APPARARUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Field of the disclosure

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a method, and a computer program for aggregating a plurality of multi-dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record in a communication system.

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/access points 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. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data 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 between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user is often 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 a carrier provided by a station or access point, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier. The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a required standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should 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). Another example of an architecture that is known as the long-term evolution (LTE) or the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. Another example communication system is so called 5G radio or new radio (NR) access technology.

Summary

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: selecting a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi- dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value for the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without permission from the data consumer.

The apparatus may comprise means for: monitoring multi-dimensional data records; determining an number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated based on the monitoring; determining that the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated is equal to or lower than the maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated; changing the applicable number W of multi dimensional data records to be aggregated to be equal to the number N of multi dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without approval from the data consumer; and selecting the plurality of multi-dimensional data records based on the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension. The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The apparatus may comprise means for: providing the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to a data consumer.

The apparatus may comprise means for: providing metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured to the data consumer. The apparatus may comprise means for: providing metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to the data consumer.

The apparatus may be a messaging framework. According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: selecting a plurality of multi dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value for the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi- dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated. The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without permission from the data consumer.

The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: monitor multi- dimensional data records; determining an number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated based on the monitoring; determine that the number N of multi dimensional data records to be aggregated is equal to or lower than the maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated; change the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated to be equal to the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without approval from the data consumer; and select the plurality of multi-dimensional data records based on the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension. The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: provide the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to a data consumer.

The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: provide metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured to the data consumer. The at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: provide metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to the data consumer.

The apparatus may be a messaging framework.

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to: select a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi- dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value for the same plurality of dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The apparatus may circuitry configured to: receive configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The apparatus may circuitry configured to: receive configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without permission from the data consumer.

The apparatus may circuitry configured to: monitor multi-dimensional data records; determining an number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated based on the monitoring; determine that the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated is equal to or lower than the maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated; change the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated to be equal to the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without approval from the data consumer; and select the plurality of multi-dimensional data records based on the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The apparatus may circuitry configured to: receive configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided. The apparatus may circuitry configured to: receive configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The apparatus may circuitry configured to: provide the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to a data consumer.

The apparatus may circuitry configured to: provide metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured to the data consumer.

The apparatus may circuitry configured to: provide metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to the data consumer.

The apparatus may be a messaging framework.

According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: selecting a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value for the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The method may comprise: receiving configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated. The method may comprise: receiving configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without permission from the data consumer.

The method may comprise: monitoring multi-dimensional data records; determining an number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated based on the monitoring; determining that the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated is equal to or lower than the maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated; changing the applicable number W of multi dimensional data records to be aggregated to be equal to the number N of multi- dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without approval from the data consumer; and selecting the plurality of multi-dimensional data records based on the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated. The method may comprise: receiving configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The method may comprise: receiving configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi- dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The method may comprise: providing the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to a data consumer.

The method may comprise: providing metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured to the data consumer.

The method may comprise: providing metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to the data consumer.

The method may be performed by a messaging framework.

According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: select a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value for the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: receive configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: receive configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without permission from the data consumer. The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: monitor multi-dimensional data records; determining an number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated based on the monitoring; determine that the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated is equal to or lower than the maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated; change the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated to be equal to the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without approval from the data consumer; and select the plurality of multi-dimensional data records based on the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: receive configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: receive configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension. The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: provide the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to a data consumer.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: provide metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured to the data consumer.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: provide metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to the data consumer.

The at least one processor may be part of a messaging framework.

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: configuring a producer adaptor or a messaging framework to: select a plurality of multi dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The apparatus may comprise means for: providing configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The apparatus may comprise means for: providing configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data to be aggregated with or without approval from the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise means for: providing configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The apparatus may comprise means for: providing configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided. The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured.

The apparatus may comprise means for: receiving metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records.

The apparatus may be a data consumer.

According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: configure a producer adaptor or a messaging framework to: select a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi- dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: provide configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: provide configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data to be aggregated with or without approval from the apparatus.

The apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: provide configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension. The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: provide configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured.

The apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus at least to: receive metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records.

The apparatus may be a data consumer. According to an aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising circuitry configured to: configure a producer adaptor or a messaging framework to: select a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same plurality of dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times. The apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to: provide configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to: provide configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data to be aggregated with or without approval from the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to: provide configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi- dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to: receive the aggregated multi- dimensional data record.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to: provide configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to: receive metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured. The apparatus may comprise circuitry configured to: receive metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records.

