Emergency information distribution by mobile station

Abstract

A communication control device 3 is equipped with at least one processor that: uses an emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 to estimate emergency information distribution areas EA1, EA2 in which a mobile station MS capable of communicating with communication devices UE1, UE2 is located; and uses an emergency information distribution control unit 32 to cause the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information to the emergency information distribution areas EA1, EA2 estimated by the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31. The mobile station MS can connect with fixed base stations FS1, FS2 fixedly belonging to a particular emergency information distribution area, and the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates that the mobile station MS is located in the emergency information distribution area EA1, EA2 to which the fixed base station FS1, FS2 the mobile station MS is currently connected to belongs (FIG. 2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication control technology in a wireless communication system.

Background Art

[0002] The number, types, and uses of wireless communication devices typified by smartphones and IoT (Internet of Things) devices are on the rise, and the expansion and improvement of wireless communication standards have continued. For example, commercial services of the fifth-generation mobile communication system known as "5G" started in 2018, but standardization is still underway at 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project). In addition, efforts have also begun towards standardization of "6G", the next-generation wireless communication standard following 5G, or the sixth-generation mobile communication system.

[0003] Mobile communication networks for mobile communication devices such as smartphones and mobile phones (hereinafter collectively referred to as communication devices) are generally constructed by communication cells (hereinafter also referred to as terrestrial communication cells or fixed communication cells) provided by base stations fixedly installed on the ground (hereinafter also referred to as terrestrial base stations or fixed base stations). However, there has been a problem that mobile communication cannot be performed outside the fixed communication cell, and even within the fixed communication cell, the quality of mobile communication may deteriorate depending on time and location.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, studies are underway on mobile stations for supplementing the fixed communication cells provided by fixed base stations. As movable mobile stations, those that function as base stations themselves, such as communication satellites (hereinafter also referred to as mobile base stations), and those that communicate with existing fixed base stations to expand existing fixed communication cells, such as repeaters (hereinafter also referred to as relay stations), are assumed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The inventor recognized the problem that while a fixed base station fixedly installed on the ground fixedly belongs to a specific emergency information distribution area, a mobile station can move between different emergency information distribution areas. In conventional wireless communication standards represented by 5G, such emergency information distribution by a mobile station cannot be appropriately executed.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide a communication control device or the like that can appropriately execute emergency information distribution by a mobile station.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, a communication control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor that executes, by an emergency information distribution area estimation unit, estimating an emergency information distribution area where a moving mobile station capable of communicating with a communication device is located, and by an emergency information distribution control unit, causing the mobile station to distribute emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area.

[0009] According to this aspect, based on the estimation result of the emergency information distribution area where the mobile station is located, emergency information distribution by the mobile station can be appropriately executed.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication control method. This method includes estimating an emergency information distribution area where a moving mobile station capable of communicating with a communication device is located, and causing the mobile station to distribute emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area.

[0011] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium. This storage medium stores a communication control program that causes a computer to estimate an emergency information distribution area where a mobile station that can communicate with a communication device is located, and cause the mobile station to distribute emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area.

[0012] In addition, any combination of the above components, or those obtained by converting these expressions into methods, apparatuses, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also included in the present disclosure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, emergency information distribution by a mobile station can be appropriately executed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] FIG. 1 schematically shows an overview of a wireless communication system 1 to which a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. The wireless communication system 1 complies with a 5G wireless communication system 11 that uses NR (New Radio) or 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) as a radio access technology (RAT) and uses 5GC (Fifth Generation Core) as a core network (CN), a 4G wireless communication system 12 that uses LTE (Long Term Evolution) or LTE-Advanced as a radio access technology and uses EPC (Evolved Packet Core) as a core network, and a satellite communication system 13 that is responsible for satellite communication via a communication satellite 131. Although not shown, the wireless communication system 1 may include a wireless communication system of a generation prior to 4G, may include a wireless communication system of a generation after 5G (such as 6G), or may include any wireless communication system not associated with a generation such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0016] The 5G wireless communication system 11 includes a plurality of 5G base stations 111A, 111B, 111C (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as 5G base stations 111) that are installed on the ground and can communicate with communication devices 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as communication devices 2), such as smartphones, also called user equipment (UE), via 5G NR. The base station 111 in 5G is also called a gNodeB (gNB). The communicable range or support range of each of the 5G base stations 111A, 111B, 111C is called a cell, and is shown as 112A, 112B, 112C (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as 5G cells 112).

[0017] The size of each 5G cell 112 of each 5G base station 111 is arbitrary, but typically ranges from several meters to several tens of kilometers in radius. Although there is no established definition, cells with a radius of several meters to ten meters are called femtocells, cells with a radius of ten meters to several tens of meters are called picocells, cells with a radius of several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters are called microcells, and cells with a radius exceeding several hundred meters may be called macrocells. In 5G, high-frequency radio waves such as millimeter waves are often used. Due to the high directivity, the radio waves are blocked by obstacles and the communication range becomes short. Therefore, in 5G, smaller cells tend to be used more frequently than in previous generations before 4G.

