Communication device, control method for communication device, control program for communication device, information processing device, control method for information processing device, and control program for information processing device

Abstract

To reduce the power consumption of IoT / M2M devices.SOLUTION: In a communication system 600, a communication device 100 that performs wireless communication with an information processing device 200 via a base station 20 includes a communication unit 120 that waits for an incoming call from the base station 20 at a predetermined interval in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device 200 to the communication device 100, and a change unit 113 that changes the predetermined interval at which the communication unit 120 waits for an incoming call from the base station 20 according to the status of the incoming call from the base station 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device, a control method for a communication device, a control program for a communication device, an information processing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a control program for an information processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there exists a remote data collection system that collects and relays data such as meter values ​​that indicate the amount of electricity, water, gas, etc. used in each household using a wireless network, and transmits the data to a remote data collection center such as a meter reading center (for example, Patent Document 1). These so-called smart meters, which are meters equipped with a communication function, have become increasingly widespread with the spread of IoT (Internet of Things) / M2M (Machine to Machine) technology in recent years.

[0003] Regarding IoT / M2M communication, 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) (registered trademark), which is formulating standard specifications for mobile communication systems such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), is considering using existing wireless networks for mobile communication (mobile networks / cellular networks) for IoT / M2M communication, and is standardizing MTC (Machine Type Communication), which includes IoT / M2M communication. 3GPP has published technical specifications (Releases) for IoT / M2M communication, for example, in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-218080 A [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS24.301 V13.6.1, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Core Network and Terminals; Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) protocol for Evolved Packet System (EPS); Stage 3 (Release 13) [Non-Patent Document 2] 3GPP TS23.682 V13.5.0, 3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; Architecture enhancements to facilitate communications with packet data networks and applications (Release 13) Summary of the Invention

[0006] IoT / M2M devices that are battery-powered and do not receive external power are required to reduce power consumption from the viewpoint of battery life. The above-mentioned Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose eDRX (extended discontinuous reception) technology as a technology for reducing power consumption in IoT / M2M devices. eDRX is a technology in which IoT / M2M devices receive downlink signals intermittently and suspend wireless communication functions during periods when no signals are being received.

[0007] There was a need for a mechanism to reduce the power consumption of the device itself by flexibly utilizing the low power consumption technology of eDRX. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication device that performs wireless communication with an information processing device via a base station includes a communication unit that waits for an incoming call from the base station at a predetermined interval in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device, and a change unit that changes the predetermined interval at which the communication unit waits for an incoming call from the base station depending on the incoming call status from the base station.

[0009] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a timing unit that times and records the timing of incoming calls from the base station when the specified interval is a first interval, and a detection unit that detects a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no calls are made from the base station for a specified period or longer, based on the timing results by the timing unit, and the change unit may change the specified interval during the no-call time period to a second interval that is longer than the first interval.

[0010] In the communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the change unit may change the predetermined interval from the second interval to the first interval at the end of the no-incoming call time period.

[0011] In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the specified time may be set according to the power consumption per unit time in the communication device when waiting at the first interval and the second interval, and the power consumption when the specified interval is changed by the change unit.

[0012] In a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit receives information from the information processing device regarding a time period when no incoming calls are detected based on the timing results of when data is transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device, and the modification unit may modify the specified interval based on the information.

[0013] A control method for a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step in which the communication device, which performs wireless communication with an information processing device via a base station, waits at a predetermined interval for an incoming call from the base station in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device, and a step in which the predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call from the base station is changed depending on the incoming call status from the base station.

[0014] A control program for a communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a communication device that performs wireless communication with an information processing device via a base station with the following functions: waiting for incoming calls from the base station at a predetermined interval in response to data being sent from the information processing device to the communication device; and changing the predetermined interval for waiting for incoming calls from the base station depending on the status of incoming calls from the base station.

[0015] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that performs wireless communication with a communication device via a base station, and is equipped with a timing unit that times and records the timing when data is transmitted to the communication device, a detection unit that detects a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no calls are made from the base station to the communication device for a specified period or longer, based on the timing results by the timing unit, and a communication unit that transmits a command to the communication device during the no-call time period to change the specified interval at which the communication device waits for an incoming call from the base station in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device.