The apparatus may be a data consumer. According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: configuring a producer adaptor or a messaging framework to: select a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi- dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The method may comprise: providing configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated. The method may comprise: providing configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data to be aggregated with or without approval from the apparatus.

The method may comprise: providing configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The method may comprise: receiving the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The method may comprise: providing configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The method may comprise: receiving metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured.

The method may comprise: receiving metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records.

The method may be performed by a data consumer.

According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: configure a producer adaptor or a messaging framework to: select a plurality of multi dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same plurality of dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: configure a producer adaptor or a messaging framework to: providing configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: provide configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data to be aggregated with or without approval from the apparatus.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: provide configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: receive the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: provide configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: receive metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured.

The computer program may comprise computer executable code which when run on at least one processor is configured to: receive metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records.

The at least one processor may be part of a data consumer.

According to an aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-volatile tangible memory medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least one of the above methods.

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

Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims.

List of abbreviations

AF: Application Function

AMF: Access Management Function BS: Base Station

BSF: Binding Support Function

C-Plane: Control Plane

CU: Centralized Unit

CSV: Comma Separated Values DCCF: Data Collection Coordination Function DA: DCCF adaptor

DL: Downlink

DU: Distributed Unit eNB: eNodeB gNB: gNodeB GSM: Global System for Mobile communication HSS: Home Subscriber Server IMS: IP multimedia subsystem loT: Internet of Things

MoT: Industrial loT

LTE: Long Term Evolution MAC: Medium Access Control

ML: Machine Learning

M-Plane: Management Plane

MS: Mobile Station

MTC: Machine Type Communication NEF: Network Exposure Function

NF: Network Function

NR: New radio

NRF: Network function Repository Function

OAM: Operation administration and Maintenance PCC: Policy and Charging Control PCF: Policy Control Function PDU: Packet Data Unit

PM: Performance Monitoring

RAM: Random Access Memory (R)AN: (Radio) Access Network ROM: Read Only Memory SMF: Session Management Function SON: Self-Organised Network

TR: Technical Report TS: Technical Specification

UE: User Equipment

UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

U-Plane: User Plane

USB: Universal Serial Bus 3CA: Third-Party consumer adaptor 3PA: Third-Party producer adaptor 3GPP: 3 ^rd Generation Partnership Project 5G: 5 ^th Generation

5GC: 5G Core network

5GS: 5G System Brief Description of the Figures

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

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a control apparatus;

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a terminal; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a missing data value problem for multi dimensional data records;

Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a functional architecture of a data collection framework submitted to SA2#139E;

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a solution for addressing a missing data problem for multi-dimensional data records;

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a block diagram of a process for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record;

Figures 8 and 9 show a schematic representation of a flow chart of a process for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record; Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a signaling diagram of a process for configuring a messaging framework; Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a signaling diagram of a process for changing an applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record;

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a block diagram of a method performed by a messaging framework for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record;

Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a block diagram of a method performed by a data consumer for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record; and

Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions which when executed by a processor allow a processor to perform one or more of theprocedures of the method of Figures 12 and 13.

Detailed Description of the Figures

In the following certain embodiments are explained with reference to mobile communication devices capable of communication via a wireless cellular system and mobile communication systems serving such mobile communication devices. Before explaining in detail the exemplifying embodiments, certain general principles of a wireless communication system, access systems thereof, and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS). The 5GS may comprises a terminal, a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AF) and one or more data networks (DN).

The 5G (R)AN may comprise one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit functions. The 5GC may comprise an access management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a user data management (UDM), a user plane function (UPF) and/or a network exposure function (NEF). Although not illustrated the 5GC may comprise other network functions (NF), such as a network address and/or port translation function (NAPTF), a network function repository function (NRF), a binding support function (BSF) or a data collection coordination function (DCCF).

Figure 2 illustrates an example of a control apparatus 200 for controlling a function of the (R)AN or the 5GC as illustrated on Figure 1. The control apparatus may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211 a, at least on read only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213 and an input/output interface 214. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211 b. The at least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 215. The software code 215 may for example allow to perform one or moreprocedures to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The control apparatus 200 may be interconnected with another control apparatus 200 controlling another function of the 5G (R)AN or the 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the (R)AN or the 5GC comprises a control apparatus 200. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the (R)AN or the 5GC may share a control apparatus.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of a terminal 300, such as the terminal illustrated on Figure 1. The terminal 300 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile 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), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communications (MTC) device, a Cellular Internet of things (CloT) device or any combinations of these or the like. The terminal 300 may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data and so on.

