Electronic device, method and storage medium for dynamic spectrum sharing

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device, a method and a storage medium for dynamic spectrum sharing. Various embodiments of spectrum sharing and interference control based on a blockchain are described. In one embodiment, an electronic device for a first user includes processing circuitry configured to receive an authorization response message from a spectrum access system (SAS), where the authorization response message includes information of one or more protection points; determining the interference power of the electronic equipment to a first protection point under a first frequency at least based on the emission parameter of the electronic equipment and the position and the first frequency of operation of the first protection point in the one or more protection points; and recording the interference information and the interference threshold requirement of the first protection point in the block chain network. The interference information comprises interference power of the electronic equipment to the first protection point, so that the block chain network is used for controlling aggregation interference of one or more secondary users to the first protection point.

Description

Electronic device, method and storage medium for dynamic spectrum sharing Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication technologies, including electronic devices, methods, and storage media for dynamic spectrum sharing and aggregate interference control. Background Art

[0002] Radio spectrum is the foundation of many wireless communication systems, including radar and cellular communications. Specific frequency ranges within the radio spectrum can be divided into bands or channels and allocated to different entities, for different purposes, or in different geographic locations. While frequency allocation is highly valued and generally subject to strict regulation, the limited availability of spectrum means that relying solely on frequency allocation may not fully meet the growing frequency usage demands of wireless communications. With the application of communication technologies, network equipment deployment has become more dense, and the number of various terminal types, such as mobile phones, IoT devices, and wearables, has increased dramatically. Consequently, the demand for spectrum resources is increasing, particularly in frequency bands below 6 GHz suitable for mobile communications. Due to the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of services, traditional static spectrum management solutions only achieve low spectrum utilization, resulting in wasted spectrum resources. Therefore, dynamic spectrum sharing technology has been proposed. It enables secondary users to discover and utilize the idle spectrum of primary users through spectrum sensing or databases, thereby improving spectrum utilization.

[0003] Dynamic spectrum access enables sharing of available spectrum among multiple users, with the Spectrum Access System (SAS) managing shared access to the spectrum. For example, available spectrum includes the commercial 3.5 GHz band and unlicensed bands such as TV White Space (TVWS) and unassigned TV channels.

[0004] In some scenarios, the SAS can control spectrum access between users with different spectrum access rights or priorities. The SAS can implement spectrum management policies for each priority level user. For example, the SAS can protect the spectrum usage of a higher-priority primary user from harmful interference that may be generated by a lower-priority secondary user. In some cases, the primary user may be an incumbent user, such as a military or other government user, who already had access to the spectrum before sharing it with other non-incumbent (or lower-priority) secondary users.

[0005] Generally speaking, there are relatively few primary users, and their spectrum utilization rate is lower than that of secondary users. Ideally, secondary users should be able to share the spectrum in a way that satisfies the quality of service while keeping the interference to primary users at an acceptable level.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for a first-time user, comprising: receiving an authorization response message from a spectrum access system (SAS), wherein the authorization response message includes information of one or more protection points; determining the interference power of the electronic device to the first protection point at a first frequency based at least on the transmission parameters of the electronic device and the position and first frequency of operation of a first protection point among the one or more protection points; and recording the interference information and the interference threshold requirement of the first protection point in a blockchain network, wherein the interference information includes the interference power of the electronic device to the first protection point, so as to be used by the blockchain network to control the aggregate interference of one or more secondary users to the first protection point.

[0008] The first aspect of the present disclosure alternatively relates to a method for a first-time user, comprising: obtaining a removal table that controls use of a first frequency from a blockchain network; sending a transaction request message to a second-time user based on the removal table containing the first-time user, the transaction request message suggesting to the second-time user a transfer of use of the first frequency when an associated dynamic protection zone is activated to the first user; receiving a transaction approval message from the second-time user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and recording the transaction request message in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

[0009] The first aspect of the present disclosure also relates to an electronic device that can implement the method for a first-time user, the electronic device including a processing circuit to perform corresponding operations.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for blockchain, comprising: recording first interference information of a first plurality of secondary users for a first frequency, wherein the first interference information includes at least the interference power of the first user and the second user on a first protection point; and based on a first interference threshold and the first interference information of the first protection point, controlling so that when an associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the first user stops using the first frequency and the second user continues using the first frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the first plurality of secondary users on the first protection point is lower than the first interference threshold.

[0011] A second aspect of the present disclosure also relates to an electronic device that can implement the method for blockchain, and the electronic device includes a processing circuit to perform corresponding operations.

[0012] A third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for a SAS, comprising: receiving a first heartbeat request message from a first-time user, the first heartbeat request message including a removal table for use of a first frequency in a specific dynamic protection zone; and sending a first heartbeat response message to the first-time user. In response to activation of the specific dynamic protection zone and the inclusion of the first-time user in the removal table, the first heartbeat response message instructs the first-time user to stop using the first frequency.

[0013] A third aspect of the present disclosure further relates to an electronic device capable of implementing the method for SAS, wherein the electronic device includes a processing circuit to perform corresponding operations.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable storage medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors, implement the operations of the methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, enable implementation of the method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] The above summary is provided to summarize some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of various aspects of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, the above features are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the detailed description described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] A better understanding of the present disclosure may be obtained when the following detailed description of the embodiments is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are used in the various drawings to represent the same or similar components. The accompanying drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of this specification and are used to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and to explain the principles and advantages of the present disclosure. In particular:

[0018] FIG1 illustrates an example scenario for performing dynamic spectrum sharing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG2 illustrates an example method for controlling aggregate interference according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG3 illustrates an example process for selecting or removing secondary users to control aggregate interference according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG4A illustrates an example electronic device in which a secondary user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0022] FIG4B shows an example electronic device that can implement or constitute a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 4C illustrates an example electronic device that may implement a SAS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG5 shows an example signaling flow for controlling aggregate interference according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6A shows an example signaling flow for a heartbeat process between a secondary user and a SAS.

[0026] FIG6B shows an example signaling flow for a secondary user to trade spectrum usage according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG7 shows example information recorded by a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] 8A to 8C illustrate example methods for communication according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG9 shows an example block diagram of computers that may be implemented as secondary users or SASs and constitute a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG10 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a schematic configuration of a gNB to which the technology of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0031] FIG11 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of a schematic configuration of a gNB to which the technology of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0032] While the embodiments described in this disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. However, it should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intent is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following describes representative applications of various aspects of the apparatus and method of the present disclosure. The description of these examples is only to increase context and help understand the described embodiments. Therefore, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described below can be implemented without some or all of the specific details. In other cases, well-known process steps are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are also possible, and the solutions of the present disclosure are not limited to these examples.

[0034] In general, all terms used herein will be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless different meanings and / or implications are clearly given in the context of use. Unless clearly otherwise specified, references to elements, devices, components, units, and operations are intended to be openly interpreted as at least one instance in elements, devices, components, units, and operations. The operation of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the precise order disclosed, unless the operation is clearly or implicitly described as being after or before another operation. Any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other appropriate embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applicable to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other purposes, features, and advantages of the embodiment will become clear from the following description.

[0035] Figure 1 illustrates an example scenario for performing dynamic spectrum sharing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 shows a communication system including a primary user and multiple secondary users. Multiple secondary users can share the primary user's spectrum without causing excessive aggregate interference to the primary user. In this disclosure, spectrum may refer to any frequency, frequency band, or channel in the radio spectrum that can be used for wireless communication. The terms frequency, frequency band, or channel will be used interchangeably below, without affecting understanding.

[0036] In this disclosure, a primary user refers to a device used in a primary system, such as a radar. Secondary users may include Citizens Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs). CBSDs are devices that communicate in the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) band and require authorization from the SAS to use the CBRS band. In embodiments of this disclosure, a base station in a mobile communication system or cellular communication system may operate as a CBSD to share frequency resources with the primary system.

[0037] In Figure 1, a primary user is shown as a single protection point 101. This primary user or protection point can correspond to, for example, an existing radar. Based on transmit power (e.g., maximum transmit power), multiple secondary users can include one or more high-power devices and one or more low-power devices. It should be understood that the number of primary and secondary users shown here is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in this disclosure.

