Terminal device, wireless communication system including the same, and program to be executed by a computer

Abstract

To provide a terminal device capable of invoking carrier aggregation by specifying a frequency band used in a secondary path of carrier aggregation.SOLUTION: Frequency determination means 13 determines a plurality of shared frequency regions free from interference. Control means 14 selects the plurality of shared frequency regions determined by the frequency determination means 13, and when k (k is an integer satisfying 2≤k≤j, and j is the total number of the plurality of shared frequency regions) shared frequency regions out of the selected plurality of shared frequency regions meet a predetermined condition, generates a start notification that is a notification including frequency information indicating the k shared frequency regions and urging a base station to start carrier aggregation. Communication means 12 transmits the start notification generated by the control means 14 to the base station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device, a wireless communication system including the terminal device, and a program to be executed by a computer. [Background technology]

[0002] To further advance wireless communication systems beyond the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), it is essential to make effective use of frequency resources. One method for this is frequency sharing (Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, autonomous distributed dynamic frequency sharing has been proposed, in which terminals autonomously determine frequency bands to be shared (Non-Patent Document 2). In the technology described in Non-Patent Document 2, terminals estimate available frequencies, arbitrate with other terminals, and initiate and terminate frequency sharing under their own initiative.

[0003] There are various frequency utilization methods used in frequency sharing, which can be broadly divided into those that use unlicensed bands in combination with other bands and those that use multiple licensed bands.

[0004] LAA (Licensed-Assisted Access using LTE), MultiFire, and LTE-U (LTE in Unlicensed spectrum) are examples of technologies that use unlicensed bands in combination with wireless LAN and other frequency bands to improve communication speeds.

[0005] On the other hand, carrier aggregation (CA) and dual connectivity (DC) are examples of technologies that use licensed bands, and recently MP-TCP has also been proposed, which allows applications to establish multiple communication paths. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Paradias, et al., “Spectrum Sharing: The Next Frontier in Wireless Network,” Wiley-IEEE Press (2020 / 6 / 2). [Non-patent document 2] Suzuki et al., "Fundamental Study on Autonomous Distributed Dynamic Spectrum Sharing in Open Environments," 2021 General Conference, B-17-16 (March 9, 2021). [Non-patent document 3] 5G - Waveform Candidate - 5G | ShareTechnote. [Non-patent document 4] Yuichiro Chinen et al., "Smart Contract: A Programming Platform Based on Blockchain," IEICE Communications Society Magazine, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 26-33, 2020. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in order to apply conventional CA to an autonomous and distributed system driven by terminals, there is a problem in that there is no means to activate carrier aggregation CA driven by terminals, and there is no means to specify the frequency band to be used in the secondary path of carrier aggregation CA.

[0008] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a terminal device is provided that can specify a frequency band to be used in a secondary path of carrier aggregation and activate carrier aggregation.

[0009] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a wireless communication system including a terminal device capable of designating a frequency band to be used in a secondary path of carrier aggregation and activating carrier aggregation.

[0010] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer to execute initiation of carrier aggregation from a terminal device, the initiation specifying a frequency band to be used in a secondary path of carrier aggregation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] (Configuration 1) According to an embodiment of the present invention, a terminal device includes frequency determination means, control means, and transmission means. The frequency determination means determines multiple shared frequency domains that are free from interference. The control means selects the multiple shared frequency domains determined by the frequency determination means as frequency domains to be used for carrier aggregation, which aggregates multiple frequency bands to perform wireless communication, and, when k (k is an integer satisfying 2≦k≦j, and j is the total number of the multiple shared frequency domains) shared frequency domains among the selected multiple shared frequency domains satisfy a predetermined condition that is a condition for starting wireless communication, generates a start notification that includes frequency information indicating the k shared frequency domains and is a notification that prompts the base station to start carrier aggregation. The transmission means transmits the start notification generated by the control means to the base station.

[0012] (Configuration 2) In the first configuration, the terminal device further includes a carrier sense means for performing carrier sense in the plurality of shared frequency regions determined by the frequency determination means, and when the control means determines that k shared frequency regions are available as a result of carrier sense by the carrier sense means, the control means generates a start notification.

[0013] (Configuration 3) In configuration 1, the terminal device further includes a rights acquisition smart contract. The rights acquisition smart contract specifies crypto assets and wins k shared frequency domains in a blockchain auction that shares sensing data on time and location frequency usage status provided by a primary user who communicates wirelessly at a pre-authorized frequency and a secondary user who communicates wirelessly within a range that does not interfere with the primary user's wireless communication. When the rights acquisition smart contract specifies crypto assets and wins the k shared frequency domains in the auction, the control means determines that the terminal device has acquired the right to use the k shared frequency domains and generates a start notification.

[0014] (Configuration 4) In configuration 2 or 3, the terminal device further includes a receiving means. The receiving means receives a message from the base station inquiring of the terminal device whether the terminal device is capable of carrier aggregation. When the control means receives the message received by the receiving means from the receiving means, the control means outputs a first message that is a response to the inquiry, including a start notification, to the transmitting means. The transmitting means transmits the first message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0015] (Configuration 5) In configuration 4, the message inquiring of the terminal device whether the terminal device can perform carrier aggregation consists of a UE Capability Enquiry message inquiring about the capabilities of the terminal device, and the first message consists of a UE Capability Information message responding to the inquiry about the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0016] (Configuration 6) In configuration 2 or 3, the control means includes a start notification in a second message transmitted by the terminal device in response to an instruction from the base station, and outputs the second message including the start notification to the transmission means. The transmission means transmits the second message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0017] (Configuration 7) In configuration 6, the second message is a Measurement Report message transmitted by the terminal device at the instruction of the base station.

[0018] (Configuration 8) In configuration 2 or 3, the terminal device further includes a receiving means. The receiving means receives a third message from the base station that defines a new notification condition, "notify if carrier aggregation is desired." Upon receiving the third message from the receiving means, the control means outputs a fourth message including a start notification to the transmitting means. The transmitting means transmits the fourth message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0019] (Configuration 9) In configuration 8, the fourth message consists of a Measurement Report message.

[0020] (Configuration 10) In configuration 2 or 3, after the connection process of the wireless communication link between the terminal device and the base station is completed, when the terminal device desires to start carrier aggregation, the control means outputs an original message including a start notification to the transmission means. The transmission means transmits the original message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0021] (Configuration 11) In any of configurations 6 to 8, when the control means receives a fifth message from the base station notifying the start of wireless communication using carrier aggregation after outputting any of the second message, the fourth message, and the unique message to the transmission means, the control means outputs a sixth message to the transmission means in response to the fifth message, confirming that the start of carrier aggregation has been confirmed. The transmission means transmits the sixth message received from the control means to the base station.

[0022] (Configuration 12) In configuration 11, the fifth message comprises an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, and the sixth message comprises an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

[0023] (Configuration 13) According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless communication system includes a terminal device according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, and a base station that performs wireless communication with the terminal device.

[0024] (Configuration 14) Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the program is a program for causing a computer to execute, from a terminal device, activation of carrier aggregation that performs wireless communication by aggregating a plurality of frequency bands, A first step in which a frequency determining means determines a plurality of interference-free shared frequency ranges; a second step in which the control means selects a plurality of shared frequency domains determined by the frequency determination means as frequency domains to be used for carrier aggregation, and when k (k is an integer satisfying 2≦k≦j, and j is the total number of the plurality of shared frequency domains) shared frequency domains among the selected plurality of shared frequency domains satisfy a predetermined condition that is a condition for starting wireless communication, generates a start notification that includes frequency information indicating the k shared frequency domains and is a notification that prompts the base station to start carrier aggregation; and a third step in which a transmitting means transmits the start notification generated in the second step to the base station.

[0025] (Configuration 15) In configuration 14, the program: a fourth step in which the carrier sense means performs carrier sensing in the plurality of shared frequency regions determined in the first step; In the second step, the control means generates a start notification when it is determined that k shared frequency regions are available as a result of carrier sensing by the carrier sense means.

[0026] (Configuration 16) In configuration 14, the program: The smart contract for rights acquisition further causes the computer to execute a fourth step of specifying crypto assets and winning bids for k shared frequency ranges in a blockchain auction that shares sensing data on frequency usage status at time and location provided by a primary user who performs wireless communication at a pre-authorized frequency and a secondary user who performs wireless communication within a range that does not interfere with the wireless communication of the primary user; In the second step, when the right acquisition smart contract wins the bid for k shared frequency ranges in the auction in the fourth step, the control means determines that it has acquired the right to use k shared frequency ranges and generates the start notification.

[0027] (Configuration 17) In configuration 15 or 16, the program a fifth step in which the receiving means receives from the base station a message inquiring whether carrier aggregation is possible; When the control means receives the message received in the fifth step from the receiving means, the control means outputs the first message, which is a response to the inquiry, including a start notification, to the transmitting means; In a third step, the transmitting means transmits a first message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0028] (Configuration 18) In configuration 17, the message inquiring of the terminal device whether the terminal device can perform carrier aggregation consists of a UE Capability Enquiry message inquiring about the capabilities of the terminal device, and the first message consists of a UE Capability Information message responding to the inquiry about the capabilities of the terminal device.

[0029] (Configuration 19) In configuration 15 or 16, in a second step, the control means includes a start notification in a second message transmitted by the terminal device in response to an instruction from the base station, and outputs the second message including the start notification to the transmission means. In a third step, the transmission means transmits the second message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0030] (Configuration 20) In configuration 19, the second message is a Measurement Report message transmitted by the terminal device at the instruction of the base station.

[0031] (Configuration 21) In configuration 15 or 16, the program a fifth step in which the receiving means receives from the base station a third message defining a new notification condition of "notify if carrier aggregation is desired"; In the second step, when the control means receives the third message from the receiving means, the control means outputs a fourth message including a start notification to the transmitting means. In the third step, the transmitting means transmits the third message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0032] (Configuration 22) In configuration 21, the fourth message consists of a Measurement Report message.

[0033] (Configuration 23) In configuration 15 or 16, in a second step, the control means outputs an original message including a start notification to the transmission means when the terminal device desires to start carrier aggregation after the connection process of the wireless communication link between the terminal device and the base station is completed. In a third step, the transmission means transmits the original message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

[0034] (Configuration 24) In any of configurations 19 to 21, in the second step, the control means outputs any one of the second message, the fourth message, and the unique message to the transmitting means, and then, upon receiving a fifth message from the base station notifying the start of wireless communication using carrier aggregation, outputs a sixth message to the transmitting means in response to the fifth message, confirming that the start of carrier aggregation has been confirmed. In the third step, the transmitting means transmits the sixth message received from the control means to the base station.

[0035] (Configuration 25) In configuration 24, the fifth message comprises an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message and the sixth message comprises an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] A terminal device can activate carrier aggregation CA by specifying a frequency band to be used in the secondary path of carrier aggregation CA. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a frequency determining means shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a received power spectrum. [Figure 5] 2 is a correspondence table showing the correspondence relationship between time and the received power spectrum in the terminal device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a correspondence table showing the correspondence relationship between time and the received power spectrum in the base station shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of frequency bands used in wireless communication. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a correlation index. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method for determining a shareable frequency range. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and a shareable frequency range F_SHA2. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of determining a shared frequency range. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the existing carrier aggregation sequence in 5G. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the sequence of carrier aggregation CA in method (I). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing software changes in strategy (I). [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a conventional operation sequence of a Measurement Report message. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the sequence of carrier aggregation CA in method (II). [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing software changes in strategy (II). [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the sequence of carrier aggregation CA in strategy (III). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 illustrates the first change in software in strategy (III). [Figure 20] FIG. 10 illustrates a second modification of strategy (III). [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the sequence of carrier aggregation CA in strategy (IV). [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing software changes in strategy (IV). [Figure 23] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the terminal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 24] 24 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when strategy (I) is used. [Figure 25] 24 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when strategy (II) is used. [Figure 26] 24 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when strategy (III) is used. [Figure 27] 24 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when strategy (IV) is used. [Figure 28] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing "information about detailed functions of carrier aggregation" in step S272 of FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the terminal device shown in FIG. 29. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a terminal device UE in the second embodiment. [Figure 32] 32 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S26A in FIG. 31. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or corresponding parts are designated by like reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0039] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a terminal device 1 and a base station 2.

