WO2022048749A1

WO2022048749A1 - Method, apparatus and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2022048749A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/074521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Saurabh Khare; Devaki Chandramouli
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2020-09-03
Filing date: 2020-09-03
Publication date: 2022-03-10
Also published as: EP4208965A1

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

Description

Title

Method, apparatus and computer program

Field

The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to improve user equipment (UE) analytics.

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices (also referred to as station or user equipment) and/or application servers. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, content data, time-sensitive network (TSN) flows and/or data in an industrial application such as critical system messages between an actuator and a controller, critical sensor data (such as measurements, video feed etc.) towards a control system and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session, for example, between at least two stations or between at least one station and at least one application server (e.g. for video), occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN) operating based on 3GPP radio standards such as E- LITRA, New Radio, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access one or more carriers provided by the network, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and/or receive communications on the one or more carriers. In carrier aggregation (CA) two or more carriers are combined into one channel. In dual connectivity (DC), two carriers from different sites are combined, that is a user equipment may be dual (or multi) connected to two (or more) sites.

The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that may be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) based on the E-UTRAN radio-access technology, and so-called 5G system (5GS) including the 5G or next generation core (NGC) and the 5G Access network based on the New Radio (NR) radio-access technology. 5GS including NR are being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Summary

In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

The network provided analytics may be associated with a given analytics identifier.

At least one of the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment and the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment may comprise a flag, wherein the flag is associated with the given analytics identifier.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment to the network in a registration request message. The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment at the user equipment in a registration accept message.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing data for network provided analytics from the user equipment to a network function of the network or to a third party application server; and receiving analytics output at the user equipment from the network function or from the third party application server.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing the data for network provided analytics to the network function via an access and mobility management function or a user plane function.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing a request for network provided analytics from the user equipment to an access and mobility management function.

In a second aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment at the network in a registration request message.

The apparatus may comprise means for providing the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment to the user equipment in a registration accept message. The apparatus may comprise means for receiving data for network provided analytics from the user equipment at a network data analytics function of the network and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network data analytics function.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the data for network provided analytics from the user equipment via a user plane function or an access and mobility management function and providing the analytics output to the user equipment via the user plane function or the access and mobility management function.

In a third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function.

The network function may comprise a network data analytics function.

The network function may comprise a third party application server.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a method comprising providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

The method may comprise providing the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment to the network in a registration request message. The method may comprise receiving the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment at the user equipment in a registration accept message.

The method may comprise providing data for network provided analytics from the user equipment to a network function of the network or to a third party application server; and receiving analytics output at the user equipment from the network function or from the third party application server.

The method may comprise providing the data for network provided analytics to the network function via an access and mobility management function or a user plane function.

The method may comprise providing a request for network provided analytics from the user equipment to an access and mobility management function.

In a fifth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

The method may comprise receiving the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment at the network in a registration request message.

The method may comprise providing the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment to the user equipment in a registration accept message. The method may comprise receiving data for network provided analytics from the user equipment at a network data analytics function of the network and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network data analytics function.

The method may comprise receiving the data for network provided analytics from the user equipment via a user plane function or an access and mobility management function and providing the analytics output to the user equipment via the user plane function or the access and mobility management function.

In a sixth aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function.

The network function may comprise a network data analytics function.

The network function may comprise a third party application server.

In a seventh aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: provide, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and receive an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

At least one of the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment and the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment may comprise a flag, wherein the flag is associated with the given analytics identifier. The apparatus may be configured to provide the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment to the network in a registration request message.

The apparatus may be configured to receive the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment at the user equipment in a registration accept message.

The apparatus may be configured to provide data for network provided analytics from the user equipment to a network function of the network or to a third party application server and receive analytics output at the user equipment from the network function or from the third party application server.

The apparatus may be configured to provide the data for network provided analytics to the network function via an access and mobility management function or a user plane function.

The apparatus may be configured to provide a request for network provided analytics from the user equipment to an access and mobility management function.