[0038] In Figure 1, a dynamic protection area (DPA) can be formed around the protection point 101. The DPA can have two states: activated and deactivated. The activated DPA needs to be protected so that the protection points within the DPA are not subject to excessive interference from secondary users, while the DPA in the deactivated state does not require such protection. The range of the DPA can be determined by the distance from the protection point. The range of the DPA is larger for high-power devices and smaller for low-power devices. In some embodiments, the DPA needs to be defined based on the geographical area to be protected and the maximum allowable aggregate interference level. The geographical area to be protected can be described as the coordinates of the polygons that define the boundaries of the DPA. These polygons can be predefined and fixed in position. The maximum allowable aggregate interference level can correspond to a certain reliability, such as 95%. Reliability is defined as the probability that the aggregate interference from the secondary user remains below the maximum allowable aggregate interference level for any protection point within the DPA. The DPA defines a proximity range that is less than a specific distance from the protection point (e.g., 101) within the DPA, so that the aggregate interference formed by the secondary users within the proximity range is lower than the maximum allowable aggregate interference level. The distance for low-power equipment is, for example, 150 km, corresponding to the proximity range 1 in Figure 1. The distance for high-power equipment is, for example, 300 km, corresponding to the proximity range 2 in Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates an example method for controlling aggregate interference according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Example method 200 enables, for a specific protection point within a DPA using a specific channel, the aggregate interference from multiple slave users using the same channel to be lower than the interference threshold for that specific protection point. Method 200 is described below using protection point 101 and the first channel as an example.

[0040] As shown in FIG2 , method 200 includes determining one or more secondary users using a first channel within a proximity of protection point 101 (block 202). The proximity is related to the device type of each secondary user. Low-power devices may correspond to proximity range 1 as shown in FIG1 , and high-power devices may correspond to proximity range 2 as shown in FIG1 . The determined secondary users include high-power and low-power secondary users within proximity range 1, and high-power secondary users within proximity range 2 but not within proximity range 1; in other words, the determined secondary users include low-power secondary users within proximity range 1 and high-power secondary users within proximity range 2.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, method 200 also includes calculating, for the determined secondary users, the interference generated by the corresponding secondary users on the protection point 101 when using the first channel (box 204). For example, the interference power on the protection point 101 can be calculated as In1 = P1 + G1 - L1 based on the transmission parameters and gain performance of the first user. Wherein, P1 represents the transmission power of the first user, G1 represents the antenna gain from the first user to the protection point 101, and L1 represents the path loss from the first user to the protection point 101. For example, the path loss L1 can be determined based on the median of the path loss of the ITM model, or the path loss L1 can be estimated based on any other appropriate propagation model. Afterwards, the interference generated by multiple secondary users are superimposed to form the aggregated interference of multiple secondary users to the protection point 101.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, method 200 also includes selecting a certain number of secondary users from a plurality of secondary users, so that the aggregate interference formed by the number of secondary users is lower than the interference threshold preset by the protection point 101. In this way, the aggregate interference generated by the selected secondary users using the first channel to the protection point 101 will not affect the normal operation of the protection point 101. Alternatively or additionally, method 200 may include removing a certain number of secondary users from a plurality of secondary users, so that the aggregate interference formed by the remaining secondary users is lower than the interference threshold preset by the protection point 101. Similarly, the aggregate interference generated by the remaining secondary users using the first channel to the protection point 101 will not affect the normal operation of the protection point 101. It should be noted that, based on the characteristics of the protection point, the interference thresholds preset for different protection points may be the same or different, and the interference thresholds preset for different channels of the same protection point may also be the same or different, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates an example process for selecting or removing secondary users to control aggregate interference according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This example process can be performed for a specific protection point within a DPA using a specific channel. This process is described below using protection point 101 and the first channel as an example.

[0044] Assume that it has been determined that there are Nc secondary users in the vicinity of the protection point 101, and the interference power generated by each secondary user on the first channel to the protection point 101 is calculated. As shown in Figure 3, the Nc secondary users can be sorted based on specific criteria, and the interference power of a part of the secondary users can be superimposed in sequence, so that the aggregate interference power of this part of k secondary users is lower than the interference threshold of the protection point 101. In order to allow more secondary users to share the first channel, the aggregate interference power can be made as close as possible to but not exceed the interference threshold of the protection point 101. In some embodiments, this part of the secondary users can be included in a keep list (Keep List). In some embodiments, the remaining secondary users among the Nc secondary users can be included in a remove list (Move List). The keep list and / or the remove list can be shared between different entities involved in the present disclosure.

[0045] In some embodiments, sorting based on a specific criterion may include sorting the Nc secondary users from smallest to largest based on the interference each secondary user generates on the protection point 101. Secondary users with less interference may be included in the retention table. This allows as many secondary users as possible to share the first channel while meeting a specific interference threshold.

[0046] In some embodiments, sorting based on a specific criterion may include sorting the Nc secondary users from highest to lowest based on the communication requirements of each secondary user. Secondary users with higher communication requirements may be included in the retention table. This prioritizes sharing the first channel with secondary users with higher communication requirements when a specific interference threshold is met.

[0047] In some embodiments, sorting based on a specific criterion may include sorting the Nc secondary users based on a weighted weighting of the interference generated by each secondary user and the corresponding communication demand. For example, the Nc secondary users may be sorted from smallest to largest based on a weighted weighting of the interference generated by each secondary user and the inverse of the corresponding communication demand, or from largest to smallest based on a weighted weighting of the inverse of the interference generated by each secondary user and the corresponding communication demand. In this way, a balance can be achieved between the number of secondary users sharing the channel and the communication demand.

[0048] In the above example sequencing, by considering the communication demand, the spectrum usage demand and communication service quality of the secondary system can be better met while protecting the primary system from excessive interference.

[0049] It can be understood from the example methods and operations of Figures 2 and 3 that controlling aggregate interference involves a large number of computing tasks. According to some implementations, determining secondary users within the proximity, calculating the interference of secondary users, and selecting or removing secondary users, that is, all operations 202 to 206, can be performed only by the SAS. A large number of computing tasks will place a burden on the SAS in terms of processing power, and the computational efficiency of these operations performed by the SAS alone is not high. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, these operations can be distributed and executed among the SAS, secondary users, and the blockchain network composed of secondary users. In this way, the computing efficiency can be improved while reducing the burden on the SAS's processing power.

[0050] Example electronic device

[0051] An example electronic device that can implement various entities according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below in conjunction with FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C .

[0052] FIG4A illustrates an example electronic device that can implement a secondary user according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Electronic device 400A may include various units to implement various embodiments of dynamic spectrum sharing and aggregated interference control according to the present disclosure. In the example of FIG4A , electronic device 400A includes a control unit 402A and a transceiver unit 404A. Various operations described herein in conjunction with a secondary user or secondary system may be implemented by units 402A through 404A of electronic device 400A, or other possible units.

[0053] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit 404A may be configured to receive an authorization response message from the SAS, where the authorization response message includes information about one or more protection points.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control unit 402A may be configured to determine the interference power of the electronic device 400A or the corresponding secondary user to the first protection point at the first frequency based at least on the transmission parameters of the electronic device 400A or the corresponding secondary user and the position and first frequency of operation of the first protection point among the one or more protection points.

[0055] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit 404A can be configured to record interference information and the interference threshold requirement of the first protection point in the blockchain network. This interference information includes the interference power of the electronic device 400A or the corresponding secondary user on the first protection point, which is used by the blockchain network to control the aggregated interference of one or more secondary users on the first protection point. The transceiver unit 404A can also be configured to control or execute operations related to signaling or message transmission and reception.

[0056] In an embodiment, the electronic device 400A may be implemented at a chip level, or may be implemented at a device level by including other external components (eg, wired or wireless links). The electronic device 400A may function as a communication device as a whole.