[0040] The terminal device 1 and the base station 2 are arranged in a wireless communication space. The terminal device 1 is arranged within the communication range of the base station 2, and transmits and receives signals to and from the base station 2 using, for example, 5G. In this case, the terminal device 1 generates a start notification, which is a notification that prompts carrier aggregation CA, which performs wireless communication by aggregating multiple frequency bands, by a method described later, and transmits the generated start notification to the base station 2.

[0041] Upon receiving the start notification from the terminal device 1, the base station 2 starts carrier aggregation CA with the terminal device 1.

[0042] The terminal device 1 and the base station 2 then transmit and receive signals to and from each other using carrier aggregation CA.

[0043] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the terminal device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 2, the terminal device 1 includes an antenna 11, a communication means 12, a frequency determination means 13, and a control means .

[0044] The antenna 11 has a configuration in which a plurality of antenna elements are arranged in a grid pattern, for example, 256 antenna elements.

[0045] When the communication means 12 receives the frequency band FBW for carrier sensing from the frequency determination means 13, it performs carrier sensing via the antenna 11 while changing the frequency in the frequency band FBW at any timing, and detects a received power spectrum SP_R1 that indicates the frequency dependency of the received power when a radio wave is received. Then, the communication means 12 outputs the received power spectrum SP_R1 to the frequency determination means 13.

[0046] The frequency band FBW is, for example, the frequency bands of 3.7 GHz, 4.5 GHz, and 28 GHz used for 5G.

[0047] Furthermore, the communication means 12 receives, via the antenna 11, the reception power spectrum SP_R2 measured at the base station 2 from the base station 2, and outputs the received reception power spectrum SP_R2 to the frequency determination means 13.

[0048] Furthermore, the communication means 12 receives the sharable frequency range F_SHA2 from the base station 2 via the antenna 11 and outputs the received sharable frequency range F_SHA2 to the frequency determination means 13. The sharable frequency range F_SHA2 indicates a sharable frequency range selected by the base station 2. The sharable frequency range F_SHA2 is selected by the base station 2 using the following method. The base station 2 performs carrier sense while changing the frequency via the antenna and measures a received power spectrum SP_R2 that indicates the frequency dependence of the received power when receiving radio waves. The base station 2 also receives a received power spectrum SP_R1 from the terminal device 1. Furthermore, the base station 2 calculates a correlation index COR2 that indicates the frequency dependence of the cross-correlation between the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2 using a method described later. Then, the base station 2 detects a frequency range F_RSSI1_2 in which the received power is equal to or less than a threshold RSSI_th2 based on the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2. Here, the threshold value RSSI_th2 is, for example, -80 dBm. Furthermore, based on the correlation index COR2, the base station 2 detects a frequency domain F_RSSI2_2 in which the correlation index value of the correlation index COR2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value RSSI_th1. Then, the base station 2 selects an overlapping region between the frequency domains F_RSSI1_2 and F_RSSI2_2 as a shareable frequency domain F_SHA2, which indicates a shareable frequency domain.

[0049] Furthermore, the communication means 12 receives various messages from the base station 2 via the antenna 11 and outputs the received various messages to the control means 14.

[0050] Furthermore, when the communication means 12 receives various messages from the control means 14 , it transmits the various messages received from the control means 14 to the base station 2 via the antenna 11 .

[0051] Furthermore, after carrier aggregation CA is established between the terminal device 1 and the base station 2, the communication means 12 receives a signal from the control means 14, and when transmitting the received signal, controls each antenna element of the antenna 11 to form a directional beam by controlling the amplitude and phase of the signal.

[0052] The frequency determination means 13 receives the reception power spectrum SP_R1, the reception power spectrum SP_R2, and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 from the communication means 12. Then, the frequency determination means 13 determines an interference-free shared frequency range based on the reception power spectrum SP_R1, the reception power spectrum SP_R2, and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 by a method described later, and stores the determined shared frequency range in a database. Then, when the frequency determination means 13 receives an inquiry about the frequency range to be used for carrier aggregation CA from the control means 14, it reads the shared frequency range from the database and outputs the read shared frequency range to the control means 14.

[0053] The control means 14 generates a message for initiating carrier aggregation CA between the terminal device 1 and the base station 2 using a method described below, and transmits the generated message to the base station 2 via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0054] Furthermore, when the control means 14 receives from the communication means 12 various messages transmitted from the base station 2, it generates a message in response to the received various messages and outputs the generated message to the communication means 12.

[0055] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of frequency determination means 13 shown in Fig. 2. Referring to Fig. 3, frequency determination means 13 includes database DB, measurement means 131, calculation means 132, detection means 133, selection means 134, judgment means 135, and determination means 136.

[0056] The measurement means 131 outputs the frequency band FBW to the communication means 12. Then, the measurement means 131 receives a reception power spectrum SP_R1 from the communication means 12, and stores the received reception power spectrum SP_R1 in the database DB in association with time. Furthermore, when the measurement means 131 stores at least one reception power spectrum SP_R1 in the database DB, it generates an instruction signal S_INST_1 instructing the calculation means 132 to calculate a correlation index COR1 that indicates the frequency dependency of the cross-correlation between the reception power spectrum SP_R1 and the reception power spectrum SP_R2, and outputs the instruction signal S_INST_1 to the calculation means 132.

[0057] The calculation means 132 receives the received power spectrum SP_R2 from the communication means 12. Then, when the calculation means 132 receives the instruction signal S_INST_1 from the measurement means 131, it reads out the received power spectrum SP_R1 associated with an arbitrary time from the database DB. Then, the calculation means 132 calculates a correlation index COR1 based on the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2 by a method described later. Then, the calculation means 132 outputs the received power spectrum SP_R1, the received power spectrum SP_R2, and the correlation index COR1 to the detection means 133. Furthermore, the calculation means 132 outputs the received power spectrum SP_R1 to the communication means 12.

[0058] When the calculation means 132 receives a sharing disable signal S_SHA_NO indicating that the frequency cannot be shared from the determination means 135, it reads from the database DB a reception power spectrum SP_R1 different from the reception power spectrum SP_R1 used in the calculation of the correlation index COR1, and calculates the correlation index COR1 using the read reception power spectrum SP_R1. Then, the calculation means 132 outputs the calculated correlation index COR1 and the reception power spectra SP_R1 and SP_R2 used in the calculation of the correlation index COR1 to the detection means 133, and outputs the reception power spectrum SP_R1 used in the calculation of the correlation index COR1 to the communication means 12.

[0059] The detecting means 133 receives the received power spectrum SP_R1, the received power spectrum SP_R2, and the correlation index COR1 from the calculating means 132. The detecting means 133 holds thresholds RSSI_th1 and RSSI_th2 in advance. The threshold RSSI_th2 is greater than the threshold RSSI_th1.

[0060] Then, based on the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2, the detecting means 133 detects a frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 in which the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2, and based on the correlation index COR1, the detecting means 133 detects a frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 in which the correlation index value is equal to or greater than the threshold RSSI_th1.

[0061] Then, the detecting means 133 outputs the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 and the frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 to the selecting means 134.

[0062] The selection means 134 receives the frequency domains F_RSSI1_1 and F_RSSI2_1 from the detection means 133. Then, the selection means 134 selects an overlapping region between the frequency domains F_RSSI1_1 and F_RSSI2_1 as a shareable frequency domain F_SHA1 indicating a shareable frequency domain. Then, the selection means 134 outputs the shareable frequency domain F_SHA1 to the determination means 135, the decision means 136, and the communication means 12.

[0063] The determining means 135 receives the sharable frequency range F_SHA1 from the selecting means 134 and receives the sharable frequency range F_SHA2 from the communicating means 12 .

[0064] Then, the determining means 135 determines whether or not the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a part of the frequency range.

[0065] When the determination means 135 determines that the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a portion of the frequency range, it generates a shareable signal S_SHA_YES indicating that the frequency can be shared and outputs it to the decision means 136.

[0066] On the other hand, when the determination means 135 determines that the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 does not overlap with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a portion of the frequency range, it generates a sharing-unavailable signal S_SHA_NO indicating that the frequency cannot be shared and outputs it to the calculation means 132.

[0067] The determining means 136 receives the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 from the communication means 12 and receives the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 from the selecting means 134. Then, when the determining means 8 receives the shareable signal S_SHA_YES from the judging means 7, it determines the overlapping area between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 as the shared frequency range F_RGE_SHA. Then, the determining means 136 outputs the shared frequency range F_RGE_SHA to the communication means 12.

[0068] 4 is a conceptual diagram of a received power spectrum. When the communication means 12 receives the frequency band FBW from the measurement means 131, at time t1_1, the communication means 12 performs carrier sense via the antenna 11 while changing the frequency across the frequency band FBW, and detects a received power spectrum SP_R1_1 that indicates the frequency dependency of the received power when radio waves are received. Then, the communication means 12 outputs the detected received power spectrum SP_R1_1 to the measurement means 131.

[0069] After that, when an arbitrary time has elapsed from time t1_1, at time t1_2, the communication means 12 performs carrier sense via the antenna 11 while changing the frequency across the entire frequency band FBW, and detects a received power spectrum SP_R1_2 that indicates the frequency dependency of the received power when a radio wave is received. Then, the communication means 12 outputs the detected received power spectrum SP_R1_2 to the measurement means 131.

[0070] Thereafter, the communication means 12 performs carrier sensing via the antenna 11 while varying the frequency across the frequency band FBW at any time, and detects a received power spectrum SP_R1_n (n is a positive integer) that indicates the frequency dependency of the received power when a radio wave is received. Then, the communication means 12 outputs the detected received power spectrum SP_R1_n to the measurement means 131.

[0071] Fig. 5 is a correspondence table showing the correspondence relationship between time and received power spectrum in the terminal device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 5, correspondence table TBL1 is stored in database DB. Correspondence table TBL1 includes time and received power spectrum. Time and received power spectrum are associated with each other.

[0072] The received power spectra SP_R1_1, SP_R1_2, . . . , SP_R1_n are associated with times t1_1, t1_2, . . . , t1_n, respectively.

[0073] When the measurement means 131 receives the received power spectrum SP_R1_1 from the communication means 12, it associates the received power spectrum SP_R1_1 with the time t1_1 when the received power spectrum SP_R1_1 was received, and stores the association in the correspondence table TBL1. When the measurement means 131 receives the received power spectrum SP_R1_2 from the communication means 12, it associates the received power spectrum SP_R1_2 with the time t1_2 when the received power spectrum SP_R1_2 was received, and stores the association in the correspondence table TBL1. Similarly, when the measurement means 131 receives the received power spectrum SP_R1_n from the communication means 12, it associates the received power spectrum SP_R1_n with the time t1_n when the received power spectrum SP_R1_n was received, and stores the association in the correspondence table TBL1.

[0074] Fig. 6 is a correspondence table showing the correspondence relationship between time and received power spectrum in base station 2 shown in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 6, correspondence table TBL2 includes time and received power spectrum. Time and received power spectrum are associated with each other.

[0075] The received power spectra SP_R2_1, SP_R2_2, . . . , SP_R2_m (m is a positive integer) are associated with times t2_1, t2_2, . . . , t2_m, respectively.

[0076] The base station 2 has the same function as the frequency determination means 13 shown in Fig. 3. Then, like the terminal device 1, the base station 2 measures reception power spectra SP_R2_1, SP_R2_2, . . ., SP_R2_m at any timing, and stores the measured reception power spectra SP_R2_1, SP_R2_2, . . ., SP_R2_m in correspondence with times t2_1, t2_2, . . ., t2_m in correspondence table TBL2.

[0077] Note that times t2_1, t2_2, . . . , t2_m may be the same as or different from times t1_1, t1_2, . . . , t1_n, respectively, and m may be the same as or different from n.

[0078] A method for calculating the correlation index COR1 will be described. When the reception power spectrum SP_R1 is expressed by a function h(f) and the reception power spectrum SP_R2 is expressed by a function x(f), the correlation index COR1=z(f) is expressed by the following equation.

[0079]

number

[0080] Δf in equation (1) is the difference between the frequency f in the function h(f) and the frequency f in the function x(f).

[0081] Equation (1) represents integrating the product of the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2 while changing the frequency difference Δf between the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2 from −∞ to ∞.

[0082] However, since actual wireless communication is performed using a certain frequency band, the frequency difference Δf is changed from zero to the bandwidth of the frequency band used for wireless communication, and the product of the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2 is integrated to calculate the correlation index COR1=z(Δf) that indicates the cross-correlation between the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2.