The terminal 300 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 307 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 3 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 306. The transceiver apparatus 306 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.

The terminal 300 may be provided with at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b and other possible components 303 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 at least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 302a and the ROM 211 b. The at least one processor 301 may be configured to execute an appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may for example allow to perform one or more of the present aspects. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 302b.

The processor, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The device may optionally have a user interface such as keypad 305, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. Optionally one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of the device.

One or more aspects of this disclosure relate to data collection for analytics in a mobile network. In a mobile network different types of data may be collected for various analytics use cases. Data types may include performance monitoring (PM) data, alarms, failure counters or other. Analytics use cases may include closed loop automation cases (e.g. self-organised network (SON) like algorithms), supervised machine learning (ML) based methods (prediction, classification) or unsupervised open loop methods (e.g. anomaly detection, pattern detection).

Most analytics methods (especially ML models trained on a set of input data) may expect to receive a full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. a multi-dimensional data record comprising a non-missing data value for all dimensions). The non-missing data values may comprise counter values, key performance indicator values, measurement values or other. The non-missing data values may be required to perform a processingprocedure. A non-full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. a multi dimensional data record comprises a missing data value for at least one dimension) may cause the analytics algorithm to get stuck or the analytics algorithm may have to discard the non-full multi-dimensional data record, causing incomplete and sporadic operation, potentially leading to sparse or wrong analytical conclusions.

Such missing data value problem is especially relevant for algorithms handling time series data, which expect multi-dimensional data records at pre-defined time intervals (e.g. every 15 min or 1 hour) and each multi-dimensional data record consists of a high number of dimensions (often in the range of multiple hundreds).

Due to measurement errors at data sources or jitter in data collection and consolidation jobs, many multi-dimensional data records may be impacted by a missing data value for at least one dimension. Even if 99% of data values are non-missing data value in a set of multi-dimensional data records (which in practice seem like an acceptable percentage), the 1 % missing part may be distributed among the multi-dimensional data records. Most of the multi-dimensional data records may be impacted in at least one dimension, making as much as 90-100% of the multi-dimensional data records unusable for many analytics methods.

Such missing data value problem is illustrated on Figure 4. A set of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times T1 to T10. Each multi-dimensional data record may comprise N data values (also called counter values) and thus has N dimensions. In the example, N is equal to seven.

X indicate that a multi-dimensional data record comprises a missing data value for a dimension. Here, 13% of data values are missing data value in the set of multi dimensional data records but 60% of multi-dimensional data records in the set of multi dimensional data records are non-full multi-dimensional data records.

One particular challenge for addressing the missing data value problem is that the pattern of missing data values may not be known in advance. The pattern of missing data values may depend on the robustness of data sources recording the set of multi dimensional data records (e.g. whether the data sources stop producing measurements when getting overloaded). The pattern of missing data values may depend on the implementation of the data collection method (e.g. whether collection from data sources is rested in a de-jitter buffer before producing a fully aligned multi dimensional data record). This makes it difficult or impossible to anticipate the pattern of missing data values in advance (e.g. during algorithm design time or deployment time). Another problem may the ambiguity caused by missing data values. For example, when data values represent a measured quantity (numerical quantity), a missing data value may be indicated by the value zero. A non-missing data values with a measured quantity equal to zero may also be indicated by the value zero. This makes it difficult or impossible for an algorithm to unambiguously to detect whether a zero value means that the measurement was successful and the measured quantity is zero, or that the measurement was not successful and the measured quantity is missing.

Existing techniques for data collection and recording may be manual and diverse. Data is often manually extracted from management systems, imported to databases or dumped to comma separated values (CSV) files, groomed by un-versioned command line scripts and exchanged via emails or even physical storage devices between departments or companies. These techniques make the whole data collection pipeline prone to errors including missing data values and ambiguity of the indication of missing data values, loss during transformations, especially as there are no standards (normative or de-facto) to produce data in a format that is at least consistent in missing data value indication.

A functional architecture of a proposed data collection framework has been proposed in SA2 #139E for FS_eNA_Ph2. The functional architecture is shown on Figure 5.

The function architecture comprises a data management framework, one or more data consumers and one or more data sources or producers. The one or more data consumers and the one or more data sources may comprise one or more NFs such as an AF or NEF or an operation administration and maintenance (OAM).