[0057] In some embodiments, electronic device 400A may obtain a removal table controlling the use of the first frequency from the blockchain network (e.g., via transceiver unit 404A). Based on the inclusion of the first user in the removal table, electronic device 400A may send a transaction request message to the second user, suggesting that the second user transfer the use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated to the first user. If the second user approves the transfer, electronic device 400A may receive a transaction approval message from the second user and record the transaction request message in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

[0058] In some embodiments, based on the fact that the removal table does not include the first user, electronic device 400A may receive a transaction request message from a second user, suggesting that the first user transfer the use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated to the second user. Electronic device 400A may approve or disapprove the transfer based on its own usage of the first frequency and the consideration or remuneration suggested by the second user. If the transfer is approved, electronic device 400A may send a transaction approval message to the second user and record the transaction approval message in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

[0059] Figure 4B illustrates an example electronic device that can implement or comprise a blockchain according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Electronic device 400B may include various units to implement various embodiments of dynamic spectrum sharing and aggregated interference control according to the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 4B , electronic device 400B includes a recording unit 402B and a control unit 404B. The various operations described herein in conjunction with blockchain may be implemented by units 402B through 404B of electronic device 400B, or other possible units.

[0060] In some embodiments, the recording unit 402B may be configured to record first interference information of a first plurality of secondary users for a first frequency. The first interference information includes at least interference power of the first and second users on the first protection point.

[0061] In some embodiments, the control unit 404B may be configured to control, based on the first interference threshold and the first interference information of the first protection point, such that, when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the first user stops using the first frequency and the second user continues using the first frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the first plurality of secondary users on the first protection point is lower than the first interference threshold. For example, the control may include forming control information (e.g., a removal table and / or a retention table) by calculating the aggregate interference of the plurality of secondary users.

[0062] In an embodiment, the electronic device 400B may be implemented at a chip level, or may be implemented at a device level by including other external components (eg, a radio link, an antenna, etc.) The electronic device 400B may function as a communication device as a whole.

[0063] Figure 4C illustrates an example electronic device that can implement SAS according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Electronic device 400C may include various units to implement various embodiments of dynamic spectrum sharing and aggregated interference control according to the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 4C , electronic device 400C includes a control unit 402C and a transceiver unit 404C. The various operations described herein in conjunction with SAS may be implemented by units 402C through 404C of electronic device 400C, or other possible units.

[0064] In some embodiments, the transceiver unit 404C may be configured to receive a first heartbeat request message from a first-time user, the first heartbeat request message including a removal table for a first frequency usage in a specific dynamic protection zone. The transceiver unit 404C may also be configured to send a first heartbeat response message to the first-time user. The transceiver unit 404C may also be configured to control or execute operations related to signaling or message transmission and reception.

[0065] In some embodiments, the control unit 402C may be configured to instruct the first user to stop using the first frequency via a first heartbeat response message in response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table containing the first user.

[0066] In an embodiment, the electronic device 400C may be implemented at a chip level, or may be implemented at a device level by including other external components (eg, a radio link, an antenna, etc.) The electronic device 400C may function as a communication device as a whole.

[0067] It should be noted that the above-mentioned units are only logical modules divided according to the specific functions implemented by them, rather than being used to limit the specific implementation mode. For example, they can be implemented in software, hardware or a combination of software and hardware. In actual implementation, the above-mentioned units can be implemented as independent physical entities, or can also be implemented by a single entity (for example, a processor (CPU or DSP, etc.), an integrated circuit, etc.). Among them, the processing circuit can refer to various implementations of a digital circuit system, an analog circuit system or a mixed signal (a combination of analog and digital) circuit system that performs functions in a computing system. The processing circuit may include, for example, circuits such as an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), part or circuit of a separate processor core, an entire processor core, a separate processor, a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or a system including multiple processors.

[0068] Figure 5 illustrates an example signaling process for controlling aggregate interference according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In signaling process 500, multiple operations for controlling aggregate interference are distributed across multiple entities, such as the SAS, secondary users, and the blockchain network, allowing each entity to perform less computation or processing. This reduces the processing burden on individual entities while improving computational efficiency. Signaling process 500 can be performed, for example, between electronic devices 400A, 400B, and 400C. Signaling process 500 is described below using a CBSD as an example secondary user.

[0069] As shown in FIG5 , at operation 1 , CBSD 1 initiates a registration and spectrum query process to SAS to obtain available spectrum resources.

[0070] At operation 2a, after learning about the available spectrum resources, the CBSD 1 sends an authorization request message to the SAS. In some embodiments, the authorization request message may include operating parameters of the CBSD 1, such as the transmit power (e.g., maximum transmit power) and the desired frequency range. For example, the maximum transmit power can be characterized by the maximum equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP). The authorization request message may also include its own identification information (e.g., cbsdID) and a measurement report (measReport). Accordingly, the SAS can determine information such as the location of the CBSD 1 by searching the database through the identification information. Alternatively, the authorization request message may explicitly include the location information of the CBSD 1.

[0071] At operation 2b, upon receiving the authorization request message from CBSD 1, the SAS processes the message and sends an authorization response message to CBSD 1. In some embodiments, the SAS can obtain identification information and operating parameters of CBSD 1 by processing the authorization request message, and further obtain information such as the frequency range, location, and device type that CBSD 1 intends to use. For example, the SAS can determine whether CBSD 1 is a low-power or high-power device based on its EIRP.

[0072] In some embodiments, the SAS may determine one or more protection points and corresponding interference thresholds operating within the frequency range that the CBSD 1 expects to use within the DPA. Accordingly, the authorization response message may include protection point information, and specifically may include the corresponding positions and interference thresholds of these protection points. The authorization response message may also include the frequency range in which the corresponding protection points operate. According to different implementations, the frequency range may correspond to one or more frequency bands or channels. In the case where the frequency range is consistent with the frequency range that the CBSD 1 expects to use, the authorization response message may also omit the frequency range in which the corresponding protection points operate. It can be understood that the interference threshold can form a constraint condition for a specific protection point p and the operating channel ch, which is calculated as c=<p,ch> .

[0073] In one embodiment, the SAS may further determine whether to include the protection point information in the authorization response message based on the device type of CBSD 1 and the proximity range of the protection point. Taking protection point 101 in Figure 1 as an example, if CBSD 1 is a high-power device and is outside proximity range 2 as shown in Figure 1, or if CBSD 1 is a low-power device and is outside proximity range 1 as shown in Figure 1, the protection point information may not be included in the authorization response message.

[0074] At operation 3, after receiving the authorization response message from the SAS, CBSD 1 may process the message and calculate the interference generated by the corresponding protection points. In some embodiments, by processing the authorization response message, CBSD 1 may obtain information about one or more protection points operating in the same or overlapping frequency ranges. For example, CBSD 1 may obtain the corresponding locations and interference thresholds of these protection points.

[0075] Specifically, CBSD 1 can determine the distance between itself and a specific protection point and the corresponding path loss L1 based on its own position and the position of the specific protection point. Then, CBSD 1 can calculate the interference power to the protection point as In1 = P1 + G1 – L1 based on its own transmission parameters and gain performance. P1 represents the transmission power of CBSD 1, and G1 represents the antenna gain in the direction from CBSD 1 to the protection point. For example, the path loss L1 can be determined based on the median path loss of the ITM model, or the path loss L1 can be estimated based on any other appropriate propagation model. Accordingly, the interference power can be calculated as a deterministic result, rather than a non-deterministic result represented by a specific probability distribution, or a range of interference values ​​represented by upper and lower bounds.

[0076] At operation 4, CBSD 1 may record the calculated interference for the specific protection point and the interference threshold for the protection point on the blockchain. It should be understood that for each protection point operating in the same or overlapping frequency range, CBSD 1 may calculate the interference for each protection point through operations 3 and 4 and record the interference and the interference threshold for the corresponding protection point on the blockchain.

[0077] The above describes only the operation of a single CBSD 1 calculating interference within a specific frequency range for one or more protection points. It should be understood that other CBSDs, such as CBSD 2, can also perform similar operations to dynamically share spectrum and control aggregate interference to protection points. Similarly, these CBSDs can calculate interference for one or more protection points and record this interference and the corresponding interference thresholds for the protection points on the blockchain. It should be understood that the frequency ranges and protection points considered in interference calculations by different CBSDs may overlap or may be completely different.

[0078] Through operation 3, the complex process of calculating the interference of multiple secondary users on multiple protection points within a frequency range (e.g., including one or more channels) can be decomposed into a simpler process of calculating the interference of a single secondary user on multiple protection points within the frequency range. This simpler process is then distributed to each secondary user. This significantly reduces the burden of performing the complex process on a single SAS and improves computational efficiency.

[0079] Through operations 3 and 4, the deterministic interference power calculated by each secondary user can be recorded on the blockchain to obtain the deterministic aggregate interference.

