Interference control for dynamic communication cells

Abstract

This communication control device includes at least one processor that: by means of an interference detection unit, detects interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station to a peripheral communicator, and a peripheral communication cell around the dynamic communication station; and by means of an interference reduction unit, executes, at the dynamic communication cell and / or the peripheral communication cell, interference reduction measures for reducing interference between the dynamic communication cell and the peripheral communication cell. The dynamic communication station is an IAB node comprising: an MT that functions as a communicator for a master base station; and a DU which functions as a slave base station for the communicator and which provides a dynamic communication cell. The interference detection unit detects interference between a dynamic communication cell and a peripheral communication cell on the basis of communication measurement results by the IAB node provided from the MT to the master base station.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to interference control for dynamic communication cells. [Background technology]

[0002] The number, types, and uses of wireless communication devices (hereinafter referred to collectively as communication devices), such as smartphones and IoT (Internet of Things) devices, are steadily increasing, and wireless communication standards are continually being expanded and improved. For example, commercial service for the fifth-generation mobile communication system, known as "5G," began in 2018, and standardization is still underway at the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In addition, efforts have begun to develop standards for "6G," or sixth-generation mobile communication systems, as the next-generation wireless communication standard following 5G. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-278886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to cope with the explosive increase in the number of communication devices and the miniaturization of communication cells due to the adoption of high-frequency communication radio waves such as millimeter waves, various types of communication stations can be deployed in addition to existing base stations (typically, terrestrial base stations fixedly installed on the ground). Each communication station is expected to provide a communication cell to communication devices, just like existing base stations. Therefore, interference can occur between the communication cells provided by various types of communication stations to surrounding communication devices and existing communication cells (typically, terrestrial communication cells provided by terrestrial base stations) around the communication stations.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a communication control device and the like that can effectively reduce interference between communication cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a communication control device of one embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one processor that detects, by an interference detection unit, interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station to surrounding communication devices and between neighboring communication cells around the dynamic communication station, and that executes, by an interference reduction unit, interference reduction measures to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cells in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cells.

[0007] According to this aspect, interference between a dynamic communication cell and a neighboring communication cell can be effectively reduced. Here, a dynamic communication cell refers to, for example, a communication cell that can change spatially and / or temporally. For example, a moving communication station is an example of a dynamic communication station that provides a dynamic communication cell that changes spatially (typically moves). Also, a communication station that can be switched between an active state and an inactive state is an example of a dynamic communication station that provides a dynamic communication cell that changes temporally (typically is switched on and off).

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication control method, comprising: detecting interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station to a surrounding communication device and a neighboring communication cell around the dynamic communication station; and performing an interference reduction measure in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a storage medium storing a communication control program that causes a computer to detect interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station to a surrounding communication device and a neighboring communication cell around the dynamic communication station, and to execute an interference reduction measure in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell.

[0010] Any combination of the above components, or any conversion of these expressions into methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc., are also encompassed within the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, interference between communication cells can be effectively reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic overview of a wireless communication system to which a communication control device is applied. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a general configuration of a wireless communication system to which a communication control device is applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a communication control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1 schematically illustrates an overview of a wireless communication system 1 to which a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. The wireless communication system 1 includes a 5G wireless communication system 11 conforming to a fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G) that uses NR (New Radio) or 5G NR (Fifth Generation New Radio) as a radio access technology (RAT) and 5GC (Fifth Generation Core) as a core network (CN), a 4G wireless communication system 12 conforming to a fourth-generation mobile communication system (4G) that uses LTE (Long Term Evolution) or LTE-Advanced as a radio access technology and EPC (Evolved Packet Core) as a core network, and a satellite communication system 13 that handles satellite communication via a communication satellite 131. Although not illustrated, the wireless communication system 1 may include a wireless communication system of a generation earlier than 4G, a wireless communication system of a generation later than 5G (e.g., 6G), or any wireless communication system that is not associated with a generation, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0014] The 5G wireless communication system 11 includes communication devices 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D (hereinafter collectively referred to as communication devices 2) such as smartphones that are installed on the ground and are also called UE (User Equipment), and multiple 5G base stations 111A, 111B, and 111C (hereinafter collectively referred to as 5G base stations 111) that can communicate via 5G NR. In 5G, the base station 111 is also called a gNodeB (gNB). The communication range or support area of ​​each of the 5G base stations 111A, 111B, and 111C is called a cell, and is illustrated as 112A, 112B, and 112C, respectively (hereinafter collectively referred to as 5G cells 112).

[0015] The size of the 5G cell 112 of each 5G base station 111 is arbitrary, but typically ranges from a few meters to tens of kilometers in radius. Although there is no established definition, cells with a radius of a few meters to tens of meters are called femtocells, cells with a radius of tens to tens of meters are called picocells, cells with a radius of tens to hundreds of meters are called microcells, and cells with a radius of more than hundreds of meters are called macrocells. 5G often uses high-frequency radio waves such as millimeter waves, and because of their high line-propagation ability, radio waves can be blocked by obstacles, shortening the communication distance. For this reason, 5G tends to use smaller cells than 4G and earlier generations.