In an eighth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and provide an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

The apparatus may be configured to receive the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment at the network in a registration request message.

The apparatus may be configured to provide the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment to the user equipment in a registration accept message. The apparatus may be configured to receive data for network provided analytics from the user equipment at a network data analytics function of the network and provide analytics output to the user equipment from the network data analytics function.

The apparatus may be configured to receive the data for network provided analytics from the user equipment via a user plane function or an access and mobility management function and provide the analytics output to the user equipment via the user plane function or the access and mobility management function.

In a ninth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network and provide analytics output to the user equipment from the network function.

The network function may comprise a network data analytics function.

The apparatus be configured to receive the data for network provided analytics from the user equipment via a user plane function or an access and mobility management function and providing the analytics output to the user equipment via the user plane function or the access and mobility management function.

The network function may comprise a third party application server.

In a tenth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment to the network in a registration request message.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment at the user equipment in a registration accept message.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing data for network provided analytics from the user equipment to a network function of the network or to a third party application server; and receiving analytics output at the user equipment from the network function or from the third party application server.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the data for network provided analytics to the network function via an access and mobility management function or a user plane function.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing a request for network provided analytics from the user equipment to an access and mobility management function.

In an eleventh aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

At least one of the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment and the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment may comprise a flag, wherein the flag is associated with the given analytics identifier. The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment at the network in a registration request message.

The apparatus may be caused to perform providing the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment to the user equipment in a registration accept message.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving data for network provided analytics from the user equipment at a network data analytics function of the network and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network data analytics function.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving the data for network provided analytics from the user equipment via a user plane function or an access and mobility management function and providing the analytics output to the user equipment via the user plane function or the access and mobility management function.

In a twelfth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function.

The network function may comprise a network data analytics function.

The network function may comprise a third party application server. In a thirteenth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third aspect or a method according to the fourth aspect.

In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

Description of Figures

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment;

Figure 8 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment.

Detailed description

Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples. An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G System (5GS). Network architecture in 5GS may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. Base stations of NR systems may be known as next generation Node Bs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer QoS support, and some on-demand requirements for e.g. QoS levels to support QoE of user point of view. Also network aware services and applications, and service and application aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. Those are related to Information Centric Network (ICN) and User-Centric Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple input - multiple output (Ml MO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so- called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and perhaps also employing a variety of radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates.

5G networks may utilise network functions virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into “building blocks” or entities that may be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program codes using standard or general type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications this may mean node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) 100. The 5GS may comprise a user equipment (UE) 102 (which may also be referred to as a communication device or a terminal), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) 104, a 5G core network (5GCN) 106, one or more application functions (AF) 108 and one or more data networks (DN) 110.

An example 5G core network (CN) comprises functional entities. The 5GCN 106 may comprise one or more access and mobility management functions (AMF) 112, one or more session management functions (SMF) 114, an authentication server function (AUSF) 116, a unified data management (UDM) 118, one or more user plane functions (UPF) 120, a unified data repository (UDR) 122 and/or a network exposure function (NEF) 124. The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function) that receives policies from a PCF (Policy Control Function). The Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) is not shown in Figure 1. The NWDAF provides the network analytics functionality/capabilities. NWDAF analytics can also be exposed via NEF. The Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) was first defined in 3GPP Release 15 and extended in Release 16 after completion of an SA2 study item documented in 3GPP TR 23.791. For 3GPP Release 17, there is currently an on-going study to further enhance the NWDAF, documented in 3GPP TR 23.700-91. The NWDAF calculates analytics based on data collected from different data sources, such as the AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AF, and GAM. The NWDAF offers analytics, identified by a 3GPP defined analytics identifier, to Consumers using the services based architecture defined for the 5GC.

The CN is connected to a UE via the radio access network (RAN). The 5GRAN may comprise one or more gNodeB (GNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (GNB) centralized unit functions. The RAN may comprise one or more access nodes.

