Processing equipment, base station equipment, communication system, method and program

Abstract

To provide a processing device capable of reducing a delay in uplink communication.SOLUTION: A processing device according to an embodiment includes: a receiving unit configured to receive first data from a first layer of a base station including the first layer and a second layer; a processing unit configured to generate second data based on the first data; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the second data to the second layer. The processing unit is configured to determine a transmission cycle of the first data on the basis of a reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission cycle candidates, and cause the transmitting unit to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a processing apparatus, a base station apparatus, a communication system, a method, and a program.

[0002] In wireless communication between a terminal and a base station, the terminal follows procedures including detection of transmission data, transmission of a communication resource allocation request to the base station, reception of allocation information from the base station, and data transmission to the base station, so communication delay is likely to occur in uplink communication from the terminal to the base station. Reduction of communication delay in uplink communication is desired. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-133663 [Patent Literature 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 170223 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus, a base station apparatus, a communication system, a method, and a program that achieve low-delay uplink communication. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] A processing apparatus according to an embodiment receives first data from the first layer of a base station including a first layer and a second layer 1 a reception unit, a processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, and a transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, A second receiving unit that receives third data generated from the second layer based on the second data, comprising: the processing unit determines a transmission period of the first data based on a reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, and causes the transmission unit to transmit the second data at a timing based on the determined transmission period of the first data Then, the second data is generated at a timing based on the time from the transmission of the second data to the second layer to the reception of the third data, and the transmission cycle of the first data. . [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating an example of the functional unit of a base station according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating an example of a parameter file stored by a base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the first half of an example of low-latency processing for a base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the latter half of an example of low-latency processing for a base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A timing chart illustrating a first example of low-latency processing for a base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a timing chart illustrating a second example of low-latency processing for a base station according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A block diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating an example of scheduling information transmitted to an external device by the external communication unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A block diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating an example of a communication resource allocation request and allocation information according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram illustrating an example of an allocation request according to the third embodiment, taking into account processing delays. [Figure 14] A block diagram illustrating an example of a processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the detection unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16]Fig. 1 is a diagram for describing an example of a process in which a processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment detects user data generation based on BSR. [Figure 17] Fig. 1 is a block diagram for describing an example of a processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] Fig. 1 is a diagram for describing an example of a process performed by a determination unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] Fig. 1 is a block diagram for describing an example of a processing apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] Fig. 1 is a diagram for describing an implementation example of a processing apparatus according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 21] Fig. 1 is a diagram for describing an implementation example of a processing apparatus according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] Fig. 1 is a diagram for describing an implementation example of a processing apparatus according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 23] Fig. 1 is a diagram for describing an implementation example of a processing apparatus according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 24] Fig. 1 is a diagram for describing an implementation example of a processing apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description exemplifies an apparatus and method for embodying the technical idea of the embodiments, and the technical idea of the embodiments is not limited to the structure, shape, arrangement, material and the like of constituent elements described below. Modifications that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art are naturally included in the scope of the disclosure. To clarify the description, in the drawings, the size, thickness, planar dimension, shape, or the like of each element may be changed from an actual embodiment and schematically illustrated. In a plurality of drawings, there may be elements with different dimensional relationships and ratios from each other. In a plurality of drawings, corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted. A plurality of names may be assigned to some elements, but these names are merely examples, and assigning other names to these elements is not excluded. Furthermore, assigning other names to elements that are not assigned a plurality of names is also not excluded. In the following description, "connection" may include not only direct connection but also connection via other elements. For example, wireless connection is included.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a wireless communication system according to the first to eleventh embodiments. The wireless communication system comprises an application server 10, a core network 12, a base station 14, and at least one wireless communication terminal (hereinafter referred to as a terminal) 16. In the following description, a simple reference to the terminal 16 refers to at least one terminal 16.

[0009] Terminal 16 executes an application in cooperation with application server 10. Application server 10 may reside on the cloud or on a physical server. Terminal 16 transmits data wirelessly to application server 10 via base station 14 and core network 12. Terminal 16 receives data from application server 10 via base station 14 and core network 12. Terminal 16 and base station 14 are connected to each other by a wireless link. Base station 14 and core network 12 constitute a specified network such as 4G or 5G. Base station 14 and core network 12 may also constitute a network specified for 5G or later.

[0010] The base station 14 is logically divided into two functional units, with a processing unit 22 connected between them. An example of the two functional units is the main unit 24, which is responsible for the MAC layer and above and communicates with the core network 12, and the wireless unit 26, which is responsible for the PHY layer and below and communicates with the terminal 16.

[0011] Terminal 16 is logically divided into two functional units. An example of these two functional units is a wireless unit 32 that communicates with the base station 14, and a processing unit 34 that communicates with the wireless unit 32 and executes applications. By executing the application, the processing unit 34 receives data from the wireless unit 32 or sensors and input units (not shown), processes the input data, and generates data to be transmitted to the base station 14. The size and frequency of the data generated by the processing unit 34 are determined by the application. For example, an application for controlling a robot periodically generates outputs from various sensors and transmits them from terminal 16 to the application server 10. The application server 10 is expected to periodically transmit robot control signals according to the sensor values. Therefore, terminal 16 transmits data of a predetermined size to the base station 14 at a predetermined frequency.

[0012] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional components of a base station 14 according to the first to eleventh embodiments. According to the definition of 3GPP® (Third Generation Partnership Project), which is an example of a mobile communication system, a base station consists of eight layers: RRC (Radio Resource Control), PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol), High RLC (Radio Link Control), Low RLC, High MAC (Media Access Control), Low MAC, High PHY (Physical), and Low PHY. The interfaces between two adjacent layers from RRC to Low PHY are defined as options 1 to 7, respectively.

[0013] High RLC and Low RLC may be implemented as a single RLC layer without being separated. High MAC and Low MAC may be implemented as a single MAC layer without being separated. High PHY and Low PHY may be implemented as a single PHY layer without being separated.

[0014] The PHY layer (High PHY, Low PHY) corresponds to the wireless unit 26. The RRC, PDCP, RLC (High RLC, Low RLC), and MAC (High MAC, Low MAC) layers correspond to the main unit 24. The processing unit 22 is located in option 6.

[0015] The integrated base station includes a CU (Central Unit), a DU (Distributed Unit), and an RU (Radio Unit). The RU corresponds to the radio unit 26. The DU and CU correspond to the main unit 24.

[0016] The Small Cell Forum and the O-RAN (Open Radio Access Network) Alliance are organizations that define inter-layer communication protocols. The layers that the Small Cell Forum and the O-RAN Alliance support for their functions differ slightly. In Figure 2, the RU, DU, and CU defined by the Small Cell Forum are written as S-RU, S-DU, and S-CU, respectively, while the RU, DU, and CU defined by the O-RAN Alliance are written as O-RU, O-DU, and O-CU, respectively.

[0017] In the Small Cell Forum, the functions of a base station are divided into VNF (Virtual Network Function) and PNF (Physical Network Function). The VNF corresponds to the MAC layer and above. The PNF corresponds to the PHY layer and below. The interface between the VNF and PNF is defined as Option 6. The processor 22 is located in Option 6. In the Small Cell Forum, the communication protocol for Option 6 is defined as the FAPI (Femto Application Platform Interface) / nFAPI (network Functional Application Platform Interface) protocol. The processor 22 conforms to the FAPI / nFAPI protocol.

[0018] A device or software called VNF corresponds to the main unit 24. A device or software called PNF corresponds to the wireless unit 26. These two software programs may run on two different devices, or on the same device. The VNF includes an S-CU and an S-DU. The interface between the S-CU and the S-DU is specified as option 2. The PNF includes an S-RU.