The data management framework may comprise a DCCF. The DCCF may communicate with other NFs, such as a UDM, NRF or BSF. The data management framework may comprise a messaging framework containing a DCCF adaptor (DA), a third-party consumer adaptor (3CA) and/or a third-party producer adaptor (3PA).

The DA may be configured to translate a protocol supported by the DCCF (e.g. 3GPP protocol) into a protocol supported by the messaging framework (e.g. non-3GPP protocol) or vice versa. The 3CA may be configured to translate a protocol supported by the one or more data consumers (e.g. 3GPP protocol) to a protocol supported by the messaging framework (e.g. non-3GPP protocol) or vice versa. The 3PA may be configured to translate a protocol supported by the one or more data sources (e.g. 3GPP protocol) to a protocol supported by the messaging framework (e.g. non-3GPP protocol) or vice versa.

If the messaging framework directly supports protocol supported by the DCCF, the one or more data sources, the one or more data sources the DA, 3CA or 3PA may not be required. The purpose of this functional architecture is to enable the collection and distribution of any data (e.g. operational, trace, event, control plane (C-plane), management plane (M-plane) or other except for the user plane (U-plane) packet data unit (PDU) session data) from the one or more data sources to the one or more data consumers. The one or more data sources may be dynamically discovered by the data management framework based on one or more requests of the one or more data consumers.

The messaging framework may be used to distribute data from the one or more data sources to the one or more data consumers so that a data source may not need to replicate data towards multiple data consumers. The one or more data sources may not be aware of the location and/or identity of their respective one or more data consumers. This may be handled by the data management framework.

The DCCF may control the one or more data sources and the one or more data consumers. The DCCF may expose available data to the one or more data consumers. The DCCF may receive one or more requests for data from the one or more data consumers. The DCCF may trigger the production of data at the one or more data Sources. The DCCF may configure the messaging framework to route and replicate data from the one or more data sources to the one or more data consumers. The DCCF itself may not handle data but may be aware of the bindings between the one or more data sources and the one or more data consumers.

The 3PA may interface the messaging framework with the one or more data sources to collect data using protocols and mechanisms suiting the one or more data sources. The 3CA may interface the messaging framework with the one or more data consumers to provide data using protocols and mechanisms suiting the one or more data consumers. Such protocols and mechanisms may be standardized. In general, the 3PA and 3CA may adapt the interfaces of the one or more data sources and the one or more data consumers to the interface of the messaging framework.

One or more aspects of this disclosure provide a mechanism for eliminating or at least reducing missing data values from a set of multi-dimensional data records. The set of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times. That is, the set of multi-dimensional data records may form a time series.

The pattern of missing data values in the set of multi-dimensional data records may be monitored. The pattern of missing data values may describe which data values are missing data values in each multi-dimensional data record and how many consecutive multi-dimensional data records comprise a missing data value in a same dimension.

A number of consecutive multi-dimensional data records in which there is at least one missing value for every dimension may be searched. The number of consecutive multi dimensional data records in which there is at least one missing value for every dimension may be the smallest number of consecutive multi-dimensional data records in which there is at least one value for every dimension. The consecutive multi-dimensional data records may be aggregated (i.e. combined) into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with no missing data value. The number of consecutive multi-dimensional data records that are aggregated (i.e. combined) into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with no missing data values may be referred to as an aggregation window.

The mechanism may be illustrated on Figure 6 on the same data the data that was used to illustrate the missing data value problem on Figure 4. A set of multi dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times T1 to T10. X indicate that a multi-dimensional data record comprises a missing data value for a dimension. Each multi-dimensional data record may comprise N data values and thus has N dimensions. In the example, N is equal to seven.

It may be determined that if four consecutive multi-dimensional data records are aggregated, for example as marked by the aggregation window x1 between time T1 to T4, it is possible to create a multi-dimensional data record that represent time T1 to

T4 with no missing values. The aggregation of the multi-dimensional data records may be achieved through an aggregation function f(.) which takes the consecutive multi- dimensional data records with missing data values as input and produces an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with non-missing data values as output.

The f(.) function may be a uni-dimensional function and may be used to aggregate the consecutive multi-dimensional data records in each direction. That is, a same uni dimensional function may be used for each dimension.

Alternatively, the f(.) function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising different uni-dimensional aggregation functions to aggregate the consecutive multi-dimensional data records in different directions. That is, a different uni-dimensional function may be used for each dimension.