[0018] If the communication device 2 is inside at least one of the plurality of 5G cells 112A, 112B, 112C, 5G communication can be performed. In the illustrated example, the communication devices 2B inside the 5G cells 112A and 112B can communicate with both of the 5G base stations 111A and 111B by 5G NR. Also, the communication device 2C inside the 5G cell 112C can communicate with the 5G base station 111C by 5G NR. Since the communication devices 2A and 2D are outside all of the 5G cells 112A, 112B, 112C, they are in a state where communication by 5G NR is not possible. The 5G communication by 5G NR between each communication device 2 and each 5G base station 111 is managed by the 5GC which is the core network. For example, the 5GC performs data transfer with each 5G base station 111, data transfer with external networks such as the EPC, the satellite communication system 13, and the Internet, and mobility management of the communication device 2.

[0019] The 4G wireless communication system 12 includes a plurality of 4G base stations 121 (only one is shown in FIG. 1) installed on the ground and capable of communicating with the communication device 2 by LTE or LTE-Advanced. The base station 121 in 4G is also called an eNodeB (eNB). Similar to each 5G base station 111, the communication range or support range of each 4G base station 121 is also called a cell and is illustrated as 122.

[0020] If the communication device 2 is inside the 4G cell 122, it can perform 4G communication. In the illustrated example, the communication devices 2A and 2B inside the 4G cell 122 can communicate with the 4G base station 121 via LTE or LTE-Advanced. Since the communication devices 2C and 2D are outside the 4G cell 122, they are in a state where they cannot communicate via LTE or LTE-Advanced. The 4G communication between each communication device 2 and each 4G base station 121 via LTE or LTE-Advanced is managed by the EPC, which is the core network. For example, the EPC conducts data exchange with each 4G base station 121, data exchange with external networks such as the 5GC, the satellite communication system 13, and the Internet, and mobility management of the communication device 2.

[0021] Focusing on each of the communication devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, in the illustrated example, the communication device 2A is in a state where it can perform 4G communication with the 4G base station 121, the communication device 2B is in a state where it can perform 5G communication with the 5G base stations 111A and 111B and 4G communication with the 4G base station 121, and the communication device 2C is in a state where it can perform 5G communication with the 5G base station 111C. When there are multiple communicable base stations (111A, 111B, 121) like the communication device 2B, one base station determined to be optimal from the perspective of communication quality, etc., is selected under the management of the 5GC and / or EPC, which are the core networks, to communicate with the communication device 2B. Also, since the communication device 2D is not in a state where it can communicate with any of the 5G base stations 111 and 4G base stations 121, it communicates via the satellite communication system 13 described below.

[0022] The satellite communication system 13 is a wireless communication system that uses a communication satellite 131 as a non-terrestrial base station flying in a low-earth orbit space at an altitude of about 500 km to 700 km from the earth's surface. Similar to the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121, the communication range or support range of the communication satellite 131 is also called a cell and is illustrated as 132. In this way, the communication satellite 131 as a non-terrestrial base station provides a satellite communication cell 132 as a non-terrestrial communication cell to the ground. If the communication device 2 on the ground is inside the satellite communication cell 132, satellite communication can be performed. Similar to the 5G base station 111 in the 5G wireless communication system 11 and the 4G base station 121 in the 4G wireless communication system 12, the communication satellite 131 as a base station in the satellite communication system 13 can perform wireless communication directly with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 or indirectly via an aircraft or the like. The radio access technology used by the communication satellite 131 for wireless communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 may be the same 5G NR as the 5G base station 111, or the same LTE or LTE-Advanced as the 4G base station 121, or any other radio access technology that the communication device 2 can use. Therefore, the communication device 2 does not need to be provided with special functions or components for satellite communication.

[0023] The satellite communication system 13 includes a gateway 133 as a ground station installed on the ground and capable of communicating with a communication satellite 131. The gateway 133 is equipped with a satellite antenna for communicating with the communication satellite 131, and is connected to a 5G base station 111 and a 4G base station 121 as ground base stations constituting a terrestrial network (TN: Terrestrial Network). In this way, the gateway 133 interconnects a non-terrestrial network (NTN: Non-Terrestrial Network) constituted by the communication satellite 131 as a non-ground base station or a satellite base station and the TN constituted by the ground base stations 111 and 121 so that they can communicate with each other. When the communication satellite 131 communicates with a communication device 2 within a satellite communication cell 132 using 5G NR, a 5GC connected via the gateway 133 and the 5G base station 111 (or a 5G radio access network) in the TN is used as a core network. When the communication satellite 131 communicates with the communication device 2 within the satellite communication cell 132 using LTE or LTE-Advanced, an EPC connected via the gateway 133 and the 4G base station 121 (or a 4G radio access network) in the TN is used as a core network. In this way, appropriate cooperation is achieved among different wireless communication systems such as 5G communication, 4G communication, and satellite communication via the gateway 133.

