Information processing device, communication device, intermediate device, and information processing method

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present disclosure manages the emissions of radio wave emitted by a communication device on the basis of frequency usage rights. The information processing device stores information associated with the frequency usage rights when deleting the frequency usage rights held by the communication device. The information processing device notifies the communication device and / or an intermediate device acting on behalf of the communication device of information about the information associated with the frequency usage rights.

Description

Information processing device, communication device, intermediate device, and information processing method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a communication device, an intermediate device, and an information processing method.

[0002] The problem of depletion of radio wave resources (frequencies) that can be allocated to wireless systems is becoming apparent due to the increase in wireless environments where a variety of wireless systems coexist and the increase in the volume of content provided via wireless. As a result, "Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA)," which utilizes white space in time and space among frequency bands already allocated to specific wireless systems, is rapidly gaining attention as a means of freeing up necessary radio wave resources.

[0003] 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart E-Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure DevicesDecision on the Technical and Policy Framework for License-Exempt Use in the 6 GHz BandWi-Fi Alliance, AFC Specification and Test PlansWireless Innovation Forum Specifications, Reports and RecommendationsWINNF-TS-3005-V1.1.0 Signaling Protocols and Procedures for 6 GHz Band; Extensions to AFC System - Standard Power Device Interface Technical Specification

[0004] In DSA, for example, a management device that manages frequency bands (e.g., a Spectrum Access System (SAS)) grants registered communication devices (e.g., base stations) the right to use the frequency band (frequency use rights (Grant)), which enables the communication devices to emit radio waves in the frequency band allocated to a specific wireless system.

[0005] When a communication device is deregistered, the frequency usage rights are also deleted. Therefore, in order to obtain permission to emit radio waves again, the communication device must re-register with the management device and then obtain frequency usage rights again. Therefore, once the registration is deregistered, it takes a long time for the communication device to be able to emit radio waves.

[0006] For example, when a management device executes a periodic cumulative interference calculation protection process, it grants a communication device frequency use right based on the results of this process. Therefore, the communication device waits for the frequency use right to be acquired until this process is completed. Depending on the cycle of this process and the timing of the re-registration of the communication device, the time until the frequency use right is acquired, i.e., the time until the communication device can emit radio waves, may be long.

[0007] If the time it takes for a communication device to emit radio waves becomes longer, the frequency utilization efficiency decreases.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processing device, a communication device, an intermediate device, and an information processing method that can further improve frequency utilization efficiency.

[0009] It should be noted that the above problem or object is merely one of multiple problems or objects that can be solved or achieved by multiple embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0010] The information processing device disclosed herein manages radio wave emissions by a communication device based on a frequency use right. When deleting the frequency use right held by the communication device, the information processing device stores usage information associated with the frequency use right. The information processing device notifies the communication device and / or an intermediate device acting on behalf of the communication device of information associated with the frequency use right.

[0011] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedural flow from registration of a communication device to permission to transmit. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing another example of a procedural flow from registration of a communication device to permission to transmit. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow when deregistration of a communication device is performed. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an overview of deregistration processing related to the proposed technique of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing users of a shared frequency band. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of communication control devices are arranged in a distributed manner. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example in which a plurality of communication control devices are arranged in a distributed manner. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication device according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example flow of processing to restore frequency use rights according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0013] In this specification and drawings, similar components of the embodiments may be distinguished by adding at least one different alphabet and / or number after the same reference numeral. However, if there is no need to particularly distinguish between the similar components, only the same reference numeral will be used.

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

[0015] <<1. Introduction>> <1-1. Background> As described above, DSA has been attracting attention as a means of generating necessary radio wave resources (frequencies) to address the problem of depletion of radio wave resources (frequencies) that can be allocated to wireless systems.

[0016] The CBRS Baseline Standards (Release 1) and Enhancement Standards (Release 2) issued by the Wireless Innovation Forum (WInnForum) CBRS Committee are known as standards for the 3550-3700 MHz band CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) in the United States.

[0017] Among these standards, WINNF-TS-0016 defines the Release 1 specifications for the signaling protocol between the Spectrum Access System (SAS), a frequency management server, and the Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD) and Domain Proxy (DP), which are base station and proxy systems.

[0018] By following this protocol, CBSD can use radio waves via Priority Access or General Authorized Access (GAA). In this standard, the SAS is responsible for the authorization of radio wave use. For example, the SAS registers CBSDs and grants frequency use rights (grant) to CBSDs.

[0019] Specifically, the SAS reviews the maximum allowable equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) and frequency channel (upper and lower limit frequency) set requested by the registered CBSD. Based on the review results, the SAS grants the CBSD a grant. When granting the grant, the SAS notifies the CBSD whether it will use Priority Access or General Authorized Access (GAA).

[0020] CBSD's use of radio waves under a grant is managed by a procedure called a heartbeat for each grant. When the heartbeat is completed successfully, CBSD is authorized by the SAS to transmit radio waves.

[0021] 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure flow from registration of a communication device to permission to transmit. CBSD is an example of a communication device in FIG. 1. SAS is an example of a frequency management device.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, a communication device notifies a frequency management device of a registration request (step S101). At this time, the communication device's registration status is "unregistered." The frequency management device that has received the registration request notifies the communication device of a registration response (step S102). As a result, the communication device is registered, and the communication device registration status transitions from "unregistered" to "registered."

[0023] Next, the communication device notifies the frequency management device of a spectrum grant request for spectrum grant #1 (step S103). At this time, the status of spectrum grant #1 is "idle." Upon receiving the frequency grant request for spectrum grant #1, the frequency management device notifies the communication device of a spectrum grant response for spectrum grant #1 (step S104). As a result, spectrum grant #1 is granted to the communication device, and the status of spectrum grant #1 transitions from "idle" to "granted."

[0024] Similarly, the communication device notifies the frequency management device of a spectrum grant request for spectrum grant #2 (step S105). At this time, the state of spectrum grant #2 is "not held." Upon receiving the spectrum grant request for spectrum grant #2, the frequency management device notifies the communication device of a spectrum grant response for spectrum grant #2 (step S106). As a result, spectrum grant #2 is granted to the communication device, and the state of spectrum grant #2 transitions from "not held" to "granted."

[0025] The communication device notifies the frequency management device of a heartbeat request for spectrum grant #1 (Heartbeat Request for Spectrum Grant #1) (step S107). Upon receiving the heartbeat request for spectrum grant #1, the frequency management device notifies the communication device of a heartbeat response for spectrum grant #1 (Heartbeat Response for Spectrum Grant #1) (step S108).

[0026] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device in frequency use right #1, and the state of frequency use right #1 transitions from "granted" to "authorized." By being granted a transmission license, the communication device becomes able to emit radio waves in frequency use right #1.

[0027] The communication device notifies the frequency management device of a heartbeat request for spectrum grant #2 (Heartbeat Request for Spectrum Grant #2) (step S109). Upon receiving the heartbeat request for spectrum grant #2, the frequency management device notifies the communication device of a heartbeat response for spectrum grant #2 (Heartbeat Response for Spectrum Grant #2) (step S110).

[0028] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device in frequency use right #2, and the state of frequency use right #2 transitions from "granted" to "licensed to transmit." By being granted a transmission license, the communication device can emit radio waves in frequency use right #2.

[0029] In actual operation, the SAS performs a synchronization process between SASs called Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs (CPAS) once a day. During this synchronization process, the SAS performs interference protection calculations for existing systems in the frequency band using information about the grant (frequency usage information).

[0030] In other words, in the inter-SAS synchronization process, the SAS verifies whether or not it is necessary to change the communication parameters for each Grant based on the interference protection calculation. If it determines that no change is necessary, the SAS authorizes radio wave emission based on this frequency usage right in the heartbeat procedure after the inter-SAS synchronization process. On the other hand, if it determines that a change is necessary, the SAS performs a communication parameter change procedure with the CBSD.

[0031] 2 is a sequence diagram showing another example of the procedure flow from registration of a communication device to permission to transmit. CBSD is an example of the communication device in FIG. 2. SAS is an example of a frequency management device.

[0032] Here, the frequency management device that performs registration of communication devices, etc. is referred to as the first frequency management device. Also, the frequency management device that performs synchronization processing (e.g., CPSA) with the first frequency management device is referred to as the second frequency management device. In Fig. 2, the same processes as those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication device that has notified the heartbeat request regarding the frequency use right #1 in step S107 receives a heartbeat response regarding the frequency use right #1 from the first frequency management device (step S201).

[0034] At the time of this heartbeat request, synchronization processing has not been performed since the communication device was granted frequency use permission #1. In this case, the first frequency management device determines that the communication device is not permitted to transmit under frequency use permission #1. Therefore, the first frequency management device notifies the communication device of a heartbeat response indicating that the communication device is not permitted to transmit under frequency use permission #1.

[0035] Similarly, the communication device that has notified the heartbeat request for the frequency use right #2 in step S109 receives a heartbeat response for the frequency use right #2 from the first frequency management device (step S202).

[0036] At the time of this heartbeat request, synchronization processing has not been performed since the communication device was granted frequency use permission #2. In this case, the first frequency management device determines that the communication device is not permitted to transmit under frequency use permission #2. Therefore, the first frequency management device notifies the communication device of a heartbeat response indicating that the communication device is not permitted to transmit under frequency use permission #2.

[0037] Thereafter, the first frequency management device performs a synchronization process with the second frequency management device (step S203).

[0038] Next, the communication device notifies a heartbeat request for frequency use permission #1 (step S204). At the time of this heartbeat request, synchronization processing has been performed after the communication device was granted frequency use permission #1. In this case, the first frequency management device determines that the communication device is permitted to transmit with frequency use permission #1.

[0039] Therefore, the first frequency management device notifies the communication device of a heartbeat response indicating that transmission is permitted in frequency use right #1 (step S205).

[0040] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device in frequency use right #1, and the state of frequency use right #1 transitions from "granted" to "licensed to transmit." By being granted a transmission license, the communication device can emit radio waves in frequency use right #1.

[0041] Similarly, the communication device notifies a heartbeat request for frequency use permission #2 (step S206). At the time of this heartbeat request, synchronization processing has been performed after the communication device was granted frequency use permission #2. In this case, the first frequency management device determines that the communication device is permitted to transmit with frequency use permission #2.

[0042] Therefore, the first frequency management device notifies the communication device of a heartbeat response indicating that transmission is permitted in frequency use right #2 (step S207).

[0043] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device in frequency use right #2, and the state of frequency use right #1 transitions from "granted" to "licensed to transmit." By being granted a transmission license, the communication device can emit radio waves in frequency use right #2.

[0044] Although the case where a communication device acquires two frequency use rights has been described here, the number of frequency use rights that a communication device acquires is not limited to two. A communication device may acquire one frequency use right, or may acquire three or more frequency use rights.

[0045] In this example, after the communication device acquires frequency use right #2, the communication device notifies the frequency management device of a heartbeat request for frequency use right #1, but the order of the procedure is not limited to this. For example, the communication device may notify the frequency management device of a heartbeat request for frequency use right #1 before acquiring frequency use right #2.

[0046] Furthermore, after the communication device notifies the frequency management device of a heartbeat request regarding frequency use right #2, the communication device may notify the frequency management device of a heartbeat request regarding frequency use right #1.

[0047] <1-2. Issues> The above-mentioned standard specifies that spectrum grants are all deleted when a CBSD is deregistered. CBSD deregistration can be triggered by a deregistration request from the CBSD. Alternatively, CBSD deregistration can be triggered by the SAS for some reason.

[0048] An example of a trigger by the SAS is when an abnormality is found in a parameter value included in a request message from the CBSD. For example, if an abnormality is found in a parameter value included in a request message from the CBSD that the CBSD itself cannot automatically resolve, the SAS may temporarily deregister the CBSD at its own discretion for the purpose of troubleshooting. After deregistration, it is expected that the installer or operator of the CBSD will address the abnormality.

[0049] At this time, according to the provisions of WINNF-TS-0016, the SAS is to use response code 105 (DEREGISTER) to notify of deregistration.

[0050] 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow when a communication device is deregistered. An example of the communication device in FIG. 3 is a CBSD. An example of a frequency management device (the first and second frequency management devices in FIG. 3) is an SAS.

[0051] In FIG. 3, the same processes as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] When the first frequency management device performs deregistration (step S301), the communication device is deregistered, and the communication device registration status changes from "registered" to "unregistered." As a result, the transmission license for the communication device is deleted for the frequency use rights #1 and #2, and the status of the frequency use rights #1 and #2 changes from "licensed to transmit" to "not held."

[0053] In this state, the communication device is unaware of its own deregistration, and therefore, in order to perform radio wave emission based on frequency use right #1, the communication device notifies the first frequency management device of a heartbeat request regarding frequency use right #1 (step S302).

[0054] When the communication device transmits a heartbeat request for frequency use right #1, the first frequency management device transmits a heartbeat response for frequency use right #1 to the communication device (step S303). Since the communication device has already been deregistered, the first frequency management device transmits this response using response code 105 (DEREGISTER).

[0055] Similarly, when a heartbeat request for frequency usage right #2 is notified from the communication device (step S304), the first frequency management device notifies the communication device of response code 105 (DEREGISTER) as a heartbeat response for frequency usage right #2 (step S305).

[0056] In this way, if the frequency usage rights (Grant) of a communication device is deleted, in order to emit radio waves, the communication device must perform a registration procedure with the first frequency management device, and then acquire frequency usage rights again and obtain permission to emit radio waves.

[0057] This procedure for obtaining permission to transmit radio waves again (hereinafter also referred to as the "frequency use right restoration process") ultimately depends on the result of CPAS. If CPAS is performed, for example, once a day, it currently takes up to 24 hours for this frequency use right restoration process to be completed. In other words, currently, the frequency use right restoration process is equivalent to carrying out the procedure shown in Figure 2.

[0058] For example, even if the process from deregistration of a communication device to resolving the problem, re-registration, and reacquisition of frequency usage rights is completed in a short time, depending on the timing of CPAS, it may take some time for the communication device to obtain permission to emit radio waves again, even if the process from deregistration of a communication device to reacquisition of frequency usage rights is completed in a short time.

[0059] Therefore, the current spectrum rights restoration process is inefficient and causes disruptions to communication services, which may discourage operators from deregistering.

[0060] Although the above description is primarily directed to CBRS in the 3550-3700 MHz band in the United States, this problem is not limited to CBRS. This problem can occur in any frequency sharing system that performs a frequency cumulative interference calculation protection process (equivalent to CPAS in the above example) for the purpose of protecting the primary system.

[0061] For example, even if there are not multiple frequency management devices and frequencies are managed by a single frequency management device, the frequency management device may periodically perform cumulative interference calculation protection processing rather than one-by-one in order to reduce calculation failures. In such cases, there is a risk of a problem in that it takes a long time for the communication device to obtain permission to emit radio waves again.

[0062] In either case (e.g., when there is one or more frequency management devices), the frequency management device may grant frequency use rights to the communication device using a window period that is the interval between executions of the cumulative interference calculation protection process, and may permit the communication device to emit radio waves based on the result of the cumulative interference calculation protection process after the window period has expired. In this case, there is a risk of a problem that it takes a long time for the communication device to obtain permission to emit radio waves again.

