Terminal, information processing device, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

In order to make it possible to select a suitable sensing task executor, this terminal connected to a wireless communication network includes a processor that controls, when the terminal becomes a sensing target, performing sensing on the surroundings of the terminal and transmitting a sensing result obtained by the sensing to the wireless communication network as information for determining the manner in which the terminal is to be sensed.

Description

Terminal, information processing apparatus, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a terminal, an information processing apparatus, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0002] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication system, techniques for sensing the surrounding environment of a terminal have been studied (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] 3GPP TS 22.837 V19.4.0 "Feasibility Study on Integrated Sensing and Communication", 3GPP TSG SA WG2, June 2024 3GPP TS 22.137 V19.1.0 (2024-03) "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group TSG SA: Service requirements for Integrated Sensing and Communication; Stage 1 (Release 19)"

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to enable favorable sensing of a sensing target to be performed.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal connected to a wireless communication network, comprising a processor that controls: performing sensing on the periphery of the terminal when the terminal serves as a sensing target; and transmitting a sensing result obtained by the sensing to the wireless communication network as information for determining a sensing procedure of the terminal.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing apparatus comprising a processor that controls: acquiring a sensing result obtained by a sensing target sensing its periphery; and determining a sensing procedure of the sensing target based on the sensing result.

[0007] Aspects of this disclosure may include, in addition to the terminal and information processing device described above, a sensing support method using the terminal, a sensing control method using the information processing device, a computer program that causes a computer to operate as the terminal or information processing device, and a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program.

[0008] According to the aspects of this disclosure, it becomes possible to sense suitable sensing targets.

[0009] This diagram illustrates the components of a wireless communication system. It shows an example configuration of an information processing device capable of operating as an NF, OAM terminal, and external server. It also shows an example configuration of a communication device capable of operating as a user terminal and base station. This diagram explains an example of wireless communication system operation. This is a sequence diagram explaining an example of wireless communication system operation. This is another explanation of wireless communication system operation. This is a sequence diagram explaining the case of updating the sensing task executor. This is a sequence diagram explaining the case of updating the sensing method.

[0010] In fifth-generation communication systems (5G systems), the use of 5G sensing, which uses the wireless signals of the 5G network to detect and understand the surrounding environment and the position and movement of objects, is being considered. By utilizing the characteristics of high frequency bands and high-speed communication, 5G sensing can accurately measure position and capture the movement of objects in real time.

[0011] 5G sensing can detect what objects exist around the user terminal (referred to as a UE) performing the sensing. However, if it can estimate more detailed information about where the user terminal is located, rather than just what objects are around it, more advanced processing can be performed based on that information.

[0012] Examples of wireless communication networks include systems utilizing 5G, 4G, LTE, LTE-A, SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, NR, and others, as well as next-generation systems extended based on these. Other examples of wireless communication networks include IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi®), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX®), IEEE 802.20, UWB, Bluetooth®, and other systems, as well as next-generation systems extended based on these. A wireless communication network may be a system combining multiple systems. Furthermore, communication equipment may be a base station or a user terminal.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely illustrative for illustrative purposes, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of these embodiments. For example, the following describes an example of applying the present disclosure to a fifth-generation mobile communication system, but the present disclosure may also be applied to fourth-generation or later generations of mobile communication systems. The present disclosure may also be applied to mobile communication systems defined by entities other than 3GPP, or to any wireless communication system or wired communication system other than a mobile communication system. Furthermore, it is assumed that the data provided and used by the user terminal is sensing data measured by the user terminal. However, the data provided and used may be sensing data measured by an entity other than the user terminal, or any data other than sensing data.

[0014] <Configuration of the Information Processing System> Figure 1 shows the components (configurations) that make up a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G network), which is an example of a wireless communication network. In Figure 1, UE (User Equipment) 2 is the user's (subscriber's) terminal. RAN (Radio Access Network) 3 is the access network to the 5G core network (5GC). RAN3 is composed of base stations (gNB). The 5G network has a 5G core network (5GC) and an access network ((RAN)), and UE2, DN5, and AF12 are connected to the 5G network. The 5GC is composed of a collection of components having predetermined functions called NF (Network Function). Each of the NF11a to 11e, 11g to 11k, 11m, and 11n shown in Figure 1 is a function realized by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program. However, a single computer may implement two or more of NF11a-11e, 11g-11k, 11m, and 11n. Each of NF11a-11e, 11g-11k, 11m, and 11n may also be referred to as a network node or network component.

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates the following NF11 components that make up 5GC. In Figure 1, they are shown as thick rectangles. UPF (User Plane Function) 11a AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 11b SMF (Session Management Function) 11c PCF (Policy Control Function) 11d NEF (Network Exposure Function) 11e NRF (Network Repository Function) 11g NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) 11h AUSF (Authentication Server Function) 11i UDM (Unified Data Management) 11j NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) 11k LMF (Location Management Function) 11m SF (Sensing Function) 11n

[0016] UPF11a performs routing and forwarding of user packets (user plane packets sent and received by UE2), packet inspection, and QoS processing.

[0017] AMF11b is a UE location accommodation device in 5GC. AMF11b accommodates RAN3 and performs subscriber authentication control, UE2 location (mobility) management, etc.

[0018] SMF11c manages PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions and controls UPF11a for the implementation of QoS (Quality of Service) control and policy control. A PDU session is a virtual communication channel for data exchange between UE2 and DN (Data Network) 5. DN5 is an external data network (such as the Internet) outside of 5GC.

