Information processing device, terminal device, base station, communication system, information processing method, and communication method

Abstract

An information processing apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit adds a delay to a signal to be transmitted to the first terminal device and / or the application device in accordance with a difference between the first and second RAN delay characteristics and / or a difference between the first and second NW delay characteristics. The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic of a section including the first (R) AN in a first communication path including the first terminal device, the first (R) AN, the first CN, and the application device. The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic of a section of the second (R) AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R) AN, the second CN, and the application device. The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic of a section of the first communication path including at least a portion of a path other than the first (R) AN. The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic of a section of the second communication path including at least a portion of a path other than the second (R) AN.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a terminal apparatus, a base station, a communication system, an information processing method, and a communication method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, a technology called Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) has attracted attention. TSN is a network that values time from when a packet is transmitted to when the packet is received. In recent years, application of TSN in a 5G network has been studied.

[0003] For example, a technology that supports implementation of TSN by providing delay information of a UE or the like to a network is known.

[0004] List of Citations

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Literature 1: JP 2022-519604 A SUMMARY

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] For example, an application that provides services to multiple terminal apparatuses simultaneously using TSN, such as a network game, can be considered. As described above, in the case of providing services to multiple terminal apparatuses simultaneously, there is a problem that delay times between the multiple terminal apparatuses differ. Accordingly, there is a need to equalize the delay times between the multiple terminal apparatuses.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism capable of more reliably equalizing delay times in multiple terminal apparatuses.

[0010] Note that the above problem or object is only one of a plurality of problems or objects that a plurality of embodiments disclosed in this specification can solve or achieve.

[0011] Solution to Problem

[0012] The information processing apparatus of the present disclosure includes a control unit. The control unit adds an additional delay to a transmission signal to be transmitted to a first terminal apparatus and / or an application apparatus in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic. The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section at least including a first (radio access network) (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal apparatus, the first (R)AN, a first CN (core network), and an application apparatus. The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section at least including a second (R)AN in a second communication path including a second terminal apparatus, the second (R)AN, a second CN, and the application apparatus. The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a portion of a path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path. The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a portion of a path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of TSN.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an application example of TSN in a 5G network.

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an application example of TSN in a 5G network.

[0016] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing an overview of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a network management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 10FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 11 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a 5G network.

[0024] Figure 12 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cellular network.

[0025] Figure 13 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a usage example of private / 4G.

[0026] Figure 14 FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing an example of delay adjustment by an application device.

[0027] Figure 15 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of delay distribution.

[0028] Figure 16 FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an example of a communication path according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 17 FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an example of a common section and a difference section according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 18 FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing an example of a common section and a difference section according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 19 FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing measurement of a delay characteristic by an information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 20 FIG. 11 is a diagram for describing an example of delay addition processing by an application device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 21 FIG. 12 is a diagram for describing an example of delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 22 FIG. 13 is a diagram for describing another example of delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 23 FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for describing an example of an instruction processing flow of delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 24 FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing an example of delay addition by an information processing device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 25is a sequence diagram for describing another example of a delay-add instruction processing flow according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 26 is a sequence diagram for describing another example of a delay-add instruction processing flow according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 27 is a diagram for describing an example of cooperative control by an application device.

[0040] Figure 28 is a diagram for describing an example of cooperative control by an application device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 29 is a sequence diagram for describing an example of a cooperative control processing flow according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function are denoted with the same reference numerals, and overlapping description is omitted.

[0043] In addition, in this specification and the drawings, similar components of the embodiments are distinguished by attaching different alphabets or numbers after the same reference numerals. However, in a case where it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each similar component, only the same reference numerals are marked.

[0044] One or more embodiments described below (including examples, modifications, and applications) can each be implemented independently. On the other hand, at least some of a plurality of embodiments described below can be appropriately combined with at least some of other embodiments. The plurality of embodiments can include novel features different from each other. Therefore, the plurality of embodiments can contribute to solving different purposes or problems, and can exhibit different effects.

[0045] <<1. SUMMARY>>

[0046] <1-1. OVERVIEW OF TSN NETWORK>

[0047] In recent years, a technology called Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) has attracted attention.

[0048] TSN is a network that values time from when a packet is transmitted to when the packet is received. In order to emphasize time, it is important that not only the packet arrives quickly, but also the packet arrives at a predetermined time. That is, TSN can be defined as a network with low delay and small delay variation (jitter).

[0049] Note that TSN can be defined as a network aiming to realize the following functions (1) to (4). TSN is standardized by IEEE 802.1.

[0050] (1) Low latency (low delay)

[0051] (2) Determinism (small jitter)

[0052] (3) Reliability (few faults)

[0053] (4) High bandwidth (large capacity)

[0054] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of TSN. In TSN, a packet transmitted from a Talker is transmitted to a Listener via a plurality of bridges (hereinafter also referred to as TSN bridges).

[0055] Each of the Talker and the Listener is a device or an application function to be an end point of communication, respectively. For example, the Talker and the Listener can be a server or a terminal device, or can be an application function included in these devices. Further, the TSN bridges are networks deployed between the Talker and the Listener.

[0056] In order to realize the functions of TSN, a centralized user configuration (CUC) and a centralized network configuration (CNC) are arranged in TSN.

[0057] The CUC is an entity that acquires requirements and settings from the end points and transmits them to the CNC. The CNC is an entity that issues various instructions for realizing the functions of TSN to the TSN bridges.

[0058] <1-2. Application of TSN to 5G network>

[0059] In recent years, the application of TSN to a 5G network has been studied. For example, in Release 17 of 3GPP (registered trademark), how to apply TSN to a 5G network has been studied (3GPP TS 23.501). Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the application of TSN to a 5G network. In the example of Figure 2 , one of the plurality of TSN bridges is a 5G network. In the example of Figure 3 , one of the TSN bridges and the end points is a 5G network. Note that the example of the application of TSN to a 5G network is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 . For example, the plurality of TSN bridges can be a 5G network, or both of the end points can be a 5G network.

[0060] <1-3. Summary of problems and solutions of the present embodiment>

[0061] For example, a 5G network to which TSN is applied can be used to provide services such as network games and a meta universe. The meta universe is, for example, a virtual world constructed on a communication network such as the Internet. A large number of users from various locations can participate in the meta universe at the same time. Each user participates in the meta universe using, for example, his or her own avatar.

[0062] One of the problems in the meta universe is that the delay differs when an avatar operated by a user participating from each location interacts with another avatar in the virtual world. For example, the physical distance (communication distance) from each user to a global data center that constructs the virtual space can differ. For each user, the delay varies depending on the physical distance. For example, when the data center is located in Osaka, the delay that occurs when a user in New York accesses the data center is greater than the delay that occurs when a user in Tokyo accesses the data center.

[0063] To ensure fairness among users, such as a plurality of users communicating in the same virtual space, it is necessary to equalize the delay times of the plurality of users.

[0064] Conventionally, adjustment of the delay time of a user is performed on software by an application that provides a service. When an application adjusts the delay time of a user, there is a problem that it takes time to adjust the delay time and the followability to fluctuations in the delay time decreases.

[0065] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, adjustment of the delay among users is performed by a device (information processing device) that is different in function from an application that provides a service. The information processing device performs delay adjustment in accordance with the delay characteristics of a section obtained by dividing a communication path between a user and an application function into a plurality of sections.

[0066] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing an overview of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes terminal devices 301 and 302, a first (radio) access network ((R)AN), a first core network (CN), a second (R)AN, a second CN, a network (NW), an information processing device 100, and an application device 200.

[0067] The application device 200 implements a function of an application function for providing a service to the terminal device 301 via the first (R)AN and the first CN. The application device 200 implements a function of an application function for providing a service to the terminal device 302 via the second (R)AN and the second CN. It is assumed that the physical distances of the terminal devices 301 and 302 from the application device 200 differ.

[0068] The information processing apparatus 100 adds a delay to first data exchanged between the terminal apparatus 301 and the application apparatus 200. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 adds a delay so that a first delay time between the terminal apparatus 301 and the application apparatus 200 is the same as a second delay time between the terminal apparatus 302 and the application apparatus 200.

[0069] For example, the information processing apparatus 100 adds a delay to a transmission signal (data) transmitted to the terminal apparatus 301 (an example of a first terminal apparatus) and / or the application apparatus 200 in accordance with a first difference between the first RAN delay characteristic and the second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between the first NW delay characteristic and the second NW delay characteristic.

[0070] Here, the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first (R)AN section of at least the first (R)AN included in a first communication path including the terminal apparatus 301, a first CN, the first (R)AN, and the application apparatus 200.

[0071] The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section of at least the second (R)AN included in a second communication path including the terminal apparatus 302 (an example of a second terminal apparatus), a second CN, the second (R)AN, and the application apparatus 200.

[0072] The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a portion of the first communication path other than the first (R)AN. The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a portion of the second communication path other than the second (R)AN.

[0073] As described above, the first communication path between the terminal apparatus 301 and the application apparatus 200 is divided into a first RAN section including at least the first (R)AN and a first NW section including at least a portion of the path other than the first (R)AN. Further, the second communication path between the terminal apparatus 302 and the application apparatus 200 is divided into a second RAN section including at least the second (R)AN and a second NW section including at least a portion of the path other than the second (R)AN.

[0074] The information processing apparatus 100 adds a delay to the first data in accordance with a first difference between the first RAN delay characteristic in the first (R)AN section and the second RAN delay characteristic in the second (R)AN section. Alternatively, the information processing apparatus 100 adds a delay to the first data in accordance with a second difference between the first NW delay characteristic in the first NW section and the second NW delay characteristic in the second NW section.

[0075] In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 adds a delay to the first data in accordance with a difference in delay characteristics of each section obtained by dividing the communication path into a plurality of sections for each terminal apparatus 30. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 can more reliably equalize the delay variation of the plurality of terminal apparatuses 30.

[0076] Note that, here, two terminal apparatuses 30 are included in the communication system 1, but the number of terminal apparatuses 30 included in the communication system 1 can be three or more. In addition, here, the communication path is divided into two sections, but the communication path can also be divided into three or more sections. For example, the first communication path can be divided into one first RAN section and a plurality of first NW sections.

[0077] In this case, the application apparatus 200 determines a delay to be added in accordance with a delay difference in the corresponding section. For example, assume that the first communication path is divided into a first RAN section, a first NW section connected to the first RAN section, and a third NW section located between the first NW section and the application apparatus 200. In addition, the second communication path is divided into a second RAN section, a second NW section connected to the second RAN section, and a fourth NW section located between the second NW section and the application apparatus 200. In this case, the application apparatus 200 determines a delay to be added in accordance with at least one of a delay difference between the first RAN section and the second RAN section, a delay difference between the first NW section and the second NW section, and a delay difference between the third NW section and the fourth NW section.

[0078] <<2. Configuration of communication system>>

[0079] While the outline of the present embodiment has been described above, the configuration of the communication system 1 including the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described before the present embodiment is described in detail. Note that the communication system 1 can be referred to as an information processing system.

[0080] <2-1. Overall configuration of communication system>

[0081] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system 1 is a TSN system that functions as a TSN. The communication system 1 includes a bridge TB, a communication apparatus 50, and a network management apparatus 40.

[0082] The apparatuses constituting the communication system 1 are connected via a network N. While only one network N is illustrated in the example of Figure 5 In the example of

[0083] Here, the network N is, for example, a public network such as the Internet. Note that the network N is not limited to the Internet, and can be, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, a fixed telephone network, or a regional Internet Protocol (IP) network.

[0084] The network N can include a wired network or a wireless network.

[0085] The bridges TB are TSN bridges, and at least one of the bridges TB is a cellular wireless network (hereinafter also referred to as a cellular network), such as 4G or 5G. In Figure 5 In an example, at least the bridge TB1 is a cellular network.

[0086] In the bridge TB1, the management device 10, the base station 20, and the terminal device 30 are arranged. The plurality of bridges TB are connected to the network management device 40 via the network N.

[0087] The wireless network of the present embodiment includes, for example, a radio access network and a core network.

[0088] Note that, in the present embodiment, the wireless communication device is a device having a wireless communication function, and corresponds to Figure 5 the base station 20 and the terminal device 30 in an example.

[0089] The communication system 1 can include a plurality of management devices 10, a plurality of base stations 20, a plurality of terminal devices 30, a plurality of network management devices 40, and a plurality of communication devices 50. In Figure 5 In an example, the communication system 1 includes the management devices 101 and 102, and the like, as the management devices 10. The communication system 1 includes the base stations 201 and 202 as the base stations 20. The communication system 1 includes the terminal devices 301 and 302 as the terminal devices 30. The communication system 1 includes the network management devices 401 and 402 as the network management devices 40. The communication system 1 includes the communication devices 501 and 502 as the communication devices 50.

[0090] Note that the devices in the drawings can be regarded as logical devices. That is, a part of the devices in the drawings can be implemented by a virtual machine (VM), a container, Docker, or the like, and these devices can be physically implemented on the same hardware.

[0091] Note that the wireless network serving as the bridge TB can support a radio access technology (RAT) such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR). LTE and NR are a type of cellular communication technology, and enable mobile communication of the terminal device 30 by arranging a plurality of areas covered by the base station 20 in a cell shape.

[0092] Note that the radio access method used by the communication system 1 is not limited to LTE and NR, and can be another radio access method such as Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) or Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (cdma2000).

[0093] Further, the base stations 20 (including the relay stations) that constitute the wireless network can be ground stations or non-ground stations. The non-ground stations can be satellite stations or aerial stations. If the non-ground stations are satellite stations, the wireless network that functions as a bridge TB can be a bent-pipe (transparent) type mobile satellite communication system.

[0094] Note that, in the present embodiment, the ground station (also referred to as a ground base station) refers to the base station 20 (relay station) installed on the ground. Here, the “ground” is a broad sense of the ground, and includes not only the land but also the underground, the water surface, and the underwater. Note that, in the following description, the description of the “ground station” can be replaced with “gateway”.

[0095] Note that the LTE base station 20 can be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNodeB) or eNB. Further, the NR base station 20 can be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. Further, in LTE and NR, the terminal device 30 (also described as a mobile station or terminal) can be referred to as a user equipment (UE). Note that the terminal device 30 is a type of communication device, and is also referred to as a mobile station or terminal.

[0096] In the present embodiment, the concept of the communication device includes not only a portable mobile device (terminal device 30) such as a mobile terminal but also a device installed on a structure or a moving object. The structure or the moving object itself can be regarded as a communication device. Further, the concept of the communication device includes not only the terminal device but also the base station and the relay station. The communication device is a type of processing device and information processing device. Further, the communication device can be referred to as a transmission device or a reception device.

[0097] Hereinafter, the configuration of each device constituting the communication system 1 will be specifically described. Note that the configuration of each device described below is merely an example. The configuration of each device can be different from the configuration described below.

[0098] <2-2. Configuration of Management Device>

[0099] Next, the configuration of the management device 10 will be described.

[0100] The management device 10 is an information processing device (computer) that manages the wireless network. For example, the management device 10 is an information processing device that manages the communication of the base station 20. For example, the management device 10 functions as the above-described information processing device 100.

