Description
Title oflnvention
COMMUNICATION CONTROL APPARATUS, COMMUNICATION CONTROL
5 METHOD, TERMINAL APPARATUS, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING
10
APPARATUS
Technical Field
[0001]
The present disclosure relates to communication control apparatuses,
conununication control methods, tetminal apparatuses, and information processing
apparatuses.
Background Art
15 [0002]
At present, the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is developing
standards of Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless communication systems.
According to LTE, the use of techniques such as relay and carrier aggregation allows
for an improvement in the maximum conununication rate and an improvement in the
20 quality at a cell edge. Also, attempts are being made to improve coverage by
introducing base stations such as a Home eNodeB (HeNodeB), a femtocell base
station, a small base station for mobile telephones), and a remote radio head (RHH),
in addition to eNodeBs (macrocell base stations).
25
[0003]
The 3GPP is also developing machine-type communications (MTC). MTC
generally has the same meaning as that of machine-to-machine (M2M)
communication, and means communication between machines that is not directly
used by a human. MTC is mainly performed between a server and an MTC
terminal that is not directly used by a human. MTC is believed to be an important
30 elemental technology for efficiently connecting scattered apparatuses, such as a
sensor network.
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[0004]
When LTE is applied to the above MTC, it is desirable that battery exchange
for an MTC terminal be less frequent as possible. This is because battery exchange
is a high-cost manual operation, and an MTC terminal may be installed at a place
5 where battery exchange is difficult.
[0005]
Incidentally, it is considered that, in the idle mode of LTE, the average
power consumption of a terminal can be reduced by increasing a discontinuous
reception (DRX) cycle, compared to the connection mode. Moreover, Patent
10 Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 describe improvements in paging technique.
15
Patent Literature
[0006]
Patent Literature 1:
Patent Literature 2:
Technical Problem
Citation List
JP 2010-288278A
JP 2010-050969A
Summaty of Invention
20 [0007]
However, in the background att including the technologies described in
Patent Literature I and Patent Literature 2, it is difficult to achieve flexible DRX.
For example, the lengths of the DRX cycle specified in LTE are 0.32 sec, 0.64 sec,
1.28 sec, and 2.56 sec (i.e., 32, 64, 128, and 256 radio fi·ames). Therefore, for
25 example, the maximum length of the DRX cycle is as sh01t as 2.56 sec, and therefore,
it is difficult to sufficiently reduce power consumption. Also, for example, the
length of the DRX cycle is a multiple of any of 0.32 sec, 0.64 sec, 1.28 sec, and 2.56
sec, and therefore, it is difficult to provide a desired length (e.g., five minutes) of the
DRXcycle.
30 [0008]
Therefore, it IS desirable that the present disclosure should provide an
5
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arrangement for achieving more flexible DRX.
Solution to Problem
[0009]
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communication
control apparatus including: a selection unit configured to select a paging segment
from a plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period
having a length of a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for a terminal
apparatus; and a control unit configured to perform paging for the terminal apparatus
10 during the selected paging segment if performing the paging. The length of the first
DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each of the plurality of paging segments.
[0010]
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a communication
control method including: selecting a paging segment from a plurality of paging
15 segments that are repeatedly present during a period having a length of a first
discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for a terminal apparatus, using a processor; and
performing paging for the terminal apparatus during the selected paging segment if
performing the paging. The length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a
length of each of the plurality of paging segments.
20 [0011]
According to the present disclosure, there is provided a terminal apparatus
including: an acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating a paging
segment selected from a plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present
during a period having a length of a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for the
25 terminal apparatus; and a control unit configured to control a DRX operation on the
basis of the information indicating the paging segment. The length of the first DRX
cycle is not divisible by a length of each of the plurality of paging segments.
[0012]
According to the present disclosure, there is provided an information
30 processing apparatus configured to control a terminal apparatus, including: a memory
configured to store a predetermined program; and one or more processors capable of
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executing the predetermined program. The predetermined program is configured to
execute acquisition of information indicating a paging segment selected from a
plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period having a
length of a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for the terminal apparatus, and
5 control of a DRX operation on the basis of the information indicating the paging
segment. The length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each of
the plurality of paging segments.
Advantageous Effects ofinvention
10 [0013]
As described above, according to the present disclosure, more flexible DRX
can be achieved. Moreover, the effects described above are not necessarily limited,
and along with or instead of the effects, any effect that is desired to be introduced in
the present specification or other effects that can be expected from the present
15 specification may be exhibited.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0014]
[FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a schematic
20 configuration of a communication system 1 according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram for describing a first example of a paging
segment according to an embodiment.
[FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram for describing a second example of a paging
25 segment according to an embodiment.
[FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a base
station according to an embodiment.
[FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
paging segment in a case where the length of a first DRX cycle is an integer multiple
30 of a paging segment.
[FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
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paging segment in a case where the length of a first DRX cycle is not an integer
multiple of a paging segment.
[FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
paging segment in units of an HFN value cycle.
5 [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
paging segment on the basis of shift information.
[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of parameter
information.
[FIG. !0] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a
10 terminal apparatus according to an embodiment.
[FIG. 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchati showing an example of a schematic flow of a first
communication control process by a base station according to an embodiment.
[FIG. 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchati showing an example of a schematic flow of a second
communication control process by a base station according to an embodiment.
15 [FIG. 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a schematic flow of a
communication control process by a terminal apparatus according to an embodiment.
[FIG. 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a first example of a schematic
configuration of an eNB to which technology according to the present disclosure
may be applied.
