Information processing device, information processing method, and communication system

Abstract

This information processing device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information pertaining to reception results from one or more radio communication devices that perform radio communication, using an unlicensed band, of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a first communication device that performs radio communication using the unlicensed band via a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, and a second signal wirelessly transmitted from a second communication device serving as a communication partner of the first communication device; and a detection unit that detects, on the basis of the information pertaining to the reception results, a radio communication device, which is in at least one state among a hidden state and an exposed state, among the one or more radio communication devices.

Description

Information processing device, information processing method, and communication system

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

[0002] As demand for communications expands, the depletion of radio wave resources (wireless resources) has become a problem. To address this issue, attention has been focused on technology that improves frequency utilization efficiency by dynamically changing radio wave propagation paths (channels). Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) are known as devices for changing propagation paths (hereinafter also referred to as propagation path control devices). The installation of RISs makes it possible, for example, to control the direction of radio wave reflection and form new propagation paths.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 195888

[0004] However, simply introducing a RIS may not fully realize effective use of radio wave resources. For example, in order to effectively use radio wave resources, it is necessary to operate the RIS efficiently so that multiple communication devices can efficiently share the RIS. However, in wireless communication using unlicensed bands, it is difficult to operate the RIS efficiently.

[0005] Furthermore, in wireless communication using unlicensed bands, the hidden node problem and the exposed node problem become major issues. If RIS is operated successfully, the communication range of a communication device (e.g., the coverage area of ​​an access point) will be expanded, which may lead to effective use of radio wave resources. However, the expansion of the communication range of a communication device will cause new hidden node problems and / or new exposed node problems. The occurrence of the hidden node problem and / or exposed node problem will result in a decrease in throughput, and as a result, there is a possibility that effective use of radio wave resources will not be realized.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes an information processing device, an information processing method, and a communication system that can realize effective use of radio wave resources.

[0007] 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.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, an information processing device of one embodiment according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding reception results at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using the unlicensed band of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a first communication device that performs wireless communication using an unlicensed band via a propagation path control device for changing the propagation path, and a second signal wirelessly transmitted from a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device, and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results.

[0009] In addition, an information processing device of one embodiment according to the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a reception result at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a propagation path control device for changing the propagation path, and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception result.

[0010] 1 is a diagram for explaining a structure of a RIS. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a solving means. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining another example of a solving means. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a hidden terminal problem. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an exposed terminal problem. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a problem of an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a solving means. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of a solving means. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of a solving means. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example of a solving means. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of a solving means. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a base station according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining an example configuration of a propagation path control device according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a terminal device according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an example configuration of a control station according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of a communication environment assumed in an embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining another example of a communication environment assumed in an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing communication processing according to Example 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication operation using a propagation path control device. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of setting processing. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing another example of communication operation using a propagation path control device. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing communication processing according to Example 2 of Embodiment 1. FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram showing an example of communication operation using a propagation path control device. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting process. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a detection process according to Example 1 of Embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating a detection process according to Example 2 of Embodiment 2. FIG.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] Additionally, in this description / specification, the phrase "at least one of" following a list of elements is understood to mean that the listed elements are optional. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" means "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C)." "At least one of A, B, or C" and "at least one of A, B, and / or C" are similar to "at least one of A, B, and C." Here, A, B, and C are all arbitrary expressions (e.g., words, phrases, clauses, terms, or items).

[0013] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers to the same reference numeral. For example, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers to the same reference numerals to the propagation path control device 30 as needed. １ , 30 ２ , and 30 ３ However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numerals are used. For example, the propagation path control device 30 １ , 30 ２ , and 30 ３ When there is no need to particularly distinguish between them, they will be simply referred to as the propagation path control device 30.

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

[0015] The present disclosure will be described in the following order of items: 1. Overview 1-1. Overview of Solution 1 1-2. Overview of Solution 2 2. Configuration of Communication System 2-1. Configuration of Management Device 2-2. Configuration of Base Station 2-3. Configuration of Propagation Path Control Device 2-4. Configuration of Terminal Device 2-5. Configuration of Control Station 3. Operation of Communication System 3-1. Communication Environment 3-2. First Embodiment 3-2-1. Example 1 of First Embodiment 3-2-2. Example 2 of First Embodiment 3-2-3. Method of Detecting Position of Communication Device 3-3. Second Embodiment 3-3-1. Example 1 of Second Embodiment 3-3-2. Example 2 of Second Embodiment 4. Modification 5. Conclusion

[0016] <<1. Overview>> As demand for communications expands, the problem of radio wave resources (wireless resources) becoming depleted has become apparent. To address this problem, attention has been focused on technologies that improve frequency utilization efficiency by dynamically changing radio wave propagation paths. A known device for changing propagation paths (hereinafter also referred to as a propagation path control device) is a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS). A RIS is also called an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) or an intelligent surface (IS).

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a RIS. A RIS is a device including a structure (e.g., a reflector) composed of one or more metasurface elements whose permittivity and / or permeability can be dynamically controlled. A metasurface element is a type of artificial medium (metamaterial) that realizes any permittivity and / or permeability by periodically arranging structures that are small relative to the wavelength. A metasurface element is sometimes simply referred to as a metasurface. A RIS can control the amplitude, phase, polarization, or frequency of an incoming radio wave by manipulating the permittivity and / or permeability of the metasurface (metasurface element).

[0018] Various operation methods are envisioned for the RIS. For example, one operation method for the RIS is to expand coverage. In this operation method, the RIS is mainly used for two purposes. The first is to avoid obstructions. In this application, for example, when there is an obstruction between communication devices (between a transmitter and a receiver), the RIS forms a propagation path that avoids the obstruction. This application is effective for wireless communication in the millimeter wave band, which has large transmission losses. The second is to improve received power. In this application, the RIS improves the received power of the receiver by, for example, forming a reflected wave or a transmitted wave toward the receiver.

[0019] <1-1. Summary of Solution 1> The introduction of RIS is expected to expand coverage. However, simply introducing RIS may not fully realize effective use of radio wave resources.

[0020] For example, suppose a RIS is installed for multiple communication devices that perform wireless communication using unlicensed bands. In order to effectively utilize radio wave resources, it is necessary to operate the RIS efficiently so that the multiple communication devices can efficiently share the RIS. For example, in order to effectively utilize radio wave resources, it is necessary for the RIS to be able to switch between a reflection pattern and a transmission pattern in accordance with the radio wave transmission timing of each communication device.

[0021] However, unlike licensed bands, unlicensed bands are not managed in an integrated manner by a single entity (for example, an MNO (Mobile Network Operator)). In other words, in wireless communication using unlicensed bands, resource acquisition of each communication device (allocation of resources to each communication device) is not managed in an integrated manner by a single entity. Therefore, in wireless communication using unlicensed bands, it is difficult for the RIS to know the resource acquisition status of each communication device (i.e., the radio wave transmission timing of each communication device). This makes it difficult to efficiently operate the RIS, and there is a possibility that radio wave resources will not be fully utilized effectively.

[0022] Therefore, in this embodiment, the above problem is solved as follows.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a solution. In the example of FIG. 2, a RIS is installed in an environment where a shield is present. The shield is, for example, an office building or other object that obstructs radio wave propagation. A communication system according to this embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, multiple communication devices (e.g., access points and / or terminal devices) and a RIS. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication system includes one access point (AP) and one terminal device (UE) as the multiple communication devices. Note that the communication system may include multiple access points, multiple terminal devices, and multiple RISs. The multiple communication devices (the access points (APs) and the terminal devices (UE) in the example of FIG. 2) perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band. The unlicensed band may be referred to as unlicensed spectrum, licensed shared band, shared spectrum, or cell with CCA. Operation using an unlicensed band may be referred to as operation with shared spectrum.

[0024] First, a communication device (hereinafter referred to as a transmitting device) that has acquired a transmission opportunity notifies the RIS of wireless communication using the RIS (step S11). Here, the transmission opportunity refers to the time / period of occupancy of a specific frequency channel, such as TXOP or COT (Channel Occupancy Time). The transmission opportunity may also be referred to as a transmission right. This notification may include information regarding a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern. Upon receiving the notification, the RIS sets the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern (step S12). For example, the RIS sets the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern according to the information included in the notification. After a certain time has elapsed since the transmitting device sent the notification to the RIS, the transmitting device transmits data to the communication device (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device) that will be the communication partner (step S13).

[0025] Upon receiving the notification, the receiving device notifies the transmitting device of the execution of wireless communication using the RIS in order to reply (e.g., transmit an ACK / NACK) to the transmitting device (step S14). This notification may be regarded as a request from the receiving device to switch operation to the RIS. Upon receiving the notification, the RIS switches the setting of the reflection pattern or transmission pattern to a setting for communication from the receiving device to the transmitting device (step S15). After a certain time has elapsed since the receiving device transmitted the notification to the RIS, the receiving device transmits data to the transmitting device (step S16).

[0026] This allows for efficient operation of the RIS. Specifically, by receiving a notification from the communication device regarding the execution of wireless communication, the RIS can switch between a reflection pattern and a transmission pattern in accordance with the data transmission timing of the communication device. As a result, radio wave resources can be used more efficiently.

[0027] The method for enabling efficient operation of the RIS is not limited to the method shown in Fig. 2. If the RIS has a data transmission function, the RIS may be operated using that transmission function.

[0028] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining another example of a solution. In the example of Fig. 3 as well, a RIS is installed in an environment where a shield is present. In the example of Fig. 3 as well, a communication system includes a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band and a RIS. In the example of Fig. 3 as well, the RIS has a data transmission function.

[0029] First, the transmitting device that has acquired a transmission opportunity notifies the RIS of the execution of wireless communication using the RIS (step S21). This notification may include information about a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern. The RIS that receives the notification determines whether it can handle this notification (execution of wireless communication using the RIS). If it cannot handle the notification (for example, if it is compatible with another communication device), the RIS sends a signal to the transmitting device indicating that it cannot handle the notification. On the other hand, if it can handle the notification, the RIS starts controlling the metasurface (for example, setting a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern) (step S22).

[0030] Once control is initiated, the RIS transmits a trigger signal for executing wireless communication to at least the transmitting device. At this time, the RIS may also transmit a trigger signal to the receiving device (step S23). The trigger signal may include information on a period during which the RIS responds to the notification. For example, the trigger signal may include information on a period (hereinafter referred to as a first period) corresponding to wireless communication from the transmitting device to the receiving device. The trigger signal may also include information on a period (hereinafter referred to as a second period) corresponding to wireless communication from the receiving device to the transmitting device.

[0031] When the transmitting device receives the trigger signal, it transmits data to the receiving device, for example, during a first period (step S24).When the receiving device receives data from the transmitting device, it transmits data (for example, transmits an ACK / NACK) to the transmitting device, for example, during a second period (step S25).

[0032] In the example of Fig. 3, the RIS transmits a trigger signal to the communication device. This allows the communication device to accurately determine whether data transmission is possible and / or the timing of data transmission, allowing the RIS to be used efficiently. As a result, radio wave resources can be used more efficiently.

[0033] <1-2. Summary of Solution 2> In wireless communication using unlicensed bands, the hidden node problem and the exposed node problem become major issues.

[0034] 4 is a diagram illustrating the hidden terminal problem. The hidden terminal problem is a problem in wireless communication in which multiple communication devices simultaneously transmit signals to another communication device, resulting in signal collisions. In the example of FIG. 4, two UEs (UE#1 and UE#2), each located outside the communication range of the other UE, transmit signals toward one AP (AP#1), causing AP#1 to be unable to receive the signals.

[0035] 5 is a diagram illustrating the exposed terminal problem. The exposed terminal problem is a problem in wireless communication in which a communication device excessively suppresses signal transmission to avoid interference with the transmission signal of another communication device located nearby. In the example of FIG. 5, two UEs (UE #1 and UE #2) are attempting to simultaneously transmit signals to different APs (AP #1 or AP #2). However, since the two UEs are located within the communication range of each other, both UEs suppress their signal transmissions.

[0036] In the following description, a communication device causing the hidden terminal problem (e.g., a communication device transmitting a signal that causes a collision) may be referred to as a communication device in a hidden state. In the example of Figure 4, UE #1 is a communication device in a hidden state because it transmits a signal that causes a collision with the signal of UE #2. Also, UE #2 is a communication device in a hidden state because it transmits a signal that causes a collision with the signal of UE #1.

[0037] In the following description, a communication device experiencing a hidden terminal problem (for example, a communication device experiencing a decline in reception performance due to signal collision) may also be referred to as a communication device in a hidden state. In the example of Fig. 4, AP#1 (receiving device) is experiencing a decline in reception performance due to the hidden terminal problem (signal collision), and is therefore a communication device in a hidden state.

[0038] In the following description, a communication device in which the hidden terminal problem may occur may also be referred to as a communication device in a hidden state. In the following description, a communication device that may cause the hidden terminal problem may also be referred to as a hidden terminal (hidden node). That is, in this embodiment, the hidden state includes not only a state in which the hidden terminal problem actually occurs, but also a state in which the hidden terminal problem may occur. In this embodiment, a communication device that is causing the hidden terminal problem (UE #1 and UE #2 in the example of FIG. 4) or a communication device that may cause the hidden terminal problem may also be referred to as a hidden terminal (hidden node).

[0039] In the following description, a communication device experiencing an exposed terminal problem (for example, a communication device suppressing radio wave transmission due to interference from another communication device) may be referred to as a communication device in an exposed state. In the example of Figure 5, UE #1 is a communication device in an exposed state because it is suppressing radio wave transmission due to the influence of radio wave transmission from another transmission device (UE #2). Also, UE #2 is a communication device in an exposed state because it is suppressing radio wave transmission due to the influence of radio wave transmission from another transmission device (UE #1).

[0040] In the following description, a communication device that is causing an exposed terminal problem (for example, a communication device that is causing the suppression of radio wave transmission of another communication device by transmitting radio waves) may be referred to as a communication device in an exposed state. In the example of Figure 5, UE #1 is a communication device in an exposed state because it is suppressing the radio wave transmission of UE #2 by transmitting radio waves. Also, UE #2 is a communication device in an exposed state because it is suppressing the radio wave transmission of UE #1 by transmitting radio waves.

[0041] In the following description, a communication device in which an exposed terminal problem may occur may also be referred to as a communication device in an exposed state. In the following description, a communication device that may be the cause of an exposed terminal problem may also be referred to as a communication device in an exposed state. That is, in this embodiment, the exposed state includes not only a state in which an exposed terminal problem actually occurs, but also a state in which an exposed terminal problem may occur. In this embodiment, communication devices in an exposed state (UE #1 and UE #2 in the example of FIG. 5) may be referred to as exposed nodes.

[0042] 4 and 5, the UE is the transmitting device and the AP is the receiving device, but the AP may be the transmitting device and the UE may be the receiving device. Of course, the UE may be the transmitting device and another UE may be the receiving device, or the AP may be the transmitting device and another AP may be the receiving device.

[0043] As described above, the installation of a RIS extends the communication range of a communication device (e.g., the coverage area of ​​an access point). Therefore, if the RIS is used successfully, it may be possible to realize effective use of radio wave resources. However, the extension of the communication range may cause new hidden terminal problems and / or new exposed terminal problems.

