Network node and communication method

Abstract

A network node according to the present invention comprises: a reception unit which collects sensing data from a base station with a sensing function turned on; and a transmission unit which adds, to the sensing data, information indicating that sharing of the sensing data with another company is allowed and which transmits, to a specific network node, the sensing data with the information added thereto.

Description

Network Node and Communication Method

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

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

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

[0004] 3GPP TS 23.041 V18.6.0 (2024-09)

[0005] When a disaster such as an earthquake occurs, people are injured due to the collapse of buildings and the like. As an administrative authority, there is a demand to rescue the people who have been injured due to the collapse of buildings as soon as possible. By using wireless sensing technology, it is possible to detect the damaged object or person and utilize it for the recovery work.

[0006] However, when a base station fails due to a disaster, the collection of sensing data by that base station becomes impossible, and the sensing service cannot be continued.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a technology that enables the use of sensing data even when a base station fails.

[0008] According to the disclosed technology, a network node is provided, which includes a receiving unit that collects sensing data from a base station with the sensing function turned on, and a transmitting unit that adds information indicating permission to share the sensing data with other companies to the sensing data and transmits the sensing data with the added information to a specific network node.

[0009] According to the disclosed technology, a technology is provided that enables the use of sensing data even if a base station fails.

[0010] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. This is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. This is a diagram illustrating an example of SF80 operation. This is a diagram showing the warning message delivery procedure. This is a diagram showing the sequence for turning on the sensing function of the base station in the event of a disaster. This is a diagram showing an example of an operation sequence in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 20 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 20 and the network node 100 in an embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the vehicle 2001 in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The following will first describe an example of a mobile network configuration that is expected to be used in this embodiment, and then describe in detail the configuration and operation for using wireless sensing technology in disaster recovery activities. Note that "wireless sensing" may sometimes be referred to as "sensing".

[0014] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system equivalent to a mobile network. As shown in Figure 1, this communication system consists of a UE20 and multiple network nodes. Hereafter, one network node will be assigned to each function, however, one network node may implement multiple functions, or multiple network nodes may implement one function. Also, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection. Note that the UE20 may also be referred to as terminal 20.

[0015] The RAN (Radio Access Network) 10 is a network node with wireless access functionality, which may include a base station, and is connected to the UE 20, AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 30, and UPF (User plane function). The AMF 30 is a network node that has functions such as terminating the RAN interface, terminating the NAS (Non-Access Stratum), registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node that interconnects with the DN (Data Network) and has functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside, packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice.

[0016] AMF30 is connected to UE20, RAN10, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function)40, NRF (Network Repository Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), and AF (Application Function)50. AMF30, SMF, NSSF, NEF40, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF50 are network nodes that are interconnected via interfaces based on their respective services: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

[0017] The SMF is a network node with functions such as session management, IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management for UE20, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) functionality, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming functionality. The NEF40 is a network node with the function of notifying other NFs (Network Functions) of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node with functions such as selecting the network slice to which UE20 connects, determining the allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determining the NSSAI to be set, and determining the AMF set to which UE20 connects. The PCF is a network node with the function of controlling network policy. The AF50 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 (User Data Repository) that holds this data.

[0018] Figure 1 also shows the CBCF / PWS-IWF (70) and the SF (Sensing Function) 80. "CBCF / PWS-IWF" means CBCF (Cell Broadcast Center Function) or PWS-IWF (PWS-Interworking Function). Outside the mobile network shown in Figure 1, there is a CBE (Cell Broadcast Entity) 60. The CBE 60 is an information distribution source such as the Japan Meteorological Agency.

[0019] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in Figure 2, the network consists of a UE and multiple network nodes.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] (About SF80) Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of SF80. As shown in Figure 3, SF80 transmits RF sensing measurement information transmitted from UE20 or base station 10 to AF50 via NEF40. Furthermore, as will be described later, SF80 in this embodiment includes a function to turn sensing operation ON / OFF for base station 10.

[0023] (Disaster recovery using wireless sensing technology) As mentioned above, when disasters such as earthquakes occur, people are harmed due to the collapse of buildings, etc. Administrative authorities have a need to rescue those affected by building collapses, etc., as quickly as possible. By using wireless sensing technology, it is possible to detect those who have been harmed. This allows wireless sensing technology to be utilized in disaster recovery activities (including life-saving efforts).