[0080] At operation 5, the blockchain network can calculate the corresponding aggregate interference for each frequency or channel of each protection point based on the recorded interference values ​​of each CBSD to multiple protection points within the frequency range (for example, including one or more channels), and perform aggregate interference control under the corresponding interference threshold requirements (this corresponds to the above constraint condition c=<p,ch> ). Since the interference value calculated by each CBSD is deterministic, the aggregate interference calculated here is also deterministic.

[0081] In some embodiments, for a specific protection point using a specific channel, a certain number of CBSDs can be selected from multiple CBSDs and included in a retention table, such that the aggregate interference formed by this number of CBSDs is lower than the interference threshold of the protection point. Alternatively, a certain number of CBSDs can be removed from the multiple CBSDs and included in a removal table, such that the aggregate interference formed by the remaining CBSDs is lower than the interference threshold of the protection point. Because the aggregate interference obtained through operation 5 is deterministic, the number and membership of the CBSDs included in the retention table or removal table are deterministic. This determinism enables each entity to obtain a consistent retention table or removal table under operational conditions. It is easy to understand that when the aggregate interference value is not deterministic, such as in the form of a probability distribution or a range of interference values ​​represented by upper and lower bounds, unexpected changes in the retention table or removal table often occur. This makes it difficult for each entity to obtain a consistent retention table or removal table, thereby affecting spectrum sharing and utilization, and may even affect the operation of the primary system due to an overly small removal table.

[0082] Through operation 5, the process of calculating the aggregate interference and forming the control information (such as the removal table and / or the retention table) can be distributed to the blockchain network for execution. This further reduces the computational burden performed by the SAS and can improve computational efficiency.

[0083] In some embodiments, if CBSD 1's use of a first channel or frequency causes excessive interference to a specific protection point, CBSD 1 can switch to another supported channel or frequency to ensure continued service and avoid service interruption. Therefore, CBSD 1 can send an authorization request to the SAS either initially or when a channel switch is required. The frequency desired to be used included in the authorization request can be the frequency initially used by CBSD 1 or the frequency to which it desires to switch.

[0084] Figure 6A shows an example signaling process for a heartbeat process between a secondary user and a SAS. The signaling process 600A can be performed, for example, between electronic devices 400A and 400C. The signaling process 600A is described below using a CBSD as an example of a secondary user.

[0085] As shown in Figure 6A, at operation 1, the SAS detects DPA activation. For example, the SAS may receive sensing information from the Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) and, based on the sensing information, detect that a protection point (e.g., 101) of a specific primary system is using a specific channel (e.g., the first channel) and that the corresponding DPA is activated. If CBSD 1 is in the removal table for protection point 101 and the first channel, the SAS may terminate CBSD 1's transmission over the first channel through a heartbeat process with CBSD 1.

[0086] At operation 2, the SAS receives a heartbeat request message from the CBSD 1. The heartbeat request message may include corresponding removal tables for one or more channels or frequencies of one or more DPAs (block 802A). For example, initially, the heartbeat request message may include all removal tables and / or retention tables formed via the blockchain network; subsequent heartbeat request messages may only include one or more removal tables and / or retention tables updated via the blockchain network. In this way, although the SAS does not itself form removal tables and / or retention tables, it can still obtain the latest removal tables and / or retention tables and control spectrum sharing based on them.

[0087] At operation 3, the SAS sends a heartbeat response message to CBSD 1. In response to protection point 101 using the first channel, the corresponding DPA being activated, and CBSD 1 being included in the corresponding removal table, the heartbeat response message may instruct CBSD 1 to stop using the first channel or the corresponding frequency.

[0088] Similarly, a heartbeat process may be performed between other CBSDs and the SAS, and the SAS may control the use of a particular channel or frequency by one or more CBSDs through heartbeat response messages.

[0089] In the example of FIG6A , CBSD 1 may be servicing emergency services when DPA is activated. CBSD 1 can switch to using other supported channels or frequencies to continue providing services, for example, through the signaling process shown in FIG5 . In some embodiments, CBSD 1 can alternatively trade use of the first channel or corresponding frequency with another CBSD (e.g., a CBSD in a corresponding retention table).

[0090] FIG6B illustrates an example signaling process for a secondary user to trade spectrum usage according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Signaling process 600B may be performed, for example, between electronic devices 400A and 400B. Signaling process 600B is described below using a CBSD as an example of a secondary user.

[0091] As shown in FIG6B , at operation 1, CBSD 1 sends a transaction request message to CBSD 2. This transaction request message proposes to CBSD 2 that CBSD 1 transfer its use of the first channel, for example, when protection point 1 uses the first channel or when the associated DPA is activated. In some embodiments, this transaction request message may also include consideration or remuneration for the transaction. In some embodiments, CBSD 1 may send this transaction request message to CBSD 2 based on the interference value generated by CBSD 2 being greater than or equal to the interference value of CBSD 1.

[0092] At operation 2, CBSD 2 may send a transaction approval message to CBSD 1 to indicate approval of the proposed transfer. For example, CBSD 2 may approve the transaction if the first channel is idle, the current business is non-urgent, or the consideration is attractive.

[0093] At operations 3 and 4, CBSD 1 and CBSD 2, respectively, record the transaction request message and the transaction approval message in the blockchain network, for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table and / or the retention table. In some embodiments, the transaction request message and the transaction approval message in operations 1 and 2 are sent via the blockchain network, allowing the blockchain network to obtain the corresponding transaction request message and transaction approval message. In this manner, the blockchain network can record the transaction request message and the transaction approval message in response to CBSD 2 approving the transfer.

[0094] At operation 5, the blockchain network may delete CBSD 1 from the removal table and include CBSD 2 in the removal table based on the transaction request message and the transaction approval message. Additionally or alternatively, the blockchain network may delete CBSD 2 from the retention table and include CBSD 1 in the retention table.

[0095] It should be noted that although FIG6B only shows a transaction operation between CBSD 1 and CBSD 2, in some embodiments, CBSD 1 may perform transactions with multiple CBSDs based on the interference value generated by CBSD 1 being greater than the interference value of a single CBSD and less than or equal to the interference values ​​of multiple CBSDs.

[0096] As can be seen, the signaling process in Figure 6B only involves transactions between CBSDs based on the current removal or retention table, and the blockchain network updating this table after the transaction. In contrast, if CBSD 1 requests a channel switch, CBSD 1 must recalculate interference information and the blockchain must re-form the removal or retention table, as described with reference to Figure 5. This demonstrates that transactions using the first channel or corresponding frequency are more efficient.

[0097] Figure 7 illustrates example information recorded on a blockchain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Depending on the implementation, more or less information than the example information may be recorded on the blockchain. The following briefly describes these example information related to dynamic spectrum sharing or aggregated interference control.

[0098] - Information about the protection point: such as the location of the protection point, one or more operating frequencies (channels), and the interference threshold corresponding to the one or more operating frequencies.

[0099] —Interference information: A single interference power value from each interference source at each operating frequency for each protection point

[0100] —Control information: a removal table and / or a retention table for each operating frequency of each protection point, and the aggregate interference power corresponding to the removal table and / or retention table

[0101] —Frequency usage information: Frequency usage records for each secondary user

[0102] —Frequency trading information: records of transaction frequency usage between users

[0103] —Operational parameters of secondary users: transmit power of each secondary user, desired frequency

[0104] In this disclosure, using blockchain as a source for recording information related to dynamic spectrum sharing or aggregated interference control facilitates consistent information across all entities. When relevant information changes (e.g., when spectrum usage is traded), the information can be updated promptly on the blockchain.

[0105] Example Method

[0106] Figure 8A illustrates a first example method for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method may be performed by electronic device 400A or a corresponding secondary user (e.g., a first-time user, CBSD 1). As shown in Figure 8A, method 800A may include the first-time user receiving an authorization response message from the SAS, wherein the authorization response message includes information about one or more protection points (block 802A). The method may also include determining, based at least on the first-time user's transmission parameters and the location and first frequency of operation of a first protection point among the one or more protection points, an interference power of the first-time user on the first protection point at a first frequency (block 804A). The method may also include recording, by the first-time user, the interference information and an interference threshold requirement of the first protection point in a blockchain network, wherein the interference information includes the interference power of the first-time user on the first protection point, for use by the blockchain network in controlling the aggregated interference of one or more secondary users on the first protection point (block 806A). Further details of the method may be understood with reference to the above description of electronic device 400A or the secondary user.

