Relay device, base station device, communication system, communication method, and program

Abstract

Provided are a relay device, a base station device, a communication system, a communication method, and a program. The base station device is connected to the relay device using a first communication scheme, and the relay device is connected to terminal devices using a second communication scheme which differs from the first communication scheme. The base station device delivers a response request for service-related information that indicates interest in a multimedia distribution service. The relay device receives the service-related information from the terminal devices, and transmits, in response to reception of the response request from the base station device, a response request for the service-related information to the terminal devices.

Description

Relay device, base station device, communication system, communication method, and program

[0001] The present application relates to a relay device, a base station device, a communication system, a communication method, and a program. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-043595 filed in Japan on March 18, 2025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] MBS (Multicast Broadcast Service) may be provided in wireless communication systems. MBS is a multimedia distribution service in which one communication device simultaneously transmits the same information to a plurality of terminal devices in a broadcast manner. MBS can be applied, for example, when providing the same content to multiple users at the same time, such as in television broadcasting. Radio resources can be used more effectively than when providing content to each individual user. Currently, one-to-one data communication (unicast communication) is the mainstream, but if demand for multimedia content such as moving images further increases, it is expected that the finite line capacity will become insufficient. Therefore, the utilization of multicast communication is expected in multimedia data distribution.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a relay communication apparatus that holds a mapping between services required to receive a service received by at least one other communication apparatus and the communication apparatus, receives service data using a broadcast / multicast bearer, and transfers the service data to each communication apparatus for which the respective mapping to a specific service is held using an inter-device bearer.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a communication system in which an MBMS service is provided by unicast or broadcast / multicast depending on whether the number of mobile communication devices indicating interest in receiving the MBMS service is less than or greater than a predetermined threshold. Patent Document 2 also describes a procedure for counting the number of mobile communication devices interested in receiving an MBMS service.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes an idle mode counting procedure for a multicast service system that sends idle mode downlink messages along with idle mode counting requests that identify PTM-enabled services. The idle mode downlink message is receivable by an idle mode radio communication device and includes an idle mode counting request that identifies a PTM-enabled service. An idle mode counting request response message is sent by the radio communication device. Each idle mode counting request response message indicates that the communication device sending the message should be counted for that PTM-enabled service.

[0006] Special table 2017-500760 Publication Special table 2013-545322 Publication Special table 2015-500578

[0007] Multimedia distribution services are sometimes desired for terminal devices under relay equipment such as CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) via wireless base stations from public wireless networks. CPE is communication equipment mainly used at subscriber facilities to receive communication services provided by telecommunications carriers. On the other hand, the wireless communication systems described in Patent Documents 1-3 do not consider the provision of services to terminal devices under relay equipment. For example, wireless base stations cannot identify or count the number of terminal devices under relay equipment that receive services. Therefore, even if users of terminal devices under relay equipment are interested in receiving multimedia distribution services, they may not be provided with them via the relay equipment.

[0008] This application was made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a relay device, base station device, communication system, communication method, and program that can smoothly provide multimedia distribution services to terminal devices under the relay device.

[0009] (1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one aspect of the present invention is a relay device which is connected to a base station device using a first communication method and connected to a terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and which transmits a response request for service-related information to the terminal device in response to receiving a response request for service-related information indicating interest in multimedia distribution services from the base station device.

[0010] (2) One aspect of the present invention is a base station device that is connected to a relay device using a first communication method, distributes a response request for service-related information indicating interest in a multimedia distribution service, and receives first response information, including the service-related information, from the relay device, which is connected using a second communication method different from the first communication method.

[0011] (3) Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the relay device of (1) or the base station device of (2).

[0012] (4) One aspect of the present invention is a communication system comprising a base station device and a relay device, wherein the base station device and the relay device are connected using a first communication method, the relay device is connected to a terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, the base station device distributes a response request for service-related information indicating interest in a multimedia distribution service, and the relay device, upon receiving the response request from the base station device, transmits the response request for service-related information to the terminal device.

[0013] (5) One aspect of the present invention is a communication method in a communication system comprising a base station device and a relay device, wherein the base station device and the relay device are connected using a first communication method, the relay device is connected to a terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, the base station device distributes a response request for service-related information indicating interest in a multimedia distribution service, and the relay device, upon receiving the response request from the base station device, transmits a response request for service-related information from the terminal device.

[0014] According to this invention, multimedia distribution services can be smoothly provided to terminal devices under the relay device.

[0015] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a base station device according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a CPE according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an rUE according to the first embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by the communication system according to the first embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a CPE according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the counting procedure according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a count request message according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a count response message according to the first embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the second embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by the communication system according to the second embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a CPE according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the counting procedure according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a second response message according to the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a first response message according to the second embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by the communication system according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the counting procedure according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a second response message according to the third embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a first response message according to the third embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a communication system according to the fourth embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a CPE according to the fourth embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a count request message according to the fourth embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the fifth embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a communication system according to the fifth embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a CPE according to the fifth embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating a first request message according to the fifth embodiment. This is a sequence diagram showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a communication system according to the sixth embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by a base station device according to the sixth embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer system according to each embodiment.

[0016] The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> [System Configuration] First, an example of the configuration of the communication system S1 according to the first embodiment of this application will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. The communication system S1 includes a base station device 10, a CPE 20, and a rUE 30. The base station device 10 is connected to the core network CN and can connect to user equipment (UE) located within its service area using a predetermined wireless communication method (sometimes referred to as the "first communication method" in this application). The core network CN includes various gateway devices and controls the connection with user equipment located within the base station device 10 and communication resources according to the first communication method.

[0017] The first communication method is a mobile communication method such as LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), 5G NR (5th Generation Mobile Communication System New Radio), or a successor standard. LTE-A corresponds to 4G (4th Generation Mobile Communication system). The base station equipment 10 is capable of providing multimedia distribution services as part of the communication services to user equipment.

[0018] The CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) 20 is connectable to the base station equipment 10 using a first communication method. The CPE 20 is a communication device installed on the premises of a subscriber to whom communication services using the first communication method are provided. The CPE 20 is an example of a relay device that can connect to one or more rUEs 30 using a wireless communication method different from the first communication method (sometimes referred to as a "second communication method" in this application). The second communication method is, for example, a short-range wireless communication method such as IEEE 802.11 or 802.15.

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 1, CPE20 is connected to four rUE30-1 to 30-4 using a second communication method. In this application, when individual rUE30s are not distinguished or specified, they are simply referred to as "rUE30," and when individual rUE30s are distinguished, a sub-number (-1, etc.) is added, such as "rUE30-1."

[0020] CPE20 is an example of a relay device that enables communication with other communication devices (e.g., UE40) that can communicate using the first communication method. In other words, CPE20 has a relay function that relays communication between a terminal device connected using the second communication method and other user devices that communicate using the first communication method. CPE20 can be implemented as, for example, a mobile router or a home gateway. CPE20 may also be a mobile communication terminal device with tethering functionality.

[0021] rUE (UE under Router, UE: User Equipment) 30 is a terminal device that can connect to CPE 20 using a second communication method. One rUE 30-i (where i is an index that distinguishes individual rUEs) can communicate with another rUE 30-j (where j is an index that indicates a different rUE from i) connected to CPE 20. In addition, rUE 30-i can communicate with other communication devices (for example, UE 40) via CPE 20.

[0022] UE40 is a terminal device that can connect to the base station device 10 using the first communication method. UE40 can communicate with other communication devices using the first communication method. Note that UE40 may or may not have a communication function using the second communication method. For example, both rUE30 and UE40 may have the function to connect to the internet via a mobile communication network related to the first communication method and to receive various multimedia content via the internet. rUE30 and UE40 may have similar functions and configurations, differing only in whether or not they connect to the base station device 10 via the CPE20. rUE30 and UE40 may be, for example, mobile communication terminal devices in any form, such as a mobile phone or a tablet terminal device.

[0023] The base station device 10 distributes a response request (count request) of service-related information indicating interest in the multimedia distribution service, according to the first communication method. The recipient is user equipment located within the base station device 10's service area, and does not necessarily have to be addressed to a specific user equipment. The CPE 20 receives the response request sent from the base station device 10 using the first communication method. In response to receiving the response request, the CPE 20 transmits a response request for service-related information to the rUE 30. The CPE 20 waits for the service-related information from the rUE 30.