[0024] In this embodiment, an emergency information distribution request from the ETWS (Earthquake and Tsunami Warning system) is used as a trigger to simultaneously turn on the sensing functions of the base station 10 and the UE 20, causing the base station 10 and the UE 20 to perform sensing.

[0025] The base station 10 transmits the data obtained through sensing (e.g., data indicating the presence of people affected by the disaster) to an application server, thereby utilizing the data for disaster recovery.

[0026] Emergency information may also be referred to as disaster information, warning information, emergency messages, warning messages, etc.

[0027] The following outlines the operation for turning on the sensing function of base station 10 in response to an emergency information distribution request.

[0028] After an earthquake or other disaster occurs, a Write-Replace Warning Request (a message requesting the distribution of emergency information) is sent from the CBCF / PWS-IWF (70) to the base station 10 in the affected area via the AMF 30. The base station may also be referred to as a gNB or RAN.

[0029] After receiving the Write-Replace Warning Request, AMF30 notifies SF80 of a message containing information such as "warning type," "warning message," "impacted area," and "time period." Based on the "impacted area," distribution area information (e.g., by Cell ID, TAI, or EA) is created, for example, by CBCF / PWS-IWF(70). The message sent from AMF30 to SF80 includes distribution area information.

[0030] Based on the distribution area information, the SF80 identifies multiple base stations 10 that are to be turned on for sensing and simultaneously turns on their sensing functions. In some cases, there may be only one target base station 10.

[0031] In SF80, thresholds for warning levels may be set in advance, and the privacy filter may be disabled for the target base station 10 as needed. For example, if the warning level is higher than the threshold (e.g., when the disaster is severe, or when life-saving is required), the privacy filter may be disabled. The privacy filter may also be disabled for a certain period of time.

[0032] By disabling the privacy filter, base stations on private property that normally do not perform sensing can temporarily begin sensing after an earthquake.

[0033] The target base station 10 performs sensing. The base station 10 provides the data collected by sensing to the AF 50 via the NEF 40. The data is processed by the AF 50 and used to understand the situation on site.

[0034] As for the sensing method, for example, base station 10 transmits a radio signal, and base station 10 receives the radio signal reflected from the object. Base station 10 (SF80, AF50 may also be used) can estimate the state of the object (e.g., position, shape, speed of movement, etc.) by analyzing the received radio signal.

[0035] Alternatively, the base station 10 may transmit a radio signal, and another device (e.g., UE20) may receive the radio signal reflected from the object. Alternatively, the other device (e.g., UE20) may transmit a radio signal, and the base station 10 may receive the radio signal reflected from the object. Alternatively, UE20 may transmit a radio signal, and UE20 may receive the radio signal reflected from the object. In this case, UE20 can estimate the state of the object.

[0036] The following describes an example of an operation sequence for turning on the sensing function of base station 10 triggered by an emergency information distribution request. Before that, for reference, Figure 4 shows the sequence for emergency information distribution in 5G. Figure 4 is "Figure 9.1.3.5.2-1: Warning message delivery procedure in NG-RAN" from Non-Patent Literature 1.

[0037] Referring to Figure 5, an example of an operation sequence for turning on the sensing function of base station 10 triggered by an emergency information distribution request will be explained. Figure 5 shows the sequence related to sensing. In parallel with the sequence related to sensing, the sequence for distributing emergency information to UE20, for example, as shown in Figure 4, is executed. However, there may be cases where only the sequence related to sensing is executed, and the sequence for distributing emergency information to UE20 is not executed.

[0038] <S101> In S101 (step 101), CBE60, which is the source of disaster information such as earthquakes, sends an emergency information distribution request to CBCF / PWS-IWF (70).

[0039] <S102> In S102, the CBCF / PWS-IWF (70) creates a message to be delivered to the UE20 and identifies the delivery area for the message.

[0040] <S103> In S103, the CBCF / PWS-IWF (70) sends a message requesting the distribution of emergency information (Write-Replace Warning Request) to the AMF 30 (generally multiple AMFs) corresponding to the distribution area. This message includes, for example, the type of disaster, the body of the broadcast message, distribution area information, and Primary Notification information.

