Wireless communication interference control system, interference control method, relay device, and interference control program

Abstract

Provided is an interference control system which is for wireless communication and is suitable for limiting the total amount of interference given by a large number of interfering devices to interfered devices to be protected. The interference control system provides a control device located in a public network with a resource application based on a message, regarding the use of radio resources, issued by the interfering devices disposed in an operator network (5). A response based on the message issued by the control device in response to the resource application is provided to the interfering device that has issued the resource application (7). On the basis of the resource application and the response, a resource table including information obtained by estimating frequency availability in the operator network is updated (1). The information obtained by estimating the availability included in the resource table is reflected in the resource application (2)(3)(4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication interference control system, an interference control method, a relay device, and an interference control program, and in particular to a wireless communication interference control system, an interference control method, a relay device, and an interference control program that are suitable for limiting the total amount of interference caused by a large number of interfering devices having wireless communication functions to other interfered devices that should be protected. [Background technology]

[0002] CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) proposed in the United States is known as a technology premised on the coexistence of an interfered device to be protected and multiple interferer devices that emit interference signals. More specifically, CBRS is a wireless communication technology that has a function of suppressing the total amount of interference to an interfered device when the interfered device and the interferer device share the same frequency band. Non-Patent Document 1 below describes technical standards related to CBRS.

[0003] In CBRS, the interfered device and multiple interferer devices (CBSD: Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device) preregister their location information in a control device (SAS: Spectrum Access System) via a network. The location information includes the latitude and longitude of each interferer device, and information indicating whether the device is installed indoors or outdoors.

[0004] Each interfering device transmits a request to use wireless resources such as a frequency to be used and transmission power to the control device. The control device, which receives the request, estimates the total amount of interference caused by all interfering devices to the interfered device. The total amount of interference is calculated from preregistered location information for each of the interfered device and the interfering device, the antenna gain and transmission power of each device, and the like. The control device then determines whether or not to accept the request for use depending on whether or not the estimated value of the total amount of interference falls within an allowable value, and returns the result of the determination as a response to the interfering device.

[0005] In CBRS, requests and responses between an interfering device and a control device may be exchanged directly or via a relay device (Domain Proxy). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] CBRS Baseline Standards, WINNF-TS-0016, CBRS WInnForum Standards, November 25, 2020, https: / / cbrs.wirelessinnovation.org / release-1-of-the-baseline-standard-specifications Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the optical access services provided by telecommunications carriers, many subscribers use wireless devices such as wireless LAN access points. These wireless devices can be interference sources for interfered devices that should be protected, just like interferer devices in CBRS.

[0008] When CBRS technology is applied to the optical access service, it is assumed that the control device that controls the total amount of interference will be installed outside the network of the telecommunications carrier that provides the service. If the subscriber's wireless device freely issues a usage request to the control device without any adjustment, a large amount of resources may be unfairly allocated to some subscribers, which may cause a situation where fairness among all subscribers is lost. In addition, if the subscriber's wireless device issues a usage request without understanding the availability of frequencies, a situation where a lot of useless requests and responses occur may occur because requests submitted to congested frequencies are rejected.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has a first objective to provide a wireless communication interference control system that can ensure overall fairness within a network and suppress the occurrence of unnecessary applications by making appropriate adjustments to usage requests issued from multiple interfering devices belonging to a specific network to a control device located outside the network.

[0010] A second objective of the present disclosure is to provide an interference control method for wireless communication that ensures fairness within a network as a whole and suppresses the occurrence of unnecessary applications by making appropriate adjustments to usage requests issued from multiple interfering devices belonging to a specific network to a control device located outside the network.

[0011] A third objective of the present disclosure is to provide a wireless communication relay device that ensures overall fairness within a network and suppresses the occurrence of unnecessary applications by making appropriate adjustments to usage requests issued from multiple interfering devices belonging to a specific network to a control device located outside the network.

[0012] A fourth objective of the present disclosure is to provide a program for wireless communication interference control that ensures fairness within a network as a whole and suppresses the occurrence of unnecessary applications by making appropriate adjustments to usage requests issued from multiple interfering devices belonging to a specific network to a control device located outside the network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect is a wireless communication interference control system including a control device that controls an amount of interference caused by a plurality of interfering devices that perform wireless communication to an interfered device that performs wireless communication, A relay device disposed between the interfering device and the control device includes a processor unit and a memory storing a program executed by the processor unit; The processor unit includes: A process of providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of wireless resources issued by an interference device located in a carrier network to a control device located in a public network; providing a response based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; An update process of updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A reflection process in which the information estimating the availability status included in the resource table is reflected in at least one of a subsequent resource request from the interfering device and a response to the interfering device in the form of at least one of a restriction and a modification; It is advisable to carry out the following:

[0014] A second aspect is a wireless communication interference control method using a control device in which a plurality of interfering devices performing wireless communication control an amount of interference caused to an interfered device performing wireless communication, providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of radio resources issued by an interfering device located in the operator network to a control device located in the public network; providing a response to the resource request based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A step of reflecting the information estimating the availability status included in the resource table in at least one of a resource request from the interfering device and a response to the interfering device in the form of at least one of a restriction and a modification; It is preferable that the present invention includes the following:

[0015] A third aspect is a wireless communication relay device using a control device that controls an amount of interference caused by a plurality of interfering devices that perform wireless communication with an interfered device, A processor unit; a memory that stores a program executed by the processor unit; The processor unit includes: A process of providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of wireless resources issued by an interference device located in a carrier network to a control device located in a public network; providing a response based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; An update process of updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A reflection process in which the information estimating the availability status included in the resource table is reflected in at least one of a subsequent resource request from the interfering device and a response to the interfering device in the form of at least one of a restriction and a modification; It is advisable to carry out the following:

