Apparatus and method

Abstract

To provide route information suitable for communication control based on route information in a base station.SOLUTION: A user equipment (200) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a communication processing unit (235) configured to receive, from a base station (100), a RadioResourceControl (RRC) message including granularity information about route information indicating at least a moving route of the user equipment, and an information acquisition unit (231) configured to acquire the granularity information included in the RRC message, wherein the granularity information indicates an interval between points on the moving route.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Application No. 2021-138945, filed on August 27, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method. [Background technology]

[0003] In Release 15 of the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), several functions for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) as user equipment (UE) are being discussed and specified as work items for LTE (Long Term Evolution) (Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] One of the specified functions is the Flight Path function, in which the UAV reports its flight path to the network in response to a request from the network. This is expected to be useful for controlling handovers, beamforming, and other operations based on the UAV's movement plan on the network side (Non-Patent Document 2).

[0005] Although the Flight Path function has not yet been specified in NR (New Radio), the use of the Flight Path function is mentioned in the proposal of the work item for Release 18 (Non-Patent Documents 3 to 5). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS 36.331 V15.14.0 (2021-06), “3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Radio Resource Control (RRC); protocol specification (Release 15)” [Non-patent document 2] 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 Meeting #101bis Sanya, China, 16 - 20 Apr 2018, R2-1805125, Huawei, HiSilicon, CMCC, Fraunhofer, Nokia, Nokia Shanghai Bell, Lenovo, Motorola Mobility, InterDigital, KDDI, "Discussion on flight path information" [Non-patent document 3] 3GPP TSG RAN - RAN-Rel-18 workshop, Online, 2021-06-28 - 2021-07-02, RWS-210190, Ericsson, "Motivation for Rel-18 UAV" [Non-patent document 4] 3GPP TSG RAN Rel-18 workshop, Electronic Meeting, June 28 - July 2, 2021, RWS-210254, Lenovo, Motorola Mobility, "Discussion on UAV Swarm Support in NR RAN for Rel-18" [Non-Patent Document 5] 3GPP TSG RAN Rel-18 workshop, Electronic Meeting, June 28- July 2, 2021, RWS-210474, ZTE, Sanechips, "Support of UAV for 5G Advanced" Summary of the Invention

[0007] As a result of detailed investigations by the inventors, the following problem was found. That is, the mechanism of Release 15 described in Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 does not take into consideration the granularity of route information, and the granularity of route information reported from a UE depends on the implementation of the UE. Therefore, there is a risk that the granularity of route information reported by a UE is not suitable for communication control based on route information on the network (i.e., base station) side.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method capable of providing route information suitable for communication control based on route information in a base station.

[0009] An apparatus (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication processing unit (235) that receives an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message from a base station (100) including granularity information about route information indicating at least a movement route of the apparatus, and an information acquisition unit (231) that acquires the granularity information included in the RRC message, where the granularity information indicates an interval between points on the movement route.

[0010] An apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit (141) that acquires granularity information about route information indicating at least a movement route of a user equipment (200), and a communication processing unit (145) that transmits an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message including the granularity information to the user equipment, wherein the granularity information indicates an interval between points on the movement route.

[0011] A method performed by an apparatus (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes receiving an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message from a base station (100) including granularity information about route information indicating at least a movement route of the apparatus, and acquiring the granularity information included in the RRC message, wherein the granularity information indicates an interval between points on the movement route.

[0012] A method performed by an apparatus (100) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes obtaining granularity information about route information indicating at least a movement route of a user equipment (200), and transmitting an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message including the granularity information to the user equipment, wherein the granularity information indicates an interval between points on the movement route.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide route information suitable for communication control based on route information in a base station. Note that the present disclosure may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effect described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of communication control based on a movement route of a user equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic hardware configuration of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic functional configuration of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic hardware configuration of a user device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of route information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of intervals between points on a travel route according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a schematic flow of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of intervals between points on a travel route according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a schematic flow of a process according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating another example of a schematic flow of a process according to the second modified example of the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described will be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0016] The explanation will be given in the following order: 1. System Configuration 2. Base Station Configuration 3. User equipment configuration 4. Example of operation 5. Variations

[0017] <1. System configuration> An example of the configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 1, the system 1 includes a base station 100 and a user equipment (UE) 200.

[0018] For example, the system 1 is a system that complies with the 3GPP Technical Specification (TS). More specifically, the system 1 is a system that complies with the TS of 5G or NR (New Radio). Of course, the system 1 is not limited to this example. For example, the system 1 may be a system that complies with the TS of LTE, LTE-A (LTE Advanced), or 4G.

[0019] (1) Base station 100 The base station 100 is a node in a Radio Access Network (RAN) and communicates with UEs (eg, UEs 200) located within a coverage area 10 of the base station 100.