[0041] <S104, S105> In S104, the AMF 30 obtains distribution area information from the received message. In S105, the AMF 30 transmits the distribution area information to the SF 80.

[0042] <S106, S107> In S106, SF80 identifies a base station 10 to which the sensing function should be turned ON based on the distribution area information, and in S107, transmits a signal to the identified base station 10 to turn on the sensing function.

[0043] In S106, SF80 identifies, for example, the base station 10 corresponding to the cell ID included in the distribution area information as the target base station 10. Alternatively, SF80 identifies the base station 10 included in the TAI (or EA) included in the distribution area information as the target base station 10.

[0044] Further, in S107, a signal for turning on the sensing function may be transmitted from the target base station 10 to the UE 20 under the target base station 10. The UE 20 that receives the signal executes sensing.

[0045] The base station 10 with the sensing function turned on executes sensing using a radio signal and collects data from the sensing. Also, the base station 10 collects data from the sensing performed by the UE 20.

[0046] <S108> In S108, the base station 10 transmits the data collected by sensing to the AF 50 via the NEF 40.

[0047] Note that the base station 10 may transmit the data collected by sensing to SF80. In this case, SF80 transmits the data collected by sensing to AF50.

[0048] The AF 50 is, for example, an application server for disaster recovery. For example, when the application server detects building collapses, injured people, etc. from the sensing results, it notifies the administrative authorities (fire department, police, etc.) of that information (location, etc.).

[0049] <S109> In S109, after the emergency information distribution request is canceled, SF80 returns the base station 10 to the normal state. That is, it turns off the sensing function.

[0050] (Regarding the problem) By the process shown in FIG. 5, sensing can be used for disaster recovery. However, when a disaster occurs, a failure may occur in the base station 10, and there is a possibility that the base station 10 cannot provide sensing data.

[0051] If a base station 10 operated by a certain operator (for example, another company) experiences a failure and becomes unable to provide sensing data, that operator will be unable to provide sensing services.

[0052] Furthermore, "a failure occurs in base station 10" includes, for example, the base station 10 being physically damaged, the base station 10 ceasing to operate, or the base station 10 not operating normally. The following describes the technology according to this embodiment for solving the above problems.

[0053] In this embodiment, the "sensing data" may be data indicating reflected signals from an object, acquired by the base station 10 through wireless sensing, or it may be data obtained by analyzing data indicating reflected signals from an object (for example, data representing the velocity of an object, the shape of an object, etc.), or it may be data other than these.

[0054] (Premise of the Embodiment) In this embodiment, the administrative authorities intend to know the situation in the disaster area as early as possible. Furthermore, in the disaster area, in addition to the base station that has malfunctioned, there are base stations that are operating normally. Also, in the event of a disaster, each operator will provide its sensing results to the same administrative authorities. That is, each operator's SF or base station will transmit its sensing results to the AF50.

[0055] (Example of Operation Overview) The operation overview of the communication system in this embodiment is as follows:

[0056] When a disaster (e.g., a major earthquake) occurs in a certain region (area), multiple base stations in the disaster area begin wireless sensing based on the mechanism explained in Figure 5. These multiple base stations include base stations of Company A.

[0057] Sensing data of the disaster area collected by Company A's base stations is transmitted by Company A to a third-party administrative authority (specifically AF50). The administrative authority (AF50) retains this sensing data.

[0058] For example, let's consider a scenario where a base station of company B experiences a failure, preventing company B from acquiring sensing data for the disaster area itself. Company B then requests the sensing data for the disaster area from the administrative authorities.

[0059] If the administrative authorities possess sensing data for the disaster area based on the information available about that area, they will transfer it to Company B's sales force (SF). If the administrative authorities do not possess sensing data for the disaster area, they will obtain it from Company A and transfer it to Company B's SF.

[0060] The above operation allows sensing data to be shared among multiple operators, and each operator can continue to provide sensing services.

[0061] In this embodiment, it is assumed that after a disaster occurs, administrative authorities will permit the sharing of sensing data among businesses. Furthermore, the privacy filter will be switched ON / OFF as needed.