[0063] <1-3. Overview of Proposed Technology> The present disclosure provides a means for solving such problems and for quickly and automatically allowing a deregistered communication device to re-register and to emit radio waves after regaining frequency use rights, thereby enabling a communication system according to the present disclosure to further improve frequency utilization efficiency.

[0064] 4 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of a deregistration process according to the proposed technique of the present disclosure. The deregistration process shown in FIG. 4 is executed in a communication system. The communication system according to the proposed technique includes a frequency management device and a communication device.

[0065] The frequency management device is, for example, an information processing device that corresponds to the SAS described above, and the communication device is, for example, an information processing device that corresponds to the CBSD described above.

[0066] Alternatively, at least a part of the processing performed by the communication device may be performed by an intermediate device (e.g., a Domain Proxy) acting on behalf of a device that emits radio waves (e.g., a CBSD). That is, a part of the deregistration processing shown in FIG. 4 may be performed by an intermediate device.

[0067] The frequency management device deregisters the communication device and stores usage information (an example of information linked to a frequency use right) (step S401). The usage information includes information about the frequency use right (Grant) that is deleted upon deregistration. For example, the frequency management device generates and stores usage information for each frequency use right. Furthermore, the frequency management device generates information related to this usage information for the usage information.

[0068] When multiple frequency use rights are granted, the frequency management device generates usage information for each frequency use right and stores the usage information. The frequency management device also generates information related to the usage information for each frequency use right.

[0069] The frequency management device notifies the communication device of the generated information on the usage information (step S402). This notification may be sent to the communication device together with information indicating the deletion of the frequency usage right (an example of a deletion notification). Alternatively, the information on the usage information may be sent to the communication device separately from the information on the deletion of the frequency usage right.

[0070] The communication device, for example, uses information related to usage information to request reacquisition of frequency usage rights and / or permission to emit radio waves. The frequency management device uses this information to identify, for example, usage information related to the frequency usage rights granted to the communication device before the registration was deleted. In this way, the information related to usage information can be said to be information for identifying, i.e., information related to the usage information (a usage information identifier) ​​for identifying the usage information related to the frequency usage rights.

[0071] The frequency management device determines whether to re-grant the frequency use right and / or to permit radio wave emission based on the identified usage information. This allows the frequency management device to determine whether to re-grant the frequency use right and / or to permit radio wave emission based on the usage information regarding the frequency use right before the registration was deleted.

[0072] In other words, the frequency management device can restore frequency usage rights, i.e., re-grant frequency usage rights and / or permit radio wave emission, even before the periodic cumulative interference calculation protection process (e.g., CPAS) is performed.

[0073] In this manner, in the communication system according to the proposed technology, when a communication device is deregistered, the frequency management device stores usage information regarding frequency use rights and notifies the communication device of the usage information. This allows the communication device to specify the usage information and request re-granting of frequency use rights and / or permission to emit radio waves, and the frequency management device can re-grant the frequency use rights and / or permission to emit radio waves before performing the periodic cumulative interference calculation protection process.

[0074] This enables the communication system to quickly and automatically re-register a deregistered communication device and allow it to emit radio waves after regaining frequency usage rights, thereby further improving frequency usage efficiency.

[0075] For newly acquired frequency rights during the day, there is a mechanism in place where the SAS allows immediate radio wave emission using headroom margins related to the amount of acceptable interference from existing systems (see WINNF-TS-0112, WINNF-SSC-0007). However, unless otherwise specified, the following explanations will be given assuming that there is no usable headroom margin remaining.

[0076] <<2. Configuration Example of Communication System>> <2-1. Terminology Related to Frequencies and Sharing> In this embodiment, a description will be given assuming a dynamic spectrum access environment. Therefore, first, as a representative example, a mechanism defined by CBRS in the United States (i.e., a mechanism defined in Part 96 of the FCC Rules, Citizens Broadband Radio Service) will be described.

[0077] Figure 5 shows users of a shared frequency band. In CBRS, as shown in Figure 5, each user of a shared frequency band is classified into one of three groups. These groups are called tiers. The three groups are called the Incumbent Tier, the Priority Access Tier, and the General Authorized Access (GAA) Tier, respectively.

[0078] The incumbent layer is a group of incumbent users who have traditionally used the frequency band designated as the shared frequency band. In general, incumbent users are also called primary users. In the U.S. CBRS, the incumbent users are the Department of Defense (DOD), fixed satellite operators, and Grandfathered Wireless Broadband Licensees (GWBLs).

[0079] The incumbent layer is not required to avoid interference with the priority access stratum and general authorized access stratum, which have lower priority, and is not required to restrict frequency band usage. Furthermore, the incumbent layer is protected from interference by the priority access stratum and general authorized access stratum. In other words, users of the incumbent layer can use the frequency band without considering the existence of other groups.

[0080] The priority access stratum is a group of users who use the shared frequency band based on a license called a Priority Access License (PAL). Users who use the priority access stratum are also generally called secondary users.

[0081] In frequency sharing in the priority access stratum, a secondary user is required to avoid and suppress interference with an incumbent stratum having a higher priority than the priority access stratum, but is not required to avoid and suppress interference with a general authorized access stratum having a lower priority. Also, the priority access stratum is not protected from interference by an incumbent stratum having a higher priority, but is protected from interference by a general authorized access stratum having a lower priority.

[0082] The general authorized access stratum is a group consisting of other shared frequency band users that do not belong to the aforementioned existing stratum and priority access stratum. Users who use the general authorized access stratum are generally also called secondary users, just like the priority access stratum. However, because the priority of shared use is lower than that of the priority access stratum, users who use the general authorized access stratum are also called low-priority secondary users.

[0083] In spectrum sharing in the general licensed access stratum, low-priority secondary users are required to avoid and suppress interference with incumbent and priority access stratums with higher priorities. Also, the general licensed access stratum is not protected from interference by incumbent and priority access stratums with higher priorities. In other words, the general licensed access stratum is a tier where opportunistic spectrum sharing is required by law.

[0084] Although the CBRS mechanism has been described here as a representative example of dynamic spectrum sharing, this embodiment is not limited to the definition of CBRS. For example, although CBRS is generally called a three-tier structure, it may also be a two-tier structure.

[0085] Typical examples include two-layer structures such as ASA (Authorized Shared Access), LSA (Licensed Shared Access), eLSA (evolved LSA), TVWS (TV band White Space), and the US 6 GHz band sharing.

[0086] ASA, LSA, and eLSA do not have the general licensed access layer described above, and instead employ a structure equivalent to a combination of the existing layer and the priority access layer. Furthermore, TVWS and the US 6 GHz band shared service do not have the priority access layer described above, and instead employ a structure equivalent to a combination of the existing layer and the general licensed access layer.

[0087] Furthermore, there may be four or more tiers. For example, four or more tiers may be formed by providing a plurality of intermediate tiers corresponding to the priority access tier. Different priorities may be assigned to each of the intermediate tiers. Furthermore, for example, the general authorized access tier may be similarly divided into a plurality of tiers, each of which may be assigned a priority, thereby increasing the number of tiers. In this way, each group may be divided.

[0088] Furthermore, other wireless systems may be used as the primary communication system depending on the frequency band to be used. For example, the primary communication system may be a wireless system such as a TV broadcast system, a fixed microwave system (FS), a meteorological radar, a radio altimeter, a communications-based train control system, or a radio astronomy system. Any wireless system may be used as the primary communication system.

[0089] Furthermore, the primary system of this embodiment is not limited to the definition of CBRS. For example, radio systems such as TV broadcasting, fixed microwave systems (FS: Fixed System), meteorological radar, radio altimeter, communications-based train control, and radio astronomy are possible examples of primary systems. Furthermore, any radio system can be the primary system of this embodiment.

[0090] In addition, in general, in frequency sharing or secondary frequency usage, as mentioned above, the existing system that uses the target band is called the primary communication system (primary system), and the secondary user is called the secondary system, but when the present disclosure is applied to a non-frequency sharing environment, these systems may be implemented by replacing them with other terms.

[0091] For example, a macrocell base station in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) may be the primary communication system, and a small cell base station or a relay station may be the secondary system. Alternatively, a base station may be the primary communication system, and a relay terminal (Relay UE) or an in-vehicle terminal (Vehicle UE) that realizes D2D or V2X within its coverage may be the secondary system. The base station is not limited to a fixed type, and may be a portable / mobile type. In such a case, for example, the frequency management device provided by the present disclosure may be provided in a core network, a base station, a relay station, a relay terminal, or the like.

[0092] Furthermore, when the present embodiment is applied to an environment other than a frequency sharing environment, the term "frequency" may be replaced with another term, such as "resource," "resource block," "resource element," "resource pool," "channel," "component carrier," "carrier," "subcarrier," "Bandwidth Part (BWP)," or another term having an equivalent or similar meaning.

[0093] 2-2. Schematic Configuration of Communication System> Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 illustrates the configuration of a communication system 1000 according to the present disclosure.

[0094] The communication system 1000 includes a communication system 2. The devices in the figure can also be considered devices in a logical sense. That is, some of the devices in the figure may be realized by a virtual machine (VM), a container, a docker, or the like, and these may be physically implemented on the same hardware.

[0095] Communication system 2 includes terminal device 30, communication device 40, intermediate device 50, and communication control device 60. In the example of Fig. 6, communication system 2A and communication system 2B are shown as communication system 2. Communication system 2A includes communication system 2a1, communication system 2a2, and communication system 2a3.

[0096] Communication system 2a1 includes terminal device 30_1 and communication device 40_1. Communication system 2a2 includes terminal devices 30_2 and 30_3 and communication devices 40_2 and 40_3. Communication system 2a3 includes terminal devices 30_4 and 30_5, communication devices 40_4 and 40_5, and intermediate device 50_1.

[0097] The communication system 2B also includes a terminal device 30_6 and a communication device 40_6. In the example of Fig. 6, the communication devices 40_1, 40_2, 40_4 to 40_6 are communication devices (Type A), and the communication device 40_3 is a communication device (Type B).

[0098] The communication system 1000 includes at least a primary system and a secondary system. The primary system and the secondary system include a communication device 40, or a communication device 40 and a terminal device 30.

[0099] Various communication systems (for example, the above-described communication systems 2A and 2B) can be treated as a primary system or a secondary system. In this embodiment, the primary system and the secondary system use part or all of the allocated frequency band.

[0100] The frequency bands allocated to the primary system and the secondary system may overlap partially or completely, or may not overlap at all.

[0101] In this embodiment, the communication system 1000 is assumed to be a wireless communication system relating to dynamic spectrum access (DSA), but the communication system 1000 is not limited to a system relating to dynamic spectrum sharing.

[0102] Note that the communication system 2 does not necessarily have to include the communication control device 60. Explaining this using the example of Fig. 6, the communication system 2a2 and the communication system 2a3 each having an external communication control device 60 may be regarded as one communication system 2.

[0103] Furthermore, the communication system 2 does not necessarily have to include the intermediate device 50. In the example of Fig. 6, the communication system 2a1 that does not include the intermediate device 50 may be regarded as one communication system 2.

[0104] Note that intermediate device 50 and communication control device 60 may have a wireless communication function. In this case, intermediate device 50 and communication control device 60 can also be considered wireless communication devices. In the following description, a wireless communication device may be simply referred to as a communication device. Note that a communication device is not limited to a wireless communication device; for example, a device that does not have a wireless communication function and is only capable of wired communication can also be considered a communication device.

[0105] The communication device 40 is typically a wireless device that provides communication services to terminals, such as a wireless base station (e.g., a base station, a node B, an eNB, or a gNB) or a wireless access point. It may also be a wireless relay device. It may also be an optical device called a remote radio head (RHH). In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the communication device 40 is an entity that constitutes a secondary system that shares part or all of the frequency band allocated to a primary communication system (primary system). The communication device 40 corresponds to, for example, the communication device (e.g., CBSD) described above (see FIG. 4).

[0106] The coverage provided by the communication device 40 may be of various sizes, ranging from a large one such as a macrocell to a small one such as a picocell. A single cell may be formed by a plurality of communication devices 40, as in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Furthermore, if the communication device 40 has beamforming capability, a cell or service area may be formed for each beam.

[0107] In this disclosure, it is assumed that there are two different types of communication devices 40.

[0108] In this disclosure, a communication device 40 that can access the communication control device 60 without using a wireless path that requires permission from the communication control device 60 is referred to as a “communication device (Type A).” For example, a communication device 40 that can connect to the Internet via a wired connection can be considered a “communication device (Type A).”

[0109] Furthermore, for example, even if a wireless relay device does not have a wired Internet connection function, if a wireless backhaul link using a frequency that does not require permission from the communication control device 60 is established with another communication device (Type A), such a wireless relay device may be considered a ``communication device (Type A).''

[0110] In this embodiment, a communication device 40 that cannot access the communication control device 60 without a wireless path accompanied by permission from the communication control device 60 is referred to as a "communication device (Type B)." For example, a wireless relay device that needs to establish a backhaul link using a frequency that requires permission from the communication control device 60 can be considered a "communication device (Type B)."

[0111] Furthermore, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone that has a wireless network provision function, such as tethering, and that uses frequencies that require permission from the communication control device 60 for both the backhaul link and the access link may be treated as a "communication device (Type B)."

[0112] The communication device 40 does not necessarily have to be fixed and may be installed on a moving object such as a car.Furthermore, it does not necessarily have to be located on the ground and may be provided with a communication device function on an object in the air or space such as an aircraft, drone, helicopter, or satellite, or on or under the sea such as a ship or submarine.

[0113] Typically, such a mobile communication device 40 corresponds to a communication device (Type B) and secures an access path to the communication control device 60 by performing wireless communication with another communication device (Type A). Naturally, if the frequency used for wireless communication with the communication device (Type A) is outside the management scope of the communication control device 60, even a mobile communication device can be treated as a communication device (Type A).

[0114] Unless otherwise specified, the term "communications equipment" applies to both communications equipment (Type A) and communications equipment (Type B).

[0115] The communication device 40 can be used, operated, and managed by various entities. Examples of such entities include: - a mobile network operator (MNO), - a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), - a mobile network enabler (MNE), - a mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE), - a shared facility operator, - a neutral host network (NHN) operator, - a broadcasting operator, - an enterprise, - an educational institution (a school corporation, a local government board of education, etc.), - a real estate (building, condominium, etc.) manager, and - an individual. The entities are not limited to the above examples.

[0116] The communication device 40 may be a shared facility used by multiple businesses or multiple individuals. The facility may be installed and operated by a third party other than the user.

[0117] A communication device 40 operated by a carrier is typically connected to the Internet via a core network. The communication device 40 operated by the carrier is operated, managed, and maintained by a function called OA&M (Operation, Administration & Maintenance). For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , an intermediate device 50 (network manager) may exist that performs integrated control of the communication devices 40 within the network.