[0020] For example, the base station 100 communicates with a UE (e.g., the UE 200) using a RAN protocol stack. For example, the protocol stack includes Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and a physical (PHY) layer protocol. Alternatively, the protocol stack may include only some of these protocols, rather than all of them.

[0021] For example, the base station 100 is a gNB. The gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations toward the UE and is connected to a 5G Core Network (5GC) via an NG interface. Alternatively, the base station 100 may be an en-gNB. The en-gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations toward the UE and operates as a secondary node in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0022] The base station 100 may include multiple nodes. The multiple nodes may include a first node hosting a higher layer included in the protocol stack and a second node hosting a lower layer included in the protocol stack. The higher layer may include RRC, SDAP, and PDCP, and the lower layer may include RLC, MAC, and a PHY layer. The first node may be a central unit (CU), and the second node may be a distributed unit (DU). The multiple nodes may include a third node that performs processing below the PHY layer, and the second node may perform processing above the PHY layer. The third node may be a radio unit (RU).

[0023] Alternatively, the base station 100 may be one of the plurality of nodes, or may be connected to other units of the plurality of nodes.

[0024] The base station 100 may be an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) donor or an IAB node.

[0025] (2)UE200 The UE 200 communicates with the base station 100. For example, the UE 200 communicates with the base station 100 when the UE 200 is located within the coverage area 10 of the base station 100.

[0026] For example, the UE 200 communicates with a base station (eg, the base station 100) using the above protocol stack.

[0027] In particular, the UE 200 is mounted on a moving object. For example, the moving object may be an aircraft such as a UAV, or a vehicle such as an autonomous vehicle or a manually driven vehicle with a navigation function. A moving path may be set in advance for the moving object. The UE 200 can benefit from communication control based on the moving path by reporting the moving path to the network (i.e., the base station 100). The reporting of the moving path may be supported, for example, by a Flight Path mechanism or by other moving path reporting mechanisms.

[0028] 2, for example, the UE 200 reports a set movement route to the base station 100. The base station 100 performs processing for, for example, handover or beamforming in advance based on the future position of the UE 200 estimated from the reported movement route. This makes it possible to perform communication control appropriate for the position when the UE 200 arrives at the estimated position.

[0029] <2. Base station configuration> An example of the configuration of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0030] (1) Functional configuration First, an example of a functional configuration of a base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Referring to Fig. 3, the base station 100 includes a radio communication unit 110, a network communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a processing unit 140.

[0031] The wireless communication unit 110 transmits and receives signals wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 receives signals from UEs and transmits signals to UEs.

[0032] The network communication unit 120 receives signals from the network and transmits signals to the network.

[0033] The storage unit 130 stores various information for the base station 100 .

[0034] The processing unit 140 provides various functions of the base station 100. The processing unit 140 includes an information acquisition unit 141, a control unit 143, and a communication processing unit 145. The processing unit 140 may further include other components in addition to these components. That is, the processing unit 140 may perform operations other than those of these components. The specific operations of the information acquisition unit 141, the control unit 143, and the communication processing unit 145 will be described in detail later.

[0035] For example, the processing unit 140 (communication processing unit 145) communicates with a UE (e.g., UE 200) via the radio communication unit 110. For example, the processing unit 140 (communication processing unit 145) communicates with another node (e.g., a network node in a core network or another base station) via the network communication unit 120.

[0036] (2) Hardware configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Referring to Fig. 4, the base station 100 includes an antenna 181, an RF (radio frequency) circuit 183, a network interface 185, a processor 187, a memory 189, and a storage 191.

[0037] Antenna 181 converts signals into radio waves and radiates the radio waves into space. Antenna 181 also receives radio waves in space and converts the radio waves into signals. Antenna 181 may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or may be a single antenna for both transmission and reception. Antenna 181 may be a directional antenna and may include multiple antenna elements.

[0038] The RF circuit 183 performs analog processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 181. The RF circuit 183 may include a high-frequency filter, an amplifier, a modulator, a low-pass filter, and the like.

[0039] The network interface 185 is, for example, a network adapter, and transmits signals to and receives signals from a network.

[0040] The processor 187 performs digital processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 181 and the RF circuit 183. The digital processing includes processing of a protocol stack of the RAN. The processor 187 also processes signals transmitted and received via the network interface 185. The processor 187 may include multiple processors or may be a single processor. The multiple processors may include a baseband processor that performs the digital processing and one or more processors that perform other processing.

[0041] Memory 189 stores programs executed by processor 187, parameters related to the programs, and various other information. Memory 189 may include at least one of a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a flash memory. All or a part of memory 189 may be included within processor 187.

[0042] The storage 191 stores various information and may include at least one of an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

[0043] The wireless communication unit 110 may be implemented by an antenna 181 and an RF circuit 183. The network communication unit 120 may be implemented by a network interface 185. The memory unit 130 may be implemented by a storage 191. The processing unit 140 may be implemented by a processor 187 and a memory 189.