[0024] The CPE 20 constructs a first response information (count response) based on the service-related information received from the rUE 30. The CPE 20 transmits the constructed first response information to the base station device 10. When the base station device 10 receives the first response information from the CPE 20, it counts the number of rUE 30s that indicate interest in the multimedia distribution service based on the first response information (counting procedure). Based on the number of rUE 30s, the base station device 10 determines whether multicast distribution of service data (i.e., content to be distributed) related to the distribution of the multimedia distribution service is necessary. Alternatively, the base station device 10 may determine the distribution status of the service data.

[0025] The base station device 10 is capable of providing MBS (Multicast Broadcast Services) as an example of a multimedia distribution service. MBS refers to a mobile wireless communication service or the technology for which common data is transmitted simultaneously to a specific group of recipients. MBS is used when the same content is distributed simultaneously to a specific user group. For example, MBS is used when distributing program video in television broadcasting, program audio in radio broadcasting, or advertising video related to products or services to a large number of user terminals at once. Service data related to the multimedia distribution service is provided to the base station device 10 via the internet from a content server (not shown) that is the source of distribution.

[0026] In wireless communication standards of 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project), such as LTE-A, MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Services) is defined as a method for realizing MBS. MBMS includes specific technologies and protocols for distributing multimedia content using mobile wireless networks. Multimedia content consists of a combination of two or more types, such as audio, video, text, and data. MBMS may be used for television broadcasting, live streaming of sports events, distribution of emergency information, and various advertisements. MBMS defines protocols related to the control of wireless resources for simultaneously distributing the same content to multiple user terminals. In the following explanation, the first communication method is LTE-A, the second communication method is a private location wireless communication method defined in IEEE 802.11, and MBMS is provided as an example of a multimedia distribution service, with the main focus being on the differences from existing MBMS.

[0027] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the base station device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the base station device 10 according to this embodiment. The base station device 10 comprises a control unit 12, a first communication unit 14, a second communication unit 16, and a storage unit 18. The control unit 12 performs processing to realize the functions of the base station device 10 and to control those functions. The control unit 12 comprises a base station information acquisition unit 122, a terminal information acquisition unit 124, and an information processing unit 126.

[0028] The base station information acquisition unit 122 uses the first communication unit 14 to acquire information (base station information) addressed to itself from the core network CN (Figure 1), other base station equipment, or other antennas. The terminal information acquisition unit 124 uses the second communication unit 16 to acquire information (terminal information) sent from terminal equipment under its control. Under its control means connected wirelessly using the first communication method. The terminal equipment under its control is CPE 20 and UE 40, but rUE 30 is not included. The terminal information acquisition unit 124 may acquire relay information from CPE 20 indicating the connection status with other equipment. The connection status may include, for example, whether or not relaying (e.g., tethering) is in place, identification information of the other equipment to which it is connected, and the communication method related to the connection.

[0029] The information processing unit 126 performs predetermined processing on any or a combination of the base station information acquired by the base station information acquisition unit 122, the terminal information acquired by the terminal information acquisition unit 124, etc. The information processing unit 126 stores a portion of the information obtained through processing in the storage unit 18. The information processing unit 126 transmits the remaining portion of the information to the core network CN, other base station equipment, or other antennas using the first communication unit 14. The information processing unit 126 transmits yet another portion of the information to the CPE 20 or UE 40 using the second communication unit 16.

[0030] The first communication unit 14 is connected to a core network CN using a first communication method, enabling it to send and receive various types of information. The first communication unit 14 is connected to other base station equipment or other networks via the core network CN (backhaul communication). Other networks may include the internet, a public mobile radio network separate from the network to which the core network CN belongs, etc.

[0031] The first communication unit 14 may send and receive various control information related to synchronization and coordination with one or more antennas (e.g., RRH (Remote Radio Head)) used for communication with the CPE 20 or UE 40 (fronthaul communication). The connection between the first communication unit 14 and the core network CN or other equipment does not necessarily have to be wireless. Part or all of the connection may be wired. The first communication unit 14 may be, for example, a backhaul communication interface, a fronthaul communication interface, or a communication interface that has the functions of both.

[0032] The second communication unit 16 wirelessly connects to other devices using the first communication method, enabling the transmission and reception of various types of information. The devices to which the second communication unit 16 connects may be, for example, one or both of the CPE 20 and UE 40. The second communication unit 16 is, for example, a wireless communication interface. The storage unit 18 stores various types of information. This information may include information acquired by the processing of the control unit 12, information used in the processing of the control unit 12, and so on. The storage unit 18 is, for example, a storage device. The storage device may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or any other type of storage device. Specific examples of processing procedures and information in each unit will be described later.

[0033] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the CPE20 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the CPE20 according to this embodiment. The CPE20 comprises a control unit 22, a communication unit 26, and a storage unit 28. The control unit 22 performs processing to realize the functions of the CPE20 and to control those functions. The control unit 22 comprises a base station information acquisition unit 222, an rUE information acquisition unit 224, and an information processing unit 226.

[0034] The base station information acquisition unit 222 acquires various information (base station information) from the base station equipment 10 using the communication unit 26. The rUE information acquisition unit 224 acquires various information (rUE information) from the rUE 30 using the communication unit 26. The rUE information acquisition unit 224 determines, for example, the interest in receiving MBMS provided to the connected rUE 30, or MBMS that has not yet been received, based on the rUE information. The rUE information acquisition unit 224 may also count the number of rUE 30s that communicate their interest in receiving MBMS. The rUE information is generated, for example, in response to user operations on the rUE 30. The rUE information can be generated when the rUE 30 executes a predetermined application program (which may be referred to as "application" or "app" in this application). In this application, executing a process instructed by commands written in a program may be referred to as "executing a program" or "program execution".

[0035] The information processing unit 226 performs predetermined processing on either the base station information acquired by the base station information acquisition unit 222, the rUE information acquired by the rUE information acquisition unit 224, or any combination thereof. The information processing unit 226 stores a portion of the information obtained through processing in the storage unit 28. The information processing unit 226 transmits another portion of the information to the base station device 10 using the communication unit 26. The information processing unit 226 transmits yet another portion of the information to the rUE 30 using the communication unit 26. The information processing unit 226 also sets up inter-device bearers between each rUE 30 and its partner device, and connects them using the set bearers to enable the transmission and reception of various types of data.

[0036] The communication unit 26 connects wirelessly to the base station device 10 using a first communication method. The communication unit 26 connects wirelessly to the rUE 30 using a second communication method. The communication unit 26 is, for example, a wireless communication interface. The storage unit 28 stores various types of information. This information may include information acquired by the processing of the control unit 22, information used in the processing of the control unit 22, and so on. The storage unit 28 is, for example, a storage device.

[0037] Next, an example of the functional configuration of rUE30 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of rUE30 according to this embodiment. rUE30 comprises a control unit 32, a communication unit 36, a display unit 37, a storage unit 38, and an input unit 39. The control unit 32 performs processing to realize the functions of rUE30 and to control those functions. The control unit 32 comprises a base station information acquisition unit 322, a CPE information acquisition unit 324, and an information processing unit 326.

[0038] The base station information acquisition unit 322 acquires various information (base station information) from the base station equipment 10 using the communication unit 36. The CPE information acquisition unit 324 acquires various information (CPE information) from the CPE 20 using the communication unit 36.

[0039] The information processing unit 326 performs predetermined processing on any or a combination of the following: base station information acquired by the base station information acquisition unit 322, CPE information acquired by the CPE information acquisition unit 324, and input information acquired by the input unit 39. The information processing unit 326 stores a portion of the information obtained through processing in the storage unit 38. The information processing unit 326 transmits another portion of the information to the base station device 10 using the communication unit 36. The information processing unit 326 transmits yet another portion of the information to the CPE 20 using the communication unit 36.

[0040] The communication unit 36 ​​connects wirelessly to the base station device 10 using a first communication method. The communication unit 36 ​​connects wirelessly to the CPE 20 using a second communication method. In this embodiment, the case in which the communication unit 36 ​​connects to the CPE 20 is mainly illustrated. The communication unit 36 ​​is, for example, a wireless communication interface. The display unit 37 displays a display screen indicated by display data provided by the control unit 32. The display unit 37 includes, for example, a display. The display may be an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Display), or any other type.

[0041] The memory unit 38 stores various types of information. This information may include information obtained through processing by the control unit 32, information used in processing by the control unit 32, and so on. The memory unit 38 is, for example, a storage device. The input unit 39 receives user operations and generates input information based on the received user operations. The input unit 39 includes, for example, an input device. The input device includes input devices such as touch sensors and buttons.