[0062] (Sequence) The processing sequence in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows AF50, which is the application server of the administrative authority, and "SF80A, base station 10A, NEF40A," which are the network nodes of Company A, and "SF80B, base station 10B, NEF40B," which are the network nodes of Company B. "SF80A, NEF40A" are installed in Company A's core network, and "SF80B, NEF40B" are installed in Company A's core network. In addition, the communication system of this embodiment includes CBE60 and CBCF / PWS-IWS70, which were shown in Figure 5, but for the sake of illustration, these are not shown in Figure 6.

[0063] When a disaster occurs, SF80A ​​identifies base station 10A as the base station for the disaster area according to the procedures S101 to S106 shown in Figure 5. The disaster area may also be called the "target area".

[0064] <S201, S202> In S201, SF80A ​​transmits a signal to base station 10A requesting sensing to be turned ON. In S202, base station 10A returns a normal response to SF80A ​​and starts sensing the target area.

[0065] <S203, S204> In S203, SF80A ​​collects sensing data acquired by base station 10A. In S204, SF80A ​​adds a time stamp and an indicator that allows sharing with other companies to the collected sensing data, and transmits the sensing data with these added to AF50 via NEF40A.

[0066] The AF50 stores sensing data with a time stamp and an indicator that allows sharing with other companies. This storage may be temporary; that is, the stored sensing data may be deleted after a certain period of time.

[0067] Furthermore, it is also possible that only one of the two indicators, the Time Stamp or the Indicator that allows sharing with other companies, is attached to the sensing data. In this embodiment, the "Indicator that allows sharing with other companies" is an indicator that Company A allows other businesses to provide the sensing data acquired by Company A.

[0068] <S205> In S205, when AF50 receives a request from Company B (for example, SF80B) for sensing data specifying a target area, it checks whether the sensing data for that target area, which has been permitted to be shared, is stored. Here, it is assumed that the sensing data for that target area is the sensing data collected by Company A's base station 10A.

[0069] If the sensing data exists, S206a is executed; otherwise, S206b and S206c are executed.

[0070] <S206a> In S206a, AF50 transfers the sensing data collected by Company A's base station 10A to Company B's core network (specifically SF80B).

[0071] <S206b, c> In S206b, AF50 requests sensing data for the target area from SF80A. In S206c, the procedures S201 to S204 (or S202 to S204) are executed, and the sensing data for the target area is transmitted to AF50. AF50 then forwards the sensing data received from SF80A ​​to SF80B.

[0072] (Effects of the Embodiment) The technology according to this embodiment allows operators to share sensing data with each other. Therefore, for example, even if another company's base station experiences a failure and the other company is unable to collect sensing data, the other company can continue to provide sensing services using its own sensing data.

[0073] Furthermore, in the event of a disaster, the system enables the sharing of sensing data through coordination among operators, which is useful for recovery from major disasters.

[0074] (Device Configuration) Next, an example of the functional configuration of the network node 100 that performs the processing and operations described above will be explained. The network node 100 may be any of the AMF30, SF80, AF50, and base station 10. In other words, the AMF30, SF80, AF50, and base station 10 all have the configuration shown in Figure 7.

[0075] <Network Node 100> Figure 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of network node 100.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, the network node 100 includes a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in Figure 7 is merely an example. Any functional classification and functional unit names are acceptable as long as they enable the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The transmitting unit 110 includes the function of generating a signal to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or other network node and transmitting the signal by wire or wireless. The receiving unit 120 includes the function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or other network node and obtaining information from the received signal, for example, information of a higher layer. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 110 and the receiving unit 120 may be configured.

[0078] The setting unit 130 stores pre-configured setting information and various setting information to be transmitted to the terminal 20 in a storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The control unit 140 controls the network node 100. The signal transmission function unit of the control unit 140 may be included in the transmission unit 110, and the signal reception function unit of the control unit 140 may be included in the reception unit 120. The transmission unit 110 and the reception unit 120 may also be called the transmitter and receiver, respectively. The control unit 140 may also include a sensing function.