[0044] 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the problem of this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 6, nodes #1 and #2, nodes #3 and #4, and nodes #5 and #6 are each communicating wirelessly using unlicensed bands. Nodes #1 to #6 may each be an access point or a terminal device. In the example of FIG. 6, radio waves from the communication devices on the left (nodes #1 and #2) are blocked by a shield and do not reach the communication devices on the right (nodes #3 to #6). Furthermore, radio waves from the communication devices on the right (nodes #3 to #6) are also blocked by a shield and do not reach the communication devices on the left (nodes #1 and #2). Therefore, the hidden terminal problem and exposed terminal problem do not occur between the communication devices on the left side of the shield and the communication devices on the right side of the shield.

[0045] Here, suppose that, in order to expand the coverage of node #1, a RIS is installed so as to avoid an obstruction, as shown in Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 7, the installation of the RIS expands the coverage of node #1 to a portion on the right side of the obstruction (the portion enclosed by the dashed line in Fig. 7). Note that Fig. 7 is merely an example. Depending on the capabilities of the RIS, the coverage may expand to areas other than the portion enclosed by the dashed line in Fig. 7. For example, if the RIS can form a transmitted wave, the coverage may expand downward in the drawing.

[0046] In the example of Fig. 7, radio waves from a communication device (e.g., node #1) on the left side of the shielding may reach a communication device (e.g., node #3) on the right side of the shielding via the RIS. In addition, in some cases, radio waves from a communication device (e.g., node #3) on the right side of the shielding may reach a communication device (e.g., node #1 and / or node #2) on the left side of the shielding via the RIS. In this case, a new hidden terminal problem and / or exposed terminal problem may occur between the communication device on the left side of the shielding and the communication device on the right side of the shielding.

[0047] The occurrence of the hidden terminal problem and / or exposed terminal problem may result in a decrease in throughput, and as a result, radio wave resources may not be used effectively.

[0048] Therefore, in this embodiment, the above problem is solved as follows.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a solution. In the example of FIG. 8, a RIS is installed in an environment where an obstruction is present. The communication system of this embodiment includes an information processing device that performs an operation to detect a communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state. The information processing device may be a RIS or a control station that controls the RIS. The information processing device may also be a communication device that performs wireless communication in an environment where the RIS is installed. For example, the information processing device may be one of multiple communication devices (e.g., nodes #1 to #6 shown in FIG. 8). In this case, the information processing device may be a communication device that has obtained a transmission opportunity (hereinafter referred to as a transmitting device) or a communication device that is the communication partner of the transmitting device (hereinafter referred to as a receiving device).

[0050] The information processing device acquires reception results of a detection signal transmitted from a RIS by a plurality of communication devices. The detection signal is a signal (first signal) transmitted by the RIS to the surrounding area without using beamforming. When transmitting the detection signal, the RIS may adjust the transmission power of the detection signal based on information regarding the reach of the reflected wave or transmitted wave (e.g., setting information for the reflection pattern and / or transmission pattern). For example, the RIS may adjust the transmission power of the detection signal so that the radius of the reach of the detection signal (the area surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 8 ) is equal to the reach of the reflected wave or transmitted wave. The communication device that receives the detection signal directly or indirectly transmits the reception result of the detection signal to the information processing device.

[0051] The communication device that receives the detection signal is a communication device located within a range that can be affected by the reflected wave or transmitted wave of the RIS. The information processing device determines (detects) the communication device that receives the detection signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. In the example of Figure 8, the information processing device determines (detects) node #2, node #3, and node #4 as communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. The information processing device requests the communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state to change their communication parameters.

[0052] This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of the hidden terminal problem and / or the exposed terminal problem, resulting in the efficient use of radio wave resources.

[0053] In the example of FIG. 8 , the information processing device determines whether a communication device is in a hidden state and / or an exposed state based on the reception results of a detection signal (first signal) transmitted from the RIS by communication devices around the RIS. However, the information processing device may use multiple detection signals to detect communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example of a solution. In the example of FIG. 9 , the information processing device uses, in addition to the first signal, a detection signal (second signal) transmitted from a transmitting device (node ​​#1 in the example of FIG. 9 ) via the RIS to detect communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. In this case, the information processing device may determine (detect) a communication device that receives both the first signal and the second signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. In the example of FIG. 9 , the information processing device determines (detects) node #2 and node #3 as communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. The information processing device requests communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state to change their communication parameters.

[0054] This enables more accurate discrimination (detection). For example, the information processing device can discriminate (detect) a communication device that is likely to be affected by radio wave transmission via an actual RIS, among one or more communication devices located within a range that may be affected by reflected or transmitted waves from the RIS, as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. As a result, it is not necessary to request many communication devices to change their communication parameters, thereby realizing more effective use of radio wave resources.

[0055] Note that the method for solving the hidden terminal problem and / or the exposed terminal problem is not limited to the method shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams for explaining other examples of the solution. In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11 , the first signal is transmitted not by the RIS but by a receiving device (node ​​#2 in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11 ). As in the example of FIG. 9 , the second signal is transmitted by a transmitting device (node ​​#1 in the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11 ). In this case, the information processing device may determine (detect) a communication device that receives both the first signal and the second signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. In the example of FIG. 10 , the information processing device determines (detects) node #3 as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0056] Note that even if a communication device is located in a position that is not affected by radio wave transmission from a transmitting device, if the communication device may affect a receiving device, it may be a communication device in a hidden and / or exposed state (e.g., a hidden terminal). Therefore, the information processing device may determine (detect) a communication device that receives only the first signal of the first and second signals as a communication device in a hidden and / or exposed state. In the example of FIG. 11 , the information processing device determines (detects) node #5 as a communication device in a hidden and / or exposed state.

[0057] This allows for more accurate detection, and as a result, it is no longer necessary to request changes to communication parameters for many communication devices, resulting in more effective use of radio wave resources.

[0058] The outline of this embodiment has been described above, and the communication system 1 of this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0059] <<2. Configuration of the Communication System>> First, the configuration of the communication system 1 will be described in detail.

[0060] 12 and 13 are diagrams showing the configuration of a communication system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the communication system 1 includes a management device 10, a base station 20, a propagation path control device 30, and a terminal device 40. The communication system 1 may include devices other than those shown in FIG. 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the communication system 1 may include a control station 50 that controls a plurality of propagation path control devices 30. Of course, the communication system 1 may not include some of the devices shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0061] The communication system 1 is a communication system configured to be able to use an unlicensed band. The communication system 1 may be configured to be able to use a licensed band in addition to the unlicensed band. The communication system 1 provides a wireless network to users by the wireless communication devices constituting the communication system 1 operating in cooperation with each other.

[0062] The wireless network of this embodiment is constructed by a wireless access technology that uses an unlicensed band. Here, the wireless access technology may be, for example, a wireless LAN technology (IEEE 802.11), LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U), NR-Unlicensed (NR-U), Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MultiFire.

[0063] The wireless network of this embodiment may be, for example, a cellular network configured of a radio access network RAN ​​and a core network CN. In this embodiment, the wireless communication device is a communication device having a wireless communication function, and in the example of Fig. 12, this corresponds to the base station 20 and the terminal device 40.

[0064] The communication system 1 may include a plurality of management devices 10, base stations 20, propagation path control devices 30, terminal devices 40, and control stations 50. In the example of FIG. 12, the communication system 1 includes a management device 10１ and management device 10 ２ and the base station 20 is provided with １ , base station 20 ２ , and base station 20 ３ In the example of FIG. 12, the communication system 1 includes a propagation path control device 30. １ , propagation path control device 30 ２ , and the propagation path control device 30 ３ The terminal device 40 is provided with the terminal device 40 １ , terminal device 40 ２ , and terminal device 40 ３ In the example of FIG. 13, the communication system 1 includes a control station 50. １ , and the control station 50 ２ The control station 50 that controls the plurality of propagation path control devices 30 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0065] The terminal device 40 may be configured to connect to a network using radio access technologies (RATs) such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), NR (New Radio), B5G (Beyond 5G), 6G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. In this case, the terminal device 40 may be configured to be able to use different radio access technologies (wireless communication methods). For example, the terminal device 40 may be configured to be able to use NR and Wi-Fi. Furthermore, the terminal device 40 may be configured to be able to use different cellular communication technologies (e.g., LTE, NR, B5G, or 6G). In the following description, the terminal device 40 may be referred to as UE (User Equipment).

[0066] LTE and NR are types of cellular communication technologies that enable mobile communication for terminal devices by arranging multiple areas covered by base stations in the form of cells. 6G, also a type of cellular communication technology, has the potential to become a technology that enables mobile communication for terminal devices by arranging multiple areas covered by base stations in the form of cells.

[0067] In the following description, "LTE" includes LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), LTE-A Pro (LTE-Advanced Pro), and EUTRA (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access). NR includes NRAT (New Radio Access Technology) and FEUTRA (Further EUTRA). A single base station 20 may manage multiple cells. In the following description, a cell corresponding to LTE is referred to as an LTE cell, and a cell corresponding to NR is referred to as an NR cell.

[0068] NR is the next generation (5th generation) radio access technology after LTE (4th generation communications including LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro). NR is a radio access technology that can support various use cases including eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications), and URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications). NR was standardized in 3GPP (registered trademark) Rel-15 as a technical framework that corresponds to the usage scenarios, requirements, and deployment scenarios of these use cases. Furthermore, B5G and 6G are required to simultaneously achieve multiple axes of high speed, large capacity, low latency, high reliability, and multiple simultaneous connections.

[0069] 6G is the next generation of cellular communication technology after NR (5th generation mobile communications) and 5GS (5G system). 6G includes radio access technology and network technology between base stations, core networks, and data networks. 6G also includes technologies for extreme connectivity of eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC, which were the main use cases or requirements of NR. 6G also includes new technologies in new areas. For example, 6G may include technologies related to AI (cognitive network, AI native air interface), sensing (including radar sensing and network as a sensor), and terahertz communication.

[0070] The wireless network may support at least one of radio access technologies (RATs) such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), NR (New Radio), B5G, and 6G. LTE, NR, and 6G are types of cellular communication technologies that enable mobile communication for terminal devices by arranging multiple areas covered by base stations in the form of cells. The wireless access method used by the communication system 1 is not limited to LTE, NR, B5G, and 6G, and may be other wireless access methods such as W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) and cdma2000 (Code Division Multiple Access 2000).

[0071] Furthermore, the base station 20 may be a terrestrial station or a non-terrestrial station. The non-terrestrial station may be a satellite station or an aircraft station. If the non-terrestrial station is a satellite station, the wireless network may be a bent-pipe (transparent) type mobile satellite communication system.

[0072] In this embodiment, terrestrial stations and terrestrial base stations refer to base stations and relay stations installed on the ground. Here, "terrestrial" refers to terrestrial in a broad sense, including not only land but also underground, on water, and underwater. In the following description, the term "terrestrial station" may be replaced with "gateway."

[0073] Note that an LTE base station may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. An NR base station may be referred to as a gNodeB or gNB. A 6G base station may be referred to as a 6G NodeB (6GNB). In LTE, NR, and 6G, a terminal device (also referred to as a mobile station or terminal) may be referred to as a UE (User Equipment). Note that a terminal device is a type of communication device and is also referred to as a mobile station or terminal.

[0074] The terminal device 40 may be able to connect to a network using a wireless access technology (wireless communication method) other than LTE, NR, B5G, 6G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. For example, the terminal device 40 may be able to connect to a network using low power wide area (LPWA) communication. The terminal device 40 may also be able to connect to a network using proprietary wireless communication.

[0075] 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 specified 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 40 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.

[0076] 12 and 13 may be considered as devices in a logical sense, that is, a part of each wireless communication device may be realized by a virtual machine (VM), a container such as Docker, or the like, and these may be physically implemented on the same hardware.

[0077] In this embodiment, the concept of a wireless communication device includes not only portable mobile devices (terminal devices) such as mobile terminals, but also devices installed in structures or mobile bodies. The structures or mobile bodies themselves may be considered wireless communication devices. Furthermore, the concept of a wireless communication device includes not only terminal devices 40 but also base stations 20. A wireless communication device is a type of processing device or information processing device. A wireless communication device can also be referred to as a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0078] The following describes in detail the configuration of each communication device that constitutes the communication system 1. Note that the configuration of each communication device shown below is merely an example. The configuration of each communication device may be different from the configuration shown below.

[0079] 2-1. Configuration of Management Device First, the configuration of the management device 10 will be described.

[0080] The management device 10 is an information processing device (computer) that manages a wireless network. For example, the management device 10 is an information processing device that manages communications of the base station 20. The management device 10 is also a type of communication device.

[0081] The management device 10 may be, for example, a device having a function as an MME (Mobility Management Entity). The management device 10 may also be a device having a function as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and / or an SMF (Session Management Function). The MME, AMF, and SMF are control plane network function nodes in a core network. The management device 10 may be a device having a function as a control plane network function (6G CPNF) in 6G. The 6G CPNF may be composed of one or more logical nodes.

[0082] Of course, the functions of the management device 10 are not limited to MME, AMF, SMF, and 6G CPNF. The management device 10 may be a device having functions as a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), an Authentication Server Function (AUSF), a Policy Control Function (PCF), and a Unified Data Management (UDM). Furthermore, the management device 10 may be a device having functions as a Home Subscriber Server (HSS).

[0083] The management device 10 may have a gateway function. For example, the management device 10 may have a function as an S-GW (Serving Gateway) or a P-GW (Packet Data Network Gateway). The management device 10 may also have a UPF (User Plane Function) function. In this case, the management device 10 may have multiple UPFs. The management device 10 may also be a device that has a function as a 6G User Plane Network Function (6G UPNF).

[0084] The core network is composed of multiple network functions, and each network function may be consolidated into one physical device or distributed across multiple physical devices. In other words, the management device 10 may be distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, this distributed distribution may be controlled so that it is executed dynamically. The base station 20 and the management device 10 form a single network, providing wireless communication services to terminal devices 40. The management device 10 is connected to the Internet, and the terminal devices 40 can use various services provided via the Internet via the base station 20.

[0085] The management device 10 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 management device 10 may be a device that functions as an RNC (Radio Network Controller).

[0086] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management device 10 according to this embodiment. The management device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The configuration shown in Fig. 14 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the management device 10 may be statically or dynamically distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated configurations. The management device 10 may also be configured by multiple server devices.

[0087] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with other communication devices (e.g., the base station 20). The communication unit 11 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. The communication unit 11 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface configured by a USB host controller or a USB port. The communication unit 11 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 11 functions as a communication means of the management device 10. The communication unit 11 is controlled by the control unit 13.

[0088] The storage unit 12 is a readable and writable storage device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a flash memory, or a hard disk. The storage unit 12 functions as a storage means of the management device 10. The storage unit 12 stores, for example, the connection status of the terminal device 40. The storage unit 12 stores the status of the radio resource control (RRC) of the terminal device 40 and the status of the EPS connection management (ECM) or the 5G system connection management (CM). The storage unit 12 may function as a home memory that stores location information of the terminal device 40. The storage unit 12 also stores a learning model (prediction model) for predicting the future quality of the mobile network. The learning model will be described later.

[0089] The control unit 13 is a controller that controls each component of the management device 10. The control unit 13 may be implemented by a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessing unit (MPU). Specifically, the control unit 13 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device internal to the management device 10 using a random access memory (RAM) or the like as a work area. The control unit 13 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The control unit 13 may also be implemented by a graphics processing unit (GPU). A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, and a GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 13 may be configured by multiple physically separated entities. For example, the control unit 13 may be configured by multiple semiconductor chips.

