Communication device, communication method, and communication system

Abstract

A communication device (100) comprises a communication unit (110) and a control unit (150). The communication unit (110) wirelessly communicates by using at least one of a plurality of beams. The control unit (150) acquires a service communication quality according to a quality required for a service. The control unit (150) estimates an estimated communication quality that the communication unit (110) could achieve on the basis of the radio wave propagation environment. When the estimated communication quality is higher than or equal to the service communication quality, the control unit (150) maintains communication on a used beam being used for the wireless communication, even when the beam quality of an unused beam not being used for the wireless communication is higher than the beam quality of the used beam. The control unit (150) determines to switch the used beam when the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the use of high-frequency bands known as millimeter waves has been considered in response to demands for even wider bandwidths. While millimeter waves promise high transmission rates, the higher the frequency, the more difficult it becomes for radio waves to reach their destination due to their tendency to travel in a more directional direction and the amount of attenuation. Therefore, gains are being gained by beamforming, which narrows the direction in which radio waves are transmitted. For example, there are terminal devices that select a beam with high wireless quality from multiple beams to communicate with a base station device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-162103 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A conventional terminal device measures the radio quality (e.g., electric field strength, etc., hereinafter also referred to as beam quality) of a beam in accordance with an instruction from a base station device and reports the result to the base station device. The base station device instructs the terminal device to switch to a beam with the highest radio quality (e.g., the strongest electric field strength) and perform communication.

[0005] In conventional technologies, beam switching was performed with an emphasis on the capacity within the cell, such as the total communication volume and the number of terminal devices accommodated. For example, increasing the MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) for a terminal device with a strong field strength can be expected to improve communication efficiency. Therefore, conventional base station devices instruct terminal devices to use a beam with a strong field strength, in other words, a beam with high wireless quality.

[0006] On the other hand, in a system that provides real-time services such as streaming, it is more important to achieve continuity of communication and low latency than the capacity within the cell.

[0007] However, using the electric field strength as an index for switching beams as described above may result in frequent beam switching, for example, when multiple beams with similar electric field strengths are available, which may result in frequent switching of the beam to be used.

[0008] Frequent beam switching will result in frequent beam switching processes, which may affect the continuity and low latency of communication.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that can further suppress degradation of communication continuity and low latency in communications using multiple beams.

[0010] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes a communication unit and a control unit. The communication unit performs wireless communication using one of a plurality of beams. The control unit acquires a service communication quality according to the quality required for the service. The control unit estimates an estimated communication quality that the communication unit can achieve based on a radio wave propagation environment. Even if the communication quality of an unused beam not used for the wireless communication is higher than the communication quality of a used beam used for the wireless communication, the control unit maintains communication using the used beam if the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality. If the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality, the control unit decides to switch the used beam. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication system according to a proposed technique of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a beam switching method performed by a base station device. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a beam switching method according to the proposed technique of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a threshold calculation process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a beam switching process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a beam switching process according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a beam switching process according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication rate setting process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a learning process according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a prediction switching process according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0014] One or more embodiments (including examples and modifications) described below can be implemented independently. However, at least a portion of the embodiments described below may be implemented in appropriate combination with at least a portion of another embodiment. These embodiments may include novel features that are different from one another. Therefore, these embodiments may contribute to solving different purposes or problems and may produce different effects.

[0015] <<1. Introduction>> <1.1. An example of a communication system> First, an overview of a communication system 1 according to the proposed technique of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication system 1 according to the proposed technique of the present disclosure.

[0016] The communication system 1 includes a communication device 100, a terminal device 200, a base station device 300, and an information processing device 400. The terminal device 200 connects to an upstream network (for example, the Internet) using the communication function of the communication device 100. In this way, the communication system 1 shown in Fig. 1 has a tethering function.

[0017] The communication device 100, like a smartphone or a mobile terminal device, connects to the Internet by wireless communication via a base station device 300. In the example of Fig. 1, the communication device 100 connects to an information processing device 400 via the Internet by performing cellular communication with the base station device 300 using multiple beams.

[0018] The terminal device 200 is, for example, a device such as a camera or a tablet, and is connected to the communication device 100 via a cable or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 200 transmits a captured image to the information processing device 400 via the communication device 100. For example, the terminal device 200 transmits the captured image to the information processing device 400 in real time. In this way, the communication system 1 is a system that provides a user (not shown) with a so-called real-time streaming service, such as live streaming, in which images captured by the terminal device 200 are provided in real time to a user operating the information processing device 400.

[0019] The base station device 300 is a communication device that performs cellular communication with the communication device 100. The base station device 300 performs wireless communication with the communication device 100 using beams (beams #1 to #4 in the example of FIG. 1). Note that although not shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 100 may also perform communication with the base station device 300 using beams.

[0020] The information processing device 400 is, for example, a device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet terminal, and provides a real-time streaming service to the user by displaying images captured by the terminal device 200 on a monitor.

[0021] <1.2.Challenges> As described above, in communication using conventional beams, in order to maximize the cell capacity of the base station device 300, the base station device 300 sequentially selects the beam with the best radio wave propagation environment to communicate with the communication device 100.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a beam switching method by base station device 300. Fig. 2 shows an example of a beam selected by base station device 300 when communication device (UE: User Equipment) 100 moves in the upper left direction (see the arrow in Fig. 1) in Fig. 1.

[0023] As the communication device 100 moves, the base station device 300 shifts to a beam with the best radio wave propagation environment to communicate with the communication device 100 .

[0024] 2, the base station device 300 first selects beam #1 to communicate with the communication device 100. Next, as the communication device 100 moves, the beam strength (beam quality) of beam #2 becomes stronger than that of beam #1 at time t01. Therefore, the base station device 300 switches from beam #1 to beam #2 to communicate with the communication device 100.

[0025] Thereafter, at time t02, the beam strength of beam #3 becomes stronger than that of beam #2. Therefore, the base station device 300 switches from beam #2 to beam #3 and communicates with the communication device 100. Also, at time t03, the beam strength of beam #4 becomes stronger than that of beam #3. Therefore, the base station device 300 switches from beam #3 to beam #4 and communicates with the communication device 100.

