WO2025169374A1 - Network node and communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

This network node includes: a receiving unit that receives, from a first network node, an information inquiry relating to a connection request to a certain user; a control unit that determines a destination domain of the certain user to be either a real space or cyber space; and a transmitting unit that transmits information indicating the determined destination domain to the first network node.

Description

Network node and communication method

The present invention relates to a network node and a communication method in a communication system.

3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) is currently studying a wireless communication method known as 5G or NR (New Radio) (hereinafter referred to as "5G" or "NR") in order to achieve even greater system capacity, even faster data transmission speeds, and even lower latency in wireless sections. Various wireless technologies are being studied for 5G in order to meet the requirements of achieving a throughput of 10 Gbps or more while keeping wireless section latency to 1 ms or less.

NR is considering network architectures including 5GC (5G Core Network), which corresponds to EPC (Evolved Packet Core), the core network in the LTE (Long Term Evolution) network architecture, and NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network), which corresponds to E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), the RAN (Radio Access Network) in the LTE network architecture (for example, Non-Patent Document 1 and Non-Patent Document 2).

3GPP TS 23.501 V18.4.0 (2023-12) 3GPP TS 23.502 V18.4.0 (2023-12) 3GPP TS 23.228 V18.4.0 (2023-12)

Virtual personalities that act as AI (Artificial Intelligence) agents are being considered for wireless communication systems. It is expected that opportunities for communication with these virtual personalities will increase in the future. However, when cyberspace, where the virtual personality exists, and real space, where real users exist, coexist, there was no mechanism to determine whether to connect to real space or cyberspace.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to determine a connection destination or notify a connection destination based on the situation in a wireless communication system.

The disclosed technology provides a network node having a receiving unit that receives an information inquiry related to a connection request from a first network node for a user, a control unit that determines the destination domain for the user to be either real space or cyberspace, and a transmitting unit that transmits information indicating the determined destination domain to the first network node.

The disclosed technology makes it possible to determine or notify a connection destination based on the situation in a wireless communication system.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an IMS data channel network. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example (1) of communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example (2) of communication according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a base station 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a base station 10 and a terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle 2001 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example, and the embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the following embodiment.

In operating the wireless communication system of an embodiment of the present invention, existing technology is used as appropriate. However, the existing technology in question is, for example, the existing LTE, but is not limited to the existing LTE. Furthermore, the term "LTE" used in this specification has a broad meaning, including LTE-Advanced, systems subsequent to LTE-Advanced (e.g., NR), and wireless LAN (Local Area Network), unless otherwise specified.

Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention, "configuring" radio parameters etc. may mean that predetermined values are pre-configured, or that radio parameters notified from the network node 30 or terminal 20 are configured.

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system is composed of a UE, which is a terminal 20, and multiple network nodes 30. Below, it is assumed that one network node 30 corresponds to each function, but multiple functions may be realized by one network node 30, or multiple network nodes 30 may realize one function. Furthermore, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

The RAN (Radio Access Network) is a network node 30 with radio access functionality, which may include a base station 10, and is connected to a UE, an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), and a UPF (User plane function). The AMF is a network node 30 with functions such as RAN interface termination, NAS (Non-Access Stratum) termination, registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node 30 with functions such as a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session point to the outside that interconnects with the DN (Data Network), packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS (Quality of Service) handling. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice. In a wireless communication network in an embodiment of the present invention, multiple network slices may be constructed.

The AMF is connected to the UE, RAN, SMF (Session Management function), NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function), NEF (Network Exposure Function), NRF (Network Repository Function), UDM (Unified Data Management), AUSF (Authentication Server Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), and AF (Application Function). The AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes 30 that are interconnected via their respective service-based interfaces: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

The SMF is a network node 30 that has functions such as session management, UE IP (Internet Protocol) address allocation and management, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) function, ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) proxy, and roaming function. The NEF is a network node 30 that has the function of notifying other NFs (Network Functions) of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node 30 that has functions such as selecting the network slice to which the UE connects, determining the allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), determining the NSSAI to be set, and determining the AMF set to which the UE connects. The PCF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling network policies. The AF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling application servers. The NRF is a network node 30 that has the function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The UDM is a network node 30 that manages subscriber data and authentication data. The UDM is connected to the UDR (User Data Repository) that holds this data.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system in a roaming environment. As shown in Figure 2, the network is composed of a terminal 20 (UE) and multiple network nodes 30. Below, it is assumed that one network node 30 corresponds to each function, but multiple functions may be realized by one network node 30, or multiple network nodes 30 may realize one function. Furthermore, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection.

The RAN is a network node 30 with radio access functionality, and is connected to the UE, AMF, and UPF. The AMF is a network node 30 with functions such as RAN interface termination, NAS termination, registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The UPF is a network node 30 with functions such as a PDU session point to the outside that interconnects with the DN, packet routing and forwarding, and user plane QoS handling. The UPF and DN constitute a network slice. In the wireless communication network of an embodiment of the present invention, multiple network slices are constructed.

