furthermore, the predicted destination information for UE2 includes information about the cell (or connected base station 3A) to which UE2 will move in the future. In addition, the mobility pattern of UE2 includes UE2's average speed and current direction of movement.

[0096] Therefore, SENSING 11n can recognize the average movement speed of UE2 by obtaining the mobility pattern of UE2 from NWDAF 11k. Furthermore, SENSING 11n can estimate the current movement speed of UE2 from the time-based location information (cell ID, TA, etc.) of UE2. For example, SENSING 11n can calculate the recent movement speed of UE2 from the distance and time between the two cells to which UE2 was most recently connected, and use this as an estimated movement speed. Therefore, if the target of detection is a moving object such as a person carrying UE2 or a vehicle equipped with UE2, SENSING 11n can obtain or estimate the movement speed of the moving object within the detection area. However, in the first multiple detections, SENSING 11n may obtain the movement speed of the detected object from the position (latitude and longitude) and time of the detected object using a triangulation method.

[0097] Next, SENSING 11n determines the reference signal transmission interval based on the movement speed of the object to be detected (S102). For example, SENSING 11n may determine the reference signal transmission interval to be shorter than the time that a mobile body equipped with UE2 stays in one cell, based on the average movement speed of the mobile body and the cell range information. Alternatively, SENSING 11n may determine the reference signal transmission interval to be shorter than the average stay time in each cell of UE2 based on the mobility pattern information. Alternatively, SENSING 11n may determine the reference signal transmission interval based on the latest movement speed measured from the object to be detected. The process in S102 is an example of adjusting the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted to detect the object in accordance with the movement speed of the object to be detected. This transmission interval is specified in the process of S22 in Figure 7 when instructing RAN3, which is the detection unit, to perform detection. Therefore, the processing in S22 can be considered an example of determining the transmission interval of a reference signal based on the analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k.

[0098] Furthermore, SENSING 11n determines the frequency and other parameters (S103) and terminates the process. For example, SENSING 11n may determine the frequency of the reference signal from the load level information of RAN3 notified by NWDAF 11k. For example, SENSING 11n can determine the frequency of the reference signal by acquiring data on the utilization rate of the frequency band from NWDAF 11k in real time. Also, NWDAF 11k can predict what the utilization rate or availability of a particular frequency or resource will be in the future based on past and current loads. Therefore, SENSING 11n may acquire future predicted values ​​regarding the utilization rate or availability of a particular frequency or resource from NWDAF 11k and determine the frequency of the reference signal. As described above, the process in S103 can be said to be an example of a process that determines the frequency of a reference signal based on analysis results provided by NWDAF.

[0099] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the UE handover process. SENSING 11n executes a process to detect UE2 that is scheduled to terminate detection, in parallel with the processes in Figures 7 to 10. A UE scheduled to terminate detection is, for example, a UE2 that is leaving the area being detected. SENSING 11n monitors the UE2 that is the detection entity and is leaving the area being detected, for example, based on the mobility pattern of UE2 notified by NWDAF 11k. SENSING 11n may also predict which UE2 is leaving the area being detected based on the movement trajectory of the mobility pattern or the time spent in the area. Alternatively, SENSING 11n may recognize which UE2 is leaving the area being detected based on a prediction of the future movement trajectory included in the mobility pattern of UE2 notified by NWDAF 11k.

[0100] The UE2 that is the detection entity is, for example, the UE2 included in the transmitter-receiver pair selected in the selection process based on capability and availability (Figure 9). Furthermore, leaving the area means that as a result of leaving the area to be detected, the transmitter is unable to send a reference signal to the area to be detected, or the receiver is unable to receive a reference signal. Here, the area is the area to be detected specified by the requester. Therefore, if the UE2 leaves the cell or TA that covers the area, SENSING 11n can determine that the UE2 has left the area.