[0083] In this case, it is practical to set the frequency difference Δf to a constant value and calculate the correlation index COR1=z(Δf) using the following equation.

[0084]

number

[0085] 7 is a conceptual diagram of a frequency band used for wireless communication. Referring to FIG. 7, the frequency band FBW has a bandwidth W. As a result, in equation (2), J=W / Δf, and j=0, 1, 2, 3, . . . , J.

[0086] Therefore, by expanding equation (2), the following equation is obtained:

[0087]

number

[0088] When calculating the correlation index COR1=z(f), Δf is set to, for example, 180 kHz, which is the resource allocation unit of LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 4G.

[0089] Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a correlation index. Referring to Fig. 8, in terminal device 1, a received power spectrum SP_R1_1 is obtained, and in base station 2, a received power spectrum SP_R1_2 is obtained.

[0090] Then, when the correlation index z(Δf) is calculated based on the received power spectrum SP_R1_1 and the received power spectrum SP_R1_2, the correlation index z(Δf) consisting of the spectrum represented by the curve k1 is obtained.

[0091] The received power spectra SP_R1_1 and SP_R1_2 have similar spectral shapes in the frequency domain F_REG1, and therefore the correlation index z(Δf) is large in the domain REG1.

[0092] On the other hand, the received power spectra SP_R1_1 and SP_R1_2 have different spectral shapes in the frequency domain F_REG2, and therefore the correlation index z(Δf) is small in the domain REG2.

[0093] 9 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining a shareable frequency range. Referring to FIG. 9, the detection means 133 detects a frequency range F_RSSI2_1 (=F_REG3+F_REG4) in which the correlation index value of the correlation index z(Δf) is equal to or greater than a threshold RSSI_th1.

[0094] Here, the correlation index z(Δf) is a function of the frequency difference Δf, and each of the frequency regions F_REG3 and F_REG4 is represented by the number of frequency differences Δf. As a result, the number j of frequency differences Δf at the beginning of the frequency region F_REG3 is START1 and the number j of frequency differences Δf at the end of the frequency domain F_REG3 END1 Count and Δf×j START1 and Δf×j END1 Then, the starting frequency f of the frequency band FBW shown in Figure 7 is calculated. START to Δf×j START1 and Δf×j END1 Adding these, the frequency domain F_REG3 is F_REG3=[f START +Δf×j START1 ]~[f START +Δf×j END1 ]. Also, let j be the number of frequency differences Δf at the beginning of the frequency region F_REG4. START2 Let j be the number of frequency differences Δf at the end of the frequency region F_REG4. END2 Then, the frequency domain F_REG4 is similarly expressed as F_REG4=[f START +Δf×j START2 ]~[f START +Δf×j END2 Therefore, each of the frequency domains F_REG3 and F_REG4 can be represented by the same frequencies as the received power spectra SP_R1_1 and SP_R1_2.

[0095] Next, the detection means 133 detects a frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 (=F_REG6+F_REG7) in which the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2 based on the received power spectrum SP_R1_1 and the received power spectrum SP_R1_2. Since the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2 in the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 (=F_REG6+F_REG7), it is a frequency domain without interference.

[0096] 9, in the received power spectrum SP_R1_1, the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2 in the entire frequency domain F_REG5. On the other hand, in the received power spectrum SP_R1_2, the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2 in the frequency domains F_REG6 and F_REG7. Therefore, the detection means 133 detects the frequency domains F_REG6 and F_REG7 in the two received power spectra SP_R1_1 and SP_R1_2 as frequency domains in which the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2. That is, the detection means 133 detects an overlapping domain (=F_REG6+F_REG7) between the frequency domain in the received power spectrum SP_R1_1 in which the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2 and the frequency domain in the received power spectrum SP_R1_2 in which the received power is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th2.

[0097] The selection means 134 then receives the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 (=F_REG6+F_REG7) and the frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 (=F_REG3+F_REG4) from the detection means 133, and selects the overlapping region between the received frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 (=F_REG6+F_REG7) and the frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 (=F_REG3+F_REG4) as a shareable frequency domain F_SHA1. Since the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 (=F_REG6+F_REG7) is a frequency domain free from interference, the overlapping region (=shareable frequency domain F_SHA1) between the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 (=F_REG6+F_REG7) and the frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 (=F_REG3+F_REG4) is a frequency domain free from interference.

[0098] The base station 2 selects the sharable frequency range F_SHA2 by the above-described method. The sharable frequency range F_SHA2 is a frequency range free from interference.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2.

[0100] 10, the relationship between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 includes cases shown in (a) to (e) of FIG.

[0101] FIG. 10(a) shows a case where the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is the same as the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2, and the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 coincides with the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2.

[0102] Also, (b) in Figure 10 shows a case where the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is the same as the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2, and part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2.

[0103] Furthermore, (c) of Figure 10 shows a case where the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is different from the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2, and there is a matching frequency range between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2.

[0104] Furthermore, (d) of Figure 10 shows a case where the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is different from the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2, and part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2.

[0105] Furthermore, (e) of FIG. 10 shows a case where there is no overlapping frequency range between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2.

[0106] 10(a) to 10(d) show cases where the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a portion. Since each of the shareable frequency ranges F_SHA1 and F_SHA2 is an interference-free frequency range, the overlapping region (i.e., the shared frequency range) between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 shown in FIG. 10(a) to 10(d) is an interference-free frequency range.

[0107] If the relationship between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 is any of (a) to (d) in Figure 10, the judgment means 135 of the terminal device 1 judges that the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a portion of the frequency range, and generates a shareable signal S_SHA_YES indicating that the frequency can be shared and outputs it to the decision means 136.

[0108] On the other hand, if the relationship between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 is (e) in Figure 10, the judgment means 135 of the terminal device 1 determines that the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 does not overlap with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least some areas, and generates a sharing-unavailable signal S_SHA_NO indicating that the frequency cannot be shared and outputs it to the calculation means 132.

[0109] Note that Figure 10 does not show the cases where the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is shorter than the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 and there is a frequency range that coincides between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2, or the cases where the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is shorter than the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 and part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2. However, if the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is shorter than the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 and there is a frequency range that coincides between the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2, processing is the same as (c) of Figure 10, and if the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 is shorter than the length of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 and part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with part of the frequency range of the shareable frequency range F_SHA2, processing is the same as (d) of Figure 10.

[0110] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of determining the shared frequency domain. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed in the terminal device 1 at any timing.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 11, when the operation of determining the shared frequency range is started, the communication means 12 receives the frequency band FBW from the measurement means 131, and then performs carrier sense while changing the frequency in the frequency band FBW at any timing, and detects the received power spectrum SP_R1 (step S1).

[0112] Then, the communication means 12 outputs the detected reception power spectrum SP_R1 to the measurement means 131. The measurement means 131 receives the reception power spectrum SP_R1 from the communication means 12, and stores the reception power spectrum SP_R1 in a correspondence table TBL1 of the database DB in association with the time when the reception power spectrum SP_R1 was received (step S2).

[0113] Thereafter, the communication means 12 receives the reception power spectrum SP_R2 from the base station 2 (step S3), and outputs the received reception power spectrum SP_R2 to the calculation means 132.

[0114] Subsequently, when the measuring means 131 stores at least one received power spectrum SP_R1 in the correspondence table TBL1 of the database DB, it generates an instruction signal S_INST_1 and outputs it to the calculating means 132.

[0115] The calculation means 132 receives the received power spectrum SP_R2 from the communication means 12. Then, when the calculation means 132 receives the instruction signal S_INST_1 from the measurement means 131, it reads out the received power spectrum SP_R1 associated with an arbitrary time from the correspondence table TBL1 in the database DB (step S4).

[0116] Then, the calculation means 132 outputs the reception power spectrum SP_R1 to the communication means 12. The communication means 12 receives the reception power spectrum SP_R1 from the calculation means 132, and transmits the received reception power spectrum SP_R1 to the base station 2 via the antenna 11 (step S5).

[0117] After outputting the received power spectrum SP_R1 to the communication means 12, the calculation means 132 calculates the correlation index COR1 based on the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2 by the above-mentioned method (step S6). Then, the calculation means 132 outputs the received power spectrum SP_R1, the received power spectrum SP_R2, and the correlation index COR1 to the detection means 133.

[0118] The detecting means 133 receives the received power spectrum SP_R1, the received power spectrum SP_R2, and the correlation index COR1 from the calculating means 132. Then, based on the received power spectrum SP_R1 and the received power spectrum SP_R2, the detecting means 133 detects a frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 in which the received power is equal to or less than a threshold RSSI_th2 (step S7). Furthermore, based on the correlation index COR1, the detecting means 133 detects a frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 in which the correlation index value is equal to or greater than a threshold RSSI_th1 (step S8).

[0119] Then, the detecting means 133 outputs the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 and the frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 to the selecting means 134.

[0120] The selection means 134 receives the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 and the frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 from the detection means 133. Then, the selection means 134 selects an overlapping region between the frequency domain F_RSSI1_1 and the frequency domain F_RSSI2_1 as a shareable frequency domain F_SHA1 (step S9), and outputs the selected shareable frequency domain F_SHA1 to the judgment means 135, the decision means 136, and the communication means 12.

[0121] The communication means 12 receives the sharable frequency range F_SHA1 from the selection means 134, and transmits the received sharable frequency range F_SHA1 to the base station 2 via the antenna 11 (step S10).

[0122] The communication means 12 receives the sharable frequency range F_SHA2 from the base station 2 (step S11), and outputs the received sharable frequency range F_SHA2 to the judgment means 135 and the decision means 136.

[0123] The determination means 135 receives the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 from the selection means 134 and receives the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 from the communication means 12. Then, the determination means 135 determines whether or not the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a part of the frequency range (step S12).

[0124] If it is determined in step S12 that the sharable frequency range F_SHA1 does not overlap with the sharable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a part of the frequency range, the determining means 135 generates a sharing impossible signal S_SHA_NO and outputs it to the calculating means 132.

[0125] When the calculation means 132 receives the sharing unavailability signal S_SHA_NO from the determination means 135, it reads out the received power spectrum SP_R1 associated with another time from the correspondence table TBL1 of the database DB (step S13). After that, the series of operations proceeds to step S5, and steps S5 to S13 are repeatedly executed until it is determined in step S12 that the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a part of the frequency range.

[0126] Then, in step S12, when it is determined that the sharable frequency range F_SHA1 overlaps with the sharable frequency range F_SHA2 in at least a part of the frequency range, the determining means 135 generates a sharable signal S_SHA_YES and outputs it to the deciding means 136.

[0127] The determining means 136 receives the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 from the selecting means 134 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 from the communication means 12. Then, when the determining means 136 receives the shareable signal S_SHA_YES from the judging means 135, it determines the overlapping region of the shareable frequency range F_SHA1 and the shareable frequency range F_SHA2 as the shared frequency range (step S14). The shared frequency range determined in step S14 is a frequency range free from interference. This completes the operation of determining the shared frequency range.

[0128] The frequency determination means 13 of the terminal device 1 periodically or at any timing determines a shared frequency domain for each of the 3.7 GHz frequency band, the 4.5 GHz frequency band, and the 28 GHz frequency band according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, and stores the determined shared frequency domains in the database DB.

[0129] Then, when the frequency determination means 13 receives an inquiry about the shared frequency domain from the control means 14, it reads out a plurality of shared frequency domains from the database DB and outputs the read out plurality of shared frequency domains to the control means 14.

[0130] The determination of the shared frequency domain explained using FIGS. 4 to 11 is applied to the first and second embodiments described below.

[0131] In the following first and second embodiments, the terminal device 1 is referred to as a "terminal device UE" and the base station 2 is referred to as a "base station gNB."

[0132] [Embodiment 1] In response to an inquiry about the shared frequency domain from the control means 14, the frequency determination means 13 reads out a plurality of shared frequency domains stored in the database DB from the database DB and outputs them to the control means 14.

[0133] When the control means 14 receives the plurality of shared frequency domains from the frequency determination means 13, it controls the communication means 12 to perform carrier sensing in all of the received plurality of shared frequency domains. In this case, the control means 14 outputs an instruction signal S_INST_2 to the communication means 12 to instruct the communication means 12 to perform carrier sensing in all of the plurality of shared frequency domains.