[0090] The operation of the control unit 13 may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 33 of the propagation path control device 30, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 53 of the control station 50. The operation of the control unit 13 may also be similar to the operation of the control unit 23 of the base station 20, or may be similar to the operation of the control unit 43 of the terminal device 40.

[0091] <2-2. Configuration of Base Station> Next, the configuration of the base station 20 will be described.

[0092] The base station 20 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, a terminal device 40 or another base station 20). The base station 20 may perform wireless communication with the terminal device 40 via a relay station, or may perform wireless communication directly with the terminal device 40. In the following description, the base station 20 may be referred to as an AP 20 or a BS 20.

[0093] The base station 20 is a device equivalent to a wireless access point (Access Point) or a wireless base station (e.g., Base Station, Node B, eNB, gNB, or 6GNB). The base station 20 may be a wireless relay station. The base station 20 may be an optical device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). The base station 20 may be a receiving station such as an FPU (Field Pickup Unit). The base station 20 may be an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) donor node or an IAB relay node that provides wireless access lines and wireless backhaul lines using time division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, or space division multiplexing.

[0094] The wireless access technology used by the base station 20 may be wireless LAN technology (IEEE 802.11), LTE-U (LTE-Unlicensed), NR-U (NR Unlicensed), LAA (Licensed Assisted Access), or MultiFire. Of course, the wireless access technology used by the base station 20 may be cellular communication technology. Furthermore, the wireless access technology used by the base station 20 may be LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication technology. However, the wireless access technology used by the base station 20 is not limited to these and may be other wireless access technologies. The wireless communication used by the base station 20 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves or wireless communication using terahertz waves. The wireless communication used by the base station 20 may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared or visible light (optical wireless). Furthermore, the base station 20 may be capable of NOMA (Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access) communication with the terminal device 40. Here, NOMA communication refers to communication (transmission, reception, or both) using non-orthogonal resources. Note that the base station 20 may be capable of NOMA communication with other base stations 20.

[0095] The base station 20 may be able to communicate 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. The base station may also be able to communicate 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The base station 20 may be a donor station or a relay station (relay station). The base station 20 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 base station 20 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 base station 20 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 base station 20 as a mobile station.

[0099] Here, the mobile body may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a mobile phone. The mobile body may be a mobile 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 mobile body that moves underground (e.g., in a tunnel) (e.g., a subway). The mobile body may also be a mobile body that moves on water (e.g., a ship such as a passenger ship, cargo ship, or hovercraft), or a mobile body that moves underwater (e.g., a submersible vessel such as a submersible boat, submarine, or unmanned submersible). The mobile body may also be a mobile body that moves in the atmosphere (e.g., an aircraft such as an airplane, airship, or drone).

[0100] The base station 20 may be a terrestrial base station (ground station) installed on the ground. The base station 20 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 base station 20 may be an antenna installed on a structure such as a building and a signal processing device connected to that antenna. The base station 20 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 base station 20 is not limited to a terrestrial base station. If the communication system 1 is a satellite communication system, the base station 20 may be an aircraft station. From the perspective of a satellite station, an aircraft station located on Earth is a ground station.

[0101] The base station 20 is not limited to a ground station. The base station 20 may be a non-terrestrial base station (non-ground station) that can float in the air or space. The base station 20 may be an aircraft station or a satellite station.

[0102] A satellite station is a wireless communication device 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. The space vehicle may be at least one of an artificial satellite, a spacecraft, a space station, and a probe. Of course, the space vehicle may also be an artificial celestial body other than these. Note that a satellite that serves as a satellite station may be any of 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 orbiting (LEO), a medium Earth orbiting (MEO), a geostationary Earth orbiting (GEO), or a highly elliptical orbiting (HEO) satellite.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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).

[0105] The coverage size of the base station 20 may be relatively large, such as a macrocell, or relatively small, such as a picocell. The coverage size of the base station 20 may be extremely small, such as a femtocell. The base station 20 may have a beamforming function. The base station 20 may form a cell or service area for each beam. Additionally or alternatively, in addition to beamforming, which imparts directionality to the beam, the base station 20 may have a function for pinpointing a desired wave to a specific point by further considering distance information from the antenna of the base station 20. This function may be called beam focusing or point forming. The base station 20 may also be configured to acquire detection data by performing sensing using the beam.

[0106] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a base station 20 according to this embodiment. The base station 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a control unit 23, and a sensor unit 24. The base station 20 does not necessarily have to include all of these components. For example, the base station 20 does not necessarily have to include the sensor unit 24. The base station 20 may also include components other than these components. For example, the base station 20 may include a sensor unit having a configuration similar to the sensor unit 34 of the propagation path control device 30. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 15 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different. Furthermore, the functions of the base station 20 may be distributed and implemented across multiple physically separated components.

[0107] The wireless communication unit 21 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., at least one of the terminal device 40 and another base station 20). The wireless communication unit 21 may be referred to as a wireless transceiver or simply as a transceiver. In this case, the wireless communication unit 21 may be a transceiver (hereinafter referred to as a 3GPP transceiver) conforming to the specifications defined in the Technical Specification of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The 3GPP transceiver may be a 3G transceiver, a 4G (LTE) transceiver, a 5G (NR) transceiver, or a transceiver of a generation after 5G. The wireless communication unit 21 is controlled by the control unit 23. The wireless communication unit 21 supports one or more wireless access methods. The wireless communication unit 21 may support at least one of wireless LAN, NR, LTE, B5G, and 6G. The wireless communication unit 21 may support W-CDMA, cdma2000, etc. in addition to wireless LAN, NR, LTE, B5G, and 6G. The wireless communication unit 21 may support automatic retransmission techniques such as HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest). Some or all of the processing performed by the wireless communication unit 21 may be performed by the control unit 23.

[0108] The wireless communication unit 21 includes a transmission processing unit 211, a reception processing unit 212, and an antenna 213. At least one of the transmission processing unit 211, the reception processing unit 212, and the antenna 213 may be considered as the wireless communication unit 21. The wireless communication unit 21 may include a plurality of transmission processing units 211, a plurality of reception processing units 212, and a plurality of antennas 213. When the wireless communication unit 21 supports a plurality of wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 21 may be configured individually for each wireless access method. The transmission processing unit 211 and the reception processing unit 212 may be configured individually for LTE, NR, B5G, and 6G. The antenna 213 may be configured with a plurality of antenna elements, for example, a plurality of patch antennas. The wireless communication unit 21 may have a beamforming function. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 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 of 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction).

[0109] The transmission processing unit 211 performs transmission processing of the downlink control information and downlink data. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 encodes the downlink control information and downlink data input from the control unit 23 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 211 then modulates the coded bits using a predetermined modulation method (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM, or a higher-order multi-level modulation method). 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 211 then multiplexes the modulation symbols of each channel and the downlink reference signal and allocates the multiplexed signal to predetermined resource elements. The transmission processing unit 211 then performs various signal processing on the multiplexed signal. For example, the transmission processing unit 211 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 211 is transmitted from an antenna 213.

[0110] The reception processing unit 212 processes the uplink signal received via the antenna 213. For example, the reception processing unit 212 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 212 then separates uplink channels such as a PUSCH (Physical Uplink Shared Channel) and a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control Channel) and an uplink reference signal from the signal that has undergone these processes. Furthermore, the reception processing unit 212 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 212 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 23.

[0111] The antenna 213 is an antenna device that converts electric current and radio waves into each other. The antenna 213 may be configured with a single antenna element, for example, a single patch antenna. The antenna 213 may be configured with multiple antenna elements, for example, multiple patch antennas. When the antenna 213 is configured with multiple antenna elements, the wireless communication unit 21 may have a beamforming function. The wireless communication unit 21 may be configured to generate a directional beam by controlling the directivity of a wireless signal using the multiple antenna elements. The antenna 213 may be a dual-polarized antenna. When the antenna 213 is a dual-polarized antenna, the wireless communication unit 21 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 21 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 21 may transmit and receive spatially multiplexed signals via multiple layers each consisting of multiple antenna elements.

[0112] The storage unit 22 is a readable and writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 22 functions as a storage means of the base station 20.

[0113] The control unit 23 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station 20. The control unit 23 controls the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., terminal devices 40 or other base stations 20). The control unit 23 may be implemented by a processor such as a CPU or MPU. Specifically, the control unit 23 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station 20 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 23 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The control unit 23 may also be implemented by a GPU. A CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA, and GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 23 may be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 23 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips. The control unit 23 may have the functionality of a Near-Real Time RIC.

[0114] The control unit 23 includes at least one block of an acquisition unit 231, a detection unit 232, a request unit 233, and a transmission unit 234. Each block (acquisition unit 231 to transmission unit 234) constituting the control unit 23 is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 23. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 23 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

[0115] The operation of the control unit 23 may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 33 of the propagation path control device 30, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 43 of the terminal device 40, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 53 of the control station 50. The operation of the control unit 23 may also be similar to the operation of the control unit 13 of the management device 10.

[0116] The sensor unit 24 is a sensor that acquires various information related to wireless communication. For example, the sensor unit 24 is a sensor that acquires information about objects around the device. For example, the sensor unit 24 is a sensor that acquires information about the position, shape, movement, etc. of other objects. Note that the sensor unit 24 is not limited to a sensor that acquires information about objects around the device. The sensor unit 24 may also be a sensor for detecting the state of the device itself (for example, the position, movement speed, tilt, vibration, rotation, etc. of the base station 20).

[0117] The sensor unit 24 may be an RF (Radio Frequency) sensor or a non-RF sensor. Alternatively, the sensor unit 24 may be a sensor system (for example, a sensor unit or a sensor module) that combines an RF sensor and a non-RF sensor.

[0118] Here, an RF sensor refers to a component that uses radio waves for measurement. An example of an RF sensor is a radar that uses radio waves such as millimeter waves. In this case, the radio waves used by the radar are not limited to radio waves in the millimeter wave band (e.g., 30 to 300 GHz band), but may also be radio waves in the microwave band (e.g., 3 to 30 GHz band) or quasi-millimeter wave band (e.g., 20 to 30 GHz band).

[0119] Another example of an RF sensor is a wireless positioning sensor (wireless positioning system). An example of a wireless positioning sensor is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor. The GNSS sensor may be a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor, a GLONASS sensor, a Galileo sensor, or a Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) sensor. The wireless positioning sensor is not limited to a GNSS sensor, and may be, for example, a sensor for 3GPP positioning or Wi-Fi / Bluetooth positioning.

[0120] A non-RF sensor refers to a component that performs measurements without using radio waves. An example of a non-RF sensor is a ranging sensor (ranging system) such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). In this case, the light (e.g., laser light) used by the ranging sensor is not limited to visible light, and may be invisible light such as ultraviolet light, infrared light, or near-infrared light. Another example of a non-RF sensor is sonar that uses sound waves such as ultrasound.

[0121] Another example of a non-RF sensor is a camera. The camera is not limited to a visible light camera. For example, the camera may be a near-infrared camera, a mid-infrared camera, or a far-infrared camera. The camera may be a monocular camera or a stereo camera. Another example of a non-RF sensor may be an image sensor. In this case, the image sensor may have image plane phase difference pixels embedded discretely. Alternatively, the sensor unit 24 may be a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor or a microphone.

[0122] Other examples of non-RF sensors include an acceleration sensor (e.g., a three-axis acceleration sensor), a speed sensor, a gyro sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), and other motion sensors. Other examples of non-RF sensors include a magnetic sensor, a barometer, and an altimeter (e.g., a barometer).

[0123] Furthermore, the sensor unit 24 may be a sensor that acquires various information for predicting the quality of a communication path (e.g., a propagation path formed by a communication device and / or a propagation path control device). For example, the sensor unit 24 may be a sensor that detects the reception S / N of radio waves received from another communication device (e.g., a communication device that is a communication partner, or a communication device other than the communication partner). Of course, the information acquired by the sensor unit 24 is not limited to the reception S / N, as long as it can be used to predict the quality of the communication path.

[0124] Of course, the sensor unit 24 is not limited to the above-mentioned sensors, and may be a sensor system that combines a plurality of the above-mentioned sensors.

[0125] In some embodiments, the base station 20 may be configured as a collection of multiple physical or logical devices. As an example, the base station 20 of this embodiment may be divided into multiple devices such as a baseband unit (BBU) and a radio unit (RU). The base station 20 may be interpreted as a collection of these multiple devices. Furthermore, the base station may be either a BBU or an RU, or may be both. The BBU and the RU may be connected by a predetermined interface such as an enhanced Common Public Radio Interface (eCPRI).

[0126] 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 base station 20, 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 base station 20 may include, for example, 64 transmitting antenna ports and 64 receiving antenna ports.

[0127] 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.

[0128] A plurality of base stations 20 may be connected to each other. One or more base stations 20 may be included in a radio access network (RAN). In this case, the base station 20 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.

[0129] An LTE base station 20 may be referred to as an eNodeB (Evolved Node B) or eNB. In this case, the EUTRAN includes one or more eNodeBs (eNBs). An NR base station 20 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).

[0130] When the base station 20 is an eNB, gNB, 6GNB, or the like, the base station 20 may be referred to as a 3GPP access. When the base station 20 is a wireless access point, the base station 20 may be referred to as a non-3GPP access. The base station 20 may be a radio device called an RRH (Remote Radio Head). When the base station 20 is a gNB, the base station 20 may be a combination of the gNB-CU and gNB-DU described above, or may be either a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.

[0131] 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. The gNB-CU and gNB-DU may be connected to a Near-Real Time RIC via the E2 interface.

[0132] The base station 20 may be configured to be able to communicate with other base stations. When multiple base stations 20 are eNBs or a combination of eNBs and en-gNBs, these base stations 20 may be connected via an X2 interface. When multiple base stations 20 are gNBs or a combination of gn-eNBs and gNBs, these base stations 20 may be connected via an Xn interface. When multiple base stations 20 are a combination of gNB-CUs and gNB-DUs, these base stations 20 may be connected via the F1 interface described above. Messages / information (e.g., RRC signaling, MAC Control Element (CE), or Downlink Control Information (DCI)) described below may be transmitted between multiple base stations 20 via, for example, the X2 interface, the Xn interface, or the F1 interface.

[0133] A cell provided by the base station 20 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 40, a 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.

[0134] The serving cell may include a PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell or Primary SCG Cell). When dual connectivity is provided to the terminal device 40, the PSCell provided by a Secondary Node (SN) and zero or more SCells 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).

[0135] 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 40, and one BWP may be used by the terminal device 40 as an active BWP. Radio resources available to the terminal device 40, such as frequency bands, numerology (subcarrier spacing), or slot formats, may differ for each cell, component carrier, or BWP.

[0136] <2-3. Configuration of Propagation Path Control Device> Next, the configuration of the propagation path control device 30 will be described.

[0137] The propagation path control device 30 is a control device that dynamically changes the propagation path of radio waves. The propagation path control device 30 is typically a Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface (RIS). In the following description, the propagation path control device 30 may be referred to as RIS 30.

[0138] The propagation path control device 30 may be a RIS (referred to as a Cooperative RIS in this embodiment) that operates in cooperation with communication devices such as the base station 20, or may be a RIS (referred to as a Blind RIS in this embodiment) that operates without cooperation with communication devices. The propagation path control device 30 may also be a RIS that reflects or transmits incoming radio waves without amplifying them (referred to as a passive RIS in this embodiment), or a RIS that amplifies and reflects or transmits incoming radio waves (referred to as an active RIS in this embodiment). The propagation path control device 30 may be a device called a metasurface reflector or a device called a smart repeater. The propagation path control device 30 is not limited to a reflective device and may be, for example, a transmissive device. The term "propagation path control device 30" used in the following description may be rephrased as a RIS, IRS, IS, metasurface, smart surface, intelligent surface, metamaterial, or relay device.

