Information processing device, terminal device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of ensuring constant and minimal end-to-end delay in periodic communication.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises: a time synchronization control unit which performs time synchronization processing with a mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit which acquires communication resource information related to communication resources allocated in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and a terminal device from a core network of the mobile communication network; a transmission cycle setting unit which sets a data transmission cycle which is a cycle at which data is transmitted to the terminal device on the basis of the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit which measures the total delay time which is a time until when a packet transmitted from the information processing device is received by the terminal device on the basis of the information included in a packet received from the terminal device; and a transmission phase change control unit which changes a phase at which data is transmitted to the terminal device within the data transmission cycle so that the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit decreases.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a terminal device, a communication method, and a program, and more particularly to an information processing device, a terminal device, a communication method, and a program that enable end-to-end delay in periodic communication to be constant and minimized. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, highly deterministic communications are required to realize advanced IoT services in factories, etc. Highly deterministic communications require that data be received with a constant delay time.

[0003] Specifically, for example, when data is transmitted between a server and a terminal at a predetermined cycle, it is required to reduce fluctuations in the timing at which data is received at each of the server and the terminal.

[0004] To meet these demands, a communication format called Time Sensitive Communication has been established as a 3GPP standard technology. This technology uses a technique called SPS (Semi-Persistent Scheduling) in the Uu section (wireless section) to increase time determinism. SPS is a method of reserving radio resources for data transmission in advance and scheduling the timing of sending data from the MAC layer to the PHY layer.

[0005] Also proposed is a technology in which timing information of traffic flows communicated via a time-sensitive networking Ethernet bridge is received, and a predetermined time-sensitive networking time domain is designated from among multiple time domains in which a mobile wireless communication system is configured to receive synchronization information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0006] Furthermore, a technique has been proposed for improving the accuracy of estimating the cause of communication failure due to external factors in a wireless communication network using an industrial protocol (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-547375 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-547375 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, even if SPS schedules the timing of sending data from the MAC layer to the PHY layer, conventional technologies do not provide a way to share the timing of data transmission in the MAC layer with the upper layer (application layer). As a result, a discrepancy occurs between the timing of data transmission in the application layer and the timing of data transmission in the MAC layer, resulting in a delay in the MAC layer.

[0009] In this case, the time required for the transmitted data to be received will vary depending on whether the retention time is long or short. In other words, the retention time will vary each time data is transmitted by the application layer, and as a result, it is not possible to expect communications in which data can be received with a constant delay time.

[0010] As described above, the conventional technology has a problem in that the one-way delay time can change each time data is transmitted by an application.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technique that allows for consistent and minimal end-to-end delay in periodic communications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that is connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicates with a terminal device that is synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and includes: a time synchronization control unit that performs time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device from a core network of the mobile communication network; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the terminal device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device, based on information contained in a packet received from the terminal device; and a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the terminal device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit.

[0013] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication method for an information processing device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with a terminal device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and includes the steps of: performing time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; acquiring communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device from a core network of the mobile communication network; setting a data transmission period, which is the period for transmitting data to the terminal device based on the acquired communication resource information; measuring a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device, based on information contained in a packet received from the terminal device; and changing the phase for transmitting data to the terminal device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the measured total delay time.

[0014] A terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention is a terminal device that is connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicates with an information processing device that is synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and includes a time synchronization control unit that performs time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network, a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device from a core network of the mobile communication network, a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the information processing device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit, a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information contained in the packet received from the information processing device, and a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the information processing device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit.

[0015] A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication method for a terminal device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with an information processing device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and includes the steps of: performing time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; acquiring communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device from a core network of the mobile communication network; setting a data transmission period, which is the period for transmitting data to the information processing device based on the acquired communication resource information; measuring a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information contained in a packet received from the information processing device; and changing the phase for transmitting data to the information processing device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the measured total delay time.

[0016] Each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the above method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a technique is provided that allows for consistent and minimal end-to-end delay in periodic communications. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a network configuration that realizes time-sensitive communication. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a form of communication using SPS. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between Tcycle App and Tdelay in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram illustrating another example of the relationship between Tcycle App and Tdelay in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manner in which the phase at which data is sent from the server is changed within a cycle Tcycle App. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a first terminating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a time synchronization method in a 5G mobile communication system that complies with the 3GGP standard TS23.501. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a data transmission phase determination process. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a second terminating device according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates periodic, highly deterministic communication between two end devices. [Figure 11]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a network configuration that realizes Time Sensitive Communication (TSC). Note that this figure corresponds to Figure 4.4.8.2-1 described in the 3GGP standard TS23.501. Here, TSC refers to deterministic or isochronous communication.

[0020] TSC is a type of communication required in technologies such as digital twins, which require the reliable transmission of tens of bytes of data at intervals of tens of milliseconds.

[0021] Furthermore, many technologies, such as autonomous driving of connected cars, the Metaverse, VR / XR, and remote control of robots, are also based on TSC. In all cases, technology that enables reliable and periodic data transmission is required. For example, technology that enables the reliable transmission of small amounts of data (less than 1 MB) in short cycles of less than one second is required.

[0022] The example of Figure 1 shows two Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) systems (TSN systems) shown on the left and right of the figure connected via a 5G mobile communication system. Each TSN system is configured to provide a TSC, and the TSN system 22 on the left of the figure is connected to the 5G mobile communication system via a UE (User Equipment). In this example, the TSN system 22 is connected to the UE via a Device-side TSN translator (DS-TT), and the DS-TT and the UE are referred to as a Device-side of Bridge.

[0023] The TSN system 21 on the right side of the figure transmits and receives packets to and from the TSN AF (Time Sensitive Networking AF), which is a network function unit of the core network 31 of the 5G mobile communication system, to control each network function unit and to extract status and statistical data held by each network function unit. Such packet transmission and reception is performed via an API (Application Programming Interface). The TSN system 21 also transmits and receives U-plane packets to and from the UPF (User Plane Function), which is a network function unit of the core network 31. U-plane packets are transmitted and received via the NW-TT (Network-side TSN translator) of the UPF.

[0024] As an example, TSN system 22 may be a TSN system related to a remotely operated robot, and TSN system 21 may be a TSN system related to a controller used for remote operation. Alternatively, TSN system 22 and TSN system 21 may form a digital twin.