The AMF is connected to the UE, RAN, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, AF, and SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy). The AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, UDM, AUSF, PCF, and AF are network nodes 30 that are interconnected via their respective service-based interfaces: Namf, Nsmf, Nnssf, Nnef, Nnrf, Nudm, Nausf, Npcf, and Naf.

The SMF is a network node 30 that has functions such as session management, UE IP address allocation and management, DHCP function, ARP proxy, and roaming function. The NEF is a network node 30 that has the function of notifying other NFs of capabilities and events. The NSSF is a network node 30 that has functions such as selecting the network slice to which the UE connects, determining the allowed NSSAI, determining the configured NSSAI, and determining the AMF set to which the UE connects. The PCF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling network policies. The AF is a network node 30 that has the function of controlling application servers. The NRF is a network node 30 that has the function of discovering NF instances that provide services. The SEPP is a non-transparent proxy that filters control plane messages between PLMNs (Public Land Mobile Networks). The vSEPP shown in Figure 2 is a SEPP in the visited network, and the hSEPP is a SEPP in the home network.

As shown in Figure 2, the UE is in a roaming environment connected to the RAN and AMF in the VPLMN (Visited PLMN). The VPLMN and HPLMN (Home PLMN) are connected via vSEPP and hSEPP. The UE can communicate with the UDM of the HPLMN, for example, via the AMF of the VPLMN.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an IMS data channel network. As shown in Figure 3, the IMS data channel network is composed of a terminal 20 (UE) and multiple network nodes 30 in each of the originating network and terminating network. Below, it is assumed that one network node 30 corresponds to each function, but multiple functions may be realized by one network node 30, or one function may be realized by multiple network nodes 30. Furthermore, the "connection" described below may be a logical connection or a physical connection. The network node 30 has, for example, the following functions described in Non-Patent Document 3.

The IMS-AGW (Access Gateway) is a network node 30 that has gateway functions between the UE and the IMS network.

The P-CSCF (Proxy-Call Session Control Function) is a network node 30 that has functions such as a proxy between the UE and the IMS network.

The S-CSCF (Serving-Call Session Control Function) is a network node 30 that has functions related to session control for UEs.

The I-CSCF (Interrogate-Call Session Control Function) is a connection point on the destination network side between networks (e.g., between the source and destination networks) in an IMS network, and is a network node 30 that has functions such as forwarding received SIP requests to the S-CSCF of its own network.

The IMS AS (IP Multimedia Subsystem Application Server) is a network node 30 in the IMS network that has functions such as communicating with DCSF for event notification, receiving data channel control instructions from DCSF and communicating with MF. The IMS AS also receives communication termination point registration requests from DCSF, converts the received registration requests into SIP Registers, and sends them to the S-CSCF. The IMS AS also converts data channel establishment requests received from DCSF into SIP INVITEs and sends them to the S-CSCF.

The DCSF (Data Channel Signaling Function) is a network node 30 that receives event reports from the IMS-AS and determines whether to allow the provision of data channel services, manages the bootstrap data channel, and has HTTP web server functionality.

In an IMS network, an MF (Media Function) is a network node 30 that has functions such as media resource management and forwarding of data channel media traffic. The MF processes media between the communication termination point, the DCAS (Data Channel Application Server), and the destination termination point based on configuration information received from the DCSF. The MF may also be called a DCMF (Data Channel Media Function). The MF may also be called an MRF (Multimedia Resource Function).

DCAS (Data Channel Application Server) is a network node 30 that has functions such as terminating media and signaling communications in the IMS network.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example (1) of communication in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the field of communication may be expanded from real space to cyberspace. The barriers between real space and cyberspace may be eliminated, and communication paths may be made redundant and robust. Note that cyberspace may be a space on a network or a space on the Internet.

Real user A in cyberspace will be referred to as virtual personality A, and real user B in cyberspace will be referred to as virtual personality B. A virtual personality is an entity in cyberspace that accurately reproduces perspective-based questions and behaviors characteristic of the real person. Furthermore, a virtual personality may be perceived as having the same intelligence and personality as a real person, and may be an entity that can be recognized and act as that person in society. For example, a virtual personality can act as an alter ego of the real person in office work, allowing the real person to engage in activities outside of work. Furthermore, the virtual personality can create encounters and connections with people, allowing for the creation of relationships that allow one to live life as oneself. For example, a virtual personality may be placed on a data channel application server (DC Application Server, see non-patent document 3) and execute communications. Alternatively, for example, a virtual personality may be downloaded in advance and executed on a terminal, where it executes communications.

For example, technology that automatically generates conversation responses based on the attributes and topics of the real speaker may be applied to a virtual personality. Furthermore, technology that reproduces an individual's voice from a small amount of learning data about that individual may be applied to a virtual personality. Furthermore, technology that automatically generates motions that match the individual's speech and content based on a record of the individual's speech, content, and motions at the time may be applied to a virtual personality.

For example, when a network communication failure occurs between real user B and the network, real-to-real communication between real user A and real user B becomes impossible. On the other hand, communication between virtual personality A and virtual personality B can continue in cyberspace. Communication between virtual personality B and real user A in cyberspace can also continue. Communication between virtual personality A, which has been downloaded to real user B's terminal in advance, and real user B can also continue. Virtual personality A, which has been downloaded to real user B's terminal in advance, may be located in cyberspace.