[0024] Satellite communication by the communication satellite 131 is mainly used to cover areas where there are no or few ground base stations such as the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121. In the illustrated example, a communication device 2D outside the communication cells of all ground base stations communicates with the communication satellite 131. On the other hand, although the communication devices 2A, 2B, and 2C, which are in a state where they can communicate well with any of the ground base stations, are also within the satellite communication cell 132 and thus can communicate with the communication satellite 131, in principle, they communicate with the ground base stations rather than the communication satellite 131 as a satellite base station, so that the limited communication resources (including power) of the communication satellite 131 are saved for the communication device 2D and the like. The communication satellite 131 improves the communication quality with the communication device 2D by directing communication radio waves toward the communication device 2D within the satellite communication cell 132 through beamforming.

[0025] The size of the satellite communication cell 132 of the communication satellite 131 as a satellite base station can be arbitrarily set according to the number of beams emitted by the communication satellite 131. For example, by combining up to 2,800 beams, a satellite communication cell 132 with a diameter of about 24 km can be formed. As shown in the figure, the satellite communication cell 132 is typically larger than terrestrial communication cells such as 5G cells 112 and 4G cells 122, and may include one or more 5G cells 112 and / or 4G cells 122 inside. Note that in the above, as a non-terrestrial base station in flight, the communication satellite 131 flying in the low-earth orbit space at a height of about 500 km to 700 km from the earth's surface is exemplified. However, a communication satellite flying in a high-orbit space such as a geostationary orbit at a higher altitude, or an unmanned or manned aircraft flying in the atmosphere such as the stratosphere at a lower altitude (e.g., about 20 km from the earth's surface) can be used as a non-terrestrial base station in addition to or instead of the communication satellite 131.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 1 was generally constructed by terrestrial communication cells 112 and 122 (hereinafter also referred to as fixed communication cells FC) provided by terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 (hereinafter also referred to as fixed base stations FS) fixedly installed on the ground. However, there was a problem that mobile communication could not be performed outside the fixed communication cell FC, and even inside the fixed communication cell FC, the quality of mobile communication deteriorated depending on time and location. Note that the wireless communication system 1 may also include a satellite communication system 13 using the communication satellite 131 as a non-terrestrial base station or a mobile base station. However, it is unrealistic to supplement the terrestrial network by the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 only with the communication satellite 131.

[0027] To solve such problems, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable to introduce a mobile station MS to supplement the fixed communication cell FC provided by the fixed base station FS. Examples of the mobile station MS that can move include a mobile base station such as a communication satellite 131 that functions as a base station by itself, and a repeater (hereinafter also referred to as a relay station) that communicates with an existing fixed base station FS to expand an existing fixed communication cell FC. The mobile station MS in the example of FIG. 2 is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node.

[0028] IAB is a technology formulated in 5G. It is a technology for expanding a communication cell by a parent node using a wireless backhaul between a base station serving as an IAB donor (parent node) and an IAB node (child node), and / or between parent and child IAB nodes (the IAB node closer to the IAB donor becomes the parent node, and the IAB node farther from the IAB donor becomes the child node). Here, "expansion of a communication cell" includes not only expanding the area covered by an existing communication cell, but also improving the communication quality of at least a part of the existing communication cell. Furthermore, "expansion of the area covered by a communication cell" includes not only expanding the area of the existing communication cell in the horizontal plane, but also expanding the existing communication cell in the vertical direction, for example, underground, above a building, and / or to lower floors.

[0029] In FIG. 2, a mobile station MS as an IAB node includes a communication function unit 34 that functions as a communication device for a parent node including a fixed base station FS, and a base station function unit 35 that functions as a base station for a communication device UE with which the mobile station MS can communicate. In 5G, the communication function unit 34 is defined as MT (Mobile Termination) or IAB-MT, and the base station function unit 35 is defined as DU (Distributed Unit) or IAB-DU. Note that in other radio communication systems including generations after 5G, including a CU (Central Unit) described later, it is assumed that functions similar to IAB, MT, DU, and CU are provided under different names. However, in this embodiment, such similar functions may be used as IAB, MT, DU, and CU.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates two fixed base stations FS1 and FS2. The first fixed base station FS1 provides a first fixed communication cell FC1, and the second fixed base station FS2 provides a second fixed communication cell FC2. In the example of FIG. 2, the baseband function of each fixed base station FS1 and FS2 is divided into a centralized unit (CU) on the core network CN side and a distributed unit (DU) on the communication device UE side. The first distributed unit DU1 of the first fixed base station FS1 is provided near a radio device such as an antenna of the first fixed base station FS1, typically in the same base station facility as the radio device. The second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station FS2 is provided near a radio device such as an antenna of the second fixed base station FS2, typically in the same base station facility as the radio device. The centralized unit CU in the illustrated example is shared by the first fixed base station FS1 (the first distributed unit DU1) and the second fixed base station FS2 (the second distributed unit DU2), but a separate centralized unit may be provided for each of the fixed base stations FS1 and FS2. The centralized unit CU is connected to the core network CN. The connections between the radio devices such as antennas and the distributed units DU1 and DU2 in each fixed base station FS1 and FS2, the connections between the distributed units DU1 and DU2 and the centralized unit CU, and the connection between the centralized unit CU and the core network CN are typically by wire such as a conductive wire or an optical fiber, but some or all of each connection may be wireless.