20 [FIG. 15] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a second example of a schematic
configuration of an eNB to which technology according to the present disclosure
may be applied.
[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic
configuration of a smartphone to which technology according to the present
25 disclosure may be applied.
30
[FIG. 17] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic
configuration of a car navigation device to which technology according to the present
disclosure may be applied.
Description of Embodiments
[0015]
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Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be
described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Moreover, in this
specification and the appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially
the same function and stmcture are denoted with the same reference symbols, and
5 repeated explanation of these stmctural elements is omitted.
[0016]
Moreover, description will be provided in the following order.
1. Schematic configuration of communication system according to the present
embodiment
10 2. Configuration of base station
3. Configuration of terminal apparatus
4. Flow of process
5. Application examples
6. Conclusion
15 [0017]
<1. Schematic configuration of communication system>
Firstly, a schematic configuration of a communication system according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-
3. FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a schematic
20 configuration of a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a base station 100, a
terminal apparatus 200, and a terminal apparatus 20. The communication system 1
complies with conmmnication schemes such as, for example, LTE, LTE-Advanced,
and the like.
25 [0018]
(Base station 1 00)
The base station 100 wirelessly communicates with the terminal apparatus
200 and the terminal apparatus 20, which are located in a cell 10. The base station
100 also communicates with a core network node (e.g., a mobility management
30 entity (MME) a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network gateway (P-GW),
etc.).
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[00 19]
The base station 100 also performs paging. Specifically, for example, the
base station 100 transmits a paging message for a terminal apparatus at a paging
opportunity of the terminal apparatus, when necessary, during each of paging
5 segments that are repeatedly present on the time axis. The paging segment may
also be called a paging cycle. A specific example of the paging segment will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is an illustrative diagram for describing a first example of the paging
10 segment according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, shown are the
system frame numbers (SFNs) of radio frames 0-1023 and the preceding and
following radio frames. In this example, the length T r of a paging segment is 256
radio frames (i.e., 2.56 sec). The base station 100 transmits a paging message for a
terminal apparatus in paging frames (PF) during each paging segment having the
15 length T p, where the paging message has identification infonnation (e.g., an
international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) conesponding to the PFs. For
example, thus, the paging segment similar to that in the background art may be used.
Moreover, the length T r of a paging segment may be 32 radio frames (0.32 sec), 64
radio frames (0.64 sec), or 128 radio frames (1.28 sec), instead of 256 radio frames
20 (2.56 sec).
[0021]
FIG. 3 is an illustrative diagram for describing a second example of the
paging segment according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, shown
are the system frame numbers (SFN s) of four sets of radio frames 0-1 023 and the
25 preceding and following radio frames. In this example, the length T p of a paging
segment is 1024 radio frames (i.e., 10.24 sec). The base station 100 transmits a
paging message for a terminal apparatus in paging frames (PF) during each paging
segment having the length T r, where the paging message has identification
information (e.g., an IMSI) corresponding to the PFs. For example, thus, the paging
30 segment longer than that in the background art may be used. Moreover, the length
T r of a paging segment may be an integer multiple of I 024 radio fi·ames (an integer
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multiple of 10.24 sec), instead of 1024 radio frames (10.24 sec). Specifically, the
length of a paging segment may be an integer multiple of the length from the stmt
time point of a radio frame having the minimum system frame number (SFN) for
identifying a radio frame to the end time point of a radio frame having the maximum
5 SFN number.
[0022]
Moreover, a cycle of radio frames having a system frame number (SFN) of
0-1023 is hereinafter referred to as an SFN cycle. Also, when the repeated SFN
cycles are used, each SNF cycle is identified by, for example, a hyper frame number
10 (HFN) that corresponds to that SNF cycle.
[0023]
(Terminal apparatus 200)
The terminal apparatus 200, when located in the cell 10, wirelessly
communicates with the base station 100. The terminal apparatus 200 also
15 communicates with other apparatuses (e.g., a core network node and an external
apparatus) through the base station 100.
[0024]
The terminal apparatus 200 also performs a discontinuous reception (DRX)
operation. The DRX operation is also called an intermittent reception operation.
20 The terminal apparatus 200 performs the DRX operation in, for example, an idle
mode. Specifically, for example, the terminal apparatus 200 performs an ordinary
reception operation at paging opportunities of the terminal apparatus 200, and stops
at least a pmtion of the reception operation during other periods. For example, the
terminal apparatus 200, when stopping at least a portion of the reception operation,
25 does not supply power to at least a portion of circuits involved in the reception
operation. Moreover, the terminal apparatus 200 may perform the DRX operation
in a cmmection mode.
[0025]
In particular, in the present embodiment, the length of a first DRX cycle for
30 the terminal apparatus 200 is longer than the above paging segment. Moreover, the
terminal apparatus 200 may use a DRX cycle different from the above first DRX
cycle.
[0026]
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The terminal apparatus 200 performs, for example, machine-type
communication (MTC).
5 [0027]
(Terminal apparatus 20)
The terminal apparatus 20, when located in the cell 10, wirelessly
conmmnicates with the base station 100. The terminal apparatus 20 also
communicates with other apparatuses (e.g., a core network node and an external
10 apparatus) through the base station 100.
[0028]
15
The terminal apparatus 20 also performs the DRX operation as with the
terminal apparatus 200.
[0029]
In patiicular, in the present embodiment, the length of a second DRX cycle
for the terminal apparatus 20 is the same as the above length of a paging segment.
Moreover, the terminal apparatus 20 may also use a DRX cycle different from the
above second DRX cycle.