[0016] A fourth aspect is a program for controlling interference in wireless communication for implementing the relay device of the third aspect, The processor unit, A process of providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of wireless resources issued by an interference device located in a carrier network to a control device located in a public network; providing a response based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; An update process of updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A reflection process in which the information estimating the availability status included in the resource table is reflected in at least one of a subsequent resource request from the interfering device and a response to the interfering device in the form of at least one of a restriction and a modification; It is preferable that the program include a program for executing the above. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the first to fourth aspects, by making appropriate adjustments to resource requests issued from multiple interfering devices belonging to an operator network to a control device located outside the operator network, it is possible to ensure fairness in the operator network and suppress the occurrence of unnecessary requests. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an interference control system using CBRS, which is a comparative example of the system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an interference control system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of an interfering device arranged in the carrier network in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. [Figure 4]3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a relay device shown in FIG. 2; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the operation of the interference control system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the interference control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a process executed by a relay device to return a response to a resource request to an interfering device in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one state of a table updated in a relay device in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing executed by a relay device to transmit a table to an interfering device in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a process executed by an interfering device to update a table in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a process executed by an interfering device to transmit a request for wireless resources in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the interference control system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a process executed by a relay device to return a response to a resource request to an interfering device in a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the interference control system according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow executed by a relay device to return a response to a resource request to an interfering device in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining group division of interfering devices in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17]FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the interference control system according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of a process executed by a relay device to return a response to a resource request to an interfering device in a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] Fig. 19(A) is a diagram showing one state of a table for area A updated by a relay device in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 19(B) is a diagram showing one state of a table for area B updated by a relay device in the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing executed by a relay device to transmit a table to an interfering device in a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining group division of interfering devices according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining group division of interfering devices according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the interference control system according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow executed by a relay device to return a response to a resource request to an interfering device in a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 25] Fig. 25(A) is a diagram showing one state of a table for an interfering device A updated by a relay device in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 25(B) is a diagram showing one state of a table for an interfering device B updated by a relay device in the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow executed by a relay device to transmit a table to an interfering device in a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the interference control system according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28]23 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow executed by a relay device to transmit a table to an interfering device in a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Embodiment 1 [Comparative Example of the First Embodiment] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an interference control system using CBRS. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of this system will be described as a comparative example of the interference control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The system shown in FIG. 1 includes an interfered device 10. The interfered device 10 is a wireless device whose communication quality needs to be protected. The system shown in FIG. 1 also includes a plurality of interfered devices 12-1 to 12-5. Here, five interfered devices are illustrated. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the interfered devices 12-1 to 12-5, they will be hereinafter referred to as the interfered device 12 using the reference symbol 12. The interfered device 12 is a wireless device that shares the same frequency band as the interfered device 10.

[0021] A wireless signal emitted from the interfering device 12 may interfere with a wireless signal transmitted and received by the interfered device 10. In Fig. 1, for example, the amount of interference caused by the interfering device 12-1 is represented as "I1" and the amount of interference caused by the interfering device 12-2 is represented as [I2]. Also, the total amount of interference, which is the sum of the interference caused by each of the interfering devices 12, is represented as "I". In order to protect the communication of the interfered device 10, it is necessary to suppress the total amount of interference I to an allowable value or less.

[0022] In the system shown in Fig. 1, some of the interfering devices 12-1 and 12-2 are directly connected to the CBRS control device 14. The remaining interfering devices 12-3 to 12-5 are connected to the control device 14 via a relay device 16. The relay device 16 can relay resource requests and responses between each of the multiple interfering devices 12-3 to 12-5 and the control device 14.

[0023] In a system using CBRS, each of the interfered device 10 and the interfering device 12 pre-registers the device ID, location information, etc., in the control device 14 prior to the start of communication. Fig. 1 shows an example of a registration message 18 transmitted from the interfering device 12-5 to the control device 14. Specifically, the registration message 18 includes the following information: 1.Device ID=CBSD5 2.Latitude and longitude of the device installation location 3. Information indicating whether the device is installed indoors or outdoors 4. Antenna gain of the device

[0024] After the above-mentioned advance registration, each of the interfering devices 12 requests the control device 14 for the communication resources it wishes to use when starting communication. Fig. 1 shows a state in which a resource request 20 including ID=CBSD5 is issued from the interfering device 12-5 to the control device 14. Specifically, the resource request 20 includes the following information: 1. The frequency channel you want to use for communication 2. The transmission power you want to use to transmit the signal

[0025] A database update unit 22 is formed inside the control device 14. The database update unit 22 updates information related to the frequency usage status, etc., based on information obtained by advance registration, information obtained by resource application, and further information of a response generated to the resource application. Specifically, when the database update unit 22 receives a resource application from a specific interfering device 12, it updates the database assuming a case in which the application is permitted. In addition, when it determines whether the application is permitted and generates a response indicating the result, it updates the database again so that the content of the response is reflected.

[0026] A total interference amount estimating unit 24 is formed inside the control device 14. The total interference amount estimating unit 24 calculates the amount of interference caused by each of the interfering devices 12, and the sum of these is set as the total interference amount I. For example, the amount of interference I1 caused by the interfering device 12-1 can be calculated by a known method as a function of the position of the CBSD1, the transmission power of the CBSD1, and the antenna gain of the CBSD1, and the position of the interfered device 10 and the antenna gain of the interfered device 10. When a resource request is received from the interfering device 12-1, the amount of interference I1 that will occur if the request is permitted can be estimated by using the transmission power included in the request in the above calculation. When a resource request is not received from the interfering device 12-1, the amount of interference I1 is calculated based on the wireless resource that the interfering device 12-1 is actually using. The same applies to the amounts of interference I2 to I5 of the other interfering devices 12. The total amount of interference I is calculated by taking the sum of the amounts of interference I1 to I5 estimated or calculated in this way.

[0027] The control device 14 further includes a determination / response unit 26. The determination / response unit 26 determines whether the total interference amount I estimated in response to a resource request issued by any of the interfering devices 12 is equal to or less than the allowable interference value for the interfered device 10. If the relationship "total interference amount I≦allowable value" holds, it can be determined that excessive interference will not occur in the interfered device 10 even if the resource request is accepted. In this case, the determination / response unit 26 generates an OK response to the resource request. On the other hand, if the relationship "total interference amount>allowable value" holds, it can be determined that unacceptable interference will occur in the interfered device 10 if the resource request is accepted. In this case, the determination / response unit 26 generates an NG response to the resource request.

[0028] The response generated by the yes / no decision / response unit 26 is sent to the interfering device 12 directly or via the relay device 16. Fig. 1 shows a state in which a response 28 is sent from the control device 14 to the interfering device 12-5 via the relay device 16. As shown in the figure, this response includes information of OK or NG along with ID=CBSD5.

[0029] When the interfering device 12 receives an OK response to the resource request, it starts communication using the requested frequency and transmission power. On the other hand, when the interfering device 12 receives an NG response to the resource request, it changes the requested resource and makes a resource request again. According to the above process, it is possible to continue to appropriately protect the communication of the interfered device 10 while allowing efficient communication for many interfering devices 12.