[0031] The communication function unit 34 (IAB-MT) of the mobile station MS can be wirelessly connected to the distributed unit DU of any fixed base station FS according to the position of the mobile station MS. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication function unit 34 is wirelessly connected to the second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station FS2. In this case, the mobile station MS functions as a child node with the second fixed base station FS2 as the parent node or IAB donor, and extends the second fixed communication cell FC2 by the second fixed base station FS2 as the parent node. Then, the base station function unit 35 (IAB-DU) of the mobile station MS provides a mobile communication cell as an extended communication cell of the second fixed communication cell FC2 to the communication device UE. In the example of FIG. 2, two communication devices UE1 and UE2 connected to the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS are schematically shown. The first communication device UE1 communicates substantially with the second fixed base station FS2 through the mobile station MS while being inside the first fixed communication cell FC1 and outside the second fixed communication cell FC2.

[0032] The mobile station MS is attached to a moving object, except when it can move (fly) autonomously like a communication satellite 131. The moving object is any object or person that can move, and includes, for example, any vehicle such as a car, a train, a motorcycle, a bicycle, an airplane, a ship, etc. Further, the mobile station MS may be a communication device 2 carried by a moving person, for example, a communication device 2 having a tethering function or a personal hot spot function. Since such a communication device 2 (mobile station MS) generally functions as a wireless LAN access point, the RAT (for example, 5G NR) used by the base station of the extension source (for example, the second fixed base station FS2) and the RAT used by the mobile station MS of the extension destination may be different.

[0033] The inventor recognized the problem that the fixed base stations FS1 and FS2 fixedly installed on the ground belong fixedly to specific emergency information distribution areas (EA1 and EA2 described later), while the mobile station MS can move between different emergency information distribution areas. As will be described below, in the conventional wireless communication standards typified by 5G, such emergency information distribution by the mobile station MS cannot be appropriately executed.

[0034] An emergency information distribution area is an area where disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis and other emergency information are distributed all at once. A system for distributing emergency information is also called an alert distribution system (PWS: Public Warning System), and in particular, a system that distributes alerts related to disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis is also called an earthquake and tsunami warning system (ETWS: Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System). Emergency information distribution areas are generally set in units of administrative divisions such as municipalities, and each fixed base station FS1, FS2 fixedly installed on the ground belongs to the emergency information distribution area set for the administrative division where it is installed. In the example of Figure 2, the first fixed base station FS1 installed in the first administrative division belongs to the first emergency information distribution area EA1 set for the first administrative division, and the second fixed base station FS2 installed in the second administrative division belongs to the second emergency information distribution area EA2 set for the second administrative division.

[0035] The emergency information distribution system distributes emergency information all at once to all communication devices UE within the emergency information distribution area where a disaster or the like has occurred. Specifically, when a disaster or the like occurs within the first emergency information distribution area EA1, the first fixed base station FS1 belonging to the first emergency information distribution area EA1 distributes emergency information all at once to all communication devices UE within the first fixed communication cell FC1. Similarly, when a disaster or the like occurs within the second emergency information distribution area EA2, the second fixed base station FS2 belonging to the second emergency information distribution area EA2 distributes emergency information all at once to all communication devices UE within the second fixed communication cell FC2.

[0036] As described above, since the fixed base stations FS1, FS2 fixedly installed on the ground are fixedly associated with specific emergency information distribution areas EA1, EA2, emergency information distribution in each emergency information distribution area EA1, EA2 can be appropriately executed. On the other hand, since the mobile station MS can move between different emergency information distribution areas EA1, EA2, it is necessary to appropriately switch the emergency information distribution areas EA1, EA2 to which emergency information should be distributed according to its position and situation. Thus, the main object of this embodiment is to provide a communication control device 3 that can appropriately execute emergency information distribution by the mobile station MS.