[0026] When the beam coverage is narrow, frequent beam switching occurs, as shown in Figure 2. When the beam is switched, the wireless link is switched, and communication becomes discontinuous. As a result, communication may be interrupted or delayed when the beam is switched, which may cause image distortion.

[0027] In particular, in services that require real-time performance, such as real-time streaming, image distortion caused by beam switching will result in a decrease in service quality.

[0028] In particular, 5G communication means (RF Unit) is configured with an array antenna and performs communication using beamforming. Therefore, if the base station device 300 switches beams depending on the radio wave propagation environment, there is a risk that beam switching will occur frequently.

[0029] As described above, conventional beam switching methods require frequent beam switching, which can lead to a deterioration in the quality of services that require real-time performance. Therefore, in communications using multiple beams, it is necessary to suppress the deterioration in service quality by suppressing the deterioration in continuity and low latency.

[0030] <1.3. Overview of proposed technology> Therefore, in the proposed technology of the present disclosure, the communication device 100 acquires a service communication quality (e.g., a required throughput) according to a required service quality required for the service. Furthermore, the communication device 100 estimates an estimated communication quality (e.g., an estimated throughput) that can be achieved by communication based on a radio wave propagation environment.

[0031] Even if the communication quality of an unused beam not used for communication is higher than the communication quality of a used beam used for communication, the communication device 100 maintains communication using the used beam if the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality.

[0032] When the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality, the communication device 100 determines to switch the beam to be used for communication.

[0033] Having decided to switch the beam to be used, communication device 100 requests beam switching from base station device 300. Base station device 300 selects a beam in response to the request and instructs communication device 100 to switch to the selected beam.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a beam switching method according to the proposed technique of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows an example of a beam selected by base station device 300 when communication device (UE: User Equipment) 100 moves in the upper left direction (see the arrow in Fig. 1) in Fig. 1.

[0035] For example, as shown in FIG. 3, base station device 300 first selects beam #1 to communicate with communication device 100. Next, as communication device 100 moves, at time t01, the beam strength (beam quality) of beam #2 becomes stronger than beam #1. However, the beam strength of beam #1 is higher than a predetermined threshold Th. Therefore, communication device 100 does not request base station device 300 to switch beams. As a result, communication device 100 and base station device 300 continue communication using beam #1.

[0036] The predetermined threshold Th is the beam intensity (beam quality) at which the estimated throughput does not satisfy the required throughput. That is, when beam #1 falls below the predetermined threshold Th, the estimated throughput falls below the required throughput.

[0037] 3, at time t11, the beam intensity of beam #1 falls below a predetermined threshold Th. In this case, communication device 100 requests base station device 300 to switch the beam. In response to the request, base station device 300 instructs communication device 100 to switch the beam in use from beam #1 to beam #2, which has the strongest beam intensity. As a result, communication device 100 and base station device 300 communicate using beam #2.

[0038] After that, at time t02, the beam strength of beam #3 becomes stronger than that of beam #2. However, the beam strength of beam #2 is higher than a predetermined threshold Th. Therefore, the communication device 100 does not request the base station device 300 to switch beams. As a result, the communication device 100 and the base station device 300 continue communication using beam #2.

[0039] 3, at time t12, the beam intensity of beam #2 falls below a predetermined threshold Th. In this case, communication device 100 requests base station device 300 to switch the beam. In response to the request, base station device 300 instructs communication device 100 to switch the beam in use from beam #2 to beam #4, which has the strongest beam intensity. As a result, communication device 100 and base station device 300 communicate using beam #4.

[0040] In the proposed technology of the present disclosure, even if the communication device 100 moves and the radio wave propagation environment (beam quality) of an unused beam (e.g., beam #3) improves, the communication system 1 will not switch beams if the required service quality can be maintained with the radio wave propagation environment (beam quality) of the currently used beam (e.g., beam #2).

[0041] As a result, the communication system 1 can reduce the frequency of beam switching while maintaining a predetermined required quality of service even if the radio wave propagation environment (beam quality) is not optimal.

[0042] In this way, the communication system 1 according to the proposed technique of the present disclosure does not switch beams even if the radio wave propagation environment (beam quality) of an unused beam becomes better than that of a used beam, if the quality of service can be maintained, in other words, if the estimated throughput can satisfy the required throughput. On the other hand, if the quality of service cannot be maintained with the used beam, in other words, if the estimated throughput cannot satisfy the required throughput, the communication system 1 switches beams.

[0043] As a result, the communication system 1 can suppress degradation of communication continuity and low latency due to beam switching while satisfying the quality required for the service, and can suppress degradation of service quality.

[0044] Note that communication device 100 may lower communication quality, such as by lowering the image quality of a transmitted image, within a range that satisfies the quality required for the service, depending on the radio wave propagation environment. Alternatively, communication device 100 may raise communication quality, such as by raising the image quality of a transmitted image, within a range that satisfies the quality required for the service, depending on the radio wave propagation environment.

[0045] <<2. First Embodiment>> <2.1. Example of communication system configuration> [Configuration example of base station device 300] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a base station device 300 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Base station device 300 includes a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, a network communication unit 330, and a control unit 340. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 4 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of base station device 300 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated components.

[0047] The communication unit 310 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., communication device 100). The communication unit 310 operates under the control of the control unit 340. The communication unit 310 supports one or more wireless access methods. For example, the communication unit 310 supports both NR and LTE. The communication unit 310 may also support W-CDMA and cdma2000 in addition to NR and LTE.

[0048] The communication unit 310 includes a reception processing unit 311, a transmission processing unit 312, and an antenna 314. The communication unit 310 may include a plurality of reception processing units 311, a plurality of transmission processing units 312, and a plurality of antennas 314. When the communication unit 310 supports a plurality of radio access methods, each unit of the communication unit 310 may be configured separately for each radio access method. For example, the reception processing unit 311 and the transmission processing unit 312 may be configured separately for LTE and NR.

[0049] The reception processing unit 311 processes an uplink signal received via the antenna 314. The reception processing unit 311 includes a radio reception unit 311a, a demultiplexing unit 311b, a demodulation unit 311c, and a decoding unit 311d.

[0050] The radio receiving unit 311a performs down-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of amplification level, orthogonal demodulation, conversion to a digital signal, removal of guard intervals (cyclic prefixes), extraction of frequency domain signals by fast Fourier transform, etc. on the uplink signal. The demultiplexing unit 311b separates uplink channels such as a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) and an uplink reference signal from the signal output from the radio receiving unit 311a.