[0030] [Configuration of the first embodiment] Figure 2 shows a configuration of an interference control system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the interference control system shown in Figure 2, an optical access service provided by a specific carrier is incorporated into the CBRS configuration shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, elements that are the same as those shown in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0031] The system shown in Fig. 2 includes a plurality of interfering devices 30-1 to 30-3, together with the interfering devices 12-1 and 12-2. The interfering devices 12-1 and 12-2 are arranged in a public network (NW) 36 together with the control device 14. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the interfering devices 12-1 and 12-2, they will be referred to as "interfering devices 12".

[0032] The interfering devices 30-1 to 30-3 are wireless devices managed by subscribers of an optical access service provided by a telecommunications carrier. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the interfering devices 30-1 to 30-3, they will be referred to as "interfering devices 30" using the reference symbol 30. The interfering device 30 is disposed in a network managed by the telecommunications carrier (hereinafter referred to as "carrier network 32"). Incidentally, the interfering device 30 is connected to the carrier network 32 via a subscriber network managed by a subscriber, but here, the two will be referred to as "carrier network 32" without distinguishing between them.

[0033] A relay device 34 is further disposed in the carrier network 32. The relay device 34 is an element constituting a main part of the interference control system of the present embodiment, and has a function of relaying resource requests and responses between the interfering device 30 and the control device 14.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the interfering device 30 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the interfering device 30 includes a control unit 40 and an information storage unit 42. The control unit 40 includes a processor unit (CPU). The information storage unit 42 includes a memory, and the memory stores a program to be executed by the CPU. The function of the control unit 40 is realized by the CPU of the control unit 40 proceeding with processing according to the above program. The information storage unit 42 further stores resource information related to the ID of the device, location information, and frequencies used for communication, etc.

[0035] The interfering device 30 includes a wireless interface unit 44. The wireless interface unit 44 can establish wireless communication with an external wireless device via an antenna 46. The wireless interface unit 44 can also acquire GPS information of the device via the antenna 46. The interfering device 30 further includes a network interface unit 48. The network interface unit 48 can transmit and receive messages to and from the relay device 34 via the carrier NW 32.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the relay device 34 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the relay device 34 includes a control unit 50 and an information storage unit 52. The control unit 50 includes a processor unit (CPU). The information storage unit 52 includes a memory, and the memory stores a program to be executed by the CPU. The function of the control unit 50 is realized by the CPU of the control unit 50 proceeding with the process according to the above program. This program can be recorded on a recording medium and provided to the relay device 34, and can also be provided to the relay device 34 via a network. The information storage unit 52 further stores information such as the contents of the message to be relayed and a frequency usage table. As described later, the frequency usage table stores information on the wireless resources used by each of the interfering devices 30.

[0037] The relay device 34 includes a network interface unit 54. The network interface unit 54 can transmit and receive messages to and from each of the interfering devices 30 via the carrier NW 32, and can also transmit and receive messages to and from the control device 14 via the public NW 36.

[0038] The relay device 34 further includes a subscriber database (DB) 56. In the subscriber DB 56, information such as IDs and addresses of the subscribers who manage the respective interfering devices 30 is stored.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the operation of the interference control system shown in Fig. 2. In the interference control system according to the present disclosure, similarly to the case of CBRS shown in Fig. 1, each of the interfered device 10 and the interfering devices 12, 30 pre-registers its latitude and longitude, and whether it is installed indoors or outdoors, in the control device 14. The operation described below is the operation that occurs after the pre-registration.

[0040] 5 shows how a resource request issued from the interfering device 30 is sent to the control device 14 via the relay device 34, and a response generated by the control device 14 is sent to the interfering device 30 via the relay device 34. The relay device 34 can grasp the availability of frequency channels in the process of repeatedly relaying resource requests and responses between the subordinate interfering devices 30 and the control devices 14.

[0041] For example, the relay device 34 may receive a resource request from the interfering device 30-1 requesting the use of frequency channel ch1, and may receive a NG response to the request from the control device 14. In this case, the relay device 34 may recognize that ch1 is congested and cannot be used.

[0042] In addition, the relay device 34 may receive a resource request including a request to cancel the use of the frequency channel ch2 from, for example, the interfering device 30-1. In this case, the relay device 34 can recognize that the channel ch2, which was previously unavailable, is now available for use.

[0043] In addition, the relay device 34 may receive an OK response for ch3 from the control device 14 under circumstances where the relay device 34 has recognized that ch3 is unavailable. In this case, the relay device 34 can recognize that ch3 has changed from an unavailable state to an available state.

[0044] In this way, the repeater device 34 grasps the availability of frequency channels. Then, if the availability of frequency channels is known, the resource request and response can be modified so that wireless resources are fairly distributed to all of the interfering devices 30 using the optical access service. In addition, it is possible to reduce wasteful processing by avoiding requests to use congested frequency channels. The lower part of Fig. 5 shows how the repeater device 34 reflects the availability of frequency channels in the resource request or response in order to realize such a function.

[0045] [Features of the first embodiment] Fig. 6 is a diagram for specifically explaining the flow of processing executed in this embodiment to realize the above functions. Fig. 6 shows that the following processing is executed in chronological order in the interference control system of this embodiment.

[0046] (1) The relay device 34 grasps the availability of frequency channels. Specifically, the situation in which the frequency channels are being used is grasped based on the resource request and response messages received in the past. Furthermore, here, the situation regarding which interfering device 30 is using which channel with what transmission power is also grasped from the contents of the resource request and response received in the past. (2) The relay device 34 notifies the subordinate interfering device 30 of the available status that it has grasped. (3) Each of the interfering devices 30 refers to the availability of frequency channels. (4) Each of the interfering devices 30 determines the content of the resource request based on the referenced availability. This avoids wasteful requests for use of congested frequency channels. Here, it is also possible to take into consideration how other surrounding interfering devices 30 are using frequencies. This determines the resource request so that resources are allocated fairly. As a result, fairness is guaranteed among all of the subordinate interfering devices 30.

[0047] (5) After determining the content of the request, the interfering device 30 transmits the resource request to the control device 14 via the relay device 34 . (6) The control device 14 judges whether the resource application is accepted and determines the resource allocation. (7) The control device 14 returns a response via the relay device 34 to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request.

[0048] Fig. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of the process executed by the relay device 34 to realize the function (1) above. As shown in Fig. 7, the relay device 34 in a steady state first determines whether or not a resource request has been received from any of the subordinate interfering devices 30 (step 100).

