Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an information acquisition unit (131) for acquiring provided information that is used for setting a tracking area (TA) list for the device, and a communication processing unit (135) for transmitting a message including the provided information to a network (200, 300, 400) at the timing of a prescribed event, the provided information relating to the movement route of the device, and the prescribed event relating to the movement of the device with respect to the TA list.

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Application No. 2021 - 162063 filed on September 30, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method.

Background Art

[0003] In Release 15 of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) (registered trademark), several functions for UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) as user equipment (UE) have been discussed and standardized as work items of LTE (Long Term Evolution) (Non - Patent Document 1).

[0004] One of the standardized functions is the Flight Path function. In the Flight Path function, the flight path of the UAV is reported from the UAV to the network in response to a request from the network. It is assumed that this can be used for control such as handover or beamforming based on the movement plan of the UAV on the network side (Non - Patent Document 2).

[0005] In NR (New Radio), the Flight Path function has not been defined yet, but the utilization of the Flight Path function is mentioned in the proposed work items of Release 18 (Non - Patent Documents 3 to 5).

[0006] In addition, a TA (Tracking Area) managed as information indicating the location of the UE is defined in the TS. The TA is composed of one or more cells. The UE receives a TA list indicating one or more of the TAs set for the UE from the network. Specifically, the UE transmits a RegistrationRequest message to the network and receives a RegistrationAccept message including the above TA list from the network. If the UE is located within a cell corresponding to the TA indicated by the received TA list, the UE does not execute a TAU (Tracking Area Update) Procedure which is a location information update procedure. However, if the UE is located in a cell corresponding to a TA other than the TA indicated by the received TA list, the UE executes the TAU Procedure with respect to the network.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0007]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0008] As a result of the inventors' detailed study, the following problems have been found. That is, in the above-mentioned prior art, there is a risk that the signaling related to the update or setting of the TA list increases. For example, when the TA list set for the UE is not suitable for the movement path of the UE, the UE may easily move to a location other than the TAs indicated by the TA list. In this case, since the above-mentioned TAU occurs frequently, the signaling may increase.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and a method that make it possible to suppress an increase in signaling related to updating or setting of a TA list.

[0010] An apparatus (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit (131) that acquires provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the apparatus, and a communication processing unit (135) that transmits, at a timing of a predetermined event, a message including the provision information to a network (200, 300, 400). The provision information relates to a movement route of the apparatus, and the predetermined event relates to movement of the apparatus with respect to the TA list.

[0011] A method performed by an apparatus (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes acquiring provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the apparatus, and transmitting, at a timing of a predetermined event, a message including the provision information to a network (200, 300, 400). The provision information relates to a movement route of the apparatus, and the predetermined event relates to movement of the apparatus with respect to the TA list.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it becomes possible to suppress an increase in signaling related to updating or setting of a TA list. Note that, according to the present disclosure, other effects may be achieved instead of or together with the above effect.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013]

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[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, for elements that can be similarly described, duplicate description may be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals.

[0015] The description will be made in the following order. 1. Configuration of the system 2. Configuration of the user equipment 3. Configuration of the base station 4. Configuration of the network node 5. Configuration of the processing node 6. First embodiment (providing route information) 7. Second embodiment (providing TA list) 8. Third embodiment (transmitting upon setting or updating route information) 9. Fourth embodiment (transmitting at the time of TAU (moving outside the TA list)) 10. Fifth embodiment (transmission timing according to the communication state) 11. Sixth embodiment (transmitting upon request to the network node) 12. Seventh embodiment (notifying transmission timing information)

[0016] <1. Configuration of the system> Referring to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 1, system 1 includes a user equipment (communication device) 100, a base station 200, and a core network 30. The core network 30 includes a network node 300 and a processing node 400.

[0017] For example, system 1 is a system compliant with the Technical Specification (TS) of 3GPP. More specifically, for example, system 1 is a system compliant with the TS of 5G or NR (New Radio). Of course, system 1 is not limited to this example. System 1 may be a system compliant with other TSs of 3GPP. As an example, system 1 may be a system compliant with the TS of LTE, LTE-A (LTE Advanced), or 4G, and the base station 200 may be an eNB (evolved Node B). Alternatively, the base station 200 may be an ng-eNB. As another example, system 1 may be a system compliant with the TS of 3G, and the base station 200 may be a NodeB. As yet another example, system 1 may be a system compliant with the TS of a next generation (e.g., 6G). Alternatively, system 1 may be a system compliant with the TS of other standardization bodies for mobile communication.

[0018] (1) UE100 UE100 communicates with the base station. For example, UE100 communicates with the base station 200 when it is located within the coverage area 10 of the base station 200.

[0019] For example, UE100 communicates with a base station (e.g., base station 200) using the protocol stack of a Radio Access Network (RAN). For example, the protocol stack includes protocols of the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layers. Alternatively, the protocol stack may not include all of these protocols and may include only some of these protocols.

[0020] Also, UE100 communicates with a network node (e.g., network node 300) using the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol. For example, UE100 transmits an NAS message to base station 200. The NAS message is transmitted from base station 200 to network node 300.

[0021] In particular, UE100 is mounted on a mobile body. For example, the mobile body can be an aircraft such as a UAV, or a vehicle such as an autonomous vehicle or a manually operated vehicle having a navigation function. In the mobile body, a moving path may be set in advance. By reporting the moving path to the network (i.e., base station 200), UE100 can receive the benefits of communication control based on the moving path. The reporting of the moving path may be supported, for example, by the mechanism of Flight Path, or may be supported by other mechanisms for reporting the moving path.

[0022] Referring to the example of FIG. 2, for example, UE100 reports the set movement path to base station 200. Based on the future position of UE100 estimated from the reported movement path, base station 200 pre - performs processes for handover or beamforming, for example. Thereby, it becomes possible to perform communication control suitable for the position at the timing when UE100 reaches the estimated position.

[0023] Also, a TA list is set in UE100 for position management. For example, the TA list is a TAI (Tracking Area Identity) list. The TA list is set by network node 300. UE100 receives the set TA list from network node 300. When UE100 is located within the TA indicated by the TA list, it does not execute the TAU Procedure (hereinafter referred to as TAU). However, when it moves to a TA other than the TA indicated by the TA list, UE100 executes TAU with respect to network node 300. The TA list is updated by TAU, and UE100 receives the updated TA list from network node 300. (2) Base Station 200 Base station 200 is a node of the RAN and communicates with a UE (for example, UE100) located within coverage area 10 of base station 200.

[0024] For example, base station 200 communicates with a UE (for example, UE100) using the above - mentioned protocol stack.

[0025] Also, base station 200 communicates with nodes (for example, network node 300, processing node 400) located within core network 30.

[0026] For example, base station 200 communicates with nodes (for example, network node 300, processing node 400) located within core network 30 using NGAP (NG Application Protocol).

[0027] For example, the base station 200 is a gNB. The gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected to the 5G Core Network (5GC) via the NG interface. Alternatively, the base station 200 may be an en-gNB. The en-gNB is a node that provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and operates as a secondary node in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0028] The base station 200 may include a plurality of nodes. The plurality of nodes may include a first node that hosts a higher layer included in the protocol stack and a second node that hosts 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 the PHY layer. The first node may be a central unit (CU), and the second node may be a distributed unit (DU). Note that the plurality of 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).

[0029] Alternatively, the base station 200 may be one of the plurality of nodes and may be connected to other units among the plurality of nodes.

[0030] The base station 200 may be an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) donor or an IAB node.

[0031] (3) Network Node 300 The network node 300 is a network function of the core network 30. For example, the network node 300 is an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function).

[0032] The network node 300 communicates with a UE (e.g., UE100) via a base station (e.g., base station 200). For example, the network node 300 communicates with the base station 200 using NGAP. Also, the network node 300 communicates with the UE100 using the NAS protocol.

[0033] The network node 300 sets a TA list. Specifically, in response to a request from the UE100, a TA list composed of one or more TAs is set based on the cell where the UE100 is located. The network node 300 transmits the set TA list to the UE100. Also, in a TAU, the network node 300 updates the TA list and transmits the updated TA list to the UE100.

[0034] (4) Processing node 400 The processing node 400 is a network function that performs processing using AI (Artificial Intelligence). Also, the AI can be trained by ML (Machine Learning). In 3GPP Release 18, the utilization of AI or ML in a communication system is being discussed (see, for example, TR 22.874). The processing node 400 can be a form of utilization of the AI or ML. For example, the processing node 400 can be implemented in the form of a server, but the implementation form of the processing node 400 is not limited to this.

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing node 400 is arranged in the core network 30. Note that the processing node 400 may be arranged outside the core network. For example, the processing node 400 may be arranged in an external network such as the Internet or a radio access network.

[0036] The processing node 400 communicates with a UE (e.g., UE 100), a base station (e.g., base station 200), and a network node (e.g., network node 300). In the communication of the processing node 400, a communication method according to the arrangement of the processing node 400 may be used. For example, when the processing node 400 is arranged in the core network, the processing node 400 may communicate with the base station 200 using NGAP. In that case, the processing node 400 may communicate with the UE 100 using the NAS protocol. Note that, instead of or together with the above-described existing protocols, a protocol defined for the communication of the processing node 400 may be used.

[0037] <2. Configuration of User Equipment> With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example of the configuration of the UE 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0038] (1) Functional Configuration First, with reference to FIG. 3, an example of the functional configuration of the UE 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 3, the UE 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130.

[0039] The wireless communication unit 110 wirelessly transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 receives a signal from a base station and transmits a signal to the base station. For example, the wireless communication unit 110 receives a signal from another UE and transmits a signal to another UE.

[0040] The storage unit 120 stores various information for the UE 100.

[0041] The processing unit 130 provides various functions of the UE 100. The processing unit 130 includes an information acquisition unit 131, a control unit 133, and a communication processing unit 135. Note that the processing unit 130 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 130 may perform operations other than the operations of these components. The specific operations of the information acquisition unit 131, the control unit 133, and the communication processing unit 135 will be described in detail later.

[0042] For example, the processing unit 130 (communication processing unit 135) communicates with a base station (e.g., base station 200) or another UE via the wireless communication unit 110. Further, the processing unit 130 (communication processing unit 135) communicates with a core network (e.g., network node 300) via the base station.

[0043] (2) Hardware configuration Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the hardware configuration of the UE 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 4, the UE 100 includes an antenna 181, an RF (radio frequency) circuit 183, a processor 185, a memory 187, and a storage 189.