[0019] The processing unit 22 indirectly manipulates higher or lower layers by relaying data exchanged by the protocol and injecting new data onto the protocol. In the example of the FAPI / nFAPI interface protocol, the higher layer is a VNF and the lower layer is a PNF. These two are connected by socket communication. The VNF specifies the IP address and port number of the PNF, and the PNF specifies the IP address and port number of the VNF.

[0020] The processing unit 22 transmits the data from the PNF directly to the VNF, causing the VNF to determine that it is connected to the PNF. Therefore, the VNF and PNF do not recognize the presence of the processing unit 22, recognize that they are connected to each other, and the system operates without problems.

[0021] In this specification, "transmission" is not limited to the transmission of data wirelessly, but also includes the concept of data transmission and communication via wired connections, and "reception" is not limited to the reception of data wirelessly, but also includes receiving data via wired connections.

[0022] The processing unit 22 injects new data into the received normal protocol data according to rules defined by the protocol, such as the order of packets. As a result, the upper and lower layers do not recognize the new data as data inserted from the mediated layer (processing unit 22), but process it as normal protocol data.

[0023] The dividing point between S-CU and S-DU is option 2. S-CU corresponds to the RRC layer and PDCP layer. S-DU corresponds to the High RLC layer, Low RLC layer, High MAC layer and Low MAC layer.

[0024] S-RU supports both High PHY and Low PHY layers.

[0025] S-RU corresponds to the wireless unit 26. S-CU and S-DU correspond to the main unit 24. The processing unit 22 conforms to the FAPI / nFAPI protocol.

[0026] In the O-RAN Alliance, base station functions are divided into O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU.

[0027] O-CU supports the RRC and PDCP layers. O-DU supports the High RLC, Low RLC, High MAC, Low MAC, and High PHY layers. O-RU supports the Low PHY layer.

[0028] The O-CU and O-DU correspond to the main unit 24. The interface between the O-CU and O-DU is defined as Option 2. The interface between the O-DU and O-RU is defined as Option 7. The processing unit 22 is located in Option 7. In the O-RAN Alliance, the communication protocol for Option 7 is defined as the O-RAN 7.2x protocol. The processing unit 22 conforms to the O-RAN 7.2x protocol.

[0029] O-DU is divided into High O-DU and Low O-DU. High O-DU corresponds to the High RLC layer, Low RLCP layer, High MAC layer, and Low MAC layer.

[0030] The High O-DU and Low O-DU interface is defined as Option 6. The O-RAN Alliance defines the Option 6 communication protocol as the FAPI protocol.

[0031] O-RU corresponds to the wireless unit 26.

[0032] First Embodiment Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing unit 22a according to the first embodiment. The processing unit 22a includes a port 42 connected to a wireless unit 26, a port 44 connected to a main unit 24, a receiving unit 46, a processing unit 48a, a generation unit 50, and a transmission unit 52.

[0033] The wireless unit 26 transmits data from the terminal 16 to the receiving unit 46. The receiving unit 46 receives data from the wireless unit 26 and transmits the received data to the generation unit 50 and the interpretation unit 54.

[0034] The processing unit 48a includes an interpretation unit 54, a determination unit 56, and a memory 58 so that communication resources are allocated in accordance with the timing of user data transmission from the terminal 16. The interpretation unit 54 interprets the received data and detects MAC data. The MAC data includes user data to be transmitted to the main unit 24 and control data for controlling the MAC layer. In the following description, when simply referred to as data, it includes user data and control data. The control data includes a scheduling request that requests the allocation of communication resources. The interpretation unit 54 obtains user data and control data from the MAC data and transmits the user data and control data to the determination unit 56.

[0035] The processing unit 48a is one or more electronic circuits, including a control unit and an arithmetic unit. These electronic circuits can be analog or digital. For example, general-purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), ASICs, FPGAs, and combinations thereof are applicable. Furthermore, the processing unit 48a may be executed on these electronic circuits by software or programs.

[0036] The determination unit 56 determines the transmission cycle of the terminal 16. The memory 58 stores the parameter file. Examples of memory 58 include random access memory (RAM), volatile memory (VM), and non-volatile memory (NVM). In this embodiment, memory 58 will be described as DRAM.

[0037] The user of base station 14 knows the application that terminal 16 will run before starting to use base station 14, and also knows the period and size of the user data that terminal 16 will transmit. Before starting to use base station 14, the user of base station 14 creates a parameter file that lists parameters representing the period and size of the user data transmitted by terminal 16 for each application, and writes the parameter file to non-volatile storage (not shown) within base station 14. When base station 14 starts up, processing unit 48a reads the parameter file from storage and writes the parameter file to memory 58.

[0038] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a parameter file stored by the base station 14 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of a JSON format file. The terminal 16 according to the first embodiment is capable of executing the first and second applications. The parameter file in Figure 4 includes parameters representing the transmission period: 5ms and size: 1500 bytes for user data generated by the first application, and parameters representing the transmission period: 20ms and size: 3000 bytes for user data generated by the second application.

[0039] The determination unit 56 transmits the information of the determined transmission cycle to the generation unit 50.

[0040] The generation unit 50 changes the first data to the second data by injecting other data into the first data transmitted from the receiving unit 46 to the transmitting unit 52. The generation unit 50 also changes the first data to the second data by modifying a part of the first data transmitted from the receiving unit 46 to the transmitting unit 52.

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the first half of an example of low-latency processing for the base station 14 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the second half of an example of low-latency processing for the base station 14 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a timing chart illustrating the first example of low-latency processing for the base station 14 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a timing chart illustrating the second example of low-latency processing for the base station 14 according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Terminal 16 is capable of running applications 36a and 36b.

[0043] Terminal 16 transmits user data at timing t1. Figure 7 shows a timing chart when terminal 16 transmits at least a portion of the user data generated by application 36a at timing t1. Figure 8 shows a timing chart when terminal 16 transmits at least a portion of the user data generated by application 36b at timing t1.

[0044] When the processing unit 22a detects the reception of user data from the terminal 16, it starts delay processing.

[0045] The determination unit 56 determines whether timing t1 is the scheduled timing for sending user data (step S12). The scheduled timing for sending user data is based on the transmission cycle of the terminal 16. In order to determine the scheduled timing for sending user data, the determination unit 56 needs to know which parameters the user data was transmitted according to.

[0046] If timing t1 is the scheduled timing for sending user data (step S12; Yes), the determination unit 56 determines the next transmission timing for when the terminal 16 will next send user data, based on the parameters (transmission cycle) of the user data. The determination unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a scheduling request (also called an SR) to the transmission unit 52 at the next transmission timing (step S14). The processing unit 22a sends the scheduling request to the main unit 24.

[0047] Terminal 16 requires communication resources when transmitting user data to base station 14. Examples of communication resources include frequency, time, space (spatial stream), power, code, and orbital angular momentum. A scheduling request is a signal in which terminal 16 requests base station 14 to allocate communication resources. In response to the scheduling request, the allocation unit within base station 14 allocates communication resources to terminal 16. The allocation unit is included, for example, in the MAC layer (Low MAC or High MAC) of the main unit 24. The allocation unit transmits allocation information representing the allocated communication resources to terminal 16. Terminal 16 uses the allocated communication resources to transmit user data to base station 14.

[0048] The amount of communication resources that the allocation unit can allocate to terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request is relatively small. For example, the allocation unit can only allocate communication resources for data communication of a few hundred bytes in response to a scheduling request. If the size of the user data that terminal 16 sends to base station 14 is larger than the size allocated by the scheduling request, terminal 16 also sends an unsent data size BSR (Buffer Status Report) when sending the user data. The allocation unit allocates communication resources for the unsent user data in response to the BSR.