[0107] In some embodiments, the method may include sending an authorization request message to the SAS, the authorization request message including the maximum transmit power and the desired frequency of the first-time user, wherein the desired frequency is a frequency initially used by the first-time user or a frequency to which the first-time user desires to switch.

[0108] In some embodiments, the method may include obtaining control information controlling use of the first frequency from the blockchain network; and based on the control information, continuing to use the first frequency or ceasing to use the first frequency when an associated dynamic protection zone is activated.

[0109] In some embodiments, the control information includes at least one of the following: a removal table, which includes secondary users who need to stop using the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; or a retention table, which includes secondary users who can continue to use the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated.

[0110] In some embodiments, the method may include determining, via a heartbeat exchange with the SAS, that the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; and ceasing use of the first frequency based on the first user being included in the removal table.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method may include sending a transaction request message to the second user, the transaction request message proposing to the second user to transfer use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated to the first user; receiving a transaction approval message from the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and recording the transaction request message in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating a removal table and / or a retention table.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a transaction request message from a second user, the transaction request message proposing to the first user to transfer use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated to the second user; sending a transaction approval message to the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and recording the transaction approval message in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating a removal table and / or a retention table.

[0113] In some embodiments, the method may include obtaining the control information controlling the use of the first frequency from the blockchain network periodically or when the control information is updated; and providing the control information to the SAS via a heartbeat request message.

[0114] Figure 8B shows a second example method for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can be performed by an electronic device 400B or a blockchain network. As shown in Figure 8B, method 800B may include recording first interference information of a first plurality of secondary users for a first frequency, wherein the first interference information includes at least the interference power of the first user and the second user to the first protection point (box 802B). The method may also include controlling, based on the first interference threshold and the first interference information of the first protection point, so that when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the first user stops using the first frequency and the second user continues to use the first frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the first plurality of secondary users to the first protection point is lower than the first interference threshold (box 804B). Further details of the method can be understood with reference to the description above regarding the electronic device 400B or the blockchain network.

[0115] In some embodiments, the method may include recording second interference information of a second plurality of secondary users for a second frequency, wherein the second interference information includes at least the interference power of a third user and a fourth user to a second protection point; and based on a second interference threshold and second interference information of the second protection point, controlling so that when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the third user stops using the second frequency and the fourth user continues to use the second frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the second plurality of secondary users to the second protection point is lower than the second interference threshold.

[0116] In some embodiments, the first plurality of secondary users and the second plurality of secondary users include overlapping or different one or more secondary users; and / or the first protection point and the second protection point are the same or different protection points.

[0117] In some embodiments, the method may include forming a removal table for the first frequency, wherein the removal table includes secondary users who need to stop using the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; and / or forming a retention table for the first frequency, wherein the retention table includes secondary users who can continue to use the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated.

[0118] In some embodiments, forming the removal table for the first frequency includes: sorting the first plurality of secondary users based on a specific criterion, and sequentially superimposing the interference power of a portion of the secondary users so that the aggregated interference power does not exceed (for example, just below) the first interference threshold; and including the remaining secondary users in the first plurality of secondary users in the removal table.

[0119] In some embodiments, sorting based on specific criteria includes: sorting the first plurality of secondary users from small to large based on the interference generated by each secondary user on the first protection point; sorting the first plurality of secondary users from high to low based on the communication demand of each secondary user; or sorting the first plurality of secondary users based on the weighted interference generated by each secondary user on the first protection point and the corresponding communication demand.

[0120] In some embodiments, the method may include recording a transaction request message from a first user, the transaction request message proposing to a second user to transfer to the first user the use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; recording a transaction approval message from the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and based on the transfer, deleting the first user from the removal table and including the second user in the removal table, and / or deleting the second user from the retention table and including the first user in the retention table.

[0121] Figure 8C shows a third example method for communication according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can be performed by electronic device 400C or SAS. As shown in Figure 8C, the method 800C may include receiving a first heartbeat request message from a first-time user, the first heartbeat request message including a removal table for use of a first frequency in a specific dynamic protection zone (box 802C). The method may also include sending a first heartbeat response message to the first-time user, wherein in response to the activation of the specific dynamic protection zone and the inclusion of the first-time user in the removal table, the first heartbeat response message instructs the first-time user to stop using the first frequency (box 804C). Further details of the method can be understood with reference to the description above regarding electronic device 400C or SAS.

[0122] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a second heartbeat request message from a second user; and sending a second heartbeat response message to the second user, wherein, in response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table including the second user, the second heartbeat response message instructs the second user to stop using the first frequency.

[0123] In some embodiments, the method may include receiving an authorization request message from a first-time user, wherein the authorization request message includes the maximum transmission power and the frequency desired to be used by the first-time user; and sending an authorization response message to the first-time user, wherein the authorization response message includes information of one or more protection points, wherein the SAS does not calculate the interference power of the first-time user to the first protection point at the first frequency.

[0124] The above describes various exemplary electronic devices and methods according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the operations or functions of these electronic devices can be combined with each other to implement more or fewer operations or functions than described. The operational steps of each method can also be combined with each other in any appropriate order to similarly implement more or fewer operations than described.

[0125] It should be understood that the machine-executable instructions in the machine-readable storage medium or program product according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be configured to perform operations corresponding to the above-mentioned device and method embodiments. When referring to the above-mentioned device and method embodiments, the embodiments of the machine-readable storage medium or program product are clear to those skilled in the art and are therefore not described again. Machine-readable storage media and program products for carrying or including the above-mentioned machine-executable instructions also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Such storage media may include, but are not limited to, floppy disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, memory cards, memory sticks, and the like. In addition, it should be understood that the above-mentioned series of processes and devices may also be implemented by software and / or firmware.

[0126] In addition, it should be understood that the above series of processes and devices can also be implemented through software and / or firmware. In the case of implementation through software and / or firmware, the program constituting the software is installed from a storage medium or network to a computer with a dedicated hardware structure, such as the general-purpose computer 1300 shown in Figure 9. When various programs are installed, the computer can perform various functions, etc. Figure 9 shows an example block diagram of a computer that can be implemented as a secondary user or SAS and constitutes a blockchain network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] 9 , a central processing unit (CPU) 1301 executes various processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 1302 or a program loaded from a storage section 1308 to a random access memory (RAM) 1303. In the RAM 1303, data required when the CPU 1301 executes various processes and the like is also stored as needed.

[0128] The CPU 1301, the ROM 1302, and the RAM 1303 are connected to one another via a bus 1304. An input / output interface 1305 is also connected to the bus 1304.

[0129] The following components are connected to the input / output interface 1305: an input section 1306 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output section 1307 including a display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and a speaker, etc.; a storage section 1308 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1309 including a network interface card such as a LAN card, a modem, etc. The communication section 1309 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet.

[0130] A drive 1310 is also connected to the input / output interface 1305 as needed. A removable medium 1311 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. is mounted on the drive 1310 as needed so that a computer program read therefrom is installed in the storage section 1308 as needed.

[0131] In the case of realizing the above-described series of processing by software, a program constituting the software is installed from a network such as the Internet or a storage medium such as the removable medium 1311 .

[0132] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such storage media are not limited to the removable medium 1311 shown in FIG9 , which stores the program and is distributed separately from the device to provide the program to the user. Examples of the removable medium 1311 include magnetic disks (including floppy disks (registered trademark)), optical disks (including compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs) and digital versatile disks (DVDs)), magneto-optical disks (including minidiscs (MDs) (registered trademark)), and semiconductor memories. Alternatively, the storage medium may be the ROM 1302, a hard disk included in the storage section 1308, or the like, in which the program is stored and distributed to the user together with the device containing the program.