[0019] The PCF11d performs QoS control, policy control, and billing control under the control of the SMF11c. QoS control involves controlling the quality of communication, such as prioritizing packet forwarding. Policy control involves communication control, such as QoS, packet forwarding eligibility, and billing, based on network or subscriber information.

[0020] The NEF11e acts as an intermediary for communication between external nodes and nodes within the control plane.

[0021] NRF11g stores and manages information on NFs (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.) within 5GC. In response to an inquiry regarding an NF that the user wishes to use, NRF11g can return multiple candidate NFs to the inquirer.

[0022] NSSF11h has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications tailored to its intended use.

[0023] AUSF11i is a subscriber authentication server that performs subscriber authentication under the control of AMF11b.

[0024] UDM11j maintains subscriber-related information and provides subscriber information, as well as retrieves, registers, deletes, and modifies the status of UE2.

[0025] NWDAF11k has the function of collecting and analyzing data from each NF11, OAM terminal, and external servers (such as AF12). It is an NF that provides network analysis information.

[0026] LMF11m has the function of estimating the location of UEs that are registered with or accessing 5GC. In addition to the location of the UE, LMF11m may also estimate the speed of movement or the direction of movement.

[0027] SF11n performs sensing services, including collecting sensing information from UE2, RAN3 (base station (gNB)), or other nodes, and providing the collected sensing information to UE2 or other external systems (AF12, DN5, etc.). Details of SF11n will be described later.

[0028] AF12 is an NF that provides application services via NRF11g as part of 5GC, or an NF that is outside of 5GC and provides application services via NEF11e. AF12 performs processing using sensing results, for example. As an example, AF12 generates dynamic map information based on sensing results obtained from SF11n. Alternatively, UE2 or an application program executed on UE2 may operate as AF12.

[0029] In 5GC, multiple NFs of the same type may be provided. For example, NF11 may be provided for each data center (central station). Also, one NF11 may be shared among multiple data centers. Furthermore, multiple NF11s of the same type may be configured within a single data center. The number of data centers, the number of NF11s, and the correspondence between NF11s and data centers can be set as appropriate.

[0030] <Configuration of Information Processing Device and Terminal> Figure 2 shows an example configuration of an information processing device that can operate as each of the NF11, OAM terminal, and external server (AF12) shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, the information processing device 20 can be configured using a dedicated or general-purpose information processing device (computer) such as a personal computer (PC), workstation (WS), or server machine. However, the information processing device 20 may also be a collection of one or more computers (cloud).

[0031] The information processing device 20 includes a processor 21 acting as a processing unit or control unit (controller), a storage device 22, a communication interface 23 (communication IF 23), an input device 24, and a display 25, all interconnected via a bus 26.

[0032] The storage device 22 includes main memory and auxiliary storage. The main memory is used as at least one of the following: a program and data storage area, a program deployment area, a program work area, and a communication data buffer area. The main memory consists of RAM (Random Access Memory), or a combination of RAM and ROM (Read Only Memory). The auxiliary storage is used as a data and program storage area. Non-volatile storage media are used for the auxiliary storage. Examples of non-volatile storage media include hard disks, solid state drives (SSDs), flash memory, or EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage device 22 may also include a drive device for a disk recording medium.

[0033] Communication IF23 is a circuit that performs communication processing. For example, communication IF23 is a network interface card (NIC). Alternatively, communication IF23 may be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication with a wireless communication network (such as a cellular network like a 5G network, a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi®), BLE, etc.). Furthermore, communication IF23 may be a combination of a circuit that performs wired communication processing and a wireless communication circuit.

[0034] The input device 24 includes keys, buttons, pointing devices, and touch panels, and is used for inputting information. The display 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays information and data.

[0035] The processor 21 performs various processes by executing various programs stored in the storage device 22. By the processor 21 executing the programs stored in the storage device 22, the information processing device 20 can operate as NF11a to 11e, 11g to 11k, 11m, 11n, OAM terminal, and external server (AF12), respectively.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of a communication device 30 that can operate as a UE2, RAN3, or base station. The communication device 30 includes a processor 31, a storage device 32, a communication interface 33 (communication IF 33), an input device 34, and a display 35, all interconnected via a bus 36. The processor 31, storage device 32, communication IF 33, input device 34, and display 35 can be the same as those used for the processor 21, storage device 22, communication IF 23, input device 24, and display 25. Therefore, their descriptions are omitted.

[0037] Processors 21 and 31 are, for example, Central Processing Units (CPUs). A CPU is also called a Microprocessor Unit (MPU). Processors 21 and 31 may be in a single-processor configuration or a multi-processor configuration. A single physical CPU connected by a single socket may have a multi-core configuration. Processors 21 and 31 may include arithmetic units of various circuit configurations, such as Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) or Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). Processors 21 and 31 may also have configurations that cooperate with at least one of the following: integrated circuits (ICs), other digital circuits, and analog circuits. Integrated circuits include LSIs, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs). PLDs include, for example, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Processors 21 and 31 also include, for example, what are called microcontrollers (MCUs), SoCs (System-on-a-chips), system LSIs, or chipsets.

[0038] <Operation Example> Figures 4, 5, and 6 are explanatory diagrams of an operation example of a wireless communication system. The operation of the SF11n and each UE shown in Figures 4 to 6 is performed under the control of the processors that constitute them. As shown in Figure 4, it is assumed that there are multiple UEs, namely UE#1, UE#2, UE#3, and UE#4, under the control of a wireless communication network (for example, an SF11n in 5GC). When the SF11n senses UE#1, it sends a notification to UE#1 indicating that UE#1 has become the object to be sensed (referred to as an object UE) (Figure 5<1>). However, in addition to the above notification, or instead of the above notification, a message requesting the provision of auxiliary information, which will be described later, may be sent to UE#1.