[0101] Furthermore, a UE whose detection is scheduled to end may be, for example, UE2 whose secondary battery level has fallen below a reference value. SENSING 11n may request UE2 included in the transmitter-receiver pair to notify it of the secondary battery level. SENSING 11n may also request notification from UE2 at a predetermined timing or period. Additionally, SENSING 11n may request UE2 to notify it of the secondary battery level when the secondary battery level of UE2 falls below a predetermined reference value.

[0102] When SENSING 11n recognizes that UE2 has terminated detection (YES in S111), it instructs UE2 to terminate its processing as a transmitter or receiver by sending an Unsubscribe message (S112). If YES in S111, it can be said that this is an example of a case in which it is predicted that UE2, as the first mobile communication device, which is performing detection in the detection area, will not be able to continue detection.

[0103] Next, SENSING 11n searches for UE2s that have entered the area based on the latest mobility pattern notified by NWDAF 11k (S113). However, SENSING 11n may also detect newly entered UE2s from their location (latitude and longitude) using a triangulation method. Then, SENSING 11n determines whether or not it has been able to recognize a UE2 that has entered the area (S114). If SENSING 11n cannot recognize a UE2 that has entered the area (NO in S114), it returns to S113 and continues processing.

[0104] On the other hand, if SENSING 11n recognizes a UE2 that has entered the area (YES in the determination in S114), it requests the UE2 that has entered the area to take over the processing as a transmitter or receiver within the area using a Subscribe message or the like, instead of the UE that terminates detection (S115). The process in S115 can be considered an example of a process that selects a second mobile communication device UE2 that can continue to be detected in the area where detection is performed, and continues the detection.

[0105] Then, SENSING 11n terminates the process. If the determination in S111 does not recognize a UE2 that will terminate detection, SENSING 11n terminates the process and monitors the UE2 that is the detection entity that will terminate detection again. SENSING 11n may also execute the process shown in Figure 11 periodically and regularly.

[0106] (Effects of the Embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, SENSING 11n, as the control unit, receives a request that includes specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with information (S5, S6 in Figure 7). SENSING 11n then selects a detection unit (pair) to detect the target in order to satisfy the specified conditions (S7 to S9 in the same). Furthermore, SENSING 11n instructs the selected detection unit to detect the target (S21, S22 in Figure 8). SENSING 11n then obtains data from the detection unit indicating that the target has been detected and provides it to the requester (consumer 7) (S24, S27, etc. in the same).

[0107] Therefore, SENSING 11n and the information communication system 1 including SENSING 11n dynamically manage at least one of the arrangement or configuration of various sensing entities such as UE2, RAN3, and base station 3A in order to provide appropriate and scalable sensing responses. Here, "dynamic" includes managing and executing processing according to conditions corresponding to the parameters included in the request from consumer 7, which is the requesting party. Furthermore, SENSING 11n and the information communication system 1 including SENSING 11n can achieve sensing load balancing and respond to requests for sensing services. Here, sensing load balancing means configuring detection entities such as the configurations CF1 and CF2 exemplified in Figure 1 according to conditions corresponding to the parameters included in the request from consumer 7, which is the requesting party, and having each detection entity execute processing.

[0108] Furthermore, as described above, the specified conditions that SENSING 11n receives include at least one of the detection target, the area in which detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when responding with the detection result. Therefore, SENSING 11n and the information communication system 1 including SENSING 11n can respond precisely to requests from consumer 7 as the requester.

[0109] Furthermore, when selecting a UE2 as a mobile communication device among the detection entities, SENSING 11n takes into account the remaining charge in the secondary battery of the UE2. Therefore, SENSING 11n can improve the availability of the processing it provides by prioritizing UE2s with sufficient remaining charge in their secondary batteries.

[0110] Furthermore, SENSING 11n instructs base station equipment such as RAN3 and base station 3A, among the detection entities, to perform detection by adjusting the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted to detect the target in accordance with the moving speed of the target (S102 in Figure 10, S22 in Figure 8). Therefore, SENSING 11n can perform detection in accordance with the movement of the target.