[0016] A control method for an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention has an information processing device that performs wireless communication with a communication device via a base station, and executes the following steps: a step of timing and recording the timing of data transmission to the communication device; a detection unit that detects a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no calls are made from the base station to the communication device for a predetermined period or longer, based on the timing result from the timing step; and a step of transmitting a command to the communication device during the no-call time period to change the predetermined interval at which the communication device waits for an incoming call from the base station in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device.

[0017] A control program of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention provides an information processing device, which performs wireless communication with a communication device via a base station, with the following functions: timing and recording the timing at which data is transmitted to the communication device; detecting a no-call period, which is a period during which no calls are made from the base station to the communication device for a specified period or longer, based on the timing results of the timing and recording function; and transmitting a command to the communication device during the no-call period to change the specified interval at which the communication device waits for an incoming call from the base station in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a communication system and a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of eDRX and PSM. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an example of a control flow of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence between a communication device, a base station, and a core network according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence between a communication device and a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to those shown in the drawings. For example, the illustrated communication devices (IoT devices), servers (information processing devices), the number of base stations, functional block diagrams, and sequence diagrams are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these.

[0020] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication system 600 may be a system that realizes the exchange of various data between communication devices 100 (100A, 100B, 100C) that are IoT devices and a server (information processing device) 200.

[0021] The communication system 600 may include a server 200, communication devices (UE: User Equipment) 100 (100A, 100B, 100C), and a network 400. The network 400 may include a radio access network (E-UTRAN (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Network)) through which a base station (eNB: eNodeB) 20 and the communication devices 100 exchange data, and a core network (EPC: Evolved Packet Core) 10. In FIG. 1, each of the components constituting the communication device 100, the base station 20, the core network 10, and the server 200 may be a computer device that operates by a processor executing a program stored in a memory.

[0022] The communication device 100 may be any of various IoT devices connected to the base station 20 and existing (located) within the cell of the base station 20. Note that, in one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 100 may be an IoT device connected to a meter (measuring device) (not shown) for gas (city gas, LP gas), water, electricity, etc., and transmits meter reading data, etc. Note that the communication device 100 may be driven by receiving power supply from a built-in battery provided in the communication device itself or the meter.

[0023] The server 200 may function as an IoT-PF (platform) that processes the meter readings and the like of each meter transmitted from each communication device 100 and passes necessary data to a meter administrator. The server 200 may remotely control the communication devices 100 via a network 400, and may be connected to a centralized monitoring center (not shown) where an administrator is on standby.

[0024] The number of communication devices 100, base stations 20, and servers 200 is not limited to those shown in the figure, and more may be present. The communication system 600 may further include a database server (not shown), and the database server may store various data necessary to realize the functions of the communication system 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The server 200 and the communication device 100 may transmit and receive data in accordance with a predetermined protocol. The predetermined protocol may be, for example, protocols such as Lightweight M2M (LwM2M), Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT), and Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP), which are protocols established by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA).

[0026] Each component of the communication system 600 may perform communication using NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT), Category M (Cat. M), Category M1 (Cat. M1), etc., which are wireless communication standards for IoT / M2M devices in LTE. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the communication system 600 may use, for example, a fifth generation (5G) communication standard or a sixth generation (6G) or later communication standard.

[0027] The base station 20 establishes a wireless session (RRC Connection) with the communication device 100 to communicate directly with the communication device 100, and transfers packets between the core network 10 and the communication device 100. The base station 20 accepts transmissions (notification of uplink data) from the communication device 100, and transmits paging to call the communication device 100 when there is downlink data for the communication device 100 transmitted from the server 200, for example.

[0028] The core network 10 may include a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network gateway (P-GW), etc. (not shown). The MME has a function of performing location management, authentication management, and session management between each node (i.e., management of communication bearers) of the communication device 100. The MME also has a function of sending paging to the base station 20 when calling the communication device 100. The S-GW has a function as a gateway that routes and transfers user packets between the base station 20 and the core network 10. The P-GW has a function as a gateway that assigns an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the communication device 100 that can be used in an IP communication network after the core network 10, and enables communication between the communication device 100 and an external network of the network 400 by using the IP address.

[0029] <Communication Device> The communication device 100 may perform wireless communication with the server 100 via the base station 20. The communication device 100 may include a control unit 110, a communication unit 120, an input / output interface (I / F) 130, an internal battery 150, and a storage unit 170. Each component of the communication device 100 may be software or a module that performs processing by a processor executing a program stored in a memory. Alternatively, each component constituting the communication device 100 may be hardware such as a circuit or a chip.