[0039] UE#1 senses UEs (referred to as surrounding UEs) located around it (Figure 5<2>). For example, let's assume that UE#1 detects the presence of UE#2, UE#3, and UE#4 as an example of one or more surrounding UEs, and further detects the characteristics of the surrounding UEs.

[0040] UE#1 transmits information from UE#2, UE#3, and UE#4 to SF11n as sensing results from surrounding UEs (referred to as sensing result A1) (Figure 5<3>). The sensing results from surrounding UEs can be used as auxiliary information to determine (discover) the sensing task executor (referred to as the sensing task executor, in this case one of the surrounding UEs) to whom the sensing task should be assigned. In other words, the sensing results are used as auxiliary information for the discovery of the sensing task executor.

[0041] SF11n selects (specifies) a sensing task executor from UE#2, UE#3, and UE#4 detected by UE#1 based on the sensing result A1 (Fig. 5<4>). However, SF11n may include peripheral UEs recognized from sources other than the sensing result A1 in the selection population. The sensing result A1 includes the relative speeds between UE#1 and UE#2 to 4, where the relative speed with UE#2 is 80 km / h, the relative speed with UE#3 is 15 km / h, and the relative speed with UE#4 is -20 km / h. In this case, SF11n determines UE#3, which is the UE with the minimum relative speed to UE#1, as the UE that executes the sensing task.

[0042] SF11n transmits an instruction to UE#3 to perform sensing of UE#1 (Fig. 5<5>). UE#3 performs sensing of UE#1 (Fig. 5<6>). UE#3 transmits the sensing result of UE#1 to the SF (Fig. 5<7>).

[0043] As described above, according to this operation example, the sensing target (object UE) actively provides auxiliary information useful for sensing the sensing target itself. That is, UE#1 provides information such as peripheral UEs detected by UE#1 as information (auxiliary information) that serves as a reference for selecting the sensing task executor of UE#1, to a subject that desires sensing of UE#1. UE#1 can provide, for example, information captured by a camera included in UE#1 as auxiliary information, in addition to various parameters described later.

[0044] In general, an object UE is only sensed and does not provide auxiliary information. Further, in general, a sensing task executor is randomly selected from UEs present around the object UE. For this reason, an optimal or suitable UE is not necessarily selected. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 4, UE#2, which has the maximum relative speed to UE#1, may be selected. In contrast, in this operation example, the optimal or suitable UE#3 is selected as the sensing task executor.

[0045] Incidentally, the operation or processing of SF11n described in the above example of operation may be performed by extending an existing NF. Also, some of the processing performed by SF11n may be performed by an NF different from SF11n. For example, at least one of NWDAF11k and LMF11m may receive auxiliary information obtained by SF11n from UE#1, determine the sensing task executor or the details (procedure) of the sensing, and send it back to SF11n. Alternatively, SF11n may specify at least one of NWDAF11k and LMFm as the destination for auxiliary information, UE#1 may send the auxiliary information to at least one of NWDAF11k and LMFm, and SF11n may receive (obtain) the result determined by at least one of NWDAF11k and LMFm using the auxiliary information.

[0046] <Sensing Results and Parameter Variations> This section explains the sensing results in Figure 5<2> and the variations in parameters (indicators) used to select the sensing task executor based on those results.

[0047] <<1. Sensing Result A1: Relative Velocity>> An object UE (UE#1) can send a sensing result (referred to as Sensing Result A1) to the SF11n, which includes information indicating the relative velocity between the object UE and surrounding UEs, as a parameter for selecting a sensing task executor (auxiliary information for the discovery of sensing task executor candidates). For example, assume that Sensing Result A1 includes information indicating the relative velocity with surrounding UEs as follows: UE#2: 80 km / h UE#3: 15 km / h UE#4: -20 km / h UE#5: 0 km / h

[0048] For SF11n, as a selection condition (predetermined condition) for a sensing task performer, for example, a relative speed equal to or lower than a predetermined value (threshold) (for example, 25 km / h or lower, provided that UEs with a negative relative speed are excluded) can be set. In this case, SF11n can select, as the selection of only the optimal UE, for example, UE#3 with the highest relative speed among the UEs (UE#3 and UE#5) whose relative speeds satisfy the condition as a candidate. Alternatively, SF11n can select all UEs that satisfy the condition as candidates. In this case, UE#3 and UE#5 are selected as candidates. The priority order among the selected candidates can be set arbitrarily (the optimal one is prioritized, random selection, etc.). The selection condition for the sensing task performer can be appropriately set according to the purpose of sensing and the like, and the optimal UE selection method (priority order determination method) when a plurality of UEs satisfying the selection condition are detected can also be set according to the purpose of sensing and the like.