[0025] The UE is also connected to the core network 31 of the 5G mobile communication system via a base station (RAN). The UE transmits and receives C-Plane packets to and from an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), which is a network function unit of the core network 31 of the 5G mobile communication system, and this communication is performed via the base station. The UE transmits and receives U-plane packets to and from a UPF, which is a network function unit of the core network 31, and this communication is performed via the base station.

[0026] The core network, base station, UE, DS-TT, and NW-TT are referred to as a logical bridge that connects the two TSN systems, and are collectively referred to as a mobile communication network 11.

[0027] 3GPP is standardizing a technology called SPS (Semi-Persistent Scheduling) to achieve TSC. SPS is a method of reserving downlink radio resources for data transmission in advance and scheduling the timing of sending data from the MAC layer to the PHY layer. To reserve uplink radio resources for data transmission in advance, a technology called Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2 is used.

[0028] This ensures, for example, radio resources for periodically transmitting and receiving U-plane packets between the UE and RAN in Fig. 1. For example, data transmission from a base station to a specific UE (Down Link) is periodically executed. Also, for example, data transmission from a specific UE to a base station (Up Link) is periodically executed.

[0029] If the downlink period is 100 ms, then every 100 ms there will be one opportunity for the base station to transmit data to a specific UE. Also, if the uplink period is 100 ms, then every 100 ms there will be one opportunity for the base station to transmit data to a specific UE.

[0030] Figure 2 is a diagram explaining a form of communication using SPS. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents time, and the timing of data transmission from a base station to a UE is shown corresponding to each layer of the base station and the UE. In Figure 2, a PDU indicates a communication path between a UPF of the core network 31 and a base station. For example, the communication path when one server included in the TSN system 21 in Figure 1 communicates with a base station via a UPF is shown as a PDU in Figure 2.

[0031] Therefore, the data shown in Fig. 2 is actually transmitted from, for example, one server included in TSN system 21 via the UPF of core network 31, but the server and UPF are not shown in Fig. 2. Also, the data shown in Fig. 2 is actually received by, for example, one terminal device included in TSN system 22, but the terminal device is not shown in Fig. 2.

[0032] The base station has a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) layer, a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer, an RLC (Radio Link Control) layer, a MAC layer, and a PHY layer, and the UE has a PHY layer, a MAC layer, an RLC layer, a PDCP layer, an IP / Ether layer, and an APP layer.

[0033] In the example of Fig. 2, one server included in the TSN system 21 transmits a small amount of data to a UE in a cycle Tcycle App. In Fig. 2, when data is transmitted from the server to the UE, the data transmitted by the server is transmitted via the UPF and arrives at the base station as a PDU.

[0034] In the base station, data passes through the PDU, PDCP, and RLC layers to reach the MAC layer. The arrow pointing diagonally downwards in Figure 2 indicates the time it takes for data to reach the next layer.

[0035] For example, it takes a very short time for data to reach the PDCP layer from the base station's PDU layer, another very short time for data to reach the RLC layer from the PDCP layer, and yet another very short time for data to reach the MAC layer from the RLC layer. Because it takes time for data to reach each layer from when it is sent, a delay corresponding to the time st occurs between when data arrives at the base station's PDU layer and when it reaches the base station's MAC layer.

[0036] The MAC layer controls the transmission of the data to the UE using the radio resources reserved for the UE. That is, the MAC layer of the base station transmits the data to the PHY layer at a period assigned by the SPS. Here, the period assigned by the SPS is displayed as "Periodicity." Note that in the explanations of Figures 2 to 5, it is assumed that radio resources related to the downlink are reserved by the SPS.

[0037] The PHY layer of the base station transmits data using radio resources, and the data is received by the PHY layer of the UE. As shown by the arrows pointing diagonally downward to the right in Figure 2, there is a small delay before the data reaches each layer. A delay corresponding to the time rt occurs between when the MAC layer of the base station sends data and when the PHY layer of the UE receives the data.

[0038] The UE's PHY layer sends the received data to the MAC layer, and then the data reaches the APP layer via the RLC layer, PDCP layer, and IP / Ether layer. As shown by the arrows pointing diagonally downward to the right in Figure 2, there is a small delay before the data reaches each layer. There is a delay corresponding to the time ut between when the data is received by the UE's PHY layer and when the data reaches the APP layer.

[0039] In this way, the data sent from the PDU layer of the base station reaches the APP layer of the UE. In Figure 2, the delay between the data sent from the PDU layer of the base station and the data reaching the APP layer of the UE is shown as time Tdelay.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between Tcycle App and Tdelay in Fig. 2. As in Fig. 2, the horizontal axis represents time, and the timing at which data is transmitted from the PDU and base station to the UE is shown corresponding to each layer of the base station and the UE. In Fig. 3, Tcycle App is longer than Periodicity.

[0041] In the case of Figure 3, the Tdely for the data transmitted the first time is the largest (longest), and the Tdely for the data transmitted the second time is smaller (shorter) than the first time. Similarly, the Tdely for the data transmitted the third time is smaller (shorter) than the second time, and the Tdely for the data transmitted the fourth time is the smallest.

[0042] In the example of Figure 3, Δt for the data transmitted for the fourth time is almost 0, but Δt for the data transmitted for the fifth time is considered to be almost the same length as the Periodicity.

[0043] As mentioned above, because SPS schedules the timing of sending data from the MAC layer to the PHY layer, data is held up in the MAC layer until it is sent from the MAC layer of the base station to the PHY layer. In other words, the MAC layer holds the data without sending it from the time the data arrives at the MAC layer of the base station until the timing scheduled by SPS arrives. In Figure 3, this retention time in the MAC layer is shown as Δt. In Figure 3, because Tcycle App is longer than Periodicity, Δt changes each time data is sent from the APP layer (from the server).

[0044] On the other hand, the delay times st, rt, and ut calculated in Figure 2 remain almost constant. Each of the above times may change depending on the device performance, processing load, radio wave interference, and other conditions, but it is rare for the above conditions to change significantly over the course of a few minutes. Therefore, in this embodiment, the delay times st, rt, and ut are assumed to be constant.

[0045] Now, if st + rt + ut = D, then Tdely can be expressed as D + Δt. In the example of Figure 3, since Δt fluctuates, Tdely also fluctuates each time data is sent from the server.