[0030] The communication unit 120 may be implemented as hardware such as a network adapter, communication software, or a combination of these. The communication unit 120 may perform wireless communication with the base station 20 using a predetermined communication method, and may transmit and receive various data to and from the server 200 via the network 400. The communication unit 120 may be capable of communication compatible with DRX (Discontinuous Reception), eDRX, and PSM (Power Saving Mode) as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), which is a standard for reducing power consumption in IoT devices. That is, the communication unit 120 may wait for an incoming call from the base station 20 in response to data being transmitted from the server 100 to the communication device 100 at a predetermined interval (the predetermined interval will be described later).

[0031] The input / output I / F 130 may be a connection interface with a meter (not shown). The communication device 100 may be connected to the outside of the meter as a communication device separate from the meter via the input / output I / F 130, or may be incorporated inside the meter as, for example, a communication board. The input / output I / F 130 may be an interface that supplies power from the meter to the communication device 100.

[0032] The built-in battery 150 is a power supply source that drives the communication device 100, and may be a lithium battery, a lithium ion battery, etc. In one embodiment, the communication device 100 may not include the built-in battery 150, and may be supplied with power from a meter that includes a built-in battery.

[0033] The storage unit 170 may store (contain) various programs and various data required for the operation of the communication device 100. The storage unit 170 may include, for example, a semiconductor memory (magnetic memory, flash memory, etc.). The storage unit 170 may also include a memory (RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.) that provides a working area for the control unit 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit 170 may also store various parameters for executing operations corresponding to DRA and eDRX, various network parameters (for example, IP address, etc.) for connecting to the network 400, and identification information unique to the communication device 100 (device ID, etc.).

[0034] The control unit 110 is typically a processor, and may be configured, for example, by an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or the like, and may execute the functions and methods shown in each embodiment by executing a program stored in the storage unit 170. In one embodiment, the control unit 110 may include a clock unit 111, a detection unit 112, a change unit 113, and a determination unit 114.

[0035] The details will be described later, but the processing of each functional unit will be briefly described. The clock unit 111 may time and record the timing of an incoming call from the base station 20. The detection unit 112 may detect a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no incoming call is received from the base station 20 for a predetermined period or more, based on the time measurement result by the clock unit 111. The change unit 113 may change the predetermined interval during which the communication unit 120 waits for an incoming call from the base station 20, depending on the state of incoming calls from the base station 20. The determination unit 114 may perform various determination processes.

[0036] The control unit 110 may cause the communication device 100 to execute processes corresponding to the above-mentioned DRX, eDRX, and PSM. The control unit 110 may also execute various processes such as rebooting the device itself, connecting to the network 400, and disconnecting from the network 400.

[0037] <Operation in power saving mode> Here, the operation of an IoT device in a power saving state will be outlined with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(a) and (b) are schematic diagrams for explaining eDRX and PSM, respectively.

[0038] <edrx> In eDRX, the communication device 100 transitions between two states: a connected state (RRC_CONNECTED) in which there is a wireless session with the base station 20, and an idle state (RRC_IDLE) (standby state) in which there is no wireless session with the base station 20. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram for explaining the wireless function of the communication device 100 in the idle state (RRC_IDLE) during eDRX operation. As shown in FIG. 2(a), during eDRX operation, the number of attempts to receive paging is set lower than during DRX operation, and paging reception is attempted according to the DRX cycle only within a PTW (Paging Time Window), and the wireless function is turned off outside the PTW. Note that the idle state may be a state in which the function of the communication device 100 is more limited than in the connected state. For example, the communication device 100 can transmit and receive data (transmit / receive) to and from the base station 20 in the connected state, but can only receive data (receive) in the idle state. Specifically, for example, in the idle state, the communication device 100 may be capable of only receiving paging and broadcast information from the base station 20. When the communication device 100 in the idle state receives paging, the communication device 100 may cancel the idle state, establish a wireless session with the base station 20, and transition to the connected state.