[0049] Terminal 16 can send scheduling requests at predetermined periodic timings. Base station 14 periodically sends a signal (not shown in Figures 7 and 8) to terminal 16 indicating permission to send scheduling requests. Terminal 16 cannot send scheduling requests at any time other than the predetermined timings. When user data to be sent is generated, terminal 16 waits until the next predetermined timing to send the scheduling request. This waiting period for sending scheduling requests caused delays in uplink communication.

[0050] However, the decision unit 56 in the first embodiment predicts the next transmission timing and instructs the generation unit 50 to send a scheduling request to the transmission unit 52 on behalf of the terminal 16 before the next transmission timing so that the allocation information is sent to the terminal 16 at the next transmission timing. The generation unit 50 generates a scheduling request and adds (injects) the scheduling request to the data sent from the receiving unit 46 to the transmission unit 52. The transmission unit 52 transmits the data with the injected scheduling request to the main unit 24. As a result, when user data that the terminal 16 wants to send to the base station 14 is generated, communication resources are allocated to the terminal 16, and the user data can be sent to the base station 14 immediately, thus achieving low latency in uplink communication.

[0051] The timing at which the application generates user data may change. In this case as well, in order to ensure that user data to be sent to the base station 14 is generated at terminal 16 before communication resources are allocated to terminal 16, in step S14, the determination unit 56 may instruct the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 within a predetermined period centered on the next transmission timing.

[0052] Figures 7 and 8 show an example where timing t1 is not the scheduled timing for sending user data.

[0053] If timing t1 is not the scheduled timing for sending user data (step S12; No), the determination unit 56 estimates the next transmission timing based on the parameter file stored in memory 58. The parameter file is assumed to represent two periods, 5ms and 20ms, as shown in Figure 4. The determination unit 56 assumes that the shorter of the two periods, 5ms, is the transmission period for this user data, and estimates that timing t2, 5ms after timing t1, is the next transmission timing. The determination unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 at equal intervals during a predetermined period centered around timing t2 (step S16). An example of a predetermined period is 0.4ms, an example of a predetermined number is 5, and an example of equal intervals is 0.1ms.

[0054] If it is expected that the timing at which the application generates user data will not change, the determination unit 56 may instruct the generation unit 50 to send one scheduling request to the transmission unit 52 at timing t2.

[0055] The generation unit 50 generates a scheduling request in response to instructions from the decision unit 56 and sends the scheduling request to the transmission unit 52.

[0056] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t2.

[0057] The allocation unit within the main unit 24, in response to a scheduling request, allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 and transmits allocation information (not shown in Figures 7 and 8) to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0058] The determination unit 56 determines whether the terminal 16 transmitted user data, that is, whether it received user data from the interpretation unit 54, during a 0.4ms period centered around timing t2 (the period for transmitting scheduling requests) (step S18). Specifically, in step S18, the determination unit 56 determines whether it received user data at the time of transmission of each of the five scheduling requests during the 0.4ms period centered around timing t2.

[0059] If user data is not received when two consecutive scheduling requests are sent, the determination unit 56 determines that user data was not received (Step S18; No). If user data is not received when at least a certain number (e.g., two) of the five scheduling requests are sent, the determination unit 56 also determines that user data was not received (Step S18; No). In all other cases, the determination unit 56 determines that user data was received (Step S18; Yes).

[0060] If it is determined that user data has been received (step S18; Yes), the determination unit 56 determines that the transmission cycle is 5ms and that the next transmission timing is t3, which is 5ms after timing t2.

[0061] The decision unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 at predetermined intervals during a predetermined period centered on timing t3 (step S20).

[0062] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t3.

[0063] The allocation unit within the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request and transmits the allocation information to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0064] If terminal 16 determines that it did not receive user data at timing t2 (step S18; No), the determination unit 56 determines whether or not user data was received again, so as not to make a decision on whether or not user data was received based on a single determination.

[0065] The determination unit 56 estimates that timing t3 is the next transmission timing. The determination unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 during a predetermined period centered around timing t3 (step S22).

[0066] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t3.

[0067] The allocation unit within the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request and transmits the allocation information to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0068] The determination unit 56 determines whether the terminal 16 has transmitted user data, that is, whether it has received user data from the interpretation unit 54, during a predetermined period (scheduling request transmission period) centered around timing t3 (step S24). The determination in step S24 is the same as the determination in step S18.

[0069] If terminal 16 determines that it has received user data at timing t3 (step S24; Yes), the determination unit 56 determines that the transmission cycle is 5ms and that timing t4, 5ms after timing t3, is the next transmission timing.

[0070] The determination unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 at predetermined intervals during a predetermined period centered around timing t4 (step S26). Since the determination unit 56 has determined the data transmission cycle, it can predict the timing of receiving the next data. Therefore, the predetermined period centered around timing t4 may be shorter than the predetermined period centered around timing t3.

[0071] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t4.

[0072] The allocation unit within the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request and transmits the allocation information to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0073] Figure 7 corresponds to the sequence of processes in steps S12 (if Yes), S16, S18, S22, S24 (if Yes), and S26 in Figure 5.

[0074] If terminal 16 determines that it did not receive user data at timing t3 (step S24; No), the determination unit 56 assumes that 20ms is the transmission cycle for this user data and estimates that timing t11, 20ms after timing t1, is the next transmission timing.

[0075] The decision unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 during a predetermined period centered around timing t11 (step S28).

[0076] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t11.

[0077] The allocation unit within the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request and transmits the allocation information to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0078] The determination unit 56 determines whether the terminal 16 has transmitted user data, that is, whether it has received user data from the interpretation unit 54, during a predetermined period (scheduling request transmission period) centered around timing t11 (step S30). The determination in step S30 is the same as the determination in step S18.

[0079] If it is determined that terminal user data has been received (step S30; Yes), the determination unit 56 determines that the transmission cycle is 20 ms and that the next transmission timing is t12, which is 20 ms after timing t11.

[0080] The decision unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 at predetermined intervals during a predetermined period centered on timing t12 (step S32).

[0081] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t12.

[0082] The allocation unit of the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request and transmits the allocation information to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0083] If it is determined that user data was not received at timing t11 (step S30; No), the determination unit 56 estimates that timing t12 is the next transmission timing. The determination unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 within a predetermined period centered around timing t12 (step S34).

[0084] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t3.

[0085] The allocation unit within the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request and transmits the allocation information to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0086] The determination unit 56 determines whether the terminal 16 has transmitted user data, that is, whether it has received user data from the interpretation unit 54, during a predetermined period (scheduling request transmission period) centered around timing t12 (step S36). The determination in step S36 is the same as the determination in step S18.

[0087] If it is determined that user data has been received at timing t12 (step S36; Yes), the determination unit 56 determines that timing t13, 20ms after timing t12, is the next transmission timing.

[0088] The decision unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52 at predetermined intervals during a predetermined period centered around timing t13 (step S38).

[0089] The generation unit 50 generates five scheduling requests in response to instructions from the decision unit 56 and transmits the five scheduling requests to the transmission unit 52.

[0090] The processing unit 22a sends five scheduling requests to the main unit 24 at 0.1ms intervals during a 0.4ms period from 0.2ms before to 0.2ms after timing t4.

[0091] The allocation unit within the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request and transmits the allocation information to the terminal 16. At this time, if the terminal 16 has user data to transmit to the base station 14, the terminal 16 uses the communication resources based on the allocation information to transmit the user data to the base station 14.

[0092] Figure 8 corresponds to the sequence of processes in steps S12 (if Yes), S16, S18, S22, S24 (if No), S28, S30 (if No), S33, S36 (if Yes), and S38 in Figure 5.

[0093] If it is determined that user data was not received at timing t13 (step S36; No), the low-latency processing terminates.

