Information processing method, program, and information processing device

Abstract

A first Network Function (NF) in a core network: transmits, to a predetermined communication device, a sensing command for causing the predetermined communication device to sense the environment around the predetermined communication device, the sensing command being generated on the basis of a first requirement, which is a requirement related to the quality of a sensing service; and acquires sensing data, obtained by sensing the environment, from the predetermined communication device.

Description

Information processing method, program, and information processing device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication networks.

[0002] In a 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) communication system, techniques for sensing the surrounding environment of a terminal using radio signals are being studied (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] 3GPP TR 22.837 V19.4.0 "Feasibility Study on Integrated Sensing and Communication", 3GPP TSG SA, June 2024

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to perform sensing that satisfies predetermined requirements using a communication device.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing method, comprising: transmitting, by a first Network Function (NF) in a core network, a sensing instruction generated based on a first requirement which is a requirement relating to quality of a sensing service, to a predetermined communication device, the sensing instruction instructing the predetermined communication device to sense an environment around the predetermined communication device; and acquiring sensing data obtained by sensing the environment from the predetermined communication device.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device operable as a first Network Function (NF) arranged in a core network, the information processing device comprising a control unit that executes: transmitting, to a predetermined communication device, a sensing instruction generated based on a first requirement which is a requirement relating to quality of a sensing service, the sensing instruction instructing the predetermined communication device to sense an environment around the predetermined communication device; and acquiring sensing data obtained by sensing the environment from the predetermined communication device.

[0007] Other embodiments include a program for causing a computer to execute the above-described information processing method, or a computer-readable storage medium that non-temporarily stores the program.

[0008] According to this disclosure, sensing that satisfies predetermined requirements can be performed using a communication device.

[0009] A diagram showing an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. A diagram explaining the overview of sensing in a communication system. A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device capable of operating as a network function. A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of SF2. An example of a sensing capability master stored in SF2. An example of a sensing request in each embodiment. A flowchart of the processing performed by SF2. A diagram showing an example of a sensing processing sequence. A diagram showing another example of a sensing processing sequence. A flowchart of the processing performed by SF2 in the third embodiment. A flowchart of the processing performed by SF2 in the fourth embodiment.

[0010] In fifth-generation communication systems (5G systems), there is a movement to use user equipment (UE) to sense the communication environment. For example, a network function (NF) located in the core network can have the UE measure the characteristics of the wireless signal propagation path between it and other devices, and by analyzing the results, it becomes possible to detect, for example, the presence of objects around the communication device.

[0011] On the other hand, the requirements for sensing are not limited to just one. For example, under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to acquire the positional information of nearby objects with high accuracy, while under other circumstances, sensing must be performed while adhering to a specified period. However, while existing technologies can perform sensing using UE, they have not been able to specify the requirements for sensing. The information processing method relating to this disclosure solves this problem.

[0012] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure involves a first Network Function (NF) in a core network transmitting a sensing command to a predetermined communication device, which is generated based on a first requirement that is a requirement for the quality of sensing services, causing the predetermined communication device to sense the environment around the predetermined communication device, and acquiring sensing data obtained from the predetermined communication device by sensing the environment.

[0013] The first NF collects sensing data obtained by sensing the surrounding environment of a predetermined communication device (e.g., a UE). The objects of sensing are not limited to specific ones, as long as they relate to the surrounding environment of the communication device, such as the number of objects present in the vicinity, the distribution of objects present in the vicinity, the shapes of objects present in the vicinity, and the number of other communication devices (UEs) in the vicinity. The sensing data can be obtained from the predetermined communication device. The first NF can be a network function designed to collect sensing data from the predetermined communication device.

[0014] The first NF transmits a sensing command generated based on the first requirements to a predetermined communication device. The first requirements are requirements relating to the quality of the sensing service, such as sensing accuracy, sensing execution cycle, and deadline for obtaining sensing results. The first NF also acquires sensing data transmitted in response to the sensing command. The first NF may analyze the surrounding environment of the predetermined communication device (for example, the distribution of objects in the vicinity) by analyzing the sensing data.

[0015] Furthermore, the first NF may receive the specification of the first requirement from the first device and notify the first device of the sensing results based on the sensing data.