A UPF (User Plane Function) whose role is called PSA (PDU Session Anchor) may be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN (data network) and the tunnels established over the 5G towards the UE(s) exchanging traffic with the DN.

A possible communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile (communication) device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a ’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a metering device or any combinations of these or the like. A (mobile) communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information. A communication device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the communication device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone may be also provided. Furthermore, a communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

The communication device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

Figure 3 shows an example embodiment of a control apparatus, in short apparatus, for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and/or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node such as an MME or S-GW or P-GW, or a core network function such as AMF/SMF, or a server or host. The method may be implemented in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head. For Release 18, UE based analytics is to be studied.

Network-based analytics (e.g., NWDAF) are currently more advanced and/or powerful than UE based analytics. UE based analytics may be limited by UE power and capability.

Consider an example, where a UE has the capability to perform analytics in the form of face recognition, and the UE selects a picture and starts performing face recognition.

Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment.

In a first step, S1 , the method comprises providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network.

In a second step, S2, the method comprises receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment, e.g. available to the user equipment.

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment.

In a first step, T1 , the method comprises receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network.

In a second step, T2, the method comprises providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

The user equipment may be a communication device with an application for analytics (e.g., facial recognition analytics) or a device-specific UE (machine) designed for analytics (e.g., facial recognition).

The method may comprise providing the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment to the network in a registration request message.

The method may comprise receiving the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment, e.g. available to the user equipment at the user equipment in a registration accept message. In an another example embodiment, if user/UE activate/subscribe to network analytics service (e.g., via interactive voice response (IVR)/SMS/Call to customer care), then the network may push network based analytics indication to UE via NAS signalling.

The network provided analytics may be associated with a given analytics identifier. At least one of the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment and the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment may comprise a flag. The flag may be associated with a given analytics identifier. For example, for different kinds of analytics (each kind of analytics having a given analytics identifier), a separate flag or indication may be defined based on operator policy to control each kind of analytics separately.

In one example embodiment, during registration, a UE indicates its capability to the network to perform analytics. The UE may also indicate its capability to leverage network analytics for various purposes.

In this example embodiment, in the registration accept, the network sends an indication to the UE that UE can use network provided analytics for a given analytics identities. The indication may be based on the network’s capability to support analytics and offer network-based analytics as a service to the UE (based on subscription profile and operator policies).

The method may comprise providing data for network provided analytics to a network function of the the network or a third party application server and receiving analytics output from the network function or the third party application server.

Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. The method may be performed at a network function, such as a NWDAF, of the network or a third party application function.

In a first step, R1 , the method comprises receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network.

In a second step, R2, the method comprises providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function. That is, the UE may provide data for network provided analytics from a user equipment to a network function of the network and receive analytics output from the network function.

In an example embodiment, based on the negotiation during the registration procedure, the UE and network establish a session in order to exchange analytics information.

The method may comprise establishing a user plane session (e.g., a PDU session) between the UE and the network for providing the data and receiving the analytics output. The data for network provided analytics may be provided to the network function via a user plane function or directly to the network function (e.g., NWDAF). Alternatively, the data for network provided analytics may be provided to the network via the control plane, e.g. via an AMF.

In an example embodiment where the data is received via a UPF, the UPF selects the NWDAF from NRF and invokes the NWDAF services for analytics. UPF stores the UE provided data temporarily and become the input data source for NWDAF. The UPF invokes the NWDAF service for analytics and informs it to collect data from UPF as input.

Where the data is provided directly to the NWDAF, the user plane session may be extended to NWDAF so that NWDAF can directly access the data from the UE.

The method may comprise providing a request for network provided analytics from a user equipment to an access and mobility management function.