[0094] Each time the base station 14 receives user data from the terminal 16, it performs the low-latency processing shown in Figures 5 and 6. Therefore, even when multiple terminals 16 each run multiple applications and send user data for multiple cycles to the base station 14, the base station 14 can determine the next transmission timing for the terminal 16. Since the allocation information is sent to the terminal 16 at the next transmission timing, delays in uplink communication are less likely to occur.

[0095] The processing unit 22a sends multiple scheduling requests to the main unit 24 within a predetermined period centered on the next transmission timing. Therefore, even if the timing of user data generation changes depending on the application, the allocation of communication resources and the generation of user data on the terminal 16 are synchronized.

[0096] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an example of a communication resource allocation request via a scheduling request, but the processing unit 22a can request the allocation of communication resources from the main unit 24 by other means. The processing unit 22a may also request the allocation of communication resources from the main unit 24 by a BSR rewrite instruction.

[0097] For example, when transmitting large user data, the processing unit 22a requests the allocation of communication resources for the first user data transmission via a scheduling request, and requests the allocation of communication resources for the second or subsequent user data transmissions via a BSR. In other words, the processing unit 22a continuously rewrites the BSR that is transmitted together with the uplink user data generated by the scheduling request. As a result, the main unit 24 continuously allocates uplink communication according to the BSR. Because a large amount of communication resources can be allocated to the terminal 16 by continuously rewriting the BSR, it becomes possible to transmit data in accordance with the size of the user data, and low latency of uplink communication is achieved.

[0098] The transmitting unit 52 has the function of transmitting data to the main unit 24. When the processing unit 22a transmits data using the FAPI / nFAPI protocol developed by the Small Cell Forum, the transmitting unit 52 sends and receives data using a server-client model. The FAPI and nFAPI protocols have different communication paths; the FAPI protocol uses memory sharing for the communication path, while the nFAPI protocol uses a network for the communication path. For example, if the wireless unit 26 is the client and the main unit 24 is the server, the receiving unit 46 becomes the server and the transmitting unit 52 has the function of the client.

[0099] The processing unit 22a according to the first embodiment determines the user data transmission cycle of the terminal 16 and sends a scheduling request to the main unit 24 on behalf of the terminal 16. This synchronizes the generation of user data by the terminal 16 with the allocation of communication resources to the terminal 16, preventing delays in uplink communication.

[0100] Furthermore, the processing unit 22a according to the first embodiment conforms to the interlayer communication protocol defined in the base station 14, and injects new scheduling requests onto this communication protocol or modifies scheduling requests on this communication protocol into BSRs. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the internal layers of the base station 14 or the functions of the terminal 16.

[0101] Second Embodiment Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing unit 22b according to the second embodiment. The processing unit 48b included in the processing unit 22b has an external linkage unit 62 added to the processing unit 48a according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, and the processing unit 22b has a port 66 added to the processing unit 22a according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3 for connecting the external linkage unit 62 to an external device 64. The external device 64 is an MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing) or cloud on which the application runs. The external linkage unit 62 communicates with the external device 64. The external linkage unit 62 receives a parameter file from the external device 64 as shown in Figure 4. When an application executed by the terminal 16 is added or deleted, the external device 64 updates the parameter file accordingly and sends the updated parameter file to the external linkage unit 62. The external linkage unit 62 sends the received parameter file to the determination unit 56. The determination unit 56 writes the received parameter file to the memory 58. This allows the determination unit 56 to appropriately determine the transmission cycle even if the transmission cycle of the terminal 16 changes.

[0102] The receiving unit 46 and the transmitting unit 52 may also have the functions of the external communication unit 62. In this case, the processing unit 48b does not have the external communication unit 62, and the processing unit 22b does not have the port 66.

[0103] The external communication unit 62 can acquire scheduling information related to the parameters set in the determination unit 56 and the scheduling that is in operation, and notify the external device 64 of the operating status. The scheduling information includes the transmission period, data size, and the identification number of the terminal 16 that is running the application that generates the data. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of scheduling information that the external communication unit 62 transmits to the external device 64. rnti is the identification number of the terminal 16.

[0104] The processing unit 22b according to the second embodiment can appropriately determine the transmission period even if the transmission period of terminal 16 changes. This improves the accuracy of synchronization between data generation by terminal 16 and the allocation of communication resources to terminal 16, and enhances the effect of preventing delays in uplink communication.

[0105] Third Embodiment Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing unit 22c according to the third embodiment. The processing unit 48c included in the processing unit 22c has a detection unit 76 added to the processing unit 48b according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 8, and the processing unit 22c has a receiving unit 72, a transmitting unit 74, and ports 78 and 80 added to the processing unit 22b according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 8. The receiving unit 72 receives data from the main unit 24 via port 78. The transmitting unit 74 transmits data to the wireless unit 26 via port 80. The detection unit 76 measures the delay time from the request for allocation of communication resources (for example, sending an allocation request signal to the main unit 24) to the completion of the allocation (receiving the allocation information to the terminal 16). There are two delay times to measure, each of which will be explained using Figure 12. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a request for allocation of communication resources and allocation information.

[0106] The first delay is the delay time when allocating communication resources in response to scheduling requests.

[0107] Figure 12 illustrates an example of a communication sequence using the FAPI / nFAPI protocol defined by the Small Cell Forum.

[0108] In order to transmit PUCCH information, which is transmitted according to RRC (Radio Resource Control), from the radio unit 26 to the main unit 24, the main unit 24 periodically sends UL_TTI.request to the radio unit 26.

[0109] The wireless unit 26 incorporates UL_DCI.request into the DCI (Downlink Control Information) of the data transmitted over the PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) and sends it to the terminal 16.

[0110] If user data to be transmitted to base station 14 exists on terminal 16, terminal 16 transmits a scheduling request to base station 14 on the PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) specified in DCI.

[0111] The wireless unit 26 converts the scheduling request transmitted on PUCCH into a UCI.indication and transmits it to the main unit 24 (timing t21).

[0112] UCI.indication is control data for uplink communication. The following are seven examples of control data: (1) HARQ ACK / NACK only (2) SR only (3) HARQ ACK / NACK+SR (4) CSI only (5) CSI+SR (6) HARQ ACK / NACK+CSI (7) HARQ ACK / NACK+SR+CSI SR stands for Scheduling Request. CSI stands for Channel State Information.

[0113] The allocation unit within the MAC layer (Low MAC or High MAC) of the main unit 24 allocates communication resources for uplink communication according to the scheduling request. The main unit 24 transmits UL_DCI.request (allocation information), which represents the communication resources allocated by the allocation unit, to the wireless unit 26 (timing t22).

[0114] The wireless unit 26 incorporates UL_DCI.request into the DCI of the data transmitted on the PDCCH and sends it to the terminal 16.

[0115] At this time, a delay DL1 occurs between the transmission of the scheduling request (UCI.indication; timing t21) and the actual allocation (UL_DCI.request; timing t22), depending on the implementation of the base station 14 and the usage status of communication resources. The detection unit 76 detects this delay DL1.

[0116] The second delay time is the delay time when allocating communication resources in response to the BSR after allocation based on the scheduling request. As described above, the main unit 24 incorporates the allocation information UL_DCI.request into the DCI of the data transmitted on the PDCCH and sends it to the terminal 16.

[0117] Terminal 16 uses its allocated communication resources to send user data and a BSR (Block Sign Relay) representing the size of unsent data to base station 14 via PUSCH.

[0118] The wireless unit 26 converts the received data and BSR into RX_Data.indication and transmits it to the main unit 24 (timing t23).