[0030]
20 For example, the above pagmg segment is a segment which has a
predetermined length and during which paging is performed for each terminal
apparatus which uses a second DRX cycle of the predetermined length. In other
words, a paging opportunity for each tenninal apparatus 20 is given for each paging
segment.
25 [0031]
Although FIG. 1 shows one terminal apparatus 200 and one terminal
apparatus 20, the communication system 1 may, of course, include two or more
terminal apparatuses 200 and two or more terminal apparatuses 20.
[0032]
30 <2. Configuration of base station>
Next, an example of a configuration of the base station I 00 according to the
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present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4-9. FIG. 4 is a
block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the base station 1 00
according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4, the base station 100
includes an ante1ma unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, a network
5 conmmnication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a processing unit 150.
[0033]
(Antenna unit 11 0)
The antenna unit 110 receives a radio signal, and outputs the received radio
signal to the wireless communication unit 120. The antenna unit 110 also transmits
10 a transmission signal output from the wireless communication unit 120.
[0034]
(Wireless conmmnication unit 120)
The wireless communication unit 120 wirelessly connnunicates with a
terminal apparatus located in the cell 10. For example, the wireless conununication
15 unit 120 wirelessly communicates with the terminal apparatus 200. Also, for
example, the wireless communication unit 120 wirelessly communicates with the
terminal apparatus 20.
20
[0035]
(Network communication unit 130)
The network conmmnication unit 130 conununicates with other
communication nodes. For example, the network connnunication unit 130
communicates with other base stations 100. Also, for example, the network
communication unit 130 communicates with a core network node.
[0036]
25 (Storage unit 140)
30
100.
[0037]
The storage unit 140 stores a program and data for operating the base station
(Processing unit 150)
The processing unit 150 provides various functions of the base station 100.
The processing unit 150 includes a paging segment selection unit 151, a paging
11155
segment notification unit 153, and a paging control unit 155.
[0038)
(Paging segment selection unit 151)
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The paging segment selection unit 151 selects a paging segment from a
5 plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period having the
length of the first DRX cycle for the terminal apparatus 200.
[0039)
For example, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects a pagmg
segment fi·om the above plurality of paging segments for each of a plurality of
10 successive periods each having the above length of the first DRX cycle. More
specifically, for example, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects a paging
segment from the above plurality of paging segments for each of the above plurality
of periods so that an interval of a plurality of paging segments selected from the
above plurality of periods becomes closer to the above length of the first DRX cycle.
15 [0040]
- Case where the length of the first DRX cycle is an integer multiple of the length of
a paging segment
As a first example, the above length of the first DRX cycle is divisible by
the length of a paging segment. In other words, the above length of the first DRX
20 cycle is an integer multiple of the length of a paging segment. A specific example
of selection of a paging segment in such a case will now be described with reference
to FIG. 5.
[0041]
FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
25 paging segment in a case where the length of the first DRX cycle is an integer
multiple of a paging segment. Referring to FIG. 5, shown are two successive
periods each having the length of the first DRX cycle, which is T DRx, and paging
segments having a length T p. In this example, the length T DRX of the first DRX
cycle (i.e., the length T DRX of each of the above two periods) is eight times the length
30 T r of a paging segment. In other words, there arc eight repeated paging segments
each having the length T p during each period having the length T DRX· And, for
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example, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects the first paging segment from
the eight paging segments. Also, the first paging segment is selected from the eight
paging segments for each period having the length T DRX so that an interval of the two
paging segments T p selected for the two successive periods each having the length
5 T oRx becomes closer to the length T nRx of the first DRX. Although FIG. 5 shows
two successive periods having the length T oRx, there may, of course, be a larger
number of successive periods each having the length ToRx, and the first paging
segment may be selected for each period. Also, instead of the first paging segment
of the eight paging segments, another paging segment may be selected from the eight
10 paging segments.
[0042]
For example, as described above, a paging segment is selected from a
plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period having the
length ToRX of the first DRX cycle.
15 [0043]
-Case where the length of the first DRX cycle is not an integer multiple ofthe length
of a paging segment
As a second example, the above length of the first DRX cycle is not
divisible by the length of each paging segment. In other words, the above length of
20 the first DRX cycle is not an integer multiple of the length of a paging segment. A
specific example of selection of a paging segment in such a case will now be
described with reference to FIG. 6.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
25 paging segment in a case where the length of the first DRX cycle is not an integer
multiple of a paging segment. In this example, as in the example shown in FIG. 3, it
is assumed that the length T p of a paging segment is 1024 radio frames (i.e., 10.24
sec), i.e., the length of an SFN cycle. Also, it is assumed that each SFN cycle is a
paging segment. Referring to FIG. 6, shown are periods having the length T nRX of
30 the first DRX cycle, and paging segments having the length T p. Each paging
segment having the length T p is an SFN cycle, and is indicated by an HFN value.
13/55
In this example, for example, the length T DRX of the first DRX cycle (i.e., the length
T DRX of a period) is 5 min (300 sec), which is not divisible by the length T p of a
paging segment, i.e., 10.24 sec. For example, during one period having the length
T oRx, there are 30 repeated paging segments Tp indicated by HFN values of 0-29.