[0049] When a resource request is received from any of the interfering devices 30, the request is then transmitted to the control device 14 (step 102).

[0050] Next, it is determined whether a response to the transmitted resource request has been received from the control device 14 (step 104).

[0051] Upon receiving the response, the relay device 34 updates the resource table indicating the availability of frequency channels (step 106). Specifically, the resource table is updated based on the release information included in the resource request received in step 100 and the OK or NG information included in the response received in step 104.

[0052] Fig. 8 shows one state of the resource table updated by the relay device 34. As shown in Fig. 8, the resource table stores, for example, the following information for each frequency channel. 1. Availability (OK is available, NG is crowded) 2. NG request power (the transmission power value requested in the resource request that received a NG response) 3. Update time (year / month / day / hour / minute / second)

[0053] Furthermore, the resource table may include information on the frequency usage status of the surrounding interfering devices 30. For example, if the interfering device 30-1 requests the use of ch1 and returns an OK response, it can be determined that the interfering device 30-1 is using ch1. The relay device 34 can estimate the frequency usage status of all the subordinate interfering devices 30 by performing the same process. The resource table may include the frequency usage status estimated in this manner.

[0054] After updating the resource table, the relay device 34 transmits the response received from the control device 14 to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request (step 108), as shown in Fig. 7. After completing this process, the relay device 34 returns to the steady state.

[0055] Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of the routine executed by the relay device 34 to perform the above function (2), that is, to notify the subordinate interfering device 30 of the resource table. As shown in Fig. 9, the relay device 34 in a steady state determines whether a certain time has passed since the previous notification of the resource table (step 110).

[0056] When it is determined that a certain period of time has elapsed, the relay device 34 broadcasts the latest resource table information at that time to all subordinate interfering devices 30 (step 112). After completing this process, the relay device 34 returns to the steady state again.

[0057] According to the above process, the resource table is updated whenever a resource request and response are exchanged between any of the interfering devices 30 and the control device 14. Then, the latest resource table is provided to all of the interfering devices 30 every time a certain period of time elapses.

[0058] 10 is a flowchart of a routine executed by the interfering device 30 to update the resource table held by the interfering device 30. As shown in FIG. 10, the interfering device 30 in a steady state determines whether or not it has received information on the resource table from the relay device 34 (step 120).

[0059] When reception of the resource table from the relay device 34 is confirmed, the interfering device 30 updates the resource table stored in the information storage unit 42 so that the information in the table is reflected (step 122). As a result, the resource table held by the interfering device 30 is synchronized with the resource table of the relay device 34.

[0060] Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a routine executed by the interfering device 30 to determine the contents of a resource request by referring to the resource table. As shown in Fig. 11, the interfering device 30 in a steady state first determines whether or not a trigger for a resource request has occurred (step 130).

[0061] When the occurrence of a resource application opportunity is recognized, the interfering device 30 first refers to the resource table stored in the information storage unit 42. Next, the content of the resource application is determined based on the status recorded in the resource table (step 132). For example, if the availability of ch1 is OK and the availability of ch2 is NG, the content of the resource application is determined by giving priority to the use of ch1.

[0062] Furthermore, if multiple frequency channels are available, the channel with the most recent update time is given priority. On the other hand, if all frequency channels are NG, the channel with the oldest update time is given priority. The frequency availability is constantly changing. Therefore, by selecting a channel as described above, the probability of receiving an OK response can be increased. Furthermore, if all channels are NG, the channel with the largest applied power when it was determined to be NG can be given priority. With this selection, if the reason for NG is the amount of power, an OK response can be received if the applied power is small.

[0063] When determining the content of the resource request, the frequency usage status of the surrounding interfering devices 30 is also taken into consideration. For example, if the device is already using ch1 and would like to request the use of ch3 in addition to this, it is confirmed whether at least one frequency channel has been assigned to all of the other interfering devices 30 that are requesting to start communication. As a result, if there is an interfering device 30 that has not been assigned even one channel, the request to use ch3 is postponed. This ensures fairness among all subscribers. The frequency usage status of the surrounding interfering devices 30 may be provided by the relay device 34 in the above-mentioned resource table, or may be provided by the relay device 34 separately from the resource table.

[0064] After determining the content of the resource request, the interfering device 30 next transmits the resource request (step 134). The resource request thus transmitted reaches the control device 14 via the relay device .

[0065] The interfering device 30 that has transmitted the resource request waits for a response to the request to be returned from the control device 14 (step 136).

[0066] Then, the interfering device 30 that has received the response changes the wireless resources to be used according to the result of the response (step 138). Specifically, the resource usage status is changed so that the frequency channel for which an OK response has been received is used and the frequency channel for which an NG response has been received is not used. If an NG response has been received for all frequency channels, the process from step 130 onwards is repeated, and a reapplication is made with the revised content.

[0067] According to the above process, in a system in which a plurality of interfering devices 30 belonging to the carrier network 32 and an interfering device 12 belonging to the public network 36 similarly issue resource requests to the control device 14, it is possible to perform appropriate adjustments to the resource requests from the interfering devices 30. In the system of this embodiment, this adjustment makes it possible to provide a fair service overall to the subscribers who use the carrier network 32. In addition, it is possible to provide a highly efficient communication service by suppressing the occurrence of unnecessary requests.

[0068] Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13 in addition to Figures 2 to 5 and Figures 9 to 11. The interference control system of this embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration shown in Figures 2 to 4, as in the case of the first embodiment. Moreover, the interference control system of this embodiment realizes the operation described with reference to Figure 5 in a specific manner different from that of the first embodiment.

[0069] [Features of the second embodiment] Fig. 12 is a diagram for specifically explaining the flow of processing executed in this embodiment to reflect the availability of frequencies in a resource application. Fig. 12 shows that the following processing is executed in chronological order in the interference control system of this embodiment.

[0070] (1) The relay device 34 grasps the availability of frequency channels and updates the resource table. The updated resource table is provided to the interfering device 30.

[0071] (2) Each of the interfering devices 30 refers to the resource table to determine the content of the request. Here, similarly to the first embodiment, the frequency usage status of the surrounding interfering devices 30 may be taken into consideration. (3) After determining the content of the request, the interfering device 30 issues a resource request to the relay device 34 .

[0072] (4) Upon receiving the resource request, relay device 34 reads the resource table and refers to the availability of frequencies. (5) The relay device 34 judges whether the received resource request is acceptable or not based on the availability. If the relay device 34 judges that the resource request is unacceptable, it makes necessary corrections. Here, the frequency usage status of the interfering device 30 arranged around the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request may also be taken into consideration. (6) After making the necessary modifications to the resources, the relay device 34 transmits the request to the control device 14.