[0119] The allocation unit within the main unit 24 allocates communication resources according to the received BSR. The main unit 24 transmits UL_DCI.request, which represents the communication resource allocated by the allocation unit, to the wireless unit 26 (timing t24).

[0120] The wireless unit 26 incorporates UL_DCI.request into the DCI of the data transmitted on the PDCCH and sends it to the terminal 16.

[0121] At this time, depending on the implementation of the base station 14 and the usage status of communication resources, a delay DL2 occurs between the transmission of the uplink communication allocation request by BSR (RX_Data.indication; timing t23) and the actual allocation (UL_DCI.request; timing t24). The detection unit 76 also detects this delay DL2.

[0122] In order to respond to changes in the transmission cycle of terminal 16, the decision unit 56 in the first embodiment instructed the generation unit 50 to send a predetermined number of scheduling requests within a predetermined period centered on the next transmission timing. In contrast, the decision unit 56 in the third embodiment adjusts the timing of instructing the generation unit 50 to send scheduling requests based on the delays DL1 and DL2 detected by the detection unit 76.

[0123] For example, if the detection unit 76 detects that a 6ms delay DL1 occurs, the determination unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a scheduling request so that the scheduling request is sent 6ms earlier than the next transmission timing (next transmission timing - 6ms). This ensures that the timing of communication resource allocation coincides with the timing of generation of the next user data to be transmitted.

[0124] If the size of the transmitted data is large, for example, 100 bytes or more, communication using the communication resources allocated by the scheduling request will occur first, followed by communication using the communication resources allocated by the BSR. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the timing of sending the allocation request, taking into account the delay DL1 for the first data communication and the delay DL2 for subsequent data communications.

[0125] For example, if the detection unit 76 detects that a 6ms delay DL1 occurs and a 6ms delay DL2 occurs, the determination unit 56 instructs the generation unit 50 to send a scheduling request so that the scheduling request is sent 12ms earlier than the next transmission timing (next transmission timing - 12ms). This ensures that the timing of communication resource allocation coincides with the timing of generation of the next transmission data.

[0126] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an allocation request that takes into account the delayed DL1 and DL2.

[0127] The processing unit 22c according to the third embodiment adjusts the timing of sending the scheduling request t21 and the timing of sending the allocation request by BSR t23 so that the data generation timing is immediately before the end of the delay DL3 of the allocation process of the base station 14. This improves the accuracy of synchronization between user data generation by terminal 16 and the allocation of communication resources to terminal 16, and improves the effectiveness of preventing uplink communication delays.

[0128] Fourth Embodiment Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing unit 22d according to the fourth embodiment. The processing unit 48d included in the processing unit 22d differs from the processing unit 48c according to the third embodiment shown in Figure 9 in that a detection unit 82 is provided instead of a detection unit 76.

[0129] The fourth embodiment improves the accuracy of determining the user data transmission cycle as shown in the first embodiment. The processing device 22a according to the first embodiment estimates the next transmission timing based on the transmission cycle described in a pre-created parameter file, and determines whether the terminal 16 has transmitted user data within a predetermined period centered on the next transmission timing. The fourth embodiment also estimates the next transmission timing based on the PUCCH transmission cycle.

[0130] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the detection unit 82. As shown in Figure 12, in order to transmit PUCCH information to be transmitted according to RRC from the radio unit 26 to the main unit 24, the main unit 24 periodically transmits UL_TTI.request to the radio unit 26. The radio unit 26 incorporates UL_DCI.request into the DCI of the data to be transmitted on the PDCCH and transmits it to the terminal 16. If the terminal 16 has user data to be transmitted to the base station 14, the terminal 16 transmits a scheduling request to the base station 14 on the PUCCH specified in the DCI.

[0131] As shown in Figure 15, when a scheduling request is sent, the time between the reception of the UL_TTI.request immediately preceding the scheduling request and the reception of the UL_TTI.request before that is considered the estimated data generation period. The user data generation cycle is estimated to coincide with the UL_TTI.request cycle.

[0132] The main unit 24 sends UL_TTI.request for each terminal 16, so the detection unit 82 detects the PUCCH transmission cycle for each terminal 16. The detection unit 82 sends the detected PUCCH transmission cycle to the determination unit 56.

[0133] The determination unit 56 determines the user data transmission cycle as shown in Figures 5 and 6, similar to the first embodiment. That is, the determination unit 56 obtains the PUCCH transmission cycle and determines the initial next data generation prediction period ND1. The start timing of the initial next data generation prediction period ND1 is estimated to be a certain transmission cycle from the start timing of the user data generation estimation period.

[0134] The decision unit 56 determines whether or not user data was received during the next data generation prediction period ND1. If user data was received during the next data generation prediction period, the decision unit 56 determines the estimated period as the transmission period.

[0135] If user data is not received during the next data generation prediction period, the determination unit 56 changes the estimation period to determine whether or not user data has been received. Figure 15 shows an example where the interpretation unit 54 receives user data during the next data generation prediction period.

[0136] The determination unit 56 determines the estimated period as the transmission period, and then determines the second next data generation prediction period ND2. The start timing of the second next data generation prediction period ND2 is after the start timing of the first next data generation prediction period ND1 by the transmission period (determination period). Since the data transmission period has been determined, the duration of the second next data generation prediction period ND2 may be shorter than the first next data generation prediction period ND1.

[0137] The processing device 22d according to the fourth embodiment also detects user data generation at the terminal 16 based on the BSR. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by which the processing device 22d according to the fourth embodiment detects user data generation based on the BSR.

[0138] Terminal 16 is running applications 36a and 36b. Application 36a generates 3000 bytes of user data. Application 36b generates 1500 bytes of user data. Here, 1500 bytes are assumed to be the amount of uplink data allocated in response to the scheduling request. In reality, the allocated size is expected to vary depending on the encoding scheme used, which may depend on the base station settings and communication environment.

[0139] When application 36a generates 3000 bytes of user data, terminal 16 receives a PUCCH and then sends a scheduling request to base station 14.

[0140] The base station 14, in response to the scheduling request, allocates 1500 bytes of communication resources for user data communication and sends allocation information 1 to the terminal 16.

[0141] Terminal 16 transmits 1500 bytes of user data from the 3000 bytes of user data generated by application 36a, along with BSR (1500 bytes), to base station 14 according to the allocation information 1.

[0142] The allocation unit within the main unit 24, in response to the BSR, allocates 1500 bytes of communication resources for user data communication and sends allocation information 2 to the terminal 16.

[0143] Terminal 16 transmits the remaining 1500 bytes of user data from the 3000 bytes of user data generated by application 36a, along with the BSR, to base station 14, in accordance with the allocation information 2.

[0144] If no new user data is generated at terminal 16 between the two data transmissions, the BSR is 0. In other words, if the BSR value decreases between the two data transmissions, it means that no user data was generated between the two data transmissions.

[0145] Suppose application 36b generates 1500 bytes of user data between two data transmissions. In this case, the BSR is 1500 (= 1500 + 1500 - 1500) bytes. If 100 bytes of user data are generated, the BSR is 100 bytes. If 3000 bytes of user data are generated, the BSR is 3000 bytes. In other words, if the value of the BSR remains unchanged or increases between two data transmissions, user data was generated between the two data transmissions.

[0146] The allocation unit within the main unit 24, in response to the BSR, allocates 1500 bytes of communication resources for data communication and transmits the allocation information 3 to the terminal 16.

[0147] Terminal 16 transmits 1500 bytes of user data generated by application 36b and BSR (0 bytes) to base station 14 according to the allocation information 3.

[0148] When the determination unit 56 receives a BSR, if the value is unchanged or increased compared to the previous BSR, it determines that the period between the reception of two BSRs, i.e., the transmission of two user data, is the data generation estimation period.