[0046] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating another example of the relationship between Tcycle App and Tdelay in Figure 2. As with Figure 2, this diagram shows the horizontal axis as time, and the timing at which data is transmitted from the PDU and base station to the UE, corresponding to each layer of the PDU, base station, and UE. In Figure 4, Tcycle App has the same length in time as Periodicity.

[0047] In the case of Figure 4, the Tdely for the first transmitted data is approximately the same length in time as the Tdely for the second, third, and fourth transmitted data. That is, in the case of Figure 4, the time length of Tcycle App is the same as the time length of Periodicity, so if the time st is constant, the data sent from the server will always remain in the MAC layer of the base station for the same amount of time. In other words, in the case of Figure 4, Δt does not change.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 4, since Δt does not change, Tdelay does not change each time data is sent from the server, and a nearly constant Tdelay can be expected for each data transmission.

[0049] In the case of Figure 3, Tdely also fluctuates each time data is sent from the server, so it is not possible to achieve communications that allow data to be received with a constant delay time. In other words, in the case of Figure 3, it is not possible to achieve communications that allow small amounts of data to be reliably transmitted in short cycles, as is possible with TSN system 22 and TSN system 21.

[0050] On the other hand, in the case of Figure 4, Tdely does not change each time data is sent from the server, so it is possible to achieve communications in which data can be received with a constant delay time. However, data retention occurs in the MAC layer of the base station, resulting in a large delay.

[0051] Therefore, the phase at which data is sent from the server is changed within a cycle Tcycle App, which has the same time length as Periodicity. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of changing the phase at which data is sent from the server within the cycle Tcycle App. In this diagram, the horizontal axis is time, and the timing at which data is sent from the server to the UE via the UPF and base station is shown corresponding to each layer of the server, UPF, base station, and UE.

[0052] In the figure, the server has an APP layer and an IP / Ether layer, the UPF has an IP / Ether layer and a PDU layer, the base station has a PDU layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer and a PHY layer, and the UE has a PHY layer, a MAC layer, an RLC layer, a PDCP layer, an IP / Ether layer and an APP layer.

[0053] In the case of Figure 5, the time length of Tcycle App is the same as the time length of Periodicity. Therefore, if the time st is constant, the data sent from the server will always remain in the MAC layer of the base station for the same amount of time.

[0054] In the case of Fig. 5, unlike the case of Fig. 4, the phase at which data is sent from the server is changed within the cycle TcycleApp. That is, in the first data transmission and the second data transmission in Fig. 5, data is sent from the App layer of the server in the same phase (first phase). On the other hand, in the third data transmission and the fourth data transmission in Fig. 5, data is sent from the App layer of the server in a phase (second phase) different from the phases of the first and second transmissions. As an example, the first phase may be 0, and the second phase may be π / 8.

[0055] That is, in the first and second data transmissions in Figure 5, data is sent from the App layer of the server at the same time as the start of the Tcycle App, but in the first and second data transmissions, data is sent from the App layer of the server when a time Dt has elapsed since the start of the Tcycle App.

[0056] The data residence time Δt in the MAC layer of the base station is relatively long for the first and second data transmissions. This is because there is a large difference between the time the data is sent from the App layer of the server and the start of the periodicity. On the other hand, the data residence time Δt in the MAC layer of the base station is shorter for the third and fourth data transmissions than for the first and second transmissions. This is because there is a smaller difference between the time the data is sent from the App layer of the server and the start of the periodicity.

[0057] In this way, by reducing the data residence time Δt in the MAC layer of the base station, it is possible to reduce the delay time Tdelay until data sent from the app layer of the server reaches the app layer of the UE. In other words, even if it is not possible to reduce the delay time until data sent from the app layer of the server reaches the MAC layer of the base station, it is possible to reduce the overall delay time by reducing the data residence time Δt in the MAC layer of the base station. Theoretically, when the delay time until data sent from the app layer of the server reaches the MAC layer of the base station is equal to the time Dt, the data residence time Δt in the MAC layer becomes zero, and the delay time Tdelay until data sent from the app layer of the server reaches the app layer of the UE is minimized.

[0058] (First embodiment) In this embodiment, a server and a terminal device communicate with each other. Here, the server is, for example, a first end station in a TSN system 21 connected via a UPF of a core network 31. Data transmitted from the server is received by a terminal device, which is a second end station in a TSN system 22 connected via a UE. The first end station and the second end station may be, for example, a server and a terminal device used in a technology such as a digital twin.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the respective times of the core network 31, the base station, the UE, the DS-TT, the NW-TT, the TSN system 22, and the TSN system 21 are synchronized. The time synchronization may be performed using, for example, the Precision Time Protocol (PTP).

[0060] In this way, the delay time between the first terminating device and the second terminating device can be calculated accurately.

[0061] The base station transmits data transmitted from the server to a device (e.g., UE) connected to the terminal device using downlink radio resources at a periodicity assigned by the SPS. The base station also transmits data transmitted from the terminal device to the core network using uplink radio resources at a periodicity assigned by Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2.

[0062] In this embodiment, the Tcycle App is set to have the same time length as the Periodicity. Since the base station and the server (TSN system 21) are synchronized in time, the time length of the Tcycle App and the time length of the Periodicity can be accurately matched. Then, for example, the phase at which data is sent from the App layer of the server is changed to multiple ways, and each phase is associated with a total delay time and stored. The phase corresponding to the smallest total delay time is then set as the transmission phase, which is the phase at which data should be sent to the UE.

[0063] This allows for communication that allows data to be received with a constant delay time, and also minimizes the delay time Tdelay that occurs when data is sent from the server's App layer to reach the UE's App layer. Note that the delay time Tdelay that occurs when data is sent from the server's App layer to reach the UE's App layer is referred to as the total delay time.

[0064] 1, the TSN system 21 having the first terminating device and the TSN system 22 having the second terminating device are connected to each other via a logical bridge including the core network, the base station, the UE, the DS-TT, and the NW-TT. Therefore, the first terminating device and the second terminating device are both connected to the time-synchronized mobile communication network 11.

[0065] In the following description, the first terminating device in the TSN system 21 is the server 101, and the second terminating device in the TSN system 22 is the terminal device 201.