5 And, for example, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects a paging segment
indicated by an HFN value of 0 fi·om the 30 paging segments indicated by HFN
values of 0-29. Similarly, during one period having the length ToRx, there are 30
repeated paging segments indicated by HFN values of 29-58, and a paging segment
indicated by an HFN value of 29 is selected. Also, during one period having the
10 length ToRX, there are 30 repeated paging segments indicated by HFN values 58-87,
and a paging segment indicated by an HFN value of 58 is selected. Also, during
one period having the length T oRx, there are 31 repeated paging segment T p indicated
by HFN values of 87-117, and a paging segment indicated by an HFN value of 87 is
selected. Thus, paging segments approximately corresponding to timings such as 0
15 min (HFN = 0), 5 min (HFN = 29), 10 min (HFN =58), and 15 min (HFN = 87) may
be selected. Moreover, as with SFNs, HFN values may, for example, be notified of
in system information such as a master information block (MIB) or a system
information block (SIB). Alternatively, HFN values may be notified of during
paging for the terminal apparatus 200. More specifically, HFN values may be
20 contained in a paging message for the terminal apparatus 200.
[0045]
For example, a paging segment is selected in the above-described manner.
Various techniques may exist as a specific technique of selecting a paging segment in
such a manner. As an example, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects a
25 paging segment from the above plurality of paging segments for each of the above
plurality of periods, using calculation including division involving the length of the
first DRX cycle and the length of a paging segment.
[0046]
Specifically, for example, it is assumed that, as shown in FIG. 6 and
30 described above, each paging segment is an SFN cycle and is indicated by an HFN
value. In this case, a selected paging segment is indicated by an HFN value of
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kpaging that is represented using the length ToRx (sec) of the first DRX cycle, and the
length of a paging segment (i.e., the length of an SFN cycle), i.e., 10.24 sec, as
follows.
[0047]
5 [Formula 1]
k paging
[0048]
floor( TDRX x i J
10.24
In the above formula, "i" is an index of a selected paging segment, and
flom·O is a function for truncating decimal fractions. As an example, as in the
10 example described with reference to FIG. 6, the length ToRx of the first DRX cycle is
300 sec. In this case, if i = 0, kpaging = 0. If i = 1, kpaging = 29. If i = 2, kpaging = 58.
If i = 3, kpaging = 87.
[0049]
Moreover, for example, HFN values have a value of 0--7499. In other
15 words, HFN values are repeated every 7500 SFN cycles (i.e., 76800 sec). The time
76800 sec is not only an integer multiple of 10.24 sec, but also a multiple of a
practically useful time such as 5 min or 10 min. Therefore, similarly, a paging
segment can be selected in units of the HFN value cycle (i.e., 76800 sec). A
specific example of this point will now be described with reference to FIG. 7.
20 [0050]
FIG. 7 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
paging segment in units of the HFN value cycle. Referring to FIG. 7, shown are
HFN value cycles having a length THFN (i.e., 7500 SFN cycles), periods having the
length T DRX of the first DRX cycle, and paging segments having the length T p. A
25 paging segment can be similarly selected in units of such a period having the length
T HFN· As an example, a paging segment indicated by an HFN value of 0 is selected
in all HFN value cycles.
[0051]
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- Shift of selected paging segment
For example, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects a pagmg
segment from the above plurality of paging segments for each of the above plurality
of periods, on the basis of shift information for shifting paging segments separate! y,
5 for the terminal apparatus 200.
[0052]
More specifically, for example, the above shift information indicates the
amount of shift of a paging segment. The amount of shift is an integer multiple of a
paging segment. As an example, when the above shift information indicates a shift
10 amount of 0, a paging segment indicated by an HFN value of k is selected. When
the above shift information indicates a shift amount of 1, a paging segment indicated
by an HFN value of k + 1 is selected. A specific example will now be described
with reference to FIG. 8.
15
[0053]
FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of selection of a
paging segment on the basis of shift information. For example, if the example
shown in FIG. 7 is an illustrative case where the above shift information indicates a
shift amount of 0, the example shown in FIG. 8 is an illustrative case where the
above shift information indicates a shift amount of 1. While paging segments
20 indicated by HFN values of 0, 29, 58, and the like are selected in the example shown
in FIG. 7, paging segments indicated by HFN values of I, 30, 59, and the like are
selected in the example shown in FIG. 8. Thus, selected paging segments are
shifted.
[0054)
25 Moreover, a paging segment selected on the basis of shift information is
indicated by the following HFN value ofkpaging using a shift amount ofj.
[0055)
[Formula 2]
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k paging
floor ( DRX + 1
T xi) .
10.24
[0056]
As an example, the length ToRx of the first DRX cycle is 300 sec and a shift
amount of j is 1. In this case, if i = 0, kpaging = 1. If i = I, kpaging = 30. If i = 2,
5 kpaging =59. If i = 3, kpaging = 88.
[0057]
Such selection of paging segments on the basis of shift information allows
for any shift of selected paging segments. Therefore, for example, a paging
message can be transmitted and received at a more desirable timing. As an example,
10 a paging message can be transmitted and received at a more appropriate timing,
taking into consideration the time it takes to perform data processing for each
application, or the like.
15
[0058]
(Paging segment notification unit 153)
The paging segment notification unit 153 notifies the terminal apparatus 200
of the above selected paging segment. For example, the paging segment
notification unit 153 notifies the terminal apparatus 200 of the above selected paging
segment by RRC signaling or in system information. Such notification allows the
terminal apparatus 200 to perform an appropriate DRX operation.
20 [0059]
-Providing information indicating paging segment
As a first example, the paging segment notification unit 153 notifies the
terminal apparatus 200 of the above selected paging segment, by providing
information indicating the above selected paging segment (hereinafter referred to as
25 "paging segment information") to the terminal apparatus 200.