[0079] <Terminal 20> Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of terminal 20. As shown in Figure 8, terminal 20 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Figure 8 is merely an example. Any functional classification and functional unit names are acceptable as long as they enable the operation according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] The transmitting unit 210 creates a transmission signal from the transmission data and transmits the transmission signal wirelessly. The receiving unit 220 wirelessly receives various signals and acquires signals from higher layers from the received physical layer signals. The receiving unit 220 has the function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL / UL control signals or reference signals transmitted from network nodes. A communication unit including the transmitting unit 210 and the receiving unit 220 may be configured.

[0081] The setting unit 230 stores various setting information received from network nodes by the receiving unit 220 in a storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The setting unit 230 also stores pre-configured setting information.

[0082] The control unit 240 controls the terminal 20. The signal transmission function of the control unit 240 may be included in the transmission unit 210, and the signal reception function of the control unit 240 may be included in the reception unit 220. The transmission unit 210 and the reception unit 220 may also be called the transmitter and receiver, respectively. The control unit 240 may also include a sensing function.

[0083] (Hardware Configuration) The block diagrams (Figures 7 and 8) used in the description of the above embodiments show functional units. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method of realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using one device that is physically or logically coupled, or it may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (for example, using wired or wireless connections). A functional block may be realized by combining the one device or the multiple devices with software.

[0084] 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.

[0085] For example, the network node 100 and terminal 20 in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as computers that process the communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the network node 100 and terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 100 and terminal 20 described above may be physically configured as computer devices including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, and the like.

[0086] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the network node 100 and the terminal 20 may include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or it may be configured to omit some of the devices.

[0087] Each function in the network node 100 and terminal 20 is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and storage device 1002, which allows the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of data reading and writing in the storage device 1002 and auxiliary storage device 1003.

[0088] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running an operating system. The processor 1001 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control devices, arithmetic units, registers, etc. For example, the control unit 140, control unit 240, etc., described above may be implemented by the processor 1001.

[0089] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, or data from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the storage device 1002, and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. For example, the control unit 140 of the network node 100 shown in Figure 7 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Also, for example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in Figure 8 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and operated by the processor 1001. Although the above-described processes have been explained as being executed by one processor 1001, they may be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may also be transmitted from the network via a telecommunications line.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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.

[0095] Furthermore, the network node 100 and the terminal 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and some or all of each functional block may be realized by such hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0096] Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of vehicle 2001. As shown in Figure 10, vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021 to 2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect / embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on vehicle 2001, for example, to the communication module 2013. For example, a network node 100 or a terminal 20 may be included in the communication module 2013.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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).

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.).

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] Furthermore, if the communication module 2013 includes a network node 100 (or terminal 20), the communication module 2013 can perform the operations of the aforementioned network node 100 (or terminal 20).

[0107] This specification discloses at least the configurations described in the following appendix.

[0108] <Notes> (Note 1) A network node comprising: a receiving unit that collects sensing data from a base station with its sensing function turned ON; and a transmitting unit that adds information to the sensing data indicating that sharing of the sensing data with other companies is permitted, and transmits the sensing data with the added information to a specific network node. (Note 2) The network node is the network node described in Note 1, which identifies the base station based on emergency information distribution area information. (Note 3) A network node comprising: a control unit that, upon receiving a request for sensing data of the target area from a first business operator, determines whether or not it holds sensing data for the target area collected by a second business operator; and a transmitting unit that, if it holds the sensing data, transmits the sensing data to a specific network node of the first business operator. (Note 4) The network node described in Note 3, which, if it does not hold the sensing data, the control unit acquires sensing data collected by the second business operator's base station in the target area, and the transmitting unit transmits the sensing data to the specific network node of the first business operator. (Appendix 5) A communication method performed by a network node, comprising the steps of: collecting sensing data from a base station with its sensing function turned ON; and adding information to the sensing data indicating that sharing of the sensing data with other companies is permitted; and transmitting the sensing data with the added information to a specific network node.

[0109] According to any of the appendices 1 to 5, technology is provided that enables the use of sensing data even if a base station fails. According to appendice 2, base stations that should have sensing turned ON can be identified based on the distribution area information of emergency information. According to appendice 4, sensing data can be acquired and provided when it is not currently held.