Here, it is expected that opportunities for communication with virtual personalities that operate as AI agents like those described above will increase in the future. When the cyberspace in which the virtual personality exists and the real space in which real users exist coexist, there is no mechanism for selecting the destination domain, real or cyber, depending on the user's situation.

Furthermore, the virtual personality in question is a substitute that reproduces the real person, and the speaking style and voice quality are similar to the real person's. From the perspective of safety and security, it is required that users be notified whether they are connecting to real space or cyberspace, and which space they are communicating with once connected.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example (1) of communication in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, when real user A calls person B, the network may route the call to either real user B in real space or virtual personality B in cyberspace based on person B's situation, such as their presence status and settings. Note that user A may correspond to real user A or virtual personality A, and user B may correspond to real user B or virtual personality B.

Furthermore, since real user A may not know whether the destination is cyber or real, the network may notify real user A whether the destination is cyber or real.

For example, the following three steps may be performed:

Step 1) To determine the connection destination, the core network determines whether the destination domain is real space or cyberspace based on preferred domain data and the real user's location status, etc.

Step 2) Notify the caller of the determined destination domain (which may also be called the destination domain or destination domain) so that the caller knows whether they will be connected to real space or cyberspace.

Step 3) While the caller is talking, the network notifies the caller of information that allows them to recognize that the call is with cyberspace. For example, the network may convert the sound quality of the voice during the call, convert the character of the voice during the call, output a warning sound periodically, or vibrate the caller's device. Note that the network may also notify the caller of information that allows the caller to recognize that the call is with cyberspace while the call is in progress, not just during a conversation.

Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating example (2) of communication in an embodiment of the present invention. The detailed procedure for the above three steps will be explained using Figure 5.

In step S101, real user A's terminal 20A sends a connection request to user B to originating exchange CSCF 30A. In step S102, originating exchange CSCF 30A sends a user information inquiry related to user B to the subscriber database HSS (Home Subscriber Server) or UDM 30B.

The destination domain selection process is executed in steps S103 to S105. In step S103, the subscriber database HSS or UDM 30B sends a destination terminal location inquiry for user B to the destination exchange CSCF 30C. The destination exchange CSCF 30C sends a response including destination terminal location information for user B to the subscriber database HSS or UDM 30B.

In step S105, the subscriber database HSS or UDM30B determines the destination domain to be either real space or cyberspace based on the preferred domain data, the location status, etc.

For example, the called user may be able to set the destination domain, such as an answering machine or call forwarding. The subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may also determine the destination domain to be cyberspace based on the time of day. The subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may also determine the destination domain to be cyberspace based on the presence status. For example, if the real user is not present, the destination domain may be determined to be cyberspace, and if the real user is present, the destination domain may be determined to be real space. The subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may also determine the destination domain to be cyberspace based on a disaster status. For example, if the real user is in a disaster status, the destination domain may be determined to be cyberspace, and if the real user falls into a disaster status, the destination domain may be determined to be real space.

Furthermore, the subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may determine the destination domain to be cyberspace when a real user is on a call, and may then switch the destination domain from cyberspace to real space when the real user's call ends. Furthermore, if the called user is a caller number that has given permission to use cyberspace, the destination domain may be set to cyberspace. Furthermore, if the called user is a caller number that has given permission to use real space, the destination domain may be set to real space.

Furthermore, the subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may set the destination domain to real space if the called user is present and has set both real space and cyberspace to allow incoming calls.Furthermore, the subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may set the destination domain to cyberspace if the called user is present and has set real space to not allow incoming calls.Furthermore, the subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may set the destination domain to cyberspace if the called user is not present and has set both real space and cyberspace to allow incoming calls.Furthermore, the subscriber database HSS or UDM30B may set the destination domain to cyberspace if the called user is not present and has set real space to not allow incoming calls.

In step S106, the subscriber database HSS or UDM 30B sends a destination domain notification to the originating exchange CSCF 30A. In step S107, the originating exchange CSCF 30A sends a destination domain notification to real user A's terminal 20A.

If the destination domain is real space, in step S108A, the originating exchange CSCF 30A sends a connection request to real space to the terminating exchange CSCF 30C. In the following step S109A, the terminating exchange CSCF 30C executes connection processing from real user A's terminal 20A to real user B.

On the other hand, if the destination domain is cyberspace, in step S108B, the originating exchange CSCF 30A sends a request for connection to cyberspace to the terminating exchange CSCF 30D. In the following step S109B, the terminating exchange CSCF 30D executes connection processing from real user A's terminal 20A to virtual personality B.

In step S110B, real user A's terminal 20A and virtual personality B carry out a conversation. Also in step S110B, information that allows the caller to recognize that the call is with cyberspace during the conversation is notified from the network to real user A's terminal 20A. For example, the network may convert the sound quality of the voice during the call, may convert the voice quality of the voice during the call, may periodically output a warning sound, or may vibrate the caller's terminal. For example, the terminating side CSCF 30D may notify real user A's terminal 20A of information that allows the caller to recognize that the call is with cyberspace during the conversation, or another network node may notify.