[0060]
Specifically, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 7, a paging
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segment is an SFN cycle and is indicated by an HFN value. In this case, for
example, the paging segment information is an HFN value. Moreover, as an
example, the HFN value may have a value of0-7499, i.e., may be 13-bit information.
[0061]
5 Moreover, in the paging segment information, a paging segment may be
indicated by the statt time point and end time point of the paging segment, instead of
an HFN value. As a result, even if a paging segment is not an SFN cycle (e.g., a
paging segment is an integer multiple of an SFN cycle, or a paging segment IS
shorter than an SFN cycle, etc.), a selected paging segment can be notified of.
10 [0062]
15
Also, the paging segment information may indicate a plurality of paging
segments (e.g., a list of selected paging segments), instead of one selected paging
segment.
[0063]
Also, an index value(s) indicating one paging segment or a plurality of
paging segments may be shared by the base station 100 and the terminal apparatus
200, and may be provided as the above paging segment information.
[0064]
Thus, as a first example, by providing the paging segment information, a
20 selected paging segment is directly notified of. As a result, the base station 100 can
more freely select a paging segment, without depending on the terminal apparatus
200.
[0065]
- Providing information indicating parameter for specifying paging segment
25 As a second example, the paging segment notification unit 153 may notify
the terminal apparatus 200 of the above selected paging segment by providing, to the
terminal apparatus 200, infonnation indicating one or more parameters for specifying
the above selected paging segment (hereinafter referred to as "parameter
information").
30 [0066]
Specifically, for example, the above one or more parameters may include
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the length of the DRX cycle and the shift amount of a paging segment. A specific
example of this point will now be described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0067]
FIG. 9 is an illustrative diagram for describing an example of the parameter
5 information. Referring to FIG. 9, shown are combinations of the length of the DRX
cycle and the shift amount of a paging segment, and index values. For example, as
combinations of the length of the DRX cycle (sec) and the shift amount, shown are
"60" and "0" (index value: 1 ), "300" and "0" (index value: 2), "600" and "0" (index
value: 3), and "60" and "1" (index value: 4). For example, the parameter
10 information may be such an index value indicating the two parameters. In this case,
information indicating a relationship between a combination of the length of the
DRX cycle and the shift amount of a paging segment, and an index value (i.e.,
information shown in FIG. 9) may be previously shared by the base station 100 and
the terminal apparatus 200.
15 [0068]
Moreover, the parameter information provided is not limited to the above
index value. For example, the parameter information may be a combination of
different index values indicating different parameters (e.g., a combination of an index
value indicating the length of the DRX cycle and an index value indicating the shift
20 amount). Alternatively, the parameter information may be directly the values of
one or more parameters (e.g., the length of the DRX cycle and the shift amount, etc.).
[0069]
Thus, as a second example, by providing the parameter information, a
selected paging segment is indirectly notified of. As a result, the terminal apparatus
25 200 can specify a selected paging segment on its own. Therefore, the terminal
apparatus 200 does not have to be at all times notified of a selected paging segment.
As a result, for example, the overhead used for notification of paging segments can
be reduced.
[0070]
30 (Paging control unit !55)
The paging control unit !55 performs paging for a terminal apparatus.
SP353451 WOOO
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[0071]
For example, the paging control unit 155 generates a paging message that is
transmitted at each paging opportunity. A paging message that is transmitted at
each paging opportunity is for a terminal apparatus corresponding to the paging
5 opportunity. The paging control unit 155 also transmits a generated paging message
through the wireless communication unit 120 at each paging opportunity.
[0072]
Also, for example, the paging control unit I 55, when it is necessary for a
terminal apparatus to acquire system information again, performs paging for the
10 terminal apparatus. The paging control unit 155 also performs paging for a terminal
apparatus in response to a request from other apparatuses. For example, such other
apparatuses are a core network node (e.g., an MME), and the above request is a
paging message (e.g., an SlAP paging message) from the above other apparatuses.
[0073]
15 - Paging for terminal apparatus 200
-- Paging segment during which paging is performed
For example, the paging control unit 155, when performing paging for the
terminal apparatus 200, performs paging during the above selected paging segment.
In other words, the paging control unit 155 performs paging for the terminal
20 apparatus 200, when necessary, during the above selected paging segment.
[0074]
As a specific example, referring to the example of FIG. 6, paging segments
are an SFN cycle, and the paging control unit 155 performs paging for the terminal
apparatus 200, when necessary, during paging segments (SFN cycles) indicated by,
25 for example, HFN values of 0, 29, 58, 87, and the like. Moreover, the paging
control unit 155 does not perform paging for the terminal apparatus 200 during the
other paging segments (SFN cycles) even when it is necessary to perform paging for
the terminal apparatus 200.
[0075]
30 As a result, more flexible DRX can be achieved.
[0076]
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For example, firstly, a DRX cycle that is longer than the length of a paging
segment can be used. As a result, the power consumption of the terminal apparatus
200 can be reduced. Also, for example, secondly, even when a longer DRX cycle is
used, a paging opportunity can be limited to a shmier period (i.e., a selected paging
5 segment) irrespective of the identification information (e.g., an IMSI) of a terminal
apparatus, and therefore, paging can be performed at a more desirable timing. Also,
for example, thirdly, even if a desired DRX cycle is not divisible by a paging
segment, a DRX cycle that is considerably close to the desired DRX cycle can be
provided.