[0037] The communication control device 3 includes an emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31, an emergency information distribution control unit 32, an area arrangement information acquisition unit 33, a communication device function unit 34, a base station function unit 35, a positioning unit 36, and a communication quality comparison unit 37. As long as the communication control device 3 exhibits at least part of the operations and / or effects described below, some of these functional blocks can be omitted. These functional blocks are realized by the cooperation of hardware resources such as a central processing unit, a memory, an input device, an output device, and peripheral devices connected to a computer, and software executed using them. Regardless of the type and installation location of the computer, each of the above functional blocks may be realized by the hardware resources of a single computer, or may be realized by combining the hardware resources distributed among a plurality of computers. In particular, in this embodiment, some or all of the functional blocks of the communication control device 3 may be realized centrally or distributively by a computer or a processor provided in the communication device UE, the mobile station MS (including a mobile body), the distributed units DU1 and DU2, the aggregation unit CU, and the core network CN. In the example of FIG. 2, the functional blocks 31 to 33 are provided in the aggregation unit CU, and the functional blocks 34 to 37 are provided in the mobile station MS. However, as long as the communication control device 3 exhibits at least part of the operations and / or effects described below, the locations where these functional blocks are provided are arbitrary.

[0038] The emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 provided in the aggregation unit CU estimates the emergency information distribution area where the mobile station MS is located. The emergency information distribution control unit 32 provided in the aggregation unit CU causes the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information for the emergency information distribution area estimated by the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31. When it is estimated by the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 that the mobile station MS is located in the first emergency information distribution area EA1, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 causes the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information for the first emergency information distribution area EA1. When it is estimated by the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 that the mobile station MS is located in the second emergency information distribution area EA2, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 causes the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information for the second emergency information distribution area EA2.

[0039] The method by which the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates the emergency information distribution area where the mobile station MS is located is arbitrary, but several specific embodiments will be shown.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates that the mobile station MS is located in the emergency information distribution area EA to which the fixed base station FS to which the mobile station MS is connected belongs. In the example of FIG. 2, as described above, the communication function unit 34 of the mobile station MS is connected to the second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station FS2. Thus, the fact that the mobile station MS is connected to the second fixed base station FS2 is notified to the aggregation unit CU and / or the core network CN from the communication function unit 34 and / or the second distributed unit DU2 when the communication function unit 34 (IAB-MT) is connected to the second distributed unit DU2 or when the communication function unit 34 (IAB-MT) is handed over from another distributed unit (for example, the first distributed unit DU1) to the second distributed unit DU2. This notification may include cell identification information such as the CGI (Cell Global Identity) of the second fixed communication cell FC2 to which the mobile station MS is connected and information on the tracking area (also called the location registration area) to which the second fixed communication cell FC2 belongs. In this way, the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 provided in the aggregation unit CU and / or the core network CN (hereinafter also collectively referred to as the core network CN side) can recognize the fixed base station FS and / or the fixed communication cell FC to which the mobile station MS is connected.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 2, the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates that the mobile station MS is located in the second emergency information distribution area EA2 to which the second fixed base station FS2 to which the mobile station MS is connected belongs. Then, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 causes the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information for the second emergency information distribution area EA2. The emergency information distributed by the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS is generated by the core network CN and / or the aggregation unit CU and distributed to the second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station FS2. Then, the emergency information is distributed from the second distributed unit DU2 to the communication function unit 34 of the mobile station MS and distributed by the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS to the communication UE. In this way, the mobile station MS redistributes the emergency information acquired by the communication function unit 34 from the fixed base station FS by the base station function unit 35.

[0042] In the second embodiment, the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates the emergency information distribution area EA in which the mobile station MS is located based on the arrangement information of the emergency information distribution area EA acquired by the area arrangement information acquisition unit 33 and the position of the mobile station MS measured by the positioning unit 36. The area arrangement information acquisition unit 33 acquires arrangement information such as the coverage range and boundaries of each emergency information distribution area EA from the core network CN side. The positioning unit 36 measures the position of the mobile station MS based on, for example, a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The positioning unit 36 may be mounted on the mobile station MS, may be mounted on a moving body to which the mobile station MS is attached, or may be mounted on a communication device 2 carried by a person boarding the mobile station MS. Further, the positioning unit 36 may estimate or measure the position of the mobile station MS by using an information collection function and / or information analysis function such as NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) or LMF (Location Management Function) of the core network CN and / or information referable in the application layer. By comparing the arrangement information of the emergency information distribution area EA acquired by the area arrangement information acquisition unit 33 with the position of the mobile station MS measured by the positioning unit 36, the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 can estimate the emergency information distribution area EA in which the mobile station MS is located.