[0149] The determination unit 56 determines the initial next data generation prediction period ND1 based on the data generation estimation period, similar to how it determined the initial next data generation prediction period by obtaining the PUCCH transmission period from the detection unit 82. Subsequent processing is the same as the processing shown in Figure 15.

[0150] The processing unit 22d according to the fourth embodiment can more accurately predict the timing of user data generation based on the PUCCH period and the transition of BSR during user data transmission. This improves the accuracy of synchronization between user data generation by terminal 16 and the allocation of communication resources to terminal 16, thereby improving the effectiveness of preventing delays in uplink communication.

[0151] Fifth Embodiment Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a processing unit 22e according to the fifth embodiment. The processing unit 48e included in the processing unit 22e differs from the processing unit 4822a according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3 in that a memory 88 has been added.

[0152] In the first embodiment, the determination unit 56 determined the next transmission timing based on a predetermined transmission cycle. In the second embodiment, the determination unit 56 determined the next transmission timing based on a transmission cycle obtained from an external device 64. In the fifth embodiment, the processing unit 48e includes a memory 88 that stores the transmission cycle and size of user data in association. The interpretation unit 54 obtains the transmission cycle and size of the user data, and sends the interval indicating the transmission cycle and the data_size indicating the size to the determination unit 56, while also writing them to the memory 88. Note that memory 58 and memory 88 may be physically the same memory or different memories.

[0153] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the determination unit 56 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0154] Figure 18(a) illustrates an example of the relationship between the size and transmission cycle of user data transmitted by terminal 16. User data generated from the same application is expected to have the same data size and be transmitted at the same cycle. If user data of the same size is received three times at approximately the same transmission interval, it can be inferred that this user data was generated from the same application. For example, application #1 is estimated to generate relatively large user data at a relatively long cycle. Application #2 is estimated to generate relatively small user data at a relatively short cycle.

[0155] Memory 88 stores pairs of data size and transmission period from the interpretation unit 54. Figure 18(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between data size and transmission period for each application stored in memory 88. User data generated from the same application has the same data size and a similar transmission period. The determination unit 56 determines which application's data size and transmission period matches or is similar to the data size and transmission period of the data transmitted from the interpretation unit 54, and determines the transmission period. Once the determination unit 56 has determined the transmission period, it instructs the generation unit 50 to send a scheduling request.

[0156] Sixth Embodiment At least two of the first to fifth embodiments can be implemented in combination. Figure 19 illustrates, for example, an example of a processing apparatus 22f of the sixth embodiment, which combines all of the first to fifth embodiments. Although not shown, it is also possible to implement two, three, or four of the first to fifth embodiments in combination.

[0157] Seventh Embodiment The processing unit 22 according to the first to sixth embodiments is connected between two functional units (the main unit 24 and the wireless unit 26). The implementation of the processing unit 22 is not limited to this. Other implementation examples include an example in which the processing unit 22 is incorporated into the main unit 24 or the wireless unit 26, and an example in which the processing unit 22 is in parallel with the main unit 24 or the wireless unit 26 and connected to the main unit 24 or the wireless unit 26. When the processing unit 22 is incorporated into the main unit 24 or the wireless unit 26, the receiving unit 46, generating unit 50 and transmitting unit 52 included in the processing unit 22 can utilize the receiving unit, generating unit and transmitting unit of the main unit 24 or the wireless unit 26, so the processing unit 22 consists only of the processing unit 48. In the following description of embodiments, the processing unit 48 may be any of the processing units 48a-48f of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0158] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of the processing unit 48 according to the seventh embodiment. The main body 24 includes a CU 102 and a DU 104. The DU 104 includes an RLC (High RLC, Low RLC) layer 106, a MAC (High MAC, Low MAC) layer 108, and a processing unit 48. The processing unit 48 is located within the DU 104 in parallel with the MAC layer 108. The processing unit 48 directly interacts with the MAC layer 108.

[0159] Since the processing unit 48 communicates directly with the MAC layer 108, it can receive data acquired by the MAC layer 108 and issue direct instructions to the MAC layer 108.

[0160] An example of data acquired by MAC layer 108 and transmitted to processing unit 48 is {rnti:“0123”,frame:X,slot:Y,data_type:UP,data_size:300,BSR:1500}. rnti represents the terminal identification number (Radio Network Temporary Identifier). frame and slot represent the frame number and slot number of the data communicated within base station 14. data_type represents the data type for uplink / downlink communication. data_size represents the data size. BSR represents the untransmitted data size. BSR is an uplink communication parameter. Other uplink communication parameters may also be included.

[0161] When the processing unit 48 receives data from MAC layer 108, it determines the transmission cycle based on the received data and sends an instruction regarding the assignment request to MAC layer 108 at a timing corresponding to the determined timing. An example of the instruction is {rnti:“0123”,status:“start”}. status is a parameter related to the assignment instruction. “start” instructs the start of the assignment.

[0162] The MAC layer 108 includes an allocation unit that allocates communication resources to the terminal 16 in response to a scheduling request. Furthermore, the MAC layer 108 includes the functions of the components of the processing unit 22 other than the processing unit 48, namely the receiving unit 46, the generating unit 50, and the transmitting unit 52. When the allocation unit receives an allocation start instruction, it allocates communication resources and transmits an allocation signal to the terminal 16 via the radio unit (RU) 26.

[0163] Eighth Embodiment Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of the processing unit 48 according to the eighth embodiment. The processing unit 48 is incorporated into the MAC layer 108. Furthermore, the MAC layer 108 includes a receiving unit 122 and a transmitting unit 124 connected to the radio unit (RU) 26, a receiving unit 126 and a transmitting unit 128 connected to the RLC layer 106, a processing unit 130, and an allocation unit 132. The processing unit 48 and the allocation unit 132 are located in parallel with the processing unit 130 within the MAC layer 108. The processing unit 130 has the functions of the components of the processing unit 22 other than the processing unit 48, namely the receiving unit 46, the generation unit 50, and the transmitting unit 52.

[0164] The processing unit 130 transmits data from the receiving unit 122 to the transmitting unit 128, and also transmits data from the receiving unit 126 to the transmitting unit 124. The processing unit 130 further transmits data from the receiving unit 122 to the processing unit 48. An example of the data that the processing unit 130 transmits to the processing unit 48 is {rnti:“0123”,frame:X,slot:Y,data_type:UP,data_size:300,BSR:1500}.

[0165] When the processing unit 48 receives data from the processing unit 130, it determines a transmission cycle based on the received data and sends an instruction regarding the allocation request to the allocation unit 132 at a timing corresponding to the determined timing. An example of the instruction is {rnti:“0123”,status:“start”}. When the allocation unit 132 receives the allocation start instruction, it allocates a communication resource and transmits an allocation signal to the terminal 16 via the processing unit 130 and the radio unit (RU) 26. The allocation unit 132 may be included in the processing unit 48, or any of the devices of the example processing unit 48a described in the first embodiment can be applied.

[0166] Ninth Embodiment Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of the processing unit 48 according to the ninth embodiment. The radio unit (RU) 16 includes a PHY (High PHY, Low PHY) layer 112. The processing unit 48 is located within the radio unit (RU) 16 in parallel with the PHY layer 112. The processing unit 48 directly interacts with the PHY layer 112. The PHY layer 112 includes the functions of the components of the processing unit 22 other than the processing unit 48, namely the receiving unit 46, the generating unit 50, and the transmitting unit 52.

[0167] Since the processing unit 48 works in direct cooperation with the PHY layer 112, it can receive data acquired by the PHY layer 112 and issue direct instructions to the PHY layer 112.