[0016] A communication device 2 can perform 5G communication if it is located within at least one of multiple 5G cells 112A, 112B, and 112C. In the illustrated example, a communication device 2B located within 5G cells 112A and 112B can communicate with both 5G base stations 111A and 111B via 5G NR. Furthermore, a communication device 2C located within 5G cell 112C can communicate with 5G base station 111C via 5G NR. Communication devices 2A and 2D are located outside all of the 5G cells 112A, 112B, and 112C and are therefore unable to communicate via 5G NR. 5G communication via 5G NR between each communication device 2 and each 5G base station 111 is managed by the 5GC, which is a core network. For example, the 5GC handles data transmission and reception between each 5G base station 111, data transmission and reception between EPC, a satellite communication system 13, and external networks such as the Internet, and mobility management of the communication device 2.

[0017] The 4G wireless communication system 12 includes multiple 4G base stations 121 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1 ) that are installed on the ground and capable of communicating with the communication device 2 via LTE or LTE-Advanced. In 4G, the base station 121 is also called an eNodeB (eNB). Like each 5G base station 111, the coverage area or support area of ​​each 4G base station 121 is also called a cell, and is illustrated as 122.

[0018] If the communication device 2 is located inside the 4G cell 122, it can perform 4G communication. In the illustrated example, communication devices 2A and 2B located inside the 4G cell 122 can communicate with the 4G base station 121 via LTE or LTE-Advanced. Communication devices 2C and 2D are located outside the 4G cell 122 and are therefore unable to communicate via LTE or LTE-Advanced. 4G communication between each communication device 2 and each 4G base station 121 via LTE or LTE-Advanced is managed by the EPC, which is a core network. For example, the EPC handles the exchange of data with each 4G base station 121, the exchange of data with external networks such as 5GC, the satellite communication system 13, and the Internet, and the mobility management of the communication device 2.

[0019] Focusing on each of the communicators 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, in the illustrated example, communicator 2A is capable of 4G communication with 4G base station 121, communicator 2B is capable of 5G communication with 5G base stations 111A and 111B and 4G communication with 4G base station 121, and communicator 2C is capable of 5G communication with 5G base station 111C. In cases where there are multiple base stations (111A, 111B, 121) with which communicator 2B can communicate, one base station determined to be optimal in terms of communication quality, etc., is selected under the management of the 5G communication center (5GC) and / or the EPC core network, and communication with communicator 2B is performed. Furthermore, communicator 2D is not capable of communication with any of the 5G base stations 111 and 4G base station 121, and therefore performs communication via satellite communication system 13, which will be described next.

[0020] The satellite communication system 13 is a wireless communication system that uses a communication satellite 131, which is a low-orbit satellite flying in space at an altitude of approximately 500 km to 700 km above the Earth's surface, as a non-terrestrial base station. Similar to the 5G base station 111 and the 4G base station 121, the communication range or support area of ​​the communication satellite 131 is also called a cell and is illustrated as 132. In this way, the communication satellite 131, which is a non-terrestrial base station, provides the satellite communication cell 132, which is a non-terrestrial communication cell, to the ground. A terrestrial communication device 2 can perform satellite communication if it is located inside the satellite communication cell 132. Similar to the 5G base station 111 in the 5G wireless communication system 11 and the 4G base station 121 in the 4G wireless communication system 12, the communication satellite 131, which is a base station in the satellite communication system 13, can wirelessly communicate with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 directly or indirectly via an aircraft or the like. The radio access technology that the communication satellite 131 uses for radio communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 may be 5G NR, the same as the 5G base station 111, or LTE or LTE-Advanced, the same as the 4G base station 121, or any other radio access technology that can be used by the communication device 2. Therefore, the communication device 2 does not need to be provided with special functions or components for satellite communication.

[0021] The satellite communication system 13 includes a gateway 133 as a ground station installed on the ground and capable of communicating with a communication satellite 131. The gateway 133 includes a satellite antenna for communicating with the communication satellite 131, and is connected to a 5G base station 111 and a 4G base station 121 as terrestrial base stations that constitute a terrestrial network (TN). In this way, the gateway 133 connects the non-terrestrial network (NTN) formed by the communication satellite 131 as a non-terrestrial base station or satellite base station and the TN formed by the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 so that they can communicate with each other. When the communication satellite 131 performs 5G communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 using 5G NR, the 5GC connected via the gateway 133 and the 5G base station 111 (or a 5G radio access network) in the TN is used as the core network, and when the communication satellite 131 performs 4G communication with the communication device 2 in the satellite communication cell 132 using LTE or LTE-Advanced, the EPC connected via the gateway 133 and the 4G base station 121 (or a 4G radio access network) in the TN is used as the core network. In this way, appropriate cooperation is achieved between different wireless communication systems such as 5G communication, 4G communication, and satellite communication via the gateway 133.