[0139] The propagation path control device 30 has a structure that reflects or transmits the arriving radio waves. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may have, as a structure, a reflector formed of one or more metasurfaces (metasurface elements) that can dynamically control the permittivity and / or magnetic permeability. The propagation path control device 30 may also have, as a structure, a transmission plate that can control the refractive index and the like of the radio waves that pass through. The propagation path control device 30 then controls the reflection characteristics (e.g., reflection direction / reflectance, etc.) or transmission characteristics (e.g., refraction direction / transmittance, etc.) of the structure, thereby reflecting or transmitting the arriving radio waves at a desired angle.

[0140] The propagation path control device 30 may be a device installed on the outer wall of a structure such as a building. By installing the propagation path control device 30 on the outer wall of the structure, even if there is an obstruction between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40, a signal from the base station 20 can be reflected by the propagation path control device 30 provided on the outer wall of the building and reach the terminal device 40. The propagation path control device 30 may also be a device mounted on a device. In this case, the propagation path control device 30 may be a mobile device. The mobile device may be a floating device. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may be mounted on a terminal device such as a smartphone, a vehicle such as an automobile, a train, or a rickshaw, an air vehicle (floating body) such as a balloon, an airplane, or a drone, a facility such as a traffic light, a sign, or a street light, or a home appliance such as a television, a game console, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, or a lighting fixture.

[0141] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the propagation path control device 30 according to this embodiment. The propagation path control device 30 includes a communication unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a sensor unit 34, and a surface unit 35. The propagation path control device 30 does not necessarily have to include all of these components. For example, the propagation path control device 30 does not necessarily have to include the sensor unit 34. The propagation path control device 30 may also include a plurality of these components. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may include a plurality of surface units 35. In this case, the plurality of surface units 35 may face different directions. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 16 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the propagation path control device 30 may be distributed and implemented in a plurality of physically separated components.

[0142] The communication unit 31 is a communication interface for communicating with other communication devices (e.g., the management device 10, the base station 20, the terminal device 40, the control station 50, or another propagation path control device 30). The communication unit 31 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. The communication unit 31 may be a LAN interface such as a NIC, or a USB interface configured with a USB host controller or a USB port. The communication unit 31 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. For example, the communication unit 31 may be a wireless communication unit having a configuration similar to the wireless communication unit 21 provided in the base station 20 and / or the wireless communication unit 41 provided in the terminal device 40. The communication unit 31 is controlled by the control unit 33.

[0143] The storage unit 32 is a storage device that can read and write data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0144] The control unit 33 is a controller (control device) that controls each unit of the propagation path control device 30. The control unit 33 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, an MPU, or a GPU. For example, the control unit 33 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the propagation path control device 30 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 33 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 33 may also be realized by a GPU. A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, and a GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 33 may be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 33 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0145] The control unit 33 includes at least one block of an acquisition unit 331, a detection unit 332, a request unit 333, a transmission unit 334, a determination unit 335, and a setting unit 336. Each block (acquisition unit 331 to setting unit 336) constituting the control unit 33 is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 33. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 33 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

[0146] The operation of the control unit 33 may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 23 of the base station 20, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 43 of the terminal device 40, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 53 of the control station 50. The operation of the control unit 33 may also be similar to the operation of the control unit 13 of the management device 10. The control unit 33 may also be configured to control the surface unit 35 of one or more other propagation path control devices 30.

[0147] The sensor unit 34 is a sensor that acquires various information related to wireless communication. For example, the sensor unit 34 is a sensor that acquires information about objects around the device. For example, the sensor unit 34 is a sensor that acquires information about the position, shape, movement, etc. of other objects. The sensor unit 34 may be a sensor that detects the state of the device itself (for example, the position, moving speed, tilt, vibration, rotation, etc. of the propagation path control device 30). Alternatively, the configuration of the sensor unit 34 may be the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 24 provided in the base station 20. For example, the sensor unit 34 may be an RF sensor or a non-RF sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 34 may be a sensor system that combines an RF sensor and a non-RF sensor.

[0148] The surface unit 35 is a structure that reflects or transmits the incoming radio waves. For example, the surface unit 35 is a reflector formed of a metasurface (metasurface element) whose permittivity and / or permeability can be dynamically controlled. The surface unit 35 may be a transmission plate configured to transmit the incoming radio waves and capable of controlling the refractive index, etc., of the transmitted radio waves. The propagation path control device 30 is not limited to a plate shape. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may be a sheet shape. A metasurface is a type of artificial medium (metamaterial) that realizes desired characteristics (e.g., permittivity, permeability, etc.) by periodically arranging structures that are small relative to the wavelength. The control unit 33 can control, for example, the amplitude, phase, polarization, or frequency of the incoming radio waves by manipulating the characteristics (e.g., reflection characteristics or transmission characteristics) of the metasurface provided by the surface unit 35. The structure provided by the propagation path control device 30 is not limited to a surface shape. The surface unit 35 mentioned in the following description can be rephrased as a metamaterial unit 35, a material unit 35, etc.

[0149] 2-4. Configuration of Terminal Device Next, the configuration of the terminal device 40 will be described.

[0150] The terminal device 40 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (for example, the base station 20 or other terminal devices 40). In the following description, the terminal device 40 may be referred to as a UE 40.

[0151] The terminal device 40 may be any type of information processing device (computer). For example, the terminal device 40 may be a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smart device (smartphone or tablet), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook PC, or a portable game console. The terminal device 40 may also be an imaging device (e.g., a camcorder) equipped with a communication function. The terminal device 40 may also be a motorcycle or a mobile broadcasting vehicle equipped with a communication device such as a field pickup unit (FPU). The terminal device 40 may also be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The terminal device 40 may also be a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0152] Furthermore, the terminal device 40 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 40 is an XR device, the terminal device 40 may be a standalone device consisting only of a part worn by a user (e.g., a glasses part). Furthermore, the terminal device 40 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.

[0153] The terminal device 40 may be capable of NOMA communication with the base station 20. The terminal device 40 may be able to use an automatic repeat technique such as HARQ when communicating with the base station 20. The terminal device 40 may be capable of sidelink communication with another terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 may be able to use an automatic repeat technique such as HARQ when performing sidelink communication. The terminal device 40 may be capable of NOMA communication when performing sidelink communication with another terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 may be capable of LPWA communication with other wireless communication devices such as the base station 20. The wireless communication used by the terminal device 40 may be wireless communication using millimeter waves. The wireless communication used by the terminal device 40, 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 40 may be a mobile wireless communication device, i.e., a mobile device. The terminal device 40 may be a wireless communication device installed in a mobile device, or may be the mobile device itself. The terminal device 40 may be a vehicle that moves on a road, such as an automobile, bus, truck, or motorcycle, or a train that runs on a track, or may be a wireless communication device mounted on the vehicle. The mobile device may be a mobile terminal, or a mobile device that moves on land (in the narrow sense of the word), underground, on water, or underwater. The mobile device may also be a mobile device that moves within the atmosphere, such as an airplane, airship, balloon, or helicopter, or a mobile device that moves outside the atmosphere, such as an artificial satellite. The mobile device may also be a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) such as a drone. The terminal device 40 may also be a wireless communication device mounted on the mobile device.

[0155] The terminal device 40 may be capable of simultaneously connecting to and communicating with a plurality of base stations 20 or a plurality of cells. When one base station 20 supports a communication area via a plurality of cells (e.g., pCell or sCell), the plurality of cells can be bundled together to enable communication between the base station 20 and the terminal device 40 by using carrier aggregation (CA) technology, dual connectivity (DC) technology, multi-connectivity (MC) technology, or the like. Alternatively, communication between the terminal device 40 and the plurality of base stations 20 can also be performed via cells of different base stations 20 by coordinated multi-point transmission and reception (CoMP) technology.

[0156] The terminal device 40 may be a relay terminal that relays communications to a remote terminal.

[0157] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a terminal device 40 according to this embodiment. The terminal device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a storage unit 42, a control unit 43, and a sensor unit 44. The terminal device 40 does not necessarily have to include all of these components. The terminal device 40 may include components other than these components. For example, the terminal device 40 may include a sensor unit having a configuration similar to the sensor unit 34 of the propagation path control device 30. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 17 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the terminal device 40 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated components.

[0158] The wireless communication unit 41 is a signal processing unit for wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., a base station 20 or another terminal device 40). The wireless communication unit 41 may be referred to as a wireless transceiver or simply as a transceiver. In this case, the wireless communication unit 41 may be a transceiver of a standard defined in the 3GPP technical specifications (hereinafter referred to as a 3GPP transceiver). The 3GPP transceiver may be a 3G transceiver, a 4G (LTE) transceiver, a 5G (NR) transceiver, or a transceiver of a generation after 5G. The wireless communication unit 41 is controlled, for example, 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 wireless LAN, NR, LTE, B5G, and 6G. The wireless communication unit 41 may support W-CDMA, cdma2000, etc. in addition to NR, LTE, B5G, and 6G. The wireless communication unit 41 may support automatic repeat transmission techniques such as HARQ. Some or all of the processing performed by the wireless communication unit 41 may be performed by the control unit 43.

[0159] The wireless communication unit 41 includes a transmission processing unit 411, a reception processing unit 412, and an antenna 413. At least one of the transmission processing unit 411, the reception processing unit 412, and the antenna 413 may be considered as the wireless communication unit 41. The wireless communication unit 41 may include a plurality of transmission processing units 411, a plurality of reception processing units 412, and a plurality of antennas 413. When the wireless communication unit 41 supports a plurality of wireless access methods, each unit of the wireless communication unit 41 may be configured individually for each wireless access method. The transmission processing unit 411 and the reception processing unit 412 may be configured individually for LTE, NR, B5G, and 6G. The antenna 413 may be configured with a plurality of antenna elements, for example, a plurality of 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 of 45 degrees and -45 degrees from the vertical direction).

[0160] The storage unit 42 is a readable and writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0161] The control unit 43 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 40. The control unit 43 controls the wireless communication unit to perform wireless communication with other wireless communication devices (e.g., the base station 20 or another terminal device 40). The control unit 43 may be implemented by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. In particular, the control unit 23 may be implemented by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device internal to the terminal 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 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 composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 43 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0162] The control unit 43 includes at least one block of an acquisition unit 431, a detection unit 432, a request unit 433, and a transmission unit 434. Each block (acquisition unit 431 to transmission unit 434) constituting the control unit 43 is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 43. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 43 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

[0163] The operation of the control unit 43 may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 23 of the base station 20, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 33 of the propagation path control device 30, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 53 of the control station 50. The operation of the control unit 43 may also be similar to the operation of the control unit 13 of the management device 10.

[0164] The sensor unit 44 is a sensor that acquires various information related to wireless communication. For example, the sensor unit 44 is a sensor that acquires information about objects around the device. For example, the sensor unit 44 is a sensor that acquires information about the position, shape, movement, etc. of other objects. The sensor unit 44 may be a sensor that detects the state of the device itself (for example, the position, movement speed, tilt, vibration, rotation, etc. of the terminal device 40). Alternatively, the configuration of the sensor unit 44 may be the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 24 included in the base station 20. For example, the sensor unit 44 may be an RF sensor or a non-RF sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 44 may be a sensor system that combines an RF sensor and a non-RF sensor.

[0165] 2-5. Configuration of the Control Station Next, the configuration of the control station 50 will be described.

[0166] The control station 50 is a control device that centrally controls a plurality of propagation path control devices 30. Note that the control station 50 may control only one propagation path control device 30. The control station 50 is also a type of communication device.

[0167] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control station 50 according to this embodiment. The control station 50 includes a communication unit 51, a storage unit 52, a control unit 53, and a sensor unit 54. The control station 50 does not necessarily have to include all of these components. For example, the control station 50 does not necessarily have to include the sensor unit 54. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 18 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from this. Furthermore, the functions of the control station 50 may be distributed and implemented in multiple physically separated components.

[0168] The communication unit 51 is a communication interface for communicating with other communication devices (for example, the management device 10, the base station 20, the propagation path control device 30, the terminal device 40, or another control station 50). The communication unit 51 may be a network interface or a device connection interface. The communication unit 51 may be a LAN interface such as a NIC, or a USB interface configured by a USB host controller or a USB port. The communication unit 51 may be a wired interface or a wireless interface. The communication unit 51 is controlled by the control unit 53.

[0169] The storage unit 52 is a storage device that can read and write data, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk.

[0170] The control unit 53 is a controller that controls each unit of the control station 50. The control unit 53 may be realized by a processor such as a CPU or an MPU. In particular, the control unit 53 may be realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the control station 50 using RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 53 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. The control unit 53 may be realized by a GPU. A CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, and a GPU can all be considered controllers. The control unit 53 may be composed of multiple physically separated objects. For example, the control unit 53 may be composed of multiple semiconductor chips.

[0171] The control unit 53 includes at least one block of an acquisition unit 531, a detection unit 532, a request unit 533, a transmission unit 534, a determination unit 535, and a setting unit 536. Each block (acquisition unit 531 to setting unit 536) constituting the control unit 53 is a functional block that indicates the function of the control unit 53. These functional blocks may be software blocks or hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-mentioned functional blocks may be a software module realized by software (including a microprogram), or may be a circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The control unit 53 may be configured by functional units different from the above-mentioned functional blocks. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

[0172] The operation of the control unit 53 may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 23 of the base station 20, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 33 of the propagation path control device 30, or may be similar to the operation of each block included in the control unit 43 of the terminal device 40. The operation of the control unit 53 may also be similar to the operation of the control unit 13 of the management device 10. The control unit 53 may also be configured to control the surface units 35 of multiple propagation path control devices 30.

[0173] The sensor unit 54 is a sensor that acquires various information related to wireless communication. For example, the sensor unit 54 is a sensor that acquires information about objects around the device. For example, the sensor unit 54 is a sensor that acquires information about the position, shape, movement, etc. of other objects. The sensor unit 54 may be a sensor that detects the state of the device itself (for example, the position, moving speed, tilt, vibration, rotation, etc. of the control station 50). Alternatively, the configuration of the sensor unit 54 may be the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 34 included in the propagation path control device 30. For example, the sensor unit 54 may be an RF sensor or a non-RF sensor. Furthermore, the sensor unit 54 may be a sensor system that combines an RF sensor and a non-RF sensor.

[0174] <<3. Operation of the Communication System>> The configuration of the communication system 1 has been described above. Next, the operation of the communication system 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0175] <3-1. Communication Environment> First, the communication environment assumed in this embodiment will be described.

[0176] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a communication environment assumed in this embodiment. In the example of Fig. 19, one or more propagation path control devices 30 are installed in an environment where one or more base stations 20 and multiple terminal devices 40 exist. More specifically, M propagation path control devices 30 are installed in an environment where one base station 20 and N terminal devices 40 exist. N and M are each integers equal to or greater than 1. The propagation path control device 30 is, for example, a RIS. The propagation path control device 30 may be fixed or mobile.