[0043] Here, it is assumed that the mobile station MS is located in the first emergency information distribution area EA1 as estimated by the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31. Then, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 causes the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information for the first emergency information distribution area EA1. At this time, as described above, since the communication function unit 34 of the mobile station MS is connected to the second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station FS2, the emergency information for the first emergency information distribution area EA1 generated on the core network CN side is distributed from the fixed base station (FS2) belonging to a different emergency information distribution area (EA2) to the mobile station MS. In this way, the second fixed base station FS2 transfers the emergency information for the first emergency information distribution area EA1 to the mobile station MS, but since it itself belongs to the second emergency information distribution area EA2 different from the first emergency information distribution area EA1, it does not distribute the emergency information to the communication device UE. Note that the first fixed base station FS1 belonging to the first emergency information distribution area EA1 distributes the emergency information to the communication device UE in the same manner as the mobile station MS. As described above, according to this embodiment, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 can cause the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information obtained from the fixed base station (FS2) to which the mobile station MS is connected, and which is for an emergency information distribution area (EA1) different from the emergency information distribution area (EA2) to which the fixed base station (FS2) belongs.

[0044] In the third embodiment, the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates that the mobile station MS is located in the emergency information distribution area EA to which the fixed base station FS with the highest communication quality for the mobile station MS among the plurality of fixed base stations FS belongs. The communication quality of the plurality of fixed base stations FS around the mobile station MS is measured and compared by the communication quality comparison unit 37 provided in the mobile station MS or the mobile body. Here, it is assumed that the communication quality comparison unit 37 determines that the communication quality of the second fixed base station FS2 among the two illustrated fixed base stations FS1 and FS2 for the mobile station MS is higher, and the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates that the mobile station MS is located in the second emergency information distribution area EA2 to which the second fixed base station FS2 belongs. Then, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 causes the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information for the second emergency information distribution area EA2. The emergency information distributed by the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS is generated on the core network CN side and distributed to the second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station FS2. Then, the emergency information is distributed from the second distributed unit DU2 to the communication function unit 34 of the mobile station MS and distributed to the communication device UE by the base station function unit 35 of the mobile station MS. In this way, the mobile station MS redistributes the emergency information acquired by the communication function unit 34 from the fixed base station FS by the base station function unit 35.

[0045] In addition, when the mobile station MS is estimated by the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 to be located in the second emergency information distribution area EA2 to which the second fixed base station FS2 belongs, the communication function unit 34 of the mobile station MS may be connected to the first distributed unit DU1 of the first fixed base station FS1. In this case, the emergency information for the second emergency information distribution area EA2 generated on the core network CN side is distributed from the fixed base station (FS1) belonging to a different emergency information distribution area (EA1) to the mobile station MS. As described above, the first fixed base station FS1 transfers the emergency information for the second emergency information distribution area EA2 to the mobile station MS, but since it itself belongs to the first emergency information distribution area EA1 different from the second emergency information distribution area EA2, it does not distribute the emergency information to the communication device UE. Note that the second fixed base station FS2 belonging to the second emergency information distribution area EA2 distributes the emergency information to the communication device UE in the same manner as the mobile station MS. As described above, according to this embodiment, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 causes the mobile station MS to distribute the emergency information acquired from the fixed base station (FS1) to which the mobile station MS is connected, and which is for an emergency information distribution area (EA2) different from the emergency information distribution area (EA1) to which the fixed base station (FS1) belongs.

[0046] FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of using a mobile base station such as a communication satellite 131 or an aircraft that functions as a base station itself as the movable mobile station MS. The mobile base station MS is not limited to a flying non-ground base station such as a communication satellite 131 or an aircraft, and may be a base station mounted on a vehicle, train, motorcycle, bicycle, ship, or other vehicle that can move on the ground. Note that the position of the mobile base station MS that can be measured by the positioning unit 36 means the actual position of the ground mobile base station on the ground in the case of a ground mobile base station that can move on the ground, and means the position of the representative point (typically the center) of the non-ground communication cell (such as the satellite communication cell 132) provided by the non-ground base station on the ground in the case of a non-ground base station that can fly above the ground.

[0047] The core network CN and the mobile base station MS that can communicate directly with the communication device UE can implement all the functional blocks of the communication control device 3. Note that the communication device functional unit 34 (IAB-MT) and the base station functional unit 35 (IAB-DU) provided to enable the mobile station MS to function as an IAB node in FIG. 2 are unnecessary for the mobile base station MS in FIG. 3.

[0048] The emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 may estimate the emergency information distribution area EA in which the mobile base station MS is located based on the distribution information of the emergency information distribution area EA acquired by the area arrangement information acquisition unit 33 and the position of the mobile base station MS measured by the positioning unit 36. Further, the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 may estimate that the mobile base station MS is located in the emergency information distribution area EA to which the fixed base station FS having the highest communication quality measured by the communication quality comparison unit 37 among the plurality of fixed base stations FS belongs. The emergency information distribution control unit 32 causes the mobile base station MS to distribute emergency information (generated by the core network CN and / or the mobile base station MS) for the emergency information distribution area EA estimated by the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31.