[0101] Alternatively, the management device 10 can have a function of, for example, a mobility management entity (MME). The management device 10 can have a function of an access and mobility management function (AMF) and / or a session management function (SMF).

[0102] Of course, the function of the management device 10 is not limited to the MME, the AMF, and the SMF. The management device 10 can be a device having a function of a network slice selection function (NSSF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a policy control function (PCF), or a unified data management (UDM).

[0103] The management device 10 can be a device having a function of a home subscriber server (HSS). The management device 10 has a function of the network management device 40 (CUC or CNC), and can function as the network management device 40.

[0104] Note that the management device 10 can have a function of a gateway. For example, the management device 10 can have a function of a serving gateway (S-GW) or a packet data network gateway (P-GW). Further, the management device 10 can have a function of a user plane function (UPF). At this time, the management device 10 can have a plurality of UPFs.

[0105] The core network can include a plurality of network functions. Each network function can be aggregated into one physical device, or can be distributed to a plurality of physical devices. That is, the management device 10 can be arranged in a plurality of devices in a distributed manner. Further, such a distributed arrangement can be controlled to be dynamically performed.

[0106] The management device 10 and the base station 20 constitute one network, and provide a wireless communication service to the terminal device 30. The management device 10 is connected to the Internet, and the terminal device 30 can use various services provided via the Internet via the base station 20.

[0107] Note that the management device 10 is not necessarily a device constituting the core network. For example, assume that the core network is a core network of wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) or code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA 2000). At this time, the management device 10 can be a device functioning as a radio network controller (RNC).

[0108] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the management device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The management device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. Note that, Figure 6 The configuration shown in FIG. 13 is a functional configuration, and a hardware configuration can be different from the functional configuration.

[0109] Furthermore, the functions of the management device 10 can be statically or dynamically distributed and implemented in a plurality of physically separate configurations. For example, the management device 10 can include a plurality of server devices.

[0110] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 11 can be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 11 can be a local area network (LAN) interface such as a network interface card (NIC), or can be a USB interface including a universal serial bus (USB) host controller, a USB port, and the like.

[0111] The communication unit 11 can be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 11 functions as a communication means of the management device 10. The communication unit 11 communicates with the base station 20 and the like under the control of the control unit 13.

[0112] The storage unit 12 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 12 functions as a storage means of the management device 10.

[0113] The control unit 13 is a controller that controls each unit of the management device 10. The control unit 13 is implemented by, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a graphics processing unit (GPU).

[0114] For example, the control unit 13 is implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the management device 10 using a random access memory (RAM) and the like as a work area. Note that the control unit 13 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Any one of the CPU, the MPU, the GPU, the ASIC, and the FPGA can be regarded as a controller.

[0115] <2-3. Configuration of base station>

[0116] Next, the configuration of the base station 20 will be described. The base station 20 can be referred to as a base station (BS).

[0117] The base station 20 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the terminal device 30. The base station 20 can be configured to perform wireless communication with the terminal device 30 via a relay station, or can be configured to perform wireless communication directly with the terminal device 30.

[0118] The base station 20 is a type of communication device. More specifically, the base station 20 is a device corresponding to a radio base station (base station, node B, eNB, gNB, or the like) or a wireless access point. The base station 20 can be a wireless relay station. Furthermore, the base station 20 can be an optical expansion device called a remote radio head (RRH) or a radio unit (RU). Furthermore, the base station 20 can be a receiving station such as a field pickup unit (FPU). Furthermore, the base station 20 can be an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) donor node or an IAB relay node that provides a wireless access line and a radio backhaul line by time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0119] Note that the radio access technology used by the base station 20 can be a cellular communication technology or a wireless LAN technology. Of course, the radio access technology used by the base station 20 is not limited thereto and can be another wireless access technology. For example, the radio access technology used by the base station 20 can be a low power wide area network (LPWA) communication technology. Of course, the wireless communication used by the base station 20 can be wireless communication using millimeter waves. Furthermore, the wireless communication used by the base station 20 can be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared rays or visible light (optical radio). Furthermore, the base station 20 can be capable of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) communication with the terminal device 30. Here, the NOMA communication is communication using non-orthogonal resources (transmission, reception, or both). Note that the base station 20 can be capable of NOMA communication with another base station 20.

[0120] Note that the base station 20 can be capable of communicating with each other via an interface between the base station and the core network (for example, an NG interface, an S1 interface, or the like). The interface can be wired or wireless. Furthermore, the base stations can be capable of communicating with each other via an inter-base station interface (for example, an Xn interface, an X2 interface, an S1 interface, an F1 interface, or the like). The interface can be wired or wireless.

[0121] Note that the concept of a base station includes not only a donor base station but also a relay base station (also referred to as a relay station). For example, the relay base station can be any one of an RF repeater, a smart repeater, and a smart surface. Furthermore, the concept of a base station includes not only a structure having the function of a base station but also a device installed in the structure.

[0122] The structure is, for example, a building such as a high-rise building, a house, a steel tower, a station facility, an airport facility, a port facility, an office building, a school building, a hospital, a factory, a commercial facility, or a stadium. Note that the concept of the structure includes not only a building but also a construction (non-building structure) such as a tunnel, a bridge, a dam, a wall, a pylon, and equipment such as a crane, a gate, and a windmill. Further, the concept of the structure includes not only a structure on land (in a narrow sense, on the ground) or under the ground but also a structure on water such as a platform or a giant floating structure, and a structure under water such as an ocean observation facility. The base station can be referred to as an information processing apparatus.

[0123] The base station 20 can be a donor station or a relay station (relay station). Further, the base station 20 can be a fixed station or a mobile station. The mobile station is a wireless communication apparatus configured to be movable. At this time, the base station 20 can be an apparatus mounted on a moving object or can be the moving object itself. For example, a relay station having mobility can be regarded as the base station 20 as a mobile station. In addition, an apparatus originally capable of moving and having a function (at least a part of the function) of a base station, such as a vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) typified by a drone, or a smartphone, also corresponds to the base station 20 as a mobile station.

[0124] Here, the moving object can be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. Further, the moving object can be a moving object moving on land (in a narrow sense, on the ground) (for example, a vehicle such as a car, a bicycle, a bus, a truck, a motorcycle, a train, or a linear motor car) or a moving object moving under the ground (for example, in a tunnel) (for example, a subway). Further, the moving object can be a moving object moving on water (for example, a ship such as a passenger ship, a cargo ship, or a hovercraft) or a moving object moving under water (for example, a diving boat such as a diving apparatus, a submarine, and an unmanned diving apparatus). Note that the moving object can be a moving object moving in the atmosphere (for example, an aircraft such as an airplane, an airship, or a drone).

[0125] Further, the base station 20 can be a ground base station (ground station) installed on the ground. For example, the base station 20 can be a base station arranged in a structure on the ground or can be a base station installed in a mobile object moving on the ground. More specifically, the base station 20 can be an antenna installed in a structure such as a building and a signal processing device connected to the antenna. Of course, the base station 20 can be the structure or the mobile object itself. The "ground" is a broad sense of the ground and includes not only the land (narrow sense of the ground) but also the underground, the water, and the underwater. Note that the base station 20 is not limited to the ground station. For example, in the case where the communication system 1 is a satellite communication system, the base station 20 can be an air station. From the perspective of the satellite station, the air station located on the earth is a ground station.

[0126] Note that the base station 20 is not limited to the ground station. The base station 20 can be a non-ground base station (non-ground station) capable of floating in the air or in space. For example, the base station 20 can be an air station or a satellite station.

[0127] The satellite station is a satellite station capable of floating outside the atmosphere. The satellite station can be a device installed on a space mobile object such as a man-made satellite, or can be the space mobile object itself. The space mobile object is a mobile object moving outside the atmosphere. Examples of the space mobile object include man-made celestial bodies such as man-made satellites, spacecraft, space stations, and probes. Note that the satellite to be a satellite station can be any one of a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, a medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite, and a highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite. Of course, the satellite station can be a device installed on a low earth orbit satellite, a medium earth orbit satellite, a geostationary orbit satellite, or a highly elliptical orbit satellite.

[0128] The air station is a wireless communication device capable of floating in the atmosphere, such as an aircraft. The air station can be a device installed on an aircraft or the like, or can be the aircraft itself. Note that the concept of the aircraft includes not only heavy aircraft such as airplanes and gliders but also light aircraft such as balloons and airships. Further, the concept of the aircraft includes not only heavy aircraft and light aircraft but also rotorcraft such as helicopters and autogyros. Note that the air station (alternatively, the aircraft on which the air station is installed) can be an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone.

[0129] Note that the concept of the unmanned aerial vehicle further includes an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and a tethered UAS. In addition, the concept of the unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a lighter-than-air UAS (LTA) and a heavier-than-air UAS (HTA). The concept of the other unmanned aerial vehicle further includes a high-altitude platform (HAP).

[0130] The coverage of the base station 20 can be large, like a macro cell, or can be small, like a pico cell. Of course, the coverage of the base station 20 can be very small, like a femto cell. Furthermore, the base station 20 can have a beamforming capability. In this case, in the base station 20, a cell or a service area can be formed for each beam.

[0131] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the base station 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The base station 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23. Note that, Figure 7 The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is a functional configuration, and a hardware configuration can be different from the functional configuration. Furthermore, the functions of the base station 20 can be implemented in a distributed manner in a plurality of physically separate configurations.

[0132] The wireless communication unit 21 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., the terminal device 30). The wireless communication unit 21 operates under the control of the control unit 23. The wireless communication unit 21 corresponds to one or a plurality of radio access methods. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 supports both NR and LTE. In addition to NR or LTE, the wireless communication unit 21 can be compatible with W-CDMA or cdma 2000. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 21 can support an automatic retransmission technique such as a hybrid automatic retransmission request (HARQ).

[0133] The wireless communication unit 21 includes a transmission processing unit 211, a reception processing unit 212, and an antenna 213. The wireless communication unit 21 can include a plurality of transmission processing units 211, a plurality of reception processing units 212, and a plurality of antennas 213. Note that, in the case where the wireless communication unit 21 supports a plurality of radio access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 21 can be configured separately for each radio access method. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 can be configured separately for LTE and NR. Furthermore, the antenna 213 can include a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., a plurality of patch antennas). In this case, the wireless communication unit 21 can be configured to be beamformable. The wireless communication unit 21 can be configured to be capable of performing polarization beamforming using a vertical polarization wave (V-polarization wave) and a horizontal polarization wave (H-polarization wave).

[0134] The transmission processing unit 211 performs processing of transmitting downlink control information and downlink data. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 encodes the downlink control information and the downlink data input from the control unit 23 using an encoding method such as block coding, convolutional coding, Turbo coding, or the like. Here, the encoding can be performed by polar code encoding or low-density parity-check code (LDPC code) encoding. Then, the transmission processing unit 211 modulates the encoded bits by a predetermined modulation method such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, or 256QAM. In this case, signal points on a constellation diagram do not have to be equidistant. The constellation diagram can be a non-uniform constellation diagram (NUC). Then, the transmission processing unit 211 multiplexes the modulation symbols for each channel and a downlink reference signal, and arranges the multiplexed symbols in predetermined resource elements. Then, the transmission processing unit 211 performs various types of signal processing on the multiplexed signal. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 performs processing such as conversion into a frequency domain by a fast Fourier transform, addition of a guard interval (cyclic prefix), generation of a baseband digital signal, conversion into an analog signal, quadrature modulation, up-conversion of frequency, removal of unnecessary frequency components, and power amplification. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 211 is transmitted from the antenna 213.

[0135] The reception processing unit 212 processes an uplink signal received via the antenna 213. For example, the reception processing unit 212 performs down-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of amplification levels, quadrature demodulation, conversion into a digital signal, removal of a guard interval (cyclic prefix), extraction of a frequency domain signal by a fast Fourier transform, and the like on the uplink signal. Then, the reception processing unit 212 demultiplexes an uplink channel such as a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) or a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) and an uplink reference signal from the signal subjected to these processes. In addition, the reception processing unit 212 demodulates the received signal using a modulation method such as binary phase shift keying (BPSK) or quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) for modulation symbols of the uplink channel. The modulation method for demodulation can be 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), 64QAM, or 256QAM. In this case, signal points on a constellation diagram do not have to be equidistant. The constellation diagram can be a non-uniform constellation diagram (NUC). Then, the reception processing unit 212 decodes the demodulated coded bits of the uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 23.

[0136] The antenna 213 is an antenna device (antenna element) that converts electric current and radio waves to each other. The antenna 213 can include one antenna element (for example, one patch antenna), or can include a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of patch antennas). In a case where the antenna 213 includes a plurality of antenna elements, the wireless communication unit 21 can be configured to be beamformable. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 can be configured to generate a directional beam by controlling the directivity of a wireless signal using a plurality of antenna elements. Note that the antenna 213 can be a dual-polarized antenna. In a case where the antenna 213 is a dual-polarized antenna, the wireless communication unit 21 can use a vertical polarization wave (V-polarization wave) and a horizontal polarization wave (H-polarization wave) when transmitting a wireless signal. Then, the wireless communication unit 21 can control the directivity of a wireless signal transmitted using the vertical polarization wave and the horizontal polarization wave. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 21 can transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals via a plurality of layers including a plurality of antenna elements.

[0137] The storage unit 22 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 22 functions as a storage device of the base station 20.

[0138] The control unit 23 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station 20. The control unit 23 is implemented by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 23 is implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station 20 using a RAM or the like as a work area. Note that the control unit 23 can be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Any one of a CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA can be regarded as a controller. Furthermore, the control unit 23 can be implemented by a GPU in addition to or instead of a CPU. Note that the operation of the control unit 23 can be the same as the operation of each block of the control unit 13 of the management device 10.

[0139] In the present embodiment, the concept of a base station can include a set of a plurality of physical or logical devices. For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station 20 can be distinguished into a plurality of devices such as a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU), and can be interpreted as an assembly of the plurality of devices. Further or alternatively, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station 20 can be either or both of the BBU and the RU. The BBU and the RU can be connected through a predetermined interface (e.g., eCPRI or O-RAN interface). Further or alternatively, the RU can be referred to as a remote radio unit (RRU) or a radio dot (RD). Further or alternatively, the RU can correspond to the gNB-DU described later. Further or alternatively, the BBU can correspond to the gNB-CU described later. Alternatively, the RU can be connected to the gNB-DU described later. In addition, the BBU can correspond to a combination of the gNB-CU and the gNB-DU described later. Further or alternatively, the RU can be a device integrally formed with an antenna. The antenna included in the base station 20 (e.g., the antenna integrally formed with the RU) can employ an advanced antenna system and support MIMO (e.g., FD-MIMO) or beamforming. In the advanced antenna system, the antenna included in the base station 20 (e.g., the antenna integrally formed with the RU) can include, for example, 64 transmission antenna ports and 64 reception antenna ports.