[0134] Upon receiving the instruction signal S_INST_2 from the control means 14, the communication means 12 performs carrier sensing via the antenna 11 in all of the multiple shared frequency regions. Then, the communication means 12 outputs the carrier sensing result R_carrier_1 to the control means 14. The carrier sensing result R_carrier_1 is made up of [F_REG_1:RSSI_REG_1 / F_REG_2:RSSI_REG_2 / ··· / F_REG_j:RSSI_REG_j] in which multiple shared frequency regions F_REG_1 to F_REG_j (j is an integer equal to or greater than 2) are associated with multiple received signal strengths RSSI_REG_1 to RSSI_REG_j detected in the multiple shared frequency regions F_REG_1 to F_REG_j, respectively.

[0135] When the control means 14 receives the carrier sense result R_carrier_1 (=[F_REG_1:RSSI_REG_1 / F_REG_2:RSSI_REG_2 / ··· / F_REG_j:RSSI_REG_j]) from the communication means 12, it determines whether or not multiple shared frequency ranges F_REG_1 to F_REG_j are available based on the carrier sense result R_carrier_1 (=[F_REG_1:RSSI_REG_1 / F_REG_2:RSSI_REG_2 / ··· / F_REG_j:RSSI_REG_j]).

[0136] In this case, the control means 14 holds a threshold RSSI_th of, for example, -80 dBm, and determines that the shared frequency range F_REG_1 is vacant when it determines that the received signal strength RSSI_REG_1 is equal to or less than the threshold RSSI_th, and determines that the shared frequency range F_REG_1 is vacant when it determines that the received signal strength RSSI_REG_1 is greater than the threshold RSSI_th. The control means 14 similarly determines whether each of the shared frequency ranges F_REG_2 to F_REG_j is vacant.

[0137] When the control means 14 determines that k shared frequency ranges F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k (k is an integer satisfying 2≦k≦j), consisting of at least two shared frequency ranges out of the multiple shared frequency ranges F_REG_1 to F_REG_j, are available, it generates a start notification NOTF_CA_start which includes the k shared frequency ranges F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k and is a notification that prompts the base station to start carrier aggregation CA.

[0138] On the other hand, when the control means 14 determines that k shared frequency ranges F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k are not available, it does not generate a start notification NOTF_CA_start, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, outputs an inquiry about the shared frequency range to the frequency determination means 13. Then, when the control means 14 receives a plurality of shared frequency ranges from the frequency determination means 13, it outputs an instruction signal S_INST_2 to the communication means 12.

[0139] Thereafter, when the control means 14 receives the carrier sense result R_carrier_1 (=[F_REG_1:RSSI_REG_1 / F_REG_2:RSSI_REG_2 / ··· / F_REG_j:RSSI_REG_j]) from the communication means 12, the control means 14 determines whether or not the multiple shared frequency ranges F_REG_1 to F_REG_j are available based on the carrier sense result R_carrier_1 (=[F_REG_1:RSSI_REG_1 / F_REG_2:RSSI_REG_2 / ··· / F_REG_j:RSSI_REG_j]) by the method described above. Then, when the control means 14 determines that k shared frequency ranges F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k of the multiple shared frequency ranges F_REG_1 to F_REG_j are available, it generates a start notification NOTF_CA_start.

[0140] In this way, when the control means 14 determines that k shared frequency domains F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k are not available, after a predetermined time has elapsed, it acquires a plurality of shared frequency domains F_REG_1 to F_REG_j from the frequency determination means 13 and repeatedly executes a determination process of determining whether k shared frequency domains F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k of the acquired plurality of shared frequency domains F_REG_1 to F_REG_j are available or not, until it determines that k shared frequency domains F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k are available.

[0141] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the existing carrier aggregation sequence in 5G.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 12, when carrier aggregation is started, a radio link (primary path) is established between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB (RRC Setup).

[0143] Then, the base station gNB transmits a UE Capability Enquiry message to the terminal device UE, which is a message inquiring about the capabilities of the terminal device UE.

[0144] When the terminal device UE receives the UE Capability Enquiry message from the base station gNB, it transmits a UE Capability Information message (the UE Capability Information message is a message that responds to an inquiry about the capabilities of the terminal device) to the base station gNB, which includes "information on whether the terminal device UE supports the carrier aggregation function" and "information on detailed functions related to carrier aggregation."

[0145] Then, the base station gNB uses an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to start carrier aggregation for the terminal device UE, and the terminal device UE replies to the base station gNB by using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to activate carrier aggregation CA.

[0146] As a result, wireless communication using carrier aggregation CA is performed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB.

[0147] In an embodiment of the present invention, based on the existing carrier aggregation sequence in 5G shown in Figure 12, one of the following measures (I) to (IV) is executed as a measure to activate carrier aggregation CA at the initiative of the terminal device UE. (I) When the terminal device UE receives a UE Capability Enquiry message, which is a message inquiring about the capabilities of the terminal device UE, from the base station gNB, it includes a start notification NOTF_CA_start in a UE Capability Information message and sends it to the base station gNB to activate carrier aggregation CA. (II) The terminal device UE activates carrier aggregation CA by including a start notification NOTF_CA_start in a Measurement Report message (a Measurement Report message means a message notifying the status of the terminal device), which is a notification message transmitted at the instruction of the base station gNB, and transmitting it to the base station gNB. Note that the description "Measurement Report message, which is a notification message transmitted at the instruction of the base station gNB" explains the Measurement Report message in measure (II), and the original explanation of the "Measurement Report message" is "a message notifying the status of the terminal device." (III) When the terminal device UE receives an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message (the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message is a message from the base station to the terminal device requesting reconnection) from the base station gNB, which includes the instruction “notify if you want to perform carrier aggregation CA,” the terminal device UE sends a Measurement Report message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB, thereby activating carrier aggregation CA. (IV) When the terminal device UE desires to start carrier aggregation CA, it transmits a unique message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB to activate carrier aggregation CA. In this case, the unique message is, for example, a UL-DCCH message, which is a message of a dedicated control channel in the uplink.

[0148] Measures (I) to (IV) will be explained in detail below.

[0149] [Policy (I)] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sequence of carrier aggregation CA in the measure (I).

[0150] Referring to FIG. 13, when carrier aggregation is started, a radio link (primary path) is established between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB (RRC Setup).

[0151] Then, the base station gNB transmits a UE Capability Enquiry message to the terminal device UE, which is a message inquiring about the capabilities of the terminal device UE.

[0152] When the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives the UE Capability Enquiry message from the base station gNB via the antenna 11 and the communication means 12, the control means 14 transmits to the base station gNB a UE Capability Information message including "information on whether the terminal device UE supports the carrier aggregation function," "information on detailed functions related to carrier aggregation," and a start notification NOTF_CA_start. In other words, the terminal device UE notifies the base station gNB of its support for carrier aggregation CA.

[0153] Then, in response to the start notification NOTF_CA_start, the base station gNB starts carrier aggregation CA for the terminal device UE using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message.

[0154] When the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message via the antenna 11 and the communication means 12, it responds to the base station gNB to activate carrier aggregation CA using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message, which is a message confirming the reconnection.

[0155] As a result, thereafter, wireless communication is performed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB by carrier aggregation CA, which performs wireless communication by aggregating k available shared frequency domains F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k.

[0156] In the carrier aggregation CA sequence in method (I), the start notification NOTF_CA_start is simply included in the UE Capability Information message in the existing carrier aggregation CA sequence shown in Figure 12, so starting carrier aggregation CA according to the sequence shown in Figure 13 has the following advantages.

[0157] Only functional extensions on the UE side are required, and carrier aggregation CA can be initiated under the initiative of the UE side without changing existing messages or extending the functionality on the gNB side.

[0158] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing software changes in measure (I). Referring to Fig. 14, in the software that executes measure (I), k shared frequency domains (=combinations of frequency domains to be CA) used for carrier aggregation CA are specified in the "ue-CapabilityRAT-Container OCTET STRING" in the UE Capability Information message.

[0159] Note that the software changes shown in Figure 14 are just an example, and the changes to the software that executes measure (I) are not limited to the changes to the software shown in Figure 14, and may be software changes other than those shown in Figure 14 as long as they are changes to the software that executes measure (I). [Policy (II)] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a conventional operation sequence of a Measurement Report message.

[0160] 15, in the conventional operation of the Measurement Report message, a connection process (consisting of the sequence shown in FIG. 12) is executed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB. This establishes a primary path.

[0161] Then, the base station gNB transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message (including, for example, a measurement event / RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) threshold) to the terminal device UE.

[0162] In response to receiving the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, the terminal device UE replies to the base station gNB by using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to notify the base station gNB of the reception of the measurement event / RSRP threshold. Then, measurement starts.

[0163] The terminal device UE measures the RSRP value, and when a condition is met (for example, when the RSRP value becomes less than the RSRP threshold), it transmits a Measurement Report message including the measured RSRP value to the base station gNB.

[0164] The base station gNB receives a Measurement Report message including the RSRP value from the terminal device UE, and then instructs the terminal device UE to take action using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message as necessary.

[0165] In response to receiving the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, the terminal device UE transmits a response to the notified instruction to the base station gNB using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

[0166] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a sequence of carrier aggregation CA in the measure (II).

[0167] Referring to Figure 16, when carrier aggregation is started, the "connection processing", "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB to the terminal device UE", and "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message from the terminal device UE to the base station gNB" shown in Figure 15 are executed sequentially.

[0168] When a request for carrier aggregation CA occurs after transmitting an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE generates a start notification NOTF_CA_start and includes the generated start notification NOTF_CA_start in a Measurement Report message. Then, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE outputs the Measurement Report message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the communication means 12, and transmits the Measurement Report message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0169] The base station gNB receives a Measurement Report message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start from the terminal device UE. Then, the base station gNB notifies the terminal device UE of secondary cell information using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message based on the start notification NOTF_CA_start included in the Measurement Report message. Note that the notification of the secondary cell information to the terminal device UE is performed in the operation of the existing Measurement Report message shown in FIG. 15.

[0170] The control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message including secondary cell information via the antenna 11 and the communication means 12, and transmits the reception of the secondary cell information included in the received RRC Connection Reconfiguration message to the base station gNB using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

[0171] Then, the base station gNB starts frequency sharing (=carrier aggregation) for the terminal device UE.

[0172] As a result, thereafter, wireless communication is performed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB by carrier aggregation CA, which performs wireless communication by aggregating k available shared frequency domains F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k.

[0173] In the carrier aggregation CA sequence in method (II), the start notification NOTF_CA_start is simply included in the Measurement Report message in the existing Measurement Report message operation sequence shown in Figure 15, so starting carrier aggregation CA according to the sequence shown in Figure 16 has the following advantages.

[0174] After the primary path is established, the terminal device UE can start carrier aggregation CA using the frequency band acquired after the primary path is established.

[0175] Although functional extensions are required for both the terminal device UE and the base station gNB, because this is an optional extension of an existing message, measure (II) can be easily implemented and does not have a negative impact on the base station gNB.

[0176] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing software changes in measure (II). Referring to Fig. 17, in the software that executes measure (II), parameters are added to the existing Measurement Report message, so "MeasurementReport-IEs" is changed without changing "criticalExtensions".

[0177] More specifically, the "nonCriticalExtension" field is changed to "nonCriticalExtension freqShared OPTIONAL" to set up notification of the shared frequency range. Also, the field is changed to "nonCriticalExtension SEQUENCE{} OPTIONAL" to allow the "nonCriticalExtension" field to be used for additional extensions.

[0178] Note that the software changes shown in Figure 17 are just an example, and the changes to the software that executes measure (II) are not limited to the changes to the software shown in Figure 17, and may be software changes other than those shown in Figure 17 as long as they are changes to the software that execute measure (II). [Measures (III)] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a sequence of carrier aggregation CA in the measure (III).

[0179] Referring to Figure 18, when carrier aggregation is started, if the "connection process" described in Figure 16 is executed, the base station gNB defines a new report notification condition, "notify if you want to perform carrier aggregation CA," in an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, and transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message defining the new report notification condition to the terminal device UE.

[0180] When the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message via the antenna 11 and the communication means 12, it transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0181] Thereafter, when a request for carrier aggregation CA occurs, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE generates a start notification NOTF_CA_start and includes the generated start notification NOTF_CA_start in a Measurement Report message. Then, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE outputs the Measurement Report message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the communication means 12, and transmits the Measurement Report message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0182] The base station gNB receives a Measurement Report message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start from the terminal device UE. Then, the base station gNB determines to start carrier aggregation CA based on the start notification NOTF_CA_start included in the Measurement Report message.