[0118] The terminal device 30 (User Equipment, User Terminal, User Station, Mobile Terminal, Mobile Station, etc.) is typically a communication device such as a smartphone. The terminal device 30 may also be a device such as a commercial camera equipped with a communication function. The terminal device 30 may also be a communication device such as a broadcasting service radio station (FPU: Field Pickup Unit) for television broadcasting.

[0119] The terminal device 30 does not necessarily have to be used by a person. For example, as in so-called MTC (Machine Type Communication), devices such as factory machines and sensors installed in buildings may be connected to a network as the terminal device 30. Furthermore, devices called customer premises equipment (CPE) that are installed to ensure Internet connection may act as the terminal device 30.

[0120] Furthermore, the terminal device 30 may be provided with a relay communication function, as typified by D2D and V2X.

[0121] The terminal device 30 does not necessarily have to be fixedly installed. Furthermore, the terminal device 30 does not necessarily have to be located on the ground. Objects that exist in the air or space, such as aircraft, drones, helicopters, HAPS, balloons, and satellites, or objects that exist on or under the sea, such as ships and submarines, may operate as the terminal device 30.

[0122] In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the terminal device 30 corresponds to an entity where a wireless link using a frequency that requires permission from the communication control device 60 terminates. However, depending on the functions provided by the terminal device 30 and the network topology applied, the terminal device 30 may operate in the same manner as the communication device 40. In other words, depending on the network topology, a communication device 40 such as a wireless access point or a base station device may correspond to the terminal device 30. Furthermore, a terminal device 30 such as a smartphone may also correspond to the communication device 40.

[0123] The communication control device 60 is typically a device that determines, authorizes, instructs, and / or manages communication parameters of the communication device 40. For example, database servers called TVWSDB (TV White Space Database), GLDB (Geolocation database), SAS (Spectrum Access System), and AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) correspond to the communication control device 60. In other words, a database server that has authority and a role such as authenticating and supervising radio wave usage related to secondary usage of frequencies can be considered to be the communication control device 60. The communication control device 60 corresponds to, for example, the above-mentioned frequency management device (see FIG. 4).

[0124] A database server having a role different from the above-mentioned role also corresponds to the communication control device 60. For example, a control device that controls radio wave interference between communication devices, such as the Spectrum Manager (SM) in EN 303 387 of the ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), the Coexistence Manager (CM) in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.19.1-2018, or the Coexistence Manager (CxM) in CBRSA-TS-2001, also corresponds to the communication control device 60.

[0125] Furthermore, for example, a Registered Location Secure Server (RLSS) defined in IEEE 802.11-2016 also corresponds to the communication control device 60. In other words, without being limited to these examples, an entity that determines communication parameters of the communication device 40, grants permission to use, issues instructions, and / or manages the communication parameters can also correspond to the communication control device 60. Basically, the communication device 40 is the control target of the communication control device 60, but the communication control device 60 may also control the terminal device 30 under the control of the communication device 40.

[0126] A combination of multiple database servers with different roles as described above also corresponds to the communication control device 60. For example, the CBRS Alliance SAS (CSAS), which is a combination of SAS and CxM as specified in CBRSA-TS-2001, can also be considered as the communication control device 60.

[0127] The communication control device 60 can also be realized by installing software having the same functions as a database server in one database server. For example, an SAS equipped with functions or software equivalent to a CxM can also be considered as the communication control device 60.

[0128] There may be multiple communication control devices 60 with similar roles. When there are multiple communication control devices 60 with similar roles, at least one of the following three types of decision-making topologies may be applied to the communication control devices 60: - Autonomous Decision-Making - Centralized Decision-Making - Distributed Decision-Making

[0129] Autonomous decision-making is a decision-making topology in which a decision-making entity (decision-making entity, in this case, a communication control device) makes decisions independently of other decision-making entities. The communication control device 60 independently performs necessary frequency allocation and interference control calculations. For example, autonomous decision-making can be applied when multiple communication control devices 60_3 and 60_4 are arranged in a distributed manner as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which multiple communication control devices 60 are arranged in a distributed manner.

[0130] Centralized decision-making is a decision-making topology in which a decision-making entity delegates decision-making to another decision-making entity. When centralized decision-making is implemented, a model such as that shown in Fig. 8 is assumed. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example in which multiple communication control devices 60 are arranged in a distributed manner.

[0131] 8 shows a model (so-called master-slave type) in which one communication control device 60_5 centrally controls multiple communication control devices 60_6 and 60_7. In this case, the master communication control device 60_5 controls the multiple slave communication control devices 60_6 and 60_7 and can make decisions in a centralized manner.

[0132] Distributed decision-making is a decision-making topology in which a decision-making entity cooperates with another decision-making entity to make decisions. For example, in a case where multiple communication control devices 60_3 and 60_4 are arranged as shown in FIG. 8, mutual adjustment and negotiation of the decision-making results after each device makes a decision can be considered "distributed decision-making." Furthermore, in a model such as that shown in FIG. 8, for example, the master communication control device 60_5 dynamically delegates or revokes decision-making authority to each of the slave communication control devices 60_6 and 60_7 for the purpose of load balancing, etc., can also be considered "distributed decision-making."

[0133] In a scenario where centralized decision-making and distributed decision-making are applied, an implementation such as that shown in FIG. 9 is also possible as a modified example.

[0134] 9 is a diagram showing another example in which a plurality of communication control devices 60 are distributed. The master communication control device 60_8 may be externally located, and an intermediate device that bundles the communication device 40_7 and the plurality of communication devices 40_8 to 40_10 may act as the slave communication control devices 60_9 and 60_10.

[0135] The master communication control device 60_8 does not need to control the communication devices 40 bundled by the slave communication control devices 60_9 and 60_10, that is, the secondary system configured by the slave communication control devices 60_9 and 60_10.

[0136] To fulfill its role, the communication control device 60 can obtain necessary information from entities other than the communication device 40 and the terminal device 30. For example, the communication control device 60 can obtain information necessary for protecting the primary system (primary communication system) from a database (regulatory database) managed and operated by a national or regional radio regulatory agency (NRA: National Regulatory Authority). An example of a regulatory database is the Universal Licensing System (ULS) operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

[0137] Examples of information necessary for protecting the primary system may include, for example, location information of the primary system, communication parameters of the primary system, out-of-band emission limit, adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR), adjacent channel selectivity, fading margin, and / or protection ratio (PR), etc. In areas where fixed values ​​and acquisition / derivation methods are prescribed by law or the like to protect the primary system, it is desirable to use the information prescribed by this law or the like as information necessary for protecting the primary system.

[0138] Another example of a regulatory database is a database that records communication devices 40 and terminals that have received compliance certification, such as the Equipment Authorization System (EAS) managed by the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) of the FCC. From such a regulatory database, it is possible to obtain information about the operable frequencies of the communication devices 40 and terminals, information about the maximum EIRP, and the like. Naturally, the communication control device 60 may use this information to protect the primary system.

[0139] As another example, it is also possible to acquire radio wave sensing information from a radio wave sensing system installed and operated for the purpose of detecting radio waves from the primary communication system. As a specific example, in the U.S. CBRS, the communication control device 60 acquires radio wave detection information from the shipboard radar, which is the primary system, from a radio wave sensing system called Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC). Furthermore, if the communication device 40 or the terminal has a sensing function, the communication control device 60 may acquire radio wave detection information from the primary system from them.

[0140] It is also conceivable that the communication control device 60 acquires activity information of the primary system from a portal system that manages activity information of the primary system. As a specific example, in the U.S. CBRS, the communication control device 60 acquires activity information of the primary system from a calendar-type system called the Informing Incumbent Portal. Based on the acquired activity information, a protection area called a DPA (Dynamic Protection Area) is activated to protect the primary system. A similar method is also used to protect the primary system with an equivalent system called an IIC (Informing Incumbent Capability).

[0141] The interface between each entity may be wired or wireless. For example, the interface between the communication control device 60 and the communication device 40 may be not only a wired line, but also a wireless interface that does not depend on frequency sharing. Examples of wireless interfaces that do not depend on frequency sharing include wireless communication lines provided by mobile communication carriers via licensed bands and Wi-Fi (registered trademark) communication that uses existing license-exempt bands.

[0142] 2-3. Example of the Configuration of the Terminal Device The terminal device 30 is a communication device (wireless system) that performs wireless communication with the communication device 40 or other terminal devices 30. The terminal device 30 is a type of information processing device.

[0143] The terminal device 30 of this embodiment is typically a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device is a wireless communication device that can be moved (i.e., a portable / mobile wireless communication device). For example, the mobile communication device is a communication device that can fly (a flying communication device). Alternatively, the mobile communication device is a communication device that can travel on the ground (a traveling communication device). In the following description, not only mobile wireless communication devices but also portable wireless communication devices are referred to as mobile communication devices.

[0144] In addition, when the terminal device 30 is a mobile communication device, the terminal device 30 may be a wireless communication device installed in a mobile object, or may be the mobile object itself. The terminal device 30 may be a vehicle that moves on a road, such as an automobile, bus, truck, or motorcycle, or may be a wireless communication device mounted on the vehicle. The mobile object may be a mobile terminal, or may be a mobile object that moves on land (ground in the narrow sense), underground, on water, or underwater. The mobile object may be a mobile object that moves within the atmosphere, such as an airplane, airship, balloon, or helicopter, or may be a mobile object that moves outside the atmosphere, such as an artificial satellite. The mobile object may be a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) such as a drone. The terminal device 30 may also be a wireless communication device mounted on the mobile object.

[0145] The terminal device 30 may be any other non-terrestrial communication device (non-terrestrial station). The non-terrestrial communication device is a communication device that can float in the air or space. In this case, the terminal device 30 may be an aircraft station or a satellite station.

[0146] An aircraft station is a wireless communication device capable of floating in the atmosphere of an aircraft or the like. The aircraft station may be a device mounted on the aircraft or the like, or may be the aircraft itself. The concept of aircraft includes not only heavier-than-air vehicles such as airplanes and gliders, but also lighter-than-air vehicles such as balloons and airships. The concept of aircraft includes not only heavier-than-air vehicles or lighter-than-air vehicles, but also rotorcraft such as helicopters and autogyros. The aircraft station, or an aircraft equipped with an aircraft station, may be an unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone.

[0147] The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and tethered unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes lighter than air UAS (LTA) and heavier than air UAS (HTA). The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes high altitude unmanned aerial system platforms (HAPs).

[0148] A satellite station is a satellite station capable of floating outside the atmosphere. The satellite station may be a device mounted on a space vehicle such as an artificial satellite, or may be the space vehicle itself. A space vehicle is a vehicle that moves outside the atmosphere. Examples of space vehicles include artificial celestial bodies such as artificial satellites, spacecraft, space stations, and probes. A satellite that serves as a satellite station may be a low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellite, a medium Earth orbiting (MEO) satellite, a geostationary Earth orbiting (GEO) satellite, or a highly elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellite. The satellite station may be a device mounted on a low Earth orbit satellite, a medium Earth orbit satellite, a geostationary satellite, or a highly elliptical orbit satellite.

[0149] Alternatively, any type of information processing device (computer) can be used as the terminal device 30. For example, the terminal device 30 may be a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a notebook PC. The terminal device 30 may also be an imaging device (e.g., a camcorder) equipped with a communication function. The terminal device 30 may also be a motorcycle or a mobile broadcast vehicle equipped with a communication device such as a field pickup unit (FPU). The terminal device 30 may also be a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0150] Furthermore, the terminal device 30 may be an xR device such as an AR (Augmented Reality) device, a VR (Virtual Reality) device, or an MR (Mixed Reality) device. In this case, the xR device may be a glasses-type device such as AR glasses or MR glasses, or a head-mounted device such as a VR head-mounted display. When the terminal device 30 is an xR device, the terminal device 30 may be a standalone device consisting only of a part worn by a user (e.g., a glasses part). Furthermore, the terminal device 30 may be a terminal-linked device consisting of a part worn by a user (e.g., a glasses part) and a terminal part (e.g., a smart device) linked to the part worn by a user.

[0151] The terminal device 30 is not limited to a mobile communication device (portable / mobile communication device). The terminal device 30 may be a fixed communication device installed in a structure. The terminal device 30 may be a sensor installed in a factory machine or building, such as a so-called MTC (Machine Type Communication).

[0152] The terminal device 30 may also be an M2M (Machine to Machine) device or an IoT (Internet of Things) device. The terminal device 30 may also be a device equipped with a relay communication function, such as D2D (Device to Device) or V2X (Vehicle to Everything). The terminal device 30 may also be a device called CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) used in wireless backhaul or the like. A communication device 40 (described later) can also be considered a type of terminal device 30.

[0153] The terminal device 30 may be capable of non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) communication with the communication device 40. The terminal device 30 may use an automatic repeat retransmission technique such as hybrid automatic repeat reQuest (HARQ) when communicating with another communication device (e.g., the communication device 40). The terminal device 30 may be capable of sidelink communication with another terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 may use an automatic repeat retransmission technique such as HARQ when performing sidelink communication. The terminal device 30 may be capable of NOMA communication when performing sidelink communication with another terminal device 30. The terminal device 30 may be capable of low power wide area (LPWA) communication with another wireless communication device such as the communication device 40. The wireless communication used by the terminal device 30 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. The wireless communication used by the terminal device 30, including sidelink communication, may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared or visible light, i.e., optical wireless.

[0154] The terminal device 30 may be capable of connecting to and communicating with a plurality of communication devices 40 or a plurality of cells simultaneously. When one communication device 40 supports a communication area via a plurality of cells (for example, pCell or sCell), the plurality of cells can be bundled together by carrier aggregation (CA) technology, dual connectivity (DC) technology, multi-connectivity (MC) technology, or the like, and communication can be performed between the communication device 40 and the terminal device 30. Alternatively, communication can be performed between the terminal device 30 and the plurality of communication devices 40 via cells of different communication devices 40 by coordinated multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology.

[0155] The terminal device 30 may be a relay terminal that relays communication to a remote terminal. The terminal device 30 may be called User Equipment, User Terminal, User Station, Mobile Terminal, Mobile Station, etc. The terminal device 30 may also be called, for example, MTC UE, NB-IoT UE, or Cat. M UE. The terminal device 30 may also be called a Client Device.

[0156] In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the terminal device 30 corresponds to an entity that terminates a wireless link using a frequency that requires permission from the communication control device 60. However, depending on the functions provided by the terminal device 30 and the network topology applied, the terminal device 30 may operate in the same manner as a communication device. In other words, when implementing the technology disclosed in this embodiment, a communication device may be called a terminal device, or a terminal device may be called a communication device, depending on the network topology.

[0157] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 30 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 30 includes a wireless communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a control unit 33. The configuration shown in Fig. 10 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the terminal device 30 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated units.

[0158] The wireless communication unit 31 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, the communication device 40 or another terminal device 30). The wireless communication unit 31 is controlled by the control unit 33. The wireless communication unit 31 supports one or more wireless access methods. The wireless communication unit 31 may support at least one of NR, LTE, and 6G. In addition to NR, LTE, and 6G, the wireless communication unit 31 may also support W-CDMA, cdma2000, and the like. The wireless communication unit 31 may also support automatic retransmission techniques such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest).