[0044] The antenna 181 converts a signal into a radio wave and radiates the radio wave into space. Further, the antenna 181 receives a radio wave in space and converts the radio wave into a signal. The antenna 181 may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or may be a single antenna for transmission and reception. The antenna 181 may be a directional antenna or may include a plurality of antenna elements.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The processor 185 performs digital processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 181 and the RF circuit 183. The digital processing includes processing of the RAN protocol stack. The processor 185 may include a plurality of processors or may be a single processor. The plurality of processors may include a baseband processor that performs the above digital processing and one or more processors that perform other processing.

[0047] Memory 187 stores programs executed by processor 185, parameters related to the programs, and various other information. Memory 187 may include at least one of ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory. All or part of Memory 187 may be included within processor 185.

[0048] Storage 189 stores various information. Storage 189 may include at least one of SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disc Drive).

[0049] Wireless communication unit 110 may be implemented by antenna 181 and RF circuit 183. Storage unit 120 may be implemented by storage 189. Processing unit 130 may be implemented by processor 185 and memory 187.

[0050] Processing unit 130 may be implemented by a SoC (System on Chip) including processor 185 and memory 187. The SoC may include RF circuit 183, and wireless communication unit 110 may also be implemented by the SoC.

[0051] Considering the above hardware configuration, UE100 may include a memory for storing programs (i.e., Memory 187) and one or more processors capable of executing the programs (i.e., processor 185), and the one or more processors may execute the above programs to perform the operations of processing unit 130. The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operations of processing unit 130.

[0052] <3. Configuration of Base Station> Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of the configuration of the base station 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0053] (1) Functional configuration First, referring to FIG. 5, an example of the functional configuration of the base station 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 5, the base station 200 includes a wireless communication unit 210, a network communication unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a processing unit 240.

[0054] The wireless communication unit 210 wirelessly transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 210 receives signals from the UE and transmits signals to the UE.

[0055] The network communication unit 220 receives signals from the network and transmits signals to the network.

[0056] The storage unit 230 stores various information for the base station 200.

[0057] The processing unit 240 provides various functions of the base station 200. The processing unit 240 includes an information acquisition unit 241, a first communication processing unit 243, and a second communication processing unit 245. Note that the processing unit 240 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 240 may perform operations other than the operations of these components. The specific operations of the information acquisition unit 241, the first communication processing unit 243, and the second communication processing unit 245 will be described in detail later.

[0058] For example, the processing unit 240 (the first communication processing unit 243) communicates with the UE (for example, the UE 100) via the wireless communication unit 210. For example, the processing unit 240 (the second communication processing unit 245) communicates with other nodes (for example, the network node 300, the processing node 400, or another base station in the core network 30) via the network communication unit 220.

[0059] (2) Hardware configuration Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of the hardware configuration of the base station 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 6, the base station 200 includes an antenna 281, an RF circuit 283, a network interface 285, a processor 287, a memory 289, and a storage 291.

[0060] The antenna 281 converts a signal into a radio wave and radiates the radio wave into space. Also, the antenna 281 receives a radio wave in space and converts the radio wave into a signal. The antenna 281 may include a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna, or may be a single antenna for transmission and reception. The antenna 281 may be a directional antenna or may include a plurality of antenna elements.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The network interface 285 is, for example, a network adapter, and transmits a signal to the network and receives a signal from the network.

[0063] The processor 287 performs digital processing of signals transmitted and received via the antenna 281 and the RF circuit 283. The digital processing includes processing of the RAN protocol stack. The processor 287 also processes signals transmitted and received via the network interface 285. The processor 287 may include a plurality of processors or may be a single processor. The plurality of processors may include a baseband processor that performs the above digital processing and one or more processors that perform other processing.

[0064] The memory 289 stores programs executed by the processor 287, parameters related to the programs, and various other information. The memory 289 may include at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, and flash memory. All or part of the memory 289 may be included within the processor 287.

[0065] The storage 291 stores various information. The storage 291 may include at least one of SSD and HDD.

[0066] The wireless communication unit 210 may be implemented by the antenna 281 and the RF circuit 283. The network communication unit 220 may be implemented by the network interface 285. The storage unit 230 may be implemented by the storage 291. The processing unit 240 may be implemented by the processor 287 and the memory 289.

[0067] Part or all of the processing unit 240 may be virtualized. In other words, part or all of the processing unit 240 may be implemented as a virtual machine. In this case, part or all of the processing unit 240 may operate as a virtual machine on a physical machine (i.e., hardware) including a processor and a memory, etc. and a hypervisor.

[0068] Considering the above hardware configuration, the base station 200 may include a memory (i.e., the memory 289) that stores a program, and one or more processors (i.e., the processor 287) capable of executing the program, and the one or more processors may execute the above program to perform the operation of the processing unit 240. The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the processing unit 240.

[0069] <4. Configuration of Network Node> With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an example of the configuration of the network node 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0070] (1) Functional Configuration First, referring to FIG. 7, an example of the functional configuration of the network node 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 7, the network node 300 includes a network communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, and a processing unit 330.

[0071] The network communication unit 310 receives signals from the network and transmits signals to the network.

[0072] The storage unit 320 stores various information for the network node 300.

[0073] The processing unit 330 provides various functions of the network node 300. The processing unit 330 includes an information acquisition unit 331, a control unit 333, and a communication processing unit 335. Note that the processing unit 330 may further include other components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 330 may perform operations other than the operations of these components. The specific operations of the information acquisition unit 331, the control unit 333, and the communication processing unit 335 will be described in detail later.

[0074] For example, the processing unit 330 (communication processing unit 335) communicates with a base station (for example, base station 200) via the network communication unit 310. For example, the processing unit 330 (communication processing unit 335) communicates with a UE (for example, UE 100) via the base station (for example, base station 200) via the network communication unit 310.

[0075] (2) Hardware Configuration Next, referring to FIG. 8, an example of the hardware configuration of the network node 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Referring to FIG. 8, the network node 300 includes a network interface 381, a processor 383, a memory 385, and a storage 387.

[0076] The network interface 381 is, for example, a network adapter, and transmits signals to the network and receives signals from the network.

[0077] The processor 383 processes signals transmitted and received via the network interface 381. The processor 383 may include a plurality of processors or may be a single processor.

[0078] The memory 385 stores programs executed by the processor 383, parameters related to the programs, and various other information. The memory 385 may include at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, and flash memory. All or part of the memory 385 may be included within the processor 383.

[0079] The storage 387 stores various information. The storage 387 may include at least one of an SSD and an HDD.

[0080] The network communication unit 310 may be implemented by the network interface 381. The storage unit 320 may be implemented by the storage 387. The processing unit 330 may be implemented by the processor 383 and the memory 385.

[0081] Part or all of the processing unit 330 may be virtualized. In other words, part or all of the processing unit 330 may be implemented as a virtual machine. In this case, part or all of the processing unit 330 may operate as a virtual machine on a physical machine (i.e., hardware) including a processor and a memory, etc. and a hypervisor.

[0082] Considering the above hardware configuration, the network node 300 may include a memory (i.e., the memory 385) that stores a program and one or more processors (i.e., the processor 383) capable of executing the program, and the one or more processors may execute the above program to operate the processing unit 330. The above program may be a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the processing unit 330. <5. Configuration of Processing Node> An example of the configuration of the processing node 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that since the functional configuration and hardware configuration of the processing node 400 are substantially the same as those of the network node 300 with the same name, the illustration and detailed description are omitted.

[0083] (1) Functional configuration First, an example of the functional configuration of the processing node 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The processing node 400 includes a network communication unit 410, a storage unit 420, and a processing unit 430. The processing unit 430 includes an information acquisition unit 431, a control unit 433, and a communication processing unit 435.

[0084] (2) Hardware configuration Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the processing node 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The processing node 400 includes a network interface 481, a processor 483, a memory 485, and a storage 487.

[0085] <6. First Embodiment> The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, the route information is transmitted from the UE 100 to the network node 300 via the base station 200 as the provided information. Further, the route information is provided from the network node 300 to the processing node 400, and the route information is converted into a TA list by the processing node 400.

[0086] <6-1. Operation example> With reference to FIG. 9, an example of the operations and related information of the UE 100, the base station 200, the network node 300, and the processing node 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0087] (1) Operation of UE100 The UE 100 transmits the route information to the network node 300. The UE 100 receives a TA list from the network node 300 as a response to the route information. Hereinafter, the operation of the UE 100 and related information will be described in detail.

[0088] (1-1) Acquisition of Route Information UE100 acquires information used for setting the TA list for the UE100 and that provides information regarding the movement route of the UE100. For example, the provided information is route information that at least indicates the movement route of the UE100.

[0089] Specifically, UE100 (information acquisition unit 131) acquires route information. For example, UE100 acquires route information from an application. In other words, the NAS layer of UE100 acquires route information from a higher layer of the NAS layer (for example, the application layer). For example, the movement route is a planned (i.e., scheduled) movement route. Also, the application can be a navigation application.

[0090] For example, the route information may be flightPathInfoReport or information equivalent thereto.

[0091] (1-2) Transmission of Route Information UE100 transmits the acquired route information to the network. Specifically, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the route information as provided information to the network.

[0092] Specifically, the network that is the message transmission destination is network node 300 within core network 30. For example, UE100 transmits a NAS message including route information to AMF, which is network node 300. The NAS message is transmitted to network node 300 via base station 200.

[0093] In this way, by using the signaling between the UE and the network node, route information can be transmitted from UE100 to network node 300 without changing the operation of the lower layer.

[0094] For example, the NAS message including the path information may be a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceRequest message.

[0095] Thereby, the path information as the provision information used for the TA list setting can be transmitted to the network node 300 that sets the TA list by using the signaling between the existing UE and the network. For this reason, addition of new signaling can be prevented.

[0096] Note that the NAS message including the path information may be an additionally defined NAS message and may be a NAS message for transmitting the path information. In this case, the path information can be transmitted to the network node 300 without changing the existing NAS message.

[0097] (1-3) Reception of TA list After transmitting the provision information, the UE 100 receives a message including the TA list from the network. Specifically, the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) receives a message including the TA list from the network as a response to the path information as the provision information. The TA list is based on the path information.

[0098] For example, the UE 100 receives, via the base station 200, from the AMF which is the network node 300, a NAS message including the TA list set for the UE 100 as a response to the NAS message including the path information.

[0099] In this way, by using the signaling between the UE and the network node, the TA list can be transmitted from the network node 300 to the UE 100 without changing the operation of the lower layer.