[0044] A part or all of the processing unit 140 may be virtualized. In other words, a part or all of the processing unit 140 may be implemented as a virtual machine. In this case, a part or all of the processing unit 140 may operate as a virtual machine on a physical machine (i.e., hardware) including a processor, memory, etc., and a hypervisor.

[0045] Considering the above hardware configuration, base station 100 may include a memory (i.e., memory 189) that stores a program, and one or more processors (i.e., processor 187) that can execute the program, and the one or more processors may execute the program to perform the operations of processing unit 140. The program may be a program that causes the processor to perform the operations of processing unit 140.

[0046] <3. User device configuration> An example of the configuration of the UE 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0047] (1) Functional configuration First, an example of a functional configuration of the UE 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Referring to Fig. 5, the UE 200 includes a radio communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, and a processing unit 230.

[0048] The wireless communication unit 210 transmits and receives signals wirelessly. For example, the wireless communication unit 210 receives a signal from a base station and transmits the signal to the base station. For example, the wireless communication unit 210 receives a signal from another UE and transmits the signal to the other UE.

[0049] The storage unit 220 stores various information for the UE 200 .

[0050] The processing unit 230 provides various functions of the UE 200. The processing unit 230 includes an information acquisition unit 231, a control unit 233, and a communication processing unit 235. The processing unit 230 may further include other components in addition to these components. That is, the processing unit 230 may also perform operations other than those of these components. The specific operations of the information acquisition unit 231, the control unit 233, and the communication processing unit 235 will be described in detail later.

[0051] For example, the processing unit 230 (communication processing unit 235) communicates with a base station (for example, the base station 100) or other UEs via the wireless communication unit 210.

[0052] (2) Hardware configuration Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the UE 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Referring to Fig. 6, the UE 200 includes an antenna 281, an RF circuit 283, a processor 285, a memory 287, and a storage 289.

[0053] Antenna 281 converts signals into radio waves and radiates the radio waves into space. Antenna 281 also receives radio waves in space and converts the radio waves into signals. Antenna 281 may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or may be a single antenna for both transmission and reception. Antenna 281 may be a directional antenna and may include multiple antenna elements.

[0054] The RF circuit 283 performs analog processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 281. The RF circuit 283 may include a high-frequency filter, an amplifier, a modulator, a low-pass filter, and the like.

[0055] The processor 285 performs digital processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 281 and the RF circuitry 283. The digital processing includes processing of a RAN protocol stack. The processor 285 may include multiple processors or may be a single processor. The multiple processors may include a baseband processor that performs the digital processing and one or more processors that perform other processing.

[0056] The memory 287 stores programs executed by the processor 285, parameters related to the programs, and various other information. The memory 287 may include at least one of a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. All or a part of the memory 287 may be included within the processor 285.

[0057] The storage 289 stores various information and may include at least one of an SSD and an HDD.

[0058] The wireless communication unit 210 may be implemented by an antenna 281 and an RF circuit 283. The memory unit 220 may be implemented by a storage 289. The processing unit 230 may be implemented by a processor 285 and a memory 287.

[0059] The processing unit 230 may be implemented by a system on chip (SoC) including a processor 285 and a memory 287. The SoC may include an RF circuit 283, and the wireless communication unit 210 may also be implemented by the SoC.

[0060] Considering the above hardware configuration, UE 200 may include a memory (i.e., memory 287) that stores a program, and one or more processors (i.e., processor 285) that can execute the program, and the one or more processors may execute the program to perform the operation of processing unit 230. The program may be a program that causes the processor to execute the operation of processing unit 230.

[0061] <4. Example of operation> 7 and 8, an example of the operation of the base station 100 and the UE 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0062] (1) Operation of the base station 100 The base station 100 transmits granular information about the route information and requests the route information from the UE 200. Then, the base station 100 receives the route information from the UE 200. The operation of the base station 100 and related information will be described in detail below.

[0063] (1-1) Requesting routing information with granularity specification The base station 100 requests the UE 200 to transmit route information together with the granularity information. Specifically, the base station 100 (information acquisition unit 141) acquires the granularity information regarding route information indicating at least a movement route of the UE 200. The base station 100 (communication processing unit 145) transmits an RRC message including the granularity information to the UE 200. The RRC message includes route request information requesting transmission of the route information.

[0064] For example, the base station 100 receives an RRC message A including information indicating the availability of route information from the UE 200. The base station 100 transmits an RRC message B including granularity information and route request information to the UE 200. Note that the granularity information may be optional. For example, once the granularity information is transmitted, it does not need to be transmitted again until it is changed.