[0110] (Supplement to Embodiments) Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, substitutions, etc. Specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, but unless otherwise specified, these numerical values ​​are merely examples, and any appropriate values ​​may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention, and matters described in two or more items may be used in combination as necessary, and matters described in one item may be applied to matters described in another item (as long as they do not contradict each other). The boundaries of functional units or processing units in the functional block diagram do not necessarily correspond to the boundaries of physical parts. The operation of multiple functional units may be physically performed by one part, or the operation of one functional unit may be physically performed by multiple parts. The processing procedures described in the embodiments may be rearranged as long as they do not contradict each other. For the convenience of explaining the processing, the network node 100 and terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams, but such devices may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the network node 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be stored in any suitable storage medium such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, register, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or other appropriate storage medium.

[0111] 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.

[0112] 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).

[0113] 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.

[0114] In this specification, specific operations performed by the base station 10 ((R)AN10) may, in some cases, be performed by its upper node. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes having a base station 10, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with the terminal 20 can be performed by the base station 10 and at least one of the other network nodes (for example, an MME or S-GW, but not limited to these). Although the above example illustrates the case where there is one other network node besides the base station 10, the other network node may be a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW).

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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).

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure are interchangeable.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] In this disclosure, terms such as "Mobile Station (MS)," "user terminal," "User Equipment (UE)," and "terminal" may be used interchangeably.

[0129] 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.

[0130] The base station 10, terminal 20, and SF80 may also be called a transmitting device, receiving device, communication device, etc. The base station 10, terminal 20, AF50, and SF80 may also be devices mounted on a mobile body, the mobile body itself, etc. The mobile body refers to a movable object, and its speed of movement is arbitrary. This also includes cases where the mobile body is stationary. The mobile body includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, transport vehicles, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, connected cars, excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, forklifts, trains, buses, handcarts, rickshaws, ships and other watercraft, airplanes, rockets, satellites, drones (registered trademark), multicopters, quadcopters, balloons, and items mounted on them. Furthermore, the mobile body may be a mobile body that autonomously drives based on operational commands. The mobile object may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane), an unmanned mobile object (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle), or a robot (manned or unmanned). Note that the base station 10, terminal 20, and SF80 may all be devices that do not move during communication. For example, the base station 10, terminal 20, and SF80 may all be IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as sensors.

[0131] Furthermore, the term "base station" in this disclosure may be interpreted as "user terminal." For example, the various aspects / embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals 20 (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device), V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything), etc.). In this case, the terminals 20 may have the functions that the base station 10 has. Also, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be interpreted as terms corresponding to terminal-to-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., may be interpreted as side channel.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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."

[0134] 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.

[0135] The reference signal can also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal), and may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

[0136] 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."

[0137] 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.

[0138] In the configuration of each of the above devices, "means" may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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."

[0142] 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).

[0143] 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.

[0144] This patent application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-232271, filed on 27 December 2024, and the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-232271 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0145] 10 Base station ((R)AN) 20 Terminal (UE) 30 AMF 40 NEF 50 AF 60 CBE 70 CBCF / PWS-IWF 80 SF 100 Network node 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting unit 140 Control unit 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting unit 240 Control unit 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1003 Auxiliary storage device 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device

Claims

1. A network node comprising: a receiving unit that collects sensing data from a base station with its sensing function turned ON; and a transmitting unit that adds information to the sensing data indicating that sharing of the sensing data with other companies is permitted, and transmits the sensing data with the added information to a specific network node.

2. The network node according to claim 1, wherein the network node identifies the base station based on emergency information distribution area information.

3. A network node comprising: a control unit that, upon receiving a request for sensing data of a target area from a first business operator, determines whether or not it possesses sensing data of the target area collected by a second business operator; and a transmission unit that, if it possesses the sensing data, transmits the sensing data to a specific network node of the first business operator.

4. The network node according to claim 3, wherein, if the sensing data is not held, the control unit acquires sensing data collected by the base station in the target area of ​​the second operator, and the transmission unit transmits the sensing data to the specific network node of the first operator.

5. A communication method performed by a network node, comprising the steps of: collecting sensing data from a base station with its sensing function turned ON; and adding information to the sensing data indicating that sharing of the sensing data with other companies is permitted; and transmitting the sensing data with the added information to a specific network node.

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