[0016] The first NF may obtain the first requirements from, for example, a network function (first device) corresponding to an external application. The external application may be, for example, an application that provides a service (e.g., an intrusion detection service) that utilizes sensing results from a predetermined communication device. For example, the external application may send a request to perform sensing, along with the first requirements, to the first NF and receive the sensing results from the first NF. For example, if the target of sensing is the presence of other UEs around a predetermined communication device, the first NF may analyze the sensing data to determine the number, distribution, or density of other UEs around the predetermined communication device and notify the first device (external application) of the results. The external application can then use the analysis results to provide a predetermined service.

[0017] Furthermore, the first requirement may include at least one of the response time of the sensing or the period of the sensing. The first requirement can be, for example, "the ability to provide sensing results within a specified response time" or "the ability to provide sensing results while adhering to a specified period."

[0018] Furthermore, the first NF may determine whether or not it can provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, and if it cannot provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, it may notify the first device that it is necessary to relax the first requirement.

[0019] The first NF can, for example, determine whether the quality of the sensing service satisfies the first requirement. For this purpose, the first NF may maintain data relating to the sensing capabilities of a given communication device. If a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement cannot be provided, the first NF may, for example, notify the first device that the first requirement needs to be relaxed, and in response to a response from the first device, relax the first requirement.

[0020] Furthermore, the first NF may determine whether or not it can provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, and if it cannot provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, it may generate the sensing command based on the second requirement that does not satisfy at least a part of the first requirement.

[0021] If the first requirement includes multiple requirements and a sensing service that satisfies all of them cannot be provided, but a sensing service that satisfies some of the first requirements can be provided, the first requirement may be changed to the second requirement. In this case, the first NF may notify the first device of the reason or the details of the change. With this configuration, the first device will be able to understand how or why the sensing requirements have been changed.

[0022] Furthermore, the first NF may generate a third requirement and transmit a second sensing command generated based on the third requirement if the content of the sensing data corresponding to the sensing command generated based on the first requirement satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0023] For example, if the content of the sensing data meets certain conditions, it may be better to change the first requirement and continue sensing. For instance, when performing intrusion detection in a predetermined area based on the sensing results, if an object is detected, it may be better to shorten the sensing period in order to track the movement of the object. In such cases, the first NF may generate and transmit a second sensing command based on the third requirement. The predetermined conditions may be obtained externally or maintained by the first NF.

[0024] The information processing method relating to this disclosure can be executed by a computer within a core network. The core network may be, for example, a 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), or 6G (6th Generation) or later mobile core network.

[0025] The following describes specific embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configurations, module configurations, functional configurations, etc., described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations alone.

[0026] (First Embodiment) [Overview of the Communication System] Figure 1 shows an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G). The 5G network has a 5G core network and a radio access network (RAN). User Equipment (UE) 10, Data Network (DN) 40, and Application Function (AF) 1 are connected to the 5G network. The UE 10 is the user's (subscriber's) terminal. The Radio Access Network (RAN) 20 is a radio access network to the 5G core network. The RAN 20 includes base stations (gNB). Although Figure 1 illustrates a radio access network, a non-radio access network (AN) may be used to connect to the 5G core network.

[0027] Figure 1 shows some of the components included in the 5G core network. Also, in Figure 1, components according to the first embodiment are denoted by reference numerals. In 5G, the software that implements network functions and the hardware on which that software is executed are separated using hardware abstraction technology. This allows various network function software to operate on common hardware resources, regardless of the configuration of each hardware product. Figure 1 shows the network functions (NFs) included in the 5G core network. Each of the multiple NFs included in the 5G core network is implemented by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing programs. However, a single computer may implement any two or more NFs.

[0028] The UPF (User Plane Function) 30 performs routing, forwarding, packet inspection, and QoS processing of user packets. User packets are user plane packets transmitted and received by the UE 10.

[0029] The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 6 accommodates the RAN and performs Registration Management, Connection Management, and Mobility Management of UEs in the 5G core network. The AMF 6 also relays messages between the SMF 3 and the UE 10.

[0030] The Session Management Function (SMF) 3 manages Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, assigns and manages IP addresses to UEs, and selects and controls the UPF 30. PDU session management includes establishing, modifying, and releasing PDU sessions. For example, when a communication policy is changed, a PDU session modification occurs, and the change in communication policy is applied to the UPF 30 through the SMF 3. A PDU session is a virtual communication channel for exchanging data between the UE 10 and the Data Network (DN) 40. The DN 40 is an external data network (such as the cloud or the internet) outside the 5G core network.