[0022] Satellite communication using a communication satellite 131 is primarily used to cover areas where terrestrial base stations such as 5G base station 111 and 4G base station 121 are not installed or are few in number. In the illustrated example, a communication device 2D located outside the communication cells of all terrestrial base stations communicates with the communication satellite 131. Meanwhile, communication devices 2A, 2B, and 2C that can communicate satisfactorily with any terrestrial base station are also within a satellite communication cell 132 and can therefore communicate with the communication satellite 131. However, by communicating with a terrestrial base station rather than the communication satellite 131 as a satellite base station, the limited communication resources (including power) of the communication satellite 131 are conserved for the communication device 2D and the like. The communication satellite 131 improves the quality of communication with the communication device 2D by directing communication radio waves toward the communication device 2D within the satellite communication cell 132 using beamforming.

[0023] The size of the satellite communication cell 132 of the communication satellite 131 serving as a satellite base station can be set arbitrarily depending on the number of beams emitted by the communication satellite 131; for example, a satellite communication cell 132 with a diameter of approximately 24 km can be formed by combining up to 2,800 beams. As shown in the figure, the satellite communication cell 132 is typically larger than a terrestrial communication cell such as the 5G cell 112 or the 4G cell 122, and may include one or more 5G cells 112 and / or 4G cells 122 therein. Note that, although the above example illustrates a communication satellite 131 flying in low orbit at an altitude of approximately 500 km to 700 km above the Earth's surface as a flying non-terrestrial base station, a communication satellite flying in high orbit such as a geostationary orbit, or an unmanned or manned aircraft or drone flying in the atmosphere at a lower altitude (for example, approximately 20 km above the Earth's surface) such as the stratosphere, may also be used as a non-terrestrial base station in addition to or instead of the communication satellite 131.

[0024] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the overall configuration of a wireless communication system 1 to which a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 1 is generally constructed using terrestrial communication cells 112 and 122 (hereinafter also referred to as fixed communication cells) provided by terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 (hereinafter also referred to as fixed base stations) that are fixedly installed on the ground. However, there are problems in that mobile communication is not possible outside the fixed communication cells, and even within the fixed communication cells, the quality of mobile communication degrades depending on the time and location. Note that the wireless communication system 1 may also include a satellite communication system 13 in which a communication satellite 131 is used as a non-terrestrial base station or a mobile base station, but it is unrealistic to supplement the terrestrial network of the terrestrial base stations 111 and 121 solely with the communication satellite 131.

[0025] In order to solve such problems, it is preferable to introduce a dynamic communication station CS to supplement the fixed communication cells 112, 122 provided by the fixed base stations 111, 121, as schematically shown in Fig. 2. A dynamic communication station CS is, for example, a communication station that can provide a dynamic communication cell that can change spatially and / or temporally. For example, a mobile communication station as shown in Fig. 3, which will be described later, is an example of a dynamic communication station CS that provides a dynamic communication cell that changes spatially (i.e., moves). Also, a communication station that can be switched between an operating state that provides a dynamic communication cell and a stopped state that does not provide a dynamic communication cell is an example of a dynamic communication station CS that provides a dynamic communication cell that changes over time (i.e., is switched on and off).

[0026] The dynamic communication station CS may be, for example, a communication station whose operating time is limited to a specific time period, or an on-demand communication station that can adaptively switch between a stopped state and an operating state according to the communication demand of the communication device, etc. Examples of the dynamic communication station CS include a mobile base station such as a communication satellite 131 that functions as a base station (or a fixed base station that can switch between an operating state and a stopped state), and a repeater (hereinafter also referred to as a relay station) that communicates with existing fixed base stations 111, 121 to expand existing fixed communication cells 112, 122. The dynamic communication station CS in the examples of Figures 2 and 3 is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node.

[0027] IAB is a technology developed for 5G that uses wireless backhaul between a base station serving as an IAB donor (parent node) and an IAB node (child node), and / or between parent-child IAB nodes (the IAB node closest to the IAB donor is the parent node, and the IAB node farther from the IAB donor is the child node) to expand the communication cell of the parent node. Here, "expanding the communication cell" not only refers to expanding the area covered by an existing communication cell, but also includes improving the communication quality of at least part of the existing communication cell. Furthermore, "expanding the area covered by a communication cell" not only refers to expanding the horizontal area of ​​the existing communication cell, but also includes expanding the existing communication cell vertically, for example, underground or to the upper and / or lower floors of a building.

[0028] 2, the dynamic communication station CS as an IAB node includes a communication device function unit 41 that functions as a communication device for parent nodes (parent base stations) including the fixed base stations 111 and 121, and a base station function unit 42 that functions as a child base station for the communication device UE and provides a dynamic communication cell. In 5G, the communication device function unit 41 is defined as an MT (Mobile Termination) or an IAB-MT, and the base station function unit 42 is defined as a DU (Distributed Unit) or an IAB-DU. Note that, in other wireless communication systems including generations after 5G, including a CU (Central Unit) described later, it is expected that functions similar to IAB, MT, DU, and CU may be provided under different names, but in this embodiment, such similar functions may be used as IAB, MT, DU, and CU.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates two fixed base stations 111 and 121. The first fixed base station 121, which is a 4G base station, provides a first fixed communication cell 122 as a 4G cell, and the second fixed base station 111, which is a 5G base station, provides a second fixed communication cell 112 as a 5G cell. In the example of FIG. 2, the baseband function of each fixed base station 111 and 121 is divided into a centralized unit (CU) on the core network CN side and a distributed unit (DU) on the communication device UE side. The first distributed unit DU1 of the first fixed base station 121 is provided near radio equipment such as an antenna of the first fixed base station 121, typically in the same base station facility as the radio equipment. The second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station 111 is provided near radio equipment such as an antenna of the second fixed base station 111, typically in the same base station facility as the radio equipment. In the illustrated example, the aggregation unit CU is shared by the first fixed base station 121 (first distributed unit DU1) and the second fixed base station 111 (second distributed unit DU2), but an aggregation unit may be provided separately for each of the fixed base stations 111, 121. The aggregation unit CU is connected to the core network CN. The connections between radio devices such as antennas in each of the fixed base stations 111, 121 and each of the distributed units DU1, DU2, the connections between each of the distributed units DU1, DU2 and the aggregation unit CU, and the connections between the aggregation unit CU and the core network CN are typically wired, such as by conductors or optical fibers, but some or all of these connections may be wireless.