[0049] <<2. Sensing Result A2: Speed>> The object UE (UE#1) can transmit a sensing result (referred to as sensing result A2) including information indicating the speeds of neighboring UEs to SF11n as a parameter (assistance information) for selecting a sensing task performer. For example, assume that the sensing result A2 includes, for example, information indicating the following speeds. In the example shown below, the speeds are ranked, but this is optional. The threshold for ranking speeds, the number of ranks, and the like can be set as appropriate. Further, in the present embodiment, the entity that converts the information indicating the speed into the information indicating the rank may be SF11n, may be NF11 other than SF11n (such as NWDAF11k or LMF11m), or may be UE#1. In other words, the information indicating the speed may be information indicating the speed itself, or information indicating the rank (type) of the speed. UE#2: 80 km / h (high speed) UE#3: 15 km / h (low speed) UE#4: 50 km / h (medium speed) UE#5: 0 km / h (stopped)

[0050] For the SF11n, a selection condition (predetermined condition) for the sensing task executor can be set, for example, that the speed must be below a predetermined rank (e.g., low speed). Alternatively, instead of converting to rank, a predetermined threshold for speed may be set, and the condition for selection may be that the speed is below the threshold. The SF11n can select only the optimal UE. In the above example, the SF11n selects UE#5, which has the lowest speed among those with a speed rank of low speed or lower (low speed and stopped), as the optimal candidate. However, it is possible that the UE with the fastest speed (UE#3) among those with a rank of low speed or lower may be selected as the optimal candidate. Furthermore, the SF11n may select all UEs that satisfy the condition of low speed or lower (UE#3 and UE#5) as candidates. The priority order among the selected candidates can be set arbitrarily (optimal priority, random, etc.).

[0051] <<3. Sensing Result B: Distance>> Object UE (UE#1) can send sensing results (referred to as Sensing Result B) to the SF, which include information indicating the distance between Object UE and surrounding UEs, as parameters (auxiliary information) for selecting the sensing task executor. For example, assume that Sensing Result B includes information indicating the distance to surrounding UEs as follows. Thresholds and the number of ranks for ranking distances can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, UE#1 sends distance information to the SF11n, and the SF11n converts the distance information into information indicating its rank. However, an NF11 other than the SF11n (such as NWDAF11k), or UE#1, may convert the distance information into information indicating its rank (small, medium, large, extra large) and send the rank information to the SF11n. Distance between UE#1 and UE#2: 20m (Distance: Medium) Distance between UE#1 and UE#3: 5m (Distance: Small) Distance between UE#1 and UE#4: 100m (Distance: Extra Large) Distance between UE#1 and UE#5: 50m (Distance: Large)

[0052] The SF11n allows you to set selection criteria (predetermined conditions) for the sensing task executor, such as the distance being less than or equal to a predetermined value (threshold, e.g., 30m). In this case, as an example of selecting only the optimal UE, the SF11n can select UE#3, which has the shortest distance, as a candidate. Alternatively, the UE with the longest distance (UE#2) among those whose distance is less than or equal to the predetermined value (=30m) may be selected as the optimal UE. Or, the SF11n may select all UEs (UE#2 and UE#3) that satisfy the above selection condition (less than or equal to 30m) as candidates. The priority order among the selected candidates can be set arbitrarily (optimal priority, random, etc.). Instead of determining whether an UE is a candidate or not by checking its rank, the determination may be made based on the distance itself.

[0053] <<4. Sensing Result C: Signal Strength of Received Wave>> Object UE (UE#1) can transmit sensing results (referred to as Sensing Result C) to SF11n, which include information indicating the signal strength of signals received from surrounding UEs (referred to as received waves) as parameters (auxiliary information) for selecting the sensing task executor. For example, assume that Sensing Result C includes information indicating the signal strength as follows: The signal strength of the received wave is, for example, the strength of the signals reflected back from surrounding UEs (UE#2 to UE5) in response to the sensing signal transmitted from UE#1 (referred to as reflected waves), but is not limited to this. In addition to signal strength (RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), or RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), etc.), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) or SINR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) may be set as selection parameters. The threshold for ranking signal strength, the number of ranks, and the entity that converts signal strength to rank can be set as appropriate. UE#1-UE#2 Signal strength: Low UE#1-UE#3 Signal strength: Medium UE#1-UE#4 Signal strength: High UE#1-UE#5 Signal strength: Low

[0054] For the SF11n, a selection criterion (predetermined condition) for the sensing task executor can be set, for example, that the signal strength must be above a predetermined rank (e.g., medium). In this case, the SF11n can select only the optimal UE, for example, UE#4, which has the highest signal strength, as a candidate. Alternatively, the SF11n can select all UEs that satisfy the condition (UE#3 and UE#4) as candidates. The priority order among the selected candidates can be set arbitrarily (optimal priority, random, etc.).

[0055] <<5. Sensing Result D: UE Type>> An object UE (UE#1) can send a sensing result (referred to as Sensing Result D) to the SF11n, which includes information indicating the type of surrounding UEs, as a parameter (auxiliary information) for selecting the sensing task executor. For example, let's assume that the information indicating the type of UE included in Sensing Result D is as follows. The types and number of types can be set as appropriate. UE#2: Type A: UE held by a pedestrian UE#3: Type B: UE mounted on a vehicle UE#4: Type C: UE mounted on a drone (flying object) UE#5: Type D: Non-mobile UE (UE with a fixed position, such as a UE fixed to a structure like a road or building)

[0056] For the SF11n, it is possible to set the selection criteria (predetermined conditions) for the sensing task executor to select a predetermined type of UE. Alternatively, it may be set to exclude a predetermined type of UE and determine the remaining UEs as candidates. When multiple candidates are selected, the priority among the candidates can be set arbitrarily (optimal priority, random, etc.).