[0039] Here, a conventional communication device such as an IoT device always attempts to receive paging, so that standby power is consumed even in an idle state. In contrast, the communication device 100 may control the reception of paging by eDRX in an idle state. For example, the communication device 100 may intermittently receive paging in an idle state. That is, the communication device 100 may stop the wireless function of the device and enter a sleep state during a period in which it does not attempt to receive paging. Specifically, the communication device 100 may turn on the wireless function at the timing of attempting to receive paging, and turn off the wireless function at other times. That is, the communication device 100 may operate in a power-saving state in which power consumption can be reduced by intermittently receiving data. Note that a section in which the communication device 100 attempts to receive paging during eDRX operation is called a Paging Time Window (PTW). The period from the start of a PTW to the start of the next PTW is an eDRX cycle. In the communication device 100, the length of the PTW and the cycle until the next PTW (eDRX cycle) are set, so that the amount of power consumed by the communication device 100 in the idle state can be controlled. The eDRX cycle can be set to a maximum of 174 minutes for NB-IoT, and a maximum of 43 minutes for Cat.M and Cat.M1. Also, for example, when the eDRX cycle is 81.92 seconds and the PTW is 2.56 seconds, the length of the sleep state is 81.92-2.56=79.36 seconds or less.

[0040] <psm> With reference to FIG. 2(b), the power saving mode (PSM) operation of the communication device 100 will be described. In the communication device 100 in PSM, the wireless communication function is almost stopped, so that the communication device 100 does not respond to paging and can reduce power consumption. The transition control to PSM in the communication device 100 may be performed using two timer values ​​(T3324, T3412). As shown in FIG. 2(b), the timer value T3324 specifies the time during which the communication device 100 remains in an idle state, and the communication device 100 can respond to paging until the timer T3324 expires. The timer value T3412 is a location registration area update timer, and when the timer T3412 expires, the communication device 100 may perform a tracking area update (TAU). That is, when the timer T3324 expires, the communication device 100 transitions to PSM and continues PSM until the timer T3412 expires. The communication device 100 may return from PSM when the T3412 timer expires or when a data transmission request is received from the application layer.

[0041] The communication device 100, the base station 20, and the MME may share information about the eDRX cycle set for each communication device 100 and each timer value during PSM operation. That is, the communication device 100, the base station 20, and the MME may each calculate the timing at which the communication device 100 will reach the PTW. Then, the communication device 100, the base station 20, and the MME may synchronize based on the information about the PTW of the communication device 100, and the base station 20 may send a paging to the communication device 100 at a timing when the communication device 100 can receive the paging. Note that the transmission of uplink data from the communication device 100 to the network 400 (transmission by the communication device 100) can be performed at any timing, regardless of the eDRX cycle.

[0042] <Server> The server 200 may include a control unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a storage unit 270. The control unit 210 may typically be a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 210 may execute the functions and methods described in each embodiment by reading a program stored in the storage unit 270 and executing a code or instruction included in the read program.

[0043] The control unit 210 may include a clock unit 211, a detection unit 212, and a generation unit 213. The clock unit 211 may time and record the timing of transmitting data to the communication device 100. The detection unit 212 may detect a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no call is made from the base station 20 to the communication device 100 for a predetermined period or longer, based on the time measurement result by the clock unit 211. The generation unit 213 may generate a command to change a predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call from the base station 20 in the communication device 100 in response to data being transmitted from the server 200 to the communication device 100 during the no-call time period.

[0044] The storage unit 270 is typically realized by various recording media such as a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and a flash memory, and may have a function of storing various programs and data required for the operation of the server 200. The storage unit 270 may also store information related to the communication devices 100 and the meter for communicating with the server 200. For example, the storage unit 270 may store a device ID that is an identifier that can uniquely identify each communication device 100, location information of the communication device 100, a meter ID that is an identifier that can uniquely identify the meter, an administrator ID related to the administrator of the meter, a network ID that is required for communication with the communication device 100 via the network 400, and the like.

[0045] The communication unit 220 may be implemented as hardware such as a network interface card (NIC), communication software, or a combination of these. The communication unit 220 may transmit and receive various data via the network 400 using a bearer established between the server 200 and each communication device 100.

[0046] <Control flow of communication device> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 7 along with the processing of each functional unit of the communication device 100. Figure 3 is an example of a flowchart showing the processing by the communication device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0047] First, in an idle state, the communication unit 120 may wait for an incoming call at a first interval as a predetermined interval (step S11). Note that in step S11, the communication device 100 may be operating in eDRX, but in order to determine the incoming call status from the server 200, the "first interval" may be a shorter eDRX cycle (i.e., a greater number of waiting attempts per unit time) among the eDRX cycles defined by 3GPP.