[0168] An example of data acquired by PHY layer 112 and sent to processing unit 48 is {rnti:“0123”,frame:X,slot:Y,MAC_PAYLOAD=“01230123…”}. In other words, PHY layer 112 also sends the MAC_PAYLOAD that it sends to DU104 (MAC layer) to processing unit 48.

[0169] The processing unit 48 interprets MAC_PAYLOAD, determines the transmission cycle based on the PHY data, and sends a first instruction regarding the allocation request to the PHY layer 112 at a timing corresponding to the determined timing. An example of the first instruction is {rnti:“0123”,status:“start”}. Alternatively, the processing unit 48 interprets MAC_PAYLOAD, determines the transmission cycle based on the PHY data, and sends a second instruction to notify the PHY layer 112 of the new MAC_PAYLOAD at a timing corresponding to the determined timing. The BSR is rewritten based on the new MAC_PAYLOAD. An example of the second instruction is {rnti:“0123”,MAC_PAYLOAD=“0103…”}.

[0170] When the PHY layer 112 receives the first or second instruction, it sends an assignment request to the main unit 24.

[0171] When the allocation unit in the MAC layer of the DU104 in the main unit 24 receives an allocation request, it allocates a communication resource and transmits an allocation signal to the terminal 16 via the radio unit (RU) 26.

[0172] Tenth Embodiment Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating an implementation example of the processing unit 48 according to the tenth embodiment. The processing unit 48 is incorporated into the PHY layer 112. Furthermore, the PHY layer 112 includes a receiving unit 142 and a transmitting unit 144 connected to the DU 104 of the main unit 24, a receiving unit 148 and a transmitting unit 150 connected to the terminal 16, and a processing unit 146. The processing unit 48 is located in parallel with the processing unit 146 within the PHY layer 112. The processing unit 146 has the functions of the components of the processing unit 22 other than the processing unit 48, namely the receiving unit 46, the generation unit 50, and the transmitting unit 52.

[0173] The processing unit 146 sends the received data to the processing unit 48. An example of the data that the processing unit 146 sends to the processing unit 48 is {rnti:“0123”,frame:X,slot:Y,MAC_PAYLOAD=“01230123…”}. In other words, the processing unit 146 also sends the MAC_PAYLOAD that it will send to the DU104 (MAC layer) to the processing unit 48.

[0174] The processing unit 48 interprets MAC_PAYLOAD, determines the transmission cycle based on the PHY data, and sends a first instruction regarding the allocation request to the processing unit 146 at a timing corresponding to the determined timing. An example of the first instruction is {rnti:“0123”,status:“start”}. Alternatively, the processing unit 48 interprets MAC_PAYLOAD, determines the transmission cycle based on the PHY data, and sends a second instruction to the processing unit 146 to notify it of a new MAC_PAYLOAD at a timing corresponding to the determined timing. An example of the second instruction is {rnti:“0123”,MAC_PAYLOAD=“0103…”}.

[0175] When the processing unit 146 receives the first instruction or the second instruction, it sends an assignment request to the main unit 24.

[0176] The allocation unit within the MAC layer of the DU104 in the main unit 24 allocates communication resources and transmits the allocation signal to the terminal 16 via the wireless unit (RU) 26.

[0177] 11th Embodiment Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the implementation of the processing unit 22 according to the 11th embodiment. The processing unit 22 is located in parallel with DU104. The processing unit 48 is in direct cooperation with DU104.

[0178] Since the processing unit 48 works in direct cooperation with the DU104, it can receive data acquired by the DU104 and issue direct instructions to the DU104.

[0179] An example of data acquired by DU104 and sent to processing unit 48 is {rnti:“0123”,frame:X,slot:Y,data_type:UP,data_size:300,BSR:1500}.

[0180] The processing unit 48 determines the transmission cycle based on the received data and sends an instruction regarding the assignment request to the DU104 at a timing corresponding to the determined timing. An example of the instruction is {rnti:“0123”,status:“start”}.

[0181] The functions of the components of the processing unit 22 other than the processing unit 48, namely the receiving unit 46, the generating unit 50, and the transmitting unit 52, are realized by the MAC layer 108. The allocation unit within the MAC layer allocates communication resources according to the allocation request instruction and transmits the allocation signal to the terminal 16 via the radio unit (RU) 26. The allocation unit may be included in the processing unit 48, or any of the devices of the example processing unit 48a described in the first embodiment can be applied.

[0182] Although not shown in the diagram, the processing unit 22 may be arranged in parallel with the CU102.

[0183] Twelfth Embodiment The processing apparatus 22 according to the above embodiment is composed of multiple functional units (generation unit 50, interpretation unit 54, determination unit 56, external cooperation unit 62, detection unit 76, detection unit 82, etc.) that each realize multiple functions. However, the processing apparatus 22 may be composed of at least one functional unit that realizes multiple functions.

[0184] At least one functional unit may consist of one or more CPUs, FPGAs, etc., or it may be composed of dedicated hardware. The program executed by one or more CPUs, FPGAs, etc. is stored in the memory provided by the processing unit 22.

[0185] According to embodiments of the present invention, the following processing apparatus, base station apparatus, communication system, communication method, or program is provided.

[0186] (1) A receiving unit of a base station having a first layer and a second layer that receives first data from the first layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, A processing apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, the transmission period of the first data is determined. A processing device that causes the transmission unit to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data.

[0187] (2) The apparatus described in (1), The second data includes a processing device that includes a signal requesting the allocation of communication resources.

[0188] (3) Apparatus according to (1) or (2), The processing unit is a processing unit that creates data as second data relating to scheduling requests or unsent data size of a communication protocol used in the interface between the first layer and the second layer.

[0189] (4) An apparatus according to any of (1) to (3), The processing unit is a processing unit that generates the second data by adding other data to the first data or by modifying the first data.

[0190] (5) An apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), A processing device in which the first layer includes a PHY layer and the second layer includes a MAC layer.

[0191] (6) An apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), The transmission unit is a processing device that periodically transmits user data to the second layer based on the transmission cycle of the first data.

[0192] (7) A treatment device according to any of (1) to (6), The processing unit is a processing unit that receives the plurality of transmission period candidates from an external device connected to the base station.

[0193] (8) An apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), The processing unit is a processing unit that transmits the transmission cycle of the first data to the external device.

[0194] (9) An apparatus according to any of (1) to (8), The second layer generates third data based on the second data and transmits the third data to the processing unit. The aforementioned processing unit, A processing device that generates the second data at a timing based on the time from the transmission of the second data to the second layer to the reception of the third data and the transmission period of the first data.

[0195] (10) An apparatus according to any of (1) to (9), The aforementioned processing unit, When a signal indicating permission to transmit data is periodically received from the second layer, the user data and the size of unsent data are periodically transmitted to the second layer. A processing device that determines the transmission period of the first data based on the transmission timing of the first user data of the two consecutive user data transmissions and a plurality of transmission period candidates, if the size of untransmitted data remains unchanged or increases during the transmission of the user data two consecutive times.

[0196] (11) An apparatus according to any of (1) to (10), The aforementioned processing unit, Information indicating the transmission period corresponding to the size of the first data is written to memory. A processing device that determines the transmission period of data transmitted from the first layer based on the size of the first data and information indicating a transmission period corresponding to the size of the first data stored in the memory.

[0197] (12) The processing apparatus described in any of (1) to (11), A wireless device that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A communication device that communicates with a network, A base station device equipped with the following.

[0198] (13) The processing apparatus described in any of (1) to (11), A wireless device that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A base station device including a communication device that communicates with a network, A server connected to the aforementioned network, A communication system equipped with the following features.

[0199] (14) A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, (1) to (11) the processing unit described above, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer, The second unit includes the second layer and the processing unit, The processing unit is a base station device connected to the second layer.