[0065] For example, RRC message A is RRC SetupComp, ReestablishmentComp, ResumeComp, ReconfigurationComp, etc. Furthermore, RRC message B is UEInformationRequest. Furthermore, for example, information indicating the availability of route information is flightPathInfoAvailable or information equivalent thereto, and route request information is flightPathInfoReq or information equivalent thereto.

[0066] Route information will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Route information includes point-related information related to points (waypoints) on a travel route. Point-related information includes at least point information indicating points on a travel route and time information indicating the time related to the points. For example, as shown in information 21 in FIG. 7, route information may be FlightPathInfoReport or information equivalent thereto, and point-related information may be WayPointLocation or information equivalent thereto. Furthermore, point information may be wayPointLocation or information equivalent thereto, and time information may be timeStamp or information equivalent thereto.

[0067] The granularity information will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The granularity information indicates an interval between points on a moving route of the UE 200. Specifically, the interval between points on the moving route is a space interval between the points on the moving route. For example, the granularity information may indicate a value of a distance between the points on the moving route.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 8, the movement route is indicated by a dashed arrow, and UE200 passes through points P1 to P3. The granularity information is a value in a specific unit indicating the distance D1 between two adjacent points. The unit may be m, km, or the like. For example, if route information in 100-m units is requested, the granularity information is information indicating 100 m. In this way, when the granularity information indicates a spatial interval, the granularity of the route information received from UE200 can be matched to the granularity of the location information of UE200 estimated in communication control based on the route information.

[0069] The granularity information may also indicate a range of distances between points on a moving route. Specifically, the granularity information may indicate a settable maximum value, minimum value, or range of the spatial interval (i.e., distance) between points on a moving route. For example, the granularity information may be a value indicating a settable range of distances, such as a maximum of 100 m, a minimum of 100 m, or a value between 50 m and 100 m. For example, the distance D1 shown in FIG. 8 is a value equal to or less than the maximum settable distance, equal to or greater than the minimum settable distance, or within the settable range. In this case, by providing a range for the granularity information, the degree of freedom in setting the route information in the UE 200 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to acquire, from the UE 200, route information of a granularity that is suitable for communication control based on route information in the base station 100 and that can be set by the UE 200.

[0070] The granularity information may also be a predefined set value corresponding to the interval between points on the travel route. For example, the granularity information may be a set value SI-1 corresponding to the distance D1 as shown in FIG. 8. The set value may also be a value indicating the interval range as described above. In this case, the granularity information can be reduced by transmitting a set value instead of a specific numerical value. Therefore, the signaling related to the transmission of the granularity information can be made more efficient.

[0071] (1-2) Receiving route information The base station 100 receives the route information from the UE 200. Specifically, the base station 100 (communication processing unit 145) receives an RRC message including the route information from the UE 200. The base station 100 (information acquisition unit 141) acquires the route information included in the received RRC message.

[0072] For example, the RRC message including the route information is UEInformationResponse. The route information is flightPathInfoReport or information equivalent thereto. The route information is set based on the granularity information transmitted together with the route request information.

[0073] (2) Operation of UE200 The UE 200 receives granularity information about the route information from the base station 100. The UE 200 sets the route information based on the received granularity information. Then, the UE 200 transmits the set route information to the base station 100. The operation of the UE 200 and related information will be described in detail below. Note that detailed description of content that is substantially the same as the description of the operation of the base station 100 will be omitted.

[0074] (2-1) Setting route information based on specified granularity The UE 200 sets the route information based on the granularity information for the route information. Specifically, the UE 200 (communication processing unit 235) receives an RRC message including the granularity information from the base station 100. The UE 200 (control unit 233) sets the route information based on the received granularity information. The RRC message includes route request information.

[0075] For example, the UE 200 transmits the above-mentioned RRC message A including information indicating the availability of route information to the base station 100. Then, the UE 200 receives the above-mentioned RRC message B including granularity information and route request information from the base station 100. The UE 200 sets the route information based on the received granularity information.

[0076] (2-2) Sending route information The UE 200 transmits the route information to the base station 100. Specifically, the UE 200 (information acquisition unit 231) acquires the route information set based on the granularity information. The UE 200 (communication processing unit 235) transmits an RRC message including the acquired route information to the base station 100.

[0077] For example, when the UE 200 receives the above-mentioned RRC message B including the route request information and the granularity information from the base station 100, the UE 200 transmits an RRC message C including the route information set based on the granularity information to the base station 100. The RRC message C is a UEInformationResponse.

[0078] (3) Processing flow An example of processing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0079] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including information indicating the availability of the path information to the base station 100 (S310). For example, the UE 200 transmits the above-mentioned RRC message A including flightPathInfoAvailable.

[0080] The base station 100 transmits an RRC message including the route request information and the granularity information to the UE 200 (S320). For example, when the base station 100 receives flightPathInfoAvailable, it transmits the above-mentioned RRC message B including flightPathInfoReq and the granularity information.