[0133] The following describes an application example in which a secondary user is implemented as a base station according to the present disclosure, with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the present disclosure, the base station may be a 5G NR base station, such as a gNB and an ng-eNB. A gNB may provide NR user plane and control plane protocols for termination with a terminal device; an ng-eNB is a node defined for compatibility with a 4G LTE communication system. It may be an upgrade of the evolved Node B (eNB) of the LTE radio access network, providing Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) user plane and control plane protocols for termination with a UE. In addition, examples of base stations may include, but are not limited to, the following: at least one of a base transceiver station (BTS) and a base station controller (BSC) in a GSM system; at least one of a radio network controller (RNC) and a Node B in a WCDMA system; an access point (AP) in a WLAN or WiMAX system; and corresponding network nodes in future or developing communication systems. Some of the functions of the base station herein may also be implemented as an entity that controls communications in D2D, M2M, and V2X scenarios, or as an entity that performs spectrum coordination in cognitive radio communication scenarios.

[0134] Application examples for base stations

[0135] First application example

[0136] FIG10 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a schematic configuration of a gNB to which the techniques of this disclosure may be applied. gNB 1400 includes multiple antennas 1410 and a base station device 1420. Base station device 1420 and each antenna 1410 may be connected to each other via an RF cable. In one implementation, gNB 1400 (or base station device 1420) may correspond to electronic device 300A described above.

[0137] Each antenna 1410 includes a single or multiple antenna elements (such as multiple antenna elements included in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna) and is used for base station device 1420 to transmit and receive wireless signals. As shown in Figure 10, gNB 1400 may include multiple antennas 1410. For example, multiple antennas 1410 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by gNB 1400.

[0138] The base station device 1420 includes a controller 1421 , a memory 1422 , a network interface 1423 , and a wireless communication interface 1425 .

[0139] The controller 1421 may be, for example, a CPU or DSP, and operates various higher-layer functions of the base station device 1420. For example, the controller 1421 generates data packets based on the data in the signal processed by the wireless communication interface 1425 and transmits the generated packets via the network interface 1423. The controller 1421 may bundle data from multiple baseband processors to generate bundled packets and transmit the generated bundled packets. The controller 1421 may have logic functions for performing control such as radio resource control, radio bearer control, mobility management, admission control, and scheduling. This control may be performed in conjunction with a nearby gNB or core network node. The memory 1422 includes RAM and ROM and stores programs executed by the controller 1421 and various types of control data (such as terminal lists, transmission power data, and scheduling data).

[0140] The network interface 1423 is a communication interface for connecting the base station device 1420 to the core network 1424. The controller 1421 can communicate with the core network node or another gNB via the network interface 1423. In this case, the gNB 1400 and the core network node or other gNB can be connected to each other via a logical interface (such as an S1 interface and an X2 interface). The network interface 1423 can also be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface for wireless backhaul. If the network interface 1423 is a wireless communication interface, the network interface 1423 can use a higher frequency band for wireless communication than the frequency band used by the wireless communication interface 1425.

[0141] The wireless communication interface 1425 supports any cellular communication scheme, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE-Advanced, and provides wireless connectivity to terminals located in the cell of the gNB 1400 via the antenna 1410. The wireless communication interface 1425 may typically include, for example, a baseband (BB) processor 1426 and RF circuitry 1427. The BB processor 1426 can perform various signal processing functions, such as encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, and multiplexing / demultiplexing, and performs various types of signal processing for layers such as Layer 1 (L1), Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). In place of the controller 1421, the BB processor 1426 may perform some or all of the aforementioned logical functions. The BB processor 1426 may be a memory storing communication control programs, or a module including a processor configured to execute programs and associated circuitry. Program updates can modify the functionality of the BB processor 1426. This module may be a card or blade inserted into a slot in the base station device 1420. Alternatively, it may be a chip mounted on the card or blade. Meanwhile, the RF circuit 1427 may include, for example, a mixer, a filter, and an amplifier, and transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 1410. Although FIG10 shows an example in which one RF circuit 1427 is connected to one antenna 1410, the present disclosure is not limited to this illustration, and one RF circuit 1427 may be connected to multiple antennas 1410 at the same time.

[0142] As shown in Figure 10 , the wireless communication interface 1425 may include multiple BB processors 1426. For example, multiple BB processors 1426 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by gNB 1400. As shown in Figure 10 , the wireless communication interface 1425 may include multiple RF circuits 1427. For example, multiple RF circuits 1427 may be compatible with multiple antenna elements. While Figure 10 illustrates an example in which the wireless communication interface 1425 includes multiple BB processors 1426 and multiple RF circuits 1427, the wireless communication interface 1425 may also include a single BB processor 1426 or a single RF circuit 1427.

[0143] Second application example

[0144] FIG11 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of a schematic configuration of a gNB to which the techniques of this disclosure can be applied. A gNB 1530 includes multiple antennas 1540, a base station device 1550, and an RRH 1560. The RRH 1560 and each antenna 1540 can be connected to each other via an RF cable. The base station device 1550 and the RRH 1560 can be connected to each other via a high-speed line such as an optical fiber cable. In one implementation, the gNB 1530 (or base station device 1550) herein may correspond to the electronic device 300A described above.

[0145] Each antenna 1540 includes a single or multiple antenna elements (such as multiple antenna elements included in a MIMO antenna) and is used for RRH 1560 to transmit and receive wireless signals. As shown in Figure 11, gNB 1530 may include multiple antennas 1540. For example, multiple antennas 1540 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by gNB 1530.

[0146] Base station device 1550 includes a controller 1551, a memory 1552, a network interface 1553, a wireless communication interface 1555, and a connection interface 1557. Controller 1551, memory 1552, and network interface 1553 are the same as controller 1421, memory 1422, and network interface 1423 described with reference to FIG.

[0147] The wireless communication interface 1555 supports any cellular communication scheme (such as LTE and LTE-Advanced) and provides wireless communication to terminals located in the sector corresponding to the RRH 1560 via the RRH 1560 and the antenna 1540. The wireless communication interface 1555 may generally include, for example, a BB processor 1556. The BB processor 1556 is identical to the BB processor 1426 described with reference to FIG. 10 , except that the BB processor 1556 is connected to the RF circuit 1564 of the RRH 1560 via the connection interface 1557. As shown in FIG. 11 , the wireless communication interface 1555 may include multiple BB processors 1556. For example, multiple BB processors 1556 may be compatible with multiple frequency bands used by the gNB 1530. Although FIG. 11 illustrates an example in which the wireless communication interface 1555 includes multiple BB processors 1556, the wireless communication interface 1555 may also include a single BB processor 1556.

[0148] The connection interface 1557 is an interface for connecting the base station device 1550 (wireless communication interface 1555) to the RRH 1560. The connection interface 1557 may also be a communication module for connecting the base station device 1550 (wireless communication interface 1555) to the RRH 1560 for communication in the high-speed line.

[0149] The RRH 1560 includes a connection interface 1561 and a wireless communication interface 1563 .

[0150] The connection interface 1561 is an interface for connecting the RRH 1560 (wireless communication interface 1563) to the base station device 1550. The connection interface 1561 may also be a communication module for communication in the above-mentioned high-speed line.

[0151] The wireless communication interface 1563 transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 1540. The wireless communication interface 1563 may generally include, for example, an RF circuit 1564. The RF circuit 1564 may include, for example, a mixer, a filter, and an amplifier, and transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 1540. Although FIG11 illustrates an example in which one RF circuit 1564 is connected to one antenna 1540, the present disclosure is not limited to this illustration, and one RF circuit 1564 may be connected to multiple antennas 1540 simultaneously.

[0152] As shown in FIG11 , the wireless communication interface 1563 may include multiple RF circuits 1564. For example, the multiple RF circuits 1564 may support multiple antenna elements. Although FIG11 shows an example in which the wireless communication interface 1563 includes multiple RF circuits 1564, the wireless communication interface 1563 may also include a single RF circuit 1564.

[0153] It should be understood that the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be implemented through the following example implementations.

[0154] 1. An electronic device for a first-time user, comprising a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to:

[0155] receiving an authorization response message from a spectrum access system (SAS), wherein the authorization response message includes information of one or more protection points;

[0156] Determining an interference power of the electronic device to the first guard point at the first frequency based at least on a transmission parameter of the electronic device and a position and a first frequency of operation of a first guard point among the one or more guard points; and

[0157] The interference information and the interference threshold requirement of the first protection point are recorded in the blockchain network, wherein the interference information includes the interference power of the electronic device to the first protection point, so that the blockchain network can be used to control the aggregate interference of one or more secondary users to the first protection point.