In the above-described embodiment, when a real user makes a call, the network selects either a virtual personality in cyberspace or a real user in real space depending on the situation and notifies the calling real user, allowing the calling real user to know whether they are connecting with a virtual personality or a real user. Furthermore, the calling real user is notified by the network of information that allows them to recognize that the call is with a cyberspace call, allowing them to know whether they are communicating with a virtual personality or a real user.

In other words, in a wireless communication system, the connection destination can be determined or notified based on the situation.

(Device configuration)
Next, a description will be given of examples of functional configurations of the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 that perform the processes and operations described above. The base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 include functions for performing the above-described embodiments. However, the base station 10, network node 30, and terminal 20 may each include only a part of the functions of the embodiments.

<Base Station 10 and Network Node 30>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the base station 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the base station 10 has a transmitting unit 110, a receiving unit 120, a setting unit 130, and a control unit 140. The functional configuration shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example. As long as the operations according to the embodiment of the present invention can be performed, the names of the functional divisions and functional units may be any. Note that the network node 30 may have the same functional configuration as the base station 10. Furthermore, a network node 30 having multiple different functions in the system architecture may be composed of multiple network nodes 30 separated by function.

The transmitter 110 has the function of generating signals to be transmitted to the terminal 20 or other network nodes 30, and transmitting the signals via wired or wireless communication. The receiver 120 has the function of receiving various signals transmitted from the terminal 20 or other network nodes 30, and obtaining, for example, information at higher layers from the received signals.

The setting unit 130 stores pre-set setting information and various setting information to be sent to the terminal 20 in a storage device, and reads it from the storage device as needed. The contents of the setting information include, for example, settings related to the operations described in the embodiments.

The control unit 140 performs processing related to the operations described in the embodiments, as explained in the embodiments. The control unit 140 also performs processing related to communication with the terminal 20. The functional unit related to signal transmission in the control unit 140 may be included in the transmitting unit 110, and the functional unit related to signal reception in the control unit 140 may be included in the receiving unit 120.

<Terminal 20>
Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the terminal 20. As shown in Fig. 7, the terminal 20 has a transmitting unit 210, a receiving unit 220, a setting unit 230, and a control unit 240. The functional configuration shown in Fig. 7 is merely an example. The names of the functional divisions and functional units may be any names as long as they can perform the operations according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The transmitter 210 creates a transmission signal from the transmission data and transmits the transmission signal wirelessly. The receiver 220 receives various signals wirelessly and obtains higher layer signals from the received physical layer signals. The receiver 220 also has the function of receiving NR-PSS, NR-SSS, NR-PBCH, DL/UL control signals, reference signals, etc. transmitted from the network node 30.

The setting unit 230 stores various setting information received from the network node 30 by the receiving unit 220 in a storage device and reads it from the storage device as needed. The setting unit 230 also stores setting information that is set in advance. The content of the setting information includes, for example, settings related to the operations described in the embodiments.

The control unit 240 performs processing related to the operations described in the embodiments, as explained in the embodiments. The control unit 240 also performs processing related to the capacity-enhanced cell. The functional unit related to signal transmission in the control unit 240 may be included in the transmitting unit 210, and the functional unit related to signal reception in the control unit 240 may be included in the receiving unit 220.

(Hardware configuration)
The block diagrams (FIGS. 6 and 7) used to explain the above embodiments show functional blocks. These functional blocks (components) are realized by any combination of at least one of hardware and software. Furthermore, the method for realizing each functional block is not particularly limited. That is, each functional block may be realized using a single device that is physically or logically coupled, or may be realized using two or more physically or logically separated devices that are directly or indirectly connected (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.) and these multiple devices. The functional block may also be realized by combining the single device or multiple devices with software.

Functions include, but are not limited to, judgment, determination, assessment, calculation, computation, processing, derivation, investigation, search, confirmation, reception, transmission, output, access, resolution, selection, election, establishment, comparison, assumption, expectation, regard, broadcasting, notifying, communicating, forwarding, configuring, reconfiguring, allocating, mapping, and assignment. For example, a functional block (component) that performs transmission functions is called a transmitting unit or transmitter. As mentioned above, there are no particular limitations on how these functions are implemented.

For example, the network node 30, terminal 20, etc. in one embodiment of the present disclosure may function as a computer that performs processing of the wireless communication method of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a base station 10 and terminal 20 in one embodiment of the present disclosure. The network node 30 may have the same hardware configuration as the base station 10. The above-mentioned base station 10 and terminal 20 may be physically configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an auxiliary storage device 1003, a communication device 1004, an input device 1005, an output device 1006, a bus 1007, etc.

In the following explanation, the term "apparatus" can be interpreted as a circuit, device, unit, etc. The hardware configuration of the base station 10 and terminal 20 may be configured to include one or more of the devices shown in the figure, or may be configured to exclude some of the devices.

The functions of the base station 10 and terminal 20 are realized by loading specific software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and storage device 1002, causing the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communications via the communication device 1004, and control at least one of the reading and writing of data from and to the storage device 1002 and auxiliary storage device 1003.