[0031] The PCF (Policy Control Function) 4 provides each NF with policy rules (also called communication policies) in order to have each NF carry out processing in accordance with the policy rules. Communication policies include, for example, rules related to QoS, filtering, routing, or billing. When a communication policy is registered, modified, or deleted, the PCF 4 is first notified of these changes, and the PCF 4, through the SMF 6, controls the corresponding UPF 30 to set, modify, or delete the communication policy.

[0032] UDR5 stores and provides data used by UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF4, and NEF7.

[0033] Sensing Function (SF) 2 performs real-world sensing using radio signals transmitted and received by terminals and communication devices included in the 5G system. For example, SF 2 causes a specific communication device connected to the radio access network to measure the characteristics of the radio signal propagation path and acquires the results. By analyzing the acquired results, it determines the environment around a given communication device. This makes it possible to detect, for example, the presence of objects around the communication device. Note that the objects to be sensed are not limited to those obtained by analyzing radio signals. For example, physical quantities can also be sensed using sensors such as those possessed by UE 10.

[0034] NEF7 provides the ability to securely disclose network functions and event information within the 5G system to external applications such as Application Functions (AFs). NEF7 also provides the ability to transfer information from authorized external applications into the network.

[0035] AF is an application server (external server) that provides auxiliary services other than those specified in the 5G core specifications. In this embodiment, AF1 is given as an example of such a server. AF1 can, for example, send and receive information with devices within the 5G core network via NEF7. In this embodiment, AF1 is an external application that provides predetermined services based on information obtained by sensing the surrounding environment of a user terminal (UE) 10. AF1 causes a predetermined UE 10 to perform sensing via SF2, obtains the results of the sensing, and provides various services. Further details will be described later.

[0036] NWDAF8 provides analytics information within the network. This analytics information includes, for example, communication delay, throughput, jitter, and traffic load levels in each segment.

[0037] EASDF (Edge Application Server Discovery Function) mediates communication between UE10 and the DNS server.

[0038] The NRF stores and manages information on Network Fields (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF) within the 5GC. The NRF can return multiple candidate Network Fields to the inquirer in response to an inquiry regarding a desired Network Field. The NSSF 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. The AUSF provides UE authentication functionality. The UDM provides subscriber contract information and authentication information for AKA authentication.

[0039] In a 5G core network, multiple Network Fields (NFs) of the same type may be provided. For example, one NF may be provided for each data center. Alternatively, one NF may be shared among data centers. Furthermore, multiple NFs of the same type may be configured within a single data center. The correspondence between NFs and data centers can be configured as appropriate.

[0040] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the method for performing sensing in the communication system according to this embodiment.

[0041] The communication system according to this embodiment includes a 5G core, UE10, RAN20, and UPF30. In Figure 2, the communication system shows the 5G core and its associated network functions, specifically AF1, SF2, SMF3, PCF4, UDR5, and NEF7. However, the network functions included in the communication system are not limited to these.

[0042] In 5G systems, systems are being considered that use wireless signals transmitted and received by the User Application (UE) to perform sensing based on requests from external applications. However, the requirements for sensing are not always the same. Furthermore, there may be cases where sensing that meets the required requirements cannot be performed, but existing systems do not take these factors into account.

[0043] Therefore, in the first embodiment, a network function for controlling sensing using wireless signals is provided within the core network. This network function receives requests from external applications and executes sensing control based on those requests. In this embodiment, this network function is referred to as the Sensing Function (hereinafter, SF2). SF2 has the function of commanding the UE10 and base station to perform sensing using wireless signals based on requests received from an external application (AF1), analyzing the results, and providing them to AF1.

[0044] For example, the intensity of a millimeter-wave radio signal changes depending on the presence of an object on the propagation path. For example, when an object exists around UE 10, the propagation characteristics of radio signals between UE 10 and a base station, the propagation characteristics of radio signals between a plurality of UEs 10, or the propagation characteristics of reflected waves change compared to a case where no object exists. Therefore, for example, by measuring the propagation characteristics of radio signals transmitted and received by the target UE 10, the presence or absence of an object around UE 10 can be estimated. As described above, SF2 can instruct a target UE to perform sensing on a radio signal propagation path, and acquire the result (sensing data). Furthermore, based on the obtained sensing data, the environment around UE 10 (for example, the presence or absence of objects, the number of objects, the distribution of objects, etc.) can be analyzed. Note that the radio signal used for sensing may be a reference signal, a data signal, or a signal for sensing. The sensing data may be, for example, channel information (CSI (Channel State Information) information) on the propagation path, or may be data obtained by analyzing CSI information.