[0066] (Server functional configuration example) 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a first terminal device (server) according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the server 101 includes a time synchronization control unit 111, a communication resource information acquisition unit 112, a transmission cycle setting unit 113, a delay measurement unit 114, and a transmission phase change control unit 115.

[0067] (Time synchronization control unit) The time synchronization control unit 111 executes time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network. That is, the time synchronization control unit 111 synchronizes the time of the server 101 with the time distributed from the 5G mobile communication system. The time of the server 101 may be, for example, the system time of an operating system implemented in the server 101. The time synchronization may be performed, for example, using PTP (Precision Time Protocol). This synchronizes the time of the server 101 with the time of a 5G GM (5G Grand Master). Note that a method for synchronizing the respective times of the core network 31, base station, UE, TSN system 22, and TSN system 21 using PTP is described in detail in, for example, Figure 5.27.1-1 in the 3GGP standard TS23.501.

[0068] 7 is a diagram illustrating a time synchronization method in a 5G mobile communication system conforming to the 3GGP standard TS23.501. This figure is similar to Figure 5.27.1-1 of the standard TS23.501, and End Station 101 shown in the figure corresponds to Server 101, and End Station 201 corresponds to Terminal Device 201. As shown in FIG. 7, when the server 101 is connected to an external network (e.g., a TSN system 21), the time synchronization control unit 111 may synchronize the time of the server 101 with the time of the (g)PTP GM of the external network.

[0069] The communication resource information acquisition unit 112 acquires communication resource information related to communication resources secured for wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and a terminal device from a core network of the mobile communication network. That is, the communication resource information acquisition unit 112 acquires communication resource information including a periodicity related to downlink wireless resources allocated by the base station to a specific UE (UE to which the TSN system 22 is connected) by SPS. The communication resource information acquisition unit 112 acquires the communication resource information from, for example, a network exposure function (NEF) or a policy control function (PCF), which is a network function unit of the core network 31.

[0070] (Transmission period setting section) The transmission cycle setting unit 113 sets a data transmission cycle, which is a cycle at which the server 101 transmits data to the terminal device 201, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit 112. More specifically, the transmission cycle setting unit 113 sets a cycle at which the APP layer of the server 101 sends data to be transmitted to the terminal device to the IP / Ether layer. This sets a data transmission cycle having the same time length as the time length of the Periodicity assigned by the SPS. The data transmission cycle set by the transmission cycle setting unit 113 corresponds to, for example, the Tcycle App shown in FIG. 5 etc.

[0071] (Delay measurement unit) Based on information included in a packet received from the terminal device 201, the delay measurement unit 114 measures the time from when the APP layer of the server 101 sends data to be transmitted to the terminal device 201 to the IP / Ether layer until the data reaches the APP layer of the terminal device 201. The time measured by the delay measurement unit 114 corresponds to, for example, Tdelay (total delay time) shown in Fig. 5. As an example, the delay measurement unit 114 transmits to the terminal device a packet (first packet) to which the time of the server 101 when the APP layer of the server 101 sends the data is added as a transmission timestamp.

[0072] The terminal device 201 receives the packet and assigns to the packet the time of the terminal device 201 when the packet reaches the APP layer of the terminal device 201 as a reception timestamp. Note that the time of the terminal device 201 may be, for example, the system time of the operating system implemented in the terminal device 201. Then, the terminal device 201 transmits the packet (second packet) with the reception timestamp assigned to it to the server 101.

[0073] The server 101 receives the packet, and the delay measurement unit 114 calculates the difference between the transmission timestamp and the reception timestamp, thereby calculating the time required for the packet transmitted from the server 101 to reach the terminal device 201 .

[0074] The difference between the sending timestamp and the receiving timestamp may be calculated in the terminal device 201 and included in the second packet transmitted from the terminal device 201 to the server 101.

[0075] In this way, the delay measurement unit 114 transmits a first packet with a timestamp to the terminal device 201, receives a second packet transmitted by the terminal device 201 after recording the reception time of the packet, and calculates the total delay time based on the information contained in the second packet.

[0076] (Transmission phase change control unit) The transmission phase change control unit 115 changes the phase at which data is transmitted to the terminal device within a data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the delay measurement unit 114. More specifically, the transmission phase change control unit 115 changes the phase at which the APP layer of the server 101 transmits data to the IP / Ether layer within a data transmission period. As an example, the transmission phase change control unit 115 may change the phase in increments of π / 8. In this case, the transmission phase change control unit 115 sets eight different phases from phase 0 to phase 7π / 8.

[0077] For example, the transmission phase change control unit 115 sets the phase at which the APP layer of the server 101 sends data to the IP / Ether layer of the terminal device to 0 during a data transmission period, and causes the delay measurement unit 114 to measure the total delay time T0. Then, the transmission phase change control unit 115 stores the phase 0 and the total delay time T0 in association with each other.

[0078] Next, transmission phase change control unit 115 sets the phase at which the APP layer of server 101 sends data to the IP / Ether layer within the data transmission period to π / 8, and causes delay measurement unit 114 to measure total delay time T1. Then, transmission phase change control unit 115 associates the phase π / 8 with the total delay time T1 and stores them. Similarly, transmission phase change control unit 115 associates the phase 2π / 8 with the total delay time T2 and stores them, associates the phase 3π / 8 with the total delay time T3 and stores them, and so on, and so on, associates the phase 7π / 8 with the total delay time T7.

[0079] Furthermore, the transmission phase change control unit 115 determines, from among the eight phases, a data transmission phase that is a phase that should be set when transmitting data to the terminal device 201. For example, the transmission phase change control unit 115 identifies the smallest total delay time among total delay times T1 to T7, and determines the phase corresponding to that total delay time as the transmission phase in which data should be transmitted to the terminal device 201. For example, if total delay time T3 is the smallest among total delay times T1 to T7, phase 3π / 8 is determined as the data transmission phase.

[0080] In this way, the transmission phase change control unit 115 stores the multiple phases at which the first packet is transmitted in association with the total delay time, and determines the phase corresponding to the smallest total delay time as the transmission phase, which is the phase at which data should be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0081] Once the data transmission phase is determined, the process of changing the phase at which the APP layer of server 101 sends data to the IP / Ether layer within the data transmission period is stopped, and the APP layer of server 101 continues sending the data to be sent to terminal device 201 to the IP / Ether layer at the determined data transmission phase.