[0051] The demodulator 311c demodulates the received signal using a modulation method such as BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) or QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) for the modulation symbols of the uplink channel.

[0052] The decoding unit 311d performs a decoding process on the coded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 340.

[0053] The transmission processing unit 312 includes an encoding unit 312a, a modulation unit 312b, a multiplexing unit 312c, and a radio transmission unit 312d.

[0054] The encoder 312a encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the controller 340 using a coding method such as block coding, convolutional coding, or turbo coding.

[0055] The modulation unit 312b modulates the coded bits output from the coding unit 312a using a predetermined modulation method such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, or 256QAM.

[0056] The multiplexing unit 312c multiplexes the modulation symbols of each channel and the downlink reference signal and allocates the multiplexed symbols to predetermined resource elements. The radio transmitting unit 312d performs various signal processing on the signal from the multiplexing unit 312c. For example, the radio transmitting unit 312d performs processing such as conversion to the time domain using fast Fourier transform, addition of a guard interval (cyclic prefix), generation of a baseband digital signal, conversion to an analog signal, quadrature modulation, up-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, and power amplification. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 312 is transmitted from the antenna 314.

[0057] The storage unit 320 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 320 functions as a storage means of the base station device 300.

[0058] The network communication unit 330 is a communication interface for communicating with a higher-level node on the network. For example, the network communication unit 330 is a LAN interface such as a NIC. The network communication unit 330 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The network communication unit 330 functions as a network communication means of the base station device 300.

[0059] The control unit 340 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station device 300. The control unit 340 is realized by a processor (hardware processor) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). For example, the control unit 340 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station device 300 using a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like as a working area. The control unit 340 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0060] The control unit 340 selects a beam to use, for example, in response to a request from the communication device 100. The control unit 340 instructs the communication device 100 to use the selected beam.

[0061] [Configuration example of communication device 100] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] The communication device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, a network communication unit 130, an input / output unit 140, and a control unit 150. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 5 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the communication device 100 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations.

[0063] The communication unit 110 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., base station device 300). The communication unit 110 operates under the control of the control unit 150. The communication unit 110 supports one or more wireless access methods. For example, the communication unit 110 supports both NR and LTE. The communication unit 110 may also support W-CDMA and cdma2000 in addition to NR and LTE.

[0064] The communication unit 110 includes a reception processing unit 111, a transmission processing unit 112, and an antenna 114. The communication unit 110 may include a plurality of reception processing units 111, a plurality of transmission processing units 112, and a plurality of antennas 114. The configurations of the communication unit 110, the reception processing units 111, the transmission processing units 112, and the antennas 114 are similar to the configurations of the communication unit 310, the reception processing units 311, the transmission processing units 312, and the antennas 314 of the base station device 300.

[0065] The storage unit 120 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 120 functions as a storage means of the communication device 100. The configuration of the storage unit 120 is similar to that of the storage unit 320 of the base station device 300.

[0066] The network communication unit 130 is a communication interface for communicating with a higher-level node on the network. For example, the network communication unit 130 is a LAN interface such as a NIC. The network communication unit 130 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The network communication unit 130 functions as a network communication means of the communication device 100. The network communication unit 130 communicates with the base station device 300 under the control of the control unit 150.

[0067] The input / output unit 140 is a user interface for exchanging information with a user operating the communication device 100. For example, the input / output unit 140 is an operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, or a touch panel that allows the user to perform various operations. Alternatively, the input / output unit 140 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED). The input / output unit 140 may be an audio device such as a speaker or a buzzer. Alternatively, the input / output unit 140 may be a lighting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The input / output unit 140 functions as an input / output means (input means, output means, operation means, or notification means) of the communication device 100.

[0068] The control unit 150 is a controller that controls each unit of the communication device 100. The control unit 150 is realized by a processor (hardware processor) such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 150 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the communication device 100 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 150 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers. The control unit 150 executes communication processing, which will be described later.

[0069] [Configuration example of terminal device 200] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the terminal device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] The terminal device 200 includes a network communication unit 210, an input / output unit 220, a sensor unit 230, a storage unit 240, and a control unit 250. Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 6 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the terminal device 200 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations.

[0071] The network communication unit 210 is a communication interface for communicating with a higher-level node on the network. For example, the network communication unit 210 is a LAN interface such as a NIC. The network communication unit 210 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The network communication unit 210 functions as a network communication means of the terminal device 200. The network communication unit 210 communicates with other devices (for example, the communication device 100) under the control of the control unit 250.

[0072] The input / output unit 220 is a user interface for exchanging information with the user. For example, the input / output unit 220 is an operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, or a touch panel that allows the user to perform various operations. Alternatively, the input / output unit 220 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED). The input / output unit 220 may be an audio device such as a speaker or a buzzer. Furthermore, the input / output unit 220 may be a lighting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp. The input / output unit 220 functions as input / output means (input means, output means, operation means, or notification means) of the terminal device 200.

[0073] The sensor unit 230 is, for example, a camera that captures images of the surroundings of the terminal device 200. In this case, the sensor unit 230 is, for example, a camera that has an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and generates captured images. Note that the sensor unit 230 is not limited to a camera, and may be, for example, a device that captures surrounding sounds, such as a microphone.

[0074] The storage unit 240 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 240 functions as a storage means of the terminal device 200.

[0075] The control unit 250 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 200. The control unit 250 is realized by a processor (hardware processor) such as a CPU or an MPU. For example, the control unit 250 is realized by the processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 200 using RAM or the like as a working area. The control unit 250 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered as controllers.

[0076] The control unit 250 controls, for example, the functions of the application layer and other layers of the terminal device 200. The control unit 250 operates as, for example, an application control unit that controls an application function for transmitting an image captured by the sensor unit 230 at a predetermined transmission rate.

[0077] The control unit 250 determines the transmission rate of data (e.g., images) according to the quality required for the service (here, real-time streaming service). For example, the control unit 250 determines the transmission rate corresponding to each of a plurality of service qualities. Furthermore, the control unit 250 determines the transmission rate of images based on a notification from the communication device 100, etc.