[0042] As described above, UE40 may have the same configuration as rUE30. For an example of the functional configuration of UE40, refer to the explanation for rUE30.

[0043] Next, an example of MBMS initiation processing according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of MBMS initiation processing performed by the communication system S1 according to the present embodiment. (Step S102) The information processing unit 126 of the base station apparatus 10 wirelessly distributes MBMS information to a range within which communication with the own apparatus is possible (referred to as "communication area" or "area" in the present application). The MBMS information is information including a response request for service-related information indicating reception of MBMS or interest in MBMS. For example, the information processing unit 126 distributes the MBMS information by including it in System Information. The system information includes information necessary for connection to a network configured by the base station apparatus 10. The system information is broadcast at fixed intervals from the base station apparatus 10 to all user apparatuses UE located within the communicable area. The MBMS information may be transmitted by being included in either a MIB (Master Information Block) or a SIB (System Information Block).

[0044] (Step S102') The CPE 20 may relay the MBMS information received from the base station apparatus 10. The base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 outputs the MBMS information received from the base station apparatus 10 to the information processing unit 226. The information processing unit 226 transmits the MBMS information acquired from the base station information acquisition unit 222 to the rUE 30 connected to the own apparatus via the communication unit 26. When connected to a plurality of rUEs 30, the information processing unit 226 broadcasts the MBMS information to the plurality of rUEs 30.

[0045] (Step S104) The information processing unit 126 of the base station apparatus 10 starts an MBMS counting procedure. The MBMS counting procedure is a procedure for counting the number of UEs that are receiving MBMS and UEs that indicate interest in receiving MBMS. The information processing unit 126 may repeat the MBMS counting procedure every predetermined processing cycle, or may restart the MBMS counting procedure every time a new UE (CPE 20) is registered or connected.

[0046] (Step S106) The information processing unit 126 of the base station apparatus 10 wirelessly distributes a counting request within its coverage area. The counting request is described in an MBMS Counting Request message. The counting request may include, as a request target, a list of requesting terminals for TMGI (Temporary Mobile Group Identity). TMGI is identification information used to uniquely identify Multicast and Broadcast bearer services in MBMS. That is, TMGI is referred to when identifying individual multicast distribution services in the information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 and the information processing unit 326 of the rUE 30. The timing at which the information processing unit 126 transmits a request message indicating a counting request is typically when a previously unregistered UE (which may also include the CPE 20) is newly registered, or at repetition every predetermined period, or the like.

[0047] (Step S108) The information processing unit 326 of the rUE 30 notifies the CPE 20 of service-related information indicating reception of MBMS or interest in MBMS. For example, when MBMS information is transmitted from the CPE 20, the information processing unit 326 transmits the service-related information in response to reception of the MBMS information. When no MBMS information is transmitted, the information processing unit 326 may spontaneously transmit the service-related information.

[0048] When the rUE 30 is already receiving MBMS, the information processing unit 326 transmits information to that effect as the service-related information. The information processing unit 326 of the rUE 30 may transmit the service-related information when it leaves the coverage area of a base station apparatus that provides MBMS or another CPE and enters the coverage area where communication with the CPE 20 is enabled.

[0049] If rUE30 has not yet received an MBMS, the information processing unit 326 will acquire information indicating interest in the MBMS in advance. For example, the information processing unit 326 may pre-set service-related information as one of the settings information of its own device, or it may acquire service-related information indicated by the input information input from the input unit 39. The information processing unit 326 may install an application distributed by the provider of the multimedia content to be provided, execute the installed application, and acquire service-related information indicating interest in the MBMS related to the distribution of that content.

[0050] The timing for voluntarily transmitting service-related information may be, for example, when rUE30 enters the range where it can communicate with CPE20 and a connection with CPE20 is established, or it may be at predetermined transmission cycles. The service-related information may include identification information that indicates a specific service. For example, TMGI can be used as this identification information.

[0051] (Step S110) The rUE information acquisition unit 224 of the CPE 20 acquires service-related information from the rUE 30 connected to its device. The base station information acquisition unit 222 receives a count request from the base station device 10. In response to receiving the count request, the information processing unit 226 sends a message to the base station device 10 indicating the service-related information acquired from the rUE 30. The service-related information is sent, for example, included in an RRC count response message (Radio Resource Control Counting Response message). The base station information acquisition unit 222 or the information processing unit 226 may count the number of rUE 30 that are the source of service-related information among the rUE 30 connected at that time, and include the counted number of rUE 30s in the RRC count response message.

[0052] (Step S112) The terminal information acquisition unit 124 of the base station device 10 receives an RRC count response message from the CPE 20 and extracts service-related information from the received count response message. The terminal information acquisition unit 124 may also receive a count response message from the UE 40. In that case, the terminal information acquisition unit 124 also extracts service-related information from the count response message received from the UE 40.

[0053] The information processing unit 126 determines whether MBMS is necessary based on the acquired service-related information. The information processing unit 126 counts the total number of rUE30 and UE40 that are the source of the service-related information as the count result. The information processing unit 126 has a pre-set number of UEs that will be used as the MBMS start condition and compares this with the count result. The information processing unit 126 determines whether or not to start MBMS based on whether the count result is equal to or greater than the MBMS start condition.

[0054] When starting MBMS, the information processing unit 126, in cooperation with the MCE (Multi-cell / multicast Coordination Entity) 50, executes the MBMS start process according to the procedure predetermined in the first communication method. In the MBMS start process, the information processing unit 126 allocates a portion of the unused wireless resources that are not currently being consumed from the wireless resources that its device can provide to the broadcasting (multicast) of MBMS data. MBMS data is service data that indicates the multimedia content to be distributed in MBMS. In the MBMS start process, the information processing unit 126 identifies the UE, which will be the source of service-related information, as the destination and sets up bearers that form the transmission path from the content server, which will be the source of the MBMS data, to the destination.

[0055] (Step S114) The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 uses the second communication unit 16 to distribute MBMS data provided from the content server using the allocated wireless resources. (Step S116) The information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 identifies rUE 30, which is the source of service-related information, as the destination for the MBMS data. The information processing unit 226 transmits the MBMS data distributed from the base station device 10 to the destination rUE 30. The base station information acquisition unit 322 of rUE 30 receives the MBMS data from the base station device 10, and the information processing unit 326 outputs display data indicating multimedia content based on the received MBMS data to the display unit 37 and displays the image. After that, the process shown in Figure 5 is terminated.

[0056] If it is determined in step S112 that MBMS should not be started, the information processing unit 126 designates the UE (which may also include the CPE20) that will be the source of the service-related information as the destination and allocates wireless resources to each destination for individual distribution (unicast) of service data. This ensures that multimedia services similar to MBMS are provided via unicast.

[0057] The information processing unit 126 uses the second communication unit 16 to distribute service data similar to the MBMS data provided from the content server using allocated wireless resources. Even when service data is distributed via unicast, the information processing unit of the CPE 20 can perform the same operation as in step S116 to transfer the service data to the rUE 30, which is the source of the service-related information.

[0058] The information processing unit 126 determines that there may be insufficient unused wireless resources for distributing service data to each UE. In such cases, it sends a service unavailable notification to the source UE, indicating that MBMS cannot be provided. The destination UE may include the CPE 20. When the base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 receives a service unavailable notification from the base station device 10, the information processing unit 226 transmits the received service unavailable notification to the rUE 30, which is the source of service-related information. When the CPE information acquisition unit 324 of the rUE 30 receives a service unavailable notification from the CPE 20, the information processing unit 326 displays a notification screen on the display unit 37 indicating that MBMS cannot be provided.

[0059] In step S112, the information processing unit 126 may, instead of determining whether MBMS is necessary, determine the distribution status of service data based on the service-related information obtained from rUE 30, or based on the service-related information already indicating MBMS reception along with the determination of whether MBMS is necessary. If the distribution status of service data is determined, the processing in steps S114 and S116 may be omitted. The information processing unit 126 may also notify other devices of the determined distribution status. Other devices to which the notification is received may be devices managed by any of the following: a telecommunications carrier receiving communication services by the first communication method, a service data provider, or a survey company investigating the distribution status. For example, the information processing unit 126 counts the number of rUE 30s receiving MBMS as the distribution status and obtains the counted number as the distribution status. The notified distribution status can be used for MBMS distribution control, maintenance of communication equipment, understanding market trends based on viewership ratings, etc.