The processor 1001, for example, runs an operating system to control the entire computer. The processor 1001 may be configured as a central processing unit (CPU) that includes an interface with peripheral devices, a control unit, an arithmetic unit, registers, etc. For example, the above-mentioned control unit 140, control unit 240, etc. may be realized by the processor 1001.

The processor 1001 also loads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc. from at least one of the auxiliary storage device 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the storage device 1002, and executes various processes in accordance with these. The programs used are those that cause a computer to execute at least some of the operations described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the control unit 140 of the base station 10 shown in FIG. 6 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and running on the processor 1001. For example, the control unit 240 of the terminal 20 shown in FIG. 7 may be implemented by a control program stored in the storage device 1002 and running on the processor 1001. While the various processes described above have been described as being executed by a single processor 1001, they may also be executed simultaneously or sequentially by two or more processors 1001. The processor 1001 may be implemented on one or more chips. The programs may also be transmitted from a network via telecommunications lines.

The storage device 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may be composed of, for example, at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage device 1002 may also be called a register, a cache, a main memory, etc. The storage device 1002 can store executable programs (program code), software modules, etc. for implementing a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Auxiliary storage device 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium, and may be composed of at least one of, for example, an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disk, a digital versatile disk, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disk), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magnetic strip, etc. The above-mentioned storage medium may be, for example, a database, a server, or other suitable medium that includes at least one of storage device 1002 and auxiliary storage device 1003.

The communication device 1004 is hardware (transmitting/receiving device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also referred to as a network device, network controller, network card, or communication module, for example. The communication device 1004 may be configured to include high-frequency switches, duplexers, filters, frequency synthesizers, etc. to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD). For example, the transmitting/receiving antenna, amplifier unit, transmitting/receiving unit, transmission path interface, etc. may be implemented by the communication device 1004. The transmitting/receiving unit may be implemented as a physically or logically separated transmitting unit and receiving unit.

The input device 1005 is an input device (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.) that accepts input from the outside. The output device 1006 is an output device (e.g., a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.) that outputs to the outside. Note that the input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be integrated into one device (e.g., a touch panel).

Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the storage device 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or may be configured using different buses between each device.

Furthermore, the base station 10 and the terminal 20 may be configured to include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of the functional blocks may be realized by this hardware. For example, the processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these pieces of hardware.

FIG. 9 shows an example configuration of vehicle 2001. As shown in FIG. 9, vehicle 2001 includes a drive unit 2002, a steering unit 2003, an accelerator pedal 2004, a brake pedal 2005, a shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, an axle 2009, an electronic control unit 2010, various sensors 2021-2029, an information service unit 2012, and a communication module 2013. Each aspect/embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to a communication device mounted on vehicle 2001, and may be applied to communication module 2013, for example.

The drive unit 2002 is composed of, for example, an engine, a motor, or a hybrid of an engine and a motor. The steering unit 2003 includes at least a steering wheel (also called a handle) and is configured to steer at least one of the front wheels and rear wheels based on the operation of the steering wheel operated by the user.

The electronic control unit 2010 is composed of a microprocessor 2031, memory (ROM, RAM) 2032, and a communication port (IO port) 2033. Signals are input to the electronic control unit 2010 from various sensors 2021 to 2029 provided on the vehicle 2001. The electronic control unit 2010 may also be called an ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

Signals from the various sensors 2021-2029 include a current signal from a current sensor 2021 that senses the motor current, a front and rear wheel rotation speed signal obtained by a rotation speed sensor 2022, a front and rear wheel air pressure signal obtained by an air pressure sensor 2023, a vehicle speed signal obtained by a vehicle speed sensor 2024, an acceleration signal obtained by an acceleration sensor 2025, an accelerator pedal depression amount signal obtained by an accelerator pedal sensor 2029, a brake pedal depression amount signal obtained by a brake pedal sensor 2026, a shift lever operation signal obtained by a shift lever sensor 2027, and a detection signal for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. obtained by an object detection sensor 2028.

The information service unit 2012 is composed of various devices, such as a car navigation system, audio system, speakers, television, and radio, that provide various types of information such as driving information, traffic information, and entertainment information, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. The information service unit 2012 uses information obtained from external devices via the communication module 2013, etc., to provide various types of multimedia information and multimedia services to the occupants of the vehicle 2001.

The driving assistance system unit 2030 is composed of various devices that provide functions to prevent accidents and reduce the driver's driving burden, such as millimeter-wave radar, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), cameras, positioning locators (e.g., GNSS, etc.), map information (e.g., high-definition (HD) maps, autonomous vehicle (AV) maps, etc.), gyro systems (e.g., IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), INS (Inertial Navigation System), etc.), AI (Artificial Intelligence) chips, and AI processors, as well as one or more ECUs that control these devices. The driving assistance system unit 2030 also transmits and receives various information via the communication module 2013 to realize driving assistance functions or autonomous driving functions.

The communication module 2013 can communicate with the microprocessor 2031 and components of the vehicle 2001 via the communication port. For example, the communication module 2013 transmits and receives data via the communication port 2033 between the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axle 2009, microprocessor 2031 and memory (ROM, RAM) 2032 in the electronic control unit 2010, and sensors 2021-29, all of which are provided on the vehicle 2001.