[0082] (Data transmission phase determination process) Next, an example of the data transmission phase determination process performed by the server 101 in this embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the data transmission phase determination process.

[0083] In step S21, the time synchronization control unit 111 synchronizes the time of the server 101 with the time distributed from the 5G mobile communication system. The time of the server 101 may be, for example, the system time of an operating system implemented in the server 101. The time synchronization may be performed using, for example, the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). This synchronizes the time of the server 101 with the time of the 5G GM (5G Grand Master).

[0084] In step S22, the communication resource information acquisition unit 112 acquires communication resource information including a periodicity assigned by the base station to a specific UE (UE to which the TSN system 22 is connected) by SPS. The communication resource information acquisition unit 112 acquires the communication resource information from, for example, a network exposure function (NEF) or a policy control function (PCF), which is a network function unit of the core network 31.

[0085] In step S23, the transmission cycle setting unit 113 sets a data transmission cycle, which is a cycle at which the server 101 transmits data to the terminal device 201. More specifically, the transmission cycle setting unit 113 sets a cycle at which the APP layer of the server 101 sends, to the IP / Ether layer, data to be transmitted to the terminal device 201. The data transmission cycle set by the transmission cycle setting unit 113 corresponds to, for example, the Tcycle App shown in FIG. 5 and the like.

[0086] In step S24, the transmission phase change control unit 115 sets the phase in the data transmission cycle set in the processing of step S23 to transmit data to the terminal device 201. At this time, the transmission phase change control unit 115 sets, for example, to 0 the phase in the data transmission cycle at which the APP layer of the server 101 sends data to be transmitted to the terminal device 201 to the IP / Ether layer.

[0087] In step S25, the delay measurement unit 114 measures the total delay time, i.e., the time from when the APP layer of the server 101 sends data to be transmitted to the terminal device 201 to the IP / Ether layer until the data reaches the APP layer of the terminal device 201.

[0088] At this time, for example, the delay measurement unit 114 transmits a packet to the terminal device 201, to which is attached the time of the server 101 when the APP layer of the server 101 sends the data as a transmission timestamp. The terminal device 201 receives the packet, and attaches to the packet the time of the terminal device 201 when the packet reaches the APP layer of the terminal device 201 as a reception timestamp. The terminal device 201 then transmits the packet to which the reception timestamp has been attached to the server 101.

[0089] The server 101 receives the packet, and the delay measurement unit 114 calculates the difference between the transmission timestamp and the reception timestamp, and calculates the time it took for the packet sent from the server 101 to reach the terminal device 201 (total delay time).

[0090] The total delay time calculated at this time is associated with the phase set in step S24 and stored in the memory of the server 101. For example, the phase 0 and the total delay time T0 are stored in association with each other.

[0091] In step S26, the transmission phase change control unit 115 determines whether or not there is an unset phase. For example, when the phase is changed in increments of π / 8, it is determined whether or not there is an unset phase among the eight phases from phase 0 to phase 7π / 8. For example, when phase 0 is set in step S24, seven phases from phase π / 8 to phase 7π / 8 have not yet been set, so in step S26 it is determined that there is an unset phase.

[0092] If it is determined in step S26 that there is an unset phase, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S27, the transmission phase change control unit 115 sets a phase (another phase) different from the phase that has already been set. For example, the phase at which the APP layer of the server 101 sends data to be transmitted to the terminal device to the IP / Ether layer within the data transmission period is set to π / 8.

[0093] After the process of step S26, the process returns to step S25, and the process of step S25 and the process of step S26 are executed. In this case, the total delay time calculated in step S25 is associated with another phase set in step S27 and stored in the memory of the server 101.

[0094] In this way, the processes of steps S25 to S27 are repeatedly executed, and in step S27, for example, seven different phases from phase π / 8 to phase 7π / 8 are sequentially set as different phases. Then, the transmission phase change control unit 115 associates each phase with a total delay time and stores them. For example, phase π / 8 is associated with total delay time T1, phase 2π / 8 is associated with total delay time T2, phase 3π / 8 is associated with total delay time T3, ..., phase 7π / 8 is associated with total delay time T7 and stored.

[0095] If it is determined in step S26 that there is no unset phase, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the transmission phase change control unit 115 identifies the smallest total delay time. At this time, for example, the smallest total delay time (for example, total delay time T3) is identified among the total delay times T0 to T7.

[0096] In step S29, a data transmission phase is determined. At this time, for example, the phase associated with the smallest total delay time identified in the processing of step S28 is determined as the data transmission phase. For example, if the smallest total delay time identified in step S28 is T3, the phase 3π / 8 is determined as the data transmission phase in step S29.

[0097] Once the data transmission phase is determined, the data transmission phase determination process ends, and the APP layer of the server 101 continues to send data to be transmitted to the terminal device 201 to the IP / Ether layer at the determined data transmission phase.

[0098] In this manner, the data transmission phase determination process is executed.

[0099] In the above, an example has been described in which the first terminating device in TSN system 21 is server 101, the second terminating device in TSN system 22 is terminal device 201, and the data transmission phase for data transmitted from server 101 to terminal device 201 is determined. In a similar manner, the data transmission phase for data transmitted from terminal device 201 to server 101 may also be determined. In this way, it is possible to further improve the time determinism of periodic data transmission between the two terminating devices.

[0100] (Example of functional configuration of terminal device) 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a second terminating device (terminal device) according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the terminal device 201 includes a time synchronization control unit 211, a communication resource information acquisition unit 212, a transmission cycle setting unit 213, a delay measurement unit 214, and a transmission phase change control unit 215.

[0101] (Time synchronization control unit) The time synchronization control unit 211 synchronizes the time of the terminal device 201 with the time distributed from the 5G mobile communication system. The time of the terminal device 201 may be, for example, the system time of an operating system implemented in the terminal device 201. The time synchronization may be performed using, for example, PTP. This synchronizes the time of the terminal device 201 with the time of a 5G GM (5G Grand Master).