[0060] Next, an example of the MBMS startup process by the CPE20 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the MBMS startup process by the CPE20 according to this embodiment.

[0061] (Step S202) The base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 monitors the system information distributed from the base station device 10 and determines whether or not MBMS information can be acquired from the system information. Based on whether or not system information related to MBMS reception can be acquired, the base station information acquisition unit 222 can determine whether or not the base station device 10 in which the device is currently located has MBMS functionality.

[0062] System information related to MBMS reception, for example, information regarding the mobility procedure for MBMS reception, is included in SIB15. In an MBMS-dedicated cell, for example, only system information related to MBMS reception is broadcast. For such system information, instead of the usual MIB and SIB, MIB-MBMS and SIB1-MBMS, which are information blocks dedicated to MBMS reception, are used. If MBMS information can be obtained (step S202 YES), the process proceeds to step S204. If MBMS information cannot be obtained (step S202 NO), the process in step S202 is repeated.

[0063] (Step S204) The information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 processes the MBMS information. That is, the information processing unit 226 executes the processing indicated by the command that constitutes the MBMS information. (Step S206) The information processing unit 226 provides the MBMS information to the rUE connected to its device. (Step S208) The rUE information acquisition unit 224 of the CPE 20 acquires service-related information from the rUE 30 connected to its device that indicates the reception of MBMS or interest in receiving MBMS. (Step S210) When the base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 receives a count request from the base station device 10, the information processing unit 226 constructs a response message based on the service-related information acquired from the rUE 30. The information processing unit 226 transmits the constructed response message to the base station device 10.

[0064] (Step S212) In step S112 (Figure 5), if the information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 determines to start MBMS (Step S212 YES), the process proceeds to step S216. If the information processing unit 126 does not determine to start MBMS (Step S212 NO), the process proceeds to step S214. (Step S214) If the information processing unit 126 determines to provide a multimedia service similar to MBMS via unicast (Step S214 YES), the process proceeds to step S218. If the information processing unit 126 determines not to provide a multimedia service via unicast (Step S214 NO), the process proceeds to step S220.

[0065] (Step S216) The base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 receives MBMS data distributed by multicast from the base station device 10. The information processing unit 226 forwards the MBMS data to the rUE 30, which is the source of service-related information. After that, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated. (Step S218) The base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 receives service data similar to the MBMS data distributed by unicast from the base station device 10. The information processing unit 226 forwards the service data to the rUE 30, which is the source of service-related information. After that, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated.

[0066] (Step S220) The base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 receives a service unavailable notification from the base station device 10. The information processing unit 226 forwards the service unavailable notification to the rUE 30, which is the source of the service-related information. This notifies the rUE 30 that service data related to the multimedia service cannot be transmitted. After that, the process shown in Figure 6 is terminated. Note that in the process shown in Figure 6, if the rUE 30 voluntarily transmits service-related information to the CPE 20, the process in step S216 may be omitted.

[0067] Next, we will describe in more detail an example of the counting procedure in steps S204 to S210 performed by the CPE20. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the counting procedure according to this embodiment. The following description will mainly focus on the unique features of this embodiment. The procedure in Figure 7 is performed at the RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer. The main functions of the RRC layer include broadcasting system information, RRC connection control, wireless bearer management, and mobility control.

[0068] In this embodiment, if a UE (corresponding to CPE20 in the example of Figure 7) is receiving or interested in receiving via an MRB (MBMS Point to Multipoint Radio Bearer), it performs the following processing (2>) for at least one service in the received countingRequestList (second 1>). The countingRequestList is a list indicating the MBMS to be counted. The MRB corresponds to a bearer from the source transmission point (e.g., content server) to the UE that is the destination of multicast configured by the base station device 10. The countingRequestList describes one or more services to be counted and corresponds to a message requesting the number of UEs that are receiving or interested in receiving each service.

[0069] In the first step 2>, if the mbsfn-AreaInfoList received by the SIB13, which indicates the configuration of the MCCH where the MBMSCountingRequest message was received, contains one or more entries, then in the first step 3>, the information processing unit 226 of the CPE20 sets the index of the corresponding arbitrary IE (Information Element) entry for the rUE30 if there is an rUE30 that has been received via the MRB or is of interest in being received (not necessarily limited to MBMS).

[0070] As the second step 2>, for each MBMS included in the received countingRequestList, as the second step 3>, if rUE30 is receiving or interested in receiving this MBMS via MRB, as the fourth step 4>, the information processing unit 226 of CPE20 includes an entry in the countingResponseList in the MBMSCountingResponse message, sets the index of the entry in the countingRequestList in the MBMSCountingRequest that received the countingResponseService, corresponds it to the MBMS that rUE30 is receiving or interested in receiving, and sets the number of rUE30s that are receiving or interested in receiving that MBMS. The MBMScountingRequestList describes one or more MBMSs to be counted and corresponds to a message requesting the number of UEs that are receiving or interested in receiving each MBMS. Note that sending the MBMSCountingResponse message to a lower layer in the third step 2> means sending it to the base station device 10 by executing a procedure defined in a layer lower than the RRC layer (i.e., the logical layer or physical layer).

[0071] Next, an example of a count request message according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a count request message according to this embodiment. The MBMSCountingRequest message is a count request message that contains MBMS information, i.e., a count request for the MBMS. For each MBMS, the MBMSCountingRequest message indicates a request for service-related information from UEs (including CPE20 and rUE30) that are receiving or interested in receiving the MBMS. The MBMSCountingRequest message can contain a number of count request messages CountingRequestInfo-r10 specified by maxServiceCount (maximum number of services).

[0072] Next, an example of a count response message according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a count response message according to this embodiment. The MBMSCountingResponse message is a count response message that provides a response to an MBMSCountingRequest message. The parts indicated by the bold lines in Figure 9 show the differences from the message specified in 3GPP® TS36.331, Section 5.8.4. The following description will focus on these parts.

[0073] The MBMSCountingResponse message includes the following information elements: MBMSCountingResponse-r10-IEs, CountingResponseList-r10, and CountingResponseInfo-r10. MBMSCountingResponse-r10-IEs contains mbsfn-AreaIndex-r10, which describes mbsfn-AreaIndexForRoutingUE ::= SEQUENCE. For each MBSFN area, mbsfn-AreaIndexForRoutingUE ::= SEQUENCE indicates rUE30 that receive or are interested in receiving MBMS, and a number of information elements corresponding to the number of rUE30 are provided. MBSFN (Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network) is a communication channel used for multicast or broadcast distribution. MBSFN-AreaIndex is an index indicating the spatial area (i.e., MBSFN area) where MBSFN is provided. The MBSFN area may differ for each MBMS.

[0074] In CountingResponseList-r10, the item CountingResponseListForRoutingUE ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxServiceCount)) OF CountingResponseInfo-r10 contains an array CountingResponseListForRoutingUE ::= SEQUENCE which indicates the rUE30 that receive each MBMS or are interested in receiving each MBMS, and a number of information elements corresponding to the number of rUE30 are provided. In countingResponseService-r10, NumOfUEs::= INTEGER is described. In NumOfUEs::= INTEGER, an integer corresponding to the number of rUE30 that receive each MBMS or are interested in receiving each MBMS is described.

[0075] As described above, the communication system S1 according to this embodiment includes at least one base station device and at least one relay device. The relay device (e.g., CPE20) is connected to the base station device 10 using a first communication method and is connected to a terminal device (e.g., rUE30) using a second communication method different from the first communication method. When the relay device receives a response request for service-related information from the base station device 10 indicating interest in the multimedia distribution service, it transmits a response request for service-related information to the terminal device. The relay device may also transmit first response information, including the service-related information received from the terminal device, to the base station device 10. The relay device may count the number of terminal devices that have notified the service-related information and include the counted number in the first response information. In that case, the base station device 10 may omit counting the number of terminal devices that are the source of the service-related information. When the relay device receives service data related to the provision of the multimedia distribution service from the base station device 10, it transmits the service data to the terminal device that notified the service-related information.

[0076] The base station device 10 is connected to the relay device using a first communication method and delivers a response request for service-related information indicating interest in the multimedia distribution service. The base station device 10 receives first response information from the relay device, which includes service-related information received from terminal devices connected using a second communication method different from the first communication method. The base station device 10 may determine whether or not to distribute service data related to the provision of the multimedia distribution service, or determine the status of service data distribution, based on the number of terminal devices determined using the first response information.