[0078] <2.2. Communication Processing> Hereinafter, a communication process executed in the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0079] [Threshold calculation process] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a threshold calculation process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The threshold calculation process shown in FIG. 7 is executed by the communication device 100 when communication with the base station device 300 is established, for example.

[0080] The communication device 100 first acquires a communication rate (transmission rate) for realizing a service quality from the terminal device 200 (step S101). The communication rate is, for example, a communication quality set for each of a plurality of levels according to the required service quality by the terminal device 200. The communication rate is, for example, a Layer 1 throughput (hereinafter also referred to as required throughput).

[0081] For example, even if the acceptable service quality for video transmission is HD / 30 fps-10 Mbps, the terminal device 200 can set the required communication quality (required throughput) at multiple quality levels between 20 Mbps and 10 Mbps by changing the compression rate, etc.

[0082] For example, the terminal device 200 sets a communication rate (TP_APP_H / M / L / 0) for realizing each of a plurality of quality levels (high / medium / low / stop) of service quality.

[0083] The communication device 100 holds the communication rate (TP_APP_H / M / L / 0) acquired from the terminal device 200 (step S102).

[0084] For example, when there are multiple applications, the communication device 100 acquires and stores the communication rate for each application. For example, when the communication device 100 relays communications between multiple terminal devices 200, it acquires and stores the communication rate for each terminal device 200. Alternatively, when one terminal device 200 provides multiple applications (for example, video transmission and audio transmission), the communication device 100 acquires and stores the communication rate for each of the multiple applications from one terminal device 200.

[0085] Next, the communication device 100 calculates the sum (total throughput value) of the communication rates (throughputs) acquired for each of the multiple applications for each quality level (step S103). The communication device 100 calculates the total throughput value (TP_APP_SUM_H / M / L) for each quality level.

[0086] [Beam switching process] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the beam switching process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] The communication device 100 sets the total throughput value (TP_APP_SUM_H) of the highest quality level among the total throughput values ​​of each quality level calculated in the threshold calculation process as the throughput threshold. Also, the communication device 100 sets the total throughput value (TP_APP_SUM_L) of the lowest quality level as the minimum required throughput (required throughput).

[0088] The communication device 100 starts communication with the base station device 300 at the communication rate (throughput) with the highest quality level for all applications. After that, the communication device 100 executes the beam switching process shown in Fig. 8 at a measurement period. Note that the measurement period may be a period set in advance or may be a period set by a user or the like.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 8, communication device 100 measures the radio wave propagation environment of the used beam (step S201). Communication device 100 may measure, for example, the electric field strength of the beam as the radio wave propagation environment. Examples of the electric field strength of the beam include RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), or SINR (Signal-to-Interference plus Noise power Ratio). Alternatively, communication device 100 may measure, for example, BLER (Block Error Rate), MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme), or TBS (Transport block size) as the radio wave propagation environment. Communication device 100 calculates, for example, a measurement value of the radio wave propagation environment at Layer 1.

[0090] Next, the communication device 100 calculates an estimated throughput from the measured radio wave propagation environment (step S202). The communication device 100 calculates the currently available throughput as the estimated throughput based on the calculated measured value of the radio wave propagation environment. At this time, the communication device 100 may multiply the calculated throughput (TP_L1) by a coefficient k that takes into account the overhead of the protocol header, and use the result (TP_L1*k) as the estimated throughput.

[0091] The communication device 100 determines whether the estimated throughput is equal to or greater than the required throughput (step S203).

[0092] If the estimated throughput is equal to or greater than the required throughput (step S203; Yes), the communication device 100 selects a communication rate that maximizes the sum (TP_APP_SUM) of the throughputs (TP_APP_H / M / L) for each application (step S204). At this time, the communication device 100 selects a communication rate such that the sum (TP_L1*k>TP_APP_SUM) of the throughputs for each application does not exceed the estimated throughput.

[0093] For example, suppose that the communication device 100 relays a transmission of a first image from a first terminal device 200 executing a first application, and relays a transmission of a second image from a second terminal device 200 executing a second application. In this case, the communication device 100 selects a communication rate for each of the first and second applications so that the total value of the throughputs of the first and second applications does not exceed the estimated throughput.

[0094] The first application executed by the first terminal device 200 and the second application executed by the second terminal device 200 may be applications that provide the same service, or may be applications that provide different services. Also, one terminal device 200 may execute multiple applications (for example, first and second applications).

[0095] Here, it is assumed that the communication device 100 has acquired high / medium / low communication rates (TP_APP1_H / M / L) as communication rates (throughput) at each level of communication quality required by the first application from the first terminal device 200. It is also assumed that the communication device 100 has acquired high / medium / low communication rates (TP_APP2_H / M / L) as communication rates (throughput) at each level of communication quality required by the second application from the second terminal device 200.

[0096] In this case, it is assumed that the estimated throughput (TP_L1*k) is equal to or greater than the requested throughput (TP_APP1_L+TP_APP2_L). In this case, the communication device 100 selects a communication rate that maximizes the total value of the throughputs (TP_APP1_H / M / L, TP_APP2_H / M / L) for each application. For example, it is assumed that the communication device 100 selects TP_APP1_H as the communication rate (throughput) for the first application and TP_APP2_M as the communication rate (throughput) for the second application. It is assumed that the total value of the selected throughputs (TP_APP1_H+TP_APP2_M) does not exceed the estimated throughput (TP_L1*k).

[0097] In this way, the communication device 100, which has selected a communication rate for each application, requests the terminal device 200 to reduce the communication rate as necessary (step S205). For example, the communication device 100 requests the second terminal device 200 to reduce the communication quality from "high (H)" to "medium (M)". In other words, the communication device 100 requests the second terminal device 200 to reduce the throughput from TP_APP2_H to TP_APP2_M.

[0098] The communication quality of the first application remains unchanged at “High (H).” In this case, the communication device 100 may omit the process of step S205.

[0099] Next, the communication device 100 updates the throughput threshold and sets the total value (TP_APP1_H+TP_APP2_M) of the communication rates for the applications selected in step S204 as the new throughput threshold (step S206).

[0100] If the determination result in step S203 is that the estimated throughput is less than the required throughput (step S203; No), the communication device 100 updates the throughput threshold (step S207). Specifically, the communication device 100 sets the total value (TP_APP1_L+TP_APP2_L) of the communication rates (throughputs) with the lowest communication quality among the applications as the new throughput threshold.