[0048] The timing unit 111 may time and record the timing of incoming calls from the base station 20 (step S12). The detection unit 112 may detect a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no call is received from the base station 20 for a predetermined period or longer, based on the time measurement result by the timing unit 111 (step S13).

[0049] Here, detection of a no-call time period will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 may be an example of a time measurement result recorded by the time measurement unit 111. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram in which the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents days, and the timings when incoming and outgoing calls occur in the communication device 100 are indicated by different colors. For example, on the first day, an outgoing call is made in the communication device 100 from 2:00 to 3:00, and incoming calls occur in the time periods from 9:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 18:00. Also, on the third day, an outgoing call is made in the communication device 100 from 2:00 to 3:00, and incoming calls occur in the time period from 18:00 to 19:00.

[0050] The detection unit 112 may detect a time period during which no call is received from the base station 20 for a predetermined period of time or more as a "no call time period." Here, the predetermined period may be, for example, one month, two weeks, etc., but is not limited to these. The predetermined period may also be set by an administrator of the manufacturer. In the example of FIG. 4, recording is performed for 30 days, and it can be seen that no call is received during the time period from 19:00 to 9:00 the next day, as indicated by arrows T1A and T1B in FIG. 4. Therefore, the detection unit 112 may detect "19:00 to 9:00 the next day" as a no call time period in the communication device 100.

[0051] Thereafter, the communication device 100 may continue to wait in the first interval and determine whether or not it is in a no-call time zone (i.e., 19:00 to 9:00 the next day) (step S14). If it is determined that it is in a no-call time zone (YES in step S14), CS15). Note that the "second interval" may be set to an eDRX cycle defined by 3GPP that has a smaller number of standby times in the set no-call time zone. For example, but not limited to this, the second interval may be a maximum of 43 minutes (2621.44 s) for Cat.M, a maximum of 174 minutes (10485.76 s) for NB-IoT, etc. If it is not determined that it is in a no-call time zone (NO in step S14), the communication device 100 may continue to wait for an incoming call in the first interval.

[0052] The change unit 113 may register the change in the predetermined interval during standby, that is, the change in the eDRX cycle, in the network 400 (core network 10, MME) (step S16). The registration process will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 may be a sequence diagram between the communication device 100, the base station 20, and the core network (EPC) 10 (MME) in the registration process.

[0053] The control unit 110 may restart the own device in association with switching of the standby operation (step T10). After the restart, the communication device 100 executes a wireless session establishment process (RRC Connection Procedure) with the base station 20, thereby establishing a wireless session between the communication device 100 and the base station 20 (step T11). When the wireless session is established, the communication device 100 may transmit an attach request to the network 400 via the base station 20 (step T12). The attach request may include a value of the eDRX cycle to be set in the communication device 100. The MME may set a value of the eDRX cycle to be used in the communication device 100 and transmit the value as an attach accept to the communication device 100 (step T13). When the setting (updating) of the eDRX cycle is completed, the wireless session between the communication device 100 and the base station 20 may be released (step T14). Note that the communication device 100 may include the value of the eDRX cycle to be set in a tracking area update (TAU) request instead of an attach request and transmit the request. In this case, the MME may include the eDRX cycle to be used for the communication device 100 in a TAU accept and transmit the same to the communication device 100. Note that rebooting the communication device 100 may not be essential.

[0054] Returning to FIG. 3, when the process of registering the eDRX cycle with the network 400 is completed, the communication device 100 may wait for an incoming call at the second interval (step S17).

[0055] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a time period during which an incoming call from the base station 20 is unlikely to occur is determined, and the interval for waiting for an incoming call during that time period may be changed to be longer than before the change. This reduces the power consumption of the built-in battery, thereby realizing power saving.

[0056] In addition, in the time period other than the no-call time period, it is preferable to increase the number of times of standby in order to quickly respond to incoming calls that may occur. Fig. 6 shows an example of a flowchart showing the process by the communication device 100 according to an embodiment when the no-call time period has passed.