[0081] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including the path information to the base station 100 (S330). For example, when the UE 200 receives the flightPathInfoReq and the granularity information, the UE 200 sets the flightPathInfoReport based on the granularity information. The UE 200 transmits the above-mentioned RRC message C including the set flightPathInfoReport.

[0082] Thus, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an RRC message including granular information about the route information of UE200 is transmitted from base station 100 to UE200, and the granular information indicates the interval between points on the movement route of UE200.

[0083] In the Release 15 mechanism, the granularity of the route information reported by the UE depends on the implementation of the UE, so the granularity of the route information reported by the UE may not be suitable for the communication control based on the route information at the base station. For example, if the granularity of the route information is too coarse, errors may occur in the timing or content of the communication control based on the route information, which may reduce the precision or accuracy of the communication control. Furthermore, if the granularity of the route information is too fine, information that contributes little to communication control based on the route information may increase, which may reduce signaling efficiency.

[0084] In contrast, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, granularity information about the route information is notified to the UE 200, thereby making it possible to provide route information suitable for communication control based on the route information in the base station 100. As a result, it becomes possible to execute the above-mentioned communication control appropriately at an appropriate timing.

[0085] <5. Variations> First to fourth modified examples according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. Note that two or more of these modified examples may be combined.

[0086] (1) First Variation: Granularity of Time Intervals In the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, the granularity information indicates the spatial interval between points on the travel path, but the granularity information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0087] As a first modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the granularity information may indicate a time interval between points on a travel route. For example, the granularity information may indicate a value of a time difference of arrival between points on a travel route.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 10, the movement path is indicated by a dashed arrow, and UE 200 passes through points P1 to P3. The granularity information is a value in a specific unit indicating the arrival time difference between two adjacent points. The unit may be hours, minutes, seconds, or the like. For example, if route information in one-minute increments is requested, the granularity information is information indicating one minute. In this case, the difference between the arrival time at point P1 and the arrival time at point P2 shown in FIG. 10 is one minute. Note that if the movement speed of UE 200 is not constant, the distance between the points will not be constant. For example, while the time interval between points P1 and P2 and the time interval between points P2 and P3 shown in FIG. 10 are the same, the distance D2 between points P1 and P2 and the distance D3 between points P2 and P3 may be different.

[0089] The granularity information may also indicate a range of time intervals between points on a travel route. Specifically, the granularity information may indicate a settable maximum value, minimum value, or range of time intervals (i.e., arrival time differences) between points on a travel route. For example, the granularity information may be a value indicating a settable range of arrival time differences, such as a maximum of 10 minutes, a minimum of 1 minute, or a range from 1 minute to 10 minutes.

[0090] The granularity information may also be a predefined set value corresponding to an interval between points on the travel route. For example, the granularity information may be a set value TI-1 corresponding to a specific time interval (e.g., 1 minute) as shown in FIG.

[0091] In this way, according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the interval between points on the travel route indicated by the route information is the time interval between the points on the travel route, which allows the granularity of the route information received from the UE 200 to be matched with the granularity of the timing of communication control based on the route information.

[0092] (2) Second Modification: Granularity Setting Based on Travel Speed ​​Information In the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, the granularity information is acquired in the base station 100. However, the granularity information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0093] As a second modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the granularity information may be set based on moving speed related information relating to the moving speed of the UE 200.

[0094] Specifically, the base station 100 (communication processing unit 145) receives an RRC message including the moving speed related information from the UE 200. The base station 100 (control unit 143) sets the granularity information based on the moving speed related information.

[0095] Furthermore, the UE 200 (communication processing unit 235) transmits an RRC message including the moving speed related information to the base station 100. The RRC message including the moving speed related information is transmitted before receiving the RRC message including the granularity information.

[0096] More specifically, the RRC message including the moving speed-related information includes information indicating the availability of route information. For example, the RRC message including the moving speed-related information may be the above-mentioned RRC message A. In this way, by utilizing communication in the existing Flight Path mechanism defined in TS, the moving speed-related information can be provided without adding an RRC message.

[0097] The moving speed related information is information indicating the moving speed of the UE 200. For example, the information indicating the moving speed indicates a maximum moving speed or an average moving speed. Note that the moving speed related information may be information indicating the moving speed of the UE 200.

[0098] Furthermore, an example of the processing of this modified example will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0099] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including information indicating the availability of route information and information related to moving speed to the base station 100 (S410). For example, the UE 200 transmits the above-mentioned RRC message A including flightPathInfoAvailable and information indicating moving speed. Note that the moving speed-related information may be included in the RRC message only when the information indicating the availability of route information is included in the RRC message.