[0183] Thereafter, the "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB to the terminal device UE" and the "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message from the terminal device UE to the base station gNB" described in FIG. 16 are executed sequentially.

[0184] Then, the base station gNB starts frequency sharing (=carrier aggregation CA) with the terminal device UE.

[0185] As a result, thereafter, wireless communication is performed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB by carrier aggregation CA, which performs wireless communication by aggregating k available shared frequency domains F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k.

[0186] The carrier aggregation CA sequence in measure (III) is a modified version of the carrier aggregation CA sequence in measure (II) shown in Figure 16, in which the base station gNB defines a new report notification condition, "notify if you want to perform carrier aggregation CA," in an RRC Configuration message and transmits it to the terminal device UE.Therefore, by starting carrier aggregation CA according to the sequence shown in Figure 18, the same advantages as those described in measure (II) can be obtained.

[0187] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a first change in software in measure (III). Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a second change in measure (III). With reference to Fig. 19, in the software that executes measure (III), an extension for spectrum sharing is implemented. Since "criticalExtensionFuture-xx" is the choice type (see "CHOICE{" in Fig. 19), the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message has a different meaning from the existing RRC Connection Reconfiguration message.

[0188] More specifically, "criticalExtensionsFuture-xxCHOICE{}", "freqSharedEvent FreqSharedEvent-IEs", and "criticalExtensionsFuture SEQUENCE{}" are added to the "RRCReconfiguration" field. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, IE fields are added.

[0189] The changes shown in FIG. 19 are changes to the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message.

[0190] 20, in the software that executes the measure (III), "criticalExtensionsFuture" is extended, and common band information is set in "bandNR FreqBandIndicatorNR OPTIONAL."

[0191] The changes shown in FIG. 20 are changes to the Measurement Report message.

[0192] Thus, in the software change in measure (III), the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message and the Measurement Report message are changed.

[0193] Note that the software changes shown in Figures 19 and 20 are just examples, and the software changes that execute measure (III) are not limited to the software changes shown in Figures 19 and 20, and may be software changes other than those shown in Figures 19 and 20 as long as they are software changes that execute measure (III). [Policy (IV)] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a sequence of carrier aggregation CA in the measure (IV).

[0194] Referring to Figure 21, when carrier aggregation is started, the "connection processing", "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB to the terminal device UE", and "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message from the terminal device UE to the base station gNB" shown in Figure 16 are executed sequentially.

[0195] Then, after "transmission of RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message from terminal device UE to base station gNB", when a request for carrier aggregation CA occurs, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE generates a start notification NOTF_CA_start and generates an original message (for example, a UL-DCCH message) including the generated start notification NOTF_CA_start. Then, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE outputs the original message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the communication means 12 and transmits the original message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0196] The base station gNB receives an original message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start from the terminal device UE. Then, the base station gNB determines to start carrier aggregation CA based on the start notification NOTF_CA_start included in the original message.

[0197] Thereafter, the "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB to the terminal device UE" and the "transmission of an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message from the terminal device UE to the base station gNB" described in FIG. 16 are executed sequentially.

[0198] Then, the base station gNB starts frequency sharing (=carrier aggregation CA) with the terminal device UE.

[0199] As a result, thereafter, wireless communication is performed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB by carrier aggregation CA, which performs wireless communication by aggregating k available shared frequency domains F_REG_open_1 to F_REG_open_k.

[0200] In the measure (IV), when a request for carrier aggregation CA occurs, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE sends a unique message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB, so the measure (IV) has the following advantages.

[0201] After the primary path is established, the terminal device UE can start carrier aggregation CA using the frequency band acquired after the primary path is established.

[0202] Figure 22 shows software changes in measure (IV). Referring to Figure 22, in the software that executes measure (IV), a new syntax "TAG-SHAREFREQUENCY-XXX-STOP" is added to add a new event as a UL-DCCH message. In addition, one spare area is used to define a new message "sharedFrequency-XXX SharedFrequency-XXX".

[0203] Note that the software changes shown in Figure 22 are just an example, and the changes to the software that executes measure (IV) are not limited to the changes to the software shown in Figure 22, and may be changes to software other than the changes to the software shown in Figure 22 as long as they are changes to the software that execute measure (IV).

[0204] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the terminal device UE in the first embodiment.

[0205] 23, when the operation of the terminal apparatus UE is started, the frequency determination means 13 of the terminal apparatus UE determines whether or not to detect a shared frequency space (step S21). The frequency determination means 13 has a built-in timer, and in step S21, detects a shared frequency space periodically or at an arbitrary timing by referring to the timer. Therefore, in step S21, the frequency determination means 13 refers to the timer and determines to detect a shared frequency space when the time reaches a predetermined, periodically set timing for detecting a shared frequency space, and determines not to detect a shared frequency space when the time does not reach a predetermined, periodically set timing for detecting a shared frequency space. Also, in step S21, the frequency determination means 13 refers to the timer and determines to detect a shared frequency space when the time reaches a predetermined, randomly set timing for detecting a shared frequency space, and determines not to detect a shared frequency space when the time does not reach a predetermined, randomly set timing for detecting a shared frequency space.

[0206] When it is determined in step S21 that a shared frequency region is to be detected, the frequency determination means 13 detects a plurality of shared frequency regions shared by the terminal device UE and the base station gNB in ​​a plurality of shared frequency bands according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 periodically or at any timing (step S22).

[0207] Then, the frequency determining means 13 stores the multiple shared frequency domains detected in step S22 in the database DB (step S23). After that, the series of operations proceeds to step S21.

[0208] The terminal device UE sequentially executes steps S24 to S28 in parallel with steps S21 to S23.

[0209] Therefore, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE establishes a primary path with the base station gNB in ​​parallel with steps S21 to S23 (step S24).

[0210] Then, the control means 14 outputs an inquiry to the frequency determination means 13 as to whether or not a shared frequency range exists, and the frequency determination means 13 reads out a plurality of shared frequency ranges from the database DB in response to the inquiry from the control means 14 and outputs the read out plurality of shared frequency ranges to the control means 14, thereby acquiring a plurality of shared frequency ranges from the frequency determination means 13 (step S25).

[0211] Thereafter, the control means 14 determines whether k shared frequency regions among the plurality of shared frequency regions are available or not by the method described above (step S26).

[0212] When it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency regions are not available, the operation of the terminal device UE ends.

[0213] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency regions are available, the control means 14 transmits a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB by one of measures (I) to (IV) (step S27).

[0214] Then, the terminal device UE performs radio communication with the base station gNB using carrier aggregation CA, the antenna 11 (an antenna configured for Massive MIMO) and beamforming technology in the secondary path (step S28).

[0215] Then, when it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency regions are not available, or after step S28, the operation of the terminal device UE ends.

[0216] In the flowchart shown in Figure 23, when it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency regions are available, carrier aggregation CA is initiated at the initiative of the terminal device UE, and wireless communication using carrier aggregation CA is performed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB.

[0217] In the flowchart shown in Fig. 23, when it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency regions are not available or after step S28, the operation of the terminal apparatus UE is terminated, but in reality, the flowchart shown in Fig. 23 is repeatedly executed as long as the terminal apparatus UE is activated. In this case, when it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency regions are not available or after step S28, the operation of the terminal apparatus UE proceeds to step S21 and step S24.

[0218] By repeatedly executing the flowchart shown in Figure 23, multiple shared frequency domains are detected at different times in steps S21 to S23 and stored in the database DB.Therefore, even if it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency domains are not available when the flowchart shown in Figure 23 is executed t times (t is an integer greater than or equal to 1), it is determined in step S26 that k shared frequency domains are available when the flowchart shown in Figure 23 is executed (t+1) times, and carrier aggregation CA is initiated at the initiative of the terminal device UE using any of measures (I) to (IV), and wireless communication with the base station gNB can be performed in the secondary path using carrier aggregation CA, antenna 11 (an antenna consisting of Massive MIMO) and beamforming technology.

[0219] FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when strategy (I) is used.

[0220] Referring to Figure 24, when it is determined in step S26 of Figure 23 that k shared frequency regions are available, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives a UE Capability Enquiry message from the base station gNB via the antenna 11 and the communication means 12, inquiring about the capabilities of the terminal device UE (i.e., inquiring whether the terminal device UE can perform carrier aggregation CA) (step S271).

[0221] Then, in response to receiving the UE Capability Enquiry message, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE transmits a UE Capability Information message to the base station gNB, which message includes "information on whether the terminal device UE supports the carrier aggregation function," "information on detailed functions regarding carrier aggregation CA," and a start notification NOTF_CA_start (step S272).

[0222] Thereafter, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB, and in response to the received RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station gNB to start carrier aggregation CA (step S273). Thereafter, the operation of the terminal device UE proceeds to step S28 in FIG.

[0223] FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when the measure (II) is used.

[0224] Referring to Figure 25, when it is determined in step S26 of Figure 23 that k shared frequency regions are available, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB via the antenna 11 and the communication means 12 (step S271A).

[0225] Then, in response to the RRC Connection Reconfiguration message, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE transmits an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to the base station gNB (step S272A).

[0226] Thereafter, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE determines whether a sharing request has occurred (step S273A). The sharing request in step S273A means wireless communication using k shared frequency regions, that is, wireless communication using carrier aggregation CA, so the control means 14 of the terminal device UE determines that a sharing request has occurred when it receives a frame for transmission from an application (not shown) after the primary path has been established, and determines that a sharing request has not occurred when it does not receive a frame for transmission from the application (not shown).

[0227] When it is determined in step S273A that a sharing request has occurred, the control means 14 of the terminal apparatus UE generates a start notification NOTF_CA_start and generates a Measurement Report message including the generated start notification NOTF_CA_start. Then, the control means 14 of the terminal apparatus UE outputs the Measurement Report message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the communication means 12, and transmits the Measurement Report message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11 (step S274A). Note that the Measurement Report message is a message transmitted by the terminal apparatus UE in response to an instruction from the base station gNB.

[0228] Then, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message including the secondary cell information from the base station gNB, and transmits the reception of the secondary cell information to the base station gNB using an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message to start carrier aggregation CA (step S275A). After that, the operation of the terminal device UE proceeds to step S28 in FIG.

[0229] FIG. 26 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when the measure (III) is used.

[0230] The flowchart shown in FIG. 26 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 25, except that step S271A of the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 is replaced with step S271B.

[0231] Referring to Figure 26, when it is determined in step S26 of Figure 23 that k shared frequency regions are available, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE receives from the base station gNB, via the antenna 11 and the communication means 12, an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message that defines a new notification condition, "notify if you want to perform carrier aggregation CA" (step S271B).

[0232] Thereafter, the above-mentioned steps S272A to S275A are sequentially executed, and the operation of the terminal device UE proceeds to step S28 in FIG.

[0233] The flowchart shown in Figure 26 is common to the flowchart shown in Figure 25 in that the terminal device UE initiates carrier aggregation CA by sending a Measurement Report message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB.

[0234] On the other hand, the flowchart shown in FIG. 26 differs from the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 in that the terminal device UE transmits a Measurement Report message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB in ​​response to receiving an existing RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB, in that the terminal device UE transmits a Measurement Report message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB in ​​response to receiving an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station gNB, which defines a new notification condition of "notify if you want to perform carrier aggregation CA."

[0235] FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S27 in FIG. 23 when strategy (IV) is used.

[0236] The flowchart shown in FIG. 27 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 25, except that step S274A of the flowchart shown in FIG. 25 is replaced with step S274C.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 27, when it is determined in step S26 of FIG. 23 that k shared frequency regions are available, the above-described steps S271A to S273A are executed in order.

[0238] Then, when it is determined in step 273A that a sharing request has occurred, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE generates an original message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start. Then, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE outputs the generated original message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the communication means 12, and transmits the original message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11 (step S274C).

[0239] After that, after the above-mentioned step S275A is executed, the operation of the terminal device UE proceeds to step S28 in FIG.

[0240] According to the flowchart shown in Fig. 27, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE transmits a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB by an original message (see step S274C). Then, "the occurrence of a sharing request" corresponds to performing wireless communication by sharing k shared frequency regions (i.e., performing wireless communication using carrier aggregation CA), so once a sharing request is generated, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE can transmit a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB at any time. Therefore, determining that a sharing request has been generated in step S273A and transmitting an original message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB in ​​step S273C corresponds to "sending an original message including a start notification NOTF_CA_start when the terminal device UE desires to start carrier aggregation CA".