[0045] The request that SF2 acquires from AF1 includes a requirement related to the quality of the sensing service ("the first requirement" in the present disclosure, hereinafter referred to as a sensing requirement). The sensing requirement is one or more conditions that the sensing service should satisfy, such as, for example, sensing accuracy (for example, reliability and resolution), an allowable sensing delay (for example, a threshold for response time), and a sensing cycle. SF2 determines whether a sensing service that satisfies the sensing requirement can be provided using, for example, a designated communication device (for example, UE 10), and when it is determined that a sensing service that satisfies the requirement can be provided, SF2 transmits a sensing command to the communication device.

[0046] Here, an outline of processing executed by each network function will be described with reference to FIG. 2. (1) First, the SF2 collects information related to the sensing capability of the UE 10 (hereinafter, sensing capability information). Examples of the sensing capability include a sensing target, sensing accuracy, required time for sensing, and executable sensing interval. The information related to the sensing capability may be based on the specifications of the UE 10, or may be based on a report from the UE 10. The sensing capability information may be updated periodically. Communication between the SF2 and the UE 10 is performed via the AMF6, for example.

[0047] (2) Next, a request for executing sensing (hereinafter, sensing request) is transmitted from the AF1 to the SF2. The sensing request includes an identifier of the UE 10 that is to perform sensing, a sensing target, and sensing requirements. The sensing requirements include information specifying the quality of service for sensing. As described above, the quality of the sensing service may be sensing accuracy, sensing execution period, a deadline by which sensing results are to be obtained, and the like. The sensing request is transmitted to the SF2 via the NEF7.

[0048] (3) The SF2 that has received the sensing request determines a communication device (UE 10) that is to execute sensing. Also, the SF2 determines whether the specified UE 10 satisfies the sensing requirements based on the sensing capability information. Processing performed when the specified UE 10 does not satisfy the sensing requirements will be described later.

[0049] (4) Subsequently, the SF2 issues data instructing sensing (hereinafter, sensing command) to the determined communication device, and receives data obtained by sensing from the communication device (hereinafter, sensing data). The SF2 analyzes the surrounding environment of the UE 10 based on the sensing data. As a result, an analysis result related to the sensing target specified by the AF1 is obtained. The analysis result is transmitted from the SF2 to the AF1.

[0050] [Hardware Configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of each device that makes up the system will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can operate as a network function including SF2 and as an external server.

[0051] The information processing device 100 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), main memory (RAM, ROM, etc.), and auxiliary storage (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary storage contains an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that match a predetermined purpose, as described later, can be realized. The information processing device 100 may also be a collection of one or more computers (cloud). However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules by hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0052] The information processing device 100 is comprised of a processor 110, a memory 120, and a communication module 130.

[0053] The processor 110 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions of the information processing device 100 by executing a predetermined program. The processor 110 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU. The processor 110 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0054] Memory 120 is a means for storing information and is composed of storage media such as RAM, magnetic disks, and flash memory. Memory 120 may also include main memory and auxiliary storage. Auxiliary storage stores programs executed by the processor 110, data used by those programs, etc. Auxiliary storage is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), a hard disk drive, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Examples of programs stored in auxiliary storage include operating systems (OS) and control programs.

[0055] The communication module 130 is a communication interface for connecting the information processing device 100 to an external network. The communication module 130 includes, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), an optical line interface, etc., and is configured to communicate with a predetermined network via these.

[0056] [Software Configuration] Next, the software configuration of the information processing device 100 will be described. As mentioned above, the information processing device 100 shown in Figure 3 functions as an SF2. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the software configuration when the information processing device 100 functions as an SF2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the processor 110 of the information processing device 100 functions as the control unit 21 of the SF2. The memory 120 of the information processing device 100 functions as the storage unit 22 of the SF2. The control unit 21 is configured as a software module comprising a collection unit 211, a command unit 212, and an analysis unit 213. Each software module may be implemented by the processor 110 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in the memory 120. The information processing performed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing performed by the processor 110 (CPU, etc.).