[0177] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing another example of a communication environment assumed in this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 20 , one or more propagation path control devices 30 are installed in an environment where one or more base stations 20 and multiple terminal devices 40 exist. More specifically, M propagation path control devices 30 are installed in an environment where one base station 20 and N terminal devices 40 exist. The propagation path control devices 30 may be fixed or mobile. In the example of FIG. 20 , a control station 50 is also installed in addition to these devices. The control station 50 is connected to multiple propagation path control devices 30 and controls these multiple propagation path control devices 30. In the example of FIG. 20 , the control station 50 controls the M propagation path control devices 30. Here, the control station 50 may control the propagation path control devices 30 by transmitting control information to the propagation path control devices 30. The operation of the propagation path control device 30 mentioned in the following description may be performed by the control station 50. That is, the description of the propagation path control device 30 mentioned in the following description may be replaced with the control station 50.

[0178] 19 and 20, one base station 20 and N terminal devices 40 are shown as multiple communication devices located in the communication environment. However, there may be multiple base stations 20. Also, there may be only one terminal device 40. The multiple communication devices may not include the base station 20. That is, the multiple communication devices may be made up of multiple terminal devices 40. Also, the multiple communication devices may not include the terminal device 40. That is, the multiple communication devices may be made up of multiple base stations 20. The base station 20 may be referred to as an access point 20. The terminal device 40 may be referred to as a UE 40.

[0179] The communication device of this embodiment may be equipped with a plurality of antennas and may be capable of MIMO communication.

[0180] 3-2. First Embodiment First, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0181] As described above, in order to effectively utilize radio wave resources, it is necessary to efficiently operate the RIS so that multiple communication devices can efficiently share the RIS. However, in wireless communication using unlicensed bands, it is difficult to efficiently operate the RIS. In the first embodiment, the operation of the communication system 1 that enables efficient operation of the RIS will be described.

[0182] In the following description, the communication device that acquires the transmission opportunity may be referred to as a transmitting device or a transmitting station. Also, in the following description, the communication device that is the communication partner of the transmitting device (i.e., the device that receives data from the transmitting device at the transmission opportunity) may be referred to as a receiving device or a receiving station.

[0183] Here, the transmit opportunity refers to a time / period during which a specific frequency channel is occupied, such as a TXOP or COT. The transmit opportunity may also be referred to as a transmission right.

[0184] As described above, the operation of the propagation path control device 30 may be performed by the control station 50. In this case, the description of the propagation path control device 30 that appears in the following description will be replaced with the control station 50 as appropriate.

[0185] <3-2-1. Example 1 of Embodiment 1> First, the operation of the communication system 1 according to Example 1 will be described. In Example 1, the propagation path control device 30 has at least a signal reception function (decoding function) as a function of the communication unit 31. In Example 1, the propagation path control device 30 does not necessarily have a signal transmission function.

[0186] <Processing of Transmitting Device> Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing communication processing according to Example 1 of Embodiment 1. The communication processing is processing for a transmitting device to wirelessly communicate with a receiving device using an unlicensed band. The transmitting device that executes the communication processing shown in Fig. 21 may be the base station 20 or the terminal device 40.

[0187] The transmitting device acquires a transmission opportunity (step S101). As described above, the transmission opportunity is, for example, a TXOP or a COT.

[0188] The transmitting device that has acquired a transmission opportunity determines whether to use the propagation path control device 30 for wireless communication (step S102). Here, the transmitting device may determine whether to use the propagation path control device 30 based on at least one of the following criteria: whether coverage extension is necessary, whether MIMO channel rank improvement is necessary, and whether operation to suppress interference / interference with other communication systems / communication devices is necessary. The criteria may include criteria related to the capabilities of the propagation path control device 30 and / or the receiving device. For example, the transmitting device may determine whether to use the propagation path control device 30 based on whether the propagation path control device 30 can perform the operation of this embodiment and / or whether the receiving device can perform the operation of this embodiment. The criteria may be a combination of multiple criteria described above.

[0189] If it is determined that the propagation path control device 30 is not to be used (step S102: No), the transmitting device executes a normal communication operation (a communication operation without using the propagation path control device 30) (step S103). If it is determined that the propagation path control device 30 is to be used (step S102: Yes), the transmitting device executes a communication operation using the propagation path control device 30 (step S104), which will be described below.

[0190] <Communication Operation Example 1 Using Propagation Path Control Device> Fig. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communication operation using the propagation path control device 30. In the communication operation shown in Fig. 22, a single downlink (DL) / uplink (UL) communication is performed in a single transmission opportunity.

[0191] The transmitting device that has obtained a transmission opportunity notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication (step S201). For example, the transmitting device notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30. This notification may include information that triggers the operation of the propagation path control device 30 and / or information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30.

[0192] Here, the information relating to the control of the propagation path control device 30 may include at least one of the following pieces of information (A1) to (A4): (A1) Information relating to the reflection pattern or transmission pattern of the propagation path control device 30 (A2) Information relating to the destination communication device (A3) Information relating to the period during which communication is to be performed using the propagation path control device 30 (A4) Information specifying the period during which the specified reflection pattern or transmission pattern is set during the communication period

[0193] The information on the reflection pattern or transmission pattern of the propagation path control device 30 may include not only information on the reflection pattern or transmission pattern when a signal is transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device, but also information on the reflection pattern or transmission pattern when a signal is transmitted (returned) from a receiving device to a transmitting device. Furthermore, the information on the reflection pattern or transmission pattern of the propagation path control device 30 may be information by which the transmitting device specifies a reflection pattern or transmission pattern to the propagation path control device 30. For example, when a plurality of pieces of information related to the control of the propagation path control device 30 are included, the information on the reflection pattern or transmission pattern of the propagation path control device 30 may be information that specifies which reflection pattern or transmission pattern to use at what timing. In this case, different patterns may be specified when a signal is transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device and when a signal is transmitted (returned) from a receiving device to a transmitting device.

[0194] Here, the reflection pattern is a pattern related to the reflection of an incoming radio wave (e.g., a conversion pattern of an incoming wave or a formation / generation pattern of a reflected wave). For example, the reflection pattern is a combination of configurations of a metasurface (metasurface element). Here, the configuration may be setting information for forming / generating a reflected wave for each metasurface (e.g., information related to permittivity and / or magnetic permeability). Note that the reflection pattern may also be a waveform pattern of a reflected wave formed by the combination of the configurations.

[0195] Furthermore, the transmission pattern is a pattern related to the transmission of incoming radio waves (for example, a conversion pattern of incoming waves or a formation / generation pattern of transmitted waves). For example, the transmission pattern is a combination of metasurface (metasurface element) configurations. Here, the configuration may be setting information for transmitting / generating transmitted waves for each metasurface (for example, information related to permittivity and / or magnetic permeability). Note that the transmission pattern may also be a waveform pattern of transmitted waves formed by the combination of the configurations.

[0196] The propagation path control device 30, which has received the notification, starts controlling the surface unit 35 based on the received notification. For example, the propagation path control device 30 performs a process of setting a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the notification (step S202). Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting process.

[0197] The propagation path control device 30 receives a notification regarding the execution of wireless communication from a communication device (transmitter / receiver) (step S301). The notification corresponds to the notification sent in step S201 of FIG. 22. Then, the propagation path control device 30 activates the metasurface function (step S302). For example, the propagation path control device 30 activates the surface unit 35. If the metasurface function has already been activated, the propagation path control device 30 may skip this step.

[0198] Then, the propagation path control device 30 sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern (step S303). For example, the propagation path control device 30 sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern based on information included in the notification (for example, at least one of the above-mentioned information (A1) to (A4)).

[0199] The propagation path control device 30 may set the reflection pattern or transmission pattern based on information included in a previously received notification (notification regarding the execution of wireless communication). For example, suppose that the notification received by the propagation path control device 30 from the transmitting device includes not only information on the reflection pattern or transmission pattern when transmitting a signal from the transmitting device to the receiving device, but also information on the reflection pattern or transmission pattern when transmitting (returning) a signal from the receiving device to the transmitting device. Then, suppose that in step S301, the propagation path control device 30 receives a request to switch the reflection pattern or transmission pattern from the receiving device as a notification regarding the execution of wireless communication. In this case, the propagation path control device 30 may set the reflection pattern or transmission pattern based on information included in the notification received from the transmitting device.

[0200] The propagation path control device 30 may maintain the previous reflection pattern or transmission pattern setting until receiving the notification of step S301. Furthermore, if the metasurface function (surface unit 35) is not activated, the propagation path control device 30 may maintain the power OFF state of the metasurface function (surface unit 35) until receiving the notification of step S301. The propagation path control device 30 may maintain other settings (for example, settings of a reflection pattern or transmission pattern that scatters incident radio waves). To realize these operations, the propagation path control device 30 may have a function to detect (detect) the position of the communication device (transmitting device and / or receiving device). A method for detecting (detecting) the position of the communication device will be described later.

[0201] 22 , the transmitting device waits for a certain period of time after the notification in step S201. After waiting, the transmitting device transmits data to the receiving device (step S203). Here, the waiting time may be the total time of the processing time defined by the RAT standard (for example, IEEE 802.11, LTE-U, NR-U, LA, or MulteFire) and the time required for the propagation path control device 30 to change the reflection pattern or transmission pattern.

[0202] The receiving device that has received the data notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication (step S204). For example, the receiving device notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30. The notification of the execution of wireless communication may be a request from the receiving device to the propagation path control device 30 to switch between a reflection pattern and a transmission pattern. The notification of the execution of wireless communication may include information that triggers the operation of the propagation path control device 30 and / or information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30, similar to the notification transmitted in step S201. Here, the information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30 may include at least one of the information shown in (A1) to (A4) above.

[0203] The propagation path control device 30, which has received the notification, starts controlling the surface unit 35 based on the received notification. For example, the propagation path control device 30 performs a setting process of a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the notification (step S205). As described above, the propagation path control device 30 may set a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern based on a notification received in the past (for example, the notification received in step S201). Of course, the propagation path control device 30 may also set a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern based on information included in a notification received from the receiving device (for example, the notification received in step S204). Here, the setting process performed by the propagation path control device 30 may be the same as the setting process described above (the setting process shown in FIG. 23).

[0204] The receiving device waits for a certain period of time after receiving the notification in step S204. After waiting, the receiving device transmits (replies) data to the transmitting device (step S206). As described above, the waiting time may be the total time of the processing time defined by the RAT standard and the time required for the propagation path control device 30 to change the reflection pattern or transmission pattern.

[0205] Once the transmission is complete, the communication device ends the communication operation.

[0206] <Communication Operation Example 2 Using Propagation Path Control Device> Fig. 24 is a sequence diagram showing another example of communication operation using the propagation path control device 30. In the communication operation shown in Fig. 24, multiple downlink (DL) / uplink (UL) communications are performed in a single transmission opportunity.

[0207] The transmitting device that has obtained a transmission opportunity notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication (step S401). For example, the transmitting device notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30. This notification may include information that triggers the operation of the propagation path control device 30 and / or information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30. Here, the information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30 may include at least one of the information shown in (A1) to (A4) above. In addition, the notification regarding the execution of wireless communication may be the same as the notification regarding the execution of wireless communication shown in communication operation example 1.

[0208] The propagation path control device 30, which has received the notification, starts controlling the surface unit 35 based on the received notification. For example, the propagation path control device 30 performs a setting process of a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the notification (step S402). Here, the setting process performed by the propagation path control device 30 may be the same as the setting process described above (the setting process shown in FIG. 23).

[0209] The transmitting device waits for a certain period of time after receiving the notification in step S401. After waiting, the transmitting device transmits data to the receiving device (step S403). As described above, the waiting time may be the total time of the processing time defined by the RAT standard and the time required for the propagation path control device 30 to change the reflection pattern or transmission pattern.

[0210] The receiving device that has received the data notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication (step S404). For example, the receiving device notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30. The notification of the execution of wireless communication may be a request from the receiving device to the propagation path control device 30 to switch between a reflection pattern and a transmission pattern. The notification of the execution of wireless communication may include information that triggers the operation of the propagation path control device 30 and / or information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30. Here, the information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30 may include at least one of the information shown in (A1) to (A4) above.

[0211] The propagation path control device 30, which has received the notification, starts controlling the surface unit 35 based on the received notification. For example, the propagation path control device 30 performs a setting process of a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the notification (step S405). As described above, the propagation path control device 30 may set a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern based on a notification received in the past (for example, the notification received in step S401). Of course, the propagation path control device 30 may also set a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern based on information included in a notification received from the receiving device (for example, the notification received in step S404). Here, the setting process performed by the propagation path control device 30 may be the same as the setting process described above (the setting process shown in FIG. 23).

[0212] The receiving device waits for a certain period of time after receiving the notification in step S404. After waiting, the receiving device returns data (ACK / NACK) to the transmitting device (step S406). As described above, the waiting time may be the total time of the processing time defined by the RAT standard and the time required for the propagation path control device 30 to change the reflection pattern or transmission pattern.

[0213] Next, the receiving device transmits data to the transmitting device (step S407). The transmitting device, having received the data, notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication (step S408). This notification may be a request from the receiving device to the propagation path control device 30 to switch between the reflection pattern and the transmission pattern.

[0214] The propagation path control device 30, which has received the notification, starts controlling the surface unit 35 based on the received notification. For example, the propagation path control device 30 performs processing to set a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the notification (step S409). Note that the propagation path control device 30 may also set a notified reflection pattern or transmission pattern that was previously received.

[0215] The transmitting device waits for a certain period of time after receiving the notification in step S408. After waiting, the transmitting device returns data (ACK / NACK) to the receiving device (step S410). Subsequently, the receiving device transmits data to the transmitting device (step S411). Thereafter, the transmitting device, receiving device, and propagation path control device 30 repeat the above-described operations.

[0216] Note that control signals other than the data signals in this embodiment may be transmitted in a frequency band different from that of the data signals. For example, the data signals may be transmitted in the millimeter wave band, and the other signals (control signals) may be transmitted in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band. Here, the data signals are, for example, signals transmitted in step S203, step S206, step S403, step S406, step S407, step S410, or step S411. Furthermore, the control signals are, for example, signals transmitted in step S201, step S204, step S401, step S404, or step S408.

[0217] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to efficiently operate the propagation path control device 30. Specifically, by receiving a notification regarding the execution of wireless communication from a communication device, the propagation path control device 30 can switch between a reflection pattern and a transmission pattern in accordance with the data transmission timing of the communication device. As a result, it is possible to effectively use radio wave resources.

[0218] <3-2-2. Example 2 of Embodiment 1> Next, a description will be given of the operation of the communication system 1 according to Example 2. In Example 2, the propagation path control device 30 has, as the functions of the communication unit 31, a signal receiving function (decoding function) and a signal transmitting function.

[0219] <Processing of Transmitting Device> Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing communication processing according to Example 2 of Embodiment 1. The communication processing is processing for a transmitting device to wirelessly communicate with a receiving device using an unlicensed band. The transmitting device that executes the communication processing shown in Fig. 25 may be the base station 20 or the terminal device 40.

[0220] The transmitting device acquires a transmission opportunity (step S501). As described above, the transmission opportunity is, for example, a TXOP or a COT.

[0221] The transmitting device that has acquired a transmission opportunity determines whether to use the propagation path control device 30 for wireless communication (step S502). Here, the transmitting device may determine whether to use the propagation path control device 30 based on at least one of the following criteria: whether coverage extension is necessary, whether MIMO channel rank improvement is necessary, and whether operation to suppress interference / interference with other communication systems / communication devices is necessary. The criteria may include criteria related to the capabilities of the propagation path control device 30 and / or the receiving device. For example, the transmitting device may determine whether to use the propagation path control device 30 based on whether the propagation path control device 30 can perform the operation of this embodiment and / or whether the receiving device can perform the operation of this embodiment. The criteria may be a combination of multiple criteria described above.