[0030] The communication device function unit 41 (IAB-MT) of the dynamic communication station CS can be wirelessly connected to the distributed unit DU of either of the fixed base stations 111, 121 depending on the location of the dynamic communication station CS. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication device function unit 41 is wirelessly connected to the second distributed unit DU2 of the second fixed base station 111. In this case, the dynamic communication station CS functions as a child node with the second fixed base station 111 as a parent node (parent base station) or IAB donor, and expands the second fixed communication cell 112 by the second fixed base station 111 as the parent node. Then, the base station function unit 42 (IAB-DU) of the dynamic communication station CS provides the communication device UE with a dynamic communication cell (not shown) or a mobile communication cell as an extended communication cell of the second fixed communication cell 112. In the example of FIG. 2, two communication devices 2E and 2F connected to the base station function unit 42 of the dynamic communication station CS are schematically shown. The first communication device 2E, while being within the first fixed communication cell 122 but outside the second fixed communication cell 112, substantially communicates with the second fixed base station 111 through the dynamic communication station CS. The second communication device 2F, while being within the overlapping area of ​​the first fixed communication cell 122 and the second fixed communication cell 112, substantially communicates with the second fixed base station 111 through the dynamic communication station CS. Note that the dynamic communication station CS as an IAB node may use a mobile base station such as a communication satellite 131 as a parent base station to expand a mobile communication cell such as a satellite communication cell 132.

[0031] When implemented as a mobile communication station (such as an IAB node), the dynamic communication station CS is attached to a mobile body, except in the case of a communication satellite 131 that can move (fly) autonomously. A mobile body is any object or person that can move, including any vehicle such as a car, train, motorcycle, bicycle, airplane, drone, or ship. The mobile dynamic communication station CS may also be a communication device 2 carried by a moving person, such as a communication device 2 with a tethering function or a personal hotspot function. Since such a communication device 2 (dynamic communication station CS) generally functions as a wireless LAN access point, the RAT (e.g., 5G NR) used by the base station from which the expansion is made (e.g., the second fixed base station 111) may differ from the RAT used by the dynamic communication station CS as the destination of the expansion.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a communication control device 3 according to this embodiment. The communication control device 3 includes a mobility information acquisition unit 31, an activity history information collection unit 32, a cell information acquisition unit 33, an interference detection unit 34, and an interference reduction unit 35. Some of these functional blocks may be omitted as long as the communication control device 3 can achieve at least some of the functions and / or effects described below. These functional blocks are realized by the cooperation of hardware resources, such as a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer, memory, input devices, output devices, and peripheral devices connected to the computer, and software executed using these resources. Regardless of the type and location of the computer, each of the above functional blocks may be realized by the hardware resources of a single computer or by a combination of hardware resources distributed across multiple computers. In particular, in this embodiment, some or all of the functional blocks of the communication control device 3 may be realized in a centralized or distributed manner by computers and processors provided in the communication device 2, the dynamic communication station CS (including the mobile terminal V), the base station (the distributed unit DU and / or the aggregation unit CU), the gateway 133, and the core network CN.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 3, a dynamic communication station CS as an IAB node is attached to a vehicle V as a moving body. The vehicle V to which the dynamic communication station CS is attached may move along a predetermined moving route, or may move along an arbitrary moving route. In the example of FIG. 3, the vehicle V to which the dynamic communication station CS is attached moves on the ground along an arbitrary moving route RT. Near the moving route RT on the ground, there are a terrestrial communication cell (e.g., a 5G cell) 112 provided by a terrestrial base station (e.g., a 5G base station) 111 and a non-terrestrial communication cell (e.g., a satellite communication cell) 132 provided by a non-terrestrial base station (e.g., a communication satellite) 131.

[0034] The dynamic communication station CS attached to the vehicle V may use the terrestrial base station 111 or non-terrestrial base station 131 shown as a parent base station and provide a dynamic communication cell (not shown) as an extended communication cell of its communication cell 112, 132 to the surrounding area. Below, an example will be described in which the dynamic communication station CS attached to the vehicle V uses another base station (not shown) as a parent base station and provides a dynamic communication cell (not shown) as an extended communication cell of that communication cell to the surrounding area. In this case, the existing communication cells 112, 132 that are not parent communication cells become peripheral communication cells for the dynamic communication cell (not shown) provided by the dynamic communication station CS that moves or passes through the vicinity of them. Note that when the dynamic communication station CS attached to the vehicle V itself functions as a base station, it may provide a dynamic communication cell (not shown) to the surrounding area without a parent base station.