[0049] FIG. 4 schematically shows an example of using a relay station RN such as a repeater that relays communication radio waves between an existing fixed base station FS and a communication device UE to expand the existing fixed communication cell FC as a movable mobile station MS. The communication device functional unit 34 (IAB-MT) and the base station functional unit 35 (IAB-DU) provided to enable the mobile station MS to function as an IAB node in FIG. 2 are not provided in the relay station RN in FIG. 4. It is difficult for the relay station RN without the function of the distributed unit (IAB-DU) to individually and finely control the distribution of emergency information and the like from the core network CN side (core network CN and / or aggregation unit CU) as in the example of FIG. 2. For this reason, typically, only the emergency information for the second emergency information distribution area EA2 to which the second fixed base station FS2 that is currently connected belongs is distributed to the relay station RN. In other words, different from the example of FIG. 2, the emergency information for the first emergency information distribution area EA1 to which the first fixed base station FS1 different from the second fixed base station FS2 that is currently connected belongs is not distributed to the relay station RN.

[0050] However, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 may determine whether to re - distribute the emergency information received from the second fixed base station FS2 for the second emergency information distribution area EA2 to the relay station RN that has received it, according to the estimation result of the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31. For example, when the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31 estimates that the relay station RN is located in the first emergency information distribution area EA1, the emergency information distribution control unit 32 does not re - distribute the emergency information received from the second fixed base station FS2 for the second emergency information distribution area EA2 to the relay station RN. Note that some or all of the functional blocks such as the emergency information distribution area estimation unit 31, the emergency information distribution control unit 32, and the area arrangement information acquisition unit 33 for controlling the emergency information distribution by the relay station RN may be provided in the fixed base station (FS2) and / or the distributed unit (DU2) to which the relay station RN is connected and / or in the relay station RN itself.

[0051] As described above, the present disclosure has been described based on the embodiments. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments are illustrative, and various modifications are possible for each combination of the constituent elements and each processing process, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0052] Note that the functional configurations of the respective devices described in the embodiments can be realized by hardware resources or software resources, or by the cooperation of hardware resources and software resources. As hardware resources, a processor, ROM, RAM, and other LSIs can be used. As software resources, programs such as an operating system and an application can be used.

[0053] The present disclosure may be expressed as follows.

[0054] Item 1: estimating, by an emergency information distribution area estimation unit, an emergency information distribution area where a mobile station capable of communicating with a communication device is located; causing, by an emergency information distribution control unit, the mobile station to distribute emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area; A communication control device including at least one processor that executes Item 2: The mobile station is connectable to a fixed base station fixedly belonging to a specific emergency information distribution area, The emergency information distribution area estimation unit estimates that the mobile station is located in the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station to which the mobile station is connected belongs. The communication control device according to Item 1. Item 3: The mobile station is connectable to a fixed base station fixedly belonging to a specific emergency information distribution area, The mobile station includes a communication quality comparison unit that compares the communication qualities of a plurality of surrounding fixed base stations, The emergency information distribution area estimation unit estimates that the mobile station is located in the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station having the highest communication quality for the mobile station among the plurality of fixed base stations belongs. The communication control device according to Item 1 or 2. Item 4: The emergency information distribution control unit causes the mobile station to distribute the emergency information acquired from the fixed base station, the communication control device according to Item 2 or 3. Item 5: The emergency information distribution control unit causes the mobile station to distribute the emergency information acquired by the mobile station from the fixed base station and related to an emergency information distribution area different from the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station belongs, the communication control device according to Item 4. Item 6: The mobile station includes a communication device function unit that functions as a communication device for the fixed base station and a base station function unit that functions as a base station for a communication device with which the mobile station can communicate, The emergency information distribution control unit causes the base station function unit to distribute the emergency information acquired by the communication device function unit from the fixed base station. The communication control device according to Item 4 or 5. Item 7: The mobile station is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node, The communication device function unit is MT (Mobile Termination), The base station function unit is DU (Distributed Unit). The communication control device according to item 6. Item 8: The mobile station is a relay station that relays communication radio waves between the fixed base station and the communication device, and is the communication control device according to any one of items 2 to 7. Item 9: The processor acquires the arrangement information of the emergency information distribution area from the core network side by the area arrangement information acquisition unit, measures the position of the mobile station by the positioning unit, The emergency information distribution area estimation unit estimates the emergency information distribution area where the mobile station is located based on the arrangement information of the emergency information distribution area and the position of the mobile station measured by the positioning unit. The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 8. Item 10: The mobile station is a mobile base station that moves, The emergency information distribution control unit distributes the emergency information acquired from the core network side to the mobile base station. The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 9. Item 11: The mobile base station is a non-ground base station that flies, and is the communication control device according to item 10. Item 12: The mobile station is attached to a movable moving body, and is the communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 11. Item 13: Estimating an emergency information distribution area where a mobile station that can communicate with a communication device is located; Distributing emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area to the mobile station; A communication control method comprising: Item 14: Estimating an emergency information distribution area where a mobile station that can communicate with a communication device is located; Causing the mobile station to distribute emergency information to the estimated emergency information distribution area; A storage medium storing a communication control program for causing a computer to execute.