A uni-dimensional aggregation function may combine multiple input values to a single output value. For numerical data values, a uni-dimensional aggregation function may be average, mean, square root of the sum of squares, minimum, maximum, or them. A uni-dimensional aggregation function tion may be represented as a reference to a well-known function (e.g., “avg”) or may be a piece of code in a well-known computer programming language (e.g., “<script>function f() { let args = Array.from(arguments); return args.reduce(function(acc, cur) {return acc+cur}) / args. length; }</script>”).

The mechanism may be implemented by the messaging framework, for example by the messaging framework. The mechanism may be configured by one or more data consumers.

The one or more data consumers may provide configuration information to the messaging framework indicating a maximum number M of consecutive multi dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

If all the consecutive multi-dimensional data records comprise a missing data value for a dimension, the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may contain a missing data value for the dimension. If at least one of the consecutive multi-dimensional data records comprises a non-missing data value for a dimension, the aggregated multi dimensional data record may contain a non-missing data value for the dimension.

The one or more data consumers may provide configuration information to the messaging framework indicating an aggregation function f(.).

The messaging framework may be configured (i.e. initialized) with an applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The applicable number W may also be referred to as the aggregation window size.

The one or more data consumers may provide configuration information to the messaging framework indicating whether the messaging framework may change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with or without approval from the one or more data consumers.

When the messaging framework changes the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record without approval from the one or more data consumers, the messaging framework may not notify the one or more data consumers of the change.

When the messaging framework changes the number W of consecutive multi dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with approval from the one or more data consumers, the messaging framework may notify the one or more data consumers of the change.

The one or more data consumers may provide configuration information to the messaging framework indicating that an indication of a missing data value is to be provided to the one or more data consumer and optionally how the indication of a missing data value is to be provided to the one or more data consumer. The indication of a missing data value may be provided to the one or more data consumers in an aggregated multi-dimensional data record when the aggregated multi-dimensional data record comprises a missing data value.

Alternatively, the indication of a missing data value may be provided to the one or more data consumers in a non-aggregated multi-dimensional data record when aggregation of consecutive multi-dimensional data records into an aggregated multi dimensional data record is prohibited (e.g. the maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record is equal to one).

The indication of a missing data value may be part of the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. If the data format enables in-band missing data value indication, the data format may be used. An example for in-band missing data indication using XML is provided below. The value zero appears twice. The first value zero is a non-missing data value (i.e. expresses a quantity equal to zero). The second zero value is a missing data value (i.e. expresses no quantity).

Data:

<data>

<value missing=”false”>0</value> <value missing=”false”>1 </value> <value missing=”false”>2</value> <value missing=”true”>0</value> <value missing=”false”>4</value> <value missing=”false”>5</value> <value missing=”false”>6</value> </data>

In this example the indication of a missing data value may be <value missing=”true”> It is remarked that XML is just an example of programming language and other programming languages may be used.

Alternatively, the indication of missing data value may be separate from the non- aggregated multi-dimensional data record. Metadata may be attached to the data. An example missing data value indication may be separate from the non-aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Data:

“0,1, 2, 3, 0,5, 6”

Metadata: <missing_data>

<position count_from_zero=”yes”>4</position>

</missing_data>

In this example the indication of missing data value may be <position count_from_zero=”yes”>4</position>

The count_from_zero attribute may indicate that the position of the missing data has to be counted from zero and not from one). The messaging framework may provide the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to the one or more data consumers. The aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be a full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may not comprise any missing data values) or a non-full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may comprise one or more non-missing data values and one or more missing data values) The messaging framework may provide metadata to the one or more data consumers indicating a time interval during which the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record are recorded (e.g. T4 - T1).

The messaging framework may provide metadata to the one or more data consumers indicating a quality of the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The quality of the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be expressed as a number of missing data values in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records, a percentage of missing data values in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records, a number of non-full multi-dimensional data records in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records, a percentage of non-full multi-dimensional data records in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records or other.

Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a block diagram of a process for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

One or more data consumers may provide configuration information to the messaging framework. The configuration information may indicate the maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record, the aggregation function f(.), whether the messaging framework may change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with or without approval from the one or more data consumer and/or whether an indication of a missing data value is to be provided and optionally how the indication of a missing data value is to be provided.

The messaging framework may provide the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to the one or more data consumers. The messaging framework may provide the indication of a missing data value to the one or more data consumers. The messaging framework may provide the metadata to the one or more data consumers indicating a time interval during which the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record are recorded and/or the quality of the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi dimensional data record.