[0102] (Communication resource information acquisition unit) The communication resource information acquisition unit 212 acquires communication resource information including the periodicity of radio resources related to Up Link allocated by the base station to a specific UE (UE to which the TSN system 22 is connected) by Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2. The communication resource information acquisition unit 212 acquires the communication resource information from, for example, an NEF or PCF, which is a network function unit of the core network 31. In this case, the communication resource information acquisition unit 212 may acquire the communication resource information from the NEF or PCF via the UE to which the TSN system 22 is connected.

[0103] (Transmission period setting section) The transmission cycle setting unit 213 sets a data transmission cycle, which is a cycle at which the terminal device 201 transmits data to the server 101, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit 212. More specifically, the transmission cycle setting unit 213 sets a cycle at which the APP layer of the terminal device 201 sends, to the IP / Ether layer, data to be transmitted to the server 101. This sets a data transmission cycle having the same time length as the time length of the Periodicity assigned by Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2.

[0104] (Delay measurement unit) Based on information included in a packet received from the server 101, the delay measurement unit 214 measures the time from when the APP layer of the terminal device 201 sends data to be transmitted to the server 101 to the IP / Ether layer until the data reaches the APP layer of the terminal device 201. The time measured by the delay measurement unit 214 is referred to as the total delay time. As an example, the delay measurement unit 214 transmits to the terminal device a packet (third packet) to which the time of the terminal device 201 when the APP layer of the terminal device 201 sends the data is added as a transmission timestamp.

[0105] Server 101 receives the packet and assigns to the packet a reception timestamp that is the time at server 101 when the packet reaches the APP layer of server 101. Server 101 then transmits the packet with the reception timestamp assigned (fourth packet) to terminal device 201.

[0106] The terminal device 201 receives the packet, and the delay measurement unit 214 calculates the difference between the transmission timestamp and the reception timestamp, thereby calculating the time required for the packet transmitted from the terminal device 201 to reach the server 101 .

[0107] The difference between the sending timestamp and the receiving timestamp may be calculated by the server 101 and included in the fourth packet transmitted from the server 101 to the terminal device 201.

[0108] In this way, the delay measurement unit 114 sends a third packet with a timestamp to the server 101, receives a fourth packet that the server 101 sends after recording the time the packet was received, and calculates the total delay time based on the information contained in the fourth packet.

[0109] (Transmission phase change control unit) The transmission phase change control unit 215 changes the phase at which data is transmitted to the server 101 within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the delay measurement unit 214. More specifically, the transmission phase change control unit 215 changes the phase at which the APP layer of the terminal device 201 transmits data to the IP / Ether layer within the data transmission period. As an example, the transmission phase change control unit 215 may change the phase in increments of π / 8.

[0110] For example, the transmission phase change control unit 215 changes the phase at which the APP layer of the terminal device 201 sends data to the IP / Ether layer in eight different ways during a data transmission period, and causes the delay measurement unit 214 to measure the total delay time in association with each phase.The transmission phase change control unit 215 then stores each phase and the total delay time in association with each other.

[0111] Furthermore, the transmission phase change control unit 215 determines, for example, from among eight phases, a data transmission phase that is a phase to be set when transmitting data to the server 101. For example, the transmission phase change control unit 215 identifies the smallest total delay time among total delay times T1 to T7, and determines the phase corresponding to that total delay time as the transmission phase in which data should be transmitted to the server 101.

[0112] In this way, the transmission phase change control unit 215 stores the multiple phases at which the third packet is transmitted in association with the total delay time, and determines the phase corresponding to the smallest total delay time as the transmission phase, which is the phase at which data should be transmitted to the information processing device.

[0113] Once the data transmission phase is determined, the process of changing the phase at which the APP layer of the terminal device 201 sends data to the IP / Ether layer within the data transmission period is stopped, and the APP layer of the terminal device 201 continues sending the data to be sent to the server 101 to the IP / Ether layer at the determined data transmission phase.

[0114] The data transmission phase determination process in the terminal device 201 is the same as that described above with reference to FIG. 8, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0115] By doing so, for example, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 10, it becomes possible to perform periodic communication with excellent time determinism between the terminating device 101 and the terminating device 201.

[0116] (Effects of the first embodiment) As described above, this embodiment improves the determinism of data transmission between two end devices. That is, it is possible to minimize and keep constant the end-to-end delay in periodic communications. Furthermore, this configuration can be realized without modifying the 3GPP standard, for example.

[0117] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the time when the APP layer of the first or second terminating device sends data to the IP / Ether layer and the time of periodic transmission in the MAC layer of the base station become close to each other, so that even if a retransmission occurs in the wireless transmission section, there is a high probability that a retransmission between the two terminating devices will not be necessary. Therefore, periodic transmission between the two terminating devices can be performed more reliably.

[0118] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the UE sequentially transfers data received from the terminal device 201 to the base station. That is, it is assumed that the APP layer of the UE sends the data to the IP / Ether layer almost simultaneously as the data transmitted from the terminal device 201 reaches the APP layer of the UE.

[0119] However, for example, the UE may also be configured to transfer data received from the terminal device 201 to the base station at a predetermined cycle. That is, similar to the case of the server 101, the APP layer of the UE may be configured to send data to the IP / Ether layer at a cycle of, for example, TcycleApp.

[0120] In such a configuration, it is desirable that the UE also has a functional configuration similar to the functional configuration described above with reference to Fig. 9. In the description of this embodiment, Fig. 9 is applied as the functional configuration of the UE. Then, in this embodiment, the data transmission phase of the UE is determined.

[0121] That is, the time synchronization control unit 211 of the UE in this embodiment synchronizes the time of the UE with the time distributed from the 5G mobile communication system.

[0122] In addition, the communication resource information acquisition unit 212 of the UE acquires communication resource information including the periodicity of the radio resources related to the Uplink that the base station has allocated to the UE (the UE to which the TSN system 22 is connected) using Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2.

[0123] Furthermore, transmission cycle setting section 213 of the UE sets a data transmission cycle, which is a cycle at which the UE transmits data to server 101. More specifically, transmission cycle setting section 213 sets a cycle at which the APP layer of the UE sends data to the IP / Ether layer.

[0124] Then, delay measurement section 214 of the UE measures the time (total delay time) from when the APP layer of the UE sends data to be transmitted to server 101 to the IP / Ether layer until the data reaches the APP layer of server 101. Furthermore, transmission phase change control section 215 of the UE changes the phase for transmitting data to server 101 within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by delay measurement section 214, and determines the data transmission phase.