[0055] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-015791 filed on February 3, 2022, and is incorporated by reference to the entire contents of the application.

Industrial Applicability

[0056] The present disclosure relates to communication control technology in a wireless communication system.

Explanation of Signs

[0057] 1 Wireless communication system, 2 Communication device, 3 Communication control device, 11 5G wireless communication system, 12 4G wireless communication system, 13 Satellite communication system, 31 Emergency information distribution area estimation unit, 32 Emergency information distribution control unit, 33 Area arrangement information acquisition unit, 34 Communication device function unit, 35 Base station function unit, 36 Positioning unit, 37 Communication quality comparison unit.

Claims

1. estimating, by an emergency information distribution area estimation unit, an emergency information distribution area where a moving mobile station capable of communicating with a communication device is located; causing, by an emergency information distribution control unit, the emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area to be distributed to the mobile station; comprising at least one processor that executes the above; the mobile station is connectable to a fixed base station fixedly belonging to a specific emergency information distribution area; the emergency information distribution area estimation unit estimates that the mobile station is located in the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station to which the mobile station is connected belongs; the emergency information distribution control unit causes the emergency information acquired from the fixed base station to be distributed to the mobile station; the emergency information distribution control unit is a communication control device that causes the mobile station to distribute the emergency information acquired by the mobile station from the fixed base station and that is for an emergency information distribution area different from the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station belongs.

2. the mobile station includes a communication quality comparison unit that compares the communication qualities of a plurality of surrounding fixed base stations; the emergency information distribution area estimation unit estimates that the mobile station is located in the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station having the highest communication quality for the mobile station among the plurality of fixed base stations belongs, The communication control device according to claim 1.

3. the mobile station includes a communication device function unit that functions as a communication device for the fixed base station and a base station function unit that functions as a base station for a communication device with which the mobile station can communicate; the emergency information distribution control unit causes the emergency information acquired by the communication device function unit from the fixed base station to be distributed to the base station function unit, The communication control device according to claim 1.

4. the mobile station is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node; the communication device function unit is an MT (Mobile Termination); the base station function unit is a DU (Distributed Unit), The communication control device according to claim 3.

5. the mobile station is a relay station that relays communication radio waves between the fixed base station and a communication device, The communication control device according to claim 1.

6. the processor acquires, from the core network side, arrangement information of an emergency information distribution area by an area arrangement information acquisition unit, and measures the position of the mobile station by a positioning unit, The emergency information distribution area estimation unit estimates the emergency information distribution area in which the mobile station is located based on the arrangement information of the emergency information distribution area and the position of the mobile station measured by the positioning unit. The communication control device according to claim 1.

7. The mobile station is a mobile base station that moves. The emergency information distribution control unit causes the mobile base station to distribute the emergency information acquired from the core network side. The communication control device according to claim 1.

8. The communication control device according to claim 7, wherein the mobile base station is a non-ground base station that flies.

9. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the mobile station is attached to a movable moving body.

10. Estimating an emergency information distribution area in which a mobile station that can communicate with a communication device is located; Causing the mobile station to distribute emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area; Comprising: The mobile station can be connected to a fixed base station that fixedly belongs to a specific emergency information distribution area. Estimating the emergency information distribution area means estimating that the mobile station is located in the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station to which the mobile station is connected belongs. Causing the mobile station to distribute the emergency information means distributing the emergency information acquired from the fixed base station to the mobile station. A communication control method for causing the mobile station to distribute the emergency information, which is the emergency information acquired by the mobile station from the fixed base station and is for an emergency information distribution area different from the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station belongs.

11. Estimating an emergency information distribution area in which a mobile station that can communicate with a communication device is located; Causing the mobile station to distribute emergency information for the estimated emergency information distribution area; Causing a computer to execute; The mobile station can be connected to a fixed base station that fixedly belongs to a specific emergency information distribution area. Estimating the emergency information distribution area means estimating that the mobile station is located in the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station to which the mobile station is connected belongs. Causing the mobile station to distribute the emergency information means distributing the emergency information acquired from the fixed base station to the mobile station. Causing the mobile station to distribute the emergency information is a storage medium storing a communication control program for causing the mobile station to distribute the emergency information acquired from the fixed base station and being emergency information for an emergency information distribution area different from the emergency information distribution area to which the fixed base station belongs.

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