[0140] Further, a plurality of base stations 20 can be connected to each other. One or more base stations 20 can be included in a radio access network (RAN). That is, a base station 20 can be simply referred to as a RAN, a RAN node, an access network (AN), or an AN node. The RAN in LTE is referred to as an enhanced universal terrestrial RAN (EUTRAN). The RAN in NR is referred to as an NGRAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) is referred to as a UTRAN. An LTE base station 20 is referred to as an evolved node B (eNodeB) or eNB. That is, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). Further, a base station 20 of NR is referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. That is, the NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. Further, the EUTRAN can include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in an LTE communication system (EPS). Similarly, the NGRAN can include an ng-eNB connected to a core network 5GC in a 5G communication system (5GS). Further or alternatively, when the base station 20 is an eNB, a gNB, or the like, it can be referred to as a 3GPP access. Further or alternatively, when the base station 20 is a wireless access point (e.g., a WiFi (registered trademark) access point), it can be referred to as a non-3GPP access. Further or alternatively, the base station 20 can be an optical expansion device called a remote radio head (RRH). Further or alternatively, in the case where the base station 20 is a gNB, the base station 20 can be referred to as a combination of the above-described gNB CU (central unit) and gNB DU (distributed unit), or either of them. The gNB CU (central unit) hosts a plurality of upper layers in an access layer (e.g., RRC, SDAP, and PDCP) for communication with a UE. On the other hand, the gNB-DU hosts a plurality of lower layers (e.g., RLC, MAC, and PHY) of the access layer. That is, in the messages and information described later, RRC signaling (e.g., various SIBs including MIB and SIB1, RRCSetup messages, and RRCReconfiguration messages) can be generated by the gNB CU, and DCI and various physical channels (e.g., PDCCH, PBCH) described later can be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, in the RRC signaling, for example, some configurations (configuration information) such as an IE: cellGroupConfig can be generated by the gNB-DU, and the remaining configurations can be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations (configuration information) can be transmitted and received through the F1 interface described later. Note that the base station 20 can be configured to be capable of communicating with another base station 20. For example, in the case where a plurality of base stations 20 are eNBs or a combination of eNBs and en-gNBs, these base stations 20 can be connected through an X2 interface.Further or alternatively, when the plurality of base stations 20 are gNBs or a combination of gNBs and gn-eNBs, the devices can be connected through an Xn interface. Further or alternatively, in the case where the plurality of base stations 20 are a combination of gNB CU (central unit) and gNB DU (distributed unit), the devices can be connected through the above-described F1 interface. The messages / information (RRC signaling or DCI information, physical channel) described later can be communicated between the plurality of base stations 20 (for example, via an X2, Xn, or F1 interface).

[0141] In addition, as described above, the base station 20 can be configured to manage a plurality of cells. The cells provided by the base station 20 are referred to as a service cell(s). The service cell includes a primary cell (PCell) and a secondary cell (SCell). In the case where dual connectivity (for example, EUTRA-EUTRA dual connectivity, EUTRA-NR dual connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR dual connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA dual connectivity (NEDC), and NR-NR dual connectivity) is provided to the UE (for example, the terminal device 30), the PCell provided by the MN (master node) and zero or one or more SCells are referred to as a master cell group. In addition, the service cell can include a PSCell (primary secondary cell or primary SCG cell). That is, when dual connectivity is configured for the UE, the PSCell provided by the SN (secondary node) and zero or one or more SCells can be referred to as an SCG (secondary cell group). Unless specially configured (for example, PUCCH on SCell), a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) is transmitted in the PCell and the PSCell, but not in the SCell. In addition, a radio link failure is also detected in the PCell and the PSCell, but not detected (not required to be detected) in the SCell. As described above, since the PCell and the PSCell have a special role in the service cell(s), they are also referred to as a special cell (SpCell). One downlink component carrier and one uplink component carrier can be associated with one cell. Furthermore, the system bandwidth corresponding to one cell can be divided into a plurality of bandwidth parts. In this case, one or more bandwidth parts (BWPs) can be configured for the UE, and one bandwidth part can be used as an active BWP for the UE. Furthermore, the radio resources (for example, frequency band, numerology (subcarrier spacing), and slot format (slot configuration)) that the terminal device 30 can use can differ for each cell, each component carrier, or each BWP.

[0142] <2-4. Configuration of terminal device>

[0143] Next, the configuration of the terminal device 30 will be described. The terminal device 30 can also be referred to as a user equipment (UE).

[0144] The terminal device 30 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with another communication device such as the base station 20. The terminal device 30 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart device (a smartphone or a tablet), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a personal computer. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be a device with a communication function such as a commercial camera, or can be a motorcycle, a mobile relay vehicle, or the like on which a communication device such as a field pickup unit (FPU) is installed. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be an industrial robot with a communication function. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device or an Internet of Things (IoT) device.

[0145] Note that the terminal device 30 can be capable of NOMA communication with the base station 20. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be capable of using an automatic retransmission technology such as HARQ when communicating with the base station 20. The terminal device 30 can be capable of sidelink communication with another terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 can be capable of using an automatic retransmission technology such as HARQ when performing sidelink communication. Note that the terminal device 30 can be capable of NOMA communication in communication (sidelink) with another terminal device 30. In addition, the terminal device 30 can be capable of LPWA communication with another communication device (for example, the base station 20 and another terminal device 30). In addition, the wireless communication used by the terminal device 30 can be wireless communication using millimeter waves. Note that the wireless communication (including sidelink communication) used by the terminal device 30 can be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication (optical wireless) using infrared rays or visible light.

[0146] In addition, the terminal device 30 can be a mobile device. A mobile device is a wireless communication device that is movable. At this time, the terminal device 30 can be a wireless communication device installed on a moving object, or can be the moving object itself. For example, the terminal device 30 can be a vehicle that moves on a road, such as a car, a bus, a truck, or a motorcycle; can be a vehicle that moves on a rail installed on a rail, such as a train; or can be a wireless communication device installed on a vehicle. Note that the moving object can be a mobile terminal, or can be a moving object that moves on land (in a narrow sense, on the ground), underground, on water, or underwater. In addition, the moving object can be a moving object that moves within the atmosphere, such as a drone or a helicopter; or can be a moving object that moves outside the atmosphere, such as an artificial satellite.

[0147] The terminal device 30 can be connected to multiple base stations or multiple cells simultaneously to communicate. For example, in a case where one base station supports a communication area via multiple cells (for example, a pCell and an sCell), the multiple cells can be bundled together and communication is performed between the base station 20 and the terminal device 30 through a carrier aggregation (CA) technology, a dual connectivity (DC) technology, or a multi-connectivity (MC) technology. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 and the multiple base stations 20 can communicate with each other via cells of different base stations 20 through a coordinated transmission and reception (coordinated multipoint transmission and reception (CoMP)) technology.

[0148] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 30 includes a wireless communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33. Note that, Figure 8 The configuration shown in FIG. 10 is a functional configuration, and a hardware configuration can be different from the functional configuration. Furthermore, the functions of the terminal device 30 can be implemented in a distributed manner in multiple physically separate configurations.

[0149] The wireless communication unit 31 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, the base station 20 and another terminal device 30). The wireless communication unit 31 operates under the control of the control unit 33. The wireless communication unit 31 includes a transmission processing unit 311, a reception processing unit 312, and an antenna 313. The configurations of the wireless communication unit 31, the transmission processing unit 311, the reception processing unit 312, and the antenna 313 can be similar to those of the wireless communication unit 21, the transmission processing unit 211, the reception processing unit 212, and the antenna 213 of the base station 20. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 31 can be configured to be beamformable similarly to the wireless communication unit 21. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 31 can be configured to be able to transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals similarly to the wireless communication unit 21.

[0150] The storage unit 32 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 32 functions as a storage of the terminal device 30.

[0151] The control unit 33 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 30. The control unit 33 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 33 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 30 using a RAM or the like as a work area. Note that the control unit 33 can be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Any one of a CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA can be regarded as a controller. In addition, the control unit 33 can be realized by a GPU in addition to or instead of a CPU. Note that the operation of the control unit 33 can be the same as the operation of each block of the control unit 13 of the management device 10.

[0152] <2-5. Configuration of network management device>

[0153] Next, the configuration of the network management device 40 will be described.

[0154] The network management device 40 is an information processing device (computer) that has a function of managing (or controlling) a TSN network. For example, the network management device 40 is an information processing device (computer) that functions as a centralized user configuration (CUC) or a centralized network configuration (CNC).

[0155] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the network management device 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The network management device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. Note that Figure 9 The configuration shown in FIG. 4 is a functional configuration, and a hardware configuration can be different from the functional configuration. Furthermore, the functions of the network management device 40 can be statically or dynamically distributed and realized in a plurality of physically separate configurations. For example, the network management device 40 can include a plurality of server devices.

[0156] The communication unit 41 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 41 can be a network interface or a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 41 can be a LAN interface such as a NIC, or can be a USB interface configured by a USB host controller, a USB port, or the like. In addition, the communication unit 41 can be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 41 functions as a communication means of the network management device 40. The communication unit 41 communicates with the management device 10 and the like under the control of the control unit 43.

[0157] The storage unit 42 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 42 functions as a storage means of the network management device 40.

[0158] The control unit 43 is a controller that controls each unit of the network management apparatus 40. The control unit 43 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. For example, the control unit 43 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the network management apparatus 40 using a RAM or the like as a work area. Note that the control unit 43 can be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Any one of the CPU, the MPU, the GPU, the ASIC, and the FPGA can be regarded as a controller.

[0159] <2-6. Configuration of Communication Apparatus>

[0160] Next, the configuration of the communication apparatus 50 will be described.

[0161] The communication apparatus 50 is a communication apparatus that constitutes the TSN bridge TB. For example, the communication apparatus 50 can be a server that constitutes the TSN bridge TB or a communication apparatus (for example, the management apparatus 10, the base station 20, or the terminal apparatus 30) that constitutes a wireless network. Furthermore, the communication apparatus 50 can be a communication apparatus that is to be an endpoint (talker or listener) of a TSN network. For example, the communication apparatus 50 can be a terminal apparatus 30 or a server that transmits data to a communication apparatus that is to be an endpoint. Furthermore, the communication apparatus 50 can be an apparatus (for example, a CUC or a CNC) that constitutes a TSN system. The communication apparatus 50 can be used as, for example, the application apparatus 200 described above.

[0162] Note that in a case where the communication apparatus 50 is a server, the communication apparatus 50 can be an application server or a web server. Furthermore, the communication apparatus 50 can be a PC server, a mid-size server, or a large-size server. Furthermore, the communication apparatus 50 can be an information processing apparatus that performs data processing (edge processing) in the vicinity of a user or a terminal. For example, the communication apparatus 50 can be an information processing apparatus (computer) that is provided side by side with a base station or built into a base station. Of course, the communication apparatus 50 can be an information processing apparatus that performs cloud computing.

[0163] Figure 10 is a diagram that illustrates a configuration example of the communication apparatus 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication apparatus 50 includes the communication unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the control unit 13. Note that Figure 10 The configuration shown in FIG. 8 is a functional configuration, and a hardware configuration can be different from the functional configuration. Furthermore, the functions of the communication apparatus 50 can be realized in a distributed manner in a plurality of physically separate configurations. For example, the communication apparatus 50 can include a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

[0164] The communication unit 51 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. For example, the communication unit 51 is a network interface. For example, the communication unit 51 is a LAN interface such as a NIC. Note that the communication unit 51 can be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 51 functions as a communication means of the communication device 50. The communication unit 51 communicates with other communication devices under the control of the control unit 53.

[0165] The storage unit 52 is a storage device capable of reading and writing data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 52 functions as a storage means of the communication device 50.

[0166] The control unit 53 is a controller that controls each unit of the communication device 50. The control unit 53 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 53 is realized by a processor that executes various programs stored in a storage device inside the communication device 50 using a RAM or the like as a work area. Note that the control unit 53 can be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. Any one of a CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, and an FPGA can be regarded as a controller.

[0167] <<3. Wireless network and TSN network>>

[0168] Although the configuration of the communication system 1 has been described above, before the operation of the communication system 1 is described in detail, a wireless network and a TSN network will be described.

[0169] <3-1. Cellular network>

[0170] <3-1-1. Role of cellular network and core network>

[0171] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cellular network. Specifically, Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a 5G network. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a 4G network.

[0172] The cellular network includes a radio access network (RAN) and a core network (CN). The RAN is a wireless system between the base station 20 and the terminal device 30. In wireless communication, modulation and demodulation techniques for enabling communication are important. Furthermore, in wireless communication, how to allocate limited resources (time resources and / or frequency resources) to each terminal device 30 is important.

[0173] In the RAN, a frame configuration is used as a time resource. In the RAN, one frame is configured to have 10 ms. One frame contains 10 subframes. Each subframe is composed of a downlink OFDM symbol and an uplink OFDM symbol.

[0174] In the RAN, a basic unit of a frequency band is referred to as a component carrier. In the RAN, a frequency band such as 20 MHz is handled as one unit of frequency resources. In the RAN, a plurality of component carriers can be bundled and used.

[0175] The CN mainly performs authority and session management when the terminal device 30 is connected to the network. In both 4G and 5G, the CN includes both control plane functions and user plane functions.

[0176] The control plane function receives information from a data server (referred to as a home subscriber system (HSS)) that stores subscriber information of the UE, and determines whether to allow the UE to be connected to the network by using the subscription information of the UE and a key for encryption, and generates a key for encryption. That is, in order for the UE to be connected to the cellular network, information of the UE associated with a subscriber number of an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) in a subscriber identity module (SIM) card in the UE needs to be stored in the HSS (UDM). The HSS can also be referred to as a unified data management (UDM).

[0177] In order for the UE to be attached to the cellular system, in the case of 4G, a mobility management function (MME) plays this role. In the case of 5G, the AMF or the SMF plays this role. In the case where the UE is connected to the network and transmits and receives data, the function of the user plane of the CN is required. In the case of 4G, the S-GW and the P-GW play this role. In the case of 5G, the user plane function (UPF) plays this role. The 4G P-GW and the 5G UPF serve as a gateway to be a boundary between the CN and an external communication network (for example, the Internet). The CN can be located in the public Internet. Accordingly, the CN-U (user plane) corresponding to the P-GW or the UPF can be regarded as a gateway arranged at a boundary between the CN and a general application.

[0178] <3-1-2. Private 5G / 4G>

[0179] For example, in the case of the above-described TSN, low latency and / or low jitter (small variation in latency) are required. As a system that implements such low latency, a system using a private 5G / 4G can be contemplated. In the private 5G / 4G, the network can be customized specifically for an application. Accordingly, in implementing low latency and low jitter, the possibility of using a private 5G / 4G is high.

[0180] Currently, many offices and homes are equipped with a local area network (LAN). The LAN includes a LAN cable, a router, and the like. A communication device is connected to an Internet service provider (ISP) via the LAN. Private 5G (Private 5G) or Private 4G (Private 4G) operates by placing a cellular base station 20 in the LAN. In 3GPP, Private 5G / 4G is referred to as a non-public network.

[0181] In Private 5G / 4G, the base station 20 and the terminal device 30 are arranged in, for example, an office, a factory, a private home, or the like in which the LAN is arranged. On the other hand, the core network (CN) that controls the base station 20 can be arranged in the LAN or can be arranged in a cloud data center in the Internet. The base station 20 and the CN are given a private IP address, and can communicate with each other. For example, the base station 20 and the CN can communicate with each other using a private IP address by using a technology such as a virtual private network. Thus, the network that connects the base station 20 and the CN can be regarded as a private network.