[0058] The collection unit 211 collects sensing capability information for multiple UEs 10 included in the communication system. Sensing capability information refers to information about the sensing capability of the UEs 10, such as the sensing target, sensing accuracy, sensing time required, and the interval at which sensing can be performed. Sensing capability information may be generated based on the specifications of the UEs 10. In cases where the sensing capability fluctuates depending on hardware or wireless communication resources, the sensing capability information may be generated based on reports from the UEs 10. In this case, the collection unit 211 may receive sensing capability information from each UE by periodically communicating with them. The collected sensing capability information may also be updated at predetermined intervals.

[0059] The collected sensing capability information may be stored in the storage unit 22. Figure 5 shows an example of a table (referred to as a sensing information master) provided in the storage unit 22 for storing sensing capability information collected from multiple UEs 10. Multiple sensing capability information corresponding to multiple UEs 10 is stored in the sensing information master as multiple records.

[0060] The command unit 212 receives a sensing request from AF1 and acquires sensing data from UE10 based on the sensing request. Figure 6(A) shows an example of a sensing request received by the command unit 212 from AF1. As shown, the sensing request includes the sensing entity, the sensing target, the sensing requirements, and the relaxation conditions.

[0061] Here, we will explain the relaxation conditions. If SF2 determines that sensing that meets the specified requirements cannot be performed, it may be possible to perform sensing by relaxing the sensing requirements. The "relaxation conditions" included in the sensing request are data that indicates the extent to which relaxation of the sensing requirements is permitted. The relaxation conditions are specified by AF1.

[0062] First, the command unit 212 determines whether the requested sensing can be performed by the designated UE 10, based on the information included in the sensing request and the sensing capability information stored in its own device. If the requested sensing cannot be performed by the designated UE 10, the command unit 212 determines whether the sensing can be made possible by relaxing at least a part of the sensing requirements.

[0063] For example, consider a case where the sensing requirement specifies that "sensing should be performed at 500-millisecond intervals," but the target UE10 is capable of sensing at 700-millisecond intervals. If the relaxation condition included in the sensing request is "allowing relaxation up to 750 milliseconds," then the command unit 212 decides to relax the sensing requirement from 500 milliseconds to 750 milliseconds.

[0064] Secondly, the command unit 212 transmits a sensing command to the designated UE 10, causing the UE 10 to perform sensing. The sensing command may include specifications such as the object to be sensed, the period for which sensing will be performed, and the deadline for sensing.

[0065] The command unit 212 acquires sensing data obtained from the UE 10 by sensing the surrounding environment. The sensing data is data obtained as a result of sensing, and can be, for example, data representing the characteristics of the propagation path (CSI information, etc.). The command unit 212 transmits the acquired sensing data to the analysis unit 213.

[0066] The analysis unit 213 analyzes the surrounding environment of the UE 10 based on the acquired sensing data. For example, if the sensing data is data representing the characteristics of the propagation path of a wireless signal (such as CSI information), the analysis unit 213 can analyze the data to obtain the number, distribution, and shape of objects around the UE 10. Alternatively, if the sensing data is the result of measuring the attenuation of a wireless signal, the analysis unit 213 may analyze the data to estimate the amount of precipitation around the UE 10. The analysis unit 213 transmits the analysis results to the AF1 as sensing results. If the sensing requirements have been relaxed, the analysis unit 213 may also notify the AF1 of the details of the relaxation along with the analysis results.

[0067] Furthermore, if the collection unit 211 periodically acquires sensing data, the analysis unit 213 may perform analysis each time new sensing data is acquired and notify AF1 of the results.

[0068] Note that the configurations shown in Figures 3 and 4 are examples, and all or part of the illustrated functions may be performed using specially designed circuits. Furthermore, program storage and execution may be performed using combinations of main memory and auxiliary memory other than those shown.

[0069] [Processing Flowchart] Next, a flowchart of the processing performed by devices or network functions included in the 5G system will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the process in which SF2 communicates with UE10 based on a sensing request sent from AF1, obtains the sensing result, and notifies AF1. The process shown in Figure 7 starts when the sensing request issued by AF1 is received by SF2. AF1 sends a sensing request to SF2 that includes the identifier of the target UE10, the sensing target, and the sensing requirements.

[0070] It should be assumed that, before starting the process shown in Figure 7, SF2 (collection unit 211) has acquired sensing capability information corresponding to each of the multiple UE10s included in the communication system.