[0077] Therefore, the base station device 10 can grasp the reception of multimedia distribution services, or interest in such reception, from terminal devices directly connected to it using the first communication method, as well as from terminal devices indirectly connected via the relay device. As a result, it can accurately determine the necessity of multimedia distribution based on the reception status of multimedia distribution services or interest in such reception at terminal devices effectively under its control, thereby promoting the use of multicast distribution. Ultimately, this enables the smooth provision of multimedia distribution services to terminal devices under the relay device.

[0078] For example, suppose the number of UEs required to initiate MBMS is four, and in Figure 1, UE40 and rUE30-1 to rUE30-4 all show interest in receiving MBMS. In existing systems, only UE40 and CPE20 are counted as terminal devices showing interest in receiving MBMS. In that case, the count of terminal devices showing interest in receiving MBMS is 2, which does not meet the MBMS initiation condition, so MBMS is not provided. In contrast, in this embodiment, in addition to UE40, rUE30-1 to rUE30-4 are also counted as terminal devices showing interest in receiving MBMS. In that case, the count of terminal devices showing interest in receiving MBMS is 5, which satisfies the MBMS initiation condition, so MBMS is provided.

[0079] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present application will be described. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Regarding the similarities with the first embodiment, the description of the first embodiment will be used unless otherwise specified.

[0080] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the CPE 20 receives a response request (count request) from the base station device 10, it separately configures a first response message indicating the reception of the MBMS obtained from the rUE 30 or service-related information indicating interest in receiving the MBMS, and a second message indicating response information to the response request. The CPE 20 transmits the configured first response message and second response message to the base station device 10, respectively. The first response message includes service-related information indicating the reception of the MBMS at the rUE or interest in receiving the MBMS as first response information. The second response message includes service information indicating the reception of the MBMS at the CPE 20 or interest in receiving the MBMS as second response information.

[0081] Next, an example of the MBMS startup process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the MBMS startup process by the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. The process in Figure 11 has steps S122 and S124 instead of step S110 in the process in Figure 5.

[0082] (Step S122) The rUE information acquisition unit 224 of the CPE 20 acquires service-related information from the rUE 30, and in response to the reception of a count request from the base station device 10 by the base station information acquisition unit 222, the information processing unit 226 generates a message and transmits the generated message to the base station device 10, which is the same as in step S110 (Figure 5). In this step, the information processing unit 226 constructs an RRC count response message (i.e., a second response message) indicating service-related information relating to its own device (CPE 20), and transmits the constructed second message to the base station device 10. The second response message is the response message that is expected in response to a count request, and can be provided by UEs of other types than the CPE 20. The base station device 10 only needs to execute existing processing on the second response message, so it is easy to ensure compatibility with existing specifications. However, the second response message transmitted from the information processing unit 226 may include information about the rUE 30. (Step S124) The information processing unit 226 constructs an RRC count response message (i.e., a first response message) that indicates service-related information obtained from rUE 30, separately from the second response message, and transmits the constructed first response message to the base station device 10.

[0083] Next, an example of the MBMS initiation process by the CPE20 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart of an example of the MBMS initiation process by the CPE20 according to this embodiment. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common points with the first embodiment will be referenced. The process in Figure 12 has the processes of steps S222 to S228 instead of the process of step S210. (Step S222) The information processing unit 226 of the CPE20 determines whether or not service-related information is obtained from the rUE30, and whether or not there is an rUE30 that is interested in receiving the MBMS. If it is determined that there is an rUE30 that is interested in receiving the MBMS (Step S222 YES), the process proceeds to step S224. If it is determined that there is no rUE30 that is interested in receiving the MBMS (Step S222 NO), the process proceeds to step S228.

[0084] (Step S224) The information processing unit 226 constructs a response message (i.e., a second response message) that indicates service-related information relating to its own device (CPE20) without including service-related information from rUE30, and transmits the constructed response message to the base station device 10. (Step S226) The information processing unit 226 constructs a response message (i.e., a first response message) that includes service-related information from rUE, and transmits the constructed first response message to the base station device 10. After that, the process proceeds to step S212. (Step S228) The information processing unit 226 performs the same procedure as in step S224. That is, in response to the receipt of the count request, the information processing unit 226 constructs a response message (i.e., a second response message) that indicates service-related information relating to its own device without including service-related information from rUE30, and transmits the constructed second response message to the base station device 10. After that, the process shown in Figure 12 is terminated.

[0085] Next, an example of the counting procedure in step S226, performed by the CPE20, will be described in more detail. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the counting procedure according to this embodiment. In the following description, the unique features of this embodiment will be emphasized, and the process of generating the second response message will be omitted.

[0086] In this embodiment, if rUE30 is receiving or interested in receiving via MRB, it performs the first 2> and subsequent processes (second 1>) for at least one service of the received countingRequestList. As the first 2> and subsequent processes, if the mbsfn-AreaInfoList received in SIB13, which indicates the configuration of the MCCH from which the MBMSCountingRequest message was received, contains one or more entries, as process 3>, the information processing unit 226 of CPE20 includes the mbsfn-AreaIndex in the MBMSCountingResponse message, sets the index of the entry in the mbsfn-AreaInfoList received in SIB13, and corresponds it to the MBSFN area used to forward the received MBMSCountingResquest message.

[0087] In the second step, if rUE30 is receiving or interested in receiving this MBMS via MRB, then in step 4, the information processing unit 226 of CPE20 sets the index of the countingRequestList in MBMScountingRequest that has received any IE (Information Element, e.g., countingResponseListForRoutingUE) in any message (e.g., MBMSCountingResponseForRoutingUE), matches it to the MBMS that rUE30 is receiving or interested in receiving, and sets the number of rUE30s that are receiving or interested in receiving that MBMS.

[0088] In this embodiment, a response message having a similar structure to the MBMSCountingResponse message specified in 3GPP® TS36.331 may be applied as the second response message, but is not limited to this. The second response message may include a RoutingUECountingResponse INTEGER, as illustrated in Figure 14. The RoutingUECountingResponse may contain information about rUE30, such as service-related information for rUE30.

[0089] Next, an example of the configuration of the first response message according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the first response message according to this embodiment. The MBMSCoutingResponseForRoutingUE message is an example of the first response message. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the RoutingUECountingResponse message illustrated in Figure 14. In mbsfn-AreaIndexForRoutingUE, IEs for each rUE30 are added, and the identifier of each rUE30 is described. As a result, service-related information of potential recipient rUE30s is notified for each mbsfn-Area that provides MBMS. In CountingResponseListForRoutingUE, IEs for each rUE30 are added. Therefore, service-related information of potential recipient rUE30s is notified to each MBMS. In NumOfUEs, the number of rUE30s that receive MBMS or are interested in receiving MBMS is described.

[0090] As described above, the relay device (e.g., CPE20) according to this embodiment transmits a single message to the base station device 10 that includes a second response information containing service-related information indicating interest in the multimedia distribution service at its own device, and a first response information received from a terminal device (e.g., rUE30) connected using the second communication method. With this configuration, even if only one response message is allowed for a response request for service-related information received from the base station device 10, the first response information is transmitted to the base station device 10 in addition to the second response information. Therefore, the load on the transmission of service-related information is reduced compared to when a separate response message indicating the first response information is transmitted.

[0091] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the second embodiment. Regarding the common points with the second embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the description of the second embodiment will be used. In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, when the CPE 20 receives a response request (count request) from the base station device 10, it separately configures a first response message indicating the reception of the MBMS obtained from the rUE 30 or service-related information indicating interest in the reception of the MBMS, and a second response message indicating response information to the response request, and transmits each to the base station device 10. However, if there are multiple rUE 30s under the control of the CPE 20, it configures a second response message containing service-related information for each rUE 30 and transmits each configured second response message to the base station device 10.

[0092] Next, an example of the MBMS initiation process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the MBMS initiation process by the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. The process in Figure 16 has a process S126 instead of step S124 in the process in Figure 11. The process S126 is executed for each individual rUE 30. (Step S126) The information processing unit 226 constructs an RRC count response message (i.e., a first response message) indicating service-related information obtained from one rUE 30, and transmits the constructed first response message to the base station device 10.