[0182] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a use example of Private 5G / 4G. In Figure 13 , a plurality of user plane functions of the CN are arranged in the LAN and the cloud, and a control plane function of the CN is arranged in the cloud. Further, in Figure 13 , the base station 20 and the UE are arranged in the LAN area.

[0183] Private 5G / 4G is a non-public network. In Private 5G / 4G, it is generally assumed that the UE, the base station 20, the CN, and the application are located inside a virtual private network. In this case, for example, the UE and the base station 20 can be located in the LAN area. Further, the CN and the application can be arranged in the LAN area or in the cloud in the Internet.

[0184] <3-2. TSN network>

[0185] Although the wireless network has been described above, the TSN network will be described below.

[0186] <3-2-1. Relationship between Industry 4.0 and TSN>

[0187] Industry 4.0 is a term meaning the fourth industrial revolution, and is a technology for realizing high-mix small-lot production in addition to conventional mass production. The smart factory is one of the use cases of Industry 4.0. The smart factory enables communication of all systems in the factory, thereby improving the efficiency of the factory.

[0188] Digital twin is considered as a core technology of Industry 4.0. With digital twin, it is possible to grasp the situation of systems in a factory on the network side, and the grasped situation can be reflected again in the control of actual equipment on the factory side. In recent years, digital twin has also been used for use cases to control an entire city. Digital twin can be defined as a subset of Industry 4.0.

[0189] Time sensitive network (TSN) is exemplified as a core technology to realize Industry 4.0. TSN is also used for smart factories of Industry 4.0. TSN is also used for digital twin derived from Industry 4.0.

[0190] Note that Internet of Things (IoT) is used as a concept similar to Industry 4.0. In the present embodiment, IoT can be used as a concept similar to the concept of Industry 4.0 without particular distinction.

[0191] <3-2-2. Meta universe>

[0192] As described above, meta universe is a use case in which many users interact in a common virtual space. Meta universe requires a short delay with multiple users to have the same experience at the same time and the like. As described above, meta universe has a technical common part with the above-described TSN and digital twin. The technology according to the present embodiment is also applicable to meta universe in addition to TSN and digital twin.

[0193] <3-2-3. Overview of TSN network>

[0194] TSN is a network that values time from when a packet is transmitted to when the packet is received. For example, it can be said that TSN is a network that strictly handles time. Here, strictly handling time means low delay, and also includes the meaning that a packet arrives at a predetermined time. That is, TSN is a network that needs to have low delay and small delay variation (jitter). TSN has been standardized by IEEE 802.1. That is, TSN is originally a technology for wired networks.

[0195] Note that a TSN network can be defined as a network that aims to realize the following functions (1) to (4).

[0196] (1) Low latency (low delay)

[0197] (2) Determinism (small jitter)

[0198] (3) Reliability (few failures)

[0199] (4) High bandwidth (large capacity)

[0200] In order to realize the above functions, the following means are prepared in TSN.

[0201] - Time synchronization

[0202] Time synchronization means that applications are synchronized in time. That is, the time at which the application on the receiving side expects to receive a packet is the same as the time at which the application on the transmitting side expects to deliver the packet. In TSN, a generalized precision time protocol (gPTP) is used to adjust the clock.

[0203] - Scheduled traffic

[0204] In TSN, a place (a time slot) where a packet can be transmitted is prepared periodically. The communication device transmits the packet in preference to other packets in the time slot. In TSN, a plurality of queues are prepared. When a packet to be transmitted in a time slot arrives at a queue, a packet to be transmitted in preference is transmitted first. Other packets are transmitted only when there is no packet to be transmitted in preference in the time slot. Whether to transmit in a periodic time slot is determined by an identifier of a traffic type assigned to a packet (for example, a priority code point of a VLAN tag in an Ethernet header). This identifier can be changed for each application. The priority-controlled queue is prepared for each network called a bridge. Therefore, when a packet passes through a plurality of bridges, the packet is delayed in the granularity of a time slot.

[0205] - Frame preemption

[0206] Frame preemption is an interrupt priority control, and refers to a mechanism in which a priority packet makes a non-priority packet wait. That is, frame preemption is a control rule for a plurality of queues.

[0207] - Per-flow filtering and policing

[0208] Per-flow filtering and policing is a method of filtering (also called shaping) each traffic (flow) so as not to exceed an allowed bandwidth. For example, in a case where traffic of 20 Mbps is allowed to be 10 Mbps, the communication device stores the traffic in a buffer at a time, and then transmits the traffic at an interval of 10 Mbps. Therefore, even if the traffic is 20 Mbps in a burst manner, the data is averaged to 10 Mbps.

[0209] - Frame replication and elimination for reliability

[0210] Frame replication and elimination for reliability is a technique of replicating one packet into a plurality of packets, which are then transmitted through a plurality of paths, and when the plurality of packets are received, the plurality of packets are restored to one packet. Therefore, since redundancy is performed using a plurality of routes in a segment, reliability is improved.

[0211] The above are five major means for implementing TSN. As an entity for implementing these means, a centralized user configuration (CUC) and a centralized network configuration (CNC) are prepared in TSN.

[0212] The CUC is an entity that absorbs requirements and settings of devices or applications to be an endpoint of a TSN network, and transmits the requirements and settings to the CNC. The CNC is an entity that provides instructions to implement the five means of each bridge between the endpoints.

[0213] <3-2-4. Exemplary use cases of TSN network>

[0214] As a typical use case of TSN, a case where industrial equipment in a control factory is assumed. In this case, controller-to-controller (C-to-C) communication and terminal device-to-controller (C-to-D) communication such as an actuator are required.

[0215] In a factory, the traffic required for C-to-C and C-to-D can be periodic or aperiodic (sporadic). The period also varies depending on the traffic. Some have a period equal to or less than 1 ms, and some have a period of 10 ms to 50 ms. For example, some long periods are used for network control applications and have a period of 50 ms to 1 s.

[0216] <3-2-5. Functionality of current 5G network with respect to TSN network>

[0217] In 3GPP Release 17, how to apply TSN to a 5G network (3GPP TS 23.501) is considered. Here, the 5G network is defined as one of the bridges defined in TSN (hereinafter also referred to as TSN bridge).

[0218] For example, in a 5G network, each of the UE or UPF can be an ingress or egress of TSN traffic. At the ingress and egress, a function called TSN translator (TT) is prepared for converting TSN settings, etc. into settings inside the 5G network. The TT includes a DS-TT deployed on the device side such as a UE and a NS-TT deployed on the network side such as a UPF.

[0219] Frame duplication and elimination for reliability of TSN is implemented by duplicating and transmitting multiple packets between the DS-TT and the NS-TT. In this case, it is desirable to use different carriers.

[0220] The CNC configures Quality of Service (QoS) 5QI in the 5G network according to the requirement conditions such as TSN delay. Therefore, in the 5G network, communication with lower delay and fluctuation required as TSN is implemented. The current 5G network uses these low latency techniques to implement communication with less jitter required in TSN.

[0221] As described above, in the current 5G system, functions that can be performed in the existing 5G system are set by the CNC on the TSN side, rather than preparing new functions for TSN, so that the 5G system implements the functions of TSN.

[0222] As information configured by the CNC in the 5G network, there is time sensitive communication (TSC) assistance information. This is information about the period of traffic, the arrival time of packets, etc., and is provided from the TSN side. However, details such as how the 5G system should control packets based on this information have not been studied.

[0223] As described above, the 5G system needs to operate based on information supplied from the TSN side. On the other hand, the detailed mechanism is not fixed. In addition, when a new feature (technology) is added to the TSN side, the 5G system side can need to respond according to the feature.

[0224] <3-2-6. Delay of each user's communication section in multiple users>

[0225] The delay between the application device 200 and the UE depends on the location of each UE. Multiple UEs can each belong to different core networks. The area in which the UE is located differs around the world, such as Asia, Europe, and the United States. There are various delays between each UE located in each region and the application device 200, and the values of the delays also differ.

[0226] There are cases in which the application device 200 desires to unify the delay times of multiple UEs. For example, in the case of providing a game service, the application device 200 can equalize the delay times between UEs in order to prevent unfairness between UEs.

[0227] Figure 14 is a diagram for describing an example of delay adjustment of the application device 200. Note that, Figure 14 The description of some components of the communication system 1 is omitted in

[0228] In Figure 14 In the application device 200, the game service is provided to the first UE via the first CN and the first base station (BS). In addition, the application device 200 provides the game service to the second UE via the second CN and the second BS.

[0229] For example, assume that the first UE is positioned closer to the application device 200 than the second UE. In this case, the delay time of the first UE is shorter than that of the second UE. For example, assume that the delay time of the first UE is 30 ms, and the delay time of the second UE is 100 ms.

[0230] If the application device 200 provides the game service to the first UE and the second UE without adjusting the delay, the second UE with a long delay time can be disadvantaged in the progress of the game. For example, in the case where the first UE and the second UE play a game in which the first UE and the second UE compete for one flag, if the application device 200 does not adjust the delay, the first UE is advantaged, and the second UE is disadvantaged.

[0231] Conventionally, in order to alleviate such a sense of unfairness, the application device 200 adjusts the delay among a plurality of UEs. For example, as described above, when the delay time of the first UE is 30 ms and the delay time of the second UE is 100 ms, the application device 200 adds a delay of 70 ms to the transmission / reception data with the first UE, thereby ensuring fairness between the first UE and the second UE.

[0232] However, the application device 200 sets this delay to be semi-static. Accordingly, the application device 200 has difficulty in equalizing the delay change between the first UE and the second UE in consideration of the delay change that occurs instantaneously.

[0233] As described above, conventionally, the delay among a plurality of UEs is adjusted by the software of the application device 200. In addition to (or instead of) the delay adjustment performed by the software of the application device 200, the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment also performs delay adjustment in the entire communication system 1 (network) to ensure fairness among a plurality of UEs.

[0234] <3-2-7. Communication path>

[0235] In the present embodiment, the communication system 1 divides the communication path into a plurality of sections and performs delay adjustment. Here, the communication path is an end-to-end path between the UE and the application device 200. In the present embodiment, the communication system 1 decomposes the communication path into a RAN section including at least the (R)AN and a NW section including at least a portion of the communication path other than the (R)AN. The NW section is, for example, a section including at least a portion of the core network and a network (such as the Internet) to which the application device 200 is connected.

[0236] For example, the NW section includes a section between the BS and the application device 200. The delay of the NW section depends on the distance (length of the NW section) between the BS and the application device 200. On the other hand, the RAN section includes a section between the BS and the UE. The delay in the RAN section is greatly affected by the scheduling of wireless communication in the section. That is, the delay in the RAN section depends on the delay due to the waiting time before the downlink resource and the uplink resource are allocated by scheduling.

[0237] Thus, in the present embodiment, the communication system 1 divides the communication path into a plurality of sections, for example, in accordance with a factor of delay, and performs delay adjustment for each section. Thus, the communication system 1 is able to cope with delay fluctuation.

[0238] Note that, as shown in Figure 4 The communication system 1 decomposes the communication path into a plurality of sections (RAN section and NW section) for each terminal device 30 (UE).

[0239] <3-2-8. Delay characteristics>

[0240] The above-mentioned delay includes an average delay and a jitter that is a variation of the delay. Hereinafter, the average delay and the jitter are collectively referred to as delay characteristics or delay. Further, there are a case where the delay characteristics are stationary and do not vary much and a case where the delay characteristics are non-stationary and vary with time.

[0241] Figure 15 is a graph that illustrates an example of a delay distribution. Figure 15 The horizontal axis of the graph shown in

[0242] As shown in Figure 15 The delay occurs with a predetermined spread. In Figure 15 an example, the average delay is 50 ms, and the jitter spread is 40 ms.

[0243] <3-2-9. Standardization trend>

[0244] As described above, the application of TSN in 5G networks has been studied. For example, 3GPP TS 23.501 describes a case where one UE performs TSN communication by using a plurality of UPFs. The network targeted for TSN is called a bridge. In 3GPP TS 23.501, 5G is specified as a bridge. Then, standardization of a method of converting the configuration contents of a regular TSN into configuration parameters that can be understood by the 5G network at the entrance of the 5G network is currently underway.

[0245] <<4. Operation of the communication system 1>>

[0246] Based on the above, the operation of the communication system 1 will be described below.

[0247] Note that, in the following description, it is assumed that the wireless network used as a TSN bridge is a 5G network, but the wireless network used as a TSN bridge can be a wireless network other than the 5G network. For example, the wireless network used as a TSN bridge can be a cellular network other than the 5G network, such as a 4G network. In the following description, the 5G network used as a TSN bridge is simply referred to as a 5G network.

[0248] Further, the information processing device 100 that performs the delay adjustment can be a device that implements the function of the core network (for example, the management device 10). That is, the information processing device 100 can be a device deployed in the core network, but the information processing device 100 is not limited thereto.

[0249] The information processing device 100 can be a device deployed outside the core network. In this case, the information processing device 100 is arranged near the core network, more specifically, closer to the core network than the application device 200.

[0250] Further, in the following description, it is assumed that the application device 200 performs an application using a TSN network. For example, the application can be an application function included in a communication device (for example, a drone or an industrial robot, or a server that controls them) to be an endpoint of the TSN network. In this case, the communication device corresponds to the application device 200. Further, the communication device itself to be an endpoint can be regarded as an application. Further, a part or all of a TSN system using a 5G network can be regarded as an application. For example, the network management device 40 (for example, a CUC or a CNC of the TSN network) can be regarded as an application. In the following description, the "application" or the "application device 200" can be referred to as a "communication device".

[0251] Further, in the following description, a case where the application device 200 communicates with two UEs (a first UE and a second UE) will be described, but the number of UEs that communicate with the application device 200 is not limited to two. The application device 200 can communicate with three or more UEs.

[0252] In the following description, the communication path is divided into two segments, but the number of segments included in the communication path is not limited to two. The communication path can be divided into three or more segments.

[0253] <4-1. First Embodiment>

[0254] Next, the operation of the communication system 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0255] <4-1-1. Problem 1-1>

[0256] The delay time and the jitter of the UE vary depending on the distance to the application device 200, the communication device arranged on the communication path, and the like. That is, the UEs having different distances and communication devices have different delay characteristics.

[0257] For example, in a case where the difference between the first delay time between the first UE and the application device 200 and the second delay time between the second UE and the application device 200 can be grasped, the application device 200 can adjust the delay difference between the first UE and the second UE. For example, the application device 200 can reduce the delay difference between the first UE and the second UE by delaying the processing of the signal of the UE (e.g., the first UE) having a small delay for the same time as the delay difference. Thus, the unfairness of the delay between the first UE and the second UE can be corrected.

[0258] However, when the application device 200 performs delay adjustment, some problems can occur.

[0259] The first problem is an increase in the load on the application device 200 located at the last stage of the communication path. For example, in a case where buffering is performed to delay the processing, if the delay difference between the first UE and the second UE becomes too large, the load of the amount of buffering can become too large.