[0101] Next, the communication device 100 requests the base station device 300 to change the beam (step S208). At this time, the communication device 100 may request the beam change including the communication quality of each beam (for example, the measurement result of the radio wave propagation environment).

[0102] Upon receiving the beam change request, the base station device 300 selects a beam to be used for communication. For example, the base station device 300 selects the beam with the highest communication quality (e.g., the highest beam intensity) as the beam to be used for communication based on the communication quality of each beam acquired from the communication device 100. The base station device 300 notifies the communication device 100 of the selected beam.

[0103] The communication device 100 changes the beam to be used for communication based on the notification from the base station device 300 (step S209).

[0104] As described above, the communication device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes the communication unit 110 and the control unit 150. The communication unit 110 performs wireless communication using one of a plurality of beams. The control unit 150 acquires a service communication quality (e.g., a communication rate) according to the quality required for the service. The control unit 150 estimates an estimated communication quality (e.g., the above-mentioned estimated throughput) that the communication unit 110 can achieve based on the radio wave propagation environment.

[0105] Even if the communication quality of an unused beam not used for communication is higher than the communication quality of a used beam used for communication, the control unit 150 maintains communication using the used beam if the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality. If the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality, the control unit 150 determines to switch the used beam to be used for communication. Based on the determination, the control unit 150 executes the switching of the used beam by requesting the base station device 300 to switch the used beam.

[0106] This allows the communication device 100 to reduce the frequency of switching the beam in use, and suppress the degradation of communication continuity and low latency that may occur due to switching the beam in use.

[0107] Furthermore, the communication device 100 changes the communication rate to the best communication rate for the quality of service within the allowable range of the required quality of service. For example, when the estimated throughput satisfies the required throughput, the communication device 100 selects the communication rate for each service so that the total throughput value is maximized within the range that does not exceed the throughput threshold.

[0108] As a result, even if the communication quality of the used beam deteriorates, the communication device 100 can maintain communication with the base station device 300 without switching the used beam.

[0109] <<3. First Modification>> In the first embodiment described above, the communication device 100 starts communication with the base station device 300 at a communication rate with the highest quality level, and then reduces the quality level or switches the beam to be used depending on the radio wave propagation environment. However, this is not limiting. For example, the communication device 100 may start communication with the base station device 300 at a communication rate with the lowest quality level.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a beam switching process according to the first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] The communication device 100 sets the lowest throughput total value (TP_APP_SUM_L) of the quality level among the throughput total values ​​of each quality level calculated in the threshold calculation process as the throughput threshold. Furthermore, the communication device 100 sets the lowest throughput total value (TP_APP_SUM_L) of the quality level as the minimum required throughput (required throughput).

[0112] The communication device 100 starts communication with the base station device 300 at the lowest communication rate (throughput) of the quality level for all applications. After that, the communication device 100 executes the beam switching process shown in Fig. 9 at the measurement period. Note that the same processes as those in the beam switching process shown in Fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] If the estimated throughput is equal to or greater than the required throughput (step S203; Yes), the communication device 100 selects a communication rate that maximizes the sum (TP_APP_SUM) of the throughputs (TP_APP_H / M / L) for each application (step S301). At this time, the communication device 100 selects a communication rate such that the sum (TP_L1*k>TP_APP_SUM) of the throughputs for each application does not exceed the estimated throughput.

[0114] For example, the communication device 100 selects TP_APP1_M as the communication rate (throughput) of the first application and TP_APP2_L as the communication rate (throughput) of the second application. The selected throughputs (TP_APP1_M, TP_APP2_L) are the combination that maximizes the total value within the range that does not exceed the estimated throughput (TP_L1*k).

[0115] In this way, the communication device 100, which has selected a communication rate for each application, requests the terminal device 200 to increase the communication rate as necessary (step S302). For example, the communication device 100 requests the first terminal device 200 to increase the communication quality from "low (L)" to "medium (M)". In other words, the communication device 100 requests the first terminal device 200 to increase the throughput from TP_APP2_L to TP_APP2_M.

[0116] The communication quality of the second application remains unchanged at “low (L).” In this case, the communication device 100 may omit the process of step S302.

[0117] Next, the communication device 100 updates the throughput threshold, and sets the total value (TP_APP1_M+TP_APP2_L) of the communication rates for the applications selected in step S301 as the new throughput threshold (step S303).

[0118] In this way, the communication device 100 according to the first variant of the first embodiment of the present disclosure starts communication with the base station device 300 at the communication rate with the lowest quality level, and then increases the quality level or switches the beam used depending on the radio wave propagation environment.

[0119] In this case, as in the first embodiment, the communication device 100 can reduce the frequency of beam switching and suppress the deterioration of communication continuity and low latency that may occur due to switching of the beam used.

[0120] <<4. Second Modification>> In the first embodiment and the first modification described above, the communication device 100 starts communication with the base station device 300 at the highest quality level or the lowest communication rate, and then reduces or increases the quality level depending on the radio wave propagation environment. However, this is not limiting. For example, the communication device 100 may adaptively select whether to reduce or increase the quality level depending on the radio wave propagation environment.

[0121] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a beam switching process according to the second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] The communication device 100 sets the highest throughput sum (TP_APP_SUM_H) of the quality levels calculated in the threshold calculation process as the throughput threshold. Also, the communication device 100 sets the lowest throughput sum (TP_APP_SUM_L) of the quality level as the minimum required throughput (required throughput).

[0123] The communication device 100 starts communication with the base station device 300 at the highest communication rate (throughput) of the quality level for all applications. Thereafter, the communication device 100 executes the beam switching process shown in Fig. 10 at a measurement period. Note that the same processes as those in the beam switching process shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] The communication device 100, which has calculated the estimated throughput from the radio wave propagation environment measured in step S202, determines whether the estimated throughput is equal to or greater than a throughput threshold (step S401).

[0125] If the estimated throughput is equal to or greater than the throughput threshold (step S401; Yes), the communication device 100 executes the processes of steps S301 to S303. On the other hand, if the estimated throughput is less than the throughput threshold (step S401; No), the communication device 100 executes the determination process of step S203, and executes the processes of steps S204 to S209 depending on the determination result.