In an example embodiment, the UE requests for network analytics at the AMF (over NAS), Based on the subscription data and UE provided input, the AMF discovers NWDAF supporting the analytic via NRF. Then the AMF invokes the relevant NWDAF for analytics. The NWDAF instructs AMF/ SMF to collect data from the UE. The UE creates a PDU session towards a selected UPF and passes all the raw data and/or partially analyzed data to the selected UPF. The selected UPF stores the UE provided data temporarily and become the input data source for NWDAF. The UPF notifies the NWDAF that the data is available. Alternatively, UE provided input may be passed to the NWDAF via the control plane directly, i.e. UE to AMF via NAS then AMF to NWDAF via SBI APIs.

Where the UE provides data for network provided analytics to the third party application server, the UE may directly connect with a third party AF/UPF via the user plane and receive the analytic output from the third party AF/UPF via the user plane.

A UE may use the network provided analytics service to perform specialized features, e.g., picture matching, pattern recognition etc.

Figure 7 shows a signalling flow according to an example embodiment in which a UE has a subscription for using network-level analytics.

In step 1 , a UE obtains a subscription for using network-level Analytics. For example, users may buy a subscription from the operator to the network-based analytics service on a monthly basis. The UE is capable of performing analytics, such as facial recognition.

The Customer Relationshipe Management (CRM) system may set the flag UsingNetworkAnalyticsAllowed=True in the UDM as a subscription profile. The UDM subscription may be updated via an AF if the AF is trusted, otherwise, the AF may update the UDM subscription via NEF.

In step 2, when the UE wants to attach to the 5G network, the UE sends the NAS REGISTRATION request having a new indication of UEAnalyticslsSupported=True. Once registration is received, the AMF shall register in UDM (as per procedure defined in TS 23.502) and downloads the data from UDM-SDM service. As the user has bought the subscription for using network-level analytics or it has been provisioned by the AF, the flag UsingNetworkAnalyticsAllowed =True will be downloaded to the AMF. UEAnalyticslsSupported= True flag will also be stored in UDM/UDR as UE capability.

Flag may be defined per analytics Id in the UDR/UDM.

In step 3, once the AMF receives a confirmation from the UDM that UE is allowed to use network analytics and/or operator policy is allowed to use network analytics to UE, the AMF shall send NAS REGISTRATION ACCEPT message having an indication of UsingNetworkAnalyticsAllowed=True to UE. This indication from the network may be used by the UE to request network-based analytics. In step 4, the UE starts analytics and demand analytics from the network, triggering the request towards the network. For example, where the UE device has face recognition capability, the user clicks the picture and starts performing face recognition. This results in the UE desire to use network analytics.

In step 5, the UE directly creates a PDU session towards a selected UPF and passes raw data and/or partially analyzed data to UPF. UE sends user plane traffic (stored image or real-time) to the network after the user plane is setup.

The UPF selects the NWDAF from NRF and invokes the NWDAF services for analytics. UPF stores the UE provided data temporarily and become the input data source for NWDAF. The UPF invokes the NWDAF service for analytics and informs it to collect data from UPF as input.

In step 6, the NWDAF uses previous learning and data, and newly UE provided (raw or partially analyzed) data from UPF and performs analytics. NWDAF responds to the UE (via UPF) with the analytics output.

In the example use case of face recognition, the output may be matched identity details, e.g., a picture of matched identity from a database and/or profile details (such as criminal records details).

The NWDAF may have its database or it may use other third-party databases for model preparation/learning. The NWDAF may build (train) its database based on different input from different existing sources. For example, once the face is recognized, then new input (new face picture) may be stored in the NWDAF database (training model) and become the source for the next face recognition, based on the privacy consent defined by operator.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment where 3GPP is used just for connectivity. Steps 1 to 4 of Figure 8 are the same as those shown in Figure 7. After steps 1 to 4, when the UE wants network analytics, the UE accesses the services from the third party AS to retrieve the analytics services. The UE may be provided with AS address details to contact the third party AS or the network may provide the mapping of AF based on the request.