[0260] The second problem is that the processing speed of the application device 200 can decrease. For example, in a case where the following processing cannot be performed without processing the signal to be subjected to delay adjustment, as the delay difference increases, the delay adjustment takes time, and the processing speed of the application device 200 decreases. Accordingly, a method of preventing the decrease in the processing speed by limiting the target of the delay adjustment to a control signal can be conceivable, but in this case, the processing speed of the application device 200 also decreases as the delay difference between the first UE and the second UE increases.

[0261] The third problem is that a large delay variation (jitter) can occur due to the overlap of the delay variations occurring in a plurality of sections of one communication path. The jitter is not stable but varies greatly instantaneously. The application device 200 adjusts the average delay. Accordingly, the application device 200 has difficulty in adjusting the delay that varies greatly at this moment.

[0262] The fourth problem is the traceability of the delay adjustment. When the conditions at any position in the communication path change and the delay characteristics (average delay and / or jitter) change, the application device 200 needs to reacquire the delay characteristics. In order to improve the traceability, for example, the communication path is divided into a plurality of sections, and the communication system 1 reacquires the delay characteristics in some sections so that the communication system 1 can be able to efficiently trace the change in the delay.

[0263] <4-1-2. Solution 1-1>

[0264] In the communication system 1 according to the present embodiment, the communication path between the UE and the application device 200 is divided into a plurality of sections. Figure 16is a diagram for describing an example of a communication path according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the communication path is divided into a plurality of sections for each UE.

[0265] In Figure 16 In the example of FIG. 6, the first UE and the second UE communicate with the application device 200. The first communication path A between the first UE and the application device 200 is divided into two sections, A1 and A2. The second communication path B between the second UE and the application device 200 is divided into two sections, B1 and B2.

[0266] For example, the section A1 corresponds to Figure 4 the first RAN section in, and the section A2 corresponds to the first NW section. The section B1 corresponds to the second RAN section, and the section B2 corresponds to the second NW section.

[0267] Hereinafter, the section A1 is also referred to as the first wireless section. The section A2 is also referred to as the first wired section. The section B1 is also referred to as the second wireless section. The section B2 is also referred to as the second wired section. Note that, when the first wireless section and the second wireless section are not distinguished, they are also simply referred to as the wireless section. When the first wired section and the second wired section are not distinguished, they are also simply referred to as the wired section.

[0268] Note that the above-described sections A1, A2, B1, and B2 are examples. The sections A1 and A2 need only be sections of the first communication path, and the division manner is not limited to the above-described example. For example, the section A1 can include a wired section such as a core network. Furthermore, the section A2 can not include the core network, but can include a public network such as the Internet.

[0269] The communication path can be divided into a plurality of sections with routers deployed in the middle of the path as boundaries. Furthermore, the communication path can be divided for each function such as (R)AN, core network (CN), and the Internet. Note that the routers are deployed at boundaries between these functions. Accordingly, the communication path can be delimited by several of the plurality of routers deployed in the communication path.

[0270] In the present embodiment, it is classified whether a predetermined section is a common section or a difference section with respect to other sections. The common section is a section in which delay characteristics (delay time and / or jitter) in both sections (the predetermined section and the other section) are substantially the same (for example, a delay difference is smaller than a predetermined threshold). The difference section is a section in which delay characteristics in both sections (the predetermined section and the other section) are different (for example, a delay difference is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold).

[0271] Figure 17 and Figure 18is a diagram for describing an example of a common section and a difference section according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 17 FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which the sections A1 and B1 are common sections.

[0272] For example, when the performances of the first BS and the second BS are substantially the same, the delay characteristics of the section A1 and the section B1 can be substantially the same. On the other hand, when the positions of the first UE and the second UE are different, the distance between the first BS and the application device 200 (section A2) and the distance between the second BS and the application device 200 (section B2) can be different. In this case, the delay characteristics of the section A2 and the section B2 can be different.

[0273] As described above, for example, depending on the performance of the base station, even if the first UE and the second UE are connected to different BSs, the delay characteristics of the section A1 and the section B1 can be substantially the same. In this case, the section A1 and the section B1 are common sections.

[0274] Further, the delay characteristics of the section A2 and the section B2 can be different depending on the distance between the first UE and the second UE and the application device 200. In this case, the section A2 and the section B2 are difference sections.

[0275] On the other hand, Figure 18 FIG. 14 illustrates an example in which the sections A2 and B2 are common sections.

[0276] For example, in a case where the distance between the first BS and the application device 200 (section A2) and the distance between the second BS and the application device 200 (section B2) are substantially the same, the delay characteristics of the section A2 and the section B2 can be substantially the same.

[0277] On the other hand, when the performances of the first BS and the second BS are different, the delay characteristics of the section A1 and the section B1 can be different. For example, even if the core networks to which the first BS and the second BS are connected are the same, in a case where the settings of the ratios of UL / DL of the first BS and the second BS are different, the delay characteristics of the section A1 and the section B1 are different.

[0278] As described above, for example, even if the first UE and the second UE are connected to the same core network, the delay characteristics of the section A1 and the section B1 can be different depending on the performance of the base station. In this case, the section A1 and the section B1 are difference sections.

[0279] Further, depending on the distance between the first UE and the second UE and the application device 200, the delay characteristics of the section A2 and the section B2 can be substantially the same. In this case, the section A2 and the section B2 are common sections.

[0280] Note that here, it is assumed that one of the wireless sections (Section Al and Section Bl) and the wired sections (Section A2 and Section B2) is a common section (or a difference section). However, the wireless sections and the wired sections can both be common sections. That is, Section Al and Section Bl can be common sections, and Section A2 and Section B2 can be common sections. Alternatively, the wireless sections and the wired sections can both be difference sections. That is, Section Al and Section Bl can be difference sections, and Section A2 and Section B2 can be difference sections.

[0281] As described above, the application device 200 according to the present embodiment divides each communication path of the first UE and the second UE into a plurality of sections. The application device 200 divides the communication path, for example, by a function and a router.

[0282] The application device 200 grasps whether there is a difference in the delay characteristic in each section. For example, the application device 200 acquires the delay characteristic from the information processing device 100 disposed in each of the first communication path and the second communication path to grasp the difference in the delay characteristic between the sections. Here, it is assumed that the information processing device 100 has, for example, a delay measurement function.

[0283] Figure 19 is a diagram for describing that the information processing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure measures the delay characteristic.

[0284] For example, the information processing device 100 equipped with Linux (registered trademark) transmits a ping of an Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) and measures the time until a reply is returned, thereby measuring the delay characteristic. In this way, the information processing device 100 measures the delay characteristic of each section of the communication path using a tool for measuring delay.

[0285] For example, in Figure 19 , the information processing device 1001 measures the delay in Sections Al and A2 of the first communication path. The information processing device 1001 measures the turn around time in Section Al. Further, the information processing device 1001 measures the turn around time in Section A2. The information processing device 1001 periodically performs the delay measurement, and notifies the measurement result to the application device 200.

[0286] For example, the information processing device 1002 measures the delay in Sections Bl and B2 of the second communication path. The information processing device 1002 measures the turn around time in Section Bl. Further, the information processing device 1002 measures the turn around time in Section B2. The information processing device 1002 periodically performs the delay measurement, and notifies the measurement result to the application device 200.

[0287] Based on the measurement result, the application device 200 identifies whether which section of the communication path is a common section having a small delay difference from the sections of other communication paths or a difference section having a large delay difference.

[0288] The information processing device 100 with the delay measurement function can be arranged at a boundary between a core network and the Internet (alternatively, a virtual private network (VPN)). In this case, the information processing device 100 desirably measures the delay in the section between the core network and the RAN. Further, the information processing device 100 desirably measures the delay of wired communication such as the Internet.

[0289] As described above, by arranging the information processing device 100 that measures the delay at the boundary between the core network and the Internet, the number of information processing devices 100 arranged on the communication path can be reduced in some cases. In this case, if one information processing device 100 is arranged for each communication path of each UE, the application device 200 can more reliably grasp the common section and the difference section.

[0290] Note that the arrangement of the information processing device 100 that measures the delay is an example, and the information processing device 100 can be arranged at an arbitrary position on the communication path. Further, the number of information processing devices 100 is not limited to one, and two or more information processing devices can be arranged.

[0291] Here, the data (packet) for which the information processing device 100 is to perform the delay measurement does not need to be data transmitted by a scheduled time slot used in the TSN. The scheduled time slot is a time slot for transmitting a packet at a predetermined cycle time. The application device 200 can further reduce the influence of the delay by communicating with the UE using the scheduled time slot.

[0292] The scheduled time slot manipulates the delay time of the packet, and thus the information processing device 100 measures the delay of the packet whose delay time is not manipulated by the scheduled time slot. In this way, the information processing device 100 can measure the delay actually generated in the communication path.

[0293] Note that in the example described above, the information processing device 100 periodically (at a predetermined cycle) measures the delay of each section. The information processing device 100 periodically measures the delay according to the delay difference of each section. For example, the information processing device 100 can change the measurement frequency (cycle) of the delay according to whether the section for which the delay is measured is a common section or a difference section. For example, the information processing device 100 can set the measurement frequency of the delay in the common section to be lower than the measurement frequency of the delay in the difference section. Note that it is assumed that the information processing device 100 acquires information (alternatively, information about the assumed frequency) indicating whether the section to be measured is a common section or a difference section from the application device 200.

[0294] When the application device 200 grasps whether each section is a common section or a difference section, the delay characteristics of each communication path are equalized using a scheduled time slot. For example, the application device 200 instructs the information processing device 100 having a delay addition function to add a delay to a packet so that the delay characteristics of each communication path are equalized. In this way, the application device 200 determines a delay to be added in accordance with the delay measurement result of the information processing device 100. Accordingly, the application device 200 updates the delay to be added in accordance with the common section and the difference section. In other words, the application device 200 periodically updates the delay to be added in accordance with the delay difference of each section. In accordance with the update of the delay by the application device 200, the information processing device 100 also updates the delay to be added.

[0295] Figure 20 is a diagram for describing an example of a delay addition process by the application device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that, although a case where the application device 200 adds a delay in one communication path will be described here, the application device 200 can similarly add a delay in other communication paths.

[0296] In Figure 20 , the information processing device 100 is disposed between a core network and a router 300 connecting the core network and the Internet. The information processing device 100 includes a DL delay addition unit 101, a UL delay addition unit 102, and a delay measurement unit 103. The DL delay addition unit 101, the UL delay addition unit 102, and the delay measurement unit 103 can be implemented as, for example, functional blocks of a control unit of the information processing device 100.

[0297] The DL delay addition unit 101 has a delay addition function of adding a delay to a DL packet transmitted from the application device 200 to the UE. The UL delay addition unit 102 has a delay addition function of adding a delay to a UL packet transmitted from the UE to the application device 200. As described above, the delay measurement unit 103 has a delay measurement function of periodically measuring a delay.

[0298] Figure 21 is a diagram for describing an example of a delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21 illustrates a case where the application device 200 is an initiator and the UE is a responder. Note that the delay measurement unit 103 of the information processing device 100 is not illustrated in Figure 21 .

[0299] Although Figure 21The information processing device 1001 and 1002 are illustrated in

[0300] In Figure 21 the example, the DL delay adding unit 1011 of the information processing device 1001 adds a delay to a DL packet transmitted from the application device 200. For example, the DL delay adding unit 1011 adds a value (an amount of delay) corresponding to the difference in delay between the section A2 and the section B2 and the difference in delay between the section Al and the section Bl to the DL packet, and transmits the DL packet to the first UE.

[0301] The UL delay adding unit 1021 of the information processing device 1001 adds a delay to a UL packet transmitted from the first UE. For example, the UL delay adding unit 1021 adds a value corresponding to the difference in delay between the section Al and the section Bl and the difference in delay between the section A2 and the section B2 to the UL packet, and transmits the UL packet to the application device 200.

[0302] Figure 22 is a diagram for describing another example of delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 22 The case where the UE is the initiator and the application device 200 is the responder is illustrated. Note that the delay measuring unit 103 of the information processing device 100 is not illustrated in Figure 22 .

[0303] Although Figure 22 the information processing device 1001 and 1002 are illustrated in , the case where the information processing device 1001 adds a delay will be described here as an example. For example, in a case where the delay of the first communication path between the first UE and the application device 200 is smaller than the delay of the second communication path between the second UE and the application device 200, the application device 200 instructs the information processing device 1001 to add a delay so as to match the delay of the second communication path.

[0304] Figure 22 In the example, the UL delay adding unit 1021 of the information processing device 1001 adds a delay to a UL packet transmitted from the first UE. For example, the UL delay adding unit 1021 adds a value (an amount of delay) corresponding to the difference in delay between the section Al and the section Bl and the difference in delay between the section A2 and the section B2 to the UL packet, and transmits the UL packet to the application device 200.

[0305] The DL delay adding unit 1011 of the information processing apparatus 1001 adds a delay to a DL packet transmitted from the application apparatus 200. For example, the DL delay adding unit 1011 adds a value corresponding to the delay difference between the segments A2 and B2 and the delay difference between the segments Al and Bl to the DL packet, and transmits the DL packet to the application apparatus 200.

[0306] The information processing apparatus 1001 receives delay difference information on the delay difference between the segments Al and Bl and the delay difference between the segments A2 and B2 from, for example, the application apparatus 200. The information on the delay difference is transmitted from the application apparatus 200 to the information processing apparatus 1001 for each UE. The information processing apparatus 1001 adds a delay to a packet for each UE.

[0307] For example, in a case where the information processing apparatus 1001 adds a delay to a packet addressed to a plurality of UEs, the delay difference information on the delay difference is transmitted from the application apparatus 200 to the information processing apparatus 1001 for each of the plurality of UEs. This is because the priority on the scheduler of the BS is different for each UE. Accordingly, the application apparatus 200 transmits the delay difference information on the amount of delay added for each UE to the information processing apparatus 1001.

[0308] Figure 23 is a sequence diagram for describing an example of an instruction processing flow of delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Although Figure 23 The application apparatus 200 can similarly transmit a delay instruction to the information processing apparatus 1002, although a case where the application apparatus 200 issues a delay addition instruction to the information processing apparatus 1001 is illustrated.

[0309] First, the information processing apparatus 1001 performs a delay measurement in the segment Al by, for example, transmitting a predetermined data signal (e.g., a test signal such as a ping, data including a transmission time, or the like) to the first UE and measuring a time until a response is returned (step S101).

[0310] Next, the information processing apparatus 1001 performs a delay measurement in the segment A2 by, for example, transmitting a predetermined data signal to the application apparatus 200 and measuring a time until a response is returned (step S102).

[0311] The information processing apparatus 1001 reports the delay characteristics of each segment (here, segments Al and A2) to the application apparatus 200 (step S103).

[0312] The application device 200 determines a delay addition for each UE based on the delay characteristics of each section acquired from the information processing device 1001 and the delay characteristics of each section acquired from the information processing device 1002 (not shown) (step S104). For example, the application device 200 determines an amount of delay to be added for each UE based on the delay difference of each section. For example, the application device 200 determines an amount of delay to be added for each of the UL and the DL. Here, it is assumed that the application device 200 determines a delay addition for the first UE.