[0126] Here, it is assumed that the communication device 100 starts communication with the base station device 300 at the communication rate (throughput) with the highest quality level for all applications, but this is not limited to this. The communication device 100 may start communication with the base station device 300 at the communication rate (throughput) with the lowest quality level for all applications. Alternatively, the communication device 100 may start communication at the communication rate used during the previous communication. In this modification, the communication device 100 can start communication with the base station device 300 at any communication rate.

[0127] <<5. Second Embodiment>> In the first embodiment and the first and second modifications described above, the communication device 100 executes the beam switching process using the communication rate acquired when communication is established, but this is not limiting. For example, the communication device 100 may reset the communication rate when executing the beam switching process.

[0128] In other words, in the first embodiment and the first and second modifications, the communication rate is statically set, but in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication rate is dynamically switched. For example, the terminal device 200 according to this embodiment dynamically sets a communication rate for each quality level according to the usage status and purpose of a service (for example, distribution of a video source) in the information processing device 400 (see FIG. 1), and notifies the communication device 100 of the set rate.

[0129] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication rate setting process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication rate setting process shown in Fig. 11 is executed by the terminal device 200, for example, at a predetermined setting cycle. Note that the setting cycle may be a cycle set in advance, or may be a cycle set by a user or the like.

[0130] First, the terminal device 200 acquires usage information related to the usage status of the service. Here, it is assumed that the terminal device 200 is providing real-time video distribution as a service. In this case, the terminal device 200 acquires screen resolution information of the video transmission destination (for example, the information processing device 400) as usage information (step S501).

[0131] In addition, when the terminal device 200 is transmitting a video to multiple information processing devices 400, the terminal device 200 acquires screen resolution information related to the resolution of the input / output device that displays the video from the multiple information processing devices 400 that are transmitting the video as usage information.

[0132] The terminal device 200 resets the communication rate (throughput) to match the highest screen resolution among the one or more pieces of screen resolution information acquired (step S502). For example, the terminal device 200 resets the throughput for each quality level to match the highest screen resolution.

[0133] For example, in the case of a real-time video distribution service, the user receiving the service, in other words, the information processing device 400 displaying the video, may change depending on the time. The terminal device 200 collects information about the information processing device 400 using the service at a predetermined set period, and sets a communication rate that is most suitable for the information processing device 400 using the service at that time based on the collected information.

[0134] Furthermore, the terminal device 200 can reset the communication rate depending on the service.

[0135] For example, the terminal device 200 estimates the amount of movement of the subject from the inter-frame difference amount of the moving image to be transmitted (step S503). The terminal device 200 resets the communication rate according to the amount of movement (step S504). For example, if the moving image to be transmitted has a small amount of movement, that is, if the moving image is a video with little movement, the terminal device 200 reduces the throughput (communication rate). In this way, the terminal device 200 resets the communication rate for each quality level according to the content of the service to be provided.

[0136] The terminal device 200 notifies the communication device 100 of the reset communication rate (step S505). The communication device 100, upon receiving the notification, executes a threshold setting process based on the reset communication rate, updates the throughput threshold and the required throughput according to the execution result, and executes a beam switching process.

[0137] This allows the communication device 100 to determine beam switching based on the communication rate according to the usage status and purpose of the service (for example, distribution of a video source).

[0138] In FIG. 11, the terminal device 200 resets the communication rate based on the service usage status (e.g., screen resolution information of the information processing device 400) and then resets the communication rate based on the service provision status (e.g., the amount of movement of the subject), but this is not limited to this.

[0139] For example, the terminal device 200 may reset the communication rate based on the service provision status, and then reset the communication rate based on the service usage status. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 may execute the resetting of the communication rate based on the service usage status and the resetting of the communication rate based on the service provision status as separate processes. In this case, the cycle for resetting the communication rate based on the service usage status and the cycle for resetting the communication rate based on the service provision status may be different.

[0140] <<6. Third Embodiment>> In the first and second embodiments and the first and second modifications described above, the communication device 100A changes the beam when the measured radio wave propagation environment deteriorates and the required throughput cannot be maintained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 100A may predict a change in the radio wave propagation environment and decide to switch the beam according to the prediction result.

[0141] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication device 100A according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 100A shown in Fig. 12 differs from the communication device 100 shown in Fig. 5 in that it includes a sensor unit 160 and that a control unit 150A learns a prediction model that predicts a radio wave propagation environment and predicts the radio wave propagation environment using the prediction model.

[0142] The sensor unit 160 is a sensor that acquires information about the position or attitude of the communication device 100A. For example, the sensor unit 160 is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor. Here, the GNSS sensor may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a GLONASS sensor, a Galileo sensor, or a Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) sensor. The GNSS sensor can be referred to as a GNSS receiving module. Note that the sensor unit 160 is not limited to a GNSS sensor and may be, for example, an acceleration sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 160 may be an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) or a geomagnetic sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 160 may be a combination of these multiple sensors.

[0143] The control unit 150A learns a prediction model that predicts a radio wave propagation environment based on information acquired by the sensor unit 160. The control unit 150A also predicts the radio wave propagation environment using the prediction model, and determines beam switching according to the prediction result.

[0144] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a learning process according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The learning process shown in Fig. 13 is executed by the communication device 100A before communication is established.

[0145] The communication device 100A first collects environmental information about the radio wave propagation environment (step S601). The communication device 100A stores, for example, measurement results of the radio wave propagation environment measured at measurement intervals during communication as environmental information in the storage unit 120. When executing the learning process, the communication device 100A acquires the environmental information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0146] Next, the communication device 100A collects position information and beam information corresponding to the environmental information (step S602). The position information includes, for example, information about the position of the communication device 100A and information such as a cell ID. The beam information includes, for example, a beam ID and information about the antenna to be used.

[0147] The communication device 100A acquires the above-mentioned position information and beam information, for example, when measuring the radio wave propagation environment at a measurement period during communication. The communication device 100A stores the position information and beam information in association with the measurement results of the radio wave propagation environment in the storage unit 120. When executing the learning process, the communication device 100A acquires the position information and beam information stored in the storage unit 120.