[0073] (7) The control device 14 judges whether the resource application is accepted, and determines the resource allocation based on the result. (8) After determining the resource allocation, the control device 14 returns a response via the relay device 34 to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the relay device 34 provides a resource table to the interfering device 30 by the routine shown in Fig. 9, as in the first embodiment. Also, the interfering device 30 updates its own resource table by the routine shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, the interfering device 30 performs processes from resource application to wireless resource change by the routine shown in Fig. 11. These processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0075] Fig. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by relay device 34 for relaying messages and updating the resource table. In Fig. 13, steps similar to those shown in Fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0076] When the relay device 34 of this embodiment accepts the resource request from the interfering device 30 in step 100, it determines whether the request is within an allowable range (step 140). Specifically, it determines whether the frequency channel requested for use is available and whether the requested transmission power keeps the total interference amount I within an allowable range. Furthermore, it determines whether the request is allowable from the viewpoint of fairness in consideration of the status of the surrounding interfering devices 30.

[0077] As a result, if it is determined that the resource request falls within the allowable range, the relay device 34 proceeds to the process from step 102 onwards. As a result, similar to the first embodiment, the resource table is updated, a response is transmitted to the interfering device 30, and the like.

[0078] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 140 that the resource request exceeds the allowable range, the resource request is then modified (step 142). Specifically, if the requested channel is unavailable, the channel is changed to an available channel. If excessive transmission power has been requested, the transmission power is changed to a value that brings the total interference amount I within the allowable value. Furthermore, if a request that undermines overall fairness has been made, the number of channels related to the request is reduced, or the transmission power is reduced, or other modifications are made.

[0079] After the above process is completed, the processes from step 102 onwards are executed. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the frequency at which resource requests that are determined to be NG reach the control device 14. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to further improve communication efficiency in the entire system compared to the first embodiment. Also, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to ensure fairness throughout the entire carrier NW 32.

[0080] [Modification of the second embodiment] Incidentally, in the above-mentioned second embodiment, the relay device 34 modifies both the frequency and the transmission power included in the resource request, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, if only the frequency is modified and the transmission power exceeds the allowable range, the relay device 34 may return a NG response to the interfering device 30 without making any modification. Alternatively, the decision in this case may be left to the control device 14, and the resource request may be provided to the control device 14 without modifying the transmission power.

[0081] In the above-described second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the interfering device 30 refers to the resource table and generates a resource request that takes into account the availability of frequencies. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the relay device 34 modifies the resource request, so the interfering device 30 may generate a resource request without referring to the resource table.

[0082] Embodiment 3 Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15 as well as Figures 2 to 5 and Figures 9 to 11. The interference control system of this embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration shown in Figures 2 to 4, as in the case of the first embodiment. Moreover, the interference control system of this embodiment realizes the operation described with reference to Figure 5 by a specific method different from that of the first embodiment.

[0083] [Features of the third embodiment] Fig. 14 is a diagram for specifically explaining the flow of processing executed in this embodiment to reflect the availability of frequencies in resource requests and responses. Fig. 14 shows that the following processing is executed in chronological order in the interference control system of this embodiment.

[0084] (1) The relay device 34 grasps the availability of frequency channels and updates the resource table. The updated resource table is provided to the interfering device 30.

[0085] (2) Each of the interfering devices 30 refers to the resource table to determine the content of the request. Here, similarly to the first embodiment, the frequency usage status of the surrounding interfering devices 30 may be taken into consideration. (3) After determining the content of the request, the interfering device 30 issues a resource request to the relay device 34 .

[0086] (4) The relay device 34 that receives the resource application transfers the resource application to the control device 14 as is. (5) The control device 14 judges whether the resource application is accepted and determines the resource allocation based on the result. After determining the resource allocation, the control device 14 returns a response to the relay device 34.

[0087] (6) When the relay device 34 receives the response from the control device 14, it first reads the resource table and refers to the availability of frequencies. (7) Next, the relay device 34 judges whether the received response is acceptable or not based on its availability. Specifically, the fairness and priority of the subordinate interfering devices 30 are taken into consideration here. If it is judged that the fairness or priority to be achieved is impaired as a result, the content of the response is modified so that it is satisfied. (8) After making any necessary modifications to the response, the relay device 34 transmits the response to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request.

[0088] In the present embodiment, the relay device 34 provides a resource table to the interfering device 30 by the routine shown in Fig. 9, as in the first embodiment. Also, the interfering device 30 updates its own resource table by the routine shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, the interfering device 30 performs processes from resource application to wireless resource change by the routine shown in Fig. 11. These processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0089] Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by relay device 34 for relaying messages and updating the resource table. In Fig. 15, steps similar to those shown in Fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0090] When the relay device 34 of this embodiment acknowledges receipt of a response from the control device 14 in step 104, it determines whether the response is within an allowable range (step 150). Specifically, it is first determined whether the response from the control device 14 includes a frequency band permitted for use and a transmission power permitted for use. If such a frequency band and transmission power are included, it is further determined whether problems regarding fairness and priority will arise even if the use of those resources is permitted to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request.

[0091] As a result, if it is determined that a problem in fairness or priority occurs, it is determined that the response from the control device 14 is not within an acceptable range. In this case, the relay device 34 modifies the response to a content that does not cause a problem in fairness or priority (step 152). For example, the current response is modified so as to allocate an available frequency channel to an interfering device 30 whose wireless resource utilization is excessively hindered, or to an interfering device 30 whose desired priority has not been achieved. Thereafter, the relay device 34 proceeds with the process from step 106 onwards. This realizes updating of the resource table and returning a response to the interfering device 30.

[0092] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 150 that accepting the current response would not cause problems with fairness or priority, the response is determined to be within the acceptable range. A response indicating that there are no available resources is also determined to be within the acceptable range because it does not cause problems with fairness or priority. In this case, the relay device 34 accepts the response and immediately proceeds to the processing from step 106 onwards.

[0093] As described above, in this embodiment, the relay device 34 can modify the response generated by the control device 14 from the viewpoint of fairness and priority. Therefore, according to the system of this embodiment, in addition to continuing to properly protect the interfered device 10, it is possible to provide proper fairness and priority to each of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the provider NW 32.