[0222] If it is determined that the propagation path control device 30 is not to be used (step S502: No), the transmitting device executes a normal communication operation (a communication operation without using the propagation path control device 30) (step S503).If it is determined that the propagation path control device 30 is to be used (step S502: Yes), the transmitting device executes a communication operation using the propagation path control device 30 (step S504), which will be described below.

[0223] <Example of communication operation using propagation path control device> FIGS. 26 and 27 are sequence diagrams showing an example of communication operation using the propagation path control device 30. In FIG.

[0224] The transmitting device that has obtained a transmission opportunity notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication (step S601). For example, the transmitting device notifies the propagation path control device 30 of the execution of wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30. This notification may include information that triggers the operation of the propagation path control device 30 and / or information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30. Here, the information regarding the control of the propagation path control device 30 may include at least one of the information shown in (A1) to (A4) above. In addition, the notification regarding the execution of wireless communication may be the same as the notification regarding the execution of wireless communication shown in the first embodiment.

[0225] The propagation path control device 30, which has received the notification, starts controlling the surface unit 35 based on the received notification. For example, the propagation path control device 30 performs a process of setting a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the notification (step S602). Figure 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting process.

[0226] The propagation path control device 30 receives a notification regarding the execution of wireless communication from the communication device (transmitter / receiver) (step S701). This notification corresponds to the notification sent in step S601 shown in Figs. 26 and 27.

[0227] The propagation path control device 30 that has received the notification determines whether or not it can respond to this notification (execution of wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30) (step S702). If it cannot respond to this notification (step S702: No), the propagation path control device 30 transmits a signal (stop signal) indicating that it cannot respond to the notification to the transmitting device (step S703). The transmission of this stop signal corresponds to the processing of step S603 shown in Fig. 26. The transmitting device that has received the stop signal notifies the other propagation path control devices 30 about the execution of wireless communication (step S604).

[0228] On the other hand, if the notification can be handled (step S702: Yes), the propagation path control device 30 activates the metasurface function (step S704). For example, the propagation path control device 30 activates the surface unit 35. If the metasurface function has already been activated, the propagation path control device 30 may skip this step. Then, the propagation path control device 30 sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern (step S705). For example, the propagation path control device 30 sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern based on information included in the notification (for example, at least one of the above-mentioned information (A1) to (A4)). The propagation path control device 30 may also set a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern based on information included in a notification (a notification regarding the execution of wireless communication) received in the past.

[0229] The propagation path control device 30 may maintain the previous reflection pattern or transmission pattern setting until receiving the notification of step S601. Furthermore, if the metasurface function (surface unit 35) is not activated, the propagation path control device 30 may maintain the power OFF state of the metasurface function (surface unit 35) until receiving the notification of step S601. The propagation path control device 30 may maintain other settings (for example, settings of a reflection pattern or transmission pattern that scatters incident radio waves). To realize these operations, the propagation path control device 30 may have a function to detect (detect) the position of the communication device (transmitting device and / or receiving device). A method for detecting (detecting) the position of the communication device will be described later.

[0230] Then, the propagation path control device 30 transmits a trigger signal to at least the transmitting device (step S706). The trigger signal is a notification indicating that the propagation path control device 30 is capable of responding to a notification from a communication device (execution of wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30). The transmission of this trigger signal corresponds to the processing of step S605a shown in Fig. 27. Note that the propagation path control device 30 may also transmit a trigger signal to the receiving device (step S605b).

[0231] Here, the trigger signal may include at least one of the following pieces of information (B1) to (B4): (B1) Information indicating that communication using the propagation path control device 30 is possible (B2) Information on the period during which the propagation path control device 30 responds to a notification (B3) Information specifying the period during which a specified reflection pattern or transmission pattern is set during the communication period (B4) Information on channel estimation for communication using the propagation path control device 30

[0232] In addition, the information on the period during which the propagation path control device 30 responds to the notification may include not only information on the period corresponding to wireless communication from the transmitting device to the receiving device (hereinafter referred to as the first period), but also information on the period corresponding to wireless communication from the receiving device to the transmitting device (hereinafter referred to as the second period).

[0233] Furthermore, the information regarding channel estimation for communication using the propagation path control device 30 may be a channel estimation result by the propagation path control device 30, or may be a channel estimation request (or a reference signal for channel estimation) from the propagation path control device 30 to a communication device (transmitter and / or receiver). When a channel estimation request (or a reference signal for channel estimation) is included, the communication device (transmitter and / or receiver) may feed back the channel estimation result to the propagation path control device 30. At this time, the propagation path control device 30 may share channel information with the communication device. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may transmit channel information of the receiver to the transmitter, and transmit channel information of the transmitter to the receiver.

[0234] Upon receiving the trigger signal from the propagation path control device 30, the transmitting device transmits data to the receiving device (step S606). The trigger signal may be transmitted before activating the metasurface function in step S704 or before setting the reflection pattern or transmission pattern in step S705. In this case, the transmitting device may wait a certain period of time before transmitting data to the receiving device, as in the first embodiment. The waiting time may be the sum of the processing time defined by the RAT standard (e.g., IEEE 802.11, LTE-U, NR-U, LA, or MulteFire) and the time required for the propagation path control device 30 to change the reflection pattern or transmission pattern. Even if the trigger signal is transmitted after setting the reflection pattern or transmission pattern, the transmitting device may insert the waiting time before transmitting data.

[0235] The receiving device that has received the data transmits an ACK / NACK to the propagation path control device 30 (step S607). The propagation path control device 30 that has received the ACK / NACK transmits the received ACK / NACK to the transmitting device (step S608). Note that if the receiving device receives a trigger signal including information about a second period (a period corresponding to wireless communication from the receiving device to the transmitting device) from the propagation path control device 30, the receiving device may transmit an ACK / NACK to the transmitting device during the second period. The propagation path control device 30 may transmit a trigger signal when switching the setting of the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern (for example, when corresponding to wireless communication from the receiving device to the transmitting device).

[0236] Once the transmission is complete, the communication device ends the communication operation.

[0237] Note that control signals other than the data signal in this embodiment may be transmitted in a frequency band different from that of the data signal. For example, the data signal may be transmitted in the millimeter wave band, and the other signals (control signals) may be transmitted in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, or the 6 GHz band. Here, the data signal is, for example, the signal transmitted in step S606, step S607, or step S608. The control signal is, for example, the signal transmitted in step S601, step S603, step S605a, or step S605b.

[0238] According to the second embodiment, the propagation path control device 30 transmits a trigger signal when switching its operation, thereby preventing the operation of the propagation path control device 30 from switching midway through data transmission. If the propagation path control device 30 starts forming a reflected wave pattern or a transmission pattern midway through a signal, a communication device outside the coverage area will be unable to acquire the preamble portion of the physical header, resulting in reception failure. Furthermore, even a communication device within the coverage area will be unable to acquire the physical header, resulting in reduced frequency utilization efficiency. Furthermore, if the reflection pattern or transmission pattern of the propagation path control device 30 is changed midway through a signal, the channel will change, resulting in erroneous channel information estimated by the preamble. This can lead to problems such as reception failure due to unexpectedly strong interference. The operation of this embodiment can avoid these problems.

[0239] <3-2-3. Method for Detecting the Position of a Communication Device> Next, a method for the propagation path control device 30 to detect (detect) the position of a communication device (transmitter and / or receiver) will be described.

[0240] <When the propagation path control device has a signal decoding function> First, a method for detecting the location of a communication device when the propagation path control device 30 has a signal decoding function will be described. Here, the decoding function is a function that enables the propagation path control device 30 to obtain part or all of the information of a signal by receiving the signal and performing a decoding operation. Here, part of the signal may be, for example, physical header information as defined in the IEEE standard or the LTE-U standard. The propagation path control device 30 decodes the physical header of a data signal or a control signal that is transmitted in advance before transmitting and / or receiving the data signal.

[0241] The propagation path control device 30 then determines which communication device transmitted the signal based on the information contained in the data. For example, in the case of a signal conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, the propagation path control device 30 can determine which BSS (Basic Service Set) the signal was transmitted from and whether the signal is a downlink or uplink signal based on the information in the physical header. Alternatively, the propagation path control device 30 may determine which wireless station transmitted the signal based on MAC layer information transmitted to all communication devices. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may determine which wireless station transmitted the signal based on information on a signal scheduling a wireless communication interval and / or destination information. Here, the signal scheduling a wireless interval may be, for example, at least one of an RTS (Request To Send) signal, a CTS (Clear To Send) signal, a signal including a trigger frame, and a signal including TWT (Target Wake Time) information.

[0242] The propagation path control device 30 may determine the direction in which the communication device is located by linking the determined communication device with the direction of arrival of the signal. That is, the propagation path control device 30 may determine the direction in which a reflected wave or a transmitted wave is formed by linking the determined communication device with the direction of arrival of the signal.

[0243] Also, it is assumed that the propagation path control device 30 or the control station 50 has a transmission function conforming to the IEEE standard or the 3GPP standard, and is recognized as one of the destinations by other wireless stations. In this case, the propagation path control device 30 or the control station 50 may acquire location information of the communication device via control information. As a form in which this operation is implemented, for example, the following cases (C1) and (C2) are assumed. (C1) When the propagation path control device 30 has a transmission function and a reception function (decoding function) (C2) When the control station 50 has a transmission function, and the propagation path control device 30 has a reception function (decoding function)

[0244] In the case of (C2) above, there are cases where the control station 50 and the propagation path control device 30 are determined to be the same terminal on the network, and cases where the control station 50 and the propagation path control device 30 are determined to be separate terminals. If they are considered to be the same terminal, a single ID is assigned from the 3GPP or IEEE network side. If they are considered to be separate terminals, each propagation path control device 30 is assigned an individual ID. The control station 50 transmits a signal using the ID of the corresponding propagation path control device 30.

[0245] <When the propagation path control device does not have a signal decoding function> Next, a method for detecting the position of a communication device when the propagation path control device 30 does not have a signal decoding function will be described.

[0246] If the propagation path control device 30 does not have a decoding function, it receives a signal and detects the arrival of the signal based on fluctuations in the received power.The propagation path control device 30 then determines to which standard the signal belongs based on the preamble pattern attached to the physical header.

[0247] The propagation path control device 30 determines whether a received signal with a large received power is a signal to be reflected or transmitted. At this time, the propagation path control device 30 determines whether the received signal is a control signal or a data signal based on the transmission timing (transmission time) of the signal. This received power may be measured with directionality in a specific direction. For example, the received power in a specific direction may be measured based on the constraints of the reflecting and / or transmitting surfaces of the propagation path control device 30. The propagation path control device 30 determines the direction in which the communication device is located based on a combination of signal directions. That is, the propagation path control device 30 determines in which direction a reflected wave or a transmitted wave should be formed based on a combination of signal directions. Furthermore, in this case, if the propagation path control device 30 holds a special preamble pattern, it may trigger communication operation of the communication device by changing the beam at regular intervals based on the timing.

[0248] 3-3. Second Embodiment Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0249] As described above, the hidden terminal problem and exposed terminal problem become major issues in wireless communication using unlicensed bands. For example, suppose that the propagation path control device 30 forms a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern that forms a beam in a specific direction. In this case, an unexpected beam is formed for communication with a terminal (node) other than the expected one, and the resulting interference may cause the hidden terminal problem and / or exposed terminal problem.

[0250] For example, suppose that at the location of a specific wireless station, the reflected or transmitted wave generated by the RIS and the radio wave from an interfering station overlap in opposite phase and cancel each other out. In this case, a new hidden terminal problem occurs. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, assume that node #1 is the transmitting device and node #2 is the receiving device. Also, assume that the reflected wave from the RIS overlaps in opposite phase with the radio wave from an interfering station (e.g., at least one of nodes #4, #5, and #6) at the location of node #3 and cancels each other out. Then, assume that node #3 outputs a radio wave toward node #2. In this case, the radio wave from node #1 (i.e., the reflected wave from the RIS) and the radio wave from node #3 collide at node #2. As a result, a hidden terminal problem occurs.

[0251] Furthermore, suppose that at the location of a specific wireless station, the reflected or transmitted waves generated by the RIS and the radio waves from an interfering station overlap in phase and reinforce each other. In this case, a new exposed terminal problem occurs. For example, in the example of FIG. 10, node #1 is the transmitting device and node #2 is the receiving device. Furthermore, suppose that at the location of node #3, the reflected waves from the RIS overlap in phase with the radio waves from an interfering station (e.g., at least one of node #4, node #5, and node #6) and reinforce each other. In this case, even though node #3 is not near node #1, it is strongly influenced by the radio waves transmitted by node #1 and suppresses the transmission of radio waves. As a result, the exposed terminal problem occurs.

[0252] It should be noted that the above examples are merely examples. Situations in which the hidden terminal problem and the exposed terminal problem occur can be assumed other than those described above. For example, the hidden terminal problem and the exposed terminal problem can occur even in an environment in which the reflected wave or transmitted wave generated by the RIS does not interfere with the radio waves from the interfering station.

[0253] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the operation of the communication system 1 that can solve the hidden terminal problem and / or the exposed terminal problem will be described.

[0254] In the following description, a communication device that has acquired a transmission opportunity may be referred to as a transmitting device or a transmitting station, as in the first embodiment. Also, in the following description, a communication device that is the communication partner of a transmitting device (i.e., a device that receives data from a transmitting device at a transmission opportunity) may be referred to as a receiving device or a receiving station.

[0255] As described above, the communication system 1 includes an information processing device that performs an operation to detect a communication device that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state. The information processing device may be the propagation path control device 30 or the control station 50. The information processing device may also be a communication device that performs wireless communication in an environment in which the propagation path control device 30 is installed. For example, the information processing device may be the base station 20 or the terminal device 40. In this case, the information processing device may be a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[0256] The operation of the propagation path control device 30 may be performed by the control station 50. In this case, the description of the propagation path control device 30 that appears in the following description will be replaced with the control station 50 as appropriate.

[0257] <3-3-1. Example 1 of Embodiment 2> First, the operation of the communication system 1 according to Example 1 will be described. In Example 1, the propagation path control device 30 has a signal receiving function (decoding function) and a signal transmitting function as functions of the communication unit 31. In Example 1, the propagation path control device 30 transmits a detection signal.

[0258] 29 is a sequence diagram illustrating a detection process according to Example 1 of Embodiment 2. The detection process is a process for detecting a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0259] First, the transmitting device transmits a detection request for a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state to the propagation path control device 30 (step S801). The detection request may include at least one of the following pieces of information (D1) to (D2) in addition to identification information indicating that the request is a detection request for a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0260] (D1) Information on a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern set in the propagation path control device 30. (D2) Information on a transmission beam pattern used in wireless communication using the propagation path control device 30.

[0261] The propagation path control device 30 that has received the detection request wirelessly transmits a detection signal (first signal) to peripheral communication devices (hereinafter referred to as peripheral devices) for detecting communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state (step S802). At this time, the propagation path control device 30 may wirelessly transmit the detection signal (first signal) without using beamforming, for example, as shown in Fig. 8 .