The communication module 2013 is a communication device that can be controlled by the microprocessor 2031 of the electronic control unit 2010 and can communicate with external devices. For example, it sends and receives various information to and from external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 may be located either inside or outside the electronic control unit 2010. The external device may be, for example, a base station, a mobile station, etc.

The communication module 2013 transmits current signals from the current sensors input to the electronic control unit 2010 to external devices via wireless communication. The communication module 2013 also transmits to external devices via wireless communication the following signals input to the electronic control unit 2010: front and rear wheel rotation speed signals acquired by rotation speed sensor 2022, front and rear wheel air pressure signals acquired by air pressure sensor 2023, vehicle speed signals acquired by vehicle speed sensor 2024, acceleration signals acquired by acceleration sensor 2025, accelerator pedal depression amount signals acquired by accelerator pedal sensor 2029, brake pedal depression amount signals acquired by brake pedal sensor 2026, shift lever operation signals acquired by shift lever sensor 2027, and detection signals for detecting obstacles, vehicles, pedestrians, etc. acquired by object detection sensor 2028.

The communication module 2013 receives various information (traffic information, traffic signal information, vehicle distance information, etc.) transmitted from external devices and displays it on the information service unit 2012 provided in the vehicle 2001. The communication module 2013 also stores the various information received from external devices in memory 2032 that can be used by the microprocessor 2031. Based on the information stored in memory 2032, the microprocessor 2031 may control the drive unit 2002, steering unit 2003, accelerator pedal 2004, brake pedal 2005, shift lever 2006, front wheels 2007, rear wheels 2008, axles 2009, sensors 2021-2029, etc. provided in the vehicle 2001.

(Summary of the embodiment)
As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a network node having a receiving unit that receives an information query related to a connection request for a certain user from a first network node, a control unit that determines a destination domain for the certain user to be either real space or cyberspace, and a transmitting unit that transmits information indicating the determined destination domain to the first network node.

With the above configuration, when a real user makes a call, the network selects either a virtual personality in cyberspace or a real user in real space depending on the situation and notifies the calling real user, allowing the calling real user to know whether they are connecting with a virtual personality or a real user. Furthermore, the calling real user is notified by the network of information that allows them to recognize that the call is with a cyberspace user, allowing them to recognize whether they are communicating with a virtual personality or a real user. In other words, the wireless communication system can determine or notify the connection destination based on the situation.

The transmitting unit may transmit an inquiry regarding the user's presence information to a second network node, and the receiving unit may receive a response regarding the user's presence information from the second network node. With this configuration, when a real user makes a call, the network selects either a virtual personality in cyberspace or a real user in real space depending on the situation and notifies the calling real user, allowing the calling real user to know whether they are connected to a virtual personality or a real user. Furthermore, the calling real user can know whether they are communicating with a virtual personality or a real user by being notified by the network of information that allows them to recognize that the call is with a cyberspace call during communication.

The control unit may determine the user's destination domain based on at least one of the user's settings, time of day, location status, disaster status, and call status. With this configuration, when a real user makes a call, the network selects either a virtual personality in cyberspace or a real user in real space depending on the situation and notifies the calling real user, allowing the calling real user to know whether they are connecting with a virtual personality or a real user. Furthermore, the calling real user can know whether they are communicating with a virtual personality or a real user by being notified by the network of information that allows them to recognize that the call is with a cybernetic person during communication.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a network node is provided that has a control unit that executes connection processing from a first user to a second user in cyberspace, and a transmission unit that notifies the first user that communication with the second user in cyberspace is being performed by the first user.

With the above configuration, when a real user makes a call, the network selects either a virtual personality in cyberspace or a real user in real space depending on the situation and notifies the calling real user, allowing the calling real user to know whether they are connecting with a virtual personality or a real user. Furthermore, the calling real user is notified by the network of information that allows them to recognize that the call is with a cyberspace user, allowing them to recognize whether they are communicating with a virtual personality or a real user. In other words, the wireless communication system can determine or notify the connection destination based on the situation.

The transmission unit may execute control to change the voice or vibrate the first user's terminal while the first user is conversing with the second user in the cyberspace. With this configuration, when a real user makes a call, the network selects either a virtual personality in cyberspace or a real user in real space depending on the situation and notifies the calling real user, allowing the calling real user to know whether they are connected to a virtual personality or a real user. Furthermore, the calling real user can know whether they are communicating with a virtual personality or a real user by being notified by the network of information that allows them to recognize that they are communicating with a cyberspace user during the communication.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a communications method in which a network node executes the steps of receiving an information inquiry related to a connection request from a first network node, determining the destination domain of the user to be either real space or cyberspace, and transmitting information indicating the determined destination domain to the first network node.

With the above configuration, when a real user makes a call, the network selects either a virtual personality in cyberspace or a real user in real space depending on the situation and notifies the calling real user, allowing the calling real user to know whether they are connecting with a virtual personality or a real user. Furthermore, the calling real user is notified by the network of information that allows them to recognize that the call is with a cyberspace user, allowing them to recognize whether they are communicating with a virtual personality or a real user. In other words, the wireless communication system can determine or notify the connection destination based on the situation.