[0094] [Modification of the third embodiment] Incidentally, in the above-described third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the interfering device 30 generates a resource request in consideration of the frequency usage status of the surrounding interfering devices 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the relay device 34 modifies the response, so that the interfering device 30 may generate a resource request without considering the surrounding frequency usage status.

[0095] Embodiment 4 Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 2 to 5, 10 and 11 as well as Figs. 16 to 20. The interference control system of the present embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration shown in Figs. 2 to 4, similar to the first embodiment. Moreover, the interference control system of the present embodiment realizes the operation described with reference to Fig. 5 in a specific manner different from that of the first embodiment.

[0096] [Features of the fourth embodiment] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining group division of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the interference control system of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, in this embodiment, a plurality of interfering devices 30 belonging to the carrier NW 32 are grouped according to the regions in which they are located. For example, Fig. 16 shows a state in which three interfering devices 30 are located in each of region A and region B.

[0097] Fig. 17 is a diagram for specifically explaining the flow of processing executed in this embodiment to reflect the availability of frequencies in resource requests and responses. Fig. 17 shows that the following processing is executed in chronological order in the interference control system of this embodiment.

[0098] (1) The relay device 34 grasps the availability of frequency channels by region and updates the resource table by region. The division of the region may be registered in the relay device 34 in advance, or may be able to be set or changed afterwards. (2) The relay device 34 provides a resource table updated by region to each of the interfering devices 30. The locations of the interfering devices 30 are preregistered in the control device 14. The relay device 34 receives the information from the control device 14 and recognizes to which region each of the interfering devices 30 belongs.

[0099] (3) Each of the interfering devices 30 refers to the provided resource table and updates the resource table that it holds. (4) When an opportunity to make a request arises, the interfering device 30 refers to the updated resource table and determines the content of the request. Here, the situation of other interfering devices 30 belonging to the same area may be taken into consideration. (5) After determining the content of the request, the interfering device 30 transmits a resource request to the control device 14 via the relay device 34 .

[0100] (6) The control device 14 judges whether the resource application is accepted, and determines the resource allocation based on the result. (7) After determining the resource allocation, the control device 14 returns a response via the relay device 34 to the interfering device 30 that issued the request.

[0101] Fig. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by relay device 34 for relaying messages and updating the resource table. In Fig. 18, steps similar to those shown in Fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 18, when the relay device 34 of this embodiment acknowledges the response from the control device 14 in step 104, it updates the resource table for the target area (step 160).

[0103] 19(A) and 19(B) show one state of a resource table generated by relay device 34 by region in this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 19(A) shows the available frequency status in region A, and FIG. 19(B) shows the available frequency status in region B. These tables contain the same information as the table shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, a plurality of such regional resource tables are stored in information storage unit 52 of relay device 34.

[0104] Specifically, in step 160, first, it is determined from which region the resource request that triggered the current response was issued. Next, the resource table corresponding to that region is read from the information storage unit 52. The read resource table is then updated based on the current response. This allows the relay device 34 to update the resource table by region.

[0105] Thereafter, the relay device 34 executes the process of step 108 to transmit a response to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request.

[0106] Fig. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a process performed by the relay device of this embodiment to provide an updated resource table to the interfering device 30. In Fig. 20, the same steps as those shown in Fig. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 20, when the relay device 34 of this embodiment recognizes the passage of a certain period of time in step 110, it then transmits the resource table updated by region for each region (step 162). As a result, the resource table of region A is transmitted to all of the interfering devices 30 belonging to region A. In the same manner, the resource table of the region to which each device belongs is transmitted to all of the subordinate interfering devices 30.

[0108] In this embodiment, the interfering device 30 updates the resource table held by itself by the routine shown in Fig. 10. The interfering device 30 is provided with the resource table updated by region as described above. Therefore, the resource table held by each of the interfering devices 30 is updated to represent the situation of the region to which it belongs. Other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0109] The interfering device 30 also performs processes from resource application to radio resource change according to the routine shown in Fig. 11. However, in the first embodiment, in step 132, each of the interfering devices 30 is made to consider the frequency usage status of other surrounding interfering devices 30, but this point is different in this embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, in step 132, each of the interfering devices 30 is made to consider the status of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the same area. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0110] According to the above process, each of the interfering devices 30 can generate a resource request that takes into account the frequency usage situation of the area to which each of them belongs. The interfering devices 30 that are located close to each other strongly influence each other. According to this embodiment, it is possible to effectively avoid a situation in which the interfering devices 30 that are located far away from each other wastefully take each other into consideration, even though they hardly influence each other. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of communication compared to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 3.

[0111] [Modification of the fourth embodiment] Incidentally, the configuration of the above-mentioned fourth embodiment is a combination of the technology of updating and using the resource table by region with the technology of the above-mentioned first embodiment. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the technology of updating and using the resource table by region may be combined with the technology of the above-mentioned second embodiment or the technology of the above-mentioned third embodiment.

[0112] Embodiment 5. Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 21 to 26 as well as Figures 2 to 5, 10 and 11. The interference control system of this embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration shown in Figures 2 to 4, similar to the first embodiment. Moreover, the interference control system of this embodiment realizes the operation described with reference to Figure 5 by a specific method different from that of the first embodiment.

[0113] [Features of the fifth embodiment] 21 shows an arrangement in which two interfered devices 10-1 and 10-2 and four interfered devices 30-1 to 30-4 are arranged. The interfered devices 30-1 and 30-2 are arranged in positions that affect the interfered device 10-1. The interfered devices 30-2 to 30-4 are arranged in positions that affect the interfered device 10-2. Hereinafter, the interfered devices 10-1 and 10-2 will be simply referred to as "interfered device 10" when there is no need to distinguish between them.

[0114] In this embodiment, a "group" to which each interfering device 30 belongs is defined. The group of one interfering device 30 is determined based on the interfered device 10 to which the interfering device 30 exerts interference. For example, the interfering device 30-1 affects only the interfered device 10-1. The interfered device 10-1 is influenced by the interfering device 30-1 and the interfering device 30-2. In this case, the group of the interfering device 30-1 includes these two devices, that is, the group shown as "Group 1" in FIG. 21.

[0115] The interfering devices 30-3 and 30-4 each affect only the interfered device 10-2. The interfered device 10-2 is affected by the interfering device 30-2 in addition to the two other devices. In this case, the group of the interfering device 30-3 and the group of the interfering device 30-4 both include the interfering devices 30-2 to 30-4, that is, the group shown as "Group 2" in FIG. 21.