[0035] In the following, a dynamic communication station CS that moves along the movement route RT together with the vehicle V will be described as an example, but this description also applies to a dynamic communication station CS that is fixedly installed on the ground or the like and is switchable between an active state and a stopped state. That is, a dynamic communication station CS that approaches the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 can be considered to be the same as a dynamic communication station CS that is fixedly installed near the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 and is switchable from a stopped state to an active state. Also, a dynamic communication station CS that moves away from the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 can be considered to be the same as a dynamic communication station CS that is fixedly installed near the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 and is switchable from an active state to a stopped state.

[0036] The movement information acquisition unit 31 acquires movement information related to the movement of the dynamic communication station CS attached to the vehicle V. The movement information includes at least one of the movement route RT of the vehicle V or the dynamic communication station CS, the arrival time of the vehicle V or the dynamic communication station CS at each position on the movement route RT, the traffic congestion situation on the movement route RT, the movement speed of the vehicle V or the dynamic communication station CS, the movement direction of the vehicle V or the dynamic communication station CS, and the current position of the vehicle V or the dynamic communication station CS. Some or all of this movement information can be acquired from the vehicle V or the dynamic communication station CS itself, the communication device 2 used by a passenger in the vehicle V, a movement instruction device (not shown) that remotely issues movement instructions to the vehicle V such as a bus or train, etc. For example, the movement route RT, the arrival time at each position on the movement route RT, and the traffic congestion situation on the movement route RT can be acquired from a map application or a navigation application installed in the vehicle V, the dynamic communication station CS, the communication device 2, the movement instruction device, etc. In addition, the moving speed, moving direction, and current position can be obtained from a positioning module such as a GPS module mounted on the vehicle V, the dynamic communication station CS, the communication device 2, etc.

[0037] The movement information acquisition unit 31 may estimate some or all of the movement information of the dynamic communication station CS attached to the vehicle V based on the activity history information collected by the activity history information collection unit 32. The activity history information collection unit 32 collects activity history information of at least one of one or more specified or unspecified communication devices 2, the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V whose movement information is to be estimated, and other dynamic communication stations CS or vehicles V. The activity history information collected by the activity history information collection unit 32 can also be used by the interference detection unit 34, which will be described later.

[0038] For example, the NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function), other artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning functions, and LMF (Location Management Function) introduced in 5GC (5G core network CN) as the 5G core network CN can be used as the activity history information collection unit 32. The NWDAF is responsible for collecting and analyzing data on networks, including 5G. Specifically, the NWDAF collects and stores activity history information related to various activities performed on the network by numerous communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V connected to the network (including history information related to base stations to which the communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V are connected, and the locations of the communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V), and uses the analysis results for, for example, traffic control on the network. The LMF manages the physical locations of numerous communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V on networks, including 5G. Note that it is expected that functions similar to the NWDAF and / or LMF may be provided under different names in other wireless communication systems, including wireless communication systems of generations after 5G. In this embodiment, such similar functions may be used instead of or in addition to the NWDAF and / or LMF.

[0039] In addition, a server used by a service provider that provides map services, navigation services, location tracking services, etc. to a large number of communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V connected to a network can also be used as the activity history information collection unit 32. These servers can also collect activity history information (including history information related to the positions of the communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V) related to various activities performed by a large number of communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V connected to the network in connection with the services provided.

[0040] Statistical information on the activities on the network of an unspecified number of communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V connected to the network (including statistical information on the base stations to which they are connected) and / or history information on their physical locations can be acquired from the NWDAF, LMF, and service provider's server, which serve as the activity history information collector 32. In the example of Fig. 3, activity history information such as the congestion situation and communication traffic in each time period in the area between the terrestrial communication cell 112 and the non-terrestrial communication cell 132 through which the vehicle V is currently passing, and in the area on the movement route RT where the vehicle V will arrive or pass at a future time, is acquired for the movement information acquirer 31 and / or the interference detector 34.

[0041] Based on the activity history information (including network and / or physical congestion information and traffic jam information) for each time period of these unspecified large number of communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V, the movement information acquisition unit 31 can highly accurately estimate the position and movement state at the current or future time of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V that is the target of communication control by the communication control device 3. For example, if the amount of past communication traffic or the number of communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V in a specific area among multiple areas where the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V may be present is significantly high during the current or future time period when the movement information acquisition unit 31 estimates the movement information of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V, it can be estimated that there is a high possibility that the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V that is the target of estimation is present in that area.

[0042] From the NWDAF, LMF, and service provider's server serving as the activity history information collection unit 32, it is possible to acquire not only an unspecified number of communication devices 2, dynamic communication stations CS, and vehicles V, but also statistical information (including statistical information about the base station to which the station is connected) about the activity on the network of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V itself that is the subject of estimation or communication control, and / or history information about its physical location. Based on the activity history information of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V itself for each time period, the movement information acquisition unit 31 can estimate with high accuracy the position and movement state of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V at the current or future time.