10 [0077]
As a result, for example, a practically useful DRX cycle having a length of 5
min, I 0 min, or the like can be provided with a small error (e.g., less than one paging
segment). Also, for example, paging can be performed at desired time (e.g., time
0:00,0:05, 0:10, etc.). Therefore, for example, a terminal apparatus can be operated
15 according to requests of various applications such as an MTC application.
[0078]
-- Paging during selected paging segment
Moreover, for example, the paging control unit 155, when performing
paging for the terminal apparatus 200, performs paging for the terminal apparatus
20 200 at a paging oppmiunity corresponding to identification information (hereinafter
referred to as a "terminal ID") of the terminal apparatus 200 during the above
selected paging segment. In other words, during the selected paging segment,
ordinary paging for the terminal apparatus 200 is performed. The above paging
oppmiunity is, for example, a paging frame conesponding to the terminal ID (e.g., an
25 IMSI).
[0079]
As a specific example, as shown in the example of FIG. 3, paging segments
are an SFN cycle, and the paging control unit !55 transmits a paging message for the
terminal apparatus 200 in paging frames corresponding to the terminal ID of the
30 terminal apparatus 200, during the selected paging segments.
[0080)
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As a result, for example, paging for the terminal apparatus 200 having the
first DRX cycle can be performed while an existing arrangement for paging is
maintained.
[0081]
5 - Paging for terminal apparatus 20
-- Paging segment during which paging is performed
For example, the paging control unit 155 performs paging for the terminal
apparatus 20, when necessary, during each paging segment. In other words,
ordinary paging for the terminal apparatus 20 is performed.
10 [0082]
As a specific example, referring to the example of FIG. 6, paging segments
are an SFN cycle, and the paging control unit 155 performs paging for the terminal
apparatus 20, when necessary, during paging segments (SFN cycles) indicated by, for
example, HFN values.
15 [0083]
-- Paging during selected paging segment
Moreover, for example, the paging control unit 155, when performing
paging for the terminal apparatus 20, performs paging for the terminal apparatus 20
at a paging opportunity corresponding to the terminal ID of the terminal apparatus 20
20 during a paging segment. In other words, ordinary paging for the terminal
apparatus 20 is performed.
[0084]
As a specific example, as shown in the example of FIG. 3, paging segments
are an SFN cycle, and the paging control unit 155 transmits a paging message for the
25 terminal apparatus 20 in paging frames corresponding to the terminal ID (e.g., an
IMSI) of the terminal apparatus 20, during paging segments.
[0085]
(Others)
Moreover, a paging segment may be selected from the above plurality of
30 paging segments, or the above paging is performed during the above selected paging
segment, taking into consideration a request of the terminal apparatus 200 that is
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related to a DRX operation. Specifically, operations of the pagmg segment
selection unit 151 and the paging control unit 155 (and the pagmg segment
notification unit 153), that are related to the terminal apparatus 200, may be
performed, taking the above request into consideration.
5 [0086]
As an example, the base station 1 00 may be notified of the above request of
the terminal apparatus 200 by providing preference information of the terminal
apparatus 200. Also, the base station 100 may determine whether to allow the
paging segment selection unit 151, the paging segment notification unit 153, and the
10 paging control unit 155 to perform an operation related to the terminal apparatus 200,
taking the preference information into consideration. Alternatively, the base station
100 may determine whether to allow the terminal apparatus 200 to use the first DRX
cycle, taking the preference information into consideration. Alternatively, the base
station 100 may determine a DRX cycle that the base station 100 allows the terminal
15 apparatus 200 to use, of DRX cycle candidates including the first DRX cycle, taking
the preference information into consideration.
[0087]
As a result, for example, the likelihood that the terminal apparatus 200
performs a desired DRX operation possibly increases.
20 [0088]
<3. Configuration of terminal apparatus>
Next, an example of a configuration of the terminal apparatus 200 according
to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a
block diagram showing an example of a configuration of the terminal apparatus 200
25 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the terminal apparatus
200 includes an antenna unit 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a storage unit
230, an input unit 240, a display unit 250, and a processing unit 260.
[0089]
(Antemm unit 210)
30 The ante1ma unit 210 receives a radio signal, and outputs the received radio
signal to the wireless communication unit 220. The antenna unit 210 also transmits
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a transmission signal output from the wireless communication unit 220.
[0090]
(Wireless communication unit 220)
The wireless communication unit 220, when the terminal apparatus 200 is
5 located in the cell10, wireless1y communicates with the base station 100.
[0091]
(Storage unit 230)
The storage unit 230 stores a program and data for operating the terminal
apparatus 200.
10 [0092]
(Input unit 240)
The input unit 240 receives an inpnt entered by the user of the terminal
apparatus 200. Then, the input unit 240 provides the input result to the processing
unit 260.
15 [0093]
(Display unit 250)
The display unit 250 displays an output screen (i.e., an output image) from
the terminal apparatus 200. For example, the display unit 250 displays an output
screen under the control of the processing unit 260 (a display control unit 267).
20 [0094]
(Processing unit 260)
The processing unit 260 provides vanous functions of the terminal
apparatus 200. The processing unit 260 includes a request notification unit 261, an
information acquisition unit 263, a DRX control unit 265, and a display control unit
25 267.
[0095]
(Request notification unit 261)
The request notification unit 261 notifies other apparatuses of a request of
the terminal apparatus 200.
30 [0096]
For example, the request notification unit 261 may notify the base station
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100 of a request of the terminal apparatus 200 related to a DRX operation.
Specifically, for example, the request notification unit 261 may notify the base
station 100 by providing preference information of the terminal apparatus 200. The
preference information may relate to preference information relating to power
5 consumption, preference information relating to a DRX cycle used or paging, or
preference information relating to MTC.