[0100] The base station 100 transmits an RRC message including the route request information and the granularity information to the UE 200 (S420). For example, when the base station 100 receives the information indicating flightPathInfoAvailable and the moving speed, the base station 100 sets the granularity information based on the information indicating the moving speed. Then, the base station 100 transmits the above-mentioned RRC message B including the flightPathInfoReq and the set granularity information.

[0101] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including the path information to the base station 100 (S430). For example, when the UE 200 receives the flightPathInfoReq and the granularity information, the UE 200 sets the flightPathInfoReport based on the granularity information. Then, the UE 200 transmits the above-mentioned RRC message C including the set flightPathInfoReport.

[0102] The travel speed related information may be existing information defined in the TS. Specifically, the travel speed related information is information for estimating the travel speed.

[0103] More specifically, the mobility speed related information may be information transmitted in the RRC connection establishment procedure. For example, the mobility speed related information may be mobilityState. The mobilityState is included in RRC SetupComp, ReestablishmentComp, and ResumeComp, which are messages transmitted in the RRC connection establishment procedure. For example, the message transmitted in the RRC connection establishment procedure may be the RRC message transmitted at S410 shown in FIG. 11. In this way, by utilizing information already defined in the TS, it is possible to prevent an increase in the amount of information in signaling while realizing the provision of mobility speed related information. In other words, it is possible to prevent an increase in the consumption of radio resources.

[0104] Furthermore, the movement speed related information may be information transmitted in response to a request for movement speed related information. Specifically, an RRC message including movement speed request information requesting transmission of movement speed related information is transmitted from base station 100 to UE 200. The RRC message including movement speed related information is transmitted as a response to the RRC message including the movement speed request information. For example, the movement speed related information may be a mobilityHistoryReport. In this way, by utilizing an existing mechanism for providing information between a base station and a UE defined in TS, it is possible to provide movement speed related information without additionally defining a new signaling mechanism.

[0105] The travel speed related information transmitted in response to a request will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 12. Note that a description of processes that are substantially the same as the processes in Fig. 11 will be omitted.

[0106] The base station 100 transmits an RRC message including movement speed request information requesting transmission of movement speed related information to the UE 200 (S510). For example, the base station 100 transmits a UEInformationRequest message including mobilityHistoryReportReq whose value is true as movement speed request information.

[0107] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including the moving speed related information to the base station 100 (S520). For example, when the value of the received mobilityHistoryReportReq is true, the UE 200 transmits a UEInformationResponse message including mobilityHistoryReport.

[0108] The base station 100 estimates the moving speed of the UE 200 based on the received moving speed related information. For example, the base station 100 estimates the moving speed of the UE 200 based on the cell in which the UE 200 has stayed and the staying time in the cell indicated by the received mobilityHistoryReport. At this point, the granularity information may be set based on the estimated moving speed.

[0109] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including information indicating the availability of the route information to the base station 100 (S530).

[0110] The base station 100 transmits an RRC message including the route request information and the granularity information to the UE 200 (S540). For example, when the base station 100 receives flightPathInfoAvailable, the base station 100 sets the granularity information based on the estimated moving speed. Then, the base station 100 transmits the above-mentioned RRC message B including the set granularity information and flightPathInfoReq.

[0111] The UE 200 transmits an RRC message including the route information to the base station 100 (S550).

[0112] Thus, according to the second variant of the embodiment of the present disclosure, before an RRC message including granularity information is transmitted from base station 100 to UE 200, an RRC message including movement speed related information is transmitted from UE 200 to base station 100, and the granularity information is set based on the movement speed related information.

[0113] Here, the granularity of the route information suitable for communication control based on the route information varies depending on the moving speed of the UE 200. For example, when the UE 200 moves at a high speed, the finer the granularity (i.e., the narrower the interval between points), the more points on the route are passed through per unit time. In other words, many points are passed through in a short time. This reduces the amount of point information available for the communication control, and the efficiency of signaling for the communication control may decrease. Conversely, when the UE 200 moves at a low speed, the coarser the granularity (i.e., the wider the interval between points), the greater the error in the estimated location of the UE 200. This may decrease the precision or accuracy of the communication control.

[0114] In contrast to this, according to this modification, the granularity information is set in consideration of the moving speed of the UE 200. This makes it possible to provide route information that is more suitable for communication control based on route information.

[0115] (3) Third Modification: Transmission Timing of Granularity Information In the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, the granularity information is transmitted together with the route request information. However, the transmission timing of the granularity information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0116] As a third modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the granularity information may be transmitted separately from the route request information.

[0117] Specifically, the granularity information may be transmitted before the route request information is transmitted. More specifically, the granularity information may be included in RRC message D, which is a base of the above-mentioned RRC message A including information indicating the availability of route information. That is, RRC message A is transmitted in response to RRC message D.

[0118] For example, the RRC message D may be RRC Setup, Reestablishment, Resume, Reconfiguration, etc. Note that, upon receiving the granularity information, the UE 200 may set the route information based on the granularity information.