[0043] For example, if the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V is frequently present in a particular area during the current or future time period when the movement information acquisition unit 31 estimates the movement information of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V, it can be estimated that there is an extremely high possibility that the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V being estimated is present in that area.

[0044] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the activity history information on a different day in the past as described above, the movement information acquisition unit 31 may use the activity history information of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V itself immediately before (for example, within one hour) estimating the movement information of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V. For example, if the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V was moving in a specific direction within a specific area 30 minutes before the movement information acquisition unit 31 estimates the movement information of the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V, it can be estimated that there is an extremely high possibility that the dynamic communication station CS or vehicle V to be estimated is in that area or a nearby area that can be moved from there in that direction within 30 minutes.

[0045] The activity history information collecting unit 32 may collect, as the activity history information, measurement results of one or more sensors 43 that are present or installed in the vicinity of the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 through which the dynamic communication station CS passes. The type and number of each sensor 43 are not particularly limited, but for the purpose of acquiring the movement information of the dynamic communication station CS or the vehicle V described above, a sensor 43 that can directly or indirectly detect the dynamic communication station CS or the vehicle V moving in the vicinity is used. Furthermore, for the purpose of interference detection described below, a sensor 43 that can directly or indirectly measure communication quality and interference is used. The sensor 43 may be, for example, one mounted on the communication device 2 such as a smartphone or the neighboring base station 111, 131, or may be something like an IoT device that has a minimum communication function that can share measurement results with a radio access network (RAN) and / or a core network CN including the base station.

[0046] The cell information acquisition unit 33 acquires cell layout information relating to the layout of the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 that are the targets of interference detection by the interference detection unit 34. Specifically, the cell information acquisition unit 33 acquires the layout of the illustrated neighboring communication cells 112, 132 on the ground from the neighboring base stations 111, 131 themselves that provide the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, or from a core network CN or the like that collectively manages information relating to the neighboring communication cells 112, 132. This cell layout information not only makes it possible to recognize the center position and shape and size of the coverage area (communication range) of each neighboring communication cell 112, 132, but also makes it possible to recognize the presence or absence of neighboring communication cells 112, 132 in each area on the ground, the type of neighboring communication cells 112, 132 (terrestrial communication cell or non-terrestrial communication cell), the density of the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, the continuity or overlap of the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, the center position of the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, the distance from an edge, etc. The interference detection unit 34 refers to this cell layout information together with other information (such as movement information acquired by the movement information acquisition unit 31) to identify neighboring communication cells 112, 132 around the dynamic communication station CS that is moving together with the vehicle V.

[0047] The interference detection unit 34 detects interference between a dynamic communication cell (not shown) provided by the dynamic communication station CS to a surrounding communication device 2 (not shown) and surrounding communication cells 112, 132 around the dynamic communication station CS. For example, when the dynamic communication station CS in an operating state approaches the surrounding communication cells 112, 132, the communication radio waves of the dynamic communication cell in which the dynamic communication station CS is deployed may interfere with the communication radio waves of the surrounding communication cells 112, 132. Furthermore, when the dynamic communication station CS switches from a stopped state to an operating state near the surrounding communication cells 112, 132, the communication radio waves of the dynamic communication cell newly deployed by the dynamic communication station CS may interfere with the communication radio waves of the surrounding communication cells 112, 132. Note that the interference detection unit 34 may detect the traffic volume of at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132, and if the traffic volume is significantly low, determine that there is little possibility of interference in actual communication even if both communication cells overlap.

[0048] In this way, if the dynamic communication cell of the dynamic communication station CS interferes with the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, communication quality deteriorates in the interference area or overlap area with the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, even though the dynamic communication cell is additionally provided. To avoid such a situation, the interference detection unit 34 detects at least one of the following: interference occurring at the current time between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132; interference that may occur at a future time when the deployed dynamic communication cell approaches the neighboring communication cells 112, 132; and interference that may occur at a future time between the dynamic communication cell newly deployed by the dynamic communication station CS that switches from a stopped state to an operating state and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132.

[0049] The interference detection unit 34 may detect interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 based mainly on communication measurement results at the current time by the dynamic communication station CS. In this case, the dynamic communication station CS can be interpreted as having (built-in) a sensor 43 (described later) that can directly or indirectly measure communication quality and interference. In particular, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, when the dynamic communication station CS is configured as an IAB node, a communication device function unit 41 (IAB-MT) having a communication measurement function similar to that of a general communication device 2 such as a smartphone can be used as the sensor 43 and / or the interference detection unit 34. Specifically, the communication device function unit 41 (IAB-MT) measures communication quality and interference at its own position (the dynamic communication station CS), similar to that of a general communication device 2, and provides the results to the parent base station in the form of channel state information (CSI) or the like. If there is interference between the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132, the CSI etc. measured by the communication device function unit 41 (IAB-MT) and provided to the parent base station includes indications such as "communication quality is low (due to interference)" or "there is interference."