[0097]
As a result, for example, the likelihood that the terminal apparatus 200
performs a desired DRX operation possibly increases.
10 [0098]
(Information acquisition unit 263)
The information acquisition unit 263 acquires information (i.e., pagmg
segment information) indicating a paging segment selected from a plurality of paging
segments that are repeatedly present during a period having the length of the first
15 DRX cycle for the terminal apparatus 200. For example, the above length of the
first DRX cycle is not divisible by the length of each of the above plurality of paging
segments.
[0099]
For example, the information acquisition unit 263, when notified of the
20 above paging segment by the base station 1 00, acquires information indicating the
above paging segment.
[01 00]
- Case where information indicating a paging segment is provided
As a first example, by providing information indicating the above paging
25 segment (i.e., paging segment information), the above paging segment is notified of
by the base station 100. In this case, the information acquisition unit 263 acquires
the above paging segment information thus provided. Specific details of the above
paging segment information are the same as those described in connection with the
configuration of the base station 100.
30 [0101]
As a result, the base station 100 can freely select a paging segment without
5
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depending on the terminal apparatus 200.
[01 02]
SP353451WOOO
- Case where information indicating a parameter for specifying a paging segment is
provided
As a second example, the above paging segment may be notified of by the
base station 100 by providing information (i.e., parameter information) indicating
one or more parameters for identifying the above paging segment. In this case, the
information acquisition unit 263 may acquire information indicating the above
paging segment (i.e., paging segment information) by specifying the above paging
10 segment using the above one or more parameters. Specific details of the above
parameter information are the same as those described in connection with the
configuration of the base station 100. Moreover, the information acquisition unit
263 may specify a selected paging segment using a technique similar to that which is
used by the base station 100 to select a paging segment.
15 [0103]
As a result, the terminal apparatus 200 can specify a selected paging
segment on its own. Therefore, the terminal apparatus 200 does not have to be at
all times notified of a selected paging segment. As a result, for example, the
overhead used for notification of paging segments can be reduced.
20 [0104]
(DRX control unit 265)
The DRX control unit 265 controls a DRX operation on the basis of the
above information indicating the above paging segment (i.e., paging segment
information).
25 [0105]
30
For example, the DRX control unit 265 controls a DRX operation when the
terminal apparatus 200 is in an idle mode (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) idle
mode).
[0106]
More specifically, for example, the DRX control unit 265 controls the
terminal apparatus 200 so that an ordinary reception operation is performed at a
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paging oppmtunity (e.g., a paging frame corresponding to the terminal ID of the
terminal apparatus 200) of the terminal apparatus 200 during a selected paging
segment. As an example, the DRX control unit 265 controls power supply so that
power is supplied to a circuit involved in a reception operation, at the above paging
5 opportunity during the selected paging segment.
[01 07]
On the other hand, for example, the DRX control unit 265 controls the
terminal apparatus 200 so that at least a pmtion of the reception operation during
paging segments other than the selected paging segments. As an example, the DRX
10 control unit 265 controls power supply so that power is not supplied to at least a
portion of circuits involved in the reception operation, during paging segments other
than the selected paging segments.
[0108]
As a result, more flexible DRX can be achieved. This point is the same as
15 that described in connection with the base station 100.
[0109]
Moreover, the DRX control unit 265 may control a DRX operation even
when the terminal apparatus 200 is in a connection mode (e.g., an RRC connection
mode).
20 [0110]
(Display control unit 267)
The display control unit 267 controls display of an output screen by the
display unit 250. For example, the display control unit 267 generates an output
screen that is displayed by the display unit 250, and causes the display unit 250 to
25 display the output screen.
[0 111]
<4. Flow of process>
Next, an example of a communication control process according to the
present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11-13.
30 [0112]
(Communication control process by base station 1 00)
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Firstly, an example of a communication control process by the base station
I 00 will be described with reference to FIGS. I 1 and I 2.
[0113]
- Selection and notification of paging segment
5 FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a schematic flow of a first
communication control process by the base station 100 according to the present
embodiment. The first communication control process includes selection and
notification of a paging segment.
[0114]
10 Initially, the paging segment selection unit 151 acqmres information
indicating the length of the first DRX cycle for the terminal apparatus 200 (S401 ).
For example, the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by the length of a
paging segment. The paging segment selection unit 151 also acquires shift
information for shifting paging segments separately for the terminal apparatus 200
15 (S403).
[0115]
Next, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects a paging segment from a
plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period having the
above length of the first DRX cycle, on the basis of information indicating the above
20 length of the first DRX cycle and the above shift information (S405).
[0116]
Thereafter, the paging segment notification unit 153 notifies the terminal
apparatus 200 of the above selected paging segment (8407). Then, the process ends.
[0117]
25 - Generation of paging message
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a schematic flow of a second
communication control process by the base station 1 00 according to the present
embodiment. The second communication control process includes generation of a
paging message.
30 [0118]
Initially, the paging control unit I 55 picks up a paging segment (S421 ).
SP353451 WOOO
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[0 119]
The paging control unit 155 also recognizes a terminal apparatus for which
paging is to be performed (S423). Then, the paging control unit 155 determines
whether the terminal apparatus 200, which uses the first DRX cycle, is among
5 terminal apparatuses for which paging is to be performed (S425).
[0120]
If the terminal apparatus 200, which uses the first DRX cycle, is among
terminal apparatuses for which paging is to be performed (S425: Yes), the paging
control unit 155 further determines whether the paging segment picked up has been
10 selected for the terminal apparatus 200, which uses the first DRX cycle (S427).