[0262] The propagation path control device 30 may wirelessly transmit the detection signal (first signal) using beamforming. In this case, the propagation path control device 30 may beam sweep the first signal in a certain range. The beam sweep range does not necessarily have to be in all directions. For example, the beam sweep range may be only a range in which the propagation path control device 30 can reflect a signal (e.g., the upper direction in the example of FIG. 8 ) or transmit a signal (e.g., the lower direction in the example of FIG. 8 ). Alternatively, the beam sweep range may be a range in which coverage is expanded by installing the propagation path control device 30 (e.g., the range surrounded by a dashed line in the example of FIG. 7 ).

[0263] When transmitting the detection signal, the propagation path control device 30 may determine the transmission power of the detection signal (first signal). For example, the propagation path control device 30 may determine the transmission power of the detection signal based on information regarding the reach of the reflected wave or the transmitted wave (for example, setting information on the reflection pattern and / or the transmission pattern). For example, the propagation path control device 30 may determine the transmission power of the detection signal so that the radius of the reach range of the detection signal (the range surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 8 ) is equal to the reach distance of the reflected wave or the transmitted wave. In this case, the propagation path control device 30 may calculate the transmission power of the detection signal (first signal) based on the information (D1) to (D2) described above and information on the reception power of the signal (data signal and / or control signal) transmitted from the transmitting device.

[0264] A communication device among the peripheral devices that receives the detection signal (first signal) transmits information regarding the reception result of this detection signal (e.g., information indicating that the detection signal has been received) to the propagation path control device 30 (step S803).

[0265] The propagation path control device 30 detects a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state based on information related to the reception result. A communication device that receives a detection signal (first signal) is in a range where a reflected wave (e.g., a reflected beam) or a transmitted wave (e.g., a transmitted beam) from the propagation path control device 30 can reach, and therefore may be in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. Therefore, the propagation path control device 30 detects, among peripheral devices, a communication device that receives the detection signal (first signal) as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0266] In order to avoid the hidden terminal problem and / or the exposed terminal problem, the propagation path control device 30 requests the detected communication device (i.e., the communication device in the hidden state and / or the exposed state) to change the communication parameters to be used (step S804). Here, the request to change the communication parameters may include at least one of the following information items (E1) to (E5).

[0267] (E1) Information on the received power of the signal transmitted from the transmitting device. (E2) Information on the beam pattern used by the propagation path control device 30. (E3) Information on the direction of arrival of the reflected beam or transmitted beam from the propagation path control device 30. (E4) Position information of the propagation path control device 30. (E5) Information on the amount of tolerable interference. (E6) Information on the transmission power estimated from the amount of tolerable interference. (E7) Schedule information for the reflection pattern or transmission pattern.

[0268] A communication device that receives a communication parameter change request changes the communication parameters (transmission parameters and / or reception parameters) used in wireless communication based on the information included in the change request. The communication parameters may be a frequency used, transmission power, or transmission timing. Of course, the communication parameters are not limited to these and may be other settings related to wireless communication.

[0269] This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of the hidden terminal problem and / or the exposed terminal problem, resulting in the efficient use of radio wave resources.

[0270] In the above example, the detection signal for detecting a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state was only the first signal transmitted from the propagation path control device 30 without using beamforming. However, the detection signal is not limited to the first signal. For example, as shown in Fig. 9 , the detection signal may include a second signal transmitted using beamforming in addition to the first signal.

[0271] Here, the second signal may be transmitted from the transmitting device via the propagation path control device 30. In this case, the propagation path control device 30 may form a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern corresponding to the transmitting device before the second signal is transmitted. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may form a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern corresponding to the transmitting station when receiving the detection request of step S801. Then, the propagation path control device 30 may reflect or transmit the second signal transmitted from the transmitting device. Note that if the propagation path control device 30 has a function of transmitting a data signal, the second signal may be transmitted directly from the propagation path control device 30.

[0272] Then, a communication device among the peripheral devices that receives a detection signal (first signal and / or second signal) may transmit information regarding the reception result of the detection signal to the propagation path control device 30. Then, the propagation path control device 30 may detect a communication device that receives both the first signal and the second signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. The propagation path control device 30 may request the detected communication device to change the communication parameters it uses.

[0273] In the above example, the propagation path control device 30 requests the detected communication device to change the communication parameters it uses. However, the propagation path control device 30 may request the transmitting device to change the communication parameters it uses. Furthermore, the propagation path control device 30 may request the detected communication device to stop wireless communication, or may request the transmitting device to stop wireless communication. The propagation path control device 30 may change its own parameters (reflection pattern or transmission pattern).

[0274] In the above example, the information processing device that detects a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state is the propagation path control device 30. However, the information processing device that detects a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state is not limited to the propagation path control device 30. For example, the transmitting device may acquire information regarding the reception results of the detection signal at a peripheral device from the propagation path control device 30. Then, the transmitting device may detect a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results of the detection signal. At this time, the transmitting device may request the communication device in the hidden state and / or the exposed state to change the communication parameters it uses.

[0275] The information processing device may also be a communication device that has received a detection signal (first signal and / or second signal) from a peripheral device. In this case, the communication device may acquire the reception result of the detection signal (first signal and / or second signal) at its own communication unit as information related to the reception result. Then, the communication device may detect (determine) whether or not it is a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state based on the information related to the reception result of the detection signal. Then, the communication device may transmit the detection result (determination result) to the propagation path control device 30 and / or the transmitting device as information related to the reception result of the detection signal.

[0276] <3-3-2. Example 2 of Embodiment 2> Next, the operation of the communication system 1 according to Example 2 will be described. In Example 1, the propagation path control device 30 transmits the first signal, but in Example 2, the receiving device transmits the first signal. In Example 2, the propagation path control device 30 has at least a signal receiving function (decoding function) as a function of the communication unit 31. In Example 2, the propagation path control device 30 does not necessarily have a signal transmitting function.

[0277] 30 is a sequence diagram illustrating a detection process according to Example 2 of Embodiment 2. The detection process is a process for detecting a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0278] First, the transmitting device transmits a detection request for a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state to the propagation path control device 30 (step S901). The detection request may include at least one of the information items (D1) to (D2) described above, in addition to identification information indicating that the request is a detection request for a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0279] Upon receiving the detection request, the propagation path control device 30 forms a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern corresponding to the transmitting device. The transmitting device wirelessly transmits a detection signal (second signal) for detecting communication devices in a hidden state and / or an exposed state via the propagation path control device 30 (step S902). This detection signal (second signal) is transmitted to the receiving device, for example, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. This detection signal (second signal) may be transmitted using beamforming.

[0280] A receiving device that receives a detection signal (second signal) wirelessly transmits a detection signal (first signal) to surrounding communication devices (hereinafter referred to as peripheral devices) to detect communication devices in a hidden and / or exposed state. At this time, the receiving device may wirelessly transmit the detection signal (first signal) without using beamforming, as shown in, for example, Figures 10 and 11 . Note that the receiving device may wirelessly transmit the detection signal (first signal) using beamforming. In this case, the receiving device may beam sweep the first signal within a certain range. The beam sweep range does not necessarily have to cover all directions.

[0281] When transmitting the detection signal, the receiving device may determine the transmission power of the detection signal (first signal). For example, the receiving device may determine the transmission power of the detection signal (first signal) based on the received power of the detection signal (second signal).

[0282] A communication device among the peripheral devices that receives a detection signal (first signal and / or second signal) transmits information regarding the reception result of the detection signal (e.g., information indicating that the detection signal has been received) to the receiving device (step S903). The receiving device transmits the information regarding the reception result to the transmitting device via the propagation path control device 30 (step S904).

[0283] The transmitting device that receives information about the reception result detects a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state based on the information about the reception result. For example, the transmitting device detects a communication device that receives both the first signal and the second signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. Note that even a communication device that is located in a position that is not affected by radio wave transmission from the transmitting device may be a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state if it can affect the receiving device. Therefore, the transmitting device may detect a communication device that receives only the first signal of the first signal and the second signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0284] The transmitting device requests the detected communication device (i.e., the communication device in the hidden state and / or exposed state) to change the communication parameters to be used via the receiving device (steps S905 and S906). Here, the request to change the communication parameters may include at least one of the information items (E1) to (E5) described above.

[0285] A communication device that receives a communication parameter change request changes the communication parameters (transmission parameters and / or reception parameters) used in wireless communication based on the information included in the change request. The communication parameters may be a frequency used, transmission power, or transmission timing. Of course, the communication parameters are not limited to these and may be other settings related to wireless communication.

[0286] This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of the hidden terminal problem and / or the exposed terminal problem, resulting in the efficient use of radio wave resources.

[0287] In the above example, the transmitting device requests the detected communication device to change the communication parameters used. However, the transmitting device may request the propagation path control device 30 to change the reflection pattern or transmission pattern. The transmitting device may also request the detected communication device to stop wireless communication. The transmitting device may also change its own communication parameters or stop wireless communication itself.

[0288] In the above example, the information processing device that detects a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state is a transmitting device. However, the information processing device that detects a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state is not limited to a transmitting device. For example, a receiving device may detect a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state based on information regarding the reception result of a detection signal. In this case, the receiving device may request the communication device in the hidden state and / or the exposed state to change the communication parameters it uses.

[0289] The information processing device may also be a communication device that has received a detection signal (first signal and / or second signal) from a peripheral device. In this case, the communication device may acquire the reception result of the detection signal (first signal and / or second signal) at its own communication unit as information related to the reception result. Then, the communication device may detect (determine) whether the communication device is in a hidden state and / or an exposed state based on the information related to the reception result of the detection signal. Then, the communication device may transmit the detection result (determination result) to the transmitting device and / or receiving device as information related to the reception result of the detection signal.

[0290] <<4. Modifications>> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications and applications are possible.

[0291] For example, the propagation path control device 30 appearing in the above-described embodiment may be a reflecting plate / reflecting sheet capable of controlling reflection characteristics (e.g., reflection direction / reflectance, etc.), or may be a transmitting plate / transmitting sheet capable of controlling transmission characteristics (e.g., refraction direction).

[0292] In the above-described embodiment, the propagation path control device 30 is a device capable of controlling the reflection characteristics and / or transmission characteristics of a structure (e.g., the surface portion 35) that reflects and / or transmits incoming radio waves. However, the characteristics that the propagation path control device 30 can control are not limited to these. For example, the propagation path control device 30 may be configured to be capable of controlling the radiation angle (directivity) of the reflected and / or transmitted radio waves. In this case, the information processing device of this embodiment may change the radiation pattern as interference fringe control.

[0293] Here, the radiation pattern is a pattern related to the radiation of incoming radio waves (e.g., a conversion pattern of incoming waves or a formation / generation pattern of radiated waves). For example, the radiation pattern is a combination of configurations of metasurfaces (metasurface elements). Here, the configuration may be setting information for forming / generating radiated waves for each metasurface (e.g., information related to permittivity and / or permeability). Note that the radiation pattern may also be a waveform pattern of radiated waves formed by a combination of the configurations. Here, forming a reflection pattern refers to a state having intended radiation characteristics by a propagation path control device 30 (e.g., a RIS), for example, changing the permittivity and / or permeability of one or more metasurfaces (metasurface elements).

[0294] In the above-described embodiment, the surface unit 35 of the propagation path control device 30 can be considered as a structure capable of both reflecting and transmitting the incoming radio waves. For example, the surface unit 35 may be a structure configured with one or more elements capable of changing the reflection characteristics of the incoming radio waves and one or more elements capable of changing the transmission characteristics of the incoming radio waves.

[0295] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control performed by the propagation path control device 30 may include not only the setting of one of the reflection pattern and the transmission pattern, but also the setting of both the reflection pattern and the transmission pattern. In this case, the expression "reflection pattern or transmission pattern" that appears in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately replaced with "reflection pattern and / or transmission pattern." Note that the control performed by the propagation path control device 30 is not limited to the setting of at least one of the reflection pattern and the transmission pattern. The control performed by the information processing device may include the setting of the radiation pattern.

[0296] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the communication devices that communicate via the propagation path control device 30 (for example, the RIS) are the base station 20 and the terminal device 40, but the communication devices that communicate via the propagation path control device 30 are not limited to these. For example, the communication devices that communicate via the propagation path control device 30 may be the terminal device 40 and another terminal device 40, or the base station 20 and another base station 20. Of course, the communication devices may be other communication devices such as the management device 10 and the control station 50. In this case, the description of "base station 20 and / or terminal device 40" that appears in the above-described embodiment can be replaced with a description indicating the other communication devices, as appropriate.

[0297] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control station 50 is a device different from the communication device (e.g., the base station 20 and / or the terminal device 40) that performs wireless communication. However, the control station 50 may be one of a plurality of communication devices that perform wireless communication. For example, the control station 50 may be the base station 20 or the terminal device 40. The control station 50 may also be a control device (e.g., the control unit 23 or the control unit 43) that is included in the communication device. The control station 50 may also be one of a plurality of propagation path control devices 30, or may also be a control device (e.g., the control unit 53) that is included in the propagation path control device 30. Of course, the control station 50 may also be a device dedicated to controlling the propagation path control device 30.

[0298] In the above-described embodiment, the control station 50 may perform part or all of the processing executed by the control unit 33 of the propagation path control device 30. For example, the control station 50 may control the surface unit 35 of the propagation path control device 30 (for example, setting a reflection pattern, a transmission pattern, or a radiation pattern).

[0299] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are also applicable to wireless communication other than wireless communication using unlicensed bands. For example, the above-described embodiments are also applicable to random access wireless communication, cellular wireless communication, or wireless communication using licensed bands. In this case, the above-described description of "wireless communication using unlicensed bands" can be appropriately replaced with other descriptions, such as "wireless communication," "random access wireless communication," "cellular wireless communication," or "wireless communication using licensed bands."

[0300] The control device that controls the management device 10, base station 20, propagation path control device 30, terminal device 40, or control station 50 of this embodiment may be realized by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

[0301] For example, a program for executing the above-described operations is 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 (e.g., a personal computer) external to the management device 10, the base station 20, the propagation path control device 30, the terminal device 40, or the control station 50. Alternatively, the control device may be a device (e.g., a control unit 13, a control unit 23, a control unit 33, a control unit 43, or a control unit 53) internal to the management device 10, the base station 20, the propagation path control device 30, the terminal device 40, or the control station 50.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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.

[0304] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0305] 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 or flowcharts of the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate.

[0306] 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).

[0307] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry programmed to perform the described functions. Here, the circuitry or processing circuitry may be a general-purpose processor, an application-specific processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuitry, and / or a combination thereof. Processors include transistors and other circuits. A processor may be considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory.

[0308] In this specification, a circuit, unit, or means may be hardware that is programmed to realize a described function or that performs a described function. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed in this specification or any hardware that is programmed to realize or known to perform the described function. If the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuitry, the circuit, means, or unit may be a combination of hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0309] Furthermore, for example, the present embodiment can be implemented as any configuration constituting an apparatus or system. For example, the present embodiment can be implemented as a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, or a set in which a unit further has additional functions. In other words, the present embodiment can also be implemented as a part of the configuration of an apparatus.

[0310] The system LSI may also be referred to as an SOC (System on Chip). In other words, each of the above-described or later-described devices (e.g., the management device 10, the base station 20, the terminal device 40, and the control station 50) may be interpreted as a processor (e.g., a CPU) serving as a system LSI (e.g., SoC), or as a module using or constituting the processor. Additionally or alternatively, the present embodiment may be implemented by any configuration constituting a device or system (e.g., a modem chip (baseband chip) or an RF (Radio Frequency) unit, or a combination thereof). The RF unit may include at least one of an RF circuit and an RF front-end. In other words, each of the above-described or later-described devices may be interpreted as a modem chip (baseband chip) or an RF unit, or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, each of the above-described or later-described devices may be interpreted as a module using or constituting a modem chip or an RF unit.