[0158] 2. The electronic device of clause 1, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to send an authorization request message to the SAS, the authorization request message including a maximum transmission power and a desired frequency of the first-time user,

[0159] The frequency expected to be used is a frequency initially used by a first-time user or a frequency to which the first-time user expects to switch.

[0160] 3. The electronic device of clause 1, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0161] obtaining, from the blockchain network, control information controlling use of the first frequency; and

[0162] Based on the control information, the first frequency is continuously used or the first frequency is stopped from being used when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated.

[0163] 4. The electronic device of clause 3, wherein the control information comprises at least one of the following:

[0164] Remove the table containing secondary users that are required to stop using the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; or

[0165] a retention table comprising secondary users that can continue to use the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated,

[0166] Herein, the first user is implemented as a base station.

[0167] 5. The electronic device of clause 4, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0168] Determining activation of the associated dynamic protection zone through heartbeat exchanges with the SAS; and

[0169] Based on the first time user being included in the removal table, the first frequency is stopped from being used.

[0170] 6. The electronic device of clause 4, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0171] sending a transaction request message to the second user, the transaction request message proposing to the second user to transfer to the first user use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated;

[0172] receiving a transaction approval message from the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and

[0173] The transaction request message is recorded in the blockchain network, so as to be used by the blockchain network to update a removal table and / or a retention table.

[0174] 7. The electronic device of clause 4, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0175] receiving a transaction request message from a second user, the transaction request message proposing to the first user to transfer to the second user use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated;

[0176] sending a transaction approval message to the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and

[0177] The transaction approval message is recorded in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating a removal table and / or a retention table.

[0178] 8. The electronic device of clause 3, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0179] Obtaining the control information for controlling use of the first frequency from the blockchain network periodically or when the control information is updated; and

[0180] The control information is provided to the SAS via a heartbeat request message.

[0181] 9. An electronic device for blockchain, comprising a processing circuit, wherein the processing circuit is configured to:

[0182] Recording first interference information of a first plurality of secondary users for a first frequency, wherein the first interference information at least includes interference power of the first user and the second user on the first protection point; and

[0183] Based on the first interference threshold and the first interference information of the first protection point, control is performed so that, when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the first user stops using the first frequency and the second user continues to use the first frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the first plurality of secondary users to the first protection point is lower than the first interference threshold.

[0184] 10. The electronic device of clause 9, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0185] Recording second interference information of a second plurality of secondary users for a second frequency, wherein the second interference information at least includes interference power of a third user and a fourth user on a second protection point; and

[0186] Based on the second interference threshold and the second interference information of the second protection point, control is performed so that when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the third user stops using the second frequency and the fourth user continues to use the second frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the second plurality of secondary users to the second protection point is lower than the second interference threshold.

[0187] 11. The electronic device according to clause 10, wherein:

[0188] The first plurality of secondary users and the second plurality of secondary users include overlapping or different one or more secondary users; and / or

[0189] The first protection point and the second protection point are the same or different protection points.

[0190] 12. The electronic device according to clause 9, wherein the controlling comprises:

[0191] forming a removal table for the first frequency, the removal table including secondary users that need to stop using the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; and / or

[0192] A retention list is formed for the first frequency, the retention list containing secondary users that can continue to use the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated.

[0193] 13. The electronic device of clause 12, wherein forming the removal table for the first frequency comprises:

[0194] sorting the first plurality of secondary users based on a specific criterion, and sequentially superimposing interference power of a portion of the secondary users so that the aggregated interference power does not exceed a first interference threshold; and

[0195] The remaining secondary users in the first plurality of secondary users are included in the removal list.

[0196] 14. The electronic device of clause 13, wherein sorting based on a specific criterion comprises:

[0197] sorting the first plurality of secondary users from small to large based on the interference generated by each secondary user on the first protection point;

[0198] sorting the first plurality of secondary users from highest to lowest based on the communication needs of the secondary users; or

[0199] The first plurality of secondary users are ranked based on a weighted order of interference generated by each secondary user to the first protection point and a corresponding communication demand.

[0200] 15. The electronic device of clause 12, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0201] recording a transaction request message from the first user, the transaction request message proposing to the second user to transfer to the first user use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated;

[0202] recording a transaction approval message from the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and

[0203] Based on the transfer, the first user is deleted from the removal table and the second user is included in the removal table, and / or the second user is deleted from the retention table and the first user is included in the retention table.

[0204] 16. An electronic device for a spectrum access system (SAS), comprising a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to:

[0205] receiving a first heartbeat request message from a first-time user, the first heartbeat request message including a removal table for a first frequency usage of a specific dynamic protection zone; and

[0206] Send the first heartbeat response message to the first-time user,

[0207] In response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table containing the first-time user, the first heartbeat response message instructs the first-time user to stop using the first frequency.

[0208] 17. The electronic device of clause 16, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0209] receiving a second heartbeat request message from a second user; and

[0210] Send a second heartbeat response message to the second user,

[0211] In response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table including the second user, the second heartbeat response message instructs the second user to stop using the first frequency.

[0212] 18. The electronic device of clause 16, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0213] receiving an authorization request message from a first-time user, the authorization request message including a maximum transmission power and a frequency desired to be used by the first-time user; and

[0214] Sending an authorization response message to the first-time user, wherein the authorization response message includes information about one or more protection points,

[0215] The electronic device does not calculate the interference power of the first-time user on the first protection point at the first frequency.

[0216] 19. An electronic device for a first-time user, comprising a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to:

[0217] obtaining, from the blockchain network, a removal table controlling use of the first frequency;

[0218] sending a transaction request message to the second user based on the removal table including the first user, the transaction request message suggesting to the second user to transfer to the first user the use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated;

[0219] receiving a transaction approval message from the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and

[0220] The transaction request message is recorded in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

[0221] 20. The electronic device of clause 19, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to:

[0222] receiving a transaction request message from a second user based on the removal table not including the first user, the transaction request message suggesting to the first user that use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated be transferred to the second user;

[0223] sending a transaction approval message to the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and

[0224] The transaction approval message is recorded in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

[0225] 21. A method for a first-time user, comprising:

[0226] receiving an authorization response message from a spectrum access system (SAS), wherein the authorization response message includes information of one or more protection points;

[0227] Determining an interference power of the electronic device to the first guard point at the first frequency based at least on a transmission parameter of the electronic device and a position and a first frequency of operation of a first guard point among the one or more guard points; and

[0228] Interference information is recorded in a blockchain network, wherein the interference information includes interference power of the electronic device on the first protection point, so that the blockchain network can be used to control aggregate interference of one or more secondary users on the first protection point.

[0229] 22. A method for blockchain, comprising:

[0230] Recording first interference information of a first plurality of secondary users for a first frequency, wherein the first interference information at least includes interference power of the first user and the second user on the first protection point; and

[0231] Based on the first interference threshold and the first interference information of the first protection point, control is performed so that, when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the first user stops using the first frequency and the second user continues to use the first frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the first plurality of secondary users to the first protection point is lower than the first interference threshold.

[0232] 23. A method for a spectrum access system (SAS), comprising:

[0233] receiving a first heartbeat request message from a first-time user, the first heartbeat request message including a removal table for a first frequency usage of a specific dynamic protection zone; and

[0234] Send the first heartbeat response message to the first-time user,

[0235] In response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table containing the first-time user, the first heartbeat response message instructs the first-time user to stop using the first frequency.

[0236] 24. A method for a first-time user, comprising:

[0237] obtaining, from the blockchain network, a removal table controlling use of the first frequency;

[0238] sending a transaction request message to the second user based on the removal table including the first user, the transaction request message suggesting to the second user that use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated be transferred to the first user;

[0239] receiving a transaction approval message from the second user, the transaction approval message approving the transfer; and

[0240] The transaction request message is recorded in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

[0241] 25. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon executable instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, perform the operations of the method according to any one of clauses 21 to 24.

[0242] 26. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the method according to any one of clauses 21 to 24 to be carried out.

[0243] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is certainly not limited to the above examples. Those skilled in the art may obtain various changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it should be understood that these changes and modifications will naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0244] For example, a plurality of functions included in one unit in the above embodiments may be implemented by separate devices. Alternatively, a plurality of functions implemented by a plurality of units in the above embodiments may be implemented by separate devices, respectively. In addition, one of the above functions may be implemented by a plurality of units. Needless to say, such a configuration is included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0245] In this specification, the steps described in the flowchart include not only processing executed in time series in the order described, but also processing executed in parallel or individually rather than necessarily in time series. In addition, even in the steps processed in time series, it goes without saying that the order can be changed as appropriate.