[0100] For example, a NAS message including a TA list may be a RegistrationAccept message that is a response to a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceAccept message that is a response to a ServiceRequest message.

[0101] Thereby, the TA list can be received from the network by utilizing the signaling and response mechanism between the existing UE and the network. For this reason, addition of new signaling can be prevented.

[0102] Note that a message including a TA list may be an additionally defined message or a message for transmitting the TA list. In this case, the TA list can be received from the network without changing the existing message.

[0103] (2) Operation of base station 200 The base station 200 transfers the path information received from the UE 100 to the network node 300. Also, the base station 200 transfers the TA list received from the network node 300 to the UE 100. Hereinafter, the operation of the base station 200 and related information will be described in detail. Note that detailed descriptions of the same content as that described in the operation of the UE 100 will be omitted.

[0104] (2-1) Transfer of path information The base station 200 transfers the path information received from the UE 100 to the network node 300. Specifically, the base station 200 (first communication processing unit 243) receives a message including the path information as provided information from the UE 100. The base station 200 (second communication processing unit 245) transmits the message including the path information to the network node 300.

[0105] For example, the base station 200 (the first communication processing unit 243) receives a NAS message including routing information as provided information from the UE 100. The base station 200 (the second communication processing unit 245) transmits the NAS message to the AMF, which is the network node 300.

[0106] (2-2) Transfer of TA List The base station 200 transfers the TA list received from the network node 300 to the UE 100. Specifically, the base station 200 (the second communication processing unit 245) receives a message including the TA list from the network node 300. The base station 200 (the first communication processing unit 243) transmits the message including the TA list to the UE 100.

[0107] For example, the base station 200 (the second communication processing unit 245) receives a NAS message including the TA list from the AMF, which is the network node 300. The base station 200 (the first communication processing unit 243) transmits the NAS message to the UE 100.

[0108] (3) Operations of Network Node 300 The network node 300 receives routing information from the UE 100. The network node 300 acquires a TA list based on the routing information. The network node 300 transmits the TA list to the UE 100. Hereinafter, the operations of the network node 300 and related information will be described in detail. Note that detailed descriptions of content substantially the same as that in the descriptions of the operations of the UE 100 or the base station 200 will be omitted.

[0109] (3-1) Reception of Routing Information The network node 300 receives routing information from the UE 100 via the base station 200. Specifically, the network node 300 (the communication processing unit 335) receives a message including routing information as provided information from the UE 100. The network node 300 (the information acquisition unit 331) acquires the routing information included in the message.

[0110] For example, network node 300 receives a NAS message containing routing information from UE100 via base station 200. Network node 300 obtains the routing information included in the received NAS message. For example, network node 300 receives a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceRequest message containing routing information.

[0111] (3-2) Obtaining a TA list Network node 300 obtains a TA list based on the routing information. Specifically, network node 300 (communication processing unit 335) sends a message containing routing information to a processing function that performs TA list conversion processing, and receives a message containing the TA list from the processing function. Network node 300 (information acquisition unit 331) obtains the TA list included in the message received from the processing function. The processing function is, for example, processing node 400.

[0112] For example, network node 300 sends a message containing routing information received from UE100 to processing node 400, and receives a message containing a TA list obtained based on the routing information from processing node 400. Note that the protocol and message used for communication between network node 300 and processing node 400 may be existing protocols and messages, or may be newly defined.

[0113] In this way, network node 300 obtains a TA list based on routing information by using processing node 400. Thereby, compared with the case where network node 300 calculates a TA list from routing information, the arithmetic cost in network node 300 can be reduced. Also, by performing TA list conversion processing at processing node 400, more computing resources can be used for TA list conversion processing than when performing TA list conversion processing at network node 300 that performs various other processes such as AMF. Therefore, the accuracy of the calculation result can be improved.

[0114] (3-3) Sending of TA list The network node 300 sends the TA list to the UE 100. Specifically, the network node 300 (communication processing unit 335) sends a message including the acquired TA list to the UE 100.

[0115] For example, the network node 300 sends a NAS message including the TA list to the UE 100 via the base station 200. For example, when the NAS message including the received path information is a RegistrationRequest message, the network node 300 sends a RegistrationAccept message including the TA list to the UE 100. Also, when the NAS message including the received path information is a ServiceRequest message, the network node 300 sends a ServiceAccept message including the TA list to the UE 100.

[0116] (4) Operations of processing node 400 The processing node 400 converts the path information received from the network node 300 into a TA list. The processing node 400 sends the converted TA list to the network node 300. Hereinafter, the operations of the processing node 400 and related information will be described in detail. Note that detailed descriptions will be omitted for the content that is substantially the same as the description in the operations of the network node 300.

[0117] (4-1) Reception of path information The processing node 400 receives the path information from the network node 300. Specifically, the processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) receives a message including the path information from the network node 300. The processing node 400 (information acquisition unit 431) acquires the path information included in the message.

[0118] (4-2) TA list conversion process The processing node 400 obtains a TA list based on the route information. Specifically, the processing node 400 (information acquisition unit 431) obtains the TA list through TA list conversion processing based on the route information. The processing node 400 performs TA list conversion processing using AI.

[0119] For example, the processing node 400 inputs the received route information into the AI that performs TA list conversion processing, and obtains the TA list output by the AI. The AI is a calculation model. Note that the AI may be trained by ML using the route information. In this case, the AI is a trained ML model.

[0120] In this way, by performing TA list conversion processing using AI, it can be expected that the calculation cost and calculation time of the TA list conversion processing will be reduced. In addition, by training the AI by ML, it can be expected to reduce the calculation cost and calculation time and improve the accuracy of the processing result.

[0121] (4-3) Sending the TA list The processing node 400 sends the TA list to the network node 300. Specifically, the processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) sends a message including the TA list obtained by the TA list conversion processing to the network node 300.

[0122] Note that the message including the TA list may be a response message to the message including the route information received from the network node 300.

[0123] (5) Processing flow Referring to FIG. 9, an example of the processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0124] The UE 100 transmits a NAS message including route information to the network node 300 via the base station 200 (S510). For example, the UE 100 transmits a NAS message including route information to the base station 200. The base station 200 transfers the NAS message to the network node 300.

[0125] The network node 300 transmits a message including routing information to the processing node 400 (S520). For example, the network node 300 transmits the routing information included in the NAS message received from the UE100 to the processing node 400.

[0126] The processing node 400 transmits a message including a TA list to the network node 300 (S530). For example, the processing node 400 obtains a TA list by inputting the routing information received from the network node 300 into an AI (e.g., a machine learning model). The processing node 400 transmits a message including the obtained TA list to the network node 300.

[0127] The network node 300 transmits a message including a TA list to the UE100 via the base station 200 (S540). For example, the network node 300 transmits a NAS message including the TA list included in the message received from the processing node 400 to the base station 200. The base station 200 transfers the NAS message to the UE100.

[0128] (6) Effects As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a message including provision information regarding the movement path of the UE100, which is information used for setting the TA list for the UE100, is transmitted from the UE100 to the network. Thereby, the network side can set the TA list for the UE100 in consideration of the movement path of the UE100. Specifically, the possibility that the UE100 moves outside the TAs indicated by the TA list can be reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of updates to the TA list is suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress an increase in signaling related to updates to the TA list. As a result, consumption of radio resources and power can be suppressed.

[0129] In addition, the provided information includes path information. Thereby, the network side that sets the TA list can generate a TA list suitable for the movement path. For example, by generating a TA list in a network that is richer in computing resources than the UE100, it is possible to expect a reduction in generation time and an improvement in the accuracy of the generation result compared to the case of generating a TA list in the UE100.

[0130] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the setting of the TA list is compared between the prior art and the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and the effects of the first embodiment of the present disclosure are explained.

[0131] First, referring to FIG. 10, the setting of the conventional TA list is described. A TA is composed of one or a plurality of cells, and a TA list composed of a plurality of TAs is set. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, TA1 to TA6 are set, and TA list A composed of TA1 and TA2, TA3 and TA4 TA list B composed of, and TA list C composed of TA5 and TA6 are set.

[0132] Conventionally, the movement path of the UE100 is not considered in the setting of the TA list. Therefore, for the UE100 located in TA2, TA list A is set. However, when the UE100 moves along a path like the arrow shown in FIG. 10, the UE100 moves from TA2 to TA3. Since the TA lists to which TA2 and TA3 belong are different, a TAU occurs. Similarly, a TAU also occurs when moving from TA3 to TA5. Therefore, TAUs occur frequently. That is, the signaling related to the update of the TA list increases.

[0133] Next, referring to FIG. 11, the setting of the TA list according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is described. For example, TA1 to TA6 are set in the same manner as in FIG. 10. However, in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 11, by considering the movement path of the UE100, TA list A composed of TA1, TA2, TA3, and TA5A TA list B consisting of [TA list content] and a TA list C consisting of TA4 and TA6 are set.

[0134] For the UE100 located at TA2, the TA list B is set. Therefore, even if the UE100 moves along a path like the arrow shown in FIG. 11, the UE100 will pass through TA3 and TA5 [TA list content] indicated by the TA list B. In this way, since the UE100 does not move to a TA outside the TA list B, a TAU does not occur. Therefore, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the occurrence of TAU can be suppressed. That is, an increase in signaling related to the update of the TA list can be suppressed.

[0135] <6-2. Variation example> Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the first to third variation examples according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that two or more of these variation examples may be combined.

[0136] (1) First variation example: TA list conversion at the network node In the above-described first embodiment of the present disclosure, the processing node 400 performs the TA list conversion process. However, the main body of the TA List conversion process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0137] As a first variation example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the network node 300 may perform the TA list conversion process.

[0138] Specifically, the network node 300 (control unit 333) performs a TA list conversion process based on the path information. The network node 300 (information acquisition unit 331) acquires a TA list by the TA list conversion process. For example, when the network node 300 receives path information from the UE100, it performs a TA list conversion process based on the path information. A TA list based on the path information is acquired by the TA list conversion process. Note that an AI held by the network node 300 may be used for the TA list conversion process.

[0139] For example, instead of the processes of S520 and S530 surrounded by the dashed line shown in FIG. 9, TA list conversion processing is performed in the network node 300.

[0140] Note that TA list conversion processing may also be performed in the network node 300 in the second modification example described later. For example, instead of the processes of S630 and S640 and S750 and S760 surrounded by the dashed line shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, TA list conversion processing may be performed in the network node 300.

[0141] As described above, according to the first modification example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the network node 300 can acquire a TA list based on the route information without communicating with the processing node 400. Therefore, signaling can be reduced. That is, communication resources and power consumption related to signaling can be reduced.