The messaging framework may notify the one or more data consumers of a change in the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Additionally or alternatively, the one or more data consumers may notify the messaging framework of a change in the number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The DCCF may collect the configuration information from the one or more data consumer as part of one or more requests for data. This may require specifying additional attributes in the request for data.

The DCCF may convey the configuration to the messaging framework, in particular the 3PA and/or 3CA, using appropriate signaling interface. The DCCF may coordinate requests and/or data delivery towards the messaging framework.

Figures 8 and 9 show a schematic representation of a flow chart of a process for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The flow chart may be performed by the messaging framework, for example by the 3PA or the 3CA.

Inprocedure 800 the messaging framework may receive configuration information from the one or more data consumers via the DCCF. The configuration information may indicate the maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record, the aggregation function f(.), whether the messaging framework may change an applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with or without approval from the one or more data consumers and/or whether an indication of a missing data value is to be provided and optionally how the indication of a missing data value is to be provided. The flow chart goes toprocedure 802.

Inprocedure 802 the messaging framework may configure (i.e. initialize) a number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record to one. The flow chart goes toprocedure 804.

Inprocedure 804 the messaging framework may receive a set of consecutive multi dimensional data records recorded from one or more data sources. The flow chart goes toprocedure 806. Inprocedure 806 the messaging framework may monitor a pattern of missing data values in each multi-dimensional data record of the set of multi-dimensional data records and in the set of multi-dimensional data records. The flow chart goes toprocedure 808. Inprocedure 808 messaging framework may determine a plurality of consecutive multi dimensional data records within the set of consecutive multi-dimensional data records, wherein, for each dimension, the plurality of consecutive multi-dimensional data records comprises at least one multi-dimensional data record with at least one non missing data value and at least one multi-dimensional data record with at a missing data value. The messaging framework may determine a number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records forming the plurality of consecutive multi-dimensional data records and that may be aggregated to form the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The flow chart goes toprocedure 810. Inprocedure 810 the multi-dimensional data record may determine whether the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records is greater than the maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records. If the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records is greater than the maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records the flow chart goes toprocedure 812.

If the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records is equal to or lower than the maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records the flow chart goes toprocedure 814. Inprocedure 812 the messaging framework may set the number N of multi-dimensional data records to the maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records. The flow chart goes toprocedure 814

Inprocedure 814 the multi-dimensional data record may determine whether the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records is different from the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records.

If the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records is different from the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records, the flow chart goes toprocedure 916.

If the number N of multi-dimensional data records is the same as the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records, the flow chart goes toprocedure 918.

Inprocedure 916 the messaging framework may determine whether the messaging framework may change the number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records with or without approval from the one or more data consumers. If the messaging framework may change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records with approval from the one or more data consumers the flow chart goes toprocedure 920. If the messaging framework may change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records without approval from the one or more data consumers the flow chart goes toprocedure 922.

Inprocedure 920 the messaging framework may obtain approval from the one or more data consumers to change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be equal to the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records . The flow chart goes toprocedure 922.

Inprocedure 922 the messaging framework may change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be equal to the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records. The flow chart goes toprocedure 918. Inprocedure 918 the messaging framework may aggregate W (i.e. N) consecutive multi-dimensional data records into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record using the aggregation function f(.) indicated by the one or more data consumers. The flow chart goes toprocedure 924. Inprocedure 924 the messaging framework may determine whether the aggregated multi-dimensional data record is a full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record comprises at least one missing data value for at least one dimension) or a non-full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record comprises no missing data value for any dimension).

If the aggregated multi-dimensional data record is a full multi-dimensional data record the flow chart goes toprocedure 926. If the aggregated multi-dimensional data record is a non-full multi-dimensional data record the flow chart goes toprocedure 928. Inprocedure 926 the messaging framework may use the missing value indication indicated by the one or more data consumer for each missing value of the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The flow chart goes toprocedure 928. Inprocedure 928 the messaging framework may provide the aggregated multi dimensional data record to the one or more data consumers.

The process described above is advantageous over existing prior art in that it provides a mechanism for eliminating or at least reducing missing data values from a set of multi-dimensional data records.

The mechanism may comprise three parts: the signalling for the configuration of the mechanism; the signalling to change the applicable number W of consecutive multi dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record (if requested by the Data Consumer) and the indication of missing data.

Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a signaling diagram of a process for configuring a messaging framework. Inprocedure 1 the data consumer may send a data request to the DCCF. The data request may comprise configuration indicating a data source, a data type, a maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record, an aggregation function f(.), whether an applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be changed with or without approval from the one or more data consumers and/or an indication that a missing data value is to be provided and optionally how the indication that a missing data value is to be provided . Inprocedure 2 the DCCF may send a coordinate request to the messaging framework. The coordinate request may comprise configuration indicating a data source, a data type, a maximum number M of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record, an aggregation function f(.), whether an applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be changed with or without approval from the one or more data consumers and/or an indication that a missing data value is to be provided and optionally how the indication that a missing data value is to be provided.

Inprocedure 3 the DCCF may receive an acknowledgement response from the messaging framework.

Inprocedure 4 the data consumer may receive an acknowledgement response from the DCCF.

Inprocedure 5 the data consumer may receive an aggregated multi-dimensional data record from the messaging framework. The aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be a full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may not comprise any missing data values) or a non-full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may comprise one or more non-missing data values and one or more missing data values)

The data consumer may receive a metadata from the messaging framework indicating a time interval during which the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record are recorded.

The data consumer may receive a metadata from the messaging framework indicating a quality of the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The quality of the consecutive multi dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be expressed as a number of missing data values in the consecutive multi dimensional data records, a percentage of missing data values in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records, a number of non-full multi-dimensional data records in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records, a percentage of non-full multi dimensional data records in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records or other.

Said differently, when the mechanism is implemented in the messaging framework (including one of the adaptors), the data consumer may pass the configuration information to the DCCF in the data request message. The DCCF may send the configuration information further to the messaging framework in the coordinate request message. The DCCF may needs to forward the identity of the data Consumer along with the identity of the data Source to the messaging framework so that the messaging Framework knows which 3PA-3CA data path to use. It may be possible that other data consumers requesting data from the same data source provide different configuration information or do not require to run the mechanism. The messaging framework may internally configure the 3PA or in the 3CA to perform the mechanism on. The messaging framework may acknowledge the receipt and/or successful processing of the coordinate request message to the DCCF, which in turn acknowledges the receipt and/or successful processing of the data request message to the data consumer. The data may then be sent from the messaging framework to the data consumer. The data may be extended with metadata. The process described above is advantageous over existing prior art in that it provides a mechanism for eliminating or at least reducing missing data values from a set of multi-dimensional data records.

Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a signaling diagram of a process for changing the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record (if requested by the data consumer).

Inprocedure 1 the messaging network may send a message to the DCCF to obtain approval from the data consumer to change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record. Inprocedure 2 the DCCF may send a message to the data consumer to obtain approval from the data consumer to change the applicable number W of consecutive multi dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Inprocedure 3 the DCCF may receive an acknowledgement with the approval from the data consumer from the data consumer to change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Inprocedure 4 the messaging framework may receive an acknowledgement with the approval from the data consumer from the DCCF to change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Inprocedure 5 the messaging framework may change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The messaging framework may aggregate W multi-dimensional data records into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The messaging framework may send the aggregated multi-dimensional data record to the data consumer. The aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be a full multi dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may not comprise any missing data values) or a non-full multi-dimensional data record (i.e. the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may comprise one or more non-missing data values and one or more missing data values) The messaging framework may send metadata to the data consumer indicating a time interval during which the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record are recorded. The messaging framework may send metadata to the data consumer indicating a quality of the consecutive multi-dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record. The quality of the consecutive multi dimensional data records aggregated into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record may be expressed as a number of missing data values in the consecutive multi- dimensional data records, a percentage of missing data values in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records, a number of non-full multi-dimensional data records in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records, a percentage of non-full multi dimensional data records in the consecutive multi-dimensional data records or other. Said differently, the mechanism is configured to change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record (if requested by the data consumer) with approval, the mechanism must get approval from the data consumer before changing the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated into an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Upon detecting that a number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records is more suitable for a set of multi-dimensional data records, the messaging framework may send a notification message to the DCCF, which relays the message to the data consumer. The message may contain the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records. The data consumer may acknowledge the message to the DCCF. The DCCF may acknowledge the message to the messaging framework. After obtaining the approval, the messaging framework may change the applicable number W of consecutive multi-dimensional data records to be equal to the number N of consecutive multi-dimensional data records. The process described above is advantageous over existing prior art in that it provides a mechanism for eliminating or at least reducing missing data values from a set of multi-dimensional data records.

Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of a block diagram of a method performed by a messaging framework for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Inprocedure 1200 a messaging framework may receive configuration information.

The messaging framework may receive configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The messaging framework may receive configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without permission from the data consumer.

The messaging framework may receive configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

The messaging framework may receive configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension.

The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension

Inprocedure 1202 a messaging framework may select a plurality of multi-dimensional data records. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value for the same plurality of dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises the first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi- dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times.

The messaging framework may monitor multi-dimensional data records. The messaging framework may determine an number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated based on the monitor. The messaging framework may determine that the number N of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated is equal to or lower than the maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated. The messaging framework may change the applicable number W of multi- dimensional data records to be aggregated to be equal to the number N of multi dimensional data records to be aggregated with or without approval from the data consumer. The messaging framework may select the plurality of multi-dimensional data records based on the applicable number W of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

Inprocedure 1204 the messaging framework may aggregate the plurality of multi dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension.

Inprocedure 1206 the messaging framework may provide the aggregated multi dimensional data record to a data consumer.

The messaging framework may provide metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured to the data consumer.

The messaging framework may provide metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to the data consumer.

The method described above is advantageous over existing prior art in that it provides a mechanism for eliminating or at least reducing missing data values from a set of multi-dimensional data records.

Figure 13 shows a schematic representation of a block diagram of a method performed by a data consumer for generating an aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

Inprocedure 1300 a data consumer may configure a messaging framework to: select a plurality of multi-dimensional data records, wherein the plurality of multi-dimensional data records comprises a first multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and a second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension; and aggregate the plurality of multi-dimensional data records to generate an aggregated multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same at least one dimension. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in a plurality of dimensions and the second multi-dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in the same plurality of dimensions. The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the second multi dimensional data record with a non-missing data value in all dimensions.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may comprise the first multi dimensional data record with a missing data value in at least one dimension and the second multi-dimensional data record with a missing data value in a different at least one dimension.

The plurality of multi-dimensional data records may be recorded in consecutive times. The data consumer may provide configuration information indicating of a maximum number M of multi-dimensional data records to be aggregated.

The data consumer may comprise means for: providing configuration information indicating a permission to change an applicable number W of multi-dimensional data to be aggregated with or without approval from the apparatus.

The data consumer may provide configuration information indicating an aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records into the aggregated multi-dimensional data record.

The aggregation function may be a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in at least one dimension. The aggregation function may be a multi-dimensional aggregation function comprising a uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi dimensional data records in a dimension and another uni-dimensional aggregation function for aggregating the plurality of multi-dimensional data records in another dimension.

The data consumer may provide configuration information indicating that an indication of missing data value is to be provided and/or how an indication of missing data value is to be provided.

Inprocedure 1302 the data consumer may receive the aggregated multi-dimensional data record from the messaging framework.

The data consumer may receive metadata information indicating a time interval during which the plurality of multi-dimensional data records has been captured.

The data consumer may receive metadata information indicating a quality of the plurality of multi-dimensional data records.

The method described above is advantageous over existing prior art in that it provides a mechanism for eliminating or at least reducing missing data values from a set of multi-dimensional data records.

Figure 14 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 1400a (e.g. computer disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD)) and 1400b (e.g. universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and/or parameters 1402 which when executed by a processor allow the processor to perform one or more of theprocedures of the methods of Figures 12 and 13. It is noted 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 invention.

It will be understood that although the above concepts have been discussed in the context of a 5GS, one or more of these concepts may be applied to other cellular systems.

It will also be understood that although the above mechanism has been described as being implemented by a messaging framework, the mechanism may be implemented by another apparatus, entity or function.

The embodiments may thus vary within the scope of the attached claims. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects 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 embodiments are not limited thereto. While various embodiments 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 may be implemented by computer software stored in a memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Further in this regard it should be noted that any procedures, e.g., as in Figures 12 and 13, may represent programprocedures, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of programprocedures 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 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 include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Alternatively or additionally some embodiments may be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry may be configured to perform one or more of the functions and/or methodprocedures previously described. That circuitry may be provided in the base station and/or in the communications device.

As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and/or digital circuitry);

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as:

(i) a combination of analogue and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as the communications device or base station to perform the various functions previously described; and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example integrated device.

The foregoing description has provided by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples a full and informative description of some embodiments 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 will still fall within the scope as defined in the appended claims.