[0050] The interference detection unit 34 may detect interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 based mainly on communication measurement results at the current time by sensors 43 around the dynamic communication station CS. In this case, the sensors 43 can directly or indirectly measure communication quality and interference. As described above, the sensors 43, such as IoT devices equipped with minimum communication functions, provide the communication measurement results to the RAN and / or core network CN. In addition, the sensors 43 may provide the communication measurement results to nearby communication devices 2, the dynamic communication station CS, the vehicle V, neighboring base stations 111, etc., using short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth (trademark), and then relay or provide the results to the RAN and / or core network CN as needed.

[0051] The interference detection unit 34 may estimate or predict interference that may occur at a future time between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, based on the activity history information collected by the activity history information collection unit 32. Specifically, the activity history information collection unit 32 collects past communication measurement results by at least one of the dynamic communication station CS that is the target of interference estimation, other dynamic communication stations CS, and one or more sensors 43, as activity history information.

[0052] For example, the communication measurement results collected by the activity history information collecting unit 32 when the interference estimation target or another dynamic communication station CS previously deployed a dynamic communication cell near the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 are extremely useful in estimating interference that may occur in the future. Specifically, if the communication measurement result showing "interference" was obtained when the interference estimation target or another dynamic communication station CS previously deployed a dynamic communication cell in a certain manner near the neighboring communication cells 112, 132, there is a high possibility that interference will occur between the dynamic communication station CS of the interference estimation target and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 if the dynamic communication station CS deploys a dynamic communication cell in a similar manner under similar circumstances. Therefore, the interference reducing unit 35, which will be described later, can prevent interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 by taking interference reducing measures such as not allowing the dynamic communication station CS to deploy a dynamic communication cell in that manner, allowing the dynamic communication station CS to deploy a dynamic communication cell in a manner different from that manner, or changing the deployment manner of the neighboring communication cells 112, 132.

[0053] The interference reduction unit 35 executes interference reduction measures in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 at the current time and / or future time detected by the interference detection unit 34.

[0054] The interference reduction measures may include at least one of the following: changing the serving direction of at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 (e.g., adjusting the serving direction or serving range of the dynamic communication cell so as not to overlap with the surrounding communication cells 112, 132); changing the beam to be used (e.g., adjusting the irradiating direction, irradiating range, intensity, etc. of at least one beam so that high-intensity beams of both communication cells are not irradiated to the same position and / or area); changing the antenna to be used (e.g., switching to a stopped state at least some of the antennas responsible for irradiating beams to the interference area); changing the frequency band to be used (e.g., having both communication cells mainly use different frequency bands at least in the interference area); and applying various well-known inter-cell interference control methods also known as ICIC (Inter-Cell Interference Coordination).

[0055] Furthermore, as an interference reduction measure, the interference reduction unit 35 may perform at least one of the following: disconnecting at least some of the communication devices 2 (not shown) currently connected to at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132; switching at least some of the communication cells of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 to a stopped state (thereby reducing the interference area of ​​both communication cells and / or reducing the amount of interference in the interference area); transitioning at least some of the communication devices currently connected to one of the communication cells of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells 112, 132 to the other communication cell by handover, redirection, etc. (in addition, it is preferable to reduce the provided strength of one communication cell to reduce interference from that one communication cell to the other communication cell).

[0056] As described above, the interference reduction measures by the interference reduction unit 35 may be performed in either the dynamic communication cell (dynamic communication station CS) or the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 (neighboring base stations 111, 131), but are preferably performed in the dynamic communication cell, which is generally smaller and more localized or flexible (in other words, more maneuverable) than the neighboring communication cells 112, 132. As shown in Fig. 2, when the dynamic communication station CS is configured as an IAB node, a base station function unit 42 (IAB-DU) that functions as a (child) base station and provides the dynamic communication cell performs the main part of the interference reduction measures.

[0057] According to this embodiment, interference between the dynamic communication cell provided by the dynamic communication station CS and the neighboring communication cells 112, 132 provided by the neighboring base stations 111, 131 can be effectively reduced.

[0058] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. Various modifications are possible to the combinations of the components and processes in the exemplary embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such modifications are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0059] The configuration, operation, and function of each device and method described in the embodiments can be realized by hardware resources, software resources, or a combination of hardware and software resources. Examples of hardware resources include processors, ROMs, RAMs, and various integrated circuits. Examples of software resources include operating systems, applications, and other programs.