[0159] The wireless communication unit 31 may be configured to be capable of communication using a wireless access technology (wireless communication method) other than LTE, NR, or 6G. For example, the wireless communication unit 31 may be configured to be compatible with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The terminal device 30 may also be configured to be capable of communication using LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication. Alternatively, the terminal device 30 may be configured to be capable of communication using wireless communication of a proprietary standard.

[0160] Here, LPWA communication refers to wireless communication that enables low-power, wide-range communication. For example, LPWA wireless refers to IoT (Internet of Things) wireless communication using a specific low-power radio (e.g., the 920 MHz band) or the ISM (Industry-Science-Medical) band. Note that the LPWA communication used by the terminal device 30 may be compliant with the LPWA standard. Examples of LPWA standards include ELTRES, ZETA, SIGFOX, LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT. Of course, the LPWA standard is not limited to these, and other LPWA standards may also be used.

[0161] The wireless communication unit 31 includes a transmission processing unit 311, a reception processing unit 312, and an antenna 313. The wireless communication unit 31 may include multiple transmission processing units 311, multiple reception processing units 312, and multiple antennas 313. If the wireless communication unit 31 supports multiple wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 31 may be configured separately for each wireless access method. The transmission processing unit 311 and the reception processing unit 312 may be configured separately for LTE, NR, and 6G. The antenna 313 may be configured with multiple antenna elements, for example, multiple patch antennas. The wireless communication unit 31 may have a beamforming function. For example, the wireless communication unit 31 may have a polarization beamforming function using vertical polarization (V polarization) and horizontal polarization (H polarization) (or a polarization beamforming function using dual polarization in polarization directions 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction).

[0162] The storage unit 32 is a storage device that can read and write data, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0163] The control unit 33 is a controller (or circuit) that controls each unit of the terminal device 30. The control unit 33 controls the wireless communication unit 31 to perform wireless communication with another wireless communication device (e.g., the communication device 40 or another terminal device 30). The control unit 33 may be implemented by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. In particular, the control unit 33 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device internal to the terminal device 30 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 33 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered controllers. The control unit 33 may also be implemented by a GPU. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA, and GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 33 may be composed of multiple physically separated entities. For example, the control unit 33 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0164] <2-4. Example of configuration of communication device> The communication device 40 is a communication device (wireless system) that performs wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, terminal device 30 or another communication device 40). The communication device 40 may perform wireless communication with the terminal device 30 via a relay station, or may perform wireless communication directly with the terminal device 30. The communication device 40 is a type of information processing device. The communication device 40 is also a type of base station.

[0165] The communication device 40 is a device equivalent to a radio base station (e.g., a base station, a node B, an eNB, a gNB, or a 6GNB) or a radio access point. The communication device 40 may be a radio relay station. The communication device 40 may be an optical device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). The communication device 40 may be a receiving station such as an FPU (Field Pickup Unit). The communication device 40 may be an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) donor node or an IAB relay node that provides radio access lines and radio backhaul lines by time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0166] The wireless access technology used by the communication device 40 may be cellular communication technology. The wireless access technology used by the communication device 40 may be wireless LAN technology. The wireless access technology used by the communication device 40 may be low-power wide area (LPWA) communication technology. However, the wireless access technology used by the communication device 40 is not limited to these and may be other wireless access technologies. The wireless communication used by the communication device 40 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves or wireless communication using terahertz waves. The wireless communication used by the communication device 40 may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared or visible light (optical wireless). Furthermore, the communication device 40 may be capable of NOMA (Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access) communication with the terminal device 30. Here, NOMA communication refers to communication (transmission, reception, or both) using non-orthogonal resources. Note that the communication device 40 may be capable of NOMA communication with other communication devices 40.

[0167] The communication device 40 may be capable of communicating with the core network via a base station-core network interface (e.g., NG Interface, S1 Interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless. Furthermore, a base station may be capable of communicating with other base stations via an inter-base station interface (e.g., Xn Interface, X2 Interface, F1 Interface, etc.). This interface may be either wired or wireless.

[0168] The concept of a base station (also called a "base station device") includes not only a donor base station but also a relay base station (also called a "relay station"). A relay base station may be any one of an RF Repeater, a Smart Repeater, and an Intelligent Surface. The concept of a base station includes not only a structure with base station functions but also equipment installed in the structure.

[0169] Examples of structures include high-rise buildings, houses, steel towers, station facilities, airport facilities, port facilities, office buildings, school buildings, hospitals, factories, commercial facilities, stadiums, and other buildings. The concept of a structure includes not only buildings, but also non-building structures such as tunnels, bridges, dams, fences, and steel pillars, as well as equipment such as cranes, gates, and wind turbines. The concept of a structure includes not only land (ground in the narrow sense) or underground structures, but also water-based structures such as piers or megafloats, and underwater structures such as ocean observation facilities. A base station can also be referred to as an information processing device.

[0170] The communication device 40 may be a donor station or a relay station (relay station). The communication device 40 may also be a fixed station or a mobile station. A mobile station is a wireless communication device (e.g., a base station) configured to be mobile. In this case, the communication device 40 may be a device installed in a mobile body, or may be the mobile body itself. For example, a relay station with mobility can be considered as the communication device 40 as a mobile station. Furthermore, devices that are inherently mobile and have base station functionality (at least part of the base station functionality), such as vehicles, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) represented by drones, and smartphones, also fall under the category of the communication device 40 as a mobile station.

[0171] Here, the moving body may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. The moving body may be a moving body that moves on land (ground in the narrow sense) (e.g., a vehicle such as an automobile, bicycle, bus, truck, motorcycle, train, or linear motor car), or a moving body that moves underground (e.g., in a tunnel) (e.g., a subway). The moving body may also be a moving body that moves on water (e.g., a ship such as a passenger ship, cargo ship, or hovercraft), or a moving body that moves underwater (e.g., a submersible vessel such as a submarine, submarine, or unmanned underwater vehicle). The moving body may also be a moving body that moves within the atmosphere (e.g., an aircraft such as an airplane, airship, or drone).

[0172] The communication device 40 may be a terrestrial base station (ground station) installed on the ground. The communication device 40 may be a base station located on a structure on the ground, or a base station installed on a mobile object moving on the ground. The communication device 40 may be an antenna installed on a structure such as a building and a signal processing device connected to the antenna. The communication device 40 may be the structure or the mobile object itself. "Ground" refers not only to land (ground in the narrow sense) but also to ground, on water, and underwater in a broad sense. The communication device 40 is not limited to a terrestrial base station. If the communication system 2 is a satellite communication system, the communication device 40 may be an aircraft station. From the perspective of a satellite station, an aircraft station located on Earth is a ground station.

[0173] The communication device 40 is not limited to a ground station. The communication device 40 may be a non-terrestrial base station device (non-terrestrial station) that can float in the air or space. The communication device 40 may be an aircraft station or a satellite station.

[0174] As described above, the communication device 40 may be a relay station. A relay station may be, for example, an aircraft station or an earth station. A relay station device may be considered a type of the above-mentioned relay device. An aircraft station is a radio station installed on the ground or on a mobile object moving on the ground to communicate with an aircraft station device. An earth station is a radio station located on the earth (including in the air) to communicate with a satellite station device. An earth station may be a large earth station or a small earth station such as a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal).

[0175] The earth station may be a VSAT control earth station (also referred to as a master station or a hub station) or a VSAT earth station (also referred to as a slave station). The earth station may also be a radio station installed on a moving object moving on the ground. For example, an earth station installed on a ship may be an earth station on board a vessel (ESV: Earth Stations on Board Vessels). The earth station may also include an aircraft earth station installed on an aircraft (including a helicopter) that communicates with a satellite station. The earth station may also include an aircraft earth station installed on a moving object moving on the ground that communicates with an aircraft earth station via a satellite station. The relay station device may also be a portable, mobile radio station that communicates with a satellite station or an aircraft station.

[0176] The size of the coverage of the communication device 40 may be relatively large, such as a macrocell, or relatively small, such as a picocell. The size of the coverage of the communication device 40 may be extremely small, such as a femtocell. The communication device 40 may have a beamforming function. The communication device 40 may form a cell or service area for each beam. Additionally or alternatively, the communication device 40 may have a function to pinpoint a desired wave to a specific point by further considering distance information from the antenna of the communication device 40, in addition to beamforming, which gives directionality to the beam. This function may be called beam focusing or point forming.

[0177] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication device 40 according to this embodiment. The communication device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a control unit 43. However, the configuration shown in Fig. 11 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the communication device 40 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated components.

[0178] The wireless communication unit 41 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, the terminal device 30 or another communication device 40). The wireless communication unit 41 is controlled by the control unit 43. The wireless communication unit 41 supports one or more wireless access methods. The wireless communication unit 41 may support at least one of NR, LTE, and 6G. In addition to NR, LTE, and 6G, the wireless communication unit 41 may also support W-CDMA, cdma2000, and the like. The wireless communication unit 41 may also support automatic retransmission techniques such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest).

[0179] The wireless communication unit 41 includes a transmission processing unit 411, a reception processing unit 412, and an antenna 413. The wireless communication unit 41 may include multiple transmission processing units 411, multiple reception processing units 412, and multiple antennas 413. If the wireless communication unit 41 supports multiple wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 41 may be configured separately for each wireless access method. The transmission processing unit 411 and the reception processing unit 412 may be configured separately for LTE, NR, and 6G. The antenna 413 may be configured with multiple antenna elements, for example, multiple patch antennas. The wireless communication unit 41 may have a beamforming function. For example, the wireless communication unit 41 may have a polarization beamforming function using vertical polarization (V polarization) and horizontal polarization (H polarization) (or a polarization beamforming function using dual polarization in polarization directions 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction).

[0180] The transmission processing unit 411 performs transmission processing of the downlink control information and downlink data. For example, the transmission processing unit 411 encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the control unit 43 using a coding method such as block coding, convolutional coding, or turbo coding. Here, the encoding may be performed using polar codes or low density parity check codes (LDPC codes). The transmission processing unit 411 then modulates the coded bits using a predetermined modulation method such as BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, or 256QAM. In this case, the signal points on the constellation do not necessarily need to be equidistant. The constellation may be a non-uniform constellation (NUC). The transmission processing unit 411 then multiplexes the modulation symbols of each channel and the downlink reference signal and allocates them to predetermined resource elements. The transmission processing unit 411 then performs various signal processing on the multiplexed signal. For example, the transmission processing unit 411 performs processes such as conversion to the frequency domain by fast Fourier transform, addition of a guard interval (cyclic prefix), generation of a baseband digital signal, conversion to an analog signal, quadrature modulation, up-conversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, power amplification, etc. The signal generated by the transmission processing unit 411 is transmitted from an antenna 413.

[0181] The reception processing unit 412 processes the uplink signal received via the antenna 413. For example, the reception processing unit 412 performs downconversion, removal of unnecessary frequency components, control of amplification level, quadrature demodulation, conversion to a digital signal, removal of guard intervals (cyclic prefixes), extraction of frequency domain signals by fast Fourier transform, and the like on the uplink signal. The reception processing unit 412 then separates uplink channels such as PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) and uplink reference signals from the processed signal. The reception processing unit 412 also demodulates the received signal using a modulation method such as BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) or QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) for the modulation symbols of the uplink channel. The modulation method used for demodulation may be 16QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), 64QAM, or 256QAM. In this case, the signal points on the constellation do not necessarily have to be equidistant. The constellation may be a non-uniform constellation (NUC). The reception processing unit 412 then performs decoding processing on the coded bits of the demodulated uplink channel. The decoded uplink data and uplink control information are output to the control unit 43.

[0182] The antenna 413 is an antenna device that converts electric current and radio waves into each other. The antenna 413 may be configured with a single antenna element, for example, a single patch antenna. The antenna 413 may be configured with multiple antenna elements, for example, multiple patch antennas. When the antenna 413 is configured with multiple antenna elements, the wireless communication unit 41 may have a beamforming function. The wireless communication unit 41 may be configured to generate a directional beam by controlling the directivity of a wireless signal using the multiple antenna elements. The antenna 413 may be a dual-polarized antenna. When the antenna 413 is a dual-polarized antenna, the wireless communication unit 41 may use vertical polarization (V polarization) and horizontal polarization (H polarization) (or dual polarization with polarization directions at 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction) when transmitting a wireless signal. The wireless communication unit 41 may control the directivity of a wireless signal transmitted using vertical polarization and horizontal polarization (or dual polarization with polarization directions at 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction). Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 41 may transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals via multiple layers each made up of multiple antenna elements.

[0183] The storage unit 42 is a storage device that can read and write data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0184] The control unit 43 is a controller (or circuit) that controls each unit of the communication device 40. The control unit 43 controls the wireless communication unit 41 to perform wireless communication with another wireless communication device (e.g., the terminal device 30 or another communication device 40). The control unit 43 may be implemented by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. Specifically, the control unit 43 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the communication device 40 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 43 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 43 may also be implemented by a GPU. A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, and a GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 43 may be configured by multiple physically separated entities. For example, the control unit 43 may be configured by multiple semiconductor chips.

[0185] In some embodiments, the communication device 40 may be configured as a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. As an example, the communication device 40 of this embodiment may be divided into multiple devices such as a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU). The communication device 40 may be interpreted as a collection of these multiple devices. Furthermore, a base station may be either a BBU or an RU, or both. The BBU and the RU may be connected by a predetermined interface such as an enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI).

[0186] The RU may be referred to as an RRU (Remote Radio Unit) or an RD (Radio DoT). The RU may correspond to a gNB-DU (gNB Distributed Unit) described later. The BBU may correspond to a gNB-CU (gNB Central Unit) described later. The RU may be a device integrally formed with an antenna. The antenna of the communication device 40, for example, an antenna integrally formed with the RU, may employ an Advanced Antenna System and support MIMO such as FD-MIMO or beamforming. The antenna of the communication device 40 may include, for example, 64 transmitting antenna ports and 64 receiving antenna ports.

[0187] The antenna mounted on the RU may be an antenna panel consisting of one or more antenna elements, and the RU may be equipped with one or more antenna panels. The RU may be equipped with two types of antenna panels, a horizontally polarized antenna panel and a vertically polarized antenna panel. The RU may be equipped with two types of antenna panels, a right-handed circularly polarized antenna panel and a left-handed circularly polarized antenna panel, or an antenna panel with a polarization direction at 45 degrees from the vertical direction and an antenna panel with a polarization direction at -45 degrees from the vertical direction. Multiple antennas with these multiple polarization directions may be mounted on a single antenna panel. The RU may form and control an independent beam for each antenna panel.

[0188] A plurality of communication devices 40 may be connected to each other. One or more communication devices 40 may be included in a radio access network (RAN). In this case, the communication device 40 may be simply referred to as a RAN, a RAN node, an AN (Access Network), an AN node, or the like. The RAN in LTE may be called an Enhanced Universal Terrestrial RAN (EUTRAN). The RAN in NR may be called an NGRAN. Furthermore, the RAN in 6G may be called a 6GRAN. The RAN in W-CDMA (UMTS) may be called a UTRAN.