[0057] <<6. Sensing Result E: Stability of UE Detection>> Object UE (UE#1) can send sensing results (referred to as Sensing Result E) to the SF, which include information indicating the stability of UE detection, as parameters (auxiliary information) for selecting the sensing task executor. For example, let's assume that the information indicating the stability of UE detection included in Sensing Result E is as follows. The conditions for determining the stability rank can be set as appropriate. For example, if the number of times (frequency) of loss within a predetermined time exceeds a threshold, it is determined to be unstable. The number of stability ranks can also be set as appropriate. UE#2: Unstable (Loss of presence detection: Many times) UE#3: Stable (Loss of presence detection: None) UE#4: Moderately stable (Loss of presence detection: Less than a predetermined number (e.g., 1 time)) UE#5: Unstable (Loss of presence detection: Many times)

[0058] For the SF11n, the sensing task executor can select UEs with a stability level of a predetermined rank or higher as candidates, based on predetermined selection criteria. All UEs that meet the predetermined criteria (UE#3 and UE#4) may be selected as candidates, or the optimal UE (UE#3) may be selected as a candidate. When multiple candidates are selected, the priority order among the candidates can be set arbitrarily (optimal priority, random, etc.).

[0059] <<7. Sensing Result F: Angular Scatter around UE#1>> As shown in Figure 6, UE#1 may be placed at the origin of a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the direction in which each surrounding UE exists as viewed from UE#1 may be identified, and candidates may be selected based on the angular scatter as viewed from UE#1. For example, suppose the angles of the surrounding UE#2 to UE#6 as viewed from UE#1 are as follows: UE#2: 10° UE#3: 90° UE#4: 12° UE#5: 210° UE#6: 320°

[0060] In this case, from the perspective of UE#1, the directions of UE#2 and UE#4 appear to be the same. Therefore, SF11n can exclude either UE#2 or UE#4 from the candidates and determine the candidates so that UE#1 is sensed from as many directions as possible without overlap. When multiple candidates are selected, the priority among the candidates can be set arbitrarily (optimal priority, random, etc.).

[0061] If multiple candidates are selected using the method described above, only one UE selected from among them may become the sensing task executor and perform the sensing task, or two or more, or all, of the multiple candidates may become the sensing task executors and perform the sensing task. Alternatively, one may be selected from the multiple candidates, and the rest may be treated as backups.

[0062] As described above, the processing by the SF11n (processor) may either select UEs that meet predetermined conditions as candidates for sensing task executors, or exclude UEs that do not meet the predetermined conditions from the candidates (Exclude condition). In the example operation, the narrowing down of candidates for sensing task executors is performed by the core network (SF11n), but it may also be done by NF11 other than SF11n (such as NWDAF11k or LMF11m), or the narrowing down may be performed on the object UE (UE#1) side.

[0063] <Determination of Sensing Details (Implementation Procedure)> The SF11n can pre-specify which of the above-mentioned parameters to send as a sensing result to the sensing target (UE#1), and in Figure 5<3>, UE#1 can send a sensing result including the specified parameter.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5<4>, the SF11n can determine the details of the sensing (procedure for execution) to be performed by the sensing task executor using the sensing results received from the sensing target (UE#1). The sensing procedure includes the sensing task executor, the sensing target (detection target), the type of parameters obtained by sensing, and the sensing means (sensing method).

[0065] The entity performing the sensing task may be, for example, a UE (Union Engine), but could also be a base station. The object to be sensed may be a UE, but could also be an object other than a UE. The types of parameters obtained by sensing can be exemplified by the parameters 1 to 7 described above. Information indicating the sensing means (method) may include information indicating the type of sensor used for sensing (radar, lidar, camera, etc.), and information indicating the sensor's setting parameters (direction of electromagnetic wave radiation, type of electromagnetic wave (usage frequency), imaging direction, field of view, etc.).

[0066] The information indicating the sensing procedure determined in SF11n can be included in the sensing instruction (Figure 5<5>) as a specified parameter acquired by UE#3 during sensing, and UE#3 can perform sensing of UE#1 according to the procedure.

[0067] Alternatively, instead of the configuration described above, the selection of the sensing task executor may be excluded from the determination of the sensing procedure based on the sensing results from the sensing target (UE#1). In other words, the sensing results may not be used to select the sensing task executor, but rather as information to determine the sensing procedure for the sensing target to be assigned to a predetermined sensing task executor. In this case, in Figure 5<4>, the sensing task executor is not determined, and the sensing procedure to be assigned to the already determined sensing task executor is determined.

[0068] <Updating the Sensing Task Executor> Figure 7 shows an example of the operation when updating the sensing task executor. Due to environmental changes over time, UE#3 may no longer be the appropriate sensing task executor. For this reason, the procedure shown in Figure 7 is executed. In Figure 7, first, the same procedure as in Figure 5, <1> to <6>, is executed, and the sensing result of UE#1 is sent to SF11n (Figure 7 <7>).

[0069] SF11n transmits a resensing instruction (an instruction to update the status of surrounding UEs) to UE#1 (Figure 7<8>). UE#1 performs sensing again in response to the resensing instruction (Figure 7<9>) and transmits the sensing result (referred to as sensing result T2) to SF11n (Figure 7<10>). The sensing result T2 may be any of the parameters described in the above variations or the selection criteria of the sensing task executor.