[0093] Next, an example of the counting procedure in step S226 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the counting procedure according to this embodiment. In the processing in Figure 17, the first 2> and subsequent processes and the third 2> and subsequent processes are common to the processing in Figure 13, while the second 2> and subsequent processes are different. As the second 2> and subsequent processes, if rUE30 is receiving or interested in receiving this MBMS via MRB, as the 4> process, the information processing unit 226 of CPE20 sets the index of the countingRequestList in MBMScountingRequest that received any IE (Information Element, for example, countingResponseListForRoutingUE) in any message (for example, MBMSCountingResponseForRoutingUE), and associates it with the MBMS that rUE30 is receiving or interested in receiving. That is, in this embodiment, the 4> process is executed for each individual rUE30, and the process of setting the number of rUE30s that are receiving or interested in receiving MBMS is omitted. An MBMSCountingResponse message is generated for every rUE30, and the generated MBMSCountingResponse message is sent.

[0094] In this embodiment, a response message having a similar structure to the MBMSCountingResponse message specified in 3GPP® TS36.331 may be applied as the second response message, but is not limited to this. The second response message may include RoutingUECountingResponse, as illustrated in Figure 18. RoutingUECountingResponse may contain information about rUE30, such as service-related information for rUE30. In addition, the description (0..max-rUECount) notifies the sending of a message to each rUE30 or the sending of a number of messages corresponding to the number of rUE30s. max-rUECount indicates the number of rUE30s.

[0095] Next, an example of the configuration of the first response message according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the first response message according to this embodiment. The MBMSCoutingResponseForRoutingUE message illustrated in Figure 19 is an example of the first response message according to this embodiment. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the MBMSCoutingResponseForRoutingUE message illustrated in Figure 15.

[0096] The MBMSCoutingResponseForRoutingUE message according to this embodiment is generated for each rUE30. The message number is described in NumOfMsg. The message number is an integer indicating which message it is out of max-rUECount messages. No IE is set for each rUE30 in mbsfn-AreaIndexForRoutingUE and CountingResponseListForRoutingUE. However, multiple services that rUE30 receives or is interested in receiving may be described in countingResponseServiceForRoutingUE.

[0097] As described above, the relay device (e.g., CPE20) according to this embodiment separately transmits to the base station device 10 a message indicating second response information (e.g., second response message) which includes service-related information indicating interest in the multimedia distribution service at its own device, and a message indicating first response information (e.g., first response message) which is received from a terminal device (e.g., rUE30) connected using the second communication method. With this configuration, the first response information and the second response information are transmitted to the base station device 10 using separate messages. Therefore, the base station device 10, as the recipient, can perform processing for the message indicating the first response information, which is unique to this embodiment, separately from the processing for the existing message indicating the second response information, and implement these processes individually. As a result, relatively few changes are required from the existing specifications for processing the response message indicating the second response information.

[0098] Furthermore, when there are multiple terminal devices connected to the relay device using the second communication method, the relay device may send a message indicating the first response information to each terminal device. With this configuration, the first response information for each terminal device is transmitted to the base station device 10 using different messages. Therefore, the base station device 10 can efficiently control the provision of multimedia distribution services in response to the communication status and reception status of multimedia distribution services, or changes in interest in receiving them, which may differ among the multiple terminal devices.

[0099] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present application will be described. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Regarding the similarities with the first embodiment, the description of the first embodiment will be used unless otherwise specified.

[0100] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the base station device 10 configures a message indicating a response request for service-related information (count request) that shows interest in the multimedia distribution service, including a request for service-related information from a terminal device (e.g., rUE 30) connected under a relay device (e.g., CPE 20) connected to itself. The base station device 10 wirelessly distributes the configured message within its range. In response to the message, the CPE 20 configures a message indicating response information (count response) that includes service-related information from the terminal device rUE 30 under its control, and transmits the configured message to the base station device 10. The base station device 10 receives the message from the CPE 20 as a response to the count request.

[0101] Next, an example of the MBMS startup process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the MBMS startup process by the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. The process in Figure 21 has a step S128 instead of step S106 in the process in Figure 5.

[0102] (Step S128) The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 configures a count request including a request for service-related information from a terminal device connected under the relay device, and distributes the configured count request within the service area. When the base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 acquires a count request including a request for service-related information from the base station device 10, the information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 executes the process of step S110. In step S110, the information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 configures an RRC count response message as a response to the count request, including service-related information from the rUE 30 connected to its own device. The information processing unit 226 transmits the configured RRC count response message to the base station device 10.

[0103] The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 may configure a message indicating a request for service-related information response without including the request for service-related information from the rUE 30 under the CPE 20. In that case, the information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 may configure an RRC count response message indicating response information for its own service-related information as a response to the count request, without including the service-related information from the rUE 30. The information processing unit 226 then sends the configured RRC count response message back to the base station device 10.

[0104] Next, an example of the MBMS startup process by the CPE20 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 22 is a flowchart of an example of the MBMS startup process by the CPE20 according to this embodiment. The process in Figure 22 has the process of step S230 instead of the process of step S208 in the process in Figure 6.

[0105] (Step S230) If the count request received from the base station device 10 includes a request for service-related information from a terminal device connected under the relay device, the rUE information acquisition unit 224 of the CPE 20 acquires service-related information from the rUE 30, which is a terminal device connected to the device itself that reaches the relay device, indicating the reception of MBMS or interest in receiving MBMS. Then, the process proceeds to step S210. In step S210, the information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 generates an RRC count response message including the acquired service-related information from the rUE 30, configures the generated RRC count response message, and transmits the configured RRC count response message to the base station device 10.

[0106] Next, an example of a count request message according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating a count request message according to this embodiment. The MBMSCountingRequest message is a message indicating a count request. In the MBMSCountingRequest message according to this embodiment, the CountingRequestList-r10 includes a CountingRequestListForRoutingUE for each individual service. The CountingRequestListForRoutingUE indicates a request for service-related information from the relay device rUE30, which is a relay device that has received or is interested in receiving that service. For example, the MBMSCountingResponse message is used as the RRC count response message. The MBMSCountingResponse message has a similar configuration to the first response message illustrated in Figure 15.

[0107] As described above, the base station device 10 according to this embodiment constitutes a message indicating a response request, including service-related information request information from a terminal device (e.g., rUE 30) connected using the second communication method. When the response request received by the relay device (e.g., CPE 20) from the base station device 10 includes service-related information request information concerning a terminal device under its control, the relay device (e.g., CPE 20) constitutes first response information, including the service-related information received from the terminal device.

[0108] In this configuration, the request information identifies service-related information relating to terminal devices under the relay device as the target of the request. In this case, the relay device notifies the base station device 10 of a first response information indicating the service-related information relating to terminal devices under its own control. Therefore, when the base station device 10 needs service-related information relating to terminal devices under the relay device, it can obtain that service-related information in a timely manner by transmitting the request information.

[0109] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, the fifth embodiment of the present application will be described. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the fourth embodiment. Regarding the similarities with the fourth embodiment, the description of the fourth embodiment will be used unless otherwise specified.

[0110] Figure 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the base station device 10 configures a first request message indicating a response request for service-related information from a terminal device (e.g., rUE30) connected under a terminal device (e.g., CPE20) connected to the base station device 10, in addition to a second request message indicating a response request (count request) for service-related information to a terminal device (e.g., UE40) connected to the base station device 10. The base station device 10 distributes the configured first request message and second request message within the range of the base station device.

[0111] In this embodiment, the CPE 20 separately configures a first response message indicating the reception of the MBMS obtained from the rUE 30 or service-related information indicating interest in receiving the MBMS, and a second response message indicating the reception of the MBMS on its own device or service-related information indicating interest in receiving the MBMS, as a response to the second request message. The CPE 20 transmits the configured first response message and second response message to the base station device 10, respectively. The base station device 10 receives the first message from the CPE 20 as a response to the first request message and receives the second message from the CPE 20 as a response to the second request message.

[0112] Next, an example of the MBMS startup process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 25 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the MBMS startup process by the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. The process in Figure 25 has steps S130 and S132 instead of step S128 in the process of Figure 21, and steps S122 and S124 instead of step S110.

[0113] (Step S130) The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 generates a second request message indicating a response request (count request) for service-related information indicating the reception of MBMS or interest in MBMS for terminal devices connected to itself, and distributes the generated second request message within the service area. (Step S132) The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 generates a first request message (rUE service-related information request) indicating a response request for service-related information indicating the reception of MBMS or interest in MBMS for terminal devices connected under the terminal devices connected to itself, and distributes the generated second request message within the service area.