[0189] The LTE communication device 40 may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. In this case, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). The NR communication device 40 may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. In this case, the NGRAN includes one or more gNBs. A 6G base station may be referred to as a 6GNodeB, 6gNodeB, 6GNB, or 6gNB. In this case, the 6GRAN includes one or more 6GNBs. The EUTRAN may include a gNB (en-gNB) connected to a core network (EPC) in an LTE communication system (EPS). The NGRAN may include an ng-eNB connected to a core network 5GC in a 5G communication system (5GS).

[0190] When the communication device 40 is an eNB, gNB, 6GNB, or the like, the communication device 40 may be referred to as a 3GPP (registered trademark) access device. When the communication device 40 is a wireless access point, the communication device 40 may be referred to as a non-3GPP access device. The communication device 40 may be an optical extension device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). When the communication device 40 is a gNB, the communication device 40 may be a combination of the gNB-CU and gNB-DU described above, or may be either a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.

[0191] Here, the gNB-CU hosts multiple upper layers (e.g., RRC (Radio Resource Control), SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol), PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol)) of the access stratum for communication with the UE. On the other hand, the gNB-DU hosts multiple lower layers (e.g., RLC (Radio Link Control), MAC (Medium Access Control), PHY (Physical layer)) of the access stratum. That is, among the messages / information described below, RRC signaling (semi-static notification) is generated by the gNB-CU, while MAC The CE and DCI (dynamic notification) may be generated by the gNB-DU. Alternatively, some configurations of the RRC configuration (semi-static notification), such as IE:cellGroupConfig, may be generated by the gNB-DU, and the remaining configurations may be generated by the gNB-CU. These configurations may be transmitted and received via the F1 interface described below.

[0192] The communication device 40 may be configured to be able to communicate with other base stations. When multiple communication devices 40 are eNBs or a combination of an eNB and an en-gNB, these communication devices 40 may be connected via an X2 interface. When multiple communication devices 40 are gNBs or a combination of a gn-eNB and a gNB, these communication devices 40 may be connected via an Xn interface. When multiple communication devices 40 are a combination of a gNB-CU and a gNB-DU, these communication devices 40 may be connected via the above-mentioned F1 interface. Messages / information (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC Control Element (CE), or Downlink Control Information (DCI)) described below may be transmitted between multiple communication devices 40 via, for example, an X2 interface, an Xn interface, or an F1 interface.

[0193] A cell provided by the communication device 40 may be referred to as a serving cell. The concept of a serving cell includes a PCell (Primary Cell) and an SCell (Secondary Cell). When dual connectivity is provided to the terminal device 30, the PCell and zero or more SCells provided by a Master Node (MN) may be referred to as a Master Cell Group. Examples of dual connectivity include EUTRA-EUTRA Dual Connectivity, EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (ENDC), EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity with 5GC, NR-EUTRA Dual Connectivity (NEDC), and NR-NR Dual Connectivity. Further examples of dual connectivity include NR-6G Dual Connectivity and 6G-NR Dual Connectivity.

[0194] The serving cell may include a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell or Primary SCG Cell). When dual connectivity is provided to the terminal device 30, the PSCell and zero or more SCells provided by a Secondary Node (SN) may be referred to as a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). Unless special configuration (e.g., PUCCH on SCell) is performed, the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is transmitted by the PCell and PSCell but not by the SCell. Radio link failure is detected by the PCell and PSCell but not (does not need to be detected by) the SCell. As such, the PCell and PSCell play special roles among serving cells and are therefore also referred to as Special Cells (SpCells).

[0195] One cell may be associated with one downlink component carrier and one uplink component carrier. The system bandwidth corresponding to one cell may be divided into multiple BWPs (Bandwidth Parts). In this case, one or multiple BWPs may be configured in the terminal device 30, and one BWP may be used by the terminal device 30 as an active BWP. Radio resources available to the terminal device 30, such as frequency bands, numerology (subcarrier spacing), or slot configurations, may differ for each cell, component carrier, or BWP.

[0196] 2-5. Example of configuration of communication control device The communication control device 60 is a device that manages communication of a communication device (for example, terminal device 30 or communication device 40). For example, the communication control device 60 is a device that controls wireless communication of the terminal device 30 or communication device 40. For example, the communication control device 60 is a device that determines communication parameters (also referred to as operating parameters) used by the communication device 40 and issues permission or instructions to the terminal device 30 or communication device 40. Note that the communication control device 60 may control wireless communication of the terminal device 30 directly or via the communication device 40. The communication control device 60 is a type of information processing device. The communication control device 60 has the function of the frequency management device described above. That is, the communication control device 60 is an example of the frequency management device described above.

[0197] The communication control device 60 is, for example, a server / system called a TV White Space Database (TVWSDB), a Geolocation database (GLDB), a Spectrum Access System (SAS), or an Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC).

[0198] The communication control device 60 may also be a network manager that performs integrated control of wireless devices within a network. Taking ETSI EN 303 387 and IEEE 802.19.1-2018 as examples, the communication control device 60 may also be a control device such as a spectrum manager / coexistence manager that controls radio interference between wireless devices.

[0199] Furthermore, for example, a Registered Location Secure Server (RLSS) defined in IEEE 802.11-2016 can also be the communication control device 60.

[0200] In a frequency sharing environment, a database (database server, device, system) such as a geo-location database (GLDB) or a spectrum access system (SAS) can also be the communication control device 60. An automated frequency coordination (AFC) system can also be the communication control device 60.

[0201] Of course, the communication control device 60 is not limited to these examples. An entity that instructs and / or manages frequency sharing may be called a communication control device. Also, an entity that determines and / or authorizes communication parameters of a communication device may be called a communication control device.

[0202] If the communication system 2 is a cellular communication system, the communication control device 60 may be a device that configures a core network. The core network CN is, for example, an EPC (Evolved Packet Core) or a 5GC (5G Core network).

[0203] If the core network is EPC, the communication control device 60 may be, for example, a device having a function as an MME (Mobility Management Entity). Also, if the core network is 5GC, the communication control device 60 may be, for example, a device having a function as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) or an SMF (Session Management Function).

[0204] Even if the communication system 2 is a cellular communication system, the communication control device 60 does not necessarily have to be a device that constitutes a core network. For example, the communication control device 60 may be a device that has the function of an RNC (Radio Network Controller).

[0205] The communication control device 60 may have a gateway function. For example, if the core network is EPC, the communication control device 60 may be a device having a function as an S-GW (Serving Gateway) or P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway). If the core network is 5GC, the communication control device 60 may be a device having a function as a UPF (User Plane Function). The communication control device 60 may be an SMF, PCF, UDM, or the like. The core network CN may include an SMF, PCF, UDM, or the like.

[0206] The communication control device 60 does not necessarily have to be a device that constitutes a core network. For example, assume that the core network is a W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) or cdma2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000) core network. In this case, the communication control device 60 may be a device that functions as an RNC (Radio Network Controller).

[0207] The communication control device 60 may be connected to each of the multiple communication devices 40. For example, in the case of 5GC, an N2 reference point exists between the AMF and the NG-RAN, and the AMF and the NG-RAN are logically connected to each other via the NG interface.

[0208] The communication control device 60 manages the communications of the terminal device 30 or the communication device 40. For example, the communication control device 60 may manage the location of the terminal device 30 for each terminal device 30 in area units consisting of multiple cells (for example, a Tracking Area or a RAN Notification Area). Note that the communication control device 60 may grasp and manage, for each terminal device 30, which communication device 40 (or which cell) the terminal device 30 is connected to, which communication device 40 (or which cell) the terminal device 30 is located within the communication area of, etc.

[0209] The control targets of the communication control device 60 are basically the terminal devices 30 or the communication devices 40, but it may also control wireless communication devices subordinate to them. The communication control device 60 may also control multiple secondary systems. In this case, the communication system 2 can be considered as a system comprising multiple secondary systems.

[0210] In order to perform its role, the communication control device 60 can acquire necessary information from entities other than the terminal device 30 and the communication device 40. Specifically, the communication control device 60 can acquire information necessary for protection, such as location information of the primary system, from a database (regulatory database) managed and operated by a national or regional radio administration agency (NRA: National Regulatory Authority).

[0211] An example of a regulatory database is the Universal Licensing System (ULS) operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

[0212] Examples of information necessary for protection may include, for example, location information of the primary system, communication parameters of the primary system, out-of-band emission limit (OOBE), adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR), adjacent channel selectivity, fading margin, and / or protection ratio (PR), etc. For these examples, if fixed values ​​or methods for obtaining or deriving them are specified by legislation, etc., it is desirable to use those values.

[0213] As another example, it is also conceivable that the communication control device 60 acquires radio wave sensing information from a radio wave sensing system that is installed and operated for the purpose of detecting radio waves from the primary system.

[0214] As a specific example, the communication control device 60 acquires radio wave detection information of the shipboard radar, which is the primary system, from a radio wave sensing system called the Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC) in the U.S. CBRS. In addition, if the communication device or terminal has a sensing function, the communication control device 60 may acquire radio wave detection information of the primary system from them.

[0215] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a communication control device 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication control device 60 includes a communication unit 61, a storage unit 62, and a control unit 63. Note that the configuration illustrated in FIG. 12 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different. Furthermore, the functions of the communication control device 60 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. For example, the communication control device 60 may be configured by multiple server devices.

[0216] The communication unit 61 is a communication interface that communicates with other communication devices (for example, the communication device 40 and the terminal device 30). The communication unit 61 may be a wireless interface or a wired interface. For example, the communication unit 61 is assumed to be a wireless communication interface. In this case, the communication unit 61 may be compatible with one or more wireless access methods. For example, the communication unit 61 may be compatible with both NR and LTE. The communication unit 61 may also be compatible with other wireless access methods, such as W-CDMA or cdma2000.

[0217] The communication unit 61 may also be a communication interface other than a wireless communication interface, in which case the communication unit 61 may be a network interface or a device connection interface.

[0218] For example, the communication unit 61 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or may be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured by a USB host controller, a USB port, etc. Alternatively, the communication unit 61 may have the same configuration as the wireless communication unit 41 of the communication device 40.

[0219] The storage unit 62 is a data readable / writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 62 functions as a storage means of the communication control device 60. The storage unit 62 stores, for example, usage information related to frequency usage rights (Grant).

[0220] The control unit 63 is a controller (or circuit) that controls each unit of the communication control device 60. The control unit 63 is realized by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. For example, the control unit 63 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the communication control device 60 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 63 may also be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. A CPU, MPU, ASIC, and FPGA can all be considered controllers. The control unit 43 may also be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 43 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0221] <<3. Example of Operation of Communication System>> As described above, the communication control device 60 of the communication system 2 is an information processing device that manages radio wave emissions by the communication device 40 based on frequency use rights (e.g., spectrum grants). For example, when deleting one or more frequency use rights held by the communication device 40, the communication control device 60 generates usage information related to each of the one or more frequency use rights.

[0222] Furthermore, the communication control device 60 sets, for example, information for the usage information, and notifies the communication device 40 of the information for the usage information together with information indicating the deletion of one or more frequency usage rights (an example of a deletion notification).

[0223] As will be described later, the communication control device 60 can use the usage information regarding the frequency use right when granting the frequency use right again. This allows the communication control device 60 to newly grant the frequency use right to the communication device 40 in the same state as the state of the frequency use right before the deletion. In other words, the communication control device 60 can restore the state of the frequency use right before the deletion by using the usage information.

[0224] In this way, the usage information can be said to be backup data (backup data for restoration) for restoring the state of the frequency usage rights before deletion.

[0225] The communication device 40 requests re-granting of the frequency use right, including the information set in the usage information. Upon receiving this request, the communication control device 60 grants a new frequency use right that restores the state of the frequency use right before deletion based on the information set in the usage information.

[0226] In this way, the information set for the usage information can be said to be a restoration key used to restore the state of the frequency use right before deletion. Also, the information set for the usage information can be said to be specific information that specifies (identifies) the state of the frequency use right (or usage information) to be restored, i.e., an identifier of the usage information.

[0227] Here, according to the conventional standard, all frequency usage rights are to be deleted when the communication device 40 is deregistered. That is, the communication control device 60 must delete all grant information (an example of usage information) and invalidate the grant ID (identifier of the frequency usage rights) when the communication device 40 is deregistered. For example, in the case of WINNF.FT.S.DRG.5 of WINNF-TS-0061, the behavior when the device is re-registered after deregistration and the grant ID of the deleted grant is used has been verified.

[0228] In this way, when a frequency usage right is deleted and the identifier of this usage right is invalidated, even if the frequency usage right is granted again, the identifier of the deleted usage right will not be set in the frequency usage right that is granted again.

[0229] Therefore, even if the communication control device 60 of this embodiment uses the usage information of the deleted frequency use right to grant a new frequency use right that restores the state of the frequency use right before deletion, the identifiers set for the frequency use right before deletion and the new frequency use right will be different.

[0230] That is, in this embodiment, the frequency use right before deletion and the new frequency use right have at least a part of the same state (e.g., grant information) but different identifiers (e.g., grant ID). Thus, the new frequency use right is not strictly the same as the frequency use right before deletion.

[0231] Therefore, strictly speaking, new frequency usage rights are not granted by "restoring the frequency usage rights before deletion," but by "restoring the state of the frequency usage rights before deletion." Note that, hereinafter, even when "restoring the frequency usage rights before deletion" or "restoring the frequency usage rights" is written, it means "restoring the state of the frequency usage rights before deletion" unless otherwise specified.

[0232] In addition, the frequency usage rights before deletion may be referred to as the "old grant," and the new frequency usage rights that have restored the state of the frequency usage rights before deletion may be referred to as the "new grant."

[0233] In addition, usage information regarding frequency usage rights (information indicating the state before the frequency usage rights are deleted (Grant information)) is also referred to as Grant Context, and information set for the usage information is also referred to as Grant Context identifier.

[0234] As described above, the communication control device 60 according to this embodiment generates and stores a grant context as backup data for restoration when deleting the frequency use right (Grant) due to reasons such as deregistration of the communication device 40. In this way, the communication control device 60 backs up the state of the frequency use right.

[0235] The communication control device 60 notifies the communication device 40 of information related to the backup (for example, a grant context identifier). This allows the communication device 40 to make a frequency use permission grant request again using the grant context identifier.

[0236] Furthermore, by acquiring a frequency use permission grant request including a grant context identifier, the communication control device 60 can restore the frequency use permission that was deleted using this identifier.

[0237] By restoring the state of the frequency use right before deletion, the communication control device 60 can grant the frequency use right and / or permit radio wave emission without waiting for the completion of synchronization processing (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) between multiple communication control devices 60. Therefore, the communication device 40 can emit radio waves again without waiting for the completion of the next synchronization processing. In this way, the communication system 2 according to this embodiment can further reduce the waiting time for radio wave emission of the communication device 40, and can further improve frequency utilization efficiency.