[0057] Since it is the no-incoming call time zone, communication device 100 waits for an incoming call at the second interval (step S21). Thereafter, determination unit 114 may determine whether or not the no-incoming call time zone has ended (step S22). If it is determined that the no-incoming call time zone has ended (YES in step S22), change unit 113 may change the waiting interval from the second interval to the first interval (step S23). Note that if the no-incoming call time zone has not yet elapsed (NO in step S22), communication unit 120 may continue waiting for an incoming call at the second interval.

[0058] After that, the communication device 100 goes through the registration process (step S24) and may wait for an incoming call at the first interval. Note that the registration process in step S24 is similar to step S16 in FIG. 3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the no-call time period has passed and the possibility of an incoming call increasing, the interval for waiting for an incoming call may be changed to be shorter than that during the no-call time period. This allows for a quick response to downstream data from server 200.

[0060] In one embodiment, the "predetermined time" for detecting the no-incoming call time period may be set according to the power consumption per unit time of the communication device 100 when waiting at the first interval and the second interval, and the power consumption when the change unit 113 changes the predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call. When changing the interval for waiting for an incoming call, power may also be consumed by the above-mentioned restart and the registration process to the MME. Here, it is not preferable that the power consumption that can be reduced by lengthening the standby interval is exceeded by the power consumption due to the change of the standby interval. Therefore, according to one embodiment, the predetermined time may be set so that the value obtained by multiplying the power consumption per unit time that can be reduced when switching from the first interval to the second interval by the predetermined time is greater than the power consumption due to the change of the standby interval. This enables reliable power saving.

[0061] In one embodiment, the detection of the no-communication time period may be performed by the server 200. That is, information on the no-communication time period detected in the server 200 based on the timing result of the timing of data transmission from the server 200 to the communication device 100 may be transmitted from the server 200 to the communication device 100. The change unit 113 may change the predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call based on the information received from the server 100.

[0062] This will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 7. First, in the communication device 100, the communication unit 120 may wait for an incoming call at a first interval as a predetermined interval (step P11). The clock unit 211 of the server 200 may transmit data to the communication device 100 and record the time of transmission (step P12). The server 200 continues transmitting and recording data for a predetermined period of time, and the detection unit 212 may detect a no-incoming call time period, which is a time period during which no data is transmitted (or originated) to the communication device 100 for a predetermined period of time or more, based on the result of clocking by the clock unit 211, and the generation unit 213 may transmit information on the detected no-incoming call time period to the communication device 100 (steps P13, P14). Steps P15 to P18 in the communication device 100 are similar to steps S14 to S17 in Fig. 3, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] In this way, by detecting the no-call time period on the server 100 side, which is the data transmission source, the accuracy of detecting the no-call time period can be improved.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described based on the drawings and examples, it should be noted that those skilled in the art can easily make various modifications and corrections based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that these modifications and corrections are included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the functions included in each component, each step, etc. can be rearranged so as not to be logically contradictory, and multiple components, steps, etc. can be combined into one, divided, or omitted or modified as necessary. In addition, the configurations shown in the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, each functional unit described as being included in the communication device 100 may be realized by the server 200.

[0065] For example, in the above description, the communication device 100 has been described as timing incoming calls 24 hours a day (one day). However, the timing of incoming calls may be performed only during a predetermined time period that has been set in advance. For example, the predetermined time period may be set to 0:00 to 5:00, and incoming calls may be recorded only during that time period. This can reduce the power consumption required for recording.

[0066] In the above description, the communication device 100 has been described as an IoT device installed in a meter. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication device 100 may be an IoT sensor used for infrastructure monitoring such as bridges and roads, a wearable device, or the like.

[0067] For example, when the communication devices 100A and 100B are managed by the same administrator, data transmission from the server 200 may occur at the same timing. Therefore, the no-incoming call time period detected in the communication device 100A may be applied to the other communication device 100B to reduce the power consumption of the communication device 100B.

[0068] In the above description, the communication device 100 operates in eDRX and changes the eDRX cycle. However, depending on the time period when no incoming calls are received, the power consumption may be further reduced by transitioning from eDRX operation to PSM operation. The communication device 100 in PSM does not respond to paging and can reduce power consumption because the wireless communication function is almost stopped for up to 13 days.

[0069] The program of each embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a state stored in a storage medium readable by a communication device or an information processing device. The storage medium may be capable of storing the program in a "non-transitory tangible medium." The program may include, for example, a software program or an information processing device program.