[0114] In step S122, the information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 configures an RRC count response message (second response message) indicating service-related information pertaining to its own device (i.e., the CPE 20) as a response to the second request message, and transmits the configured second response message to the base station device 10. Note that a message having a similar configuration to a known count request message may be used as the second request message. In step S124, the information processing unit 226 configures an RRC count response message (first response message) indicating service-related information obtained from the rUE 30 as a response to the first request message, and transmits the configured first response message to the base station device 10.

[0115] Next, an example of the MBMS startup process by the CPE 20 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 26 is a flowchart of an example of the MBMS startup process by the CPE 20 according to this embodiment. The process in Figure 26 replaces the processes of steps S206 and S208 in the process in Figure 12 with the processes of steps S232 and S234. After the completion of the process of step S234, the process proceeds to step S222. However, if rUE 30 voluntarily provides service-related information to the CPE 20, the process of step S234 may be omitted.

[0116] MBMS information related to steps S202 and S204 is transmitted using a first request message. After processing in step S204, the process proceeds to step S224. Then, the process proceeds to step S232. (Step S232) The base station information acquisition unit 222 of the CPE 20 monitors the system information distributed from the base station device 10 and determines whether it was able to acquire a first request message (service-related information request from rUE) from the system information, which indicates a request for a response of service-related information indicating the reception of MBMS from a terminal device (i.e., rUE 30) connected under its control (i.e., CPE 20) or an interest in such information. If it is determined that it was acquired (step S232 YES), the process proceeds to step S234. If it is determined that it was not acquired (step S232 NO), the process of step S232 is repeated.

[0117] (Step S234) The information processing unit 226 provides MBMS information to the rUE 30 connected to its device. Then, the process proceeds to step S222. If the rUE 30 spontaneously notifies the CPE 20 of service-related information and the rUE information acquisition unit 224 of the CPE 20 can acquire the service-related information, step S234 may be omitted. Note that in step S222, if there is no rUE 30 that is receiving MBMS or is interested in receiving it (step S222 NO), the process shown in Figure 26 may be terminated.

[0118] Next, the first request message according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating the first request message according to this embodiment. The MBMSCountingRequestForRoutingUE message is an example of the first request message. The MBMSCountingRequestForRoutingUE message has a similar structure to the MBMSCountingRequestUE message, which is used as a known count request message. However, the MBMSCountingRequestForRoutingUE message describes service-related information indicating the reception of MBMS by rUE30, a terminal device under the control of the CPE20, or an interest in such reception, instead of the CPE20 itself.

[0119] In this embodiment, multiple rUEs 30 may be connected under the CPE 20, and service-related information may be acquired for each of them. In that case, the first response message may be configured collectively for all multiple rUEs 30, but is not limited to this. Similar to the third embodiment, the information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 may configure a first response message containing service-related information for each individual rUE 30 and transmit the configured first response message to the base station device 10.

[0120] As described above, the base station device 10 according to this embodiment configures a message (e.g., a first request message) indicating a request for service-related information at a terminal device (e.g., rUE 30) connected using the second communication method. When the relay device (e.g., CPE 20) receives a message indicating a request for service-related information regarding a terminal device under its control, separate from a response request for service-related information indicating interest in an existing multimedia distribution service, it configures a message (e.g., a first response message) indicating first response information including service-related information received from the terminal device, separately from a message (e.g., a second response message) indicating second response information including service-related information regarding its own device, and transmits each to the base station device 10.

[0121] In this configuration, the request information identifies service-related information relating to terminal devices under the relay device as the target of the request. In this case, the relay device notifies the base station device 10 of a first response information indicating service-related information relating to terminal devices under its own control, separately from a second response information indicating service-related information relating to its own control. Therefore, when the base station device 10 needs service-related information relating to terminal devices under the relay device, it can obtain that service-related information separately from the service-related information relating to the relay device by transmitting the request information.

[0122] <Sixth Embodiment> Next, the sixth embodiment of the present application will be described. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Regarding the similarities with the first embodiment, the description of the first embodiment will be used unless otherwise specified.

[0123] In this embodiment, the base station device 10 monitors the connection status between a relay device (e.g., CPE 20) under its control and a terminal device (e.g., rUE 30) under its control. The base station device 10 may also monitor connection status reports notified by the relay device from the terminal device under its control. When the connection status changes, the base station device 10 distributes a response request (count request) for service-related information.

[0124] More specifically, the information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 monitors report information indicating the connection status between the connected UE (including CPE 20) and its subordinate terminal devices (including rUE 30) using the second communication method. The report information includes identification information indicating each terminal device to be connected, such as the access point name (APN) and MAC (Media Access Control) address that indicate the device to be connected to the UE. The information processing unit 226 of the CPE 20 transmits the identification information of the rUE 30 connected using the second communication method at that time, or report information including its changes, to the base station device 10 at predetermined reporting intervals. For example, assuming that the CPE 20 is an information terminal device with a tethering function, the identification information of the information terminal device to which it is connected is notified to the information processing unit 126.

[0125] The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 determines whether the connection status with rUE 30 has changed based on the report information sent from CPE 20 at predetermined determination intervals. If it determines that a change has occurred, the information processing unit 126 sends a count request. The information processing unit 226 may also configure report information showing the difference between the identification information shown in the previous report information and the identification information of the rUE 30 connected at that time, as a change in the identification information of the rUE 30 connected using the second communication method. The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 may detect a change in the connection status with the rUE 30 connected to CPE 20 based on this difference. The information processing unit 126 may also send a count request when it determines, based on the report information, that a connection has been made with at least one new rUE 30 not shown in the previous report information.

[0126] When receiving report information from multiple CPEs 20, the information processing unit 126 may send a count request if it determines that any one of the CPEs 20 is connected to at least one rUE. The information processing unit 126 may also send a count request if a new connection to at least one rUE is detected for any one of the CPEs 20.

[0127] Next, an example of the MBMS initiation process according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 28 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the MBMS initiation process by the communication system S1 according to this embodiment. The following description will mainly focus on the differences from the process in Figure 5. However, we will assume that CPE20 is not connected to rUE30, and that after step S110, it is connected to rUE30 and communication is started. In that case, the process proceeds to step S142.

[0128] (Step S142) The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 resumes the MBMS counting procedure. (Step S144) The terminal information acquisition unit 124 monitors the communication status between CPE 20 and rUE 30 based on the report information sent from CPE 20. (Step S146) The information processing unit 126 resends the count request in response to the detection of a connection between CPE 20 and rUE 30. The information processing unit 226 of CPE 20 may transmit MBMS information to rUE 30 in response to the receipt of the count request from the base station device 10 (Step S102'). (Step S148) The information processing unit 226 of CPE 20 constructs an RRC count response message containing service-related information indicating the receipt of MBMS acquired from rUE 30 or interest in such receipt, and transmits the constructed RRC count response message to the base station device 10. The process then proceeds to step S112.

[0129] Next, an example of MBMS initiation processing by the base station device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of MBMS initiation processing by the base station device 10 according to this embodiment. However, Figure 29 illustrates a case in which the communication status of the CPE 20 with the rUE 30 is monitored after receiving a response message in the initial counting procedure, and communication with the rUE 30 is initiated. (Step S302) The information processing unit 126 of the base station device 10 delivers a request message indicating a counting request. (Step S304) As a response to the request message, the information processing unit 126 receives a response message from the CPE 20 indicating the reception of MBMS by the CPE 20 or service-related information of interest in receiving MBMS.

[0130] (Step S306) The terminal information acquisition unit 124 acquires report information from the CPE 20. The information processing unit 126 monitors the report information acquired from the CPE 20 and determines whether the CPE 20 is connected to the rUE 30 and communicating. If it is determined that communication is occurring (Step S306 YES), the process proceeds to Step S308. If it is determined that communication is not occurring (Step S306 NO), the process proceeds to Step S308. (Step S308) The information processing unit 126 resends a request message indicating a count request. After that, the process shown in Figure 29 is terminated.

[0131] As described above, the base station device 10 according to this embodiment delivers a service-related information response request when it detects a change in the connection status with a terminal device (e.g., rUE 30) using the second communication method, or when it is notified of such a change in connection status from the relay device. With this configuration, when the connection status between the relay device and the terminal device changes, service-related information relating to the terminal device connected to the relay device is acquired in response to the response request. Therefore, the base station device 10 determines whether or not a multimedia distribution service is necessary in accordance with the change in the connection status with the terminal device, and if it is determined to be necessary, the distribution of the multimedia distribution service is started.