[0142] (2) Second modification example: Transmitting route information and TA list by RRC and NGAP In the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the route information and the TA list are transmitted using the NAS protocol. However, the communication protocol used for transmitting the route information and the TA list according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0143] As a second modification example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the RRC protocol and NGAP may be used for transmitting the route information and the TA list.

[0144] (2-1) Transmission of route information Specifically, an RRC message including the route information is transmitted from the UE 100 to the RAN base station 200, and an NGAP message including the route information is transmitted from the base station 200 to the network node 300.

[0145] For example, the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits an RRC message including path information to the base station 200. The base station 200 (first communication processing unit 243) receives the RRC message from the UE 100. The base station 200 (information acquisition unit 241) acquires the path information from the RRC message. The base station 200 (second communication processing unit 245) transmits an NGAP message including the path information to the network node 300.

[0146] For example, the RRC message including path information may be a UEInformationResponse message or a UEAssistanceInformation message.

[0147] Thereby, the path information as provided information can be transmitted from the UE 100 to the network node 300 by using the signaling between the existing UE and the base station and the signaling between the existing base station and the network node. Therefore, the addition of new signaling can be prevented.

[0148] Note that the RRC message including path information may be an additionally defined RRC message and may be an RRC message for transmitting path information. In this case, the path information can be transmitted to the base station 200 without changing the existing RRC message.

[0149] (2-2) Transmission of TA list Also, an NGAP message including a TA list is transmitted from the network node 300 to the base station 200, and an RRC message including the TA list is transmitted from the base station 200 to the UE 100.

[0150] For example, the network node 300 (communication processing unit 335) transmits an NGAP message including a TA list to the base station 200. The base station 200 (second communication processing unit 245) receives the NGAP message from the network node 300. The base station 200 (information acquisition unit 241) acquires the TA list from the NGAP message. The base station 200 (first communication processing unit 243) transmits an RRC message including the TA list to the UE 100.

[0151] For example, the RRC message including the TA list may be an RRCReconfiguration message. Also, if available, the RRC message including the TA list may be an RRC message such as RRCSetup, RRCReestablishment, or RRCResume.

[0152] Thereby, the TA list can be transmitted from the network node 300 to the UE 100 by using the signaling between the existing UE and the base station and the signaling between the existing base station and the network node. Therefore, the addition of new signaling can be prevented.

[0153] (2-3) Flow of processing With reference to FIG. 12, an example of the processing according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the description of the processing that is substantially the same as that in FIG. 9 will be omitted.

[0154] The UE 100 transmits an RRC message including path information to the base station 200 (S610). For example, the UE 100 transmits a UEInformationResponse message or a UEAssistanceInformation message including path information to the base station 200.

[0155] The base station 200 transmits an NGAP message including path information to the network node 300 (S620). For example, the base station 200 transmits an NGAP message including the path information received from the UE 100 to the network node 300.

[0156] The network node 300 transmits a message including routing information to the processing node 400 (S630). The processing node 400 transmits a message including a TA list to the network node 300 (S640).

[0157] The network node 300 transmits an NGAP message including a TA list to the base station 200 (S650). For example, the network node 300 transmits an NGAP message including the TA list received from the processing node 400 to the base station 200.

[0158] The base station 200 includes a TA list RRC and transmits a message to the UE 100 (S660). For example, the base station 200 transmits an RRCReconfiguration message including the TA list received from the network node 300 to the UE 100. Note that the TA list may be transmitted to the UE 100 using a downlink RRC message corresponding to each procedure at the timing when procedures such as RRCSetup, RRCReestablishment, or RRCResume occur.

[0159] Also, when the RRC message including routing information is a UEInformationResponse message, the existing Release 15 Flight Path mechanism may be used. With reference to FIG. 13, an example of the processing when the existing Flight Path mechanism is used will be described. Note that the description of the processing that is substantially the same as that in FIGS. 9 and 12 will be omitted.

[0160] UE100 transmits an RRC message including information indicating the availability of route information to base station 200 (S710). For example, UE100 transmits an RRC message including flightPathInfoAvailable or corresponding information to base station 200. For example, the RRC message may be an RRC message as a response to an RRC message from the base station (e.g., RRCSetupComp, RRCReestablishmentComp, RRCResumeComp, RRCReconfigurationComp).

[0161] Base station 200 transmits an RRC message including route request information to UE100 (S720). For example, when the received RRC message includes information indicating the availability of route information, base station 200 transmits a UEInformationRequest message including flightPathInfoReq or corresponding route request information to UE100.

[0162] UE100 transmits an RRC message including route information to base station 200 (S730). For example, when the received UEInformationRequest message includes route request information, UE100 transmits a UEInformationResponse message including flightPathInfoReport or corresponding route information to base station 200.

[0163] Note that since the processing after S740 is substantially the same as the processing after S620 in FIG. 12, the description is omitted.

[0164] Thus, according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, even if communication is not directly established between the UE and the network node, route information as provided information can be transmitted from UE100 to network node 300, or a TA list can be transmitted from network node 300 to UE100.

[0165] (3) Third Modification: Transmitting Intermediate Information from a Network Node to a Processing Node In the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the route information is transmitted from the network node 300 to the processing node 400. However, the information transmitted to the processing node 400 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0166] As a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, intermediate information (in other words, an intermediate product) obtained by processing the route information may be transmitted from the network node 300 to the processing node 400.

[0167] Specifically, the network node 300 (control unit 333) performs a part of the TA list conversion process based on the route information. The network node 300 (information acquisition unit 331) acquires intermediate information by a part of the TA list conversion process. The network node 300 (communication processing unit 335) transmits a message including the intermediate information to the processing node 400.

[0168] Also, the processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) receives a message including the intermediate information from the network node 300. The processing node 400 (control unit 433) performs the remaining part of the TA list conversion process based on the intermediate information. The processing node 400 (information acquisition unit 431) acquires a TA list by the remaining part of the TA list conversion process. The processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) transmits a message including the TA list to the network node 300.

[0169] For example, the intermediate information may be the output of an AI that performs a part of the TA list conversion process. The AI may be a part of the AI that performs the TA list conversion process. Also, the AI may be transmitted from the processing node 400 or another node to the network node 300.

[0170] As described above, according to the third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, by performing part of the TA list conversion process at the network node 300, the arithmetic cost or processing load of the processing node 400 can be reduced. In other words, the arithmetic cost or processing load of the process can be distributed between the network node 300 and the processing node 400.

[0171] Note that it may be selected whether to transmit the intermediate information to the processing node 400. Specifically, the network node 300 selects whether to transmit the intermediate information or the route information according to the status of the processing load of the processing node 400. For example, when the processing load of the processing node 400 is high, the network node 300 transmits the intermediate information, and when it is not, the network node 300 transmits the route information. Also, it may be selected whether to transmit the intermediate information or the route information according to the status of the processing load of the network node 300. For example, when the processing load of the network node 300 is high, the intermediate information is transmitted, and when it is not, the route information is transmitted.

[0172] <7. Second Embodiment> Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the TA list is transmitted from the UE 100 to the network node 300 via the base station 200 as the provided information. Also, the route information is provided from the UE 100 to the processing node 400, and the processing node 400 converts the route information into a TA list.

[0173] <7-1. Operation Example> Referring to FIG. 14, an example of the operations and related information of the UE 100, the base station 200, the network node 300, and the processing node 400 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that detailed descriptions of substantially the same content as that described in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0174] (1) Operation of UE100 The UE 100 transmits the TA list to the network node 300. Hereinafter, the operation of the UE 100 and related information will be described in detail.

[0175] (1-1) Acquisition of TA List UE100 acquires a TA list as provided information. Specifically, UE100 (information acquisition unit 131) acquires a TA list based on route information.

[0176] More specifically, when the route information is acquired, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the route information to the processing node 400. UE100 (communication processing unit 135) receives a message including the TA list from the processing node 400.

[0177] For example, when UE100 acquires route information from an upper layer such as an application, UE100 transmits a message including the route information to the processing node 400. UE100 receives a message including the TA list based on the route information from the processing node 400. Note that the protocol and message used for communication between UE100 and the processing node 400 may be existing protocols and messages or newly defined ones.

[0178] In this way, UE100 acquires a TA list based on route information by using the processing node 400. Thereby, the arithmetic cost in UE100 can be reduced compared to the case where the TA list is calculated from the route information in UE100. Also, by performing the TA list conversion process at the processing node 400, the accuracy of the calculation result can be improved compared to the case where the TA list conversion process is performed in UE100 which does not have abundant computing resources. Also, the power consumption of UE100 with limited holding power can be reduced.

[0179] (1-2) Transmission of TA List UE100 transmits the TA list to the network node 300. Specifically, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the TA list as provided information to the network node 300.

[0180] For example, UE 100 transmits a NAS message including a TA list based on the path information to AMF, which is network node 300. The NAS message is transmitted to network node 300 via base station 200.

[0181] For example, the NAS message including the TA list may be a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceRequest message.

[0182] Note that the NAS message including the TA list may be an additionally defined NAS message and may be a NAS message for transmitting the TA list. In this case, the TA list can be transmitted to network node 300 without changing the existing NAS message.

[0183] (2) Operations of base station 200 Base station 200 transfers the TA list received from UE 100 to network node 300. Hereinafter, the operations of base station 200 and related information will be described in detail. Note that detailed descriptions of the same content as that described in the operations of UE 100 will be omitted.

[0184] (2-1) Transfer of TA list Base station 200 transfers the TA list received from UE 100 to network node 300. Specifically, base station 200 (the first communication processing unit 243) receives a message including the TA list as provided information from UE 100. Base station 200 (the second communication processing unit 245) transmits the message including the TA list to network node 300.

[0185] For example, base station 200 (the first communication processing unit 243) receives a NAS message including the TA list from UE 100. Base station 200 (the second communication processing unit 245) transmits the NAS message to AMF, which is network node 300.

[0186] (3) Operations of network node 300 The network node 300 receives a TA list from the UE 100 and sets the TA list. Hereinafter, the operations of the network node 300 and related information will be described in detail. Note that detailed descriptions of the same content as that described in the operations of the UE 100 or the base station 200 will be omitted.

[0187] (3-1) Reception of TA list The network node 300 receives a TA list from the UE 100 via the base station 200. Specifically, the network node 300 (communication processing unit 335) receives a message including the TA list as provided information from the UE 100. The network node 300 (information acquisition unit 331) acquires the TA list included in the message.