[0071] First, in step S11, the control unit 21 (command unit 212) of SF2 receives a sensing request transmitted from AF1. The sensing request is transmitted from AF1 to SF2 via NEF7. The sensing request includes the identifier of the target UE10, the object to be sensed, the sensing requirements, and any relaxation conditions. Examples of objects to be sensed include the number, density, and distribution of objects around the UE10.

[0072] Next, in step S12, the control unit 21 (command unit 212) determines, based on the sensing capability information stored in its device and the sensing requirements included in the sensing request, whether the UE 10 specified by AF1 satisfies the specified sensing requirements (i.e., whether the requested sensing can be performed by the specified UE 10). If the specified UE 10 does not satisfy the specified sensing requirements (step S12-No), it means that the sensing requirements need to be relaxed. In this case, the command unit 212 relaxes at least a portion of the acquired sensing requirements according to the relaxation conditions indicated in the sensing request so that sensing can be performed by the specified UE 10 (step S13). If the specified UE 10 satisfies the specified sensing requirements (step S12-Yes), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0073] In step S14, the control unit 21 (command unit 212) transmits a sensing command to the UE 10 specified by the sensing request. The sensing command may include data regarding the object to be sensed and the sensing requirements (which may be relaxed by SF2). The sensing requirements may include data specifying the number of sensing operations, the cycle, and the timing.

[0074] UE10, upon receiving a sensing request, performs the specified sensing. Sensing may be performed, for example, by measuring the propagation characteristics of a radio signal. Measurement of propagation characteristics can be performed by four types of devices: initiator, responder, transmitter, and receiver. The initiator is the device that starts the sensing procedure and ultimately obtains the sensing results, and the transmitter is the device that actually transmits the sensing signal. The responder is the device that participates in sensing according to instructions from the initiator, and the receiver is the device that receives the signal transmitted from the transmitter. The initiator and transmitter may be the same device, and the responder and receiver may be the same device. For example, UE10 may play the roles of initiator and transmitter, and the base station (or another UE10 located nearby) may play the roles of responder and receiver. Of course, the roles may also be reversed. In addition, the initiator can be the receiver and the responder can be the transmitter. In this case, the responder sends a sensing signal according to the initiator's instructions, and the initiator generates the sensing results.

[0075] Once sensing is complete, sensing data is transmitted from the initiator UE10 (step S15). The sensing data is received by the command unit 212.

[0076] Next, in step S16, the control unit 21 (analysis unit 213) analyzes the surrounding environment of the UE10 based on the sensing data. For example, if CSI information is obtained as sensing data, the analysis unit 213 uses the CSI information to perform processes such as detecting the presence of an object in the vicinity of the UE10, detecting the movement of the object, or estimating the shape of the object. The result of the determination is transmitted from SF2 to AF1.

[0077] [Example of a communication sequence] Figure 8 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of data between UE10, SF2, and AF1. The illustrated sequence can be divided into a phase for collecting sensing capability information (steps S21 to S22) and a phase for performing sensing (steps S31 to S38).

[0078] In the phase of collecting sensing capability information, first, in step S21, the UE 10 transmits the sensing capability information to the SF2 (collection unit 211). This operation is performed by multiple UE 10s included in the communication system. The SF2 (collection unit 211) stores the received sensing capability information in the storage unit 22 (sensing capability master) (step S22). If sensing capability information is already stored in the SF2, this process may be omitted.

[0079] In the sensing phase, first, in step S31, AF1 sends a message to SF2 that includes a sensing request. As shown in Figure 6(A), the sensing request includes the designation of the UE10 to be sensed, the target of sensing, and the sensing requirements.

[0080] Next, in step S32, SF2 (command unit 212) adjusts the sensing requirements. In this step, as described in steps S12 and S13, the command unit 212 determines whether the requested sensing can be performed by the designated UE 10 based on the sensing capability information stored in its device and the sensing requirements included in the sensing request. If it is determined that the sensing requirements need to be adjusted, the command unit 212 relaxes at least a portion of the acquired sensing requirements in accordance with the relaxation conditions included in the sensing request so that sensing can be performed by the designated UE 10.

[0081] In step S33, SF2 (command unit 212) sends a sensing response to AF1, which is a response to the sensing request. The sensing response includes a message indicating that the sensing request has been accepted. If the sensing requirements have been relaxed by SF2, the command unit 212 may also send a message to AF1 in the sensing response that describes the reason for relaxing the sensing requirements and the changes made.