[0311] The modem chip performs signal processing for communications within a device (including the devices described above or below). The modem chip may have at least a modulator or demodulator function. The RF unit may have at least one of an RF transceiver (RF upconverter, RF downconverter), a power amplifier, and a low-noise amplifier function. The RF transceiver converts between baseband signals and RF frequencies. The power amplifier amplifies signals for transmission from an antenna. The low-noise amplifier amplifies weak signals received from the antenna. Additionally or alternatively, the RF unit (particularly, the RF front end) may include at least one of the above-mentioned power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, envelope tracker, filter, duplexer, multiplexer, antenna switch, and antenna tuner.

[0312] The combination of the modem chip and the RF unit may be referred to as a modem-RF system. At least a portion of the modem chip or the RF unit, or a combination thereof, may be included in a system LSI (e.g., SoC). For example, the processing performed by at least a portion of the modem chip or the RF unit, or a combination thereof (e.g., at least a portion of the MAC layer processing / PHY layer processing) may be realized by the system LSI. Here, the MAC layer processing or PHY layer processing may be at least a portion of the processing performed by the devices (e.g., the management device 10, the base station 20, the terminal device 40, and the control station 50) in the above-mentioned or later-described embodiments.

[0313] In this embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all of the components are in the same housing. For example, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, etc., and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing are both systems.

[0314] 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.

[0315] <<5. Conclusion>> As described above, according to the present embodiment, the communication system 1 includes a plurality of communication devices (for example, the base station 20 and the terminal device 40) that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band, and the propagation path control device 30. When the propagation path control device 30 receives a notification regarding the execution of wireless communication from a communication device (transmitting device) that has obtained a transmission opportunity among the plurality of communication devices, the propagation path control device 30 sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern.

[0316] This enables efficient operation of the propagation path control device 30. For example, the propagation path control device 30 can switch between a reflection pattern and a transmission pattern in accordance with the data transmission timing of the communication device. As a result, radio wave resources can be used more efficiently.

[0317] Furthermore, when receiving a notification regarding the execution of wireless communication from the transmitting device, the propagation path control device 30 may determine whether or not the transmission device is capable of supporting the execution of wireless communication. Then, when the transmission device is capable of supporting the execution of wireless communication, the propagation path control device 30 transmits a trigger signal for the execution of wireless communication to at least the transmitting device. The propagation path control device 30 may transmit the trigger signal to the receiving device. The trigger signal may include information on a period during which the RIS responds to the notification. For example, the trigger signal may include information on a first period corresponding to wireless communication from the transmitting device to the receiving device. Furthermore, the trigger signal may include information on a second period corresponding to wireless communication from the receiving device to the transmitting device. Upon receiving the trigger signal, the transmitting device may transmit data to the receiving device, for example, during the first period. Upon receiving data from the transmitting device, the receiving device may transmit data to the transmitting device, for example, during the second period.

[0318] This allows the communication device to accurately determine whether data transmission is possible and / or the timing of data transmission, thereby enabling efficient use of the RIS, resulting in effective use of radio wave resources.

[0319] The communication system 1 also includes an information processing device that performs an operation to detect a communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state. The information processing device may be a base station, a propagation path control device 30, a terminal device 40, or a control station 50.

[0320] The information processing device acquires reception results of a detection signal (first signal) transmitted from the propagation path control device 30 by a plurality of communication devices. The detection signal (first signal) is a signal transmitted to the surrounding area by the propagation path control device 30 without using beamforming. The information processing device determines (detects) the communication device that received the detection signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state. The information processing device requests a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state to change its communication parameters.

[0321] This makes it possible to avoid the occurrence of the hidden terminal problem and / or the exposed terminal problem, resulting in the efficient use of radio wave resources.

[0322] Furthermore, the information processing device may acquire reception results at a plurality of communication devices of a detection signal (first signal) transmitted from the propagation path control device 30 and a detection signal (second signal) transmitted from a transmitting device via the propagation path control device 30. Then, the information processing device may determine (detect) a communication device that has received both the first signal and the second signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0323] This enables the information processing device to perform more accurate determination (detection).

[0324] Furthermore, the information processing device may acquire reception results at a plurality of communication devices of a detection signal (first signal) transmitted from a receiving device and a detection signal (second signal) transmitted from a transmitting device via the propagation path control device 30. Then, the information processing device may determine (detect) a communication device that has received both the first signal and the second signal and / or a communication device that has received only the first signal as a communication device in a hidden state and / or an exposed state.

[0325] This allows for more accurate detection, and as a result, it is no longer necessary to request changes to communication parameters for many communication devices, resulting in more effective use of radio wave resources.

[0326] 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.

[0327] Furthermore, the effects of each embodiment described in this specification are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0328] The present technology may also be configured as follows. (1) An information processing device including: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding reception results at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a first communication device that performs wireless communication using an unlicensed band via a propagation path control device for changing the propagation path, and a second signal wirelessly transmitted from a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device; and a detection unit that detects, based on the information regarding the reception results, a wireless communication device that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state among the one or more wireless communication devices. (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the first communication device is a communication device that serves as a receiving station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band, and the second communication device is a communication device that serves as a transmitting station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band. (3) The information processing device according to (2), wherein the detection unit detects, among the one or more wireless communication devices, a wireless communication device that has received both the first signal and the second signal and a wireless communication device that has received only the first signal as a wireless communication device that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state. (4) The information processing device according to (3), wherein the first signal is a signal transmitted without using beamforming, and the second signal is a signal transmitted using beamforming. (5) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4), comprising: a request unit that requests the wireless communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state to change a communication parameter. (6) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the information processing device is the propagation path control device, the first communication device, or the second communication device. (7) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the propagation path control device is a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface).(8) An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a reception result at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path; and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device from the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state, based on the information regarding the reception result. (9) The information processing device according to (8), wherein the first signal is a signal transmitted without using beamforming, and the detection unit detects a wireless communication device from the one or more wireless communication devices that has received the first signal as a wireless communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state. (10) The information processing device according to (8), wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding a reception result at the one or more wireless communication devices of the first signal and a second signal wirelessly transmitted from a first communication device that performs wireless communication using an unlicensed band via a propagation path control device, and the detection unit detects a wireless communication device from the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state, based on the information regarding the reception result. (11) The information processing device according to (10), wherein the first communication device is a communication device that serves as a transmitter station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band. (12) The information processing device according to (10) or (11), wherein the first signal is a signal that is transmitted without using beamforming, and the second signal is a signal that is transmitted using beamforming. (13) The information processing device according to (12), wherein the detection unit detects a wireless communication device that has received both the first signal and the second signal, among the one or more wireless communication devices, as a wireless communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state. (14) The information processing device according to any one of (8) to (13), further comprising a request unit that requests the wireless communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state to change communication parameters.(15) The information processing device according to any one of (8) to (14), wherein the information processing device is the propagation path control device or a communication device that serves as a transmitting station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band. (16) The information processing device according to any one of (8) to (15), wherein the propagation path control device is a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface). (17) An information processing method comprising: acquiring, via a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, information on reception results at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using the unlicensed band of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a first communication device that performs wireless communication using the unlicensed band and a second signal wirelessly transmitted from a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device; and detecting a wireless communication device that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state among the one or more wireless communication devices based on the information on the reception results. (18) An information processing method, comprising: acquiring information regarding a reception result of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band; and detecting a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception result.(19) A communication system comprising a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band and a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, wherein a first communication device among the plurality of wireless communication devices that performs wireless communication using the unlicensed band via the propagation path control device comprises a first transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a first signal, and a second communication device among the plurality of wireless communication devices that is a communication partner of the first communication device comprises a second transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a second signal, and at least one of the plurality of wireless communication devices and the propagation path control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding reception results of the first signal and the second signal at one or more wireless communication devices among the plurality of wireless communication devices; and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception result. (20) A communication system comprising: a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band; and a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, wherein the propagation path control device comprises a first transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a first signal, and at least one of the plurality of wireless communication devices and the propagation path control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a reception result of the first signal at one or more wireless communication devices among the plurality of wireless communication devices, and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception result. (21) A propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, comprising: a setting unit that sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern when a first notification regarding execution of the wireless communication is received from a first communication device that has obtained a transmission opportunity among the plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band. (22) The propagation path control device according to (21), wherein the first notification includes information related to the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern, and the setting unit sets the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the first notification.(23) The propagation path control device according to (21) or (22), wherein, when receiving a second notification regarding execution of wireless communication from a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device to the first communication device, the setting unit switches the setting of the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern to a setting according to the second notification. (24) The propagation path control device according to (23), wherein the second notification includes information regarding the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern, and the setting unit switches the setting of the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern according to the information included in the second notification. (25) The propagation path control device according to any one of (21) to (24), wherein the propagation path control device is a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface). (26) A propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, comprising: a determination unit that, when receiving a notification regarding execution of wireless communication from a first communication device that has obtained a transmission opportunity among a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band, determines whether execution of the wireless communication is possible, and a transmission unit that, when execution of the wireless communication is possible, transmits a first signal for executing the wireless communication to at least the first communication device. (27) The propagation path control device according to (26), further comprising: a setting unit that sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern when execution of the wireless communication is possible. (28) The propagation path control device according to (27), wherein the notification includes information regarding the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern, and the setting unit sets the reflection pattern or the transmission pattern in accordance with the information included in the notification. (29) The propagation path control device according to any one of (26) to (28), wherein the first signal includes information regarding response to execution of the wireless communication. (30) The propagation path control device according to (29), wherein the information relating to the response to the execution of wireless communication includes information about a period during which the propagation path control device responds to the execution of wireless communication.(31) The propagation path control device according to (30), wherein the information on the period during which the propagation path control device supports the execution of the wireless communication includes information on the period during which the propagation path control device supports the wireless communication from the first communication device to a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device, and information on the period during which the propagation path control device supports the wireless communication from the second communication device to the first communication device. (32) The propagation path control device according to any one of (26) to (31), wherein the transmitting unit, when unable to support the execution of the wireless communication, transmits a second signal indicating that it is unable to support the execution of the wireless communication to at least the first communication device. (33) The propagation path control device according to any one of (26) to (32), wherein the propagation path control device is a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface). (34) A propagation path control method, wherein a propagation path control device for changing the propagation path sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern when receiving a first notification regarding the execution of the wireless communication from a first communication device that has obtained a transmission opportunity among a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band. (35) A propagation path control method, in which a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, when receiving a notification regarding execution of wireless communication from a first communication device that has obtained a transmission opportunity among a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band, determines whether or not execution of the wireless communication is possible, and if execution of the wireless communication is possible, transmits a first signal for executing the wireless communication to at least the first communication device. (36) A communication system comprising a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band and a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, wherein the first communication device that has obtained the transmission opportunity among the plurality of wireless communication devices comprises: a transmitting unit that transmits a first notification regarding execution of the wireless communication, and the propagation path control device comprises: a setting unit that sets a reflection pattern or a transmission pattern when receiving the first notification.(37) A communication system comprising a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band and a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, wherein a first communication device among the plurality of wireless communication devices that has obtained a transmission opportunity comprises a first transmission unit that transmits a notification regarding the execution of the wireless communication, and the propagation path control device comprises: a determination unit that, when receiving the notification, determines whether or not the first communication device is capable of performing the wireless communication; and a second transmission unit that, when the first communication device is capable of performing the wireless communication, transmits a first signal for performing the wireless communication to at least the first communication device.

[0329] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 communication system 10 management device 20 base station 30 propagation path control device 40 terminal device 50 control station 11, 31, 51 communication unit 21, 41 wireless communication unit 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 storage unit 13, 23, 33, 43, 53 control unit 24, 34, 44, 54 sensor unit 35 surface unit 211, 411 transmission processing unit 212, 412 reception processing unit 213, 413 antenna 231, 331, 431, 531 acquisition unit 232, 332, 432, 532 detection unit 233, 333, 433, 533 request unit 234, 334, 434, 534 transmission unit 335, 535 determination unit 336, 536 setting unit

Claims

1. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding reception results at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using the unlicensed band of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a first communication device that performs wireless communication using an unlicensed band via a propagation path control device for changing the propagation path, and a second signal wirelessly transmitted from a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device; and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the first communication device is a communication device that serves as a receiving station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band, and the second communication device is a communication device that serves as a transmitting station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band.

3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit detects, among the one or more wireless communication devices, a wireless communication device that has received both the first signal and the second signal, and a wireless communication device that has received only the first signal, as wireless communication devices in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the first signal is a signal transmitted without using beamforming, and the second signal is a signal transmitted using beamforming.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a request unit that requests the wireless communication device, which is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state, to change communication parameters.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is the propagation path control device, the first communication device, or the second communication device.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the propagation path control device is a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface).

8. An information processing device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the reception results of one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band for a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a propagation path control device for changing the propagation path; and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results.

9. The information processing device described in claim 8, wherein the first signal is a signal transmitted without using beamforming, and the detection unit detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that receives the first signal as a wireless communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state.

10. The information processing device described in claim 8, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information regarding reception results at the one or more wireless communication devices of the first signal and a second signal wirelessly transmitted via a propagation path control device from a first communication device that performs wireless communication using an unlicensed band, and the detection unit detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results.

11. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the first communication device is a communication device that serves as a transmitting station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band.

12. The information processing device according to claim 10, wherein the first signal is a signal transmitted without using beamforming, and the second signal is a signal transmitted using beamforming.

13. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein the detection unit detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that has received both the first signal and the second signal as a wireless communication device in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state.

14. The information processing device according to claim 8, further comprising a request unit that requests the wireless communication device, which is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state, to change communication parameters.

15. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the information processing device is the propagation path control device or a communication device that serves as a transmitting station in wireless communication using the unlicensed band.

16. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein the propagation path control device is a RIS (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface).

17. An information processing method comprising: acquiring information regarding reception results at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a first communication device that performs wireless communication using an unlicensed band via a propagation path control device for changing the propagation path, and a second signal wirelessly transmitted from a second communication device that is a communication partner of the first communication device; and detecting a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results.

18. An information processing method comprising: acquiring information regarding reception results of a first signal wirelessly transmitted from a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path at one or more wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band; and detecting a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results.

19. A communications system comprising a plurality of wireless communications devices that perform wireless communications using an unlicensed band and a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, wherein a first communications device among the plurality of wireless communications devices that performs wireless communications using the unlicensed band via the propagation path control device comprises a first transmitter that wirelessly transmits a first signal, and a second communications device among the plurality of wireless communications devices that is a communications partner of the first communications device comprises a second transmitter that wirelessly transmits a second signal, and at least one of the plurality of wireless communications devices and the propagation path control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding reception results of the first signal and the second signal at one or more wireless communications devices among the plurality of wireless communications devices; and a detection unit that detects a wireless communications device among the one or more wireless communications devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception results.

20. A communication system comprising a plurality of wireless communication devices that perform wireless communication using an unlicensed band, and a propagation path control device for changing a propagation path, wherein the propagation path control device comprises a first transmission unit that wirelessly transmits a first signal, and at least one of the plurality of wireless communication devices and the propagation path control device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a reception result of the first signal at one or more wireless communication devices among the plurality of wireless communication devices; and a detection unit that detects a wireless communication device among the one or more wireless communication devices that is in at least one of a hidden state and an exposed state based on the information regarding the reception result.

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