[0313] In this case, the application device 200 instructs the information processing device 1001 to add a delay (step S105). For example, the application device 200 gives an instruction of delay addition by transmitting delay difference information on the amount of delay to be added for each of the UL and the DL to the information processing device 1001.

[0314] <4-1-3. Effect 1-1>

[0315] Accordingly, the communication system 1 can further reduce the delay difference between the application device 200 and the plurality of UEs. Further, the communication system 1 can further reduce the delay difference of each section in which a delay occurs. Thus, the application device 200 does not need to frequently perform a delay measurement on the communication path to further reduce the delay difference on the communication path. As described above, the information processing device 100 reduces the delay difference of each section, thereby reducing a load on the application device 200. Further, a buffer load in the application device 200 is reduced.

[0316] <4-1-4. Problem 1-2>

[0317] In the above-described solution 1-1, the information processing device 1001 measures the delay characteristics of each section. As described above, the delay characteristics are divided into an average delay and a jitter that is a variation in the delay. It is desirable that the application device 200 masters the delay for the average delay and the jitter, respectively.

[0318] Further, the average delay includes an average delay that is guaranteed to be the same semi-permanently and an average delay that can vary due to congestion and the like. It is desirable that the application device 200 masters these average delays, respectively. It is desirable that the application device 200 performs optimization of the delay measurement frequency and optimization of the added delay by distinguishing and mastering these average delays and / or the average delay and the jitter.

[0319] <4-1-5. Solution 1-2>

[0320] Thus, here, the application device 200 decomposes and grasps the delay measured in the section into the average delay and the jitter. For example, the information processing device 100 measures the average delay and the jitter as the delay characteristics, respectively. The application device 200 grasps the average delay and the jitter, respectively, by acquiring information on the measured average delay and the jitter from the information processing device 100. The application device 200 identifies which of the delay and the jitter is different in each section. For example, the application device 200 adjusts the delay of each UE after grasping the maximum value of the delay according to the jitter, taking into account the jitter in each section.

[0321] For example, assume that the average delay of the section Al of the first communication path is 50 ms, and the difference amplitude of the jitter is 40 ms (see Figure 15 ). In this case, in the section Al, the minimum value of the delay time is 30 ms, and the maximum value is 70 ms.

[0322] In this case, the application device 200 adds a delay to the transmission packet so that the delay time of the transmission packet becomes a value corresponding to the maximum value. For example, the application device 200 adds a delay to the transmission packet so that the delay time of the transmission packet becomes a value obtained by adding the maximum value to a value corresponding to the jitter (here, 90 ms).

[0323] In the example of Figure 15 , the maximum delay is 70 ms. Assume that the value corresponding to the jitter is half of the difference amplitude of the jitter, then the value corresponding to the jitter is 20 ms. In this case, the value corresponding to the maximum value is 70 + 20 = 90 ms.

[0324] The application device 200 instructs the information processing device 100 to add a delay so that the delay time of the transmission packet becomes 90 ms. The information processing device 100 adds a delay to each transmission packet according to the instruction from the application device 200.

[0325] For example, the information processing device 100 measures the delay time of the transmission packet to which the delay is added. For example, the information processing device 100 acquires the time at which the transmission packet is transmitted from the transmission source. The information processing device 100 measures the actual delay time (hereinafter, also referred to as the actual delay) until the transmission packet reaches the information processing device 100 according to the difference between this time and the time at which the information processing device 100 itself receives this transmission packet.

[0326] The information processing apparatus 100 determines a delay time to be added to the transmission packet (hereinafter also referred to as an additional delay) in accordance with the measured delay time and the delay time at which the instruction is given from the application apparatus 200. For example, assume that the measured actual delay, that is, the delay time required for the transmission packet to arrive at the information processing apparatus 100 from the transmission source, is 40 ms. In this case, the information processing apparatus 100 adds an additional delay of 90 - 40 = 50 ms to the transmission packet, so that the delay time of the transmission packet becomes 90 ms.

[0327] Thus, the information processing apparatus 100 can transmit the transmission packet to the transmission destination with a constant delay time regardless of the jitter, and can further reduce the delay difference for each UE.

[0328] Further, the information processing apparatus 100 can reduce the influence of the jitter by similarly adding an additional delay to the response signal of the transmission packet.

[0329] Figure 24 is a diagram for describing an example of delay addition by the information processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 24 The case where the application apparatus 200 is the initiator and the UE is the responder is illustrated. That is, here, the application apparatus 200 transmits the transmission packet to the UE, and receives the response packet from the UE. Note that, in the case where the application apparatus 200 is the responder and the UE is the initiator, the information processing apparatus 100 adds an additional delay to the response packet of the UE. Figure 24 In the information processing apparatus 100, the illustration of the delay measurement unit 103 of the information processing apparatus 100 is omitted.

[0330] Figure 24 The UL delay addition unit 102 of the information processing apparatus 100 illustrated in the information processing apparatus 100 includes a time holding unit 1021, a determination unit 1022, and a buffer 1023.

[0331] The time holding unit 1021 holds the first arrival time at which the transmission packet arrives from the application apparatus 200. The time holding unit 1021 holds the first arrival time for each destination (for example, a destination IP address) of the transmission packet.

[0332] The time holding unit 1021 holds the second arrival time at which the response packet arrives from the UE. The time holding unit 1021 holds the second arrival time for each transmission source (for example, a source IP address) of the response packet.

[0333] The time holding unit 1021 outputs information on the held first arrival time and second arrival time to the determination unit 1022 together with the corresponding destination or transmission source.

[0334] The determination unit 1022 instructs the buffer to transmit the response packet. That is, the determination unit 1022 determines the transmission timing of the response packet. The determination unit 1022 determines the transmission timing of the response packet on the basis of the first arrival time and the second arrival time.

[0335] Specifically, the determination unit 1022 determines the transmission timing of the response packet so that the time from the transmission of the packet to the arrival of the transmission of the response packet is constant (for example, 90 ms). In other words, the determination unit 1022 determines the transmission timing of the response packet so that the turnaround time (TAT) to the UE is constant.

[0336] The buffer 1023 holds the response packet. The buffer 1023 transmits the held response packet to the application device 200 according to the instruction of the determination unit 1022.

[0337] As described above, the information processing device 100 measures the round-trip delay to the predetermined UE based on the first arrival time of the transmission packet addressed to the predetermined UE and the second arrival time of the response packet from the predetermined UE. The information processing device 100 adds the additional delay corresponding to the measured round-trip delay and the jitter to the response packet. Thus, the information processing device 100 can transmit the transmission packet (or the response packet) to the destination with a constant delay time regardless of the jitter.

[0338] Here, the method in which the information processing device 100 adds the delay has been described in the case where the application device 200 is the initiator and the UE is the responder. In the case where the UE is the initiator and the application device 200 is the responder, the information processing device 100 can similarly add the additional delay to the transmission packet. In this case, the UL delay addition unit 102 adds the additional delay according to the actual delay of the transmission packet.

[0339] Note that the jitter can occur in the wireless section, and the jitter is less likely to occur in the wired section. In other words, the jitter of the wired section occurs less frequently. Accordingly, it is desirable that the information processing device 100 add the additional delay to each transmission packet in the wireless section. The information processing device 100 adds the additional delay to each transmission packet in the wireless section so that the delay time of each transmission packet becomes constant. Thus, the information processing device 100 can further reduce the influence of the jitter in the wireless section.

[0340] In the case where the additional delay is added in the wired section (the section of the Internet line), the information processing device 100 can measure the actual delay of the transmission packet based on the time stamp added to the transmission packet.

[0341] For example, the information processing device 100 arranged at the exit of the section measures the actual delay of the transmission packet from the difference between the time stamp added to the transmission packet at the entrance of the section and the arrival time (current time) of the transmission packet. In this way, the information processing device 100 can measure the actual delay in the section from the times at which the transmission packet arrives at the entrance and the exit of the section. However, in this case, it can be necessary to change the format of the packet at the entrance, such as adding a time stamp.

[0342] Further, in a case where the packet arrives at a determined arrival time (for example, at a cycle of 100 ms), a scheduled time slot of TSN is used. When the scheduled time slot is used, all packets arrive at a cycle of 100 ms. Accordingly, the scheduled time slot is suitable for use in transmission packets that are input to the section at a fixed interval.

[0343] That is, in a case where transmission packets generated at a constant cycle are transmitted at a more accurate cycle, the application device 200 can further reduce the delay difference of each UE by using the scheduled time slot.

[0344] On the other hand, the information processing device 100 adds an additional delay without a restriction such as a constant cycle, and can further reduce the delay difference of each UE with respect to a packet transmitted at any timing by the application device 200.

[0345] <4-1-6. Effect 1-2>

[0346] As described above, the application device 200 respectively masters the average delay and the jitter as the delay characteristics, so that the delay difference of each UE due to the jitter can be further reduced. Further, since the information processing device 100 adds an additional delay, the processing load of the application device 200 can be further reduced. Further, the delay time including the jitter can be equalized among the plurality of UEs without using the scheduled time slot.

[0347] The information processing device 100 can further reduce the influence of the jitter that is difficult to reduce in the application device 200, and can further reduce the delay difference of each UE.

[0348] <4-1-7. Problem 1-3>

[0349] By using the methods of the above-described solutions 1-1 and 1-2, the communication system 1 can keep the delay characteristics of each of the plurality of users consistent without varying too much, that is, keep the same delay characteristics on a stable basis. On the other hand, the delay characteristics can vary unstably (that is, dynamically). For example, at the time of congestion, there is a case where the delay increases as the packets accumulate in the buffer.

[0350] As described above, it is desirable to further reduce the delay difference between UEs even in the case where the delay characteristic dynamically changes.

[0351] <4-1-8. Solution 1-3>

[0352] Accordingly, the information processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment monitors whether the section in which the delay adjustment is performed is non-stable, and frequently updates the delay characteristic (or the measured delay) in the case of the non-stable state. The monitoring of the non-stable state and the change in the update frequency of the delay characteristic (or the measurement period of the delay) are performed by the information processing apparatus 100 having the delay measurement function.

[0353] The information processing apparatus 100 changes the monitoring period of the delay characteristic between the section in which the possibility of becoming the non-stable state is low and the section in which the possibility of becoming the non-stable state is high. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 shortens the monitoring period of the delay characteristic in the section in which the possibility of becoming the non-stable state is high.

[0354] For example, it is assumed that the average delay in the normal state is 50 ms. Further, it is assumed that the information processing apparatus 100 monitors the change in the delay characteristic at 10 s in the normal state. At this time, for example, in the case where the change in the delay characteristic is equal to or greater than a first threshold Th1 (for example, 5 ms), the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the state has transitioned to the non-stable state, and changes the monitoring period (10 s) of the delay characteristic. For example, in the case where the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the stable state has transitioned to the non-stable state, the monitoring period is shortened from 10 s to 1 s.

[0355] On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 100 makes the monitoring period of the delay characteristic in the section in which the possibility of becoming the non-stable state is low longer than the monitoring period of the delay characteristic in the section in which the possibility of becoming the non-stable state is high. For example, in the section in which the possibility of becoming the non-stable state is low, the initial value of the monitoring period of the delay characteristic is set to, for example, 100 s. For example, in the section in which the possibility of becoming the non-stable state is low, in the case where the change in the delay characteristic is equal to or greater than the first threshold Th1, the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the state has transitioned to the non-stable state, and changes the monitoring period (100 s) of the delay characteristic. For example, in the case where the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the stable state has transitioned to the non-stable state, the monitoring period is shortened from 100 s to 10 s.

[0356] Note that the monitoring period of the delay characteristic can change with a lag. For example, in a non-stable state, when the number of times the change in the delay characteristic becomes equal to or smaller than the second threshold Th2 (e.g., 1 ms) exceeds a predetermined number of times, the information processing apparatus 100 determines that the state has transitioned from the non-stable state to the stable state. After determining that the non-stable state has transitioned to the stable state, the information processing apparatus 100 returns the monitoring period of the delay characteristic to the original state. For example, in a section where the possibility of becoming a non-stable state is low, when it is determined that the state has transitioned to the stable state, the information processing apparatus 100 changes the monitoring period from 10 s to 100 s.

[0357] Here, the information processing apparatus 100 returns (changes) the monitoring period to the original period at once, but the method of changing the monitoring period is not limited thereto. After determining that the non-stable state has transitioned to the stable state, the information processing apparatus 100 can gradually return the monitoring period of the delay characteristic to the original period. For example, after determining that the state has transitioned to the stable state, the information processing apparatus 100 gradually increases the monitoring period from 10 s to 20 ms and 30 ms, and finally returns the monitoring period to the original 100 ms.

[0358] As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 reports the measured delay characteristic to the application apparatus 200. Therefore, when the monitoring period, in other words, the measurement period of measuring the delay characteristic changes, the reporting period reported to the application apparatus 200 also changes.

[0359] The application apparatus 200 receives reports of the measurement results of the delay characteristic from the information processing apparatus 100 arranged on each communication path. The application apparatus 200 notifies each information processing apparatus 100 of the delay to be added based on these reports. Accordingly, when the delay characteristic of any one of the plurality of communication paths changes, the application apparatus 200 changes the delay to be added in accordance with the change, and notifies each information processing apparatus 100 of the change.

[0360] Since the information processing apparatus 100 reports the measured delay characteristic to the application apparatus 200 in accordance with the change in the delay, the application apparatus 200 can reduce the delay difference of each UE more quickly.

[0361] As described above, the information processing apparatus 100 sets the detection of the change in the monitored delay equal to or larger than the first threshold Th1 as a detection condition of the non-stable state. Further, upon detecting the non-stable state, the information processing apparatus 100 changes the monitoring period from the first period to the second period (the first period > the second period). Further, the information processing apparatus 100 changes the delay to be added in accordance with the instruction from the application apparatus 200.

[0362] Further, the information processing apparatus 100 sets detection that the change in the monitored delay is equal to or less than the second threshold Th2 a predetermined number of times as a detection condition of return to the stable state. Further, upon detection of return to the stable state, the information processing apparatus 100 changes the monitoring period from the second period to the first period. Further, the information processing apparatus 100 changes the delay to be added in accordance with an instruction from the application apparatus 200.

[0363] Note that the information processing apparatus 100 can determine whether a section is a section in which the possibility of becoming the unstable state is high or a section in which the possibility of becoming the unstable state is low, in accordance with, for example, the frequency of transition to the unstable state. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 determines a section in which the frequency of transition to the unstable state is equal to or greater than a threshold as a section in which the possibility of becoming the unstable state is high, and sets the monitoring period in the stable state to be short (for example, 10 s). On the other hand, the information processing apparatus 100 determines a section in which the frequency of transition to the unstable state is less than the threshold as a section in which the possibility of becoming the unstable state is low, and sets the monitoring period in the stable state to be long (for example, 100 s).