[0241] As a result, the measure (IV) can maximize the degree of freedom to start carrier aggregation CA among the measures (I) to (IV).

[0242] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing "information about detailed functions of carrier aggregation" in step S272 of FIG.

[0243] In step S272 of Figure 24, in response to receiving the UE Capability Enquiry message, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE transmits a UE Capability Information message to the base station gNB, which message includes "information on whether the terminal device UE supports carrier aggregation functionality," "information on detailed functionality regarding carrier aggregation CA," and a start notification NOTF_CA_start.

[0244] That is, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE generates a UE Capability Information message including "information on whether the terminal device UE supports the carrier aggregation function," "information on detailed functions for carrier aggregation CA," and a start notification NOTF_CA_start, and transmits the generated UE Capability Information message to the base station gNB. Then, the "information on detailed functions for carrier aggregation CA" consists of the information shown in FIG.

[0245] The "information about detailed functions for carrier aggregation CA" shown in Fig. 28 is described in Non-Patent Document 3. Therefore, the control means 14 of the terminal device UE can include the "information about detailed functions for carrier aggregation CA" in the UE Capability Information message.

[0246] In the first embodiment, the operation of the terminal device 1 (terminal device UE) may be realized by software.

[0247] In this case, the terminal device 1 (terminal device UE) includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0248] The ROM stores a program Prog_A consisting of the steps of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 (including the flowcharts shown in any of FIGS. 24 to 27).

[0249] The CPU reads out the program Prog_A from the ROM, and executes the read out program Prog_A to activate carrier aggregation CA under the initiative of the terminal device 1 (terminal device UE). The RAM temporarily stores a plurality of shared frequency domains and the like.

[0250] Furthermore, the program Prog_A may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, etc. When the recording medium on which the program Prog_A is recorded is attached to a computer, the computer reads and executes the program Prog_A from the recording medium, thereby initiating carrier aggregation CA under the initiative of the terminal device 1 (terminal device UE).

[0251] Therefore, the recording medium on which the program Prog_A is recorded is a computer-readable recording medium.

[0252] In embodiment 1, the control means 14 of the terminal device 1 may transmit and receive signals between the terminal device 1 and the base station 2 using carrier aggregation CA, and then include a flag instructing the suspension of carrier aggregation CA in a Measurement Report message and send it to the base station 2.

[0253] This allows the terminal device 1 to take the initiative in stopping carrier aggregation CA.

[0254] [Embodiment 2] Fig. 29 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to embodiment 2. Referring to Fig. 29, a wireless communication system 10A is the same as the wireless communication system 10 shown in Fig. 1, except that terminal device 1 of the wireless communication system 10 shown in Fig. 1 is replaced with terminal device 1A.

[0255] The terminal device 1A and the base station 2 are arranged in a wireless communication space. The terminal device 1A is arranged within the communication range of the base station 2, and transmits and receives signals to and from the base station 2 using, for example, 5G. In this case, when the terminal device 1A acquires the right to use a desired shared frequency region, it generates a start notification NOTF_CA_start described in the first embodiment and transmits the generated start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station 2.

[0256] When the base station 2 receives the start notification NOTF_CA_start from the terminal device 1A, it starts carrier aggregation CA with the terminal device 1A.

[0257] The terminal device 1A and the base station 2 then transmit and receive signals to and from each other using carrier aggregation CA.

[0258] In the second embodiment, a primary user who performs wireless communication using a previously permitted frequency senses the frequency usage status by carrier sensing at any location and any time to collect sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status. The primary user then associates the collected sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status with an index IDX_1 and manages the correspondence between the index IDX_1 and the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status. Furthermore, the primary user shares the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status among users of the blockchain by recording the index IDX_1 of the index IDX_1 and the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status in a blockchain transaction. In this case, the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status is not recorded in the blockchain transaction.

[0259] A secondary user (consisting of terminal device 1A and terminal devices other than terminal device 1A) that conducts wireless communication within a range that does not interfere with the wireless communication of the primary user, similar to the primary user, senses the frequency usage status of radio waves transmitted by the primary user at any location and any time by carrier sensing to collect frequency usage status sensing data D_2. The secondary user then associates the collected frequency usage status sensing data D_2 with index IDX_2 and manages the correspondence between index IDX_2 and frequency usage status sensing data D_2 by itself. Furthermore, the secondary user shares frequency usage status sensing data D_2 among blockchain users by recording index IDX_2, out of index IDX_2 and frequency usage status sensing data D_2, in a blockchain transaction. In this case, frequency usage status sensing data D_2 is not recorded in the blockchain transaction.

[0260] The primary user and secondary user, respectively, will earn more crypto assets when they share more frequency usage sensing data D_1, D_2 among themselves in the blockchain.

[0261] The index IDX_1 includes the frequency domain F_SHA_trs1 of the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status, the position Ps_1 at which the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status was sensed, the time T_SHA_1 at which the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status was sensed, and the data amount D_amount_1 of the sensing data D_1 of the frequency usage status.

[0262] In addition, index IDX_2 includes the frequency domain F_SHA_trs2 of the frequency usage status sensing data D_2, the position Ps_2 at which the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 was sensed, the time T_SHA_2 at which the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 was sensed, and the data amount D_amount_2 of the frequency usage status sensing data D_2.

[0263] When the sensing data D_1 and D_2 of frequency usage status are shared in the blockchain, the terminal device 1A, in response to a request from the carrier aggregation CA, wins a bid for k shared frequency domains in the blockchain auction and acquires the right to use the k shared frequency domains.

[0264] In the second embodiment, the sharing of the frequency usage status sensing data D_1 and D_2 in the blockchain and the winning of k shared frequency domains in the blockchain auction are automated by a smart contract. A smart contract is an agreement for automatically verifying and executing the contract contents in a transaction on a program (Non-Patent Document 4).

[0265] More specifically, smart contract SC1 automates the sharing of frequency usage sensing data D_1 and D_2 in the blockchain, and smart contract SC2 automates the bidding for k shared frequency ranges in the blockchain auction.

[0266] Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram of the terminal device 1A shown in Fig. 29. Referring to Fig. 30, the terminal device 1A is the same as the terminal device 1 except that the control means 14 of the terminal device 1 shown in Fig. 2 is replaced with a control means 14A and a right acquisition means 15 is added.

[0267] The control means 14A measures the position of the terminal device 1A at an arbitrary time T_SHA using a Global Positioning System (GPS), not shown. The control means 1A has a built-in timer and controls the communication means 12 to perform carrier sensing in the frequency bands of 3.7 GHz, 4.5 GHz, and 28 GHz used for 5G at the arbitrary position T_SHA and an arbitrary time Ps.

[0268] The control means 14A receives the carrier sense result R_carrier_2 from the communication means 12. The carrier sense result R_carrier_2 is composed of three frequency ranges F_1_5G to F_3_5G corresponding to three received signal strengths RSSI_F_1 to RSSI_F_3 detected in the three frequency ranges F_1_5G to F_3_5G, respectively [frequency range F_1_5G: received signal strength RSSI_F_1 / frequency range F_2_5G: received signal strength RSSI_F_2 / frequency range F_3_5G: received signal strength RSSI_F_3]. The three frequency ranges F_1_5G to F_3_5G represent frequency bands of 3.7 GHz, 4.5 GHz, and 28 GHz, respectively.

[0269] When the control means 14A receives the carrier sense result R_carrier_2 from the communication means 12, it generates sensing data D_2 of the frequency usage status consisting of [time T_SHA / position Ps / carrier sense result R_carrier_2] in which the carrier sense result R_carrier_2 is associated with the time T_SHA and the position PS, and outputs the generated sensing data D_2 = [time T_SHA / position Ps / carrier sense result R_carrier_2] to the rights acquisition means 15.

[0270] The control means 14A controls carrier sensing for the communication means 12, generates sensing data D_2 of the frequency usage status, and outputs the sensing data D_2 of the frequency usage status to the right acquisition means 15 at any timing.

[0271] Furthermore, when performing wireless communication with the base station 2 using carrier aggregation CA, the control means 14A inquires of the right acquisition means 15 whether or not the right to the k shared frequency regions used for carrier aggregation CA has been acquired.

[0272] Then, when the control means 14A receives a right acquisition notification NOTF_ACQ_right from the right acquisition means 15, indicating that the right to use k shared frequency regions has been acquired, the control means 14A transmits a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station 2 by one of the above-mentioned measures (I) to (IV).

[0273] When the control means 14A receives a right non-acquisition notification NOTF_NO_right from the right acquisition means 15, indicating that the right to use k shared frequency regions has not been acquired, the control means 14A does not prompt the base station 2 to activate carrier aggregation CA.

[0274] Other than that, the control means 14A performs the same functions as the control means 14 of the terminal device 1 in the first embodiment.

[0275] The communication means 12 performs carrier sensing in the frequency bands of 3.7 GHz, 4.5 GHz, and 28 GHz under the control of the control means 14A, and outputs the carrier sensing result R_carrier_2 to the control means 14A. The communication means 12 also performs the other functions described in the first embodiment.

[0276] When the rights acquisition means 15 receives sensing data D_2 = [time T_SHA / position Ps / carrier sense result R_carrier_2] from the control means 14A, it generates an index ID_2 and performs a management process to manage the generated index ID_2 in association with the sensing data D_2.

[0277] Then, the right acquisition means 15 automatically executes a sharing process to record the index ID_2 in a blockchain transaction and share the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 in the blockchain using the smart contract SC1. As a result, the right acquisition means 15 acquires a constant amount of circulating crypto assets according to the amount D_amount_2 of the sensing data D_2. In this case, the right acquisition means 15 acquires more crypto assets when a larger amount of sensing data D_2 is shared in the blockchain.

[0278] When the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 is shared in the blockchain by the smart contract SC1, the rights acquisition means 15 does not record the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 in the blockchain transaction. Therefore, the amount of data shared in the blockchain can be reduced, and the management burden on the blockchain users when managing whether the frequency usage status sensing data D_1 and D_2 shared in the blockchain has been tampered with can be reduced.

[0279] The right acquisition means 15 executes management processing and sharing processing every time it receives sensing data D_2=[time T_SHA / position Ps / carrier sense result R_carrier_2] from the control means 14A.

[0280] The rights acquisition means 15 uses the smart contract SC1 to record the index ID_2 in a blockchain transaction, automatically share the sensing data D_2 in the blockchain, and then manages the distributed ledger on the blockchain together with other terminal devices.

[0281] In this way, in this embodiment of the present invention, the distributed ledger on the blockchain is managed by each terminal device, not by a centralized management server, which makes it possible to deal with abnormal shutdowns caused by system failures of the centralized management server.

[0282] Furthermore, when the rights acquisition means 15 receives an inquiry IQRY from the control means 14A as to whether or not the rights to use k shared frequency regions have been acquired, the smart contract SC2 checks whether the k shared frequency regions are up for auction in the blockchain (public auction) by referring to the index IDX_TRZ recorded in the blockchain transaction, and if the k shared frequency regions are up for auction, automatically makes a successful bid for the k shared frequency regions by specifying the acquired crypto asset. Specifically, this is as follows.

[0283] The index IDX_TRZ includes the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ of the sensing data shared in the blockchain, the position Ps_TRZ at which the sensing data shared in the blockchain was sensed, the time T_SHA_TRZ at which the sensing data shared in the blockchain was sensed, and the data amount D_amount_TRZ of the sensing data shared in the blockchain.

[0284] Then, the rights acquisition means 15 confirms that k shared frequency ranges are up for auction when the frequency range F_SHA_TRZ of the index IDX_TRZ matches k shared frequency ranges or when the frequency range F_SHA_TRZ includes k shared frequency ranges.

[0285] On the other hand, when the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ of the index IDX_TRZ does not match the k shared frequency domains and the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ does not include the k shared frequency domains, the rights acquisition means 15 confirms that the k shared frequency domains are not up for auction.

[0286] Whether the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the k shared frequency domains is determined by determining whether the beginning of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the beginning of the k shared frequency domains and whether the end of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the end of the k shared frequency domains.