[0132] The embodiments described above may be combined, or parts thereof may be omitted or replaced. For example, although the description of the sixth embodiment above mainly focuses on the differences from the first embodiment, it may also be applied to the transmission of a count request in any of the second to fourth embodiments or a first request message in the fifth embodiment, instead of the count request from the base station device 10 in the first embodiment.

[0133] Furthermore, the first communication method is not limited to LTE-A, but may be 5G, 6G, or other mobile wireless communication methods. The second communication method is not limited to the on-premises wireless communication methods specified in IEEE 802.11, but may be IEEE 802.15.1, IEEE 802.15.4, or other small-scale wireless communication methods. For multimedia distribution services, the methods specified in each communication method may be used, or a proprietary method may be used.

[0134] Furthermore, the base station devices 10, CPE20, rUE30, UE40, and MCE50 according to each of the above embodiments or modifications may be implemented with hardware having dedicated components, or they may be configured to include a computer 80 that includes general-purpose components. The computer 80 executes a predetermined program to perform the functions of the equipment equipped with the computer 80. For example, the computer 80 provided in each of the base station devices 10, CPE20, and rUE30 executes a predetermined program to perform the functions of the control units 12, 22, and 32, respectively.

[0135] The computer 80 illustrated in Figure 30 is a computer system comprising a processor 82, RAM 84, ROM 86, storage 88, input / output interface 90, input device 92, and output device 94. However, some components of the computer 80 may be omitted. For example, in the base station equipment 10, CPE 20, and MCE 50, one or both of the input device 92 and the output device 94 may be omitted.

[0136] The processor 82 is an arithmetic processing unit that executes processes instructed by various instructions written in the program, and works in cooperation with the RAN 84 and other hardware to perform processes that enable the functions of individual devices and to control the functions of each part that makes up those devices. The processor 82 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM (Random Access memory) 84 is a storage medium that functions as the main memory, which is mainly the working area of ​​the processor 82. When the processor 82 starts up, it records the program and parameter set stored in the ROM 86 into the RAM 84. The processor 82 then temporarily records the calculation results obtained from its execution, acquired data, etc., into the RAM 84. The processor 82 and RAM 84 are the minimum hardware that makes up the computer 80.

[0137] ROM (Read Only Memory) 86 is a storage medium that non-temporarily stores programs containing instructions that direct various processes performed by each part of individual devices, various data such as parameters for their execution, and various data acquired by each part.

[0138] The storage device 88 is an auxiliary storage device that non-temporarily stores various data and programs in a read-write manner. The storage device 88 is, for example, a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD). The input / output interface 90 inputs or outputs various data to or from other devices wirelessly or via a wired connection. The input / output interface 90 may also be connected to a communication network and receive or transmit various data to or from other devices via the connected communication network.

[0139] The input device 92 receives user input and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the received input. The input device 92 is, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touch sensor, joystick, or any combination thereof. The output device 94 displays various information acquired by the processor 82 and other processes. The output device 94 is, for example, a display, speaker, etc.

[0140] The processes described above are stored in program form on a computer-readable storage medium, and these processes are performed when the computer reads and executes this program. The computer system includes software such as the OS (Operating System), device drivers, and utility programs, as well as hardware such as peripheral devices. The hardware of computer 80 shown in Figure 30 is an example of such hardware. Furthermore, "computer-readable storage medium" refers to portable media such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, ROM, RAM, and semiconductor memory, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Moreover, computer-readable storage medium may also include communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which dynamically hold programs for a short period of time, as well as volatile memory inside computer systems that act as servers or clients in such cases, which hold programs for a certain period of time but not temporarily. Furthermore, the above program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above, or it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0141] Furthermore, some or all of the above-mentioned devices may be implemented as integrated circuits such as LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Each functional block of the above-mentioned devices may be individually implemented as a processor, or some or all of them may be integrated into a single processor. In addition, the method of implementing integrated circuits is not limited to LSIs; dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors may also be used. Furthermore, if advances in semiconductor technology lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that can replace LSIs, integrated circuits using such technologies may be used.

[0142] Although one embodiment of this invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0143] According to the relay device, base station device, communication system, communication method, and program of this application, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not multimedia distribution is necessary based on the reception status of multimedia distribution services at terminal devices under the relay device or their interest in such reception, thereby promoting the use of multicast distribution.

[0144] S1...Communication system, 10...Base station equipment, 12...Control unit, 14...First communication unit, 16...Second communication unit, 18...Storage unit, 20...CPE, 22...Control unit, 26...Communication unit, 28...Storage unit, 30 (30-1 to 30-4)...rUE, 32...Control unit, 36...Communication unit, 37...Display unit, 38...Storage unit, 39...Input unit, 40...UE, 50...MCE, 80...Computer, 122...Base station information acquisition unit, 124...Terminal information acquisition unit, 126...Information processing unit, 222...Base station information acquisition unit, 224...rUE information acquisition unit, 226...Information processing unit, 322...Base station information acquisition unit, 324...CPE information acquisition unit, 326...Information processing unit

Claims

1. A relay device that is connected to a base station device using a first communication method, and is connected to a terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, and transmits a response request for service-related information to the terminal device in response to receiving such a response request from the base station device indicating interest in multimedia distribution services.

2. The relay device according to claim 1, which transmits first response information including the service-related information received from the terminal device to the base station device.

3. The relay device according to claim 2, which transmits to the base station device a message indicating a second response information including the service-related information indicating the relay device's interest in the multimedia distribution service, and the first response information.

4. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein the relay device separately transmits to the base station device a message indicating a second response information including the service-related information indicating interest in the multimedia distribution service at the relay device, and a message indicating the first response information.

5. The relay device according to claim 4, wherein the number of terminal devices is multiple, and a message indicating the first response information is transmitted for each terminal device.

6. The relay device according to claim 2, wherein when the response request includes request information for service-related information relating to the terminal device under its control, the first response information is configured to include the service-related information received from the terminal device.

7. The relay device according to claim 1, which, when it receives a response request indicating a request for service-related information relating to a terminal device under its control, separately from the response request, configures a message indicating first response information including the service-related information received from the terminal device separately from a message indicating second response information including the service-related information relating to its own device, and transmits each to the base station device.

8. The relay device according to claim 2, which counts the number of terminal devices that have notified the service-related information and includes the number in the first response information.

9. The relay device according to claim 1, which, when it receives service data relating to the provision of the multimedia distribution service from the base station device, transmits the service data to the terminal device that notified the service-related information.

10. A base station device connected to a relay device using a first communication method, which distributes a response request for service-related information indicating interest in a multimedia distribution service, and which receives first response information, including the service-related information, from the relay device, which is received from a terminal device connected using a second communication method different from the first communication method.

11. The base station device according to claim 10, which determines whether or not to distribute service data relating to the provision of the multimedia distribution service or determines the distribution status of the service data based on the number of terminal devices determined using the first response information.

12. A base station device according to claim 10, which receives the first response information and the second response information including the service-related information indicating interest in the multimedia distribution service at terminal devices connected using the first communication method, and determines the number of terminal devices connected using the first communication method and the number of terminal devices connected using the second communication method based on the first response information and the second response information.

13. The base station device according to claim 10, wherein the message indicating the response request includes the request information for the service-related information in a terminal device connected using the second communication method.

14. The base station device according to claim 11, wherein the message indicating the response request is delivered separately from the message indicating the request information for the service-related information on terminal devices under its control.

15. The base station device according to claim 10, which detects a change in the connection status with a terminal device using the second communication method, or when the change in the connection status is notified by the relay device, and delivers the response request.

16. A program for causing a computer to function as the relay device described in claim 1 or the base station device described in claim 10.

17. A communication system comprising a base station device and a relay device, wherein the base station device and the relay device are connected using a first communication method, the relay device is connected to a terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, the base station device distributes a response request for service-related information indicating interest in a multimedia distribution service, and the relay device, upon receiving the response request from the base station device, transmits the response request for service-related information to the terminal device.

18. A communication method in a communication system comprising a base station device and a relay device, wherein the base station device and the relay device are connected using a first communication method, the relay device is connected to a terminal device using a second communication method different from the first communication method, the base station device distributes a response request for service-related information indicating interest in a multimedia distribution service, and the relay device, upon receiving the response request from the base station device, transmits the response request for service-related information to the terminal device.

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