[0364] In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 quickly detects that the delay time suddenly increases in a section in which the average delay generally remains the same on a stable basis. Further, in a case where the information processing apparatus 100 detects an increase (change) in the delay time, the information processing apparatus shortens the period of monitoring the delay characteristic so as to track the change. Thus, the information processing apparatus 100 can track a dynamically changing delay characteristic (average delay).

[0365] Further, as the information processing apparatus 100 shortens the monitoring period of the delay characteristic, the period of adjustment of the delay characteristic with another user by the application apparatus 200 is also shortened. Accordingly, the application apparatus 200 is able to follow the change in the delay characteristic in a certain section to equalize the delay characteristics between a plurality of users.

[0366] Figure 25 is a sequence diagram for describing another example of an instruction processing flow of delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Although Figure 25 The application apparatus 200 issues a delay addition instruction to the information processing apparatus 1001, as illustrated, but the application apparatus 200 can similarly transmit a delay instruction to the information processing apparatus 1002.

[0367] As Figure 25As illustrated in FIG. 10, the information processing apparatus 1001 sets and changes the monitoring period (delay characteristic measurement period) for each section (step S201). The information processing apparatus 1001 sets the monitoring period in accordance with whether the section is a section in which the possibility of becoming a non-stable state is high or a section in which the possibility of becoming a non-stable state is low. The information processing apparatus 1001 changes the monitoring period in accordance with the change in the delay characteristic.

[0368] Note that the subsequent processing is the same as the designation processing illustrated in FIG. 9, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Figure 23

[0369] <4-1-9. Effect 1-3>

[0370] In this way, the information processing apparatus 100 changes the monitoring period in accordance with the change in the delay characteristic. For example, the information processing apparatus 100 changes the update period of the delay and / or the period in which the delay is measured (the monitoring period) in accordance with whether the delay fluctuation is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (for example, the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2). Thus, in a case where the delay characteristic changes rapidly, the information processing apparatus 100 can track the change. Further, in a case where the delay characteristic changes rapidly, the application apparatus 200 can follow the change and equalize the delay characteristic between users quickly.

[0371] <4-1-10. Problem 1-4>

[0372] When a delay is added to the transmission packet, the delay in the entire communication system 1 tends to increase. Further, there can be a case where the application apparatus 200 wants to uniformly add a delay to the transmission packet in a plurality of sections.

[0373] In this case, it can not be desirable for the information processing apparatus 100 to add a delay to the transmission packet in all the sections.

[0374] Further, in the above-described solution 1-3, when the delay characteristic dynamically fluctuates, the information processing apparatus 100 adds a delay following the fluctuation. However, in a case where the change in the delay characteristic is too rapid for the information processing apparatus 100 to follow the fluctuation, there is no need to adjust the delay following the change.

[0375] Further, in a case where the difference in the delay in each section is small, the information processing apparatus 100 can not adjust the delay.

[0376] Further, in the above-described solution 1-2, the information processing apparatus 100 can adjust the jitter and the average delay. However, there is a possibility that the information processing apparatus 100 adjusts one of the jitter and the average delay and does not adjust the other.

[0377] As described above, it is desirable that the application apparatus 200 can instruct the information processing apparatus 100 to perform the delay adjustment in accordance with the situation of the communication system 1 or the like.​

[0378] <4-1-11. Solution 1-4>

[0379] Accordingly, the application device 200 according to the present embodiment gives an instruction of whether to add a delay to a transmission packet for each section. The application device 200 can instruct the information processing device 100 to stop adding a delay in a predetermined section. Alternatively, the application device 200 can instruct the information processing device 100 to add a delay of 0 ms in a predetermined section.

[0380] Further, the application device 200 can instruct the information processing device 100 to adjust one of an average delay and a jitter in a predetermined section, and stop adjusting the other. For example, the application device 200 can instruct the information processing device 100 to adjust an average delay in a predetermined section, and stop a jitter adjustment.

[0381] Figure 26 is a sequence diagram for describing another example of an instruction processing flow of delay addition according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Although Figure 26 The case where the application device 200 issues a delay addition instruction to the information processing device 1001 is illustrated, but the application device 200 can similarly transmit a delay instruction to the information processing device 1002. In Figure 26 The instruction processing shown in Figure 23 The same processing as in

[0382] The application device 200 determines delay addition and / or stop of delay addition for each UE based on the delay characteristics of each section acquired from the information processing device 1001 and the delay characteristics of each section acquired from the information processing device 1002 (not shown) (step S301). Here, it is assumed that the application device 200 determines to stop adding a delay to a transmission packet of the first UE.

[0383] In this case, the application device 200 instructs the information processing device 1001 to stop delay addition (step S302). The information processing device 1001 that receives this instruction stops adding a delay to a transmission signal.

[0384] Note that the application device 200 can give an instruction to stop delay addition in both sections A1 and A2. Alternatively, the application device 200 can give an instruction to stop delay addition in either one of sections A1 and A2. In this case, the application device 200 can issue an instruction to perform delay addition in a section in which delay addition is not stopped.

[0385] <4-1-12. Effect 1-4>

[0386] As described above, the application device 200 can issue an instruction to stop the addition of the delay in addition to the instruction to add the delay. Therefore, the application device 200 can instruct the information processing device 100 to perform the delay adjustment according to the situation of the communication system 1 or the like.

[0387] <4-2. Second Embodiment>

[0388] Next, the operation of the communication system 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

[0389] <4-2-1. Problem 2-1>

[0390] For example, a use case in which a client application installed in each UE simultaneously performs control specified by the application device 200 arranged on the cloud side at a predetermined time can be imagined. This can be realized by, for example, installing a clock that can accurately synchronize the application device 200 and each client application in time. This clock can be realized by a function called TSN that synchronizes.

[0391] Therefore, the communication system 1 can construct a system in which a plurality of UEs cooperate. For example, the client application installed on the UE can simultaneously perform control of an actuator.

[0392] Figure 27 is a diagram for describing an example of cooperative control of the application device 200.

[0393] For example, at time t01, the application device 200 transmits a control signal for simultaneously performing processing to the first to third UEs. The first to third UEs have different delay characteristics. In this case, the first to third UEs receive the control signal at different times. For example, at time t02, the first UE receives the control signal. At time t03, the third UE receives the control signal. At time t04, the second UE receives the control signal. Figure 27 In the example of FIG. 10, the first UE receives the control signal at time t02. At time t03, the third UE receives the control signal. At time t04, the second UE receives the control signal.

[0394] As described above, even if the time at which each UE receives the control signal is different, the application device 200 sets the time t05 at which the processing is performed with a margin so that each UE can simultaneously perform the processing. In the example of FIG. 10, even if the second UE receives the control signal last, the second UE can perform the processing at the time t05 with a margin of the period T01 simultaneously with the first UE and the third UE. Figure 27

[0395] However, in a system that requires a fast response, it is necessary to shorten the delay time at which the processing is performed. As described above, when the application device 200 determines the execution timing (time t05) at which the cooperative processing is performed, taking into account the difference between the delay times of the plurality of UEs, there is a problem that the execution timing is delayed.

[0396] ​<4-2-2. Solution 2-1>

[0397] Accordingly, the application device 200 according to the present embodiment equalizes the delay characteristics between the UEs by using the above-described solutions 1-1 to 1-4, and determines the execution timing of performing the cooperative processing in accordance with the delay characteristics of the UEs.

[0398] By using the above-described solutions 1-1 to 1-4, the application device 200 can equalize the delay characteristics between the UEs. Further, the application device 200 acquires the delay characteristics (average delay and jitter) of each UE from the information processing device 100. Accordingly, the application device 200 can determine the execution timing of performing the cooperative processing in accordance with the delay characteristics, and can set the execution timing at an earlier time.

[0399] Figure 28 is a diagram for describing an example of the cooperative control of the application device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that, here, it is assumed that the application device 200 equalizes the delay characteristics of the plurality of UEs. Accordingly, in Figure 28 , an example of the cooperative control of one UE will be mainly described.

[0400] As described above, since the delay characteristics of the plurality of UEs are the same, the control signal transmitted by the application device 200 at the time t11 arrives at the UE after the average delay T11 at the time t12. Assuming that the difference amplitude of the jitters is T12, the maximum delay T13 is T11 + T12 / 2. That is, the UE can receive the control signal at the latest at the time t13 after the maximum delay T13.

[0401] The application device 200 can grasp the time at which the control signal arrives at the UE. Accordingly, the application device 200 sets the execution timing to perform the cooperative processing at the time t14 immediately after the time t13 at which the UE receives the control signal at the latest. The UE performs the enhancement processing (i.e., the processing based on the control signal) at the time t24 in accordance with the control signal.

[0402] Accordingly, the application device 200 can further shorten the delay time of the execution time of performing the cooperative control.

[0403] Note that, as described above, the method of setting the execution timing by using the time-synchronized clock by the application device 200 (hereinafter, also referred to as the first setting method) has an advantage that the plurality of UEs can perform the cooperative processing at the same time more reliably.

[0404] On the other hand, the first setting method has a disadvantage that the execution timing can be delayed. Further, depending on the UE, the control signal is received quickly. In this way, the UE that receives the control signal earlier needs to buffer the control signal unnecessarily for a long time.

[0405] Further, in a case where there is a possibility that a UE that receives information such as a control signal in advance performs processing in advance due to fraud, it is desirable that a plurality of UEs receive the information at the same time. For example, in a case where it is advantageous to perform processing in advance such as a game, there is a concern that a malicious UE performs fraud. In this case, it is desirable that a plurality of UEs receive information at the same time.

[0406] In addition to the first setting method, there is a method in which, for example, in a case where the delay times of the UEs can be equalized, the application device 200 simultaneously transmits a control signal, and each UE performs processing immediately after it receives the control signal (hereinafter, also referred to as a second setting method). In the case of the second setting method, the application device 200 and the UEs do not need to have time-synchronized clocks. Further, each UE can perform cooperative processing at almost the same time with a minimum delay.

[0407] However, as described above, the delay characteristics include an average delay and jitter. Accordingly, even if the delay times of the UEs are equalized to some extent, there is a possibility that the delay times of each UE slightly vary due to the influence of jitter and the like.

[0408] Therefore, the application device 200 according to the present embodiment sets the execution timing of processing of each UE while equalizing the delay times of the UEs, taking into account the influence of jitter and the like. Hereinafter, this setting method is also referred to as a third setting method. In the third setting method, the application device 200 equalizes the delay times of the UEs, and sets the execution timing of processing using time-synchronized clocks.

[0409] Therefore, each UE can more reliably perform processing at the same time. Further, the application device 200 can set an earlier execution timing, and can further reduce the processing execution delay.

[0410] Further, since the application device 200 equalizes the delay times of the UEs, it is difficult for the control signal to arrive at the UEs too early. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent fraud of the UEs. Therefore, the application device 200 does not need to monitor fraud of the UEs, and can further reduce the processing load of the application device 200.

[0411] Figure 29 is a sequence diagram for describing an example of a cooperative control processing flow according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Although Figure 29 The case where the application device 200 performs cooperative control on the first UE is illustrated, but the application device 200 can perform cooperative control on the second UE and the third UE in a similar manner. Note that, in Figure 29 the processing of Figure 25 the same components as the processing shown in

[0412] By instructing the information processing apparatus 1001 to add the delay in step S105, the application apparatus 200 that equalizes the delay of the UEs specifies the execution time and transmits the control signal to the first UE (step S401). Here, the application apparatus 200 sets the execution time based on the time when the control signal arrives at each UE. Further, the information processing apparatus 1001 adds the delay to the control signal. Accordingly, the control signal arrives at each UE at substantially the same time.

[0413] <4-2-3. Effect 2-1>

[0414] As described above, the application apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment equalizes the delay of the UEs by specifying the execution time and transmits the packet to the UEs. Therefore, the application apparatus 200 can further reduce the packet execution delay. Further, the application apparatus 200 can further reduce the variation in the arrival time of the packet at the UEs.

[0415] <4-2-4. Problem 2-2>

[0416] For example, in a case where the delay characteristics (average delay and jitter) of the UEs fluctuate, even if the delay characteristics of the UEs are equalized, there is a case where the application apparatus 200 has difficulty in setting the packet execution time. For example, in a case where the delay characteristics dynamically fluctuate, there is a possibility that the packet cannot arrive at the UEs within the execution time set by the application apparatus 200.

[0417] <4-2-5. Solution 2-2>

[0418] Therefore, in a case where the delay characteristics dynamically fluctuate, the application apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment sets the packet execution time (execution timing) so that the packet is executed at a predetermined interval after the packet arrives at the UEs.

[0419] For example, as the fluctuation of the delay characteristics increases, the application apparatus 200 increases the predetermined interval. For example, in Figure 28 In the above, as the fluctuation of the delay characteristics increases, the application apparatus 200 increases the interval (predetermined interval) between the time t12 and the time t13.

[0420] Therefore, each UE can more reliably execute the process at the same time regardless of the delay fluctuation.

[0421] Further, as another method, the application apparatus 200 can switch between a case where the execution timing is not specified and a case where the execution timing is specified. For example, the application apparatus 200 transmits the packet by switching between the above-described second setting method and the third setting method.

[0422] For example, in a steady state in which fluctuation of the delay characteristics is small, the application device 200 equalizes the delay characteristics of each UE, specifies the execution time, and transmits the packet. That is, the application device 200 performs cooperative control on each UE using the third setting method in the steady state. In this case, after receiving the packet, the UE performs processing based on the packet before the specified execution time.

[0423] On the other hand, in a non-steady state in which the delay characteristics dynamically fluctuate, the application device 200 equalizes the delay characteristics of each UE but transmits the packet without specifying the execution time. In this case, the UE performs the packet immediately after receiving the packet. That is, the application device 200 performs cooperative control on each UE using the second setting method in the non-steady state. In this case, the UE performs processing based on the packet after receiving the packet.

[0424] The application device 200 can explicitly inform the UE of which one of the second setting method and the third setting method to use. Alternatively, the application device 200 can implicitly inform the UE of which one of the second setting method and the third setting method to use depending on whether the execution time is included in the packet. In this case, when the packet does not include the execution time, the UE determines to perform cooperative control with the second setting method. When the execution time is included in the packet, the UE determines to perform cooperative control with the third setting method.

[0425] <4-2-6. Effects 2-2>

[0426] As described above, the application device 200 according to the present embodiment sets the execution time with a margin in accordance with fluctuation of the delay characteristics. Alternatively, the application device 200 switches the method (mode) of cooperative control in accordance with fluctuation of the delay characteristics.

[0427] Therefore, the application device 200 can more reliably perform cooperative control of the UEs even in a case where fluctuation of the delay characteristics is large.

[0428] <<5. Other Embodiments>>

[0429] The above-described embodiments are examples, and various modifications and applications can be made.

[0430] For example, in the above-described embodiments, TSN is applied to the communication system 1, but TSN need not be applied. Network technologies other than TSN can be applied to the communication system 1.

[0431] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the information processing device 100 performs both measurement of the delay characteristics and addition of the delay, but the information processing device 100 need not perform both. For example, an information processing device that measures the delay characteristics and an information processing device that adds the delay can be separate devices.