[0116] On the other hand, the interfering device 30-2 affects both the interfered device 10-1 and the interfered device 10-2. The interfered device 10-1 is affected by the interfering device 30-1 in addition to the interfering device 30-2. The interfered device 10-2 is affected by the interfering devices 30-3 and 30-4 in addition to the interfering device 30-2. In this case, the group of the interfering device 30-2 includes the four interfering devices 30-1 to 30-4, that is, the group that combines "Group 1" and "Group 2" shown in FIG. 21.

[0117] When determining the radio resources of the interfering device 30-1, it is necessary to consider only the influence of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the group of the interfering device 30-1, i.e., group 1. When determining the radio resources of the interfering device 30-2, it is necessary to consider the influence of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the group of the interfering device 30-2, i.e., the sum of group 1 and group 2.

[0118] Thus, in an environment where a plurality of interfered devices 10 exist, the combination of interfering devices 30 that should be considered when determining the radio resources to be used may differ for each of the interfering devices 30. In consideration of such a situation, the interference control system of the present embodiment defines a "group" individually for each of the interfering devices 30 that belong to the operator NW 32, and generates an individual resource table for the group.

[0119] Fig. 22 shows a group of the interfering device 30-1 determined by the above method. In Fig. 22, the interfering device 30-1 is assumed to affect a single or multiple interfered devices 10 (not shown). An ellipse 60 shown by a dashed line in Fig. 22 represents the total area that causes interference to one of the single or multiple interfered devices 10. In this embodiment, a group of the interfering devices 30 included in such an ellipse 60 becomes the group of the interfering device 30-1.

[0120] Fig. 23 is a diagram for specifically explaining the flow of processing executed in the interference control system of this embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 23 shows that the following processing is executed in chronological order in the interference control system of this embodiment.

[0121] (1) The relay device 34 grasps the availability of frequency channels for each of the interfering devices 30 individually and updates the resource table individually. The individual resource tables reflect the status of the interfering devices 30 that belong to a group defined for each of the interfering devices 30. The group of each of the interfering devices 30 is determined based on the resource request message and the response message received by the relay device 34. (2) The relay device 34 notifies each of the interfering devices 30 of the individually updated resource table.

[0122] (3) Each of the interfering devices 30 refers to the received resource table and updates the resource table that it holds. (4) When a resource application opportunity occurs, the interfering device 30 determines the content of the application based on the updated resource table. Here, the frequency usage status of other interfering devices 30 belonging to the same group may also be taken into consideration. (5) After determining the content of the request, the interfering device 30 transmits a resource request to the control device 14 via the relay device 34 .

[0123] (6) The control device 14 judges whether the resource application is accepted, and determines the resource allocation based on the result. (7) After determining the resource allocation, the control device 14 returns a response via the relay device 34 to the interfering device 30 that issued the request.

[0124] Fig. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by relay device 34 for relaying messages and updating the resource table. In Fig. 24, steps similar to those shown in Fig. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 24, when the relay device 34 of this embodiment acknowledges a response from the control device 14 in step 104, it updates the resource table of the interfering device 30 that belongs to the same group as the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request that triggered the response (step 170).

[0126] 25(A) and 25(B) show one state of the resource table generated by the relay device 34 for each device in this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 25(A) shows a resource table for the interfering device A. This resource table reflects a message related to the interfering device 30 belonging to the same group as the device A. Also, FIG. 25(B) shows a resource table for the interfering device B. This resource table reflects a message related to the interfering device 30 belonging to the same group as the device B. These tables contain the same information as the table shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, the information storage unit 52 of the relay device 34 stores the same number of device-specific resource tables as the number of subordinate interfering devices 30.

[0127] Specifically, in the above step 170, first, the group of the interfering devices 30 that issued the resource request that triggered the current response is identified. Next, individual resource tables for each of the interfering devices 30 belonging to that group are read from the information storage unit 52. Then, each of the read resource tables is updated based on the current response. This allows the relay device 34 to update the resource table for each device.

[0128] Thereafter, the relay device 34 executes the process of step 108 to transmit a response to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request.

[0129] Fig. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a process performed by the relay device of this embodiment to provide an updated resource table to the interfering device 30. In Fig. 26, the same steps as those shown in Fig. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0130] 26, when the relay device 34 of this embodiment recognizes the passage of a certain period of time in step 110, it then transmits the resource table updated for each device to each of the corresponding interfering devices 30 (step 172). This allows each of the interfering devices 30 to receive the latest resource table directed to itself.

[0131] In this embodiment, the interfering device 30 updates the resource table held by itself by the routine shown in Fig. 10. As a result, the resource table held by each of the interfering devices 30 is updated to one that correctly represents the status of all the interfering devices 30 that belong to the same group as itself. Since other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0132] The interfering device 30 also performs processes from resource application to radio resource change according to the routine shown in Fig. 11. However, in the first embodiment, in step 132, each of the interfering devices 30 is made to consider the frequency usage status of other surrounding interfering devices 30, but this point is different in this embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, in step 132, each of the interfering devices 30 is made to consider the status of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the same group. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment, so the description thereof will be omitted here.

[0133] According to the above process, each of the interfering devices 30 can generate a resource request that takes into consideration the frequency usage status of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the same group. That is, according to this embodiment, each of the interfering devices 30 can generate a resource request that takes into consideration only the influence of the interfering devices 30 that affect the same interfered device 10. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the efficiency of communication compared to the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments.

[0134] [Modification of the fifth embodiment] Incidentally, the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment 5 is a combination of the technology of updating and using the resource table for each device with the technology of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the technology of updating and using the resource table for each device may be combined with any of the technologies described in the above-mentioned embodiments 2 to 4.

[0135] Embodiment 6 Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 27 and 28 as well as Figs. 2 to 5, 7 to 8, and 10 to 11. The interference control system of this embodiment can be realized by the hardware configuration shown in Figs. 2 to 4, as in the case of the first embodiment. Moreover, the interference control system of this embodiment realizes the operation described with reference to Fig. 5 in a specific manner different from that of the first embodiment.

[0136] [Features of the sixth embodiment] Fig. 27 is a diagram for specifically explaining the flow of processing executed in this embodiment to reflect the availability of frequencies in resource requests and responses. Specifically, Fig. 27 shows that the following processing is executed in chronological order in the interference control system of this embodiment.

[0137] (1) The relay device 34 grasps the availability of frequency channels. (2) The relay device 34 notifies the interfering device 30 of a resource table reflecting the priority order by priority order.