[0200] (15) A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, (1) to (11) the processing unit described above, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer, The second unit includes the second layer, The second layer is a base station device including the processing unit.

[0201] (16) A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, (1) to (11) the processing unit described above, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer and the processing unit, The processing unit is connected to the first layer, The second unit is a base station device including the second layer.

[0202] (17) A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, (1) to (11) the processing unit described above, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer and the processing unit, The processing unit is connected to the first layer, The second unit is a base station device including the second layer.

[0203] (18) A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, (1) to (11) the processing unit described above, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer, The second unit includes the second layer, The processing unit is a base station device connected to the second layer.

[0204] (19) Receiving first data from the first layer of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, Upon detecting the reception of the first data, Based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, the transmission period of the first data is determined. A communication method that transmits second data to the second layer at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data.

[0205] (20) To the computer, Receiving first data from the first layer of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, To detect the reception of the first data, The transmission period of the first data is determined based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates. A program that causes the second layer to send the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data.

[0206] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components can be modified and implemented in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Moreover, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0207] 14...Base station, 22...Processing unit, 24...Main unit, 26...Wireless unit, 48...Processing unit 48, 50...Generation unit, 54...Interpretation unit, 56...Decision unit

Claims

1. A first receiving unit that receives first data from the first layer of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, A transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, A second receiving unit that receives third data generated from the second layer based on the second data, It is equipped with, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. A processing device that generates the second data at a timing based on the time from the transmission of the second data to the second layer to the reception of the third data and the transmission cycle of the first data.

2. A base station comprising a first layer and a second layer includes a first receiving unit that receives first data and the size of untransmitted data at a terminal connected to the first layer from the first layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, A transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, A second receiving unit that receives a signal from the second layer indicating permission to transmit data, It is equipped with, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. When the second receiving unit periodically receives a signal from the second layer indicating permission to transmit data, it causes the transmitting unit to periodically transmit the first data and the untransmitted data size to the second layer. A processing device that, when the size of the untransmitted data remains unchanged or increases during two consecutive transmissions of the first data, determines the transmission cycle of the subsequent first data based on the transmission timing of the first of the two consecutive first data and a plurality of transmission cycle candidates.

3. A receiving unit of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, which receives first data from the first layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, The system comprises a transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and the first candidate among the multiple candidate transmission periods, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. A processing device that, if the first data is not received at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data, stops the transmission of the second data by the transmission unit at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data.

4. A receiving unit of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, which receives first data from the first layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, The system comprises a transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and the first candidate among the multiple candidate transmission periods, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. A processing device that, if the second data is not received at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data, changes the transmission cycle of the first data based on the timing of receiving the first data and a second candidate transmission cycle among the plurality of candidate transmission cycles that has a longer cycle than the first candidate.

5. A receiving unit of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, which receives first data from the first layer and the size of untransmitted data at a terminal connected to the first layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, A transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, A second receiving unit that receives a signal from the second layer indicating permission to transmit data, It is equipped with, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. When the second receiving unit periodically receives a signal from the second layer indicating permission to transmit data, it causes the transmitting unit to periodically transmit the first data and the untransmitted data size to the second layer. A processing device that, when the size of the unsent data remains unchanged or increases during two consecutive transmissions of the first data, determines a data generation prediction period based on the transmission interval of the two consecutive first data, and determines whether the first data was received within the next data generation prediction period, which begins a predetermined time after the start of the preceding data generation prediction period.

6. The processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein if the processing unit receives the first data within the preceding data generation prediction period, the processing unit sets the next data generation prediction period to be shorter than the preceding data generation prediction period.

7. The first receiving unit receives first data from the first layer of a base station having a first layer and a second layer. The processing unit generates second data based on the first data, The transmitting unit transmits the second data to the second layer. A communication method in which a second receiving unit receives third data generated from the second layer based on the second data, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. A communication method for generating the second data at a timing based on the time from the transmission of the second data to the second layer to the reception of the third data and the transmission cycle of the first data.

8. The receiving unit receives first data from the first layer of a base station having a first layer and a second layer. The processing unit generates second data based on the first data, A communication method in which a transmitting unit transmits second data to the second layer, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and the first candidate among the multiple candidate transmission periods, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. A communication method that, if the second data is not received at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data, changes the transmission cycle of the first data based on the timing of receiving the first data and a second candidate transmission cycle that has a longer cycle than the first candidate among the plurality of candidate transmission cycles.

9. Computers, A first receiving unit that receives first data from the first layer of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, A transmission unit that transmits the second data to the second layer, A program that causes a second receiving unit to function as a unit that receives third data generated from the second layer based on the second data, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. A program that generates the second data at a timing based on the time from the transmission of the second data to the second layer to the reception of the third data and the transmission cycle of the first data.

10. Computers, A receiving unit of a base station having a first layer and a second layer, which receives first data from the first layer, A processing unit that generates second data based on the first data, A program that functions as a transmission unit for transmitting the second data to the second layer, The aforementioned processing unit, Based on the reception timing of the first data and the first candidate among the multiple candidate transmission periods, the transmission period of the first data is determined. The transmission unit is instructed to transmit the second data at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data. A program that, if the second data is not received at a timing based on the transmission cycle of the first data, changes the transmission cycle of the first data based on the timing of receiving the first data and a second candidate transmission cycle that has a longer cycle than the first candidate among the multiple candidate transmission cycles.

11. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second data includes a signal requesting the allocation of communication resources.

12. The processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing unit creates data relating to scheduling requests or unsent data size of a communication protocol used in the interface between the first layer and the second layer as second data.

13. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing unit generates the second data by adding other data to the first data or by modifying the first data.

14. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first layer includes a PHY layer and the second layer includes a MAC layer.

15. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmitting unit periodically transmits the first data to the second layer based on the transmission cycle of the first data.

16. The processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing unit receives the plurality of transmission period candidates from an external device connected to the base station.

17. The processing unit transmits the transmission cycle of the first data to the external device, according to claim 16.

18. The second layer generates third data based on the second data and transmits the third data to the processing unit. The aforementioned processing unit, The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, which generates the second data at a timing based on the time from the transmission of the second data to the second layer to the reception of the third data and the transmission period of the first data.

19. The aforementioned processing unit, When the second receiving unit periodically receives a signal from the second layer indicating permission to transmit data, it causes the transmitting unit to periodically transmit the first data and the size of the untransmitted data to the second layer. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the size of the untransmitted data remains unchanged or increases during two consecutive transmissions of the first data, the transmission period of the first data is determined based on the transmission timing of the first of the two consecutive first data and a plurality of transmission period candidates.

20. The aforementioned processing unit, Information indicating the transmission period corresponding to the size of the first data is written to the memory. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission period of data transmitted from the first layer is determined based on the size of the first data and information indicating a transmission period corresponding to the size of the first data stored in the memory.

21. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A wireless device that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A communication device that communicates with a network, A base station device equipped with the following.

22. The processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A wireless device that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A base station device including a communication device that communicates with a network, A server connected to the aforementioned network, A communication system equipped with the following features.

23. A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, A processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer, The second unit includes the second layer and the processing unit, The processing unit is a base station device connected to the second layer.

24. A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, A processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer, The second unit includes the second layer, The second layer is a base station device including the processing unit.

25. A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, A processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer and the processing unit, The processing unit is connected to the first layer, The second unit is a base station device including the second layer.

26. A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, A processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer and the processing unit, The processing unit is connected to the first layer, The second unit is a base station device including the second layer.

27. A first unit that communicates with a wireless communication terminal, A second unit is connected to the first unit and is also connected to a network, A processing unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, It is equipped with, The first unit includes the first layer, The second unit includes the second layer, The processing unit is a base station device connected to the second layer.

Images