[0432] Further, in the above-described embodiments, the application device 200 performs both supplying a service to the UE and performing determination of adding a delay to a transmission packet, but a device other than the application device 200 can determine to add a delay to a transmission packet. In this case, for example, the communication system 1 can further include a device (for example, an information processing device) that determines to add a delay to a transmission packet.

[0433] The control device that controls the information processing device 100, the application device 200, and the UE (terminal device 30) of the present embodiment can be realized by a special-purpose computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0434] For example, a communication program for performing the above-described operations is stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disc, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a floppy disk. Then, for example, by installing the program in a computer and performing the above-described processing, the control device can be configured. At this time, the control device can be a device (for example, a personal computer) external to the information processing device 100, the application device 200, or the UE. Further, the control device can be a device (for example, a control unit) internal to the information processing device 100, the application device 200, or the UE.

[0435] Further, the communication program can be stored in a disk device included in a server device on a network such as the Internet, so that the communication program can be downloaded to a computer. Further, the above-described functions can be realized by cooperation of an operating system (OS) and application software. In this case, a part other than the OS can be stored in a medium and distributed, or a part other than the OS can be stored in a server device, and downloading to a computer or the like can be performed.

[0436] Further, in the processing described in the above-described embodiments, all or a part of the processing described as being automatically performed can be manually performed, or all or a part of the processing described as being manually performed can be automatically performed by a publicly known method. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the processing procedure, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above-described documents and drawings can be optionally changed. For example, the various types of information shown in each drawing are not limited to the information shown.

[0437] In addition, each component of each device shown in the drawings is functionally conceptual and is not necessarily physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the form shown, and all or a part thereof can be distributed and integrated in any unit functionally or physically according to various loads, usage conditions, and the like. Note that such a distributed and integrated configuration can be dynamically performed.

[0438] In addition, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined within a range where the contents do not contradict each other. Furthermore, the order of each step shown in the flowcharts of the above-described embodiments can be appropriately changed.

[0439] Furthermore, for example, the present embodiment can be implemented as any configuration constituting a device or a system, such as a processor of a system large-scale integration (LSI) or the like, a module using a plurality of processors or the like, a unit using a plurality of modules or the like, a collection obtained by further adding other functions to the unit, or the like (i.e., a configuration of a part of a device).

[0440] Note that, in the present embodiment, a system refers to a collection of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), or the like), and it is not important whether all the components are located in the same housing. Thus, a plurality of devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housing a plurality of modules in one housing are both systems.

[0441] Furthermore, for example, the present embodiment can employ a configuration of cloud computing in which one function is shared and processed by a plurality of devices in cooperation via a network.

[0442] <<6. Conclusion>>

[0443] While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments alone and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of different embodiments and modified examples can be appropriately combined.

[0444] Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments described in the present specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects can be provided.

[0445] Note that, the present technology can also have the following configurations. (1)

[0447] An information processing device including:

[0448] a control unit that adds an additional delay to a transmission signal to be transmitted to a first terminal device and / or an application device in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein

[0449] the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section including at least a first (radio) access network (RAN) in a first communication path including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, a first CN (core network), and the application device,

[0450] The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device,

[0451] The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a part of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and

[0452] The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a part of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. (2)

[0454] The information processing device according to (1), wherein the information processing device is disposed in the first CN or at a position closer to the first CN than the application device. (3)

[0456] The information processing device according to (2), wherein the information processing device is arranged at a boundary between the first CN and a network connecting the first CN and the application device.

[0457] (4) (update changed by common / difference, 0221, Figure 19 )

[0458] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit updates the additional delay at a cycle according to the first difference and / or the second difference. (5)

[0460] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit changes a cycle of updating the additional delay according to whether a fluctuation of the delay in the first RAN section and / or the first NW section is greater than a predetermined threshold. (6)

[0462] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit measures the first RAN delay characteristic and / or the first NW delay characteristic. (7)

[0464] The information processing device according to (6), wherein the control unit measures the first RAN delay characteristic and / or the first NW delay characteristic at a cycle according to the first difference and / or the second difference. (8)

[0466] The information processing device according to (6) or (7), wherein the control unit changes a period of measuring the first RAN delay characteristic and / or the first NW delay characteristic depending on whether a fluctuation of the delay in the first RAN section and / or the first NW section is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. (9)

[0468] The information processing device according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the control unit measures an average delay and a variation of the delay in the first RAN section as the first RAN delay characteristic, and measures an average delay and a variation of the delay in the first NW section as the first NW delay characteristic. (10)

[0470] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit adds a delay to the transmission signal depending on a variation of the delay between the first RAN section and the second RAN section and / or a variation of the delay between the first NW section and the second NW section. (11)

[0472] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit measures a round-trip delay with the first terminal device based on a first time at which a first transmission signal transmitted to the first terminal device arrives and a second time at which a second transmission signal transmitted by the first terminal device arrives, and adds an additional delay corresponding to the round-trip delay and a variation of the delay between the first RAN section and the second RAN section to the second transmission signal. (12)

[0474] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control unit stops adding the additional delay in a case where an instruction to stop adding the additional delay to the transmission signal is received. (13)

[0476] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the control unit adds the additional delay to the transmission signal for which an execution time is specified. (14)

[0478] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein

[0479] the control unit adds the additional delay to the transmission signal depending on a first difference of the first RAN delay characteristic, the second RAN delay characteristic, and the third RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference of the first NW delay characteristic, the second NW delay characteristic, and the third NW delay characteristic,

[0480] The third RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a third RAN segment of at least the third (R)AN in a third communication path including the third terminal device, the third (R)AN, the third CN, and the application device, and

[0481] The third NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a third NW segment of at least a part of a path other than the third (R)AN in the third communication path. (15)

[0483] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14), in which

[0484] The control unit adds an additional delay to the transmission signal in accordance with a third difference between the third NW delay characteristic and a fourth NW delay characteristic,

[0485] The third NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a third NW segment of at least a part of a path other than the first RAN segment and the first NW segment in the first communication path.

[0486] The fourth NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a fourth NW segment of at least a part of a path other than the second RAN segment and the second NW segment in the second communication path. (16)

[0488] An information processing device including:

[0489] The communication unit receives a transmission signal to which an additional delay is added in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein

[0490] The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN segment of at least the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device,

[0491] The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN segment of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device,

[0492] The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW segment of at least a part of a path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path.

[0493] The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW segment of at least a part of a path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. (17)

[0495] The terminal device according to (16), further comprising a control unit that executes the processing based on the transmission signal at an execution time of the transmission signal in a case where the execution time is designated. (18)

[0497] The terminal device according to (17), wherein the control unit executes the processing after receiving the transmission signal in a case where the execution time of the transmission signal is not designated, and executes the processing after waiting for the execution time after receiving the transmission signal in a case where the execution time is designated. (19)

[0499] A base station comprising:

[0500] a communication unit that transmits, to the first terminal device and / or the application device, a transmission signal to which an additional delay is added based on a first difference between first RAN delay characteristics and second RAN delay characteristics and / or a second difference between first NW delay characteristics and second NW delay characteristics, wherein

[0501] the first RAN delay characteristics are delay characteristics in a first RAN section at least including a first (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, a first CN, and the application device,

[0502] the second RAN delay characteristics are delay characteristics in a second RAN section at least including a second (R)AN in a second communication path including a second terminal device, the second (R)AN, a second CN, and the application device,

[0503] the first NW delay characteristics are delay characteristics in a first NW section of at least a portion of a path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and

[0504] the second NW delay characteristics are delay characteristics in a second NW section of at least a portion of a path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. (20)

[0506] A communication system comprising:

[0507] a first terminal device;

[0508] an application device that communicates with the first terminal device;

[0509] a base station that transmits a transmission signal to the first terminal device and / or the application device; and

[0510] An information processing apparatus including a control unit that adds an additional delay to a transmission signal in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein

[0511] The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section of at least the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal apparatus, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application apparatus,

[0512] The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal apparatus, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application apparatus,

[0513] The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and

[0514] The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. (21)

[0516] An information processing method including:

[0517] adding an additional delay to a transmission signal to be transmitted to the first terminal apparatus and / or the application apparatus in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein

[0518] The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section of at least the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal apparatus, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application apparatus,

[0519] The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal apparatus, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application apparatus,

[0520] The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and

[0521] The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. (22)

[0523] A communication method comprising:

[0524] receiving, by a terminal device, a transmitted signal to which an additional delay is added in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein

[0525] the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section of at least the first (R)AN in a first communication path comprising the terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device,

[0526] the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path comprising the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device,

[0527] the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a part of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and

[0528] the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a part of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. (23)

[0530] A communication method comprising:

[0531] transmitting, to a first terminal device and / or an application device, a transmitted signal to which an additional delay is added in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein

[0532] the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section of at least the first (R)AN in a first communication path comprising the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device,

[0533] the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path comprising the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device,

[0534] the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a part of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and

[0535] the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a part of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. (24)

[0537] A communication method in a communication system including a first terminal device, an application device that communicates with the first terminal device, a base station that transmits a transmission signal to the first terminal device and / or the application device, and an information processing device, the communication method including:

[0538] adding, by the information processing device,

[0539] adding an additional delay to the transmission signal in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein

[0540] the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section at least including the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device,

[0541] the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section at least including the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device,

[0542] the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and

[0543] the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path.

[0544] Reference symbol list

[0545] 1 Communication system

[0546] 10 Management device

[0547] 11, 41, 51 Communication unit

[0548] 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 Storage unit

[0549] 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 Control unit

[0550] 20 Base station

[0551] 21, 31 Wireless communication unit

[0552] 30 Terminal device

[0553] 40 Network management device

[0554] 50 Communication device

[0555] 100 information processing apparatus

[0556] 200 application apparatus

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that adds an additional delay to a transmission signal to be transmitted to a first terminal apparatus and / or an application apparatus in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section at least including a first (radio access network) (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal apparatus, the first (R)AN, a first CN (core network), and the application apparatus, the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section at least including a second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal apparatus, the second (R)AN, a second CN, and the application apparatus, the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a portion of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. 2.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is disposed in the first CN or at a position closer to the first CN than the application apparatus. 3.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit measures the first RAN delay characteristic and / or the first NW delay characteristic. 4.The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit measures the first RAN delay characteristic and / or the first NW delay characteristic at a period according to the first difference and / or the second difference. 5.The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit changes the period of measuring the first RAN delay characteristic and / or the first NW delay characteristic according to whether a fluctuation of the delay in the first RAN section and / or the first NW section is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. 6.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds a delay to the transmission signal according to a change in the delay between the first RAN section and the second RAN section and / or a change in the delay between the first NW section and the second NW section. 7.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit measures a round-trip delay with the first terminal apparatus based on a first time at which a first transmission signal transmitted to the first terminal apparatus arrives and a second time at which a second transmission signal transmitted by the first terminal apparatus arrives, and adds an additional delay corresponding to the round-trip delay and a change in the delay between the first RAN section and the second RAN section to the second transmission signal. 8.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops adding the additional delay in a case where an instruction to stop adding the additional delay to the transmission signal is received. 9.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds the additional delay to the transmission signal for which an execution time is specified. 10.The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds an additional delay to the transmission signal in accordance with a first difference between the first RAN delay characteristic, the second RAN delay characteristic, and the third RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between the first NW delay characteristic, the second NW delay characteristic, and the third NW delay characteristic, the third RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a third RAN segment of at least the third (R)AN in a third communication path including the third terminal device, the third (R)AN, the third CN, and the application device, and the third NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a third NW segment of at least a portion of the path other than the third (R)AN in the third communication path.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adds an additional delay to the transmission signal in accordance with a third difference between the third NW delay characteristic and a fourth NW delay characteristic, the third NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a third NW segment of at least a portion of the path other than the first RAN segment and the first NW segment in the first communication path, and the fourth NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a fourth NW segment of at least a portion of the path other than the second RAN segment and the second NW segment in the second communication path.

12. A terminal device comprising: a communication unit that receives a transmission signal to which an additional delay is added in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN segment of at least the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device, the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN segment of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device, the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW segment of at least a portion of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW segment of at least a portion of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path.

13. The terminal device according to claim 12, further comprising a control unit that executes processing based on the transmission signal at an execution time of the transmission signal when the execution time is designated.

14. The terminal device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit executes the processing after receiving the transmission signal when the execution time of the transmission signal is not designated, and executes the processing after waiting for the execution time after receiving the transmission signal when the execution time is designated.

15. A base station comprising: a communication unit that adds an additional delay to a transmission signal transmitted to the first terminal device and / or the application device in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section at least including the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device, the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section at least including the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device, the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a part of a path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a part of a path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path.

16. A communication system comprising: a first terminal device; an application device that communicates with the first terminal device; a base station that transmits a transmission signal to the first terminal device and / or the application device; and an information processing device including a control unit that adds an additional delay to the transmission signal in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section at least including the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device, the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section at least including the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device, the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a part of a path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a part of a path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path.

17. An information processing method comprising: adding an additional delay to a transmission signal to be transmitted to a first terminal device and / or an application device in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein the first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section at least including the first (R)AN in a first communication path including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device, the second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section at least including the second (R)AN in a second communication path including the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device, the first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a part of a path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and the second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a part of a path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path. The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section in the first communication path that includes at least a part of the path other than the first (R)AN, and The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section in the second communication path that includes at least a part of the path other than the second (R)AN.

18. A communication method comprising: receiving, by a terminal device, a transmission signal to which an additional delay is added in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section in a first communication path that includes at least the first (R)AN, the first RAN section including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, a first CN, and an application device, The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section in a second communication path that includes at least the second (R)AN, the second RAN section including a second terminal device, the second (R)AN, a second CN, and the application device, The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section in the first communication path that includes at least a part of the path other than the first (R)AN, and The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section in the second communication path that includes at least a part of the path other than the second (R)AN.

19. A communication method comprising: transmitting, to a first terminal device and / or an application device, a transmission signal to which an additional delay is added in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section in a first communication path that includes at least the first (R)AN, the first RAN section including the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, a first CN, and an application device, The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section in a second communication path that includes at least the second (R)AN, the second RAN section including a second terminal device, the second (R)AN, a second CN, and the application device, The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section in the first communication path that includes at least a part of the path other than the first (R)AN, and The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section in the second communication path that includes at least a part of the path other than the second (R)AN.

20. A communication method in a communication system including a first terminal device, an application device that communicates with the first terminal device, a base station that transmits a transmission signal to the first terminal device and / or the application device, and an information processing device, the communication method comprising: adding, by the information processing device, an additional delay to the transmission signal in accordance with a first difference between a first RAN delay characteristic and a second RAN delay characteristic and / or a second difference between a first NW delay characteristic and a second NW delay characteristic, wherein The first RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first RAN section of at least the first (R)AN in a first communication path comprising the first terminal device, the first (R)AN, the first CN, and the application device, The second RAN delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second RAN section of at least the second (R)AN in a second communication path comprising the second terminal device, the second (R)AN, the second CN, and the application device, The first NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a first NW section of at least a part of the path other than the first (R)AN in the first communication path, and The second NW delay characteristic is a delay characteristic in a second NW section of at least a part of the path other than the second (R)AN in the second communication path.

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