[0148] The communication device 100A learns a prediction model based on the collected information (step S603). For example, the communication device 100A learns a prediction model that receives position information and beam information as input and outputs environmental information about the radio wave propagation environment. For example, the communication device 100A learns the prediction model by performing supervised learning using the information collected in steps S601 and S602.

[0149] For example, after the end of communication using a beam with the base station device 300, the communication device 100A learns (or re-learns) the prediction model before the start of the next communication.

[0150] Next, the communication device 100A executes a prediction switching process for determining beam switching using a prediction model. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the prediction switching process according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0151] 14 is executed at a predetermined prediction cycle by the communication device 100A. Note that the prediction cycle may be a cycle set in advance or may be a cycle set by a user or the like.

[0152] Furthermore, the prediction switching process shown in FIG. 14 may be executed in place of the beam switching process shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, or may be executed in parallel with the beam switching process.

[0153] The communication device 100A acquires location information and beam information (step S701). The communication device 100A acquires the location information based on, for example, a sensing result by the sensor unit 160. The communication device 100A also acquires beam information such as a beam ID from, for example, the base station device 300.

[0154] The communication device 100A estimates the radio wave propagation environment after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S702). For example, the communication device 100A inputs the position information and beam information acquired in step S701 into a prediction model, and acquires the environment information, which is the output result, as the radio wave propagation environment after a predetermined period has elapsed.

[0155] The communication device 100A determines whether the estimated radio wave propagation environment is less than a threshold (step S703). Here, the threshold is a value indicating the radio wave propagation environment necessary to satisfy the required throughput. That is, the communication device 100A determines whether the estimated radio wave propagation environment can satisfy the required throughput.

[0156] If the estimated radio wave propagation environment can satisfy the required throughput, that is, if the estimated radio wave propagation environment is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S703; No), the communication device 100A ends the process.

[0157] If the estimated radio wave propagation environment cannot satisfy the required throughput, i.e., if the estimated radio wave propagation environment is below the threshold (step S703; Yes), the communication device 100A decides to switch the beam and requests the base station device 300 to change the beam (step S704).

[0158] After the beam change request is received, the communication device 100A changes the beam in accordance with the instruction from the base station device 300 (step S705).

[0159] Here, the communication device 100A changes the beam depending on whether the estimated radio wave propagation environment is below a threshold, but this is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 100A may change the beam depending on whether the radio wave propagation environment deteriorates by a predetermined value or more at a location after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. In this case, the communication device 100A determines to change the beam when the radio wave propagation environment deteriorates by a predetermined value or more.

[0160] Alternatively, for example, the communication device 100A may calculate an estimated throughput based on the estimated radio wave propagation environment, and determine whether to switch beams or select a communication rate based on the calculated estimated throughput. In this case, the communication device 100A performs the beam switching process shown in Figures 8 to 10 using the estimated radio wave propagation environment instead of the measured radio wave propagation environment.

[0161] As described above, in the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication device 100A predicts the radio wave propagation environment after a predetermined time has elapsed and determines to switch beams based on the prediction result. This allows the communication device 100A to switch beams before the radio wave propagation environment actually deteriorates, thereby more reliably maintaining the continuity of communication.

[0162] <<7. Other embodiments>> The above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0163] For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the number of beams used for communication between the communication device 100 and the base station device 300 is one, but this is not limited to this. For example, the number of beams used for communication between the communication device 100 and the base station device 300 may be multiple, such as when the base station device 300 communicates with the communication device 100 using multiple adjacent beams.

[0164] For example, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the control unit 250 of the terminal device 200 operates as an application control unit, but this is not limiting. For example, the communication device 100 may include an application control unit, and the communication device 100 may execute an application that provides a service. Alternatively, the terminal device 200 (or the communication device 100) may operate as an application control unit by executing software provided from the outside.

[0165] In addition, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the communication device 100, which is the tethering parent device, and the terminal device 200, which is the tethering child device, are connected by wire, but this is not limiting. The communication device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be connected wirelessly.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, the communication device 100 performs tethering of the terminal device 200, but this is not limiting. The communication device 100 and the terminal device 200 may be realized as a single device. That is, for example, the terminal device 200 may have the same functions as the communication device 100 and may perform wireless communication directly with the base station device 300.

[0167] For example, the control device that controls the communication device 100 and the terminal device 200 in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be realized by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0168] For example, a communication program for executing the above-described operations is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a flexible disk and distributed. Then, for example, the program is installed in a computer and the above-described processing is executed to configure a control device. In this case, the control device may be a device external to the communication device 100 and the terminal device 200 (for example, a personal computer). Alternatively, the control device may be a device internal to the communication device 100 and the terminal device 200 (for example, the control units 150 and 250).

[0169] The communication program may also be stored in a disk device provided in a server device on a network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer. The above-mentioned functions may also be realized by cooperation between an OS (Operating System) and application software. In this case, the parts other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be stored in a server device and downloaded to a computer.

[0170] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0171] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0172] The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention without causing any inconsistency in the processing content. The order of the steps shown in the flowcharts of the above-described embodiments can be changed as appropriate.

[0173] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment can also be implemented as any configuration that constitutes an apparatus or system, such as a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, a set in which other functions are added to a unit, etc. (i.e., a configuration of a part of an apparatus).

[0174] In this embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing, are both systems.