[0238] For example, the current SAS-CBSD interface standard specifies requests related to CBSD (an example of a communication device 40) or grants, and specifies response codes as a means of succinctly notifying the results of processing the requests.

[0239] Assume that a request related to a specific CBSD is sent after the SAS (an example of the communication control device 60) has deregistered from the CBSD for some reason. In this case, the SAS sends a response message to the CBSD. A response code 105 (DEREGISTER) may be used in this response message. The response code 105 is a message containing a response code value (105) indicating deregistration of the CBSD.

[0240] Upon receiving this, CBSD must cease radio transmissions and revoke all frequency usage rights (i.e., grants) it holds.

[0241] For example, if the parameter settings of a received request suggest a configuration error or bug on the CBSD side, one possible use case is for the SAS to cancel the registration in order to resolve the error and prompt the operator or installer to restore the system.

[0242] For example, suppose that the operator or installer completes restoration in a short time (e.g., about 30 minutes during the day) and immediately thereafter the communication device 40 completes the registration process and acquires the right to use the frequency (Grant). Even in this case, in the conventional procedure, the communication device 40 must wait for the completion of the next synchronization process (e.g., CPAS) before it can resume radio wave emission.

[0243] On the other hand, in the communication system 2 according to this embodiment, in order to deal with such a situation, when the communication control device 60 deregisters a communication device 40, it records the state of at least one frequency usage right held by the communication device 40 before the right is deleted.

[0244] The communication control device 60 generates and records, for example, the state before deletion of at least one of the frequency usage rights of the communication device 40 to be deregistered as grant context data (an example of backup data for restoration).

[0245] Then, the communication control device 60 sets the grant context identifier (an example of information about usage information) as a key required to restore the frequency use permission (Grant) using this grant context data. The communication control device 60 (e.g., SAS) notifies the communication device 40 (e.g., CBSD) of a response message using response code 105 (DEREGISTER) (an example of a deletion notification) and including information indicating this grant context identifier. For example, the communication control device 60 notifies the communication device 40 of a pair of information identifying the deleted frequency use permission (e.g., Grant ID) and a string indicating the grant context identifier.

[0246] As a result, the communication device 40 can specify a grant context identifier (an example of information set for usage information) when acquiring frequency use rights again after recovery. Furthermore, by specifying the grant context identifier and requesting the communication control device 60 to reacquire frequency use rights, the communication device 40 can acquire frequency use rights in the same state as the state of the frequency use rights before deletion.

[0247] In other words, if communication device 40 was in a state where radio wave emission was possible at the time the registration was deleted, even if the frequency usage right was newly acquired, radio wave emission will be possible immediately once the state before deletion is restored.

[0248] In addition, if the grant context data relating to all frequency use rights held by the communication device 40 is backed up, the communication device 40 can restore the state of all frequency use rights to the state before the deletion.

[0249] On the other hand, if grant context data relating to some of the frequency usage rights held by the communication device 40 is backed up, the communication device 40 can restore the state of the backed-up frequency usage rights to the state before they were deleted.

[0250] In this case, the communication control device 60 can select a frequency use right to perform backup depending on, for example, the number of frequency use rights held by the communication device 40 and the number of communication devices 40 for which registration is to be deleted.

[0251] Alternatively, as will be described later, when the communication device 40 requests deregistration, it may specify the frequency usage right for backup.

[0252] (Sequence Example) Figure 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of a process for restoring frequency use rights according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first communication control device 60_A corresponds to, for example, a first frequency management device. The second communication control device 60_B corresponds to, for example, a second frequency management device. Note that the same processes as those in Figure 3 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0253] In the example of Figure 13, in step S203, the first communication control device 60_A, which has performed synchronization processing (e.g., CPAS) with the second communication control device 60_B, receives a heartbeat request regarding frequency usage right #1 from the communication device 40 (step S501).

[0254] The first communication control unit 60_A notifies the communication device 40 of a heartbeat response related to the frequency use right #1 (step S502). Here, the first communication control unit 60_A notifies responseCode 0 as the heartbeat response related to the frequency use right #1.

[0255] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device 40 in the frequency use right #1, and the state of the frequency use right #1 transitions from "granted" to "licensed to transmit." By being granted a transmission license, the communication device 40 can emit radio waves in the frequency use right #1.

[0256] Next, the communication device 40 transmits a heartbeat request regarding the frequency use right #2 (step S503).

[0257] The first communication control unit 60_A notifies the communication device 40 of a heartbeat response related to the frequency use right #2 (step S504). Here, the first communication control unit 60_A notifies responseCode 0 as the heartbeat response related to the frequency use right #2.

[0258] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device 40 in the frequency use right #2, and the state of the frequency use right #2 transitions from "granted" to "licensed to transmit." By being granted a transmission license, the communication device 40 can emit radio waves in the frequency use right #2.

[0259] Thereafter, it is assumed that the first communication control unit 60_A deregisters the communication device 40. In this case, the first communication control unit 60_A according to the present embodiment deregisters the communication device 40 and backs up the data (step S505).

[0260] Here, the data backed up by the first communication control device 60_A is usage information (e.g., grant context) related to at least one frequency use right of the communication device 40. Here, the first communication control device 60_A backs up usage information related to all frequency use rights (i.e., first and second frequency use rights) granted to the communication device 40.

[0261] As a result, communication device 40 is deregistered, and the communication device registration status changes from "registered" to "unregistered." As a result, the transmission license for communication device 40 is deleted for frequency use rights #1 and #2, and the status of frequency use rights #1 and #2 changes from "licensed to transmit" to "not held."

[0262] In this state, the communication device 40 is unaware of its own deregistration. Therefore, in order to perform radio wave emission based on the frequency use right #1, the communication device 40 notifies the first communication control device 60_A of a heartbeat request regarding the frequency use right #1 (step S506).

[0263] When the heartbeat request for the frequency use right #1 is notified from the communication device 40, the first communication control device 60_A notifies the communication device 40 of a heartbeat response for the frequency use right #1 (step S507). Since the registration of the communication device 40 has already been cancelled, the first communication control device 60_A makes this response using response code 105 (DEREGISTER).

[0264] At this time, the first communication control device 60_A notifies, for example, information identifying the deleted frequency use right (old use right) (for example, Grant ID) and information indicating the grant context identifier to the communication device 40. For example, the first communication control device 60_A notifies the communication device 40 by including, in a response code 105 (DEREGISTER), a pair of information identifying the deleted frequency use right and a string indicating the grant context identifier.

[0265] For example, the first communication control device 60_A notifies the communication device 40 of information identifying the frequency use permissions #1 and #2 and information indicating the grant context identifiers of the frequency use permissions #1 and #2.

[0266] As a result, the communication device 40 can know that its own registration has been deleted and that the status of the frequency use rights #1 and #2 has transitioned to "not held."

[0267] Upon learning that its registration has been deleted, the communication device 40 performs, for example, a data backup and discards the grant information (step S508).

[0268] Here, the data backed up by the communication device 40 is usage information (e.g., grant context) related to at least one frequency use right of the communication device 40. Here, the communication device 40 backs up usage information related to all frequency use rights that have been granted (i.e., first and second frequency use rights).

[0269] Furthermore, the communication device 40 discards the usage information and the grant ID as grant information. The installer or operator of the communication device 40 takes action to deal with the abnormality as necessary.

[0270] Thereafter, the communication device 40 sends a registration request to the first communication control device 60_A (step S509). In response to this registration request, the first communication control device 60_A sends a registration response to the communication device 40 (step S510). As a result, the communication device 40 is registered again, and the communication device registration state transitions from "unregistered" to "registered."

[0271] Next, the communication device 40 notifies the first communication control device 60_A of a frequency use right restoration request (step S511). This frequency use right restoration request includes a grant context identifier.

[0272] For example, the communication device 40 notifies the first communication control device 60_A of a frequency use permission restoration request including the grant context identifier of the frequency use permission #1 and the grant context identifier of the frequency use permission #2.

[0273] More specifically, the communication device 40 notifies the first communication control device 60_A of, for example, a frequency use permission grant request (e.g., equivalent to a Grant Request) and a grant context identifier as a frequency use permission restoration request.

[0274] For example, the communication device 40 notifies the first communication control device 60_A of a frequency use right restoration request including a grant request for new use right #1 and a grant context identifier of the old use right #1. The communication device 40 also notifies the first communication control device 60_A of a frequency use right restoration request including a grant request for new use right #2 and a grant context identifier of the old use right #2.

[0275] In FIG. 13, the communication device 40 requests the restoration of two frequency use rights with one frequency use right restoration request, but the communication device 40 may also notify the first communication control device 60_A of a frequency use right restoration request for each frequency use right.

[0276] In response to the frequency use right restoration request, the first communication control device 60_A notifies the communication device 40 of a frequency use right restoration response (step S512). Here, the first communication control device 60_A grants the communication device 40 new use rights that have restored the state of the old use rights.

[0277] For example, the first communication control device 60_A newly grants to the communication device 40 a frequency use right #1 that is the restored state of the frequency use right #1 before the deletion.

[0278] As described above, the frequency use right #1 before deletion (old use right #1) and the frequency use right #1 (new use right #1) re-granted by the first communication control device 60_A to the communication device 40 here have different Grant IDs, and therefore are not strictly the same frequency use right #1. However, here, for the sake of simplicity, both may be referred to as frequency use right #1.

[0279] As a result, frequency use right #1 (new use right #1) is granted to communication device 40, and the state of frequency use right #1 (new use right #1) transitions from "not held" to "granted."

[0280] Similarly, for example, the first communication control device 60_A newly grants to the communication device 40 a frequency use right #2 that is the restored state of the frequency use right #2 before the deletion.

[0281] As described above, the frequency use right #2 before deletion (old use right #2) and the frequency use right #2 (new use right #2) re-granted by the first communication control device 60_A to the communication device 40 here have different Grant IDs, and therefore are not strictly the same frequency use right #2. However, here, for the sake of simplicity, both may be referred to as frequency use right #2.

[0282] As a result, frequency use right #2 (new use right #2) is granted to communication device 40, and the state of frequency use right #2 (new use right #2) transitions from "not held" to "granted."

[0283] Next, the communication device 40 transmits a heartbeat request regarding the frequency use right #1 (new use right #1) (step S513).

[0284] The first communication control device 60_A notifies the communication device 40 of a heartbeat response regarding the frequency use right #1 (new use right #1) (step S514).

[0285] In the conventional communication system, synchronization processing has not been performed since the registration of communication device 40 was deleted. Therefore, in the conventional communication system, first communication control device 60_A notifies communication device 40 of a heartbeat response indicating that transmission is not permitted in frequency use right #1 (see step S201 in FIG. 2 ).

[0286] On the other hand, in the communication system 2 according to the present embodiment, the state of the new use right #1 is the same as the state of the old use right #1. That is, the state of the old use right #1 is restored. Furthermore, the old use right #1 is a frequency use right for which permission to emit radio waves has been notified after the synchronization process performed in step S203.

[0287] Therefore, the first communication control unit 60_A can notify responseCode 0 indicating permission to emit radio waves as a heartbeat response for frequency use right #1 (new use right #1) without waiting for the next synchronization process to be performed.

[0288] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device 40 in the frequency use right #1 (new use right #1), and the state of the frequency use right #1 (new use right #1) transitions from "granted" to "licensed to transmit." By being granted the transmission license, the communication device 40 becomes able to emit radio waves in the frequency use right #1 (new use right #1).

[0289] Similarly, the communication device 40 transmits a heartbeat request for the frequency use right #2 (new use right #2) (step S515).

[0290] The first communication control device 60_A notifies the communication device 40 of a heartbeat response regarding the frequency use right #2 (new use right #2) (step S516).

[0291] In the conventional communication system, synchronization processing has not been performed since the registration of communication device 40 was deleted. Therefore, in the conventional communication system, first communication control device 60_A notifies communication device 40 of a heartbeat response indicating that transmission is not permitted in frequency use right #2 (see step S202 in FIG. 2 ).

[0292] On the other hand, in the communication system 2 according to the present embodiment, the state of the new use right #2 is the same as the state of the old use right #2. That is, the state of the old use right #2 is restored. Furthermore, the old use right #2 is a frequency use right for which permission to emit radio waves has been notified after the synchronization process performed in step S203.

[0293] Therefore, the first communication control unit 60_A can notify responseCode 0 indicating permission to emit radio waves as a heartbeat response for frequency use right #2 (new use right #2) without waiting for the next synchronization process to be performed.

[0294] As a result, a transmission license is granted to the communication device 40 in the frequency use right #2 (new use right #2), and the state of the frequency use right #2 (new use right #2) transitions from "granted" to "licensed to transmit." By being granted the transmission license, the communication device 40 becomes able to emit radio waves in the frequency use right #2 (new use right #1).

[0295] Thereafter, when one cycle of time has elapsed since the previous synchronization process, the first communication control unit 60_A performs synchronization process (equivalent to CPAS, for example) with the second communication control unit 60_B (step S517).

[0296] Although the case where communication device 40 acquires two frequency use rights has been described here, the number of frequency use rights acquired by communication device 40 is not limited to two. Communication device 40 may acquire one frequency use right, or may acquire three or more frequency use rights.

[0297] In this example, after the communication device 40 acquires the frequency use right #2, the communication device 40 notifies the first communication control device 60_A of the heartbeat request for the frequency use right #1, but the order of the procedure is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 40 may notify the first communication control device 60_A of the heartbeat request for the frequency use right #1 before acquiring the frequency use right #2.

[0298] Furthermore, after the communication device 40 notifies the first communication control device 60_A of a heartbeat request regarding frequency use right #2, the communication device 40 may notify the first communication control device 60_A of a heartbeat request regarding frequency use right #1.

[0299] As described above, the communication control device 60 of the communication system 2 according to this embodiment grants new usage rights that restore the state of the old usage rights to the communication device 40. This allows the communication device 40 to obtain permission to emit radio waves from the communication control device 60 without waiting for the next synchronization process (e.g., equivalent to CPAS), thereby further improving frequency utilization efficiency.

[0300] <<4. Restoring Usage Information>> <4-1. Example of Usage Information> Here, an example of usage information (grant context) related to frequency usage rights will be described. The grant context data is held as backup data by the communication control device 60, for example.

[0301] The grant context includes, for example, registration information, i.e., processing information related to synchronization processing (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) performed among multiple communication control devices 60 until the frequency use permission is deleted. The processing information includes, for example, information indicating whether the synchronization processing (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) has been passed at the time the registration information is deleted (e.g., specific information that can identify the passing status of the synchronization processing). The grant context also includes parameters related to the frequency use permission, specifically, communication parameters linked to the frequency use permission. The grant context also includes at least one of the following device information that identifies the communication device 40. The grant context may also include, for example, a grant context identifier.

[0302] (Device Information) The grant context includes, for example, device information that can identify the communication device 40 whose registration information is to be deleted. The grant context is required to include information that affects synchronization processing (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) between multiple communication control devices 60. More specifically, the grant context is required to include information that is taken into account in calculations required to protect protected entities from cumulative interference.