[0119] As described above, according to the third modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the granularity information is transmitted separately from the route request information. For example, the granularity information is transmitted before the route request information is transmitted. This allows the granularity information to be transmitted to the UE 200 at any timing before the route information is set.

[0120] For example, if an existing Flight Path mechanism is not used, the route information may be transmitted without transmitting and receiving information indicating the availability of the route information and route request information. However, by transmitting the granularity information using an RRC message transmitted from base station 100 when establishing an RRC connection, such as the above-described RRC message D, it is possible to provide UE 200 with the granularity information before transmitting the RRC message including the route information.

[0121] (4) Fourth Variant: Compliance with Other TS In the above-described example of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 1 is a system that complies with 5G or NR TS. However, the system 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0122] In a fourth variant of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the system 1 may be a system compliant with other 3GPP TSs. As an example, the system 1 may be a system compliant with LTE, LTE-A, or 4G TSs, and the base station 100 may be an eNB (evolved Node B). Alternatively, the base station 100 may be an ng-eNB. As another example, the system 1 may be a system compliant with 3G TSs, and the base station 100 may be a Node B. As yet another example, the system 1 may be a system compliant with next-generation (e.g., 6G) TSs.

[0123] Alternatively, the system 1 may be a system that complies with the TS of another standardization organization for mobile communications.

[0124] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are merely examples and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0125] For example, the steps in the processes described herein do not necessarily have to be performed in chronological order according to the order depicted in the flowcharts or sequence diagrams. For example, the steps in the processes may be performed in an order different from that depicted in the flowcharts or sequence diagrams, or may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, some of the steps in the processes may be deleted, and additional steps may be added to the processes.

[0126] For example, a method including the operation of one or more components of the apparatus described herein may be provided, or a program for causing a computer to execute the operation of the components may be provided. Also, a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium having the program recorded thereon may be provided. Naturally, such methods, programs, and non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage media are also included in the present disclosure.

[0127] For example, in this disclosure, user equipment (UE) may be referred to by other names such as a mobile station, mobile terminal, mobile device, mobile unit, subscriber station, subscriber terminal, subscriber device, subscriber unit, wireless station, wireless terminal, wireless device, wireless unit, remote station, remote terminal, remote device, or remote unit.

[0128] For example, in the present disclosure, "transmit" may mean performing processing at least one layer in a protocol stack used for transmission, or may mean physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or via a wire. Alternatively, "transmit" may mean a combination of performing processing at least one layer and physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or via a wire. Similarly, "receive" may mean performing processing at least one layer in a protocol stack used for reception, or may mean physically receiving a signal wirelessly or via a wire. Alternatively, "receive" may mean a combination of processing at least one layer and physically receiving a signal wirelessly or via a wire. The at least one layer may be rephrased as at least one protocol.

[0129] For example, in this disclosure, "obtain / acquire" may mean obtaining information from stored information, obtaining information from information received from other nodes, or obtaining information by generating the information.

[0130] For example, in this disclosure, "include" and "comprise" do not mean including only the listed items, but may mean including only the listed items or may include additional items in addition to the listed items.

[0131] For example, in this disclosure, "or" does not mean an exclusive or, but rather a logical or.

[0132] The technical features included in the above-described embodiments may be expressed as the following features: Naturally, the present disclosure is not limited to the following features.

[0133] (Feature 1) A user device (200), a communication processing unit (235) that receives, from a base station (100), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message including granularity information about route information indicating at least a movement route of the user equipment; an information acquisition unit (231) that acquires the granularity information included in the RRC message; Equipped with The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. User equipment.

[0134] (Feature 2) The interval between the points on the moving path is the spatial interval between the points on the moving path. Feature 1. The user equipment of feature 1.

[0135] (Feature 3) The interval between points on the travel route is the time interval between points on the travel route. Feature 1. The user equipment of feature 1.

[0136] (Feature 4) The granularity information is a predefined set value corresponding to the interval between points on the travel path. The user device according to any one of features 1 to 3.

[0137] (Feature 5) The particle size information indicates the range of the particle size. The user device according to any one of features 1 to 4.

[0138] (Feature 6) The RRC message includes route request information requesting transmission of the route information. The user device according to any one of features 1 to 5.

[0139] (Feature 7) The communication processing unit transmits a second RRC message including movement speed related information regarding a movement speed of the user equipment to the base station; The second RRC message is transmitted before receiving the first RRC message. The user device according to any one of features 1 to 6.

[0140] (Feature 8) The second RRC message includes information indicating availability of the route information. 8. The user equipment of feature 7.

[0141] (Feature 9) The second RRC message is a message transmitted in an RRC connection establishment procedure. 9. The user equipment according to any one of features 7 and 8.