[0060] This disclosure may be expressed in the following terms:

[0061] Item 1: detecting interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by the dynamic communication station to a surrounding communication device and a surrounding communication cell around the dynamic communication station by an interference detection unit; an interference reduction unit executing an interference reduction measure for reducing interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell; A communication control device comprising at least one processor that executes the above. Item 2: 2. The communication control device according to item 1, wherein the dynamic communication station is switchable between an operating state in which the dynamic communication cell is provided and a stopped state in which the dynamic communication cell is not provided. Item 3: the dynamic communication station is a moving communication station; The dynamic communication cell is a moving communication cell. 3. The communication control device according to item 1 or 2. Item 4: 4. The communication control device according to item 3, wherein the dynamic communication station is attached to a movable mobile body. Item 5: 5. The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the interference detection unit detects interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on a communication measurement result by the dynamic communication station. Item 6: The dynamic communication station is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node having an MT (Mobile Termination) that functions as a communication device for a parent base station and a DU (Distributed Unit) that functions as a child base station for the communication device and provides the dynamic communication cell, The interference detection unit detects interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on the communication measurement result by the IAB node provided from the MT to the parent base station. Item 5. The communication control device according to item 5. Item 7: 7. The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the interference detection unit detects interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on communication measurement results by sensors around the dynamic communication station. Item 8: 8. The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the interference reduction measures include at least one of changing the direction of service, changing the beam to be used, changing the antenna to be used, changing the frequency band to be used, and applying Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells. Item 9: 9. The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the interference reduction unit performs at least one of the following as the interference reduction measure: disconnecting at least some of the communication devices currently connected to at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cell; switching at least some of the communication cells of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cell to a stopped state; or transitioning at least some of the communication devices currently connected to one of the communication cells of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cell to the other communication cell. Item 10: 10. The communication control device according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the interference reduction unit executes the interference reduction measure in the dynamic communication cell. Item 11: Detecting interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station to a surrounding communication device and a surrounding communication cell around the dynamic communication station; Implementing an interference reduction measure in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell; A communication control method comprising: Item 12: Detecting interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station to a surrounding communication device and a surrounding communication cell around the dynamic communication station; Implementing an interference reduction measure in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell; A storage medium that stores a communication control program that causes a computer to execute the above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0062] The present disclosure relates to interference control for dynamic communication cells. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 wireless communication system, 2 communication device, 3 communication control device, 11 5G wireless communication system, 12 4G wireless communication system, 13 satellite communication system, 31 movement information acquisition unit, 32 activity history information collection unit, 33 cell information acquisition unit, 34 interference detection unit, 35 interference reduction unit, 41 communication device function unit, 42 base station function unit, 43 sensor, 111 5G base station, 112 5G cell, 121 4G base station, 122 4G cell, 131 communication satellite, 132 satellite communication cell, 133 gateway.

Claims

1. detecting, by an interference detection unit, interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station movable on the ground to a surrounding communication device and a peripheral communication cell around the dynamic communication station; an interference reduction unit executing an interference reduction measure for reducing interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell; at least one processor executing the interference detection unit detects interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on a communication measurement result on the ground by the dynamic communication station; the dynamic communication station is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node having an MT (Mobile Termination) functioning as a communication device for a parent base station and a DU (Distributed Unit) functioning as a child base station for the communication device and providing the dynamic communication cell; The interference detection unit is a communication control device that detects interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on the communication measurement result on the ground by the MT that is provided from the MT to the parent base station.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the dynamic communication station is switchable between an active state in which the dynamic communication cell is provided and an inactive state in which the dynamic communication station does not provide the dynamic communication cell.

3. the dynamic communication station is a moving communication station; The dynamic communication cell is a moving communication cell. The communication control device according to claim 1 .

4. The communication control device according to claim 3, wherein the dynamic communication station is attached to a movable vehicle.

5. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the interference detection unit detects interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on a communication measurement result obtained by a sensor around the dynamic communication station.

6. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the interference reduction measure includes at least one of changing a serving direction, changing a beam to be used, changing an antenna to be used, changing a frequency band to be used, and applying Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cells.

7. 2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the interference reduction unit performs, as the interference reduction measure, at least one of disconnecting at least some of the communication devices currently connected to at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cell, switching at least some of the communication cells of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cell to a stopped state, or transitioning at least some of the communication devices currently connected to one of the communication cells of the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cell to the other communication cell.

8. The communication control device according to claim 1 , wherein the interference reduction unit executes the interference reduction measure in the dynamic communication cell.

9. Detecting interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station movable on the ground to a surrounding communication device and a peripheral communication cell around the dynamic communication station; Implementing an interference reduction measure in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell; Equipped with The detecting of the interference includes detecting interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on a communication measurement result on the ground by the dynamic communication station; the dynamic communication station is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node having an MT (Mobile Termination) functioning as a communication device for a parent base station and a DU (Distributed Unit) functioning as a child base station for the communication device and providing the dynamic communication cell; The detecting of the interference is a communication control method for detecting interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on the communication measurement results on the ground by the MT provided from the MT to the parent base station.

10. Detecting interference between a dynamic communication cell provided by a dynamic communication station movable on the ground to a surrounding communication device and a surrounding communication cell around the dynamic communication station; Implementing an interference reduction measure in at least one of the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell to reduce interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell; on the computer, The detecting of the interference includes detecting interference between the dynamic communication cell and the neighboring communication cell based on a communication measurement result on the ground by the dynamic communication station; the dynamic communication station is an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node having an MT (Mobile Termination) functioning as a communication device for a parent base station and a DU (Distributed Unit) functioning as a child base station for the communication device and providing the dynamic communication cell; The detecting of the interference is a communication control program that detects interference between the dynamic communication cell and the surrounding communication cell based on the communication measurement results on the ground by the MT provided from the MT to the parent base station.

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