[0111] Furthermore, as described above, SENSING 11n determines at least one of the following based on the analysis results provided by NWDAF 11k: the configuration of the detection entity, the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted by the detection entity to detect the target, and the frequency of the reference signal. Thus, SENSING 11n can effectively utilize NWDAF 11k to determine appropriate resources and parameters corresponding to the specified conditions during detection.

[0112] Furthermore, if SENSING 11n predicts that detection by the first UE2 cannot be continued, as shown in the process in Figure 11, it selects a second UE2 that can continue to detect in the detection area and continues the detection. In other words, SENSING 11n can increase the availability of the detection process.

[0113] (Modified Version) In the process shown in Figure 7 above, SENSING 11n performs a selection process (S9) based on capability and availability so that the detection result data from the transmitter-receiver pair satisfies the consumer 7's requirements. In other words, SENSING 11n filters the transmitter-receiver pair so that it can obtain detection results that satisfy the consumer 7's requirements.

[0114] Alternatively, or in addition to such processing, SENSING 11n may filter the detection result data obtained from the transmitter-receiver pair. That is, SENSING 11n may filter the detection result data received in S23, S26, etc. in Figure 8 so that the detection result data satisfies the requirements of consumer 7.

[0115] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating filtering by the detection target extraction process. In this process, SENSING 11n filters the detection result data by, for example, the size, position, and movement speed of the detection target. For example, in the consumer 7's request, conditions such as the size, position, and movement speed of the detection target can be specified, and when the consumer 7 specifies these conditions, each determination in Figure 12 is executed. However, filtering by the detection target extraction process is not limited to the size, position, and movement speed of the detection target, but may also include the material, color, etc. The material is determined, for example, by the electromagnetic wave absorption rate of the detection target. The color is notified, for example, if the receiver has a camera.

[0116] In this process, SENSING 11n sequentially extracts the data to be filtered from the data set to be detected notified in processes such as S23 and S26 in Figure 9 (S120). Then, SENSING 11n determines whether the size of the detection target included in the data to be filtered matches the conditions specified by consumer 7 (S121). If the determination in S121 is YES, SENSING 11n determines whether the position of the detection target included in the data to be filtered matches the conditions specified by consumer 7 (S122). The position may be determined, for example, by the range of the cell size or the range of TA, or two points of a rectangle may be specified by latitude and longitude. If the determination in S122 is YES, SENSING 11n determines whether the movement speed of the detection target included in the data to be filtered matches the conditions specified by consumer 7 (S123).

[0117] If the determination in S123 is YES, SENSING 11n adds the data to be filtered, which has been determined in S121 to S123, to the detection results (S124). On the other hand, if the determination in any of S121 to S123 is NO, SENSING 11n removes the data to be filtered from the detection results (S125).

[0118] Then, SENSING 11n determines whether all the data to be filtered has been confirmed (S126). If there is any unconfirmed data, SENSING 11n returns to processing S120. On the other hand, if all the data has been confirmed, SENSING 11n terminates processing.

[0119] Therefore, SENSING 11n extracts information that satisfies the specified conditions from the detection result data and provides it to consumer 7, the requester. By performing such filtering, SENSING 11n can respond flexibly and accurately to the requests of consumer 7.

[0120] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified and implemented as appropriate without departing from its essence. Furthermore, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise. Also, processes described as being performed by one device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, processes described as being performed by different devices may be executed by one device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed. For example, the processes executed by SENSING 11n described above may be executed by other NF11 such as SMF11c, PCF11d, NEF11e, NRF11g, NSSF11h, AUSF11i, UDM11j, NWDAF 11k, or they may be executed in cooperation by multiple NF11s.

[0121] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments 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 N1. The non-temporary computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, any type of disk such as a magnetic disk, hard disk drive (HDD), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD disk, Blu-ray disk, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic card, flash memory, or optical card.

[0122] 2 UE 3 RAN 3A Base Station 6 Server 7 Consumer 8 DB 11 FN 11b AMF 11k NWDAF 11n SENSING 12 AF

Claims

1. An information communication system that responds with information related to a target to be detected in response to a request from a requester, comprising a control unit that receives a request including specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with the information, selects a detection entity to detect the target in order to satisfy the specified conditions, instructs the selected detection entity to detect the target, obtains the detection result of the target from the detection entity, and provides the information related to the target to the requester.

2. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit extracts the information satisfying the specified conditions from the detection results and provides it to the requester.

3. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the specified conditions include at least one of the target to be detected, the area in which the detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when the detection result is responded to.

4. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the detection entity includes a movable mobile communication device, and the control unit, in selecting the mobile communication device from the detection entity, reflects the remaining amount of charge charged in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device.

5. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the detection entity includes a base station device of a mobile communication system, and the control unit instructs the base station device to perform the detection by adjusting the transmission interval of a reference signal transmitted to detect the target in accordance with the moving speed of the target.

6. The information communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines, based on the analysis results provided from the Network Data Analytics Function Description (NWDAF), at least one of the configuration of the detection entity, the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted by the detection entity to detect the target of detection, and the frequency of the reference signal.

7. The information communication system according to claim 3, wherein, when the control unit predicts that it will not be able to continue detection by the first mobile communication device performing detection in the area in which the detection is performed, it selects a second mobile communication device that can continue to perform detection in the area and continues the detection.

8. An information communication method in which a computer responds with information related to a target to be detected in response to a request from a requester, the method comprising: receiving a request that includes specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with the information; selecting a detection entity that will detect the target in order to satisfy the specified conditions; instructing the selected detection entity to detect the target; obtaining the detection result of the target from the detection entity; and providing the information related to the target to the requester.

9. The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the computer extracts the information satisfying the specified conditions from the detection results and provides it to the requester.

10. The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the specified conditions include at least one of the target to be detected, the area in which the detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when responding with the detection result.

11. The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the detection entity includes a mobile communication device, and the computer, in selecting the mobile communication device from the detection entity, reflects the remaining amount of charge charged in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device.

12. The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the detection entity includes a base station device of a mobile communication system, and the computer instructs the base station device to perform the detection by adjusting the transmission interval of a reference signal transmitted to detect the target in accordance with the moving speed of the target.

13. The information communication method according to claim 8, wherein the computer determines, based on the analysis results provided by the NWDAF, the configuration of the detection entity, the transmission interval of the reference signal transmitted by the detection entity to detect the object to be detected, and the frequency of the reference signal.

14. The information communication method according to claim 10, wherein, if the computer predicts that it will not be able to continue detection by the first mobile communication device that is performing detection in the area in which the detection is performed, it selects a second mobile communication device that is capable of continuing detection in the area and causes the computer to continue the detection.

15. A program that causes a computer to respond to a request from a requester with information related to a target to be detected, to receive a request including specified conditions for detecting the target and responding with the information, to select a detection entity to detect the target in order to satisfy the specified conditions, to instruct the selected detection entity to detect the target, to obtain the detection result of the target from the detection entity, and to provide the information related to the target to the requester.

16. The program according to claim 15, which causes the computer to extract the information that satisfies the specified conditions from the detection results and provide it to the requester.

17. The program according to claim 15, wherein the specified conditions include at least one of the target to be detected, the area in which the detection is performed, the detection accuracy, the reliability of the detected information, and the response time when the detection result is responded to.

18. The detection entity includes a mobile communication device, and the computer is programmed to reflect the remaining charge stored in the secondary battery of the mobile communication device when selecting the mobile communication device from the detection entity.

19. The detection entity includes a base station device of a mobile communication system, and the program according to claim 15 causes the computer to instruct the base station device to perform the detection by adjusting the transmission interval of a reference signal transmitted to detect the target in accordance with the moving speed of the target.

20. A terminal that communicates with an information communication system that responds with information related to a target to be detected in response to a request that includes specified conditions from a requester, wherein the terminal transmits information to the information communication system for selecting a detection entity that will detect the target to satisfy the specified conditions, and when the terminal is selected as the detection entity, the terminal responds with the detection result of the target to be detected.

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