[0188] For example, the network node 300 receives a NAS message including a TA list from the UE 100 via the base station 200. The network node 300 acquires the TA list included in the received NAS message. For example, the network node 300 receives a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceRequest message including a TA list.

[0189] The network node 300 sets the received TA list for the UE 100. Note that if a TA list has already been set for the UE 100, the TA list set by the received TA list is updated.

[0190] (4) Operations of the processing node 400 The processing node 400 converts the path information received from the UE 100 into a TA list. The processing node 400 transmits the converted TA list to the UE 100. Hereinafter, the operations of the processing node 400 and related information will be described in detail. Note that detailed descriptions of the same content as that described in the operations of the UE 100 will be omitted.

[0191] (4-1) Reception of path information The processing node 400 receives routing information from the UE 100. Specifically, the processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) receives a message including the routing information from the UE 100. The processing node 400 (information acquisition unit 431) acquires the routing information included in the message.

[0192] (4-2) TA list conversion processing The processing node 400 acquires a TA list based on the routing information. Note that since the TA list conversion processing is substantially the same as the processing of the first embodiment, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0193] (4-3) Transmission of TA list The processing node 400 transmits the TA list to the UE 100. Specifically, the processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) transmits a message including the TA list acquired by the TA list conversion processing to the UE 100.

[0194] Note that the message including the TA list may be a response message to the message including the routing information received from the UE 100.

[0195] (5) Flow of processing With reference to FIG. 14, an example of the processing according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0196] The UE 100 transmits a message including routing information to the processing node 400 (S810). For example, the UE 100 transmits a message including routing information to the processing node 400 via the base station 200. Note that the message between the UE 100 and the base station 200 may be an RRC message.

[0197] The processing node 400 transmits a message including the TA list to the UE 100 (S820). For example, the processing node 400 inputs the routing information received from the UE 100 to an AI (for example, a machine learning model) to acquire a TA list. The processing node 400 transmits a message including the acquired TA list to the UE 100 via the base station 200.

[0198] The UE 100 transmits a message including a TA list to the network node 300 via the base station 200 (S830). For example, the UE 100 transmits an NAS message including the TA list included in the message received from the processing node 400 to the base station 200. The base station 200 transfers the NAS message to the network node 300.

[0199] (6) Effects Thus, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in signaling related to TA list update. As a result, consumption of radio resources and power can be suppressed. Note that, similarly to the first embodiment, the effects described with reference to FIG. 11 occur.

[0200] In addition, the provided information includes a TA list based on route information. Thereby, it is possible to set a TA list considering the movement route without generating a TA list on the network side. That is, it is possible to set a TA list suitable for the movement route while suppressing an increase in the processing load of the network node 300.

[0201] <7-2. Modification examples> With reference to FIG. 15, first to third modification examples according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that two or more of these modification examples may be combined.

[0202] (1) First modification example: TA list conversion at UE In the second embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the processing node 400 performs TA list conversion processing. However, the entity of the TA List conversion processing is not limited to this example.

[0203] As a first modification example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the UE 100 may perform TA list conversion processing.

[0204] Specifically, the UE 100 (control unit 133) performs TA list conversion processing based on the path information. The UE 100 (information acquisition unit 131) acquires the TA list through the TA list conversion processing. For example, when the UE 100 acquires path information from the upper layer, it performs TA list conversion processing based on the path information. Through the TA list conversion processing, a TA list based on the path information is acquired. Note that the AI held by the UE 100 may be used in the TA list conversion processing.

[0205] For example, instead of the processing of S810 and S820 surrounded by the dashed line shown in FIG. 14, the UE 100 performs TA list conversion processing.

[0206] Note that in the second modification example described later, the UE 100 may also perform TA list conversion processing. For example, instead of the processing of S910 and S920 surrounded by the dashed line shown in FIG. 15, the UE 100 may perform TA list conversion processing.

[0207] As described above, according to the first modification example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, without communicating with the processing node 400, the UE 100 can acquire a TA list based on the path information. Therefore, signaling can be reduced. That is, communication resources and power consumption related to signaling can be reduced.

[0208] (2) Second Modification Example: Sending the TA List in RRC and NGAP In the second embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the TA list is transmitted using the NAS protocol. However, the communication protocol used for transmitting the TA list according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0209] As a second modification example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the RRC protocol and NGAP may be used for transmitting the TA list.

[0210] (2-1) Transmission of the TA List Specifically, an RRC message including a TA list is transmitted from UE 100 to the RAN base station 200, and an NGAP message including the TA list is transmitted from the base station 200 to the network node 300.

[0211] For example, UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits an RRC message including a TA list to the base station 200. The base station 200 (first communication processing unit 243) receives the RRC message from UE 100. The base station 200 (information acquisition unit 241) acquires the TA list from the RRC message. The base station 200 (second communication processing unit 245) transmits an NGAP message including the TA list to the network node 300.

[0212] For example, the RRC message including the TA list may be a UEInformationResponse message or a UEAssistanceInformation message.

[0213] Note that the RRC message including the TA list may be an additionally defined RRC message and may be an RRC message for transmitting the TA list. In this case, the TA list can be transmitted to the base station 200 without changing the existing RRC message.

[0214] (2-2) Flow of processing With reference to FIG. 15, an example of the processing according to the second modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the description of the processing substantially the same as that in FIG. 14 will be omitted.

[0215] UE 100 transmits a message including path information to the processing node 400 (S910). The processing node 400 transmits a message including a TA list to UE 100 (S920).

[0216] UE100 transmits an RRC message including a TA list to base station 200 (S930). For example, UE100 transmits a UEInformationResponse message or a UEAssistanceInformation message including a TA list to base station 200.

[0217] Base station 200 transmits an NGAP message including a TA list to network node 300 (S940). For example, base station 200 transmits an NGAP message including the TA list received from UE100 to network node 300.

[0218] Thus, according to the second modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, even if communication is not directly established between the UE and the network node, the TA list as provided information can be transmitted from UE100 to network node 300.

[0219] (3) Third modification: Transmitting intermediate information from UE to processing node In the second embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the path information is transmitted from UE100 to processing node 400. However, the information transmitted to processing node 400 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0220] As a third modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, intermediate information obtained by processing the path information may be transmitted from UE100 to processing node 400.

[0221] Specifically, UE100 (control unit 133) performs a part of the TA list conversion process based on the path information. UE100 (information acquisition unit 131) acquires intermediate information by a part of the TA list conversion process. UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the intermediate information to processing node 400.

[0222] Further, the processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) receives a message including the intermediate information from the UE 100. The processing node 400 (control unit 433) performs the remaining TA list conversion processing based on the intermediate information. The processing node 400 (information acquisition unit 431) acquires a TA list by the remaining TA list conversion processing. The processing node 400 (communication processing unit 435) transmits a message including the TA list to the UE 100.

[0223] For example, the intermediate information may be an output of an AI that performs part of the TA list conversion processing. The AI may be part of the AI that performs the TA list conversion processing. Further, the AI may be transmitted from the processing node 400 or another node to the UE 100.

[0224] Thus, according to the third modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, by performing part of the TA List conversion processing in the UE 100, the arithmetic cost or processing load of the processing node 400 can be reduced. In other words, the arithmetic cost or processing load of the processing can be distributed between the UE 100 and the processing node 400.

[0225] <8. Third Embodiment> The third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The provided information described in the first and second embodiments is transmitted from the UE 100 to the network node 300 via the base station 200 at the timing of a predetermined event. In the third embodiment, the predetermined event is an event related to the setting or update of the path information related to the provided information. Since the provided information and the message for transmitting the provided information are substantially the same as those in the first or second embodiment described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0226] <8-1. Operation Example> With reference to FIG. 16, an example of the operations and related information of the UE 100, the base station 200, the network node 300, and the processing node 400 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0227] (1) Transmission Timing of Provided Information UE100 transmits the provided information at the timing of a predetermined event. The predetermined event relates to the movement of UE100 with respect to the TA list.

[0228] Specifically, the predetermined event includes an event related to the setting or update of route information that at least indicates the movement route of UE100. The route information is used for setting the TA list.

[0229] More specifically, the event related to the setting or update of route information includes a notification of the setting or update of route information. For example, the notification of the setting or update of route information is a notification of the setting or update of route information from a higher layer (e.g., application layer) of the NAS or RRC layer. For example, the processing layer corresponding to the NAS or RRC layer of UE100 (information acquisition unit 131) receives a notification of the setting or update of route information from the higher layer.

[0230] (2) Transmission of the provided information UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the provided information to the network at the timing of a predetermined event. The base station 200 receives the message including the provided information transmitted at the timing of the predetermined event from UE100. The base station 200 transmits the message including the provided information to the network node 300. The network node 300 receives the message including the provided information transmitted at the timing of the predetermined event from UE100 via the base station 200. Alternatively, the processing node 400 receives the message including the provided information transmitted at the timing of the predetermined event from UE100.

[0231] Specifically, UE100 transmits an NAS message including route information to the network node 300 via the base station 200 at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of route information. The base station 200 receives the NAS message and forwards the NAS message to the network node 300. The network node 300 receives the NAS message.

[0232] Alternatively, at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of the path information, the UE 100 includes the path information in RRC a message and transmits it to the base station 200. The base station 200 receives the RRC message and transmits an NGAP message including the path information included in the RRC message to the network node 300. The network node 300 receives the NGAP message.

[0233] Alternatively, at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of the path information, the UE 100 transmits a message including the path information to the processing node 400 via the base station 200. The processing node 400 acquires a TA list based on the path information included in the received message. The processing node 400 transmits a message including the acquired TA list to the UE 100 via the base station 200. The UE 100 transmits an NAS message including the TA list included in the received message to the network node 300 via the base station 200. Alternatively, the UE 100 transmits an RRC message including the TA list to the base station 200, and the base station 200 transmits an NGAP message including the TA list to the network node 300.

[0234] Alternatively, at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of the path information, the UE 100 acquires a TA list based on the path information. The UE 100 transmits an NAS message including the acquired TA list to the network node 300 via the base station 200. Alternatively, the UE 100 transmits an RRC message including the TA list to the base station 200, and the base station 200 transmits an NGAP message including the TA list to the network node 300.

[0235] (3) Flow of processing With reference to FIG. 16, an example of the processing according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0236] The UE 100 determines whether the routing information has been set or updated (S1010). For example, the UE 100 (information acquisition unit 131) determines whether the setting or update of the routing information has been notified from the upper layer of the NAS or RRC layer.