(Supplementary explanation of the embodiment)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the disclosed invention is not limited to such embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand various modifications, alterations, alternatives, and substitutions. While specific numerical examples have been used to facilitate understanding of the invention, unless otherwise specified, these numerical values are merely examples, and any appropriate values may be used. The division of items in the above description is not essential to the present invention; matters described in two or more items may be used in combination as needed, and matters described in one item may apply to matters described in another item (unless inconsistent). The boundaries between functional units or processing units in the functional block diagram do not necessarily correspond to the boundaries between physical components. The operations of multiple functional units may be performed by a single physical component, or the operations of a single functional unit may be performed by multiple physical components. The order of the processing procedures described in the embodiments may be reversed as long as there is no contradiction. For convenience of processing description, the network node 30 and the terminal 20 have been described using functional block diagrams, but such devices may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The software operated by the processor of the network node 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and the software operated by the processor of the terminal 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may each be stored in any suitable storage medium, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disk (HDD), removable disk, CD-ROM, database, server, or the like.

Furthermore, the notification of information is not limited to the aspects/embodiments described in the present disclosure, and may be performed using other methods. For example, the notification of information may be performed by physical layer signaling (e.g., DCI (Downlink Control Information), UCI (Uplink Control Information)), higher layer signaling (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling, MAC (Medium Access Control) signaling, broadcast information (MIB (Master Information Block), SIB (System Information Block)), other signals, or a combination of these. Furthermore, RRC signaling may be referred to as an RRC message, and may be, for example, an RRC Connection Setup message, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, etc.

Each aspect/embodiment described in this disclosure may be applied to at least one of systems utilizing LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), FRA (Future Radio Access), NR (New Radio), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-WideBand), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other suitable systems, and next generation systems enhanced based on these. Additionally, multiple systems may be combined (for example, a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

The aspects/embodiments described in this disclosure may be applied to LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4G (4th generation mobile communication system), 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), xth generation mobile communication system (xG) (xG (x is, for example, an integer or decimal number)), FRA (Future Radio Access Network), The present invention may be applied to at least one of systems using IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20 (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), CDMA2000, NR (new Radio Access), NR (new Radio), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), W-CDMA (registered trademark), GSM (registered trademark), CDMA2000, UMB (Ultra Mobile Broadband), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or other appropriate systems, as well as next-generation systems that are extended, modified, created, or defined based on these. It may also be applied to a combination of multiple systems (for example, a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

The order of the processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc. of each aspect/embodiment described herein may be changed unless it is consistent. For example, the methods described in this disclosure present elements of various steps using an example order, and are not limited to the particular order presented.

In this specification, specific operations described as being performed by network node 30 may in some cases be performed by its upper node. In a network consisting of one or more network nodes including network node 30, it is clear that various operations performed for communication with terminal 20 may be performed by at least one of network node 30 and another network node other than network node 30 (such as, but not limited to, an MME or S-GW). While the above example illustrates a case where there is one other network node other than network node 30, the other network node may also be a combination of multiple other network nodes (for example, an MME and an S-GW).

The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be output from a higher layer (or lower layer) to a lower layer (or higher layer). They may also be input/output via multiple network nodes.

Input and output information may be stored in a specific location (for example, memory) or may be managed using a management table. Input and output information may be overwritten, updated, or added to. Output information may be deleted. Input information may be sent to another device.

In this disclosure, the determination may be made based on a value represented by one bit (0 or 1), a Boolean value (true or false), or a numerical comparison (e.g., comparison with a predetermined value).

Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

In addition, software, instructions, information, etc. may be transmitted and received via a transmission medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using wired technology (such as coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) and/or wireless technology (such as infrared or microwave), then the wired and/or wireless technology is included within the definition of a transmission medium.

The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

Note that terms explained in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of a channel and a symbol may be a signal (signaling). Furthermore, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, a cell, a frequency carrier, etc.

As used in this disclosure, the terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably.

Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc. described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values from a predetermined value, or other corresponding information. For example, radio resources may be indicated by an index.

The names used for the parameters described above are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, the mathematical formulas using these parameters may differ from those explicitly disclosed in this disclosure. The various channels (e.g., PUCCH, PDCCH, etc.) and information elements may be identified by any suitable names, and therefore the various names assigned to these various channels and information elements are not intended to be limiting in any way.

In this disclosure, terms such as "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "base station device," "fixed station," "NodeB," "eNodeB (eNB)," "gNodeB (gNB)," "access point," "transmission point," "reception point," "transmission/reception point," "cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," and "component carrier" may be used interchangeably. Base stations may also be referred to by terms such as macrocell, small cell, femtocell, and picocell.

A base station can accommodate one or more (e.g., three) cells. When a base station accommodates multiple cells, the entire coverage area of the base station can be divided into multiple smaller areas, and each smaller area can also provide communication services through a base station subsystem (e.g., a small indoor base station (RRH: Remote Radio Head)). The terms "cell" or "sector" refer to part or all of the coverage area of at least one of the base station and base station subsystem that provides communication services within this coverage area.