[0070] Based on the sensing result T2, SF11n updates the UE that will perform the sensing task (Figure 7<11>). The process of selecting the UE is the same as the process described in the operation example using Figures 4 to 6. However, the result of the selected candidate may change due to changes in the environment (such as the UE's position, (relative) velocity, direction, or inability to detect (loss)). In the example shown in Figure 7, UE#3 was selected as the sensing task performer, but after the update, UE#4 is selected as the sensing task performer. In this case, SF11n sends a notification to UE#3 to cancel the sensing task (Figure 7<12>) and sends a sensing task instruction from UE#1 to UE#4 (Figure 7<13>). As a result, the sensing task performer switches from UE#3 to UE#4, and UE#4 is in a state where it can send the sensing result from UE#1 to SF11n.

[0071] <Updating the Sensing Means (Sensing Method)> Figure 8 shows a sequence illustrating the case of updating the sensing method. In Figure 8, it is assumed that the same steps as in Figures 5<1> to <6>, steps <1> to <6>, are performed, and that the state in which UE#3 transmits the sensing results of UE#1 to SF11n as the sensing task executor (Figure 8<7>) continues.

[0072] The SF11n detects a deterioration in the quality of the sensing results from UE#3 due to factors such as worsening radio wave conditions (Figure 8<8>). The quality deterioration may be determined using the data included in the sensing results, or it may be determined based on information indicating the surrounding environment of UE#3 that the SF11n receives from UE#3 or the like.

[0073] The SF11n selects an alternative sensing means (sensing method) based on factors such as quality degradation (Figure 8<9>). For example, if degradation of the radio wave environment is detected, the SF11n can decide to switch the sensing method from 3GPP sensing (using radio waves) to Non-3GPP sensing (using LiDAR or camera). In other words, the SF11n can decide to change the type of sensor used for sensing.

[0074] Alternatively, if the SF11n receives information indicating adverse weather conditions (rain, fog, etc.) (auxiliary information) either included in the sensing results or in a separate message from the sensing results, the SF11n can decide to change the frequency of the radio waves used for sensing. For example, if the sensing wave is a radio wave, this could be a change from the terahertz band to the millimeter wave band. In this specification, the signal transmitted for sensing is referred to as the sensing wave. The radio waves (terahertz waves, millimeter waves) mentioned above are just examples of sensing waves. Various electromagnetic waves and sound waves can be applied as sensing waves, and the type of sensing wave to be changed is not limited to the above examples and can be selected as appropriate. Furthermore, the sensing wave is not limited to those used in 3GPP sensing, but may also include sensing waves used in Non-3GPP sensing.

[0075] Alternatively, if the SF11n receives information (auxiliary information) indicating that no UEs are present in the vicinity of the sensing target, either included in the sensing results or in a separate message from the sensing results, the SF11n may decide to switch from sensing by the UE to sensing by the base station.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 8, SF11n transmits information to UE#3 indicating an alternative sensing method (an instruction to switch to the alternative sensing method) (Figure 8<10>). Based on the information indicating the alternative sensing method, UE#3 changes the sensing method of UE#1 (Figure 8<11>). Then, UE#3 transmits the sensing result of UE#1 obtained by the alternative sensing method to SF11n (Figure 8<12>).

[0077] This embodiment discloses a UE#1 (terminal) connected to a wireless communication network, which includes a processor 31 that controls sensing around the UE#1 when the UE#1 is the target of sensing, and transmitting the sensing results from the sensing to the 5GC as information for determining the details of the sensing of the UE#1. With the UE#1, the sensing results of the surroundings can be sent as auxiliary information, making it possible to determine a suitable sensing method for the UE#1 in the wireless communication network.

[0078] Information used to determine the sensing details of the sensing target (UE#1) may include information used to determine the sensing task executor who will perform the sensing of UE#1.

[0079] This embodiment discloses an information processing device 20 (an information processing device 20 operating as SF11n) including a processor 21 that controls acquiring sensing results obtained by a sensing target (UE#1) sensing its surroundings, and determining the details of sensing the sensing target (UE#1) based on the sensing results. The processor 21 determines a sensing task executor to perform sensing of the sensing target as part of the sensing procedure. According to the information processing device 20 (SF11n), the sensing procedure can determine the sensing task executor, and it is possible to select (determine) a more suitable sensing task executor than when the sensing task executor is determined randomly. The sensing procedure is not limited to the sensing task executor, but also includes the sensing method, specific parameters when executing the sensing method, etc., and by executing these using the sensing results of the sensing target, suitable sensing can be performed.

[0080] The sensing target is a terminal (UE), but it may be something other than a UE. The sensing task executor may be a terminal other than the sensing target, or something else (such as a base station). In other words, the processor can determine the sensing task executor from a group of objects that include one or more objects (peripheral UEs) that can be sensing task executors, detected by the sensing target sensing its surroundings. The group of objects may consist only of objects detected by the sensing target, or it may include objects detected by the sensing target and objects detected by entities other than the sensing target.

[0081] In the processing (procedure) shown in Figure 5<4>, the SF11n (processor 21) can determine for the sensing task executor which objects (UEs) whose relative velocity is less than or equal to a predetermined value are based on information indicating the relative velocity between each object (e.g., surrounding UEs) included in the object group and the sensing target (UE#1) (see sensing result A1).

[0082] Furthermore, in the processing (procedure) shown in Figure 5<4>, the SF11n (processor 21) can determine for the sensing task executor which objects (UEs) whose velocity is below a predetermined value, based on information indicating the velocity of each object (surrounding UE) included in the object group (see sensing result A2).

[0083] Furthermore, in the processing (procedure) shown in Figure 5<4>, the SF11n (processor 21) can determine for the sensing task executor which objects are at or below a predetermined distance, based on information indicating the distance between each object included in the object group (e.g., surrounding UE) and the sensing target (see sensing result B).