In an alternative embodiment, where 3GPP is just used for connectivity, after steps 1 to 4 as shown in Figure 7, when the UE wants network analytics, the UE uses a data session with a third party AS to retrieve the analytics services. A method as described above with reference to Figures 4 to 8 defines a mechanism where a UE can leverage network-based (or third party AS) analytics to optimize UE based analytics.

Where UE power is limited and the network (e.g., NWDAF or third party AS) has the capability for analytics (such as face recognition), the UE may leverage the network provided analytics so that the UE can reduce its power consumption and reuse more advanced and powerful analytics which may be provided by the network.

If a network supports supplementing the analytics capability for UE, the network informs the UE about the same.

The method may be implemented in a user equipment as described with reference to figure 2 or a control apparatus as described with reference to figure 3.

An apparatus may comprise means for providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment or available to the user equipment.

The apparatus may comprise a communication device, e.g., the user equipment.

The apparatus may be provided in a communication device, e.g., the user equipment.

Alternatively, or in addition, an apparatus may comprise means for receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network and providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment or available to the user equipment.

The apparatus may comprise a network function, e.g. an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a a unified data management (UDM), or a unified data repository (UDR).

The apparatus may be provided in a network function, e.g. an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or a a unified data management (UDM), or a unified data repository (UDR). Alternatively, or in addition, an apparatus may comprise means for receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function.

The apparatus may comprise a network function, e.g., a data analytics function.

The apparatus may be provided in a network function, e.g., a data analytics function.

Alternatively, or in addition, an apparatus may comprise means for providing data for network provided analytics from a user equipment to a network function of the network and receiving analytics output at the user equipment from the network function

It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and/or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described in relation to LTE and 5G NR, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In general, the various example embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computerexecutable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Example embodiments described in this disclosure may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

24

Claims

1 . An apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for: providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the network provided analytics are associated with a given analytics identifier.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment and the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment comprises a flag, wherein the flag is associated with the given analytics identifier.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising means for: providing the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment to the network in a registration request message.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, comprising means for receiving the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment at the user equipment in a registration accept message.

6. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising means for providing data for network provided analytics from the user equipment to a network function of the network or to a third party application server; and receiving analytics output at the user equipment from the network function or from the third party application server.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, comprising means for providing the data for network provided analytics to the network function via an access and mobility management function or a user plane function. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising means for: providing a request for network provided analytics from the user equipment to an access and mobility management function. An apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for: receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the network provided analytics are associated with a given analytics identifier. An apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein at least one of the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment and the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment comprises a flag, wherein the flag is associated with the given analytics identifier. An apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 11, comprising means for: receiving the indication that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment at the network in a registration request message. An apparatus according to claim 12, comprising means for providing the indication that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment to the user equipment in a registration accept message. An apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 13, comprising means for: receiving data for network provided analytics from the user equipment at a network data analytics function of the network; and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network data analytics function.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, comprising means for receiving the data for network provided analytics from the user equipment via a user plane function or an access and mobility management function and providing the analytics output to the user equipment via the user plane function or the access and mobility management function.

16. An apparatus comprising means for: receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network; and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the network function comprises a network data analytics function.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, comprising means for receiving the data for network provided analytics from the user equipment via a user plane function or an access and mobility management function and providing the analytics output to the user equipment via the user plane function or the access and mobility management function.

19. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the network function comprises a third party application server.

20. A method comprising: providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment.

21. A method comprising: receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and 27 providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment. A method comprising: receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network; and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: provide, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and receive an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and provide an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network; and 28 provide analytics output to the user equipment from the network function. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: providing, from a user equipment, an indication to a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and receiving an indication from the network that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, from a user equipment, an indication at a network that the user equipment is capable of performing analytics at the user equipment, the indication being associated with a subscription to analytics performed at a network; and providing an indication from the network to the user equipment that network provided analytics are obtainable by the user equipment. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving data for network provided analytics from a user equipment at a network function of the network; and providing analytics output to the user equipment from the network function.