[0287] Then, when it is determined that the starting point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the starting point of the k shared frequency domains and the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the ending point of the k shared frequency domains, it is determined that the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the k shared frequency domains.

[0288] On the other hand, when at least one of the following conditions is not met: "the beginning of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the beginning of the k shared frequency domains" and "the end of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the end of the k shared frequency domains", it is determined that the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ does not coincide with the k shared frequency domains.

[0289] Furthermore, whether the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ includes k shared frequency domains is determined by determining whether the starting point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the starting points of the k shared frequency domains and the ending points of the k shared frequency domains are between the starting point and the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ, or whether the starting points of the k shared frequency domains are between the starting point and the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ and the ending points of the k shared frequency domains coincide with the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ.

[0290] Then, when it is determined that the starting point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the starting points of k shared frequency domains and the ending points of the k shared frequency domains are between the starting point and the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ, or when it is determined that the starting points of the k shared frequency domains are between the starting point and the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ and the ending points of the k shared frequency domains coincide with the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ, it is determined that the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ includes k shared frequency domains.

[0291] On the other hand, when at least one of the following conditions is not met: "the starting point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ coincides with the starting points of the k shared frequency domains" and "the ending points of the k shared frequency domains exist between the starting point and ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ", or when at least one of the following conditions is not met: "the starting points of the k shared frequency domains exist between the starting point and ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ" and "the ending points of the k shared frequency domains coincide with the ending point of the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ", it is determined that the frequency domain F_SHA_TRZ does not include the k shared frequency domains.

[0292] When the rights acquisition means 15 confirms that k shared frequency domains are up for auction, it automatically wins the bid for the k shared frequency domains by specifying the crypto asset in the auction on the blockchain using the smart contract SC2.

[0293] In this case, the right acquisition means 15 wins the bid for k shared frequency domains when it places a bid specifying the highest amount of crypto asset in the auction on the blockchain.

[0294] At this time, all users can check all bid amounts and winning bid results through the smart contract. As a result, the rights acquisition means 15 can determine whether its bid amount is the highest or not, and whether it has won k shared frequency bands through the smart contract SC2. Furthermore, if multiple users bid the highest amount, the auction continues until only one bidder has the highest amount.

[0295] When the right acquisition means 15 wins the bid for k shared frequency regions in the auction, it outputs a right acquisition notification NOTF_ACQ_right indicating that the right to use the k shared frequency regions has been acquired to the control means 14A.

[0296] On the other hand, when the right acquisition means 15 fails to win the k shared frequency domains in the auction, it outputs a right non-acquisition notification NOTF_NO_right to the control means 14A indicating that the right to use the k shared frequency domains has not been acquired.

[0297] Thus, in embodiment 2, when the rights acquisition means 15 is able to acquire the right to use k shared frequency ranges in an auction in the blockchain by using the smart contract SC2, the control means 14A initiates the activation of carrier aggregation CA by sending a start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station 2 by using any of the above-mentioned measures (I) to (IV), and when the rights acquisition means 15 is unable to acquire the right to use k shared frequency ranges in an auction using the blockchain by using the smart contract SC2, the control means 14A does not initiate the activation of carrier aggregation CA.

[0298] The cryptocurrency acquired by the right acquisition means 15 is, for example, ETH from Ethereum. Ethereum is the name of a blockchain platform for building decentralized applications and smart contracts, and a collective term for related open source software projects.

[0299] As described above, the rights acquisition means 15 automatically shares the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 in the blockchain and wins the bids for k shared frequency domains in the blockchain auction using the smart contracts SC1 and SC2, respectively, so that the sharing of the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 in the blockchain and the winning of the bids for k shared frequency domains are automatically executed without human intervention. If the k shared frequency domains are won, the terminal device 1A acquires the right to use the k shared frequency domains, and the right to use the k shared frequency domains can be automatically transferred to the terminal device 1A using the smart contract SC2 without human intervention. Then, the fact that the right to use the k shared frequency domains has been transferred to the terminal device 1A is recorded in a blockchain transaction.

[0300] Hereinafter, the terminal device 1A will be referred to as "terminal device UE."

[0301] Fig. 31 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the terminal apparatus UE in embodiment 2. Note that Fig. 31 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the terminal apparatus UE related to carrier aggregation CA, among operations of the terminal apparatus UE.

[0302] The flowchart shown in FIG. 31 is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 23, except that step S26 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 23 is replaced with step S26A.

[0303] Referring to FIG. 31, when the operation of the terminal device UE is started, the above-mentioned steps S21 to S23 are sequentially executed, and in parallel with steps S21 to S23, steps S24, S25, S26A, S27, and S28 are sequentially executed.

[0304] Then, after the above-mentioned steps S24 and S25 are executed in sequence, the control means 14A of the terminal device 1A determines whether or not the right to use k shared frequency regions has been acquired (step S26A).

[0305] If it is determined in step S26A that the right to use k shared frequency regions has been acquired, the above-mentioned steps S27 and S28 are executed in sequence.

[0306] Then, when it is determined in step S26A that the right to use the k shared frequency regions has not been acquired, or after step S28, the operation of the terminal device UE ends.

[0307] FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining the detailed operation of step S26A in FIG.

[0308] Referring to FIG. 32, after step S25 in FIG. 31, the control means 14A of the terminal device 1A outputs an inquiry IQRY as to whether or not the right to use k shared frequency regions has been acquired to the right acquisition means 15 (step S26A-1).

[0309] When the right acquisition means 15 receives the inquiry IQRY from the control means 14A, it specifies the crypto asset in the auction on the blockchain and makes a bid using the smart contract SC2 (step S26A-2).

[0310] Then, the right acquisition means 15 determines whether or not the desired k number of shared frequency regions has been won as a result of bidding using the smart contract SC2 (step S26A-3). In this case, the right acquisition means 15 determines that the desired k number of shared frequency regions has been won when the highest cryptocurrency has been offered in the bid using the smart contract SC2, and determines that the desired k number of shared frequency regions has not been won when the highest cryptocurrency has not been offered in the bid.

[0311] When it is determined in step S26A-3 that the desired k shared frequency domains have been won, the rights acquisition means 15 generates a rights acquisition notification NOTF_ACQ_right indicating that the right to use the k shared frequency domains has been acquired by smart contract SC2 and outputs it to the control means 14A (step S26A-4).

[0312] Then, the control means 14A receives the right acquisition notification NOTF_ACQ_right from the right acquisition means 15, and determines that the right to use k shared frequency regions has been acquired based on the received right acquisition notification NOTF_ACQ_right (step S26A-5). After that, the operation of the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE) proceeds to step S27 in FIG.

[0313] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26A-3 that the desired k shared frequency domains have not been awarded, the rights acquisition means 15 generates a rights non-acquisition notification NOTF_no_right indicating that the right to use the k shared frequency domains has not been acquired by the smart contract SC2, and outputs the notification to the control means 14A (step S26A-6).

[0314] Then, the control means 14A receives a right non-acquisition notification NOTF_no_right from the right acquisition means 15, and determines that the right to use k shared frequency regions has not been acquired based on the received right non-acquisition notification NOTF_no_right (step S26A-7). After that, the operation of the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE) proceeds to "End" in FIG.

[0315] In the flowchart shown in Figure 31 (including the flowchart shown in Figure 32), when it is determined in step S26A that the right to use k shared frequency regions has been acquired, carrier aggregation CA using the k shared frequency regions is initiated at the initiative of the terminal device UE, and wireless communication using carrier aggregation CA is performed between the terminal device UE and the base station gNB.

[0316] In the flowchart shown in Fig. 31, when it is determined in step S26A that the right to use k shared frequency regions has not been acquired, or after step S28, the operation of the terminal apparatus UE is terminated, but in reality, as long as the terminal apparatus UE is activated, the flowchart shown in Fig. 31 (including the flowchart shown in Fig. 32) is repeatedly executed. In this case, when it is determined in step S26A that the right to use k shared frequency regions has not been acquired, or after step S28, the operation of the terminal apparatus UE proceeds to step S21 and step S24.

[0317] As described above, the operation of carrier aggregation CA in the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE) is performed in accordance with the flowchart shown in Figure 11 and the flowchart shown in Figure 31 (including the flowchart shown in any of Figures 24 to 27 and the flowchart shown in Figure 32).

[0318] In the second embodiment, the sharing of sensing data on frequency usage status in a blockchain is realized as a smart contract SC1, and the process of acquiring the right to use k shared frequency bands in an auction is realized as a smart contract SC2. As a result, the following effects can be obtained.

[0319] (Effect 1) By auctioning a shared spectrum, a primary user records on the blockchain that the spectrum is available for sharing, which prevents the primary user from unilaterally canceling the sharing at a later date.

[0320] (Effect 2) A consensus on spectrum sharing is reached through an auction, and the history is recorded on the blockchain, which prevents fraudulent cancellation or tampering of the agreement between users at a later date.

[0321] (Effect 3) The process from sharing frequency usage sensing data on the blockchain to acquiring frequency sharing rights will be automated using smart contracts SC1 and SC2. As a result, secondary users will autonomously make frequency sharing decisions, realizing automation without human intervention.

[0322] In the second embodiment, the operation of carrier aggregation CA in the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE) may be realized by software.

[0323] In this case, the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE) includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The ROM stores a program Prog_B consisting of steps of the flowchart shown in Fig. 11 and the flowchart shown in Fig. 31 (including the flowchart shown in any of Figs. 24 to 27 and the flowchart shown in Fig. 32).

[0324] The CPU reads out the program Prog_B from the ROM, and executes the read out program Prog_B to activate carrier aggregation CA under the initiative of the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE). The RAM temporarily stores a plurality of shared frequency domains and the like.

[0325] Furthermore, the program Prog_B may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD, a DVD, etc. When the recording medium on which the program Prog_B is recorded is attached to a computer, the computer reads and executes the program Prog_B from the recording medium, thereby initiating carrier aggregation CA under the initiative of the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE).

[0326] Therefore, the recording medium on which the program Prog_B is recorded is a computer-readable recording medium.

[0327] The rest of the description in the second embodiment is the same as the description in the other parts of the mode for carrying out the invention other than the second embodiment.

[0328] In the above-described first and second embodiments, when the measure (I) is adopted as a measure for invoking carrier aggregation CA at the initiative of the terminal device UE, it has been described that the start notification NOTF_CA_start is included in the UE Capability Information message.

[0329] In addition, in the above-described first and second embodiments, when measures (II) and (III) are adopted as measures for initiating carrier aggregation CA at the initiative of the terminal device UE, it has been explained that the start notification NOTF_CA_start is included in the Measurement Report message.

[0330] Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, when the measure (IV) is adopted as a measure for invoking carrier aggregation CA at the initiative of the terminal device UE, it has been described that the start notification NOTF_CA_start is included in the original message.

[0331] The UE Capability Information message and the Measurement Report message are messages used in the existing carrier aggregation CA sequence in 5G.

[0332] Currently, the sixth generation mobile communication system (6G) is being developed as a successor to 5G, and it is expected that successor mobile communication systems to 6G will also be developed in the future. It is unclear whether the UE Capability Information message and the Measurement Report message will be adopted in 6G and successor mobile communication systems to 6G.

[0333] Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, when any of the above-described measures (I) to (III) is adopted, the message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start is not limited to the UE Capability Information message and the Measurement Report message.

[0334] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, when measure (I) is adopted, the control means 14 (or control means 14A), when receiving a message from the base station gNB inquiring of the terminal device UE whether the terminal device UE can perform carrier aggregation CA, may include a start notification NOTF_CA_start in a first message that is a response to the inquiry from the base station gNB, and may transmit the first message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0335] In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, when measure (II) is adopted, the control means 14 (or the control means 14A) may include a start notification NOTF_CA_start in the second message transmitted by the terminal device UE at the instruction of the base station gNB, and transmit the second message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0336] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, when measure (III) is adopted, when the control means 14 (or control means 14A) receives from the base station gNB a third message defining a new notification condition of "notify if carrier aggregation CA is desired," the control means 14 (or control means 14A) may include a start notification NOTF_CA_start in a fourth message and transmit the fourth message including the start notification NOTF_CA_start to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0337] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, when any of measures (II) to (IV) is adopted, the control means 14 (or control means 14A) may output any of the second message, the fourth message, and the unique message to the communication means 12, and then, when it receives a fifth message (corresponding to the "RRC Connection Reconfiguration message with secondary cell information set" shown in Figures 16, 18, and 21) from the base station gNB notifying the start of wireless communication using carrier aggregation CA, transmit a sixth message (corresponding to the "RRC Connection Reconfiguration message with secondary cell information set" shown in Figures 16, 18, and 21) responding to the fifth message (corresponding to the "RRC Connection Reconfiguration message with secondary cell information set" shown in Figures 16, 18, and 20) that confirms the start of carrier aggregation CA to the base station gNB via the communication means 12 and the antenna 11.