[0084] Furthermore, in the processing (procedure) shown in Figure 5<4>, the SF11n (processor 21) can determine for the sensing task executor an object (UE) having a predetermined signal strength, predetermined signal quality, or predetermined signal-to-noise ratio based on information indicating the signal strength, quality, or signal-to-noise ratio received from each object (e.g., peripheral UE) included in the object group (see sensing result C).

[0085] Furthermore, in the processing (procedure) shown in Figure 5<4>, the SF11n (processor 21) can determine for the sensing task executor an object (UE) having a predetermined type based on the type of each object (e.g., peripheral UE) included in the object group (see sensing result D). Also, the processor 21 can determine for the sensing task executor an object (UE) having a predetermined stability based on information indicating the stability of detection of each object (e.g., peripheral UE) included in the object group (see sensing result E).

[0086] Furthermore, in the processing (procedure) shown in Figure 5<4>, the SF11n (processor 21) can determine the object (UE) remaining after narrowing down two or more objects that are determined to be in the same direction to one, based on information indicating the direction in which each object in the object group is located as seen from the sensing target (UE#1), to the sensing task executor (see sensing result F).

[0087] Furthermore, in the procedure shown in Figure 7, the SF11n (processor 21) can change the sensing task executor to UE#4 based on the sensing results received from the sensing task executor (UE#3). This allows sensing to continue by the most suitable sensing task executor.

[0088] Furthermore, the SF11n (processor 21) can change the sensing method used by the sensing task executor (UE#3) based on the sensing results received from the sensing task executor (UE#3). The quality of the sensing results can be improved in response to the deterioration of the sensing results.

[0089] The object to be sensed is the first terminal (UE#1), and each object included in the object group may be one or more second terminals (for example, UE#2, UE#3, UE#4 shown in Figure 4) that are different from the first terminal and have been detected by sensing around the first terminal (UE#1). The second terminals are peripheral terminals that exist around the first terminal.

[0090] Furthermore, this embodiment discloses a sensing support method in which a terminal (UE#1) connected to a wireless communication network performs sensing around the terminal when the terminal is the target of sensing, and transmits the sensing results from the sensing to the wireless communication network as auxiliary information for selecting a sensing task executor to perform sensing on the terminal.

[0091] Furthermore, this embodiment discloses a sensing control method in which the information processing device 20 (SF11n) acquires sensing results obtained by the sensing target (UE#1) sensing its surroundings, and determines the sensing method of the sensing target (UE#1) based on the sensing results.

[0092] <Other Modifications> The above embodiments are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence. In the above-described example of operation, SF11n determines the sensing procedure (including the sensing task executor). In contrast, an NF different from SF11n and the source of the sensing request, such as NWDAF11k, may determine the sensing procedure based on data from SF11n and notify the source of the sensing request of the determination result via SF11n or directly.

[0093] 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.

[0094] (Note 1) A terminal connected to a wireless communication network, which includes a processor that controls the following when the terminal is the target of sensing: to perform sensing on the surrounding area of ​​the terminal, and to transmit the sensing results obtained from the sensing to the wireless communication network as information for determining the sensing method of the terminal.

[0095] (Note 2) The terminal described in Note 1, which transmits the sensing result to the wireless communication network as information used to determine the person performing the sensing task that will perform the sensing of the terminal, as included in the sensing procedure of the terminal.

[0096] (Note 3) The terminal described in Note 2, wherein the sensing result includes the relative velocity between the terminal and one or more objects present in the vicinity of the terminal that may be the performers of the sensing task, or information indicating the velocity.

[0097] (Note 4) The terminal described in Note 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the distance between the terminal and one or more objects present in the vicinity of the terminal that could be the performers of the sensing task.

[0098] (Note 5) The terminal described in Note 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the intensity, quality, or signal-to-noise ratio of signals received from one or more objects that may be the performers of the sensing task.

[0099] (Note 6) The terminal described in Note 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the type of one or more objects that could be the performer of the sensing task.

[0100] (Note 7) The terminal described in Note 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the stability of detection of one or more objects that may be the performers of the sensing task.

[0101] (Note 8) The terminal described in Note 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the direction in which one or more objects that could be the performers of the sensing task exist, as seen from the sensing target.

[0102] (Note 9) The object is a peripheral terminal located around the terminal as described in any one of Notes 3 to 7.

[0103] (Note 10) An information processing device including a processor that controls the acquisition of sensing results obtained by sensing the surrounding area of ​​a sensing target, and the determination of the sensing method for the sensing target based on the sensing results.

[0104] (Note 11) The processor is an information processing device according to Note 10 that determines the sensing task executor to perform sensing of the sensing target, as the procedure for sensing the sensing target.

[0105] (Note 12) The information processing device according to Note 11, wherein the processor determines the sensing task executor from a group of objects including one or more objects shown in the sensing result that can be the sensing task executor detected by sensing the surrounding area of ​​the sensing target.

[0106] (Note 13) The information processing device according to Note 12, wherein the processor determines, based on information indicating the relative velocity between each object included in the object group and the sensing target, objects whose relative velocity is less than or equal to a predetermined value for the sensing task executor.

[0107] (Note 14) The information processing device according to Note 12, wherein the processor determines, based on information indicating the velocity of each object included in the object group, the objects whose velocity is less than or equal to a predetermined value for the sensing task executor.