[0125] This allows, for example, periodic communication with excellent time determinism to be performed between the server 101 and the UE.

[0126] The data transmission phase determination process in the UE is the same as that in FIG. 8, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] Then, after the data transmission phase of the UE is determined, the terminal device 201 may perform a data transmission phase determination process and determine the data transmission phase of the terminal device 201.

[0128] In this way, the second embodiment also improves the determinism of data transmission between the two end devices, i.e., it makes it possible to keep the end-to-end delay in periodic communication constant and minimal.

[0129] (Third embodiment) In the above example, the transmission phase change control unit 115 or the transmission phase change control unit 215 changes the phase at which the APP layer of each device sends data to the IP / Ether layer in eight different ways during a data transmission period, causes the delay measurement unit 214 to measure a total delay time corresponding to each phase, and stores the total delay time in association with each phase. Also, the transmission phase change control unit 115 or the transmission phase change control unit 215 identifies the smallest total delay time among total delay times T1 to T7, and determines the phase corresponding to that total delay time as the transmission phase.

[0130] However, for example, when a total delay time smaller than a preset threshold is measured, the transmission phase change control unit 115 or the transmission phase change control unit 215 may determine the phase corresponding to the total delay time as the transmission phase. That is, the transmission phase change control unit 115 or the transmission phase change control unit 215 does not necessarily need to set all possible phases, and when a total delay time smaller than the threshold is measured, the transmission phase change control unit 115 or the transmission phase change control unit 215 may stop the process of changing the phase at which the APP layer of each device sends data to the IP / Ether layer during the data transmission period at that point.

[0131] In this way, it is possible to determine the transmission phase earlier than in the above-described embodiment.

[0132] (Software implementation example) The above-mentioned server 101, terminal device 201, and UE are each a program for causing a computer to function, and can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the server 101, terminal device 201, and UE. In this case, the server 101, terminal device 201, and UE each include a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the above-mentioned programs. An example of such a computer is shown in FIG. 11.

[0133] The computer 500 includes at least one processor 501 and at least one memory 502. The memory 502 stores a program 520 for causing the computer 500 to operate as the server 101, the terminal device 201, and the UE. In the computer 500, the processor 501 reads and executes the program 520 from the memory 502, thereby realizing the functions of the server 101, the terminal device 201, and the UE.

[0134] The processor 501 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPU (Floating point number Processing Unit), a PPU (Physics Processing Unit), a microcontroller, or a combination thereof.

[0135] The memory 502 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination of these.

[0136] The computer 500 may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program 520 during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer 500 may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer 500 may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0137] Furthermore, the program 520 for causing the computer 500 to operate as the server 101, the terminal device 201, and the UE can be recorded on a non-transitory, tangible recording medium 530 that is readable by the computer 500. Such a recording medium 530 can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer 500 can acquire the program 520 via such a recording medium 530.

[0138] Furthermore, the program 520 for causing the computer 500 to operate as the server 101, the terminal device 201, and the UE can be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or a broadcast wave. The computer 500 can also acquire the program 520 via such a transmission medium.

[0139] In addition, some or all of the functions of the server 101, the terminal device 201, and the UE may be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the above control blocks may be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0140] Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, examples of applying the present invention to a 5G communication system have been described, but the present invention can also be applied to communication systems from 6G onwards.

[0141] According to each aspect of the present invention described above, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved, thereby contributing to the achievement of Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and build resilient infrastructure."

[0142] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0143] 〔summary〕 An information processing device according to aspect 1 of the present invention is an information processing device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with a terminal device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and comprises: a time synchronization control unit that performs time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device from a core network of the mobile communication network; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the terminal device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device, based on information contained in a packet received from the terminal device; and a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the terminal device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit.

[0144] In an information processing device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, the total delay time measurement unit transmits a first packet with a timestamp to the terminal device, receives a second packet transmitted by the terminal device after recording the reception time of the packet, and calculates the total delay time based on information contained in the second packet.

[0145] In the information processing device of aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 2 above, the transmission phase change control unit stores the multiple phases at which the first packet was transmitted in correspondence with the total delay time, and determines the phase corresponding to the smallest total delay time as the transmission phase, which is the phase at which data should be transmitted to the terminal device.

[0146] In an information processing device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 3 above, a base station of the mobile communication network transmits the data to a device to which the terminal device is connected using downlink radio resources at a period allocated by SPS (Semi-Persistent Scheduling).

[0147] In the information processing device of aspect 5 of the present invention, in the above aspect 4, the communication resource information acquisition unit acquires, as the communication resource information, information indicating the period for the downlink radio resources allocated by the SPS from the NEF (Network Exposure Function) or PCF (Policy Control Function), which is a network function unit of the core network.

[0148] A communication method according to aspect 6 of the present invention is a communication method for an information processing device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with a terminal device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and includes the steps of: performing time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; acquiring communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device from a core network of the mobile communication network; setting a data transmission period, which is the period for transmitting data to the terminal device, based on the acquired communication resource information; measuring a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device, based on information contained in a packet received from the terminal device; and changing the phase for transmitting data to the terminal device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the measured total delay time.

[0149] A program according to aspect 7 of the present invention causes a computer to function as an information processing device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with a terminal device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, the information processing device comprising: a time synchronization control unit that performs time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires, from a core network of the mobile communication network, communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the terminal device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures, based on information contained in a packet received from the terminal device, a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device; and a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the terminal device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit.

[0150] A terminal device according to aspect 8 of the present invention is a terminal device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with an information processing device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and comprises: a time synchronization control unit that performs time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device from a core network of the mobile communication network; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the information processing device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information contained in the packet received from the information processing device; and a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the information processing device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit.

[0151] In a terminal device according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in the above aspect 8, the total delay time measurement unit transmits a third packet with a timestamp to the information processing device, receives a fourth packet transmitted by the information processing device after recording the reception time of the packet, and calculates the total delay time based on the information contained in the fourth packet.

[0152] In a terminal device according to aspect 10 of the present invention, in the above aspect 9, the transmission phase change control unit stores the multiple phases at which the third packet is transmitted in correspondence with the total delay time, and determines the phase corresponding to the smallest total delay time as the transmission phase, which is the phase at which data should be transmitted to the information processing device.