[0303] An example of the device information is at least one of the following information: - Registration ID - Combination of device authentication ID and serial number (S / N) - Identifier corresponding to the combination of device authentication ID and serial number (S / N) - Combination of device authentication ID, serial number and antenna identifier - Other registration information

[0304] The registration ID is, for example, a device identifier that identifies the communication device 40. An example of the registration ID is a CBSD ID.

[0305] The device authentication ID is, for example, an authentication identifier that identifies the authentication result of the communication device 40. An example of the device authentication ID is an FCC ID. That is, examples of the registration information include an FCC ID and a serial number.

[0306] The antenna identifier is information that identifies the antenna of the communication device 40. For example, if a distributed antenna system or the like is assumed, the antenna identifier may be included as device information.

[0307] Other registered information includes, for example, installation information, a list of supported optional functions (equivalent to, for example, the Feature Capability List of Release 2), and parameters related to optional functions.

[0308] For example, the installation information includes location information and / or antenna information of the communication device 40. The location information may include at least one of information related to latitude, longitude, uncertainty (e.g., uncertainty due to errors in a Global Positioning System (GPS) that senses location information), etc. The antenna information may include at least one of information related to antenna height (antenna height), beam pattern, antenna gain, etc.

[0309] (Communication Parameters) The grant context includes, for example, communication parameters (operation parameters, for example, corresponding to operationParam) associated with the frequency use right to be deleted. Specifically, the grant context includes, for example, at least one of a frequency range (for example, corresponding to frequencyRange) and a maximum allowable transmission power (for example, a maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) (corresponding to maxEirp)).

[0310] The grant context may also include, as an example of communication parameters, information related to a radio access scheme, such as information about a Time Division Duplex (TDD) frame structure and / or information about Listen Before Talk (LBT) parameters (e.g., priority class).

[0311] (Specific Information) The grant context includes, for example, specific information that can identify the passage status of the communication device 40 in synchronization processing (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) between multiple communication control devices 60. For example, by including this specific information in the grant context, the communication control device 60 can determine whether or not radio wave emission is permitted immediately after restoring the state of the previous usage right of the communication device 40.

[0312] The specific information may include, for example, at least one of the following information: - Issuance time of frequency usage rights (for example, Grant) - Parameters related to synchronization processing

[0313] For example, the communication control device 60 can determine whether the previous frequency use right has passed synchronization processing (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) based on the issuance time of the frequency use right. For example, if the issuance time is before the start time of the most recent (closest past) synchronization processing, the communication control device 60 determines that the frequency use right has passed synchronization processing.

[0314] An example of a parameter related to synchronization processing is a Boolean parameter. For example, the communication control device 60 sets "True" indicating that the frequency use right has passed the synchronization processing as specific information related to the frequency use right that has passed the synchronization processing. On the other hand, the communication control device 60 sets "False" indicating that the frequency use right has not passed the synchronization processing as specific information related to the frequency use right that has not passed the synchronization processing.

[0315] Alternatively, the parameters related to the synchronization process may be, for example, parameters used in the synchronization process. For example, the parameters used in the synchronization process may be installation parameters of the communication device 40. Because the parameters are used in the synchronization process, the communication control device 60 can determine, for example, that the frequency use right has passed the synchronization process.

[0316] For example, if there is no means to confirm whether the old usage right has passed the synchronization process, there is a possibility that the communication device 40 may obtain permission to emit radio waves based on the new usage right that has restored the state of the old usage right that has not passed the synchronization process.

[0317] For example, suppose that communication device 40 registers for the first time during the day and acquires frequency usage rights, then immediately cancels the registration (in other words, without passing through the synchronization process), and then immediately re-registers and acquires frequency usage rights.

[0318] In this case, if there is no means to confirm whether the old usage right has passed the synchronization process, the communication device 40 can obtain permission to emit radio waves based on the new usage right that has restored the state of the old usage right that has not passed the synchronization process.

[0319] To avoid such a situation, the grant context is required to include specific information as a means for checking whether the previous usage rights have passed the synchronization process.

[0320] The communication control device 60 may back up only frequency use rights that have passed synchronization processing. In other words, the communication control device 60 does not back up frequency use rights that have not passed synchronization processing. Therefore, after the latest synchronization processing is performed, the communication control device 60 does not back up frequency use rights, that is, does not create grant contexts (use information).

[0321] As a result, the frequency usage permission for which the grant context is held can be considered to have passed the synchronization process. In this case, the grant context does not need to include specific information.

[0322] Furthermore, the communication control device 60 may set an expiration date for the grant context. For example, the expiration date may be a time period from when the grant context is saved, in other words, a time period that does not exceed the start time of the next synchronization process to be performed after the frequency usage permission is deleted (in other words, the nearest synchronization process in the future).

[0323] There is a possibility that communication parameters are adjusted when synchronization processing is performed among multiple communication control devices 60. Therefore, it is desirable that the grant context expires at the timing when the synchronization processing is performed (or at a timing before the synchronization processing is performed).

[0324] For example, the communication control device 60 discards the grant context whose validity period has expired. That is, the communication control device 60 can discard the grant context held when the synchronization process is performed, when the synchronization process is performed.

[0325] In this way, by setting the expiration date for restoring the state of the old usage rights to before the start of the synchronization process, if the communication parameters are changed by the synchronization process, the communication control device 60 can prevent the state of the old usage rights (e.g., the communication parameters before the change) from being restored.

[0326] <4-2. Example of Determination of Restoration> The communication control device 60 determines whether or not to restore the state of the old usage rights based on the frequency use right restoration request notified by the communication device 40. The communication control device 60 notifies the communication device 40 of the determination result of whether or not to restore the previous usage rights by using a frequency use right restoration response.

[0327] The communication control device 60 determines whether to restore the frequency use right according to, for example, the expiration date set in the grant context. For example, the communication control device 60 determines not to restore the frequency use right after the expiration date of the grant context has passed.

[0328] Furthermore, the communication control device 60 determines whether to restore the frequency use rights based on, for example, restoration information included in the frequency use rights restoration request. The communication device 40 notifies the communication control device 60 of the frequency use rights restoration request including restoration information used by the communication control device 60 to determine whether the frequency use rights should be restored.

[0329] Examples of the restoration information include information indicating desired communication parameters at the time of radio wave emission and / or a grant context identifier.

[0330] Conventionally, information indicating desired communication parameters at the time of radio wave emission is notified to the communication control device 60 as, for example, a frequency use right grant request (equivalent to, for example, a Grant Request).

[0331] Therefore, in the communication system 2 according to this embodiment, a frequency use right restoration request is realized, for example, by adding a new parameter indicating a grant context identifier to this frequency use right grant request (e.g., equivalent to a Grant Request).

[0332] As a result, the communication system 2 according to this embodiment can restore the old usage rights without making major changes to the conventional standards.

[0333] The communication control device 60 determines whether or not the previous usage rights can be restored based on the desired communication parameters (for example, corresponding to operationParam) included in the frequency usage right grant request.

[0334] For example, the communication control device 60 determines whether or not to restore the old usage rights based on the communication parameters (hereinafter also referred to as saved communication parameters) of the old usage rights recorded in the grant context corresponding to the grant context identifier included in the frequency usage rights grant request.

[0335] For example, the communication control device 60 compares the desired communication parameters with the stored communication parameters, and if the desired communication parameters do not match (i.e., are not the same as) the stored communication parameters, determines not to restore the old usage rights. In this way, if the desired communication parameters do not match the stored communication parameters, the communication control device 60 does not apply restoration of the old usage rights.

[0336] In other words, if the desired communication parameters match the stored communication parameters, the communication control device 60 determines to restore the previous usage rights.

[0337] Alternatively, the communication control device 60 determines not to restore the old usage rights, for example, if the frequency range of the desired communication parameters does not match (i.e., are not the same as) the frequency range of the stored communication parameters. Thus, the communication control device 60 does not apply restoration of the old usage rights if the frequency range of the desired communication parameters does not match the frequency range of the stored communication parameters. In other words, the communication control device 60 determines to restore the old usage rights if the frequency range of the desired communication parameters matches the frequency range of the stored communication parameters.

[0338] For example, the communication control device 60 does not restore the old usage rights if the transmission power (e.g., maximum EIRP) indicated by the desired communication parameters is greater than the transmission power indicated by the stored communication parameters. Thus, the communication control device 60 does not apply restoration of the old usage rights if the transmission power (e.g., maximum EIRP) indicated by the desired communication parameters is greater than the transmission power indicated by the stored communication parameters. For example, even if the frequency range of the desired communication parameters matches the frequency range of the stored communication parameters, the communication control device 60 does not restore the old usage rights if the transmission power indicated by the desired communication parameters is greater than the transmission power indicated by the stored communication parameters.

[0339] In other words, the communication control device 60 determines to restore the previous usage rights if the desired communication parameters match the stored communication parameters and the transmission power indicated by the desired communication parameters is less than or equal to the transmission power indicated by the stored communication parameters.

[0340] Alternatively, for example, if the desired communication parameter conditions included in the frequency usage right grant request (e.g., corresponding to a flexible grant request in a template) do not include the saved communication parameters, the communication control device 60 determines not to restore the old usage rights.

[0341] In other words, if the desired communication parameter conditions included in the frequency use permission grant request include the saved communication parameters, the communication control device 60 determines to restore the previous use permission.

[0342] Furthermore, for example, if a parameter that affects the calculation result of the synchronization process (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) is changed in the registration process (e.g., equivalent to Registration) performed prior to a frequency usage right restoration request, the communication control device 60 determines not to restore the old usage rights.

[0343] Alternatively, for example, if a function that affects the calculation results of the synchronization process is newly enabled in the registration process performed prior to a frequency usage right restoration request, the communication control device 60 determines not to restore the old usage rights.

[0344] For example, if the Enhanced Antenna Pattern function intended for use in synchronization processing was not enabled before deregistration of communication device 40, this Enhanced Antenna Pattern function may be newly enabled upon re-registration.

[0345] In this case, the effect of the Enhanced Antenna Pattern function may change the result of the cumulative interference control calculation performed in the synchronization process. Therefore, the communication control device 60 is required to have the communication device 40 wait for radio wave emission until the next synchronization process is completed. Therefore, if there is a possibility that the calculation result of the synchronization process may be affected, the communication control device 60 determines not to restore the old usage rights.

[0346] In this way, the communication control device 60 determines whether or not to restore the old usage rights based on information on the desired communication parameters included in the frequency usage right restoration request (e.g., the desired communication parameters or the desired communication parameter conditions). Alternatively, the communication control device 60 determines whether or not to restore the old usage rights based on a registration request made prior to the frequency usage right restoration request.

[0347] If it is determined that the old usage rights will not be restored, the communication control device 60 may treat the frequency usage right restoration request as equivalent to a conventional frequency usage right grant request. For example, the communication control device 60 grants new frequency usage rights to the communication device 40 that has requested the frequency usage right restoration. After the new frequency usage rights are granted, the communication control device 60 performs synchronization processing (e.g., equivalent to CPAS) before permitting the communication device 40 to emit radio waves.

[0348] That is, the communication device 40 that has been determined not to restore the old usage rights will, in principle, wait until the next synchronization process. Note that the communication control device 60 may determine permission for electric transmission according to the remaining headroom margin related to the amount of tolerable interference of the existing system, without waiting until the next synchronization process.

[0349] <<5. Other Examples>> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0350] In the above-described embodiment, the information indicating the deletion of one or more frequency use rights (an example of a deletion notification) is a message including a response code value (105) indicating deregistration for CBSD. However, the information indicating the deletion of one or more frequency use rights is not limited to this. The information indicating the deletion of one or more frequency use rights may be a message including a response code value (502) indicating an asynchronous state of the frequency use rights. Alternatively, the information indicating the deletion of one or more frequency use rights may be a message including a response code value indicating that a frequency use right relinquishment request has been properly processed, or may be a message including a response code value indicating that a deregistration request for the communication device 40 has been properly processed.

[0351] In the above-described embodiment, the frequency use right is deleted together with the deregistration of the communication device 40, but the timing of deleting the frequency use right is not limited to this. For example, the frequency use right may be deleted after the deregistration process for the communication device 40. Furthermore, for example, the frequency use right may be deleted after receiving a frequency use right relinquishment request or after receiving a deregistration request for the communication device 40.

[0352] Alternatively, for example, the deletion of the frequency use right may be performed when the state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication device 40 does not match the state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication control device 60. For example, if the state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication device 40 is a state in which radio wave emission is permitted, while the state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication control device 60 is a state in which radio wave emission is not permitted, the states of the frequency use right do not match. In this case, for example, the communication control device 60 deletes the frequency use right.

[0353] The communication device 40 or the control device that controls the communication control device 60 in the embodiment may be realized by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0354] For example, a communication program for executing the above-described operations may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a flexible disk and distributed. Then, for example, the program is installed on a computer and the above-described processing is executed to configure a control device. In this case, the control device may be a device external to the communication device 40 or the communication control device 60 (e.g., a personal computer). Alternatively, the control device may be a device internal to the communication device 40 or the communication control device 60 (e.g., the control unit 43 or the control unit 63).

[0355] The communication program may also be stored in a disk device provided in a server device on a network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded to a computer. The above-described functions may also be realized by a combination of an operating system (OS) and application software. In this case, the components other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or may be stored in a server device and downloaded to a computer.

[0356] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data, and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawings.

[0357] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional units and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that this distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0358] The above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention without causing any inconsistency in the processing content. The order of the steps shown in the sequence diagrams of the above-described embodiments can be changed as appropriate.

[0359] Furthermore, for example, the present embodiment can also be implemented as any configuration that constitutes an apparatus or system, such as a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, a set in which other functions are added to a unit, or the like (i.e., a configuration of a part of an apparatus).

[0360] In this embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all of the components are housed in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0361] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment can have a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared and processed jointly by a plurality of devices via a network.