[0338] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, it was explained that when it is determined that k shared frequency regions are available, a start notification NOTF_CA_start is sent to the base station 2 (base station gNB) by any of measures (I) to (IV), and wireless communication is performed between the terminal device 1 (terminal device UE) and the base station 2 (base station gNB) using carrier aggregation CA (see "YES" in step S26 → step S27 → step S28 in Figure 23).

[0339] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, it was explained that when it is determined that the right to use k shared frequency regions has been acquired, a start notification NOTF_CA_start is sent to the base station 2 (base station gNB) by any of measures (I) to (IV), and wireless communication is performed between the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE) and the base station 2 (base station gNB) using carrier aggregation CA (see "YES" in step S26A of Figure 30 → step S27 → step S29).

[0340] Therefore, in an embodiment of the present invention, when k shared frequency domains satisfy predetermined conditions that are conditions for starting wireless communication, a start notification NOTF_CA_start may be sent to the base station 2 (base station gNB) using any of measures (I) to (IV), and wireless communication may be performed between the terminal device 1 (terminal device UE) or the terminal device 1A (terminal device UE) and the base station 2 (base station gNB) using carrier aggregation CA.

[0341] According to the description of the above-mentioned embodiment, a terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention may include: frequency determination means for determining a plurality of interference-free shared frequency domains; control means for selecting the plurality of shared frequency domains determined by the frequency determination means as frequency domains to be used for carrier aggregation that aggregates a plurality of frequency bands to perform wireless communication; and, when k (k is an integer satisfying 2≦k≦j, and j is the total number of the plurality of shared frequency domains) shared frequency domains among the selected plurality of shared frequency domains satisfy a predetermined condition that is a condition for starting wireless communication, generating a start notification that includes frequency information indicating the k shared frequency domains and is a notification that prompts the base station to start carrier aggregation; and transmission means for transmitting the start notification generated by the control means to the base station.

[0342] If the terminal device is equipped with a frequency determination means, a control means, and a transmission means, it is possible to transmit a start notification from the terminal device to the base station, which includes frequency information indicating k shared frequency regions and is a notification prompting the base station to start carrier aggregation, thereby prompting the base station to start carrier aggregation.

[0343] According to the above-described embodiment, the program according to the embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute activation from a terminal device of carrier aggregation that performs wireless communication by bundling a plurality of frequency bands, A first step in which a frequency determining means determines a plurality of interference-free shared frequency ranges; a second step in which the control means selects the plurality of shared frequency domains determined in the first step as frequency domains to be used for carrier aggregation, and when k (k is an integer satisfying 2≦k≦j, and j is the total number of the plurality of shared frequency domains) shared frequency domains among the selected plurality of shared frequency domains satisfy a predetermined condition that is a condition for starting wireless communication, generates a start notification that includes frequency information indicating the k shared frequency domains and is a notification that prompts the base station to start carrier aggregation; and a third step in which the transmitting means transmits the start notification generated in the second step to the base station.

[0344] This is because when the program causes a computer to execute steps 1 to 3, a start notification that includes frequency information indicating k shared frequency regions and is a notification prompting the base station to start carrier aggregation can be transmitted from the terminal device to the base station, thereby prompting the base station to start carrier aggregation.

[0345] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the communication means 12 that transmits various messages such as an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message and a Measurement Report message to the base station 2 (base station gNB) configures "transmission means."

[0346] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the communication means 12 that receives various messages such as an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message from the base station 2 (base station gNB) configures "receiving means."

[0347] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the right acquisition means 15, which automatically executes a sharing process to share the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 in the blockchain by recording the index ID_2 in a blockchain transaction using the smart contract SC1, constitutes a "sharing smart contract" that automatically executes a sharing process to share the frequency usage status sensing data D_2 in the blockchain by recording the index ID_2 in the blockchain transaction.

[0348] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the rights acquisition means 15, which automatically bids for k shared frequency domains by specifying a crypto asset in a blockchain auction in which sensing data on frequency usage status over time and location provided by primary and secondary users is shared by smart contract SC2, constitutes a "rights acquisition smart contract" that automatically bids for k shared frequency domains by specifying a crypto asset in a blockchain auction in which sensing data on frequency usage status over time and location provided by primary and secondary users is shared.

[0349] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0350] The present invention is applied to a terminal device, a wireless communication system including the terminal device, and a program to be executed by a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0351] 1,1A terminal device, 2 base station, 10,10A wireless communication system, 11 antenna, 12 communication means, 13 frequency determination means, 14,14A control means, 15 right acquisition means.

Claims

1. a frequency determining means for determining a plurality of interference-free shared frequency ranges; a control means for selecting a plurality of shared frequency regions determined by the frequency determination means as frequency regions to be used for carrier aggregation for performing wireless communication by aggregating a plurality of frequency bands, and generating a start notification which includes frequency information indicating the k shared frequency regions and is a notification to prompt a base station to start the carrier aggregation when k (k is an integer satisfying 2≦k≦j, and j is the total number of the plurality of shared frequency regions) shared frequency regions among the selected plurality of shared frequency regions satisfy a predetermined condition which is a condition for starting wireless communication; a transmitting means for transmitting the start notification generated by the control means to the base station.

2. further comprising carrier sense means for performing carrier sense in the plurality of shared frequency ranges determined by the frequency determination means; The terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means generates the start notification when it is determined that the k shared frequency regions are available as a result of carrier sensing by a carrier sense means.

3. In a blockchain auction in which sensing data on frequency usage status at time and location provided by a primary user who performs wireless communication at a pre-authorized frequency and a secondary user who performs wireless communication within a range that does not interfere with the wireless communication of the primary user is shared, the system further includes a smart contract for acquiring the right to designate a crypto asset and make a successful bid for the k shared frequency ranges, The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the control means determines that the terminal device has acquired the right to use the k shared frequency regions when the rights acquisition smart contract designates a crypto asset in the auction and wins the k shared frequency regions, and generates the start notification.

4. Further comprising a receiving means for receiving a message from the base station inquiring to the terminal device whether the terminal device can perform the carrier aggregation; When the control means receives the message received by the receiving means from the receiving means, the control means outputs the first message, which is a response to the inquiry, including the start notification, to the transmitting means; 4. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting means transmits the first message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

5. The message inquiring of the terminal device whether the terminal device can perform the carrier aggregation is a UE Capability Enquiry message, The terminal device according to claim 4 , wherein the first message comprises a UE Capability Information message.

6. the control means includes the start notification in a second message transmitted by the terminal device in response to an instruction from the base station, and outputs the second message including the start notification to the transmission means; 4. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting means transmits the second message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station.

7. The terminal device according to claim 6 , wherein the second message is a Measurement Report message transmitted by the terminal device in response to an instruction from the base station.

8. a receiving means for receiving from the base station a third message defining a new notification condition of "notifying if the carrier aggregation is desired"; when the control means receives the third message from the receiving means, it outputs a fourth message including the start notification to the transmitting means; 4. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein said transmitting means transmits a fourth message including said start notification received from said control means to said base station.

9. The terminal device according to claim 8 , wherein the fourth message comprises a Measurement Report message.

10. the control means, after the connection process of the wireless communication line between the terminal device and the base station is completed, when the terminal device desires to start the carrier aggregation, outputs an original message including the start notification to the transmission means; 4. The terminal device according to claim 2, wherein said transmitting means transmits to said base station a unique message including said start notification received from said control means.

11. the control means, after outputting any one of the second message, the fourth message, and the unique message to the transmission means, when receiving a fifth message from the base station notifying the start of wireless communication using the carrier aggregation, outputs a sixth message to the transmission means in response to the fifth message, confirming that the start of the carrier aggregation has been confirmed; 9. The terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the transmitting means transmits the sixth message received from the control means to the base station.

12. the fifth message is an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message; The terminal device according to claim 11 , wherein the sixth message comprises an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

13. A terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; A wireless communication system comprising a base station that performs wireless communication with the terminal device.

14. A program for causing a computer to execute, from a terminal device, activation of carrier aggregation that performs wireless communication by bundling a plurality of frequency bands, a first step in which a frequency determining means determines a plurality of interference-free shared frequency ranges; a second step in which a control means selects the plurality of shared frequency regions determined in the first step as frequency regions to be used for the carrier aggregation, and when k (k is an integer satisfying 2≦k≦j, and j is the total number of the plurality of shared frequency regions) shared frequency regions among the selected plurality of shared frequency regions satisfy a predetermined condition that is a condition for starting wireless communication, generates a start notification that includes frequency information indicating the k shared frequency regions and is a notification that prompts the base station to start the carrier aggregation; a third step in which a transmitting means transmits the start notification generated in the second step to a base station.

15. The program is a fourth step in which a carrier sense means performs carrier sensing in the plurality of shared frequency regions determined in the first step; 15. The program for causing a computer to execute the program according to claim 14, wherein the control means generates the start notification when it determines, in the second step, that the k shared frequency regions are vacant as a result of carrier sensing by the carrier sense means.

16. The program is The smart contract for rights acquisition further causes the computer to execute a fourth step of specifying crypto assets and winning bids for the k shared frequency ranges in a blockchain auction in which sensing data on frequency usage status at time and location provided by a primary user who performs wireless communication at a pre-authorized frequency and a secondary user who performs wireless communication within a range that does not interfere with the wireless communication of the primary user is shared; 15. The program for causing a computer to execute the program according to claim 14, wherein the control means determines in the second step that the right acquisition smart contract has acquired the right to use the k shared frequency regions when the right acquisition smart contract wins the bid for the k shared frequency regions in the auction in the fourth step, and generates the start notification.

17. The program is a fifth step in which a receiving means receives from the base station a message inquiring whether the carrier aggregation is possible; When the control means receives the message received in the fifth step from the receiving means, the control means outputs the first message, which is a response to the inquiry, including the start notification, to the transmitting means; 17. The program for causing a computer to execute the program according to claim 15, wherein the transmitting means transmits the first message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station in the third step.

18. The message inquiring of the terminal device whether the terminal device can perform the carrier aggregation is a UE Capability Enquiry message, 18. The computer-implemented program of claim 17, wherein the first message comprises a UE Capability Information message.

19. In the second step, the control means includes the start notification in a second message transmitted by the terminal device in response to an instruction from the base station, and outputs the second message including the start notification to the transmission means; 17. The program for causing a computer to execute the program according to claim 15, wherein the transmitting means transmits the second message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station in the third step.

20. 20. The program executed by a computer according to claim 19, wherein the second message is a Measurement Report message transmitted by the terminal device in response to an instruction from the base station.

21. The program is a fifth step in which the receiving means receives from the base station a third message defining a new notification condition of "notifying if the carrier aggregation is desired"; In the second step, when the control means receives the third message from the receiving means, the control means outputs a fourth message including the start notification to the transmitting means; 17. The program for causing a computer to execute the program according to claim 15, wherein the transmitting means transmits a third message including the start notification received from the control means to the base station in the third step.

22. 22. The computer-executable program of claim 21, wherein the fourth message is a Measurement Report message.

23. In the second step, after a connection process of a wireless communication line between the terminal device and the base station is completed, when the terminal device desires to start the carrier aggregation, the control means outputs an original message including the start notification to the transmission means; 17. The program for causing a computer to execute the program according to claim 15, wherein the transmitting means transmits, in the third step, to the base station a unique message including the start notification received from the control means.

24. In the second step, after outputting any one of the second message, the fourth message, and the unique message to the transmitting means, when the control means receives a fifth message from the base station notifying the start of wireless communication using the carrier aggregation, the control means outputs a sixth message to the transmitting means in response to the fifth message, the sixth message confirming that the start of the carrier aggregation has been confirmed; 22. The program for causing a computer to execute the program according to claim 19, wherein the transmitting means transmits the sixth message received from the control means to the base station in the third step.

25. the fifth message is an RRC Connection Reconfiguration message; 25. The computer program product of claim 24, wherein the sixth message comprises an RRC Connection Reconfiguration Complete message.

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