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

A mobile station may also be referred to by those skilled in the art as a subscriber station, mobile unit, subscriber unit, wireless unit, remote unit, mobile device, wireless device, wireless communication device, remote device, mobile subscriber station, access terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, remote terminal, handset, user agent, mobile client, client, or some other suitable terminology.

At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be called a transmitting device, a receiving device, a communication device, etc. At least one of the base station and the mobile station may be a device mounted on a moving object, or the moving object itself. The moving object may be a vehicle (e.g., a car, an airplane, etc.), an unmanned moving object (e.g., a drone, an autonomous vehicle, etc.), or a robot (manned or unmanned). At least one of the base station and the mobile station may also include devices that do not necessarily move during communication operations. For example, at least one of the base station and the mobile station may be an IoT (Internet of Things) device such as a sensor.

Furthermore, the base station in the present disclosure may be read as a user terminal. For example, the aspects/embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to a configuration in which communication between a base station and a user terminal is replaced with communication between multiple terminals 20 (which may be called, for example, D2D (Device-to-Device) or V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything)). In this case, the terminal 20 may be configured to have the functions of the network node 30 described above. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" may be read as terms corresponding to terminal-to-terminal communication (for example, "side"). For example, terms such as uplink channel and downlink channel may be read as side channel.

Similarly, the user terminal in this disclosure may be interpreted as a base station. In this case, the base station may be configured to have the functions possessed by the user terminal described above.

As used in this disclosure, the terms "determining" and "determining" may encompass a wide variety of actions. "Determining" and "determining" may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, inquiring (e.g., searching a table, database, or other data structure), and ascertaining something that is considered to be a "determination." "Determining" and "determining" may also include receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), input, output, accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), and so on. Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding actions such as resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and comparing as having been "judgment" or "decision." In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include regarding some action as having been "judgment" or "decision." Furthermore, "judgment (decision)" can be interpreted as "assuming," "expecting," "considering," etc.

The terms "connected," "coupled," or any variation thereof, refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are "connected" or "coupled" to each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, "connected" may be read as "access." As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be "connected" or "coupled" to each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, as well as electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency range, microwave range, and optical (both visible and invisible) range, as some non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

The reference signal may also be abbreviated as RS (Reference Signal) or may be called a pilot depending on the applicable standard.

As used in this disclosure, the phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on," unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" means both "based only on" and "based at least on."

As used in this disclosure, any reference to an element using a designation such as "first," "second," etc. does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements. Thus, a reference to a first and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be employed or that the first element must in some way precede the second element.

The "means" in the configuration of each of the above devices may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

When the terms "include," "including," and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the term "comprising." Furthermore, when the term "or" is used in this disclosure, it is not intended to be an exclusive or.

In this disclosure, where articles are added by translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the noun following these articles being plural.

In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." Note that this term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combined" may also be interpreted in the same way as "different."

Each aspect/embodiment described in this disclosure may be used alone, in combination, or switched between depending on the implementation. Furthermore, notification of specified information (e.g., notification that "X is true") is not limited to being done explicitly, but may also be done implicitly (e.g., not notifying the specified information).

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which are defined by the claims. Therefore, the description of the present disclosure is intended for illustrative purposes only and does not have any limiting meaning on the present disclosure.

10 Base station 110 Transmitter 120 Receiver 130 Setting unit 140 Control unit 20 Terminal 210 Transmitter 220 Receiver 230 Setting unit 240 Control unit 30 Network node 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1003 Auxiliary storage device 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device 2001 Vehicle 2002 Drive unit 2003 Steering unit 2004 Accelerator pedal 2005 Brake pedal 2006 Shift lever 2007 Front wheels 2008 Rear wheels 2009 Axle 2010 Electronic control unit 2012 Information service unit 2013 Communication module 2021 Current sensor 2022 Rotation speed sensor 2023 Air pressure sensor 2024 Vehicle speed sensor 2025 Acceleration sensor 2026 Brake pedal sensor 2027 Shift lever sensor 2028 Object detection sensor 2029: Accelerator pedal sensor 2030: Driving assistance system unit 2031: Microprocessor 2032: Memory (ROM, RAM)
2033 Communication port (IO port)

Claims (6)

a receiving unit for receiving an information inquiry related to a connection request to a user from a first network node;
a control unit that determines whether the destination domain of the user is a real space or a cyber space;
a transmitter configured to transmit information indicating the determined destination domain to the first network node. the transmitting unit transmits an inquiry regarding location information of the user to a second network node;
The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the receiving unit receives a response relating to the user's location information from the second network node. The network node of claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the user's destination domain based on at least one of the user's settings, time of day, presence status, disaster status, and call status. a control unit that executes a connection process from a first user to a second user in cyberspace;
a transmitting unit that notifies the first user that communication with the second user in the cyberspace is being performed while the first user is communicating with the second user in the cyberspace. The network node of claim 4, wherein the transmission unit executes control to change the voice or vibrate the terminal of the first user while the first user is conversing with the second user in the cyberspace. receiving an information query from a first network node relating to a connection request for a user;
determining a destination domain of the user to be either a real space or a cyber space;
and transmitting information indicating the determined destination domain to the first network node.