[0362] <<6. Conclusion>> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components of different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0363] Furthermore, the effects of the embodiments described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0364] The present technology may also be configured as follows. (1) An information processing device that manages radio wave emission by a communication device based on a frequency use right, wherein, when deleting the frequency use right held by the communication device, the information processing device stores information associated with the frequency use right, and notifies the communication device and / or an intermediate device acting on behalf of the communication device of information about the information associated with the frequency use right. (2) The information processing device according to (1), which notifies the communication device and / or the intermediate device of the information about the information associated with the frequency use right together with a notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right. (3) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating deregistration of the communication device. (4) The information processing device according to (3), wherein the response code value indicating deregistration of the communication device is 105. (5) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating an asynchronous state of the frequency use right. (6) The information processing device according to (5), wherein a response code value indicating deregistration of a communication device is 502. (7) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the notification indicating deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating that a request to relinquish the frequency use right has been properly processed. (8) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the notification indicating deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating that a request to deregistrate a communication device has been properly processed. (9) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed together with the deregistration of the communication device. (10) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed after deregistration processing of the communication device. (11) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed after receiving a request to relinquish the frequency use right. (12) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the frequency use right is deleted after a deregistration request related to the communication device is received.(13) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed when the state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication device does not match the state of the frequency use right recognized by the information processing device. (14) The information processing device according to (13), wherein the state does not match means that the state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication device indicates that radio wave emission is permitted, and the state of the frequency use right recognized by the information processing device indicates that radio wave emission is not permitted. (15) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the information linked to the frequency use right includes at least one of processing information related to synchronization processing performed among a plurality of the information processing devices up until the time the frequency use right is deleted, parameters related to the frequency use right, and device information identifying the communication device. (16) The information processing device according to (15), wherein the processing information includes information capable of identifying a progress status of the synchronization processing. (17) The information processing device according to (15) or (16), wherein the synchronization process is Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs (Spectrum Access Systems). (18) The information processing device according to any one of (15) to (17), wherein the parameter is an operation parameter of the frequency usage right. (19) The information processing device according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein the parameter includes at least one of a frequency range and a maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP). (20) The information processing device according to any one of (15) to (19), wherein the device information includes a device authentication ID and a serial number. (21) The information processing device according to any one of (15) to (19), wherein the device information includes identifier information corresponding to a combination of the device authentication ID and the serial number. (22) The information processing device according to (21), wherein the device authentication ID is an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) ID.(23) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (22), wherein the expiration date of the stored information associated with the frequency use right is the date when synchronization processing performed among the plurality of information processing devices starts next after the frequency use right is deleted. (24) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (22), wherein the expiration date of the stored information associated with the frequency use right is the date when synchronization processing performed among the plurality of information processing devices starts next after the information associated with the frequency use right is saved. (25) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (24), wherein, in response to a usage right request from the communication device and / or the intermediate device, the frequency use right is granted using information associated with the frequency use right of the deleted frequency use right. (26) The information processing device according to (25), wherein the usage right request includes a frequency use right grant request and information on the information associated with the frequency use right. (27) The information processing device according to (26), wherein the frequency use right grant request is a Grant Request. (28) The information processing device according to any one of (25) to (27), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if a parameter included in the use right request and a parameter related to the frequency use right included in information linked to the frequency use right are not the same. (29) The information processing device according to any one of (25) to (28), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if a frequency range included in the use right request and a frequency range included in information linked to the frequency use right are not the same. (30) The information processing device according to any one of (25) to (29), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if transmission power included in the use right request is greater than transmission power included in the information linked to the frequency use right. (31) The information processing device according to (30), wherein the transmission power is a maximum EIRP. (32) The information processing device according to any one of (25) to (31), wherein if a parameter condition included in the usage right request does not include a parameter included in information linked to the frequency usage right, restoration of the frequency usage right is not applied.(33) The information processing device according to any one of (25) to (32), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if re-registration of the communication device deleted when the frequency use right is deleted affects synchronization processing performed among the plurality of information processing devices. (34) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (33), wherein information linked to the frequency use right is not created after the latest synchronization processing is performed among the plurality of information processing devices. (35) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (34), wherein an identifier of the frequency use right before deletion is different from an identifier of the frequency use right after restoration. (36) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (35), wherein the frequency use right is a spectrum grant. (37) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (36), wherein information about the information linked to the frequency use right is a grant context. (38) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (37), wherein the communication device is a CBSD (Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device). (39) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (38), wherein the intermediate device is a Domain Proxy. (40) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (39), wherein the information processing device is a SAS (Spectrum Access System). (41) A communication device that emits radio waves based on a frequency use right granted by an information processing device, wherein, when the frequency use right is deleted, the communication device acquires, from the information processing device, information associated with the frequency use right, which is information associated with the frequency use right and which is stored by the information processing device. (42) The communication device according to (41), which acquires the information associated with the frequency use right together with a notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right. (43) The information processing device according to (42), wherein the notification indicating deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating deregistration of the communication device. (44) The information processing device according to (43), wherein the response code value indicating deregistration of the communication device is 105.(45) The information processing device according to (42), wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating an asynchronous state of the frequency use right. (46) The information processing device according to (45), wherein the response code value indicating deregistration of a communications device is 502. (47) The information processing device according to (42), wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating that a request to relinquish the frequency use right has been properly processed. (48) The information processing device according to (42), wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating that a deregistration request of the communications device has been properly processed. (49) The communications device according to any one of (41) to (48), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed together with the deregistration of the communications device. (50) The information processing device according to any one of (41) to (49), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed after deregistration processing of the communications device. (51) The information processing device according to any one of (41) to (49), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed after receiving a request to relinquish the frequency use right. (52) The information processing device according to any one of (41) to (49), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed after receiving a deregistration request related to a communication device. (53) The information processing device according to any one of (41) to (49), wherein the deletion of the frequency use right is performed when a state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication device does not match a state of the frequency use right recognized by the information processing device. (54) The information processing device according to (53), wherein the state does not match means that the state of the frequency use right recognized by the communication device indicates that radio wave emission is permitted, and the state of the frequency use right recognized by the information processing device indicates that radio wave emission is not permitted. (55) The communication device according to any one of (41) to (54), wherein the information linked to the frequency use right includes at least one of processing information related to synchronization processing performed among a plurality of the information processing devices up until the time when the frequency use right is deleted, a parameter related to the frequency use right, and device information identifying the communication device. (56) The communication device according to (55), wherein the processing information includes information capable of identifying a passing status of the synchronization processing.(57) The communication device according to (55) or (56), wherein the synchronization process is CPAS (Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs (Spectrum Access Systems)). (58) The communication device according to any one of (55) to (57), wherein the parameter is an operation parameter of the frequency usage rights. (59) The communication device according to any one of (55) to (58), wherein the parameter includes at least one of a frequency range and a maximum EIRP (Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power). (60) The communication device according to any one of (55) to (59), wherein the device information includes a device authentication ID and a serial number. (61) The information processing device according to any one of (55) to (59), wherein the device information includes identifier information corresponding to a combination of the device authentication ID and the serial number. (62) The communication device according to (61), wherein the device authentication ID is an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) ID. (63) The communication device according to any one of (41) to (62), wherein the expiration date of the stored information associated with the frequency use right is the start of synchronization processing performed among the plurality of information processing devices after the frequency use right is deleted. (64) The communication device according to any one of (41) to (62), wherein the expiration date of the stored information associated with the frequency use right is the start of synchronization processing performed among the plurality of information processing devices after the information associated with the frequency use right is saved. (65) The communication device according to any one of (41) to (64), wherein the communication device notifies the information processing device of a usage right request for restoring the frequency use right using information associated with the deleted frequency use right. (66) The communication device according to (65), wherein the usage right request includes a frequency use right grant request and information on the information associated with the frequency use right. (67) The communication device according to (66), wherein the frequency use right grant request is a Grant Request.(68) The communications device according to any one of (65) to (67), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if a parameter included in the usage right request and a parameter related to the frequency use right included in the usage information are not the same. (69) The communications device according to any one of (65) to (68), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if a frequency range included in the usage right request and a frequency range included in information linked to the frequency use right are not the same. (70) The communications device according to any one of (65) to (69), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if transmission power included in the usage right request is greater than transmission power included in the information linked to the frequency use right. (71) The communications device according to (70), wherein the transmission power is a maximum EIRP. (72) The communications device according to any one of (65) to (71), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if the parameter conditions included in the usage right request do not include parameters included in the information linked to the frequency use right. (73) The communications device according to any one of (65) to (72), wherein restoration of the frequency use right is not applied if re-registration of the communications device deleted when the frequency use right was deleted affects synchronization processing performed among the plurality of information processing devices. (74) The communications device according to any one of (41) to (73), wherein information linked to the frequency use right is not created after the latest synchronization processing is performed among the plurality of information processing devices. (75) The communications device according to any one of (41) to (74), wherein an identifier of the frequency use right before deletion is different from an identifier of the frequency use right after restoration. (76) The communications device according to any one of (41) to (75), wherein the frequency use right is a spectrum grant. (77) The communication device according to any one of (41) to (76), wherein the information related to the frequency usage rights is a Grant Context. (78) The communication device according to any one of (41) to (77), wherein the communication device is a Citizens Broadband Radio Service Device (CBSD).(79) The communication device according to any one of (41) to (78), wherein the information processing device is a SAS (Spectrum Access System). (80) An intermediate device that communicates with a communication device that emits radio waves based on a frequency use right granted by the information processing device, and that, when the frequency use right of the communication device is deleted, acquires from the information processing device information related to the frequency use right, which information is linked to the frequency use right and has been stored by the information processing device. (81) An information processing method comprising: managing radio wave emission by a communication device based on a frequency use right; storing information linked to the frequency use right when deleting the frequency use right held by the communication device; and notifying the communication device and / or an intermediate device acting on behalf of the communication device of information related to the information linked to the frequency use right. (82) An information processing method comprising: performing radio wave emission based on a frequency use right granted from an information processing device; and, when the frequency use right is deleted, acquiring from the information processing device information on usage information linked to the frequency use right, which is information on the information on the frequency use right that is stored in the information processing device. (83) An information processing method comprising: performing communication with the information processing device on behalf of a communication device that performs radio wave emission based on a frequency use right granted from an information processing device; and, when the frequency use right of the communication device is deleted, acquiring from the information processing device information on information on the information on the information on the frequency use right that is stored in the information processing device.

[0365] 30 Terminal device 31, 41 Wireless communication unit 32, 42, 62 Storage unit 33, 43, 63 Control unit 40 Communication device 50 Intermediate device 60 Communication control device 61 Communication unit

Claims

1. An information processing device that manages radio wave emissions by a communication device based on frequency use rights, which, when deleting the frequency use rights held by the communication device, stores information linked to the frequency use rights, and notifies the communication device and / or an intermediate device acting on behalf of the communication device of information about the information linked to the frequency use rights.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, which notifies the communication device and / or the intermediate device of the information associated with the frequency use right together with a notification indicating deletion of the frequency use right.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency usage right includes a response code value indicating the cancellation of registration relating to the communication device.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the response code value indicating deregistration of the communication device is 105.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating an asynchronous state of the frequency use right.

6. The information processing device of claim 5, wherein a response code value indicating deregistration for the communication device is 502.

7. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency use right includes a response code value indicating that the frequency use right relinquishment request has been properly processed.

8. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the notification indicating the deletion of the frequency usage right includes a response code value indicating that the deregistration request of the communication device has been properly processed.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency usage rights are deleted together with the cancellation of registration of the communication device.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency usage right is deleted after a deregistration process for the communication device.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the deletion of the frequency usage right is performed after receiving a request to relinquish the frequency usage right.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency usage right is deleted after a deregistration request for the communication device is received.

13. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency usage right is deleted when the state of the frequency usage right recognized by the communication device does not match the state of the frequency usage right recognized by the information processing device.

14. The information processing device of claim 13, wherein the states do not match when the state of the frequency usage rights recognized by the communication device indicates that radio wave emission is permitted, and the state of the frequency usage rights recognized by the information processing device indicates that radio wave emission is not permitted.

15. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the information associated with the frequency usage rights includes at least one of processing information regarding synchronization processing performed among multiple information processing devices up to the time when the frequency usage rights are deleted, parameters regarding the frequency usage rights, and device information identifying the communication device.

16. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the processing information includes information capable of identifying a progress status of the synchronization processing.

17. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the synchronization process is Coordinated Periodic Activities among SASs (Spectrum Access Systems) (CPAS).

18. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the parameter is an operation parameter of the frequency usage right.

19. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the parameters include at least one of a frequency range and a maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP).

20. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the device information includes a device authentication ID and a serial number.

21. The information processing device according to claim 15, wherein the device information includes identifier information corresponding to a combination of a device authentication ID and a serial number.

22. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the device authentication ID is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ID.

23. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the expiration date of the stored information linked to the frequency use rights is the date when the next synchronization process performed among the multiple information processing devices is started after the frequency use rights are deleted.

24. An information processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the expiration date of the stored information linked to the frequency usage rights is the date when the synchronization process performed among the multiple information processing devices is started next after the information linked to the frequency usage rights is stored.

25. The information processing device according to claim 1, which grants the frequency use right in response to a request for use right from the communication device and / or the intermediate device using information linked to the frequency use right of the deleted frequency use right.

26. The information processing device according to claim 25, wherein the request for use rights includes a request for a frequency use right to be issued, and information related to the frequency use right.

27. The information processing device according to claim 26, wherein the frequency usage right issuance request is a Grant Request.

28. An information processing device as described in claim 25, which does not apply restoration of the frequency use rights if a parameter included in the usage right request and a parameter related to the frequency use rights included in information linked to the frequency use rights are not the same.

29. The information processing device according to claim 25, wherein if the frequency range included in the usage right request is not the same as the frequency range included in the information linked to the frequency usage right, restoration of the frequency usage right is not applied.

30. The information processing device according to claim 25, wherein if the transmission power included in the request for use rights is greater than the transmission power included in the information associated with the frequency use rights, restoration of the frequency use rights is not applied.

31. The information processing device according to claim 30, wherein the transmission power is a maximum EIRP.

32. The information processing device according to claim 25, wherein if the parameter conditions included in the request for use rights do not include parameters included in the information linked to the frequency use rights, restoration of the frequency use rights is not applied.

33. An information processing device as described in claim 25, which does not apply restoration of the frequency usage rights when re-registration of the communication device that was deleted when the frequency usage rights were deleted affects synchronization processing performed among a plurality of the information processing devices.

34. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein after the latest synchronization process has been performed among the plurality of information processing devices, no information linked to the frequency usage rights is created.

35. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the identifier of the frequency usage right before deletion is different from the identifier of the frequency usage right after restoration.

36. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the frequency usage right is a spectrum grant.

37. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the frequency usage right is Grant Context.

38. A communications device that emits radio waves based on a frequency use right granted by an information processing device, wherein when the frequency use right is deleted, the communications device acquires from the information processing device information related to the frequency use right, the information related to the frequency use right that is stored by the information processing device.

39. An intermediate device that communicates with an information processing device on behalf of a communication device that emits radio waves based on a frequency use right granted by the information processing device, and that, when the frequency use right of the communication device is deleted, acquires information related to the frequency use right from the information processing device, the information related to the frequency use right that is stored by the information processing device.

40. An information processing method including: managing radio wave emissions by a communication device based on frequency usage rights; storing information associated with the frequency usage rights when deleting the frequency usage rights held by the communication device; and notifying the communication device and / or an intermediate device acting on behalf of the communication device of information associated with the frequency usage rights.

41. An information processing method comprising: transmitting radio waves based on a frequency usage right granted by an information processing device; and, when the frequency usage right is deleted, acquiring from the information processing device information associated with the frequency usage right, the information being associated with the frequency usage right and stored by the information processing device.

42. An information processing method comprising: communicating with an information processing device on behalf of a communication device that emits radio waves based on a frequency use right granted by the information processing device; and, when the frequency use right of the communication device is deleted, acquiring from the information processing device information associated with the frequency use right, which information is associated with the frequency use right and has been stored by the information processing device.

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