[0142] (Feature 10) the communication processing unit receives a third RRC message including movement speed request information requesting transmission of the movement speed related information from the base station; The second RRC message is transmitted in response to the third RRC message. 8. The user equipment of feature 7.

[0143] (Feature 11) an information acquisition unit (141) that acquires granularity information about route information that indicates at least a movement route of a user device (200); a communication processing unit (145) that transmits an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message including the granularity information to the user equipment; Equipped with The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. Base station (100).

[0144] (Feature 12) The communication processing unit receives a second RRC message from the user equipment, the second RRC message including movement speed related information regarding a movement speed of the user equipment; The apparatus further includes a control unit (143) that sets the granularity information based on the moving speed related information. Feature 12. The base station of feature 11.

[0145] (Feature 13) A method performed by a user equipment (200), comprising: receiving, from a base station (100), a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message including granular information about route information indicating at least a movement route of the user equipment; obtaining the granularity information included in the RRC message; Including, The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. method.

[0146] (Feature 14) A method performed by a base station (100), comprising: Acquiring granular information about route information indicating at least a travel route of the user equipment (200); transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message including the granularity information to the user equipment; Including, The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. method.

[0147] (Feature 15) Receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the base station (100), the RRC message including granular information about route information indicating at least a movement route of the user equipment (200); obtaining the granularity information included in the RRC message; A program that causes a computer to execute the The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. program.

[0148] (Feature 16) Acquiring granular information about route information indicating at least a travel route of the user equipment (200); transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message including the granularity information to the user equipment; A program that causes a computer to execute the The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. program.

[0149] (Feature 17) Receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message from the base station (100), the RRC message including granular information about route information indicating at least a movement route of the user equipment (200); obtaining the granularity information included in the RRC message; A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the above is recorded, The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. Non-transitive physical recording media.

[0150] (Feature 18) Acquiring granular information about route information indicating at least a travel route of the user equipment (200); transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message including the granularity information to the user equipment; A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the above is recorded, The granularity information indicates the interval between points on the travel path. Non-transitive physical recording media.

Claims

1. A communication device, receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message from a base station, the RRC reconfiguration message including first information used to indicate values ​​related to differences in time of arrival at a plurality of points; a communication processing unit that, when receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, transmits to the base station an RRC reconfiguration completion message, the message including information indicating availability of route information, the route information including second information indicating each of the plurality of points and third information indicating time related to the plurality of points; and Equipped with The communication processing unit receiving a UEInformationRequest message from the base station, the UEInformationRequest message including information used to request transmission of the route information; In response to receiving the UEInformationRequest message, a UEInformationResponse message including the route information is transmitted to the base station. Communication equipment.

2. The communication processing unit transmit, to the base station, a message of completion of RRC re-establishment including information indicating the availability of the route information, a message of completion of RRC establishment including information indicating the availability of the route information, or a message of completion of RRC resumption including information indicating the availability of the route information. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. The route information includes information on a flight route or a movement route. The communication device according to claim 1 .

4. A base station, transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message to the communication device, the message including first information used to indicate a value related to a difference in time of arrival at a plurality of points; a communication processing unit that receives, from the communication device, a message indicating completion of RRC reconfiguration, the message including information indicating availability of route information, the message including second information indicating each of the plurality of points and third information indicating a time related to the plurality of points; an information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating availability of the route information included in the RRC reconfiguration completion message; Equipped with The communication processing unit sending a UEInformationRequest message to the communication device, the UEInformationRequest message including information used to request transmission of the route information; receiving a UEInformationResponse message including the route information from the communication device in response to the transmission of the UEInformationRequest message; Base station.

5. The communication processing unit receiving, from the communication device, a message of completion of RRC re-establishment including information indicating availability of the route information, a message of completion of RRC establishment including information indicating availability of the route information, or a message of completion of RRC resumption including information indicating availability of the route information; The base station of claim 4.

6. The route information includes information on a flight route or a movement route. The base station of claim 4.

7. 1. A method performed by a communication device, comprising: receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message from a base station, the RRC reconfiguration message including first information used to indicate values ​​related to differences in time of arrival at a plurality of points; When receiving the RRC reconfiguration message, transmitting an RRC reconfiguration completion message to the base station, the message including information indicating availability of route information, the route information including second information indicating each of the plurality of points and third information indicating a time related to the plurality of points; receiving a UEInformationRequest message from the base station, the UEInformationRequest message including information used to request transmission of the route information; and transmitting a UEInformationResponse message including the route information to the base station in response to receiving the UEInformationRequest message. method.

8. transmitting, to the base station, an RRC re-establishment completion message including information indicating availability of the route information, an RRC establishment completion message including information indicating availability of the route information, or an RRC resumption completion message including information indicating availability of the route information. The method of claim 7.

9. The route information includes information on a flight route or a movement route. The method of claim 7.

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