[0138] (3) Each of the interfering devices 30 refers to the resource table and updates the resource table that it holds. (4) When a resource application opportunity occurs, the interfering device 30 refers to the updated resource table and determines the content of the application. Here, as in the case of the first embodiment, the frequency usage status of the surrounding interfering devices 30 may be taken into consideration. (5) After determining the content of the request, the interfering device 30 transmits a resource request to the control device 14 via the relay device 34 .

[0139] (6) The control device 14 judges whether the resource application is accepted, and determines the resource allocation based on the result. (7) After determining the resource allocation, the control device 14 transmits a response via the relay device 34 to the interfering device 30 that issued the resource request.

[0140] In this embodiment, the relay device 34 reflects the contents of the message in the resource table by the routine shown in Fig. 7, as in the first embodiment. Also, the interfering device 30 updates its own resource table by the routine shown in Fig. 10. Furthermore, the interfering device 30 performs processes from resource application to wireless resource change by the routine shown in Fig. 11. These processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0141] Fig. 28 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing executed by relay device 34 to notify the resource table to interfering device 30. In Fig. 28, steps similar to those shown in Fig. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0142] When the relay device 34 of this embodiment recognizes that a certain period of time has elapsed in step 110, it transmits a resource table that takes into consideration the priority to each of the interfering devices 30 by priority (step 180).

[0143] In this embodiment, a communication priority is determined in advance for each of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the carrier network 32. Specifically, in the above step 180, first, the priority of each of the interfering devices 30 is read out from the information storage unit 52 together with the latest resource table. Then, based on the resource table, a plurality of priority-based tables are generated according to priority. For example, a certain number of free channels are always prepared in a high-priority table. In addition, in a low-priority table, use restrictions are imposed on some channels. Thereafter, the relay device 34 transmits the priority-based tables thus generated to each of the interfering devices 30 to which the corresponding priority is assigned.

[0144] According to the above process, it is possible to always provide an advantageous communication environment to the interfering device 30 to which a high priority is set, compared to the interfering device 30 to which a low priority is set. Therefore, according to the interference control system of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide each of the interfering devices 30 belonging to the carrier NW 32 with a communication quality that matches the priority given in advance.

[0145] [Modification of the sixth embodiment] Incidentally, the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment 6 is to combine the technique of using a resource table generated by priority with the technique of the above-mentioned embodiment 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the technique of using a resource table generated by priority may be combined with any of the techniques described in the above-mentioned embodiments 2 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 10, 10-1, 10-2 Interfered device 12, 12-1 to 12-5, 30, 30-1 to 30-3 Interference device 14 Control device 32 Carrier Network (Carrier NW) 34 Relay Device 36 Public Network (Public NW) 50 Control section 52 Information storage section

Claims

1. A wireless communication interference control system including a control device that controls an amount of interference caused by a plurality of interfering devices that perform wireless communication to an interfered device that performs wireless communication, A relay device disposed between the interfering device and the control device includes a processor unit and a memory storing a program executed by the processor unit; The processor unit includes: providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of wireless resources issued by an interfering device located in a carrier network to a control device located in a public network; providing a response based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; An update process of updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A reflection process in which the information estimating the availability status included in the resource table after the update is reflected in at least one of the resource request from the interfering device after the update and the response to the interfering device in the form of at least one of a restriction and a modification; A wireless communication interference control system that performs the above steps.

2. The reflection process includes a process of notifying the interfering device of information estimating an availability status of the frequency included in the resource table, The wireless communication interference control system according to claim 1 , wherein the interfering device that has received the notification reflects the availability of the frequency in generating the resource request.

3. The wireless communication interference control system of claim 1, wherein the reflection process includes at least one of a process of modifying a resource request from the interfering device based on information estimating the availability of the frequency contained in the resource table and transferring it to the control device, and a process of modifying a response from the control device and transferring it to the interfering device.

4. The resource table is generated by region, The update process includes: A process of identifying an area to which the interfering device that issued the resource request belongs as a target area; and updating a resource table for the target area based on the resource request and the response. The wireless communication interference control system according to claim 1 , wherein the reflection process includes a process of reflecting information in a resource table of the target area in a resource application related to an interfering device that belongs to the target area.

5. The processor unit further performs a process of defining a group to which each of the interfering devices belonging to the operator network belongs based on the resource request and the response; A group of interfering devices is defined as the set of all interfering devices to which one or more interfered devices are affected by the interference from the interfering device, The resource table is individually generated for each interfering device so as to represent the availability of frequencies in the group of the interfering devices; The update process includes: A process of identifying a group to which the interfering device that issued the resource request belongs as a target group; and updating each of the resource tables individually generated for each of the interfering devices belonging to the target group based on the resource request and the response; The wireless communication interference control system according to claim 1 , wherein the reflection process includes a process of reflecting information in a resource table of an interfering device related to the resource request in the resource request.

6. A wireless communication interference control method using a control device in which a plurality of interfering devices performing wireless communication control an amount of interference caused to an interfered device performing wireless communication, the method comprising: providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of radio resources issued by an interfering device located in the operator network to a control device located in the public network; providing a response to the resource request based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A step of reflecting the information estimating the availability status included in the updated resource table in at least one of the resource requests from the updated interfering device and the responses to the updated interfering device in the form of at least one of restrictions and modifications; A wireless communication interference control method comprising:

7. A wireless communication relay device using a control device for controlling an amount of interference caused by a plurality of interfering devices that perform wireless communication to an interfered device that performs wireless communication, A processor unit; a memory that stores a program executed by the processor unit; The processor unit includes: providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of wireless resources issued by an interfering device located in a carrier network to a control device located in a public network; providing a response based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; An update process of updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A reflection process in which the information estimating the availability status included in the updated resource table is reflected in at least one of the resource request from the interfering device and the response to the interfering device after the update in the form of at least one of a restriction and a modification; A wireless communication relay device that executes the above.

8. A program for controlling interference in wireless communication for implementing the relay device according to claim 7, The processor unit, providing a resource request based on a message regarding the use of wireless resources issued by an interfering device located in a carrier network to a control device located in a public network; providing a response based on a message issued by the control device to the interfering device that issued the resource request; An update process of updating a resource table including information estimating availability of frequencies managed by the control device based on the resource request and the response; A reflection process in which the information estimating the availability status included in the updated resource table is reflected in at least one of the resource request from the interfering device and the response to the interfering device after the update in the form of at least one of a restriction and a modification; A program for controlling interference in wireless communication, the program including a program for executing the above.

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