[0237] If it is determined that the routing information has been set or updated, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provided information to the network (S1020). For example, when the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) is notified of the setting or update of the routing information from the upper layer, the UE 100 transmits a message including the routing information or a TA list based on the routing information to the network.

[0238] (4) Effects Here, when the provided information is transmitted for setting the TA list as in the first or second embodiment of the present disclosure, an effect of suppressing an increase in signaling related to the setting of the TA list can be exhibited. Furthermore, it is considered that the effect can be improved by devising the transmission timing of the provided information.

[0239] According to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the message including the provided information is transmitted to the network at the timing of a predetermined event. The predetermined event relates to the movement of the UE 100 regarding the TA list. Thereby, the provided information can be transmitted at the timing considering the movement of the UE 100 and the TA list. For example, the provided information can be transmitted at the timing according to the necessity of reflecting the route or movement of the UE 100 in the TA list. Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the TA list based on the movement route or the efficiency of signaling. In other words, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of the TA list or a decrease in the efficiency of signaling.

[0240] Further, the above-described predetermined event includes an event related to the setting or updating of the path information of the UE 100. Thereby, the TA list can be set or updated according to the setting or updating of the path information. Therefore, the temporal deviation between the path information and the TA list can be suppressed, and the accuracy of the TA list can be improved. Further, since the provision information can be transmitted and the TA list can be updated before the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list, the overhead associated with the use of the TA list after the movement can be reduced as compared with the case where the provision information is transmitted after the movement.

[0241] Further, the event related to the setting or updating of the above-described path information includes a notification of the setting or updating of the path information. Thereby, even in a layer that processes without recognizing the path information or a layer that cannot recognize the path information, the provision information can be transmitted according to the setting or updating of the path information.

[0242] <8-2. Modification Example> A modification example according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the third embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the provision information is transmitted in response to a notification of the setting or updating of the path information. However, the transmission timing of the provision information according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0243] As a modification example of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the provision information may be transmitted in response to an event of acquiring the path information.

[0244] Specifically, the event related to the setting or updating of the path information includes the acquisition of the set or updated path information. For example, the path information is acquired from an upper layer (for example, an application layer) of the NAS or RRC layer. For example, a processing layer corresponding to the NAS or RRC layer of the UE 100 (information acquisition unit 131) receives the path information set or updated from the upper layer.

[0245] For example, in the process of S1010 in FIG. 16, the UE100 (information acquisition unit 131) may determine whether path information set or updated from the upper layer of the NAS or RRC layer has been acquired.

[0246] As described above, according to the modification of the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the event related to the setting or updating of the path information includes the acquisition of the set or updated path information. Thereby, the providing information can be transmitted at the timing when the communication processing layer actually acquires the path information.

[0247] <9. Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the predetermined event related to the timing at which the providing information is transmitted is the TAU Procedure (hereinafter, also simply referred to as TAU). Note that since the providing information and the message for transmitting the providing information are substantially the same as those in the first or second embodiment described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, detailed description will be omitted for the content that is substantially the same as the description in the third embodiment.

[0248] <9-1. Operation Example> With reference to FIG. 17, an example of the operations of the UE100, the base station 200, the network node 300, and the processing node 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure and the related information will be described.

[0249] (1) Transmission Timing of Providing Information The predetermined event related to the transmission timing of the providing information includes the TAU Procedure. Specifically, the trigger of the TAU Procedure includes the communication device moving to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list.

[0250] For example, UE100 (control unit 133) determines whether UE100 has moved to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. If UE100 has moved to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) performs a TAU Procedure. That is, UE100 transmits the provided information. Note that a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list may be another TA that is not included in the TA list but is set, or a location where no TA is set.

[0251] Note that even when the path information is set or updated, UE100 does not immediately transmit the provided information, unlike in the third embodiment. UE100 transmits the provided information at the timing of the TAU Procedure after the path information is set or updated.

[0252] (2) Transmission of Provided Information UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the provided information to the network at the timing of the TAU Procedure.

[0253] More specifically, UE100 transmits a NAS message including the path information to network node 300 via base station 200 at the timing of the TAU Procedure.

[0254] Alternatively, UE100 transmits a message including the path information to processing node 400 via base station 200 at the timing of the TAU Procedure. Processing node 400 transmits a message including the TA list based on the path information to UE100 via base station 200. UE100 transmits a NAS message including the TA list included in the received message to network node 300 via base station 200.

[0255] Alternatively, UE100 acquires a TA list based on the path information at the timing of the TAU Procedure. UE100 transmits a NAS message including the acquired TA list to network node 300 via base station 200.

[0256] For example, the NAS message may be a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceRequest message.

[0257] (3) Flow of processing With reference to FIG. 17, an example of processing according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0258] The UE 100 determines whether a TAU has occurred (S1110). For example, the UE 100 (control unit 133) determines whether the UE 100 has moved to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list.

[0259] When it is determined that a TAU has occurred, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provided information to the network (S1120). For example, when the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) has moved to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list, the UE 100 transmits a message including the path information or a TA list based on the path information to the network.

[0260] (4) Effects As described above, according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a predetermined event related to the transmission timing of the provided information includes a TAU Procedure. Thereby, the TAU signaling can be used for the transmission of the provided information. Therefore, an increase in signaling can be suppressed. That is, a decrease in the efficiency of signaling can be suppressed. Further, since the provided information is transmitted at the update timing of the existing TA list, it is possible to set a TA list suitable for the movement path of the UE 100 without significantly changing the mechanism for updating the existing TA list, in other words, while maintaining compatibility.

[0261] The trigger of the TAU procedure includes the UE 100 moving to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. Thus, the provided information is not transmitted unless the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. It can be said that the TA list covers the movement path of the UE 100 unless the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. Even if the movement path is changed or the movement path is set after the TA list is set, the TA list does not have to be changed as long as the TA list covers the movement path. That is, the provided information does not have to be transmitted either. Therefore, even if the movement path is frequently changed within the range of the TA list, an increase in signaling can be suppressed.

[0262] <9-2. Variation example> A variation example according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the trigger of the TAU procedure is that the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. However, the trigger of the TAU procedure according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to this example.

[0263] As a variation example of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the trigger of the TAU procedure may be an event related to the setting or update of the path information of the UE 100.

[0264] Specifically, the trigger of the TAU procedure is an event related to the setting or update of the path information according to the third embodiment described above. For example, the UE 100 (control unit 133) determines whether an event related to the setting or update of the path information has occurred. When the event occurs, the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) performs the TAU procedure. That is, the UE 100 transmits the provided information. In this case, the provided information is transmitted using a NAS message.

[0265] For example, in the process of S1110 in FIG. 17, the UE 100 (information acquisition unit 131) may determine whether the path information has been set or updated based on a notification or information from an upper layer of the NAS or RRC layer.

[0266] Thus, according to the modification of the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the trigger of the TAU Procedure includes an event related to the setting or update of the path information of the UE 100. Thereby, the transmission of the provided information based on the event related to the setting or update of the path information can be processed as the TAU Procedure.

[0267] <10. Fifth Embodiment> The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the provided information is transmitted at a timing according to the communication state (that is, the state of the communication function). Note that since the provided information and the message for transmitting the provided information are substantially the same as those in the first or second embodiment described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, detailed description will be omitted for the content that is substantially the same as the description in the third or fourth embodiment.

[0268] <10-1. Operation Example> With reference to FIG. 18, an example of the operations of the UE 100, the base station 200, the network node 300, and the processing node 400 and the related information according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0269] (1) Transmission Timing of Provided Information The transmission timing of the provided information is determined according to the state of the communication function of the UE 100. In other words, the transmission timing of the provided information is selected according to the state of the communication function. Specifically, when the state of the communication function of the UE 100 is the connected state, a message including the provided information is transmitted at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of the path information. When the state of the communication function of the UE 100 is not the connected state, the message is transmitted at the timing when the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list.

[0270] More specifically, the above connection state includes the RRC connection state. For example, the UE 100 (control unit 133) determines whether the communication function state of the UE 100 is in the RRC connection state. When the communication function state is in the RRC connection state, the provided information is transmitted at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of the path information. When the communication function state is not in the RRC connection state (for example, when the communication function state is in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state), the provided information is transmitted at the timing when the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. In addition, in the latter case, the provided information may be transmitted at the timing of a TAU.

[0271] Note that the above connection state may be a CM (Connection Management) connection state. For example, the UE 100 (control unit 133) determines whether the communication function state of the UE 100 is in the CM connection state. When the communication function state is in the CM connection state, the provided information is transmitted at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of the path information. When the communication function state is not in the CM connection state (for example, when the communication function state is in the CM idle state), the provided information is transmitted at the timing when the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. In addition, in the latter case, the provided information may be transmitted at the timing of a TAU.

[0272] Here, in the CM connection state, the RRC state can be the RRC inactive state. However, the overhead when transitioning from the RRC inactive state to the RRC connection state is smaller than that when transitioning from the RRC idle state to the RRC connection state. Also, in the CM connection state, since the UE 100 and the network node 300 are in a connected state, the overhead for transmitting NAS messages is also small. Therefore, when the above connection state is the CM connection state, the transmission opportunity of the provided information can be increased while suppressing an increase in overhead.

[0273] (2) Transmission of Provided Information UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including provision information to the network at the timing of a predetermined event according to the state of the communication function of UE100.

[0274] Specifically, when the state of the communication function of UE100 is the connected state, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including provision information at the timing of an event related to the setting or updating of routing information. When the state of the communication function of UE100 is not the connected state, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits the message at the timing when UE100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list.

[0275] For example, when the state of the communication function is the RRC connected state, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including provision information to the network at the timing of an event related to the setting or updating of routing information. When the state of the communication function is not the RRC connected state, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including provision information to the network at the timing when UE100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list.

[0276] Note that the transmission of the message including provision information at each timing is substantially the same as that in the above-described third and fourth embodiments, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0277] (3) Flow of processing With reference to FIG. 18, an example of the processing according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that detailed description of processing that is substantially the same as the processing in FIG. 16 or FIG. 17 is omitted.

[0278] UE100 determines whether the routing information has been set or updated (S1210).

[0279] When it is determined that the path information has been set or updated, the UE 100 determines whether the state of the communication function of the UE 100 is a connected state (S1220). For example, when the UE 100 (control unit 133) is notified of the setting or update of the path information from the upper layer, the UE 100 determines whether the RRC state of the UE 100 is an RRC connected state.

[0280] When it is determined that the state of the communication function is a connected state, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provision information to the network immediately (S1230). For example, when the RRC state of the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) is an RRC connected state, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provision information to the network immediately. Note that "immediately" means the current transmission timing, and here it means the timing when the path information is set or updated.