[0070] The storage medium may include, where appropriate, one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (e.g., field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific ICs (ASICs), etc.), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards or drives, any other suitable storage media, or any suitable combination of two or more of these. The storage medium may, where appropriate, be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile.

[0071] Furthermore, the program of the present disclosure may be provided to the server 200 via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves) capable of transmitting the program.

[0072] Furthermore, each embodiment of the present disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which a program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0073] The program of the present disclosure may be implemented using any programming language, such as a scripting language such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or Python, C language, Go language, Swift, Koltin, or Java (registered trademark).

[0074] According to each aspect of the present disclosure described above, by providing technology related to monitoring and maintenance of IoT devices for 5G and beyond network technologies, it is possible to contribute to the achievement of Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is to "build inclusive and sustainable industries, promote industry, innovation and infrastructure." [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100 Communication equipment 110 Control section 111 Switching section 112 Changes 113 Acquisition Department 114 Timing section 120 Communications Department 130 Input / Output Interface 140 Sensors 150 Built-in battery 170 Storage section 10 Core Network (EPC) 20 Base station (eNB) 200 Server (information processing device) 210 Control section 211 Timing section 212 Detection unit 213 Generation part 220 Communications Department 270 Storage section 400 Network 600 Communication Systems< / psm> < / edrx>

Claims

1. A communication device that performs wireless communication with an information processing device via a base station, a communication unit that waits for an incoming call from the base station in response to data transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device at a predetermined interval; a change unit that changes the predetermined interval during which the communication unit waits for an incoming call from the base station in accordance with an incoming call status from the base station; A communication device comprising:

2. a timer unit that times and records the timing of an incoming call from the base station when the predetermined interval is a first interval; a detection unit that detects a no-call time period during which no call is received from the base station for a predetermined period of time or more based on a time measurement result by the time measurement unit; Further equipped with the change unit changes the predetermined interval during the no-call time period to a second interval that is longer than the first interval. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the change unit changes the predetermined interval from the second interval to the first interval at the end of the no-call time period. The communication device according to claim 2 .

4. the predetermined time is set according to power consumption per unit time in the communication device when waiting at the first interval and the second interval, and power consumption when the predetermined interval is changed by the change unit. The communication device according to claim 2 .

5. the communication unit receives, from the information processing device, information about the no-incoming call time period detected based on a time measurement result of a timing at which data is transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device; The change unit changes the predetermined interval based on the information. The communication device according to claim 2 .

6. A communication device that performs wireless communication with an information processing device via a base station, waiting for an incoming call from the base station in response to data transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device at a predetermined interval; changing the predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call from the base station according to an incoming call status from the base station; A method for controlling a communication device.

7. A communication device that wirelessly communicates with an information processing device via a base station, a function of waiting for an incoming call from the base station in response to data transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device at a predetermined interval; a function of changing the predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call from the base station according to an incoming call situation from the base station; A control program for a communication device that realizes the above.

8. An information processing device that performs wireless communication with a communication device via a base station, a timing unit that times and records the timing of transmitting data to the communication device; a detection unit that detects a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no call is made from the base station to the communication device for a predetermined period or more, based on a time measurement result by the time measurement unit; a communication unit that transmits to the communication device, during the no-call time period, a command to change a predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call from the base station in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device; An information processing device comprising:

9. An information processing device that wirelessly communicates with a communication device via a base station, a step of timing and recording the timing of transmitting data to the communication device; a detection unit that detects a no-call time period, which is a time period during which no call is made from the base station to the communication device for a predetermined period or longer, based on a time measurement result from the time measurement step; transmitting, during the no-call time period, to the communication device, a command to change a predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call from the base station in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device; A method for controlling an information processing device.

10. An information processing device that wirelessly communicates with a communication device via a base station, A function of timing and recording the timing when data is transmitted to the communication device; a function of detecting a no-call time period during which no call is made from the base station to the communication device for a predetermined period or longer based on the result of the time measurement by the function of measuring and recording the time; a function of transmitting, during the no-call time period, to the communication device, a command to change a predetermined interval for waiting for an incoming call from the base station in response to data being transmitted from the information processing device to the communication device; A control program for an information processing device that realizes the above.

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