[0082] In step S34, SF2 (command unit 212) transmits a sensing command to UE10, which was specified by the sensing request. UE10 performs sensing in response to the sensing command (step S35) and transmits the obtained sensing data to SF2 (step S36). The sensing data may be, for example, unprocessed data obtained by measuring the characteristics of the propagation path of a radio signal, or it may be the result of performing a predetermined calculation on the data.

[0083] Next, SF2 analyzes the environment around UE10 based on the sensing data (step S37) and notifies AF1 of the results (step S38). It is also possible to omit sending the sensing response in step S33 and send the sensing response along with the sensing results in step S38.

[0084] According to the process described above, SF2 can perform sensing using UE10 based on the sensing requirements received from AF1. Furthermore, if the sensing capability of each UE10 is insufficient, the sensing requirements can be relaxed and processing can continue.

[0085] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, SF2 controlled sensing based on a request received from AF1. On the other hand, sensing requests may also be made by other UE10s. For example, a UE10 mounted on a vehicle may request another UE10 mounted on a different vehicle to perform sensing of a blind spot area. In the second embodiment, the sequence when a sensing request is issued by a UE10 will be described. Here, the UE that requests sensing will be referred to as UE10A, and the UE that performs sensing will be referred to as UE10B.

[0086] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, AF1 in the first embodiment (Figure 8) is replaced by UE10A, and UE10 in the first embodiment is replaced by UE10B. UE10A is a communication device that provides predetermined services based on sensing results obtained from UE10B. Similar to the first embodiment, in step S31, UE10A transmits a sensing request to SF2, which includes the identifier of the UE10B to perform sensing, the sensing target, the sensing requirements, and the relaxation conditions. UE10A operates similarly to AF1, except that it transmits sensing capability information to SF2.

[0087] In this embodiment, an example was given in which UE10 requests sensing from another UE10, but the sensing request may also be issued by a communication device other than a UE10. For example, a base station (gNB) connected to UE10B may issue a sensing request to cause UE10B to perform sensing.

[0088] (Third Embodiment) In the first embodiment, AF1 pre-specifies relaxation conditions, and SF2 performs relaxation of sensing requirements based on these conditions. On the other hand, if the sensing requirements cannot be met, it is preferable for SF2 to notify AF1 of this in real time. The third embodiment is an embodiment in which, if the specified UE10 cannot meet the sensing requirements, SF2 sends a negative response to AF1, and AF1 regenerates the sensing requirements in response. In the third embodiment, AF1 does not necessarily need to specify relaxation conditions.

[0089] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the process performed by SF2 in the third embodiment. The steps shown by the dotted lines are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation is omitted.

[0090] In the third embodiment, if in step S12 it is determined that the designated UE 10 does not meet the designated sensing requirements, SF2 sends a negative sensing response to AF1 (step S13B). The negative sensing response is a response to the sensing request and includes a message indicating that the designated UE 10 does not meet the designated sensing requirements. The negative sensing response can also be said to be a notification to AF1 that the sensing requirements need to be relaxed.

[0091] Furthermore, SF2 may include sensing capability information for the target UE10 in the negative sensing response and transmit it to AF1. This allows AF1 to understand how the sensing requirements must be modified so that sensing by UE10 can be performed.

[0092] Upon receiving a negative sensing response, AF1 can regenerate the sensing requirements and send the sensing request to SF2 again. In this case, the process shown in Figure 10 is repeated again from step S11.

[0093] In step S12, if it is determined that the designated UE10 satisfies the specified sensing requirements, SF2 sends a positive sensing response to AF1 (step S13A). The positive sensing response is a response to the sensing request and includes a message indicating that the designated UE10 satisfies the specified sensing requirements. If a positive sensing response is sent, the process proceeds to step S14, as in the first embodiment.

[0094] In this embodiment, we have given an example where SF2 sends a negative response and SF2 regenerates the sensing request. However, SF2 may propose a relaxation of the sensing requirements to AF1, and if AF1 accepts this, the relaxation of the sensing requirements may be performed.

[0095] (Fourth Embodiment) In the first embodiment, if the designated UE10 did not meet the designated sensing requirements, the SF2 relaxed the sensing requirements. On the other hand, an embodiment in which the sensing requirements are made stricter when certain conditions are met is also conceivable.