[0281] When it is determined that the state of the communication function is not a connected state, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provision information to the network at the time of TAU occurrence (S1240). For example, when the RRC state of the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) is not an RRC connected state, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provision information to the network at the timing when the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list.

[0282] (4) Effect As described above, according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, a message including the provision information is transmitted at the timing of a predetermined event according to the state of the communication function of the UE 100. Thereby, it is possible to transmit the provision information at a timing when the state of the communication function is a communicable state or a state with relatively little overhead for transitioning to a communicable state. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the overhead related to the communication of the provision information and the setting or update of the TA list. Note that, for example, the above overhead may include overhead related to the return from the sleep state or the reconnection of RRC or NAS.

[0283] Also, when the communication function state of the UE 100 is in a connected state, the above message is transmitted at the timing of an event related to the setting or updating of the path information of the UE 100. When the communication function state is not in a connected state, the above message is transmitted at the timing when the UE 100 moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list. Thereby, when the communication function state is in a communicable state, the provided information is transmitted immediately, so that the TA list can be updated without the overhead of the communication function state transition. Also, when the communication function state is not in a communicable state, the transmission of the provided information is awaited until the timing of the TAU, that is, the timing at which the communication function state is scheduled to transition to a communicable state, so that an increase in the overhead of the communication function state transition can be suppressed.

[0284] Also, the above connected state includes the RRC connected state. For example, there is an overhead in the transition from the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state to the RRC connected state. Therefore, by transmitting the provided information only when in the RRC connected state, the TA list can be set or updated without the overhead.

[0285] <10-2. Modification Example> A modification example according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure described above, when the communication state is not in a connected state, the provided information is transmitted at the timing of the TAU. However, the transmission timing of the provided information when the communication state according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is not in a connected state is not limited to this example.

[0286] As a modification example of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, when the communication state is not in a connected state, the provided information may be transmitted at the timing of the transition of the communication state.

[0287] Specifically, when the communication function state of the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) is in a connected state, a message including the provided information is transmitted at the timing of an event related to the setting or updating of the path information. When the communication function state is not in a connected state, the message is transmitted at the timing when the communication function state transitions to a connected state.

[0288] For example, when the communication function of the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) is in the RRC connected state, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provided information to the network at the timing of an event related to the setting or updating of the path information. When the communication function is not in the RRC connected state, the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the provided information to the network at the timing when the communication function state transitions to the RRC connected state. Note that the state of the communication function may be the CM state described above instead of the RRC state.

[0289] Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 19, an example of the process according to this modified example will be described. Note that detailed descriptions of processes substantially the same as those in FIG. 18 will be omitted.

[0290] The UE 100 determines whether the path information has been set or updated (S1310).

[0291] When it is determined that the path information has been set or updated, the UE 100 determines whether the state of the communication function of the UE 100 is the connected state (S1320).

[0292] When it is determined that the state of the communication function is the connected state, the UE 100 immediately transmits a message including the provided information to the network (S1330).

[0293] When it is determined that the state of the communication function is not the connected state, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provided information to the network when transitioning to the connected state (S1340). For example, when the RRC state of the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) is not the RRC connected state, the UE 100 transmits a message including the provided information to the network at the timing when the RRC state transitions to the RRC connected state. For example, the above timing is the timing of transitioning from the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state to the RRC connected state.

[0294] As described above, according to the modification of the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, when the communication function state of the UE 100 is in the connected state, a message including the provision information is transmitted at the timing of an event related to the setting or update of the routing information. When the communication function state is not in the connected state, the message is transmitted at the timing when the communication function state transitions to the connected state. Thereby, when the communication function state is in a communicable state, since the provision information is transmitted immediately, the TA list can be updated without the overhead of the communication function state transition. Further, when the communication function state is not in a communicable state, since the transmission of the provision information is awaited until the timing of the TAU and the timing of transitioning to a communicable state other than the TAU, the transmission opportunity of the provision information can be increased while suppressing an increase in the overhead of the communication function state transition.

[0295] <11. Sixth Embodiment> The sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the provision information is transmitted at a timing other than the above-described predetermined event. Note that since the provision information and the message for transmitting the provision information are substantially the same as those in the first or second embodiment described above, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, detailed description will be omitted for the content that is substantially the same as the description in the third to fifth embodiments.

[0296] <11-1. Operation Example> With reference to FIG. 20, an example of the operations and related information of the UE 100, the base station 200, the network node 300, and the processing node 400 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0297] (1) Transmission Timing of Provision Information The provision information is transmitted at the timing of a request to the network node 300 for purposes other than the update of the TA list. Specifically, the provision information is transmitted at the timing of a request transmission to the network node 300 other than the TAU.

[0298] For example, UE100 (control unit 133) determines whether a request has occurred in the first access to network node 300. If such a request has occurred, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits the provision information together with the request. For example, the request includes a registration request or a service request for network node 300. Note that the request is not limited to the request in the first access. For example, the request may be a request in reconnection.

[0299] Note that even when the path information is set or updated, UE100 does not immediately transmit the provision information, unlike in the third embodiment. UE100 transmits the provision information at the timing of a request to network node 300 other than a TAU after the path information is set or updated.

[0300] (2) Transmission of Provision Information UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the provision information to the network at the timing of a request to network node 300 other than a TAU.

[0301] Specifically, UE100 transmits a NAS message including the path information to network node 300 via base station 200 at the timing of a request to network node 300 other than a TAU.

[0302] Alternatively, UE100 transmits a message including the path information to processing node 400 via base station 200 at the timing of a request to network node 300 other than a TAU. Processing node 400 transmits a message including a TA list based on the path information to UE100 via base station 200. UE100 transmits a NAS message including the TA list included in the received message to network node 300 via base station 200.

[0303] Alternatively, UE100 acquires a TA list based on the routing information at the timing of a request to a network node 300 other than a TAU. UE100 transmits a NAS message including the acquired TA list to the network node 300 via the base station 200.

[0304] For example, the NAS message may be a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceRequest message.

[0305] (3) Flow of processing With reference to FIG. 20, an example of processing according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that detailed description of processing that is substantially the same as the processing of FIG. 16 or FIG. 17 will be omitted.

[0306] UE100 determines whether the routing information has been set or updated (S1410).

[0307] If it is determined that the routing information has been set or updated, UE100 determines whether a request to a network node 300 other than a TAU has occurred (S1420). For example, UE100 (control unit 133) determines whether a registration request or a service request to the network node 300 has occurred.

[0308] If it is determined that a request to a network node 300 other than a TAU has occurred, UE100 transmits a message including the provided information to the network (S1430). For example, when a registration request or a service request to the network node 300 occurs, UE100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including the routing information or a TA list based on the routing information to the network.

[0309] (4) Effects Thus, according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, a message including provision information is transmitted to the network at the timing of a request to the network node 300 for purposes other than the update of the TA list. Thereby, signaling other than TAU can be used for the transmission of the provision information. Therefore, it is possible to increase the transmission opportunity of the provision information while suppressing an increase in signaling.

[0310] <12. Seventh Embodiment> The seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the seventh embodiment, information indicating the timing at which the provision information is transmitted is transmitted to the UE 100. Note that since the provision information and the message for transmitting the provision information are substantially the same as those in the first or second embodiment described above, detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, detailed description is omitted for the content that is substantially the same as the description in the third to sixth embodiments.

[0311] <12-1. Operation Example> With reference to FIG. 21, an example of the operations of the UE 100, the base station 200, the network node 300, and the processing node 400 and related information according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0312] (1) Setting of Transmission Timing of Provision Information The transmission timing of the provision information is set and notified for the UE 100. Specifically, transmission timing information indicating the transmission timing of the provision information is set for the UE 100.

[0313] More specifically, the transmission timing information indicates at least one of the timings of the predetermined events described in the third to fifth embodiments or the timing of a request to the network node 300 other than TAU described in the sixth embodiment. For example, the transmission timing information indicates at least one of an event related to the setting or update of path information, TAU, the transmission timing according to the communication state, or the timing of a request to the network node 300 other than TAU. The transmission timing information can also be said to be the transmission mode of the provision information.

[0314] (2) Notification of Transmission Timing of Provided Information The transmission timing information is notified from the network to the UE 100. Specifically, the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) receives a message including the transmission timing information from the network. For example, the network node 300 transmits a message including the transmission timing information to the UE 100 via the base station 200. The UE 100 transmits the provided information based on the transmission timing information included in the received message. The communication of the transmission timing information may be performed using NAS, or may be performed using RRC and NGAP.

[0315] Note that the UE 100 may request the network to transmit the transmission timing information. For example, the UE 100 (communication processing unit 135) transmits a message including a request for the transmission timing information to the network node 300 via the base station 200. The network node 300 transmits a message including the transmission timing information to the UE 100 as a response to the request for the transmission timing information.

[0316] (3) Processing Flow With reference to FIG. 21, an example of the processing according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0317] The UE 100 transmits a message including a request for the transmission timing information to the network node 300 (S1510). For example, the UE 100 transmits a message including a request for the transmission timing information to the network node 300 via the base station 200. Note that the processing of S1510 surrounded by the dashed line may be omitted.

[0318] The network node 300 transmits a message including the transmission timing information to the UE 100 (S1520). For example, when the request for the transmission timing information is received, the network node 300 transmits a message including the transmission timing information to the UE 100 via the base station 200.

[0319] (4) Effects Thus, according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, a message including transmission timing information indicating the timing of a predetermined event for transmitting a message including provision information is transmitted from the network to UE100. Thereby, the transmission timing of the provision information can be dynamically changed. Also, the transmission timing of the provision information can be set for each individual UE100, and signaling suitable for each UE100 and the entire system can be realized.

[0320] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0321] For example, the steps in the processes described herein do not necessarily have to be executed in chronological order along the order described in the flowchart or sequence diagram. For example, the steps in the process may be executed in an order different from the order described as the flowchart or sequence diagram, or may be executed in parallel. Also, some of the steps in the process may be deleted, and additional steps may be added to the process.

[0322] For example, a method including the operations of one or more components of the apparatus described herein may be provided, and a program for causing a computer to execute the operations of the above components may be provided. Also, a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium recording the program may be provided. Of course, such a method, program, and non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium are also included in the present disclosure.

[0323] For example, in the present disclosure, the user equipment (UE) may be referred to by another name such as a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a mobile device, a mobile unit, a subscriber station, a subscriber terminal, a subscriber device, a subscriber unit, a wireless station, a wireless terminal, a wireless device, a wireless unit, a remote station, a remote terminal, a remote device, or a remote unit.