[0175] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment can be configured as a cloud computing system in which one function is shared and processed jointly by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0176] <<8. Conclusion>> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components of different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0177] Furthermore, the effects of each embodiment described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0178] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) a communication unit that performs wireless communication using one of the plurality of beams; Obtaining service communication quality according to the quality required for the service, Estimating an estimated communication quality that can be achieved by the communication unit based on a radio wave propagation environment; Even if the communication quality of an unused beam not used for the wireless communication is higher than the communication quality of a used beam used for the wireless communication, if the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality, maintaining communication using the used beam; a control unit that determines switching of the used beam when the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality; A communication device comprising: (2) The communication device according to (1), wherein the service is a real-time service that provides information to a user in real time. (3) The communication device according to (1) or (2), wherein the control unit estimates the estimated communication quality for each of a plurality of quality levels required for the service. (4) The control unit Starting communication at the communication quality with the highest quality level; If the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality, determining to reduce the quality level of the communication quality. (3) A communication device according to the present invention. (5) The control unit Starting communication at the communication quality with the lowest quality level; If the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality, determining to increase the quality level of the communication quality. (3) A communication device according to the present invention. (6) The control unit When the wireless communication is performed at the predetermined quality level, determining to increase the predetermined quality level if the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the communication quality in the wireless communication; determining to lower the predetermined quality level when the estimated communication quality is lower than the communication quality realized by the wireless communication and the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality; (3) A communication device according to the present invention. (7) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the communication quality is a total value of the communication quality required for each of a plurality of applications that provide the service. (8) The communication device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the control unit determines the switching of the beam based on the service communication quality that is set according to the usage state of the service. (9) The control unit estimating a predicted radio wave propagation environment after a predetermined time has elapsed using a prediction model that receives location information of the communication device as input and outputs information about the radio wave propagation environment; determining whether to switch the beam to be used in accordance with the predicted radio wave propagation environment; The communication device according to any one of (1) to (8). (10) The communication device described in (9), wherein the control unit learns the prediction model using information about the measured radio wave propagation environment and location information of the communication device when the radio wave propagation environment was measured. (11) conducting wireless communication using one of the plurality of beams; obtaining a service communication quality according to a quality required for the service; estimating an estimated communication quality that can be achieved by the wireless communication based on a radio wave propagation environment; Even if the communication quality of an unused beam not used for the wireless communication is higher than the communication quality of a used beam used for the wireless communication, if the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality, maintaining communication using the used beam; determining a change of the used beam when the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality; A communication method including: (12) a base station device; a communication device that performs wireless communication with the base station device; Equipped with The communication device a communication unit that performs the wireless communication with the base station device using one of a plurality of beams; Obtaining service communication quality according to the quality required for the service, Estimating an estimated communication quality that can be achieved by the communication unit based on a radio wave propagation environment; Even if the communication quality of an unused beam not used for the wireless communication is higher than the communication quality of a used beam used for the wireless communication, if the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality, maintaining communication using the used beam; a control unit that requests the base station device to switch the used beam when the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality; Equipped with The base station device Selecting the beam to be used for the wireless communication in response to a request from the communication device; instructing the communication device to change to the selected used beam; Communication system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0179] 1. Communication Systems 100 Communication equipment 110, 310 Communications Department 120, 240, 320 storage section 130, 210, 330 Network Communications Department 140, 220 input / output section 150, 250, 340 control section 160, 230 Sensor part 200 Terminal Device 300 Base station equipment 400 Information processing equipment

Claims

1. a communication unit that performs wireless communication using at least one of the plurality of beams; controlling the communication unit to perform the wireless communication using the beam instructed by the base station device as a usable beam to be used for the wireless communication among the plurality of beams; Obtaining service communication quality according to the quality level required for the service, Estimating an estimated communication quality that can be achieved by the communication unit based on a radio wave propagation environment; acquiring measurement results of the radio wave propagation environment of the plurality of beams; If the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality, maintaining communication using the unused beam that is not instructed by the base station device as the used beam to be used in the wireless communication even if the radio wave propagation environment of the unused beam is better than the radio wave propagation environment of the used beam; a control unit that requests the base station device to switch the used beam together with the measurement results of the radio wave propagation environments of the plurality of beams when the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality; A communication device comprising:

2. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the service is a real-time service that provides information to a user in real time.

3. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit estimates the estimated communication quality for each of a plurality of quality levels required for the service.

4. The control unit Start communication at the service communication quality with the highest quality level; if the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality, determining to lower the quality level to the highest quality level within a range in which the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality; The communication device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit Starting communication at the service communication quality with the lowest quality level; if the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality, determining to increase the quality level to the highest quality level within a range in which the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality; The communication device according to claim 3 .

6. The control unit Initiating communication at the predetermined quality level of the service communication quality; If the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality, determining to increase the quality level to the highest quality level within a range in which the estimated communication quality is equal to or greater than the service communication quality; if the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality, determining to lower the quality level to the highest quality level within a range in which the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality; The communication device according to claim 3 .

7. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the service communication quality is a total value of the service communication quality required for each of a plurality of applications that provide the service.

8. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines the switching of the beam based on the service communication quality that is set according to a usage state of the service.

9. The control unit estimating a predicted radio wave propagation environment after a predetermined time has elapsed using a prediction model that receives location information of the communication device as input and outputs information about the radio wave propagation environment; determining whether to switch the beam to be used in accordance with the predicted radio wave propagation environment; The communication device according to claim 1 .

10. The communication device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit learns the prediction model using information about the measured radio wave propagation environment and location information of the communication device when the radio wave propagation environment was measured.

11. Performing wireless communication by using a beam designated by a base station device as a beam to be used for wireless communication among a plurality of beams; obtaining a service communication quality according to a quality required for the service; estimating an estimated communication quality that can be achieved by the wireless communication based on a radio wave propagation environment; acquiring measurement results of the radio wave propagation environment of the plurality of beams; When the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality, maintaining communication using the used beam even if the radio wave propagation environment of an unused beam not instructed by the base station device as the used beam to be used in the wireless communication is better than the radio wave propagation environment of the used beam; If the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality, requesting the base station device to switch the used beam together with the measurement results of the radio wave propagation environment of the plurality of beams; A communication method including:

12. a base station device; a communication device that performs wireless communication with the base station device; Equipped with The communication device a communication unit that performs the wireless communication with the base station device using at least one of a plurality of beams; controlling the communication unit to perform the wireless communication using the beam instructed by the base station device as a usable beam to be used for the wireless communication among the plurality of beams; Obtaining service communication quality according to the quality required for the service, Estimating an estimated communication quality that can be achieved by the communication unit based on a radio wave propagation environment; acquiring measurement results of the radio wave propagation environment of the plurality of beams; If the estimated communication quality is equal to or higher than the service communication quality, maintaining communication using the unused beam that is not instructed by the base station device as the used beam to be used in the wireless communication even if the radio wave propagation environment of the unused beam is better than the radio wave propagation environment of the used beam; a control unit that requests the base station device to switch the used beam together with the measurement results of the radio wave propagation environments of the plurality of beams when the estimated communication quality is lower than the service communication quality; Equipped with The base station device Selecting the beam to be used in the wireless communication in response to a request from the communication device; instructing the communication device to change to the selected used beam; Communication system.

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