[0153] In a terminal device according to aspect 11 of the present invention, in any of aspects 8 to 10 above, a base station of the mobile communication network transmits the data to a core network using uplink radio resources at a period assigned by Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2.

[0154] In a terminal device according to aspect 12 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 11, the communication resource information acquisition unit acquires, as the communication resource information, information indicating the period for the uplink radio resources allocated by the Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2 from an NEF (Network Exposure Function) or a PCF (Policy Control Function), which is a network function unit of the core network.

[0155] A communication method according to aspect 13 of the present invention is a communication method for a terminal device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with an information processing device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, and includes the steps of: performing time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; acquiring communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device from a core network of the mobile communication network; setting a data transmission period, which is the period for transmitting data to the information processing device, based on the acquired communication resource information; measuring a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information contained in a packet received from the information processing device; and changing the phase for transmitting data to the information processing device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the measured total delay time.

[0156] A program according to aspect 14 of the present invention causes a computer to function as a terminal device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with an information processing device synchronized to the time of the mobile communication network, the terminal device comprising: a time synchronization control unit that performs time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device from a core network of the mobile communication network; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the information processing device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information contained in the packet received from the information processing device; and a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the information processing device within the data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 11 Mobile communication networks 21 TSN System 22 TSN System 31 Core Network 101 Server 111 Time synchronization control unit 112 Communication resource information acquisition unit 113 Transmission period setting section 114 Delay measurement unit 115 Transmission phase change control section 201 Terminal equipment 211 Time synchronization control unit 212 Communication resource information acquisition unit 213 Transmission period setting unit 214 Delay measurement unit 215 Transmission phase change control section

Claims

1. An information processing device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with a terminal device synchronized with the time of the mobile communication network, a time synchronization control unit that executes time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires, from a core network of the mobile communication network, communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the terminal device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device, based on information contained in the packet received from the terminal device; a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the terminal device within a data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. The overall delay time measurement unit transmitting a first packet with a timestamp to the terminal device; receiving a second packet that the terminal device has transmitted and recorded the reception time of the packet; Calculating the total delay time based on information included in the second packet The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The transmission phase change control unit storing a plurality of phases at which the first packet is transmitted and the total delay time in association with each other; The phase corresponding to the smallest total delay time is determined as a transmission phase in which data should be transmitted to the terminal device. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The base station of the mobile communication network transmits the data to the device to which the terminal device is connected using radio resources of the down link at a period assigned by SPS (Semi-Persistent Scheduling). The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The communication resource information acquisition unit The information indicating the period related to the down link radio resource allocated by the SPS is acquired as the communication resource information from a network exposure function (NEF) or a policy control function (PCF), which is a network function part of the core network. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. A communication method for an information processing device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with a terminal device synchronized with the time of the mobile communication network, comprising: performing a time synchronization process with the mobile communication network; acquiring, from a core network of the mobile communication network, communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device; setting a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the terminal device, based on the acquired communication resource information; measuring a total delay time, which is a time taken for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device, based on information contained in the packet received from the terminal device; and changing the phase of transmitting data to the terminal device within a data transmission period so as to reduce the measured total delay time. Communication method.

7. Computer, An information processing device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with a terminal device synchronized with the time of the mobile communication network, a time synchronization control unit that executes time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires, from a core network of the mobile communication network, communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the terminal device; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the terminal device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is the time it takes for a packet transmitted from the information processing device to be received by the terminal device, based on information contained in the packet received from the terminal device; a transmission phase change control unit that changes the phase of transmitting data to the terminal device within a data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit; and functioning as an information processing device comprising: program.

8. A terminal device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with an information processing device synchronized with the time of the mobile communication network, a time synchronization control unit that executes time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires, from a core network of the mobile communication network, communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the information processing device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is a time taken for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information included in the packet received from the information processing device; a transmission phase change control unit that changes a phase in which data is transmitted to the information processing device within a data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit; A terminal device comprising:

9. The overall delay time measurement unit transmitting a third packet with a timestamp to the information processing device; receiving a fourth packet that the information processing device recorded the reception time of the packet and transmitted; Calculating the total delay time based on information included in the fourth packet The terminal device according to claim 8.

10. The transmission phase change control unit storing a plurality of phases at which the third packet is transmitted and the total delay time in association with each other; The phase corresponding to the smallest total delay time is determined as a transmission phase in which data should be transmitted to the information processing device. The terminal device according to claim 9.

11. The base station of the mobile communication network transmits the data to the core network using radio resources of the up link at a period allocated by Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2. The terminal device according to claim 8.

12. The communication resource information acquisition unit and acquiring, as the communication resource information, information indicating a cycle related to the up-link radio resources allocated by the Configured Grant Type 1 or Configured Grant Type 2 from a network exposure function (NEF) or a policy control function (PCF), which is a network function unit of the core network. The terminal device according to claim 11.

13. A communication method for a terminal device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with an information processing device synchronized with the time of the mobile communication network, comprising: performing a time synchronization process with the mobile communication network; acquiring, from a core network of the mobile communication network, communication resource information relating to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device; setting a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the information processing device, based on the acquired communication resource information; measuring a total delay time, which is a time taken for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information included in the packet received from the information processing device; changing a phase in which data is transmitted to the information processing device within a data transmission period so as to reduce the measured total delay time; A communication method including:

14. Computer, A terminal device connected to a time-synchronized mobile communication network and communicating with an information processing device synchronized with the time of the mobile communication network, a time synchronization control unit that executes time synchronization processing with the mobile communication network; a communication resource information acquisition unit that acquires, from a core network of the mobile communication network, communication resource information related to communication resources secured in wireless communication between a base station of the mobile communication network and the information processing device; a transmission period setting unit that sets a data transmission period, which is a period for transmitting data to the information processing device, based on the communication resource information acquired by the communication resource information acquisition unit; a total delay time measurement unit that measures a total delay time, which is a time taken for a packet transmitted from the terminal device to be received by the information processing device, based on information included in the packet received from the information processing device; a transmission phase change control unit that changes a phase in which data is transmitted to the information processing device within a data transmission period so as to reduce the total delay time measured by the total delay time measurement unit; and functioning as a terminal device having program.

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