[0246] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and transformations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variations thereof in the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the statement "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

Claims

1. An electronic device for a first-time user, comprising a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to: receiving an authorization response message from a spectrum access system (SAS), wherein the authorization response message includes information of one or more protection points; Determining, based at least on a transmission parameter of the electronic device and a position and a first frequency of operation of a first protection point among the one or more protection points, an interference power of the electronic device to the first protection point at the first frequency; as well as The interference information and the interference threshold requirement of the first protection point are recorded in the blockchain network, wherein the interference information includes the interference power of the electronic device to the first protection point, so that the blockchain network can be used to control the aggregate interference of one or more secondary users to the first protection point.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The processing circuit is further configured to send an authorization request message to the SAS, wherein the authorization request message includes the maximum transmission power and the frequency desired to be used by the first-time user. The frequency expected to be used is a frequency initially used by a first-time user or a frequency to which the first-time user expects to switch.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The processing circuit is further configured to: obtaining, from the blockchain network, control information controlling use of the first frequency; and Based on the control information, the first frequency is continuously used or the first frequency is stopped from being used when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein The control information includes at least one of the following: Remove the table containing secondary users that are required to stop using the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; or a retention table comprising secondary users that can continue to use the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, Herein, the first user is implemented as a base station.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein The processing circuit is further configured to: Determining activation of the associated dynamic protection zone through heartbeat exchanges with the SAS; and Based on the first time user being included in the removal table, the first frequency is stopped from being used. The electronic device according to claim 4 , wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: sending a transaction request message to the second user, the transaction request message proposing to the second user to transfer to the first user use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; receiving a transaction approval message from the second user, wherein the transaction approval message approves the transfer; as well as The transaction request message is recorded in the blockchain network, so as to be used by the blockchain network to update a removal table and / or a retention table.

7. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: receiving a transaction request message from a second user, the transaction request message proposing to the first user to transfer to the second user use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; sending a transaction approval message to the second user, wherein the transaction approval message approves the transfer; as well as The transaction approval message is recorded in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating a removal table and / or a retention table.

8. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein The processing circuit is further configured to: Obtaining the control information for controlling use of the first frequency from the blockchain network periodically or when the control information is updated; and The control information is provided to the SAS via a heartbeat request message.

9. An electronic device for blockchain, comprising a processing circuit, wherein the processing circuit is configured to: First interference information of a first plurality of secondary users is recorded for a first frequency, wherein: The first interference information includes at least interference power of the first user and the second user on the first protection point; as well as Based on the first interference threshold and the first interference information of the first protection point, control is performed so that, when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the first user stops using the first frequency and the second user continues to use the first frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the first plurality of secondary users to the first protection point is lower than the first interference threshold.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein The processing circuit is further configured to: Recording second interference information of a second plurality of secondary users for a second frequency, wherein the second interference information at least includes interference power of a third user and a fourth user on a second protection point; and Based on the second interference threshold and the second interference information of the second protection point, control is performed so that when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the third user stops using the second frequency and the fourth user continues to use the second frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the second plurality of secondary users to the second protection point is lower than the second interference threshold.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The first plurality of secondary users and the second plurality of secondary users include overlapping or different one or more secondary users; and / or The first protection point and the second protection point are the same or different protection points.

12. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein The control includes: forming a removal table for the first frequency, the removal table including secondary users that need to stop using the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; and / or A retention list is formed for the first frequency, the retention list containing secondary users that can continue to use the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein: Forming the removal table for the first frequency includes: sorting the first plurality of secondary users based on a specific criterion, and sequentially superimposing interference power of a portion of the secondary users so that the aggregated interference power does not exceed a first interference threshold; and The remaining secondary users in the first plurality of secondary users are included in the removal list.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: Sorting based on specific criteria includes: sorting the first plurality of secondary users from small to large based on the interference generated by each secondary user on the first protection point; sorting the first plurality of secondary users from highest to lowest based on the communication needs of the secondary users; or The first plurality of secondary users are ranked based on a weighted order of interference generated by each secondary user to the first protection point and a corresponding communication demand.

15. The electronic device according to claim 12, wherein The processing circuit is further configured to: recording a transaction request message from the first user, the transaction request message proposing to the second user to transfer to the first user use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated; recording a transaction approval message from the second user, wherein the transaction approval message approves the transfer; as well as Based on the transfer, the first user is deleted from the removal table and the second user is included in the removal table, and / or the second user is deleted from the retention table and the first user is included in the retention table.

16. An electronic device for a spectrum access system (SAS), comprising a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to: receiving a first heartbeat request message from a first-time user, the first heartbeat request message including a removal table for a first frequency usage of a specific dynamic protection zone; and Send the first heartbeat response message to the first-time user, in, In response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table including the first-time user, the first heartbeat response message instructs the first-time user to stop using the first frequency.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: receiving a second heartbeat request message from a second user; and Send a second heartbeat response message to the second user, In response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table including the second user, the second heartbeat response message instructs the second user to stop using the first frequency.

18. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein: The processing circuit is further configured to: receiving an authorization request message from a first-time user, the authorization request message including a maximum transmission power and a frequency desired to be used by the first-time user; and Sending an authorization response message to the first-time user, wherein the authorization response message includes information about one or more protection points, The electronic device does not calculate the interference power of the first-time user on the first protection point at the first frequency.

19. An electronic device for a first-time user, comprising a processing circuit, the processing circuit being configured to: obtaining, from the blockchain network, a removal table controlling use of the first frequency; sending a transaction request message to the second user based on the removal table including the first user, the transaction request message suggesting to the second user that use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated be transferred to the first user; receiving a transaction approval message from the second user, wherein the transaction approval message approves the transfer; as well as The transaction request message is recorded in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

20. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein The processing circuit is further configured to: receiving a transaction request message from a second user based on the removal table not including the first user, the transaction request message suggesting to the first user that use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated be transferred to the second user; sending a transaction approval message to the second user, wherein the transaction approval message approves the transfer; as well as The transaction approval message is recorded in the blockchain network for use by the blockchain network in updating the removal table.

21. A method for a first-time user, comprising: receiving an authorization response message from a spectrum access system (SAS), wherein the authorization response message includes information of one or more protection points; Determining, based at least on a transmission parameter of the electronic device and a position and a first operating frequency of a first protection point among the one or more protection points, an interference power of the electronic device to the first protection point at the first frequency; as well as Interference information is recorded in a blockchain network, wherein the interference information includes interference power of the electronic device on the first protection point, so that the blockchain network can be used to control aggregate interference of one or more secondary users on the first protection point.

22. A method for blockchain, comprising: Recording first interference information of a first plurality of secondary users for a first frequency, wherein the first interference information at least includes interference power of the first user and the second user on the first protection point; and Based on the first interference threshold and the first interference information of the first protection point, control is performed so that, when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated, the first user stops using the first frequency and the second user continues to use the first frequency, so that the aggregate interference of the first plurality of secondary users to the first protection point is lower than the first interference threshold.

23. A method for a spectrum access system (SAS), comprising: receiving a first heartbeat request message from a first-time user, where the first heartbeat request message includes a removal table for a first frequency usage in a specific dynamic protection zone; as well as Send the first heartbeat response message to the first-time user, In response to the specific dynamic protection zone being activated and the removal table containing the first-time user, the first heartbeat response message instructs the first-time user to stop using the first frequency.

24. A method for a first-time user, comprising: obtaining, from the blockchain network, a removal table controlling use of the first frequency; sending a transaction request message to the second user based on the removal table including the first user, the transaction request message suggesting to the second user that use of the first frequency when the associated dynamic protection zone is activated be transferred to the first user; receiving a transaction approval message from the second user, wherein the transaction approval message approves the transfer; as well as The transaction request message is recorded in the blockchain network so that the blockchain network can be used to update the mobile Except the table.

25. A computer-readable storage medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by one or more processors, implement the operations of the method according to any one of claims 21 to 24.

26. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the method according to any one of claims 21 to 24 to be implemented.

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