[0324] For example, in the present disclosure, "transmit" may mean performing processing of at least one layer in the protocol stack used for transmission, or physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or by wire. Alternatively, "transmit" may mean a combination of performing the processing of the at least one layer and physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or by wire. Similarly, "receive" may mean performing processing of at least one layer in the protocol stack used for reception, or physically receiving a signal wirelessly or by wire. Alternatively, "receive" may mean a combination of performing the processing of the at least one layer and physically receiving a signal wirelessly or by wire. The at least one layer may be equivalently referred to as at least one protocol.

[0325] For example, in the present disclosure, "obtain / acquire" may mean obtaining information from stored information, obtaining information from information received from other nodes, or obtaining the information by generating the information.

[0326] For example, in the present disclosure, "include" and "comprise" do not mean including only the listed items, and may mean including only the listed items or including additional items in addition to the listed items.

[0327] For example, in the present disclosure, "or" does not mean exclusive disjunction but inclusive disjunction.

[0328] Note that the technical features included in the above-described embodiments may be expressed as the following features. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the following features.

[0329] (Feature 1) A communication device (100), an information acquisition unit (131) that acquires provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device, a communication processing unit (135) that transmits a message including the provision information to a network (200, 300, 400) at a timing of a predetermined event, comprising wherein the provision information relates to a movement path of the communication device, and the predetermined event relates to movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Communication device.

[0330] (Feature 2) The predetermined event includes an event related to setting or updating route information that at least indicates a movement path of the communication device, wherein the route information is used for setting the TA list The communication device according to Feature 1.

[0331] (Feature 3) The event related to setting or updating the route information includes notification of setting or updating the route information The communication device according to Feature 2.

[0332] (Feature 4) The event related to setting or updating the route information includes acquisition of the set or updated route information The communication device according to Feature 2 or 3.

[0333] (Feature 5) The predetermined event includes a TAU (Tracking Area Update) Procedure The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 4

[0334] (Feature 6) The trigger of the TAU Procedure includes the communication device moving to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list The communication device according to Feature 5

[0335] (Feature 7) The trigger of the TAU Procedure includes an event related to setting or updating path information that at least indicates the movement path of the communication device The communication device according to Feature 5 or 6

[0336] (Feature 8) The communication processing unit further transmits the message at the timing of a request to a network node for purposes other than updating the TA list The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 7

[0337] (Feature 9) The communication processing unit transmits the message at the timing of the predetermined event according to the state of the communication function of the communication device The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 8

[0338] (Feature 10) When the state of the communication function of the communication device is a connected state, the communication processing unit transmits the message at the timing of an event related to setting or updating path information that at least indicates the movement path of the communication device, When the state of the communication function of the communication device is not a connected state, the communication processing unit transmits the message at the timing when the communication device moves to a location other than the TA indicated by the TA list The communication device according to Feature 9

[0339] (Feature 11) When the state of the communication function of the communication device is the connected state, the communication processing unit transmits the message at the timing of an event related to setting or updating route information indicating at least the movement route of the communication device. When the state of the communication function of the communication device is not the connected state, the communication processing unit transmits the message at the timing when the state of the communication function of the communication device transitions to the connected state. The communication device according to Feature 9.

[0340] (Feature 12) The connected state includes an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connected state. The communication device according to Feature 10 or 11.

[0341] (Feature 13) The connected state includes a CM (Connection Management) connected state. The communication device according to Feature 10 or 11.

[0342] (Feature 14) The communication processing unit receives, from the network, a message including transmission timing information indicating the timing of the predetermined event for transmitting the message. The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 13.

[0343] (Feature 15) The provided information includes route information indicating at least the movement route of the communication device. The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 14.

[0344] (Feature 16) The provided information includes the TA list based on the route information indicating at least the movement route of the communication device. The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 15.

[0345] (Feature 17) The communication device further includes a control unit (133) that performs TA list conversion processing based on the route information at the timing of the predetermined event. The information acquisition unit acquires the TA list by the TA list conversion process. The communication device according to Feature 16.

[0346] (Feature 18) The communication processing unit transmits, at the timing of the predetermined event, a message including the path information to a processing function (400) that performs TA list conversion processing, and receives a message including the TA list from the processing function. The communication device according to Feature 16.

[0347] (Feature 19) The network includes a network node (300) in the core network. The message including the provided information includes a NAS (Non Access Stratum) message. The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 18.

[0348] (Feature 20) The NAS message is a RegistrationRequest message or a ServiceRequest message. The communication device according to Feature 19.

[0349] (Feature 21) The network includes a base station (200) of a radio access network. The message including the provided information includes an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message. The communication device according to any one of Features 1 to 20.

[0350] (Feature 22) The RRC message is a UEInformationResponse message or a UEAssistanceInformation message. The communication device according to Feature 21.

[0351] (Feature 23) A communication processing unit (335) that receives from the communication device a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100), An information acquisition unit (331) that acquires the provision information included in the message, comprising: The provision information relates to the movement path of the communication device, The message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, The predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list A network node (300).

[0352] (Feature 24) A first communication processing unit (243) that receives from the communication device a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100), A second communication processing unit (245) that transmits the message including the provision information to a network node (300), comprising: The provision information relates to the movement path of the communication device, The message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, The predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list A base station (200).

[0353] (Feature 25) A communication processing unit (435) that receives from the communication device a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100), An information acquisition unit (431) that acquires the provision information included in the message, comprising: The provision information relates to the movement path of the communication device, The message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, The predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list processing node (400).

[0354] (Feature 26) A method performed by a communication device (100), obtaining provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device; transmitting a message including the provision information to a network (200, 300, 400) at a timing of a predetermined event; including the provision information relates to a movement path of the communication device, the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list method.

[0355] (Feature 27) A method performed by a network node (300), receiving from the communication device a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device; obtaining the provision information included in the message; including the provision information relates to a movement path of the communication device, the message is transmitted from the communication device at a timing of a predetermined event, the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list method.

[0356] (Feature 28) A method performed by a base station (200), receiving from the communication device a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device; transmitting the message including the provision information to a network node (300); including wherein the provided information relates to the movement path of the communication device wherein the message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event wherein the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Method

[0357] (Feature 29) A method performed by a processing node (400), comprising: receiving, from the communication device (100), a message including provided information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device; obtaining the provided information included in the message; including wherein the provided information relates to the movement path of the communication device wherein the message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event wherein the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Method

[0358] (Feature 30) obtaining provided information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for a communication device (100); transmitting, at the timing of a predetermined event, a message including the provided information to a network (200, 300, 400); A program for causing a computer to execute, comprising: wherein the provided information relates to the movement path of the communication device wherein the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Program

[0359] (Feature 31) receiving, from the communication device (100), a message including provided information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device; Obtaining the provided information included in the message; A program for causing a computer to execute, wherein the provided information relates to the movement path of the communication device, the message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, and the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Program.

[0360] (Feature 32) Receiving, from the communication device, a message including provided information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100); Transmitting the message including the provided information to a network node (300); A program for causing a computer to execute, wherein the provided information relates to the movement path of the communication device, the message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, and the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Program.

[0361] (Feature 33) Receiving, from the communication device, a message including provided information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100); Obtaining the provided information included in the message; A program for causing a computer to execute, wherein the provided information relates to the movement path of the communication device, the message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, and the predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Program.

[0362] (Feature 34) Obtaining provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for a communication device (100), Transmitting a message including the provision information to a network (200, 300, 400) at a timing of a predetermined event, A computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute: The provision information relates to a movement path of the communication device, The predetermined event relates to movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Non-transitory tangible recording medium.

[0363] (Feature 35) Receiving, from the communication device, a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100), Obtaining the provision information included in the message, A computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute: The provision information relates to a movement path of the communication device, The message is transmitted from the communication device at a timing of a predetermined event, The predetermined event relates to movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Non-transitory tangible recording medium.

[0364] (Feature 36) Receiving, from the communication device, a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100), Transmitting the message including the provision information to a network node (300), A computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute: The provision information relates to a movement path of the communication device, The message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, The predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Non-transitory physical recording medium.

[0365] (Feature 37) Receiving, from the communication device, a message including provision information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list for the communication device (100); Obtaining the provision information included in the message; A computer-readable non-transitory physical recording medium having recorded thereon a program for causing a computer to execute: The provision information relates to the movement path of the communication device, The message is transmitted from the communication device at the timing of a predetermined event, The predetermined event relates to the movement of the communication device with respect to the TA list Non-transitory physical recording medium.

Claims

1. A communication device, comprising: an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list; a communication processing unit configured to transmit, when the communication device is in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connected state, a message including information used for setting the TA list to a network based on setting or updating of path information in the communication device; wherein, when the communication device is not in the RRC connected state, the communication processing unit transmits the message to the network based on the communication device moving to an area other than the TA indicated by the TA list. The communication device.

2. The communication processing unit is configured to transmit the message to the network based on the communication device transitioning to the RRC connected state. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The message includes a NAS (Non Access Stratum) message. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The path information includes flight path or movement path information. The communication device according to claim 1.

5. A network node, comprising: a communication processing unit configured to receive, from a communication device, a message including information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list; an information acquisition unit configured to acquire the information used for setting the TA list from the message; wherein, when the communication device is in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connected state, the communication processing unit receives the message from the communication device based on setting or updating of path information in the communication device; wherein, when the communication device is not in the RRC connected state, the communication processing unit receives the message from the communication device based on the communication device moving to an area other than the TA indicated by the TA list. The network node.

6. The communication processing unit is configured to receive the message from the communication device based on the communication device transitioning to the RRC connected state. The network node according to claim 5.

7. The message includes a NAS (Non Access Stratum) message. The network node according to claim 5.

8. The path information includes flight path or movement path information. The network node according to claim 5.

9. A method for a communication device, comprising: Obtain information used for setting a TA (Tracking Area) list, when the communication device is in an RRC (Radio Resource Control) connected state, based on the setting or update of routing information in the communication device, send a message including the information used for setting the TA list to the network, when the communication device is not in the RRC connected state, based on the communication device moving to an area other than the TA indicated by the TA list, send the message to the network Method.

10. Based on the communication device transitioning to the RRC connected state, send the message to the network The method according to claim 9.

11. The message includes a NAS (Non Access Stratum) message The method according to claim 9.

12. The routing information includes information on a flight route or a movement route The method according to claim 9.

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