[0096] For example, consider a case where the presence or absence of an object within a predetermined area is monitored for intrusion detection. In this case, if an object is detected within the area, it may be preferable to shorten the sensing period or increase the resolution to capture the object's characteristics in order to track the object.

[0097] To address this, in the fourth embodiment, the sensing request includes information about changes in the sensing requirements, and SF2 dynamically changes the sensing requirements based on this information.

[0098] Figure 6(B) shows an example of a sensing request according to this embodiment. As shown, in this embodiment, the sensing request includes change-related information. The change-related information stores data that describes how to change the sensing requirements depending on what sensing results are obtained.

[0099] Figure 11 is a part of the flowchart of the process executed by SF2 in this embodiment. The illustrated process is executed following step S13 in Figure 7. In this embodiment, after acquiring sensing data in step S15, SF2 determines whether the content obtained by sensing satisfies the conditions specified by AF1 (step S15A). If it is determined that the conditions are met, the process transitions to step S15B, where a new sensing command based on the modified sensing requirements is generated and transmitted to UE10.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment, by repeating this process, sensing can be carried out while appropriately changing the sensing requirements. In the example in Figure 11, the satisfaction of the conditions was determined based on the sensing data received from UE 10, but the satisfaction of the conditions may also be determined based on the analysis results obtained in step S16.

[0101] (Modifications) The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0102] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, SF2 is assumed to be a newly established network function, but SF2 may be a modified version of an existing network function. For example, a network function that provides network analysis information, such as NWDAF8, may be operated as SF2.

[0103] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the designated UE 10 performs the sensing, but other devices that can communicate with the UE 10 may participate in the sensing. For example, another UE or base station (gNB) that can communicate directly with the designated UE 10 may perform the sensing. That is, the other UE can be an initiator, transmitter, responder, or receiver.

[0104] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0105] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage mediums include, for example, any type of disk such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

[0106] 1...AF 2...SF 3...SMF 4...PCF 5...UDR 6...AMF 7...NEF 8...NWDAF 10...UE 20...RAN 30...UPF 40...DN

Claims

1. An information processing method comprising: a first Network Function (NF) in a core network transmitting a sensing command to a predetermined communication device, which is generated based on a first requirement that is a requirement for the quality of sensing services, causing the predetermined communication device to sense the environment around the predetermined communication device; and acquiring sensing data obtained from the predetermined communication device by sensing the environment.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first NF further performs the following: receiving the specification of the first requirement from the first device and notifying the first device of the sensing result based on the sensing data.

3. The information processing method according to claim 2, wherein the first requirement includes at least one of the response time of the sensing or the period of the sensing.

4. The information processing method according to claim 2, further comprising: the first NF determining whether or not it can provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement; and, if it cannot provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, notifying the first device that it is necessary to relax the first requirement.

5. The information processing method according to claim 2, further comprising: determining whether the first NF can provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement; and, if a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement cannot be provided, generating a sensing command based on a second requirement that does not satisfy at least a part of the first requirement.

6. The information processing method according to claim 5, further comprising the first NF notifying the first device of the reason or the details of the change when the first NF changes the first requirement to the second requirement.

7. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the first NF further generates a third requirement and transmits a second sensing command generated based on the third requirement when the content of the sensing data corresponding to the sensing command generated based on the first requirement satisfies predetermined conditions.

8. A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An information processing device capable of operating as a first Network Function (NF) located within a core network, the information processing device having a control unit that performs the following: transmits a sensing command to a predetermined communication device, which is generated based on a first requirement that is a requirement for the quality of sensing services, causing the predetermined communication device to sense the environment around the predetermined communication device; and acquires sensing data obtained from the predetermined communication device by sensing the environment.

10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the control unit receives the specification of the first requirement from the first device and notifies the first device of the sensing result based on the sensing data.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first requirement includes at least one of the response time of the sensing or the period of the sensing.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit determines whether or not it can provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, and if it cannot provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, it notifies the first device that it is necessary to relax the first requirement.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit determines whether or not it can provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, and if it cannot provide a sensing service that satisfies the first requirement, generates a sensing command based on a second requirement that does not satisfy at least a part of the first requirement.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit notifies the first device of the reason or the details of the change when the first requirement is changed to the second requirement.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, when the content of sensing data corresponding to a sensing command generated based on the first requirement satisfies predetermined conditions, the control unit generates a third requirement and transmits a second sensing command generated based on the third requirement.

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