[0108] (Note 15) The information processing device according to Note 12, wherein the processor determines, based on information indicating the distance between each object included in the object group and the sensing target, objects whose distance is less than or equal to a predetermined value for the sensing task executor.

[0109] (Note 16) The information processing device according to Note 12, wherein the processor determines for the sensing task executor an object having a predetermined signal strength, predetermined signal quality, or predetermined signal-to-noise ratio based on information indicating the strength, quality, or signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received from each object included in the object group.

[0110] (Note 17) The information processing device according to Note 12, wherein the processor determines an object having a predetermined type for the sensing task executor based on the type of each object included in the object group.

[0111] (Note 18) The information processing device according to Note 12, wherein the processor determines, for the sensing task executor, an object having a predetermined level of stability based on information indicating the stability of detection of each object included in the object group.

[0112] (Note 19) The information processing device according to Note 12, wherein the processor determines the sensing task executor to be the remaining object after narrowing down two or more objects that are determined to be in the same direction to one, based on information indicating the direction in which each object in the group of objects is located as seen from the sensing target.

[0113] (Note 20) The processor is an information processing device according to Note 11 that changes the sensing task executor based on the sensing results received from the sensing task executor.

[0114] (Note 21) The information processing device according to Note 11, wherein the processor changes the sensing method used by the sensing task executor based on the sensing results received from the sensing task executor.

[0115] (Note 22) The information processing device according to any one of Notes 11 to 21, wherein the sensing target is a first terminal, and each object included in the object group is one or more second terminals different from the first terminal, detected by sensing around the first terminal.

[0116] (Note 23) A sensing support method that, when a terminal connected to a wireless communication network is the target of sensing, performs sensing on the area surrounding the terminal, and transmits the sensing results obtained from the sensing to the wireless communication network as information for selecting a sensing task executor to perform sensing on the terminal.

[0117] (Note 24) A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium on which a program is recorded that causes a computer in a terminal connected to a wireless communication network to perform sensing on the surrounding area of ​​the terminal when the terminal is the target of sensing, and to transmit the sensing results from the sensing to the wireless communication network as information for selecting a sensing task executor to perform sensing on the terminal.

[0118] (Note 25) A sensing control method in which an information processing device acquires sensing results obtained by sensing the surrounding area of ​​a sensing target, and determines the sensing method for the sensing target based on the sensing results.

[0119] (Note 26) A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer to perform the following actions: acquire sensing results obtained by sensing the surrounding area of ​​a sensing target, and determine the sensing method for the sensing target based on the sensing results.

[0120] 2...User terminal (UE), 3...RAN, 11n...SF (Sensing Function), 21, 31...Processor

Claims

1. A terminal connected to a wireless communication network, which includes a processor that controls sensing of the surrounding area of ​​the terminal when the terminal is the target of sensing, and transmitting the sensing results from the sensing to the wireless communication network as information for determining the sensing method of the terminal.

2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the sensing result is transmitted to the wireless communication network as information used to determine the person performing the sensing task that performs the sensing of the terminal, which is included in the sensing procedure of the terminal.

3. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the sensing result includes the relative velocity between the terminal and one or more objects present in the vicinity of the terminal that may be the performers of the sensing task, or information indicating velocity.

4. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the distance between the terminal and one or more objects present in the vicinity of the terminal that could be the performers of the sensing task.

5. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the intensity, quality, or signal-to-noise ratio of signals received from one or more objects that may be the performers of the sensing task.

6. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the type of one or more objects that could be the performer of the sensing task.

7. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the stability of detection of one or more objects that may be the executors of the sensing task.

8. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the sensing result includes information indicating the direction in which one or more objects that could be the performers of the sensing task exist, as seen from the sensing target.

9. The terminal according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the object is a peripheral terminal located in the vicinity of the terminal.

10. An information processing device including a processor that controls the acquisition of sensing results obtained by sensing the surrounding area of ​​a sensing target, and the determination of the sensing method for the sensing target based on the sensing results.

11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the processor determines a sensing task executor to perform sensing of the sensing target, as the procedure for sensing the sensing target.

12. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processor determines the sensing task executor from a group of objects including one or more objects shown in the sensing result, which can be the sensing task executor detected by sensing the surrounding area of ​​the sensing target.

13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor determines, based on information indicating the relative velocity between each object included in the object group and the sensing target, objects whose relative velocity is less than or equal to a predetermined value for the sensing task executor.

14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor determines, based on information indicating the velocity of each object included in the object group, objects whose velocity is less than or equal to a predetermined value for the sensing task executor.

15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor determines, based on information indicating the distance between each object included in the object group and the sensing target, objects whose distance is less than or equal to a predetermined value for the sensing task executor.

16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor determines for the sensing task executor an object having a predetermined signal strength, predetermined signal quality, or predetermined signal-to-noise ratio based on information indicating the strength, quality, or signal-to-noise ratio of the signal received from each object included in the object group.

17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor determines an object having a predetermined type for the sensing task executor based on the type of each object included in the object group.

18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processor determines an object having a predetermined stability for the sensing task executor based on information indicating the stability of detection of each object included in the object group.

19. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the sensing target is a first terminal, and each object included in the object group is one or more second terminals different from the first terminal, detected by sensing around the first terminal.

20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program that causes a computer in a terminal connected to a wireless communication network to perform sensing on the surrounding area of ​​the terminal when the terminal is a target for sensing, and to transmit the sensing results from the sensing to the wireless communication network as information for selecting a sensing task executor to perform sensing on the terminal.

Images