15
Othetwise (S425: No), the paging control unit 155 generates a paging message for
terminal apparatuses (e.g., the terminal apparatus 20) excluding the terminal
apparatus 200, which uses the first DRX cycle (S431 ).
[0121]
If the paging segment picked up is the above selected paging segment
(S427: Yes), the paging control unit 155 generates a paging message for terminal
apparatuses (e.g., the terminal apparatus 200 and the terminal apparatus 20)
including the terminal apparatus 200, which uses the first DRX cycle (S429).
Othetwise (S427: No), the paging control unit 155 generates a paging message for
20 terminal apparatuses (e.g., the terminal apparatus 20) excluding the terminal
apparatus 200, which uses the first DRX cycle (S431 ).
[0122]
After a paging message is generated (S429 and S431), the paging control
unit 155 picks up the next paging segment (S421) and repeats the process.
25 [0123]
Moreover, the generated paging message is transmitted during a paging
segment picked up, at a corresponding paging opportunity.
[0124]
(Conmmnication control process by terminal apparatus 200)
30 Next, an example of a communication control process by the terminal
apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flowchart
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showing an example of a schematic flow of the communication control process by
the terminal apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment. The
communication control process includes the DRX operation and the reception of a
paging message.
5 [0125]
Initially, the DRX control unit 265 controls the terminal apparatus 200 so
that the terminal apparatus 200 stops at least a pmiion of the reception operation
(8521).
[0126]
10 The DRX control unit 265 also recognizes the coming paging segment
(8523). Then, the DRX control unit 265 determines whether the coming paging
segment is a selected paging segment (8525). If the coming paging segment is not
a selected paging segment (8525: No), thereafter, the DRX control unit 265
subsequently recognizes the next coming paging segment (8523 ).
15 [0127]
If the coming paging segment is a selected paging segment (8525: Yes),
when the paging segment subsequently comes thereafter, the DRX control unit 265
controls the terminal apparatus 200 so that the terminal apparatus 200 resumes the
reception operation before a paging opp011unity corresponding to the terminal ID of
20 the terminal apparatus 200 (8527). Then, the terminal apparatus 200 receives a
paging message at the paging opp011unity (8529).
[0128]
Thereafter, the DRX control unit 265 controls the terminal apparatus 200 so
that the terminal apparatus 200 stops a portion of the reception operation again
25 (852 I). Then, the process is repeated.
[0129]
<5. Application examples>
The technique according to the present disclosure is applicable to various
products. For example, the base station 100 may be realized as any type of evolved
30 Node B (eNB), such as a macro-eNB, a pico-eNB, or a Home-eNB. Alternatively,
the base station I 00 may be realized as other types of base stations, such as a Node B
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and a base transceiver station (BTS). The base station I 00 may include a main
body that controls wireless communication (also referred to as a base station
apparatus), and one or more remote radio heads (RRHs) that are provided at
locations different from that of the main body.
5 [0130]
In addition, for example, the terminal device 200 may be realized as a
mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a notebook
PC, a portable game terminal, a mobile/dongle mobile router, or a digital camera, or
an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation device. In addition, the terminal
10 device 200 may be realized as a terminal which performs machine-to-machine
(M2M) communication (which is also referred to as a machine-type communication
(MTC) terminal). Furthermore, the terminal device 200 may be a wireless
communication module mounted in such a terminal (e.g., an integrated circuit
module configured in one die).
15 [0131]
<5-l. Application examples of a base station>
(First application example)
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a first example of a schematic
configuration of an eNB to which the technology according to the present disclosure
20 may be applied. An eNB 800 includes one or more antennas 810, and a base station
device 820. The respective antennas 810 and the base station device 820 may be
connected to each other via an RF cable.
[0132]
Each antelllla 810 includes a single or a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., a
25 plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO ante1ma), and is used by the base
station device 820 to transmit and receive radio signals. The eNB 800 may include
a plurality of antennas 810 as shown in FIG. 14, and the plurality of antennas 810
may respectively correspond to a plurality of frequency bands used by the eNB 800,
for example. Moreover, although FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the eNB 800
30 including a plurality of antennas 810, the eNB 800 may also include a single antelllla
810.
5
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[0133]
The base station device 820 is equipped with a controller 821, a memory
822, a network interface 823, and a wireless communication interface 825.
[0134]
The controller 821 may be a CPU or DSP, for example, and causes various
higher-layer functions of the base station device 820 to operate. For example, the
controller 821 generates a data packet from data inside a signal processed by the
wireless communication interface 825, and forwards the generated packet via the
network interface 823. The controller 821 may also generate a bundled packet by
10 bundling data from a plurality of baseband processors, and forward the generated
bundled packet. The controller 821 may also have a logical function of perfonning
a control such as radio resource control, radio bearer control, mobility management,
admission control, or scheduling. Also, the control may be perfmmed in
cooperation with a neighboring eNB or core network node. The memory 822
15 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs executed by the controller 821 as
well as various control data (such as a terminal list, transmit power data, and
scheduling data, for example).
[0135]
The network interface 823 is a communication interface for connecting the
20 base station device 820 to a core network 824. The controller 821 may
communicate with a core network node or another eNB through the network
interface 823. In this case, the eNB 800 and a core network node or another eNB
may be connected together via a logical interface (e.g., the S 1 interface or the X2
interface). The network interface 823 may also be a wired communication interface,
25 or a wireless communication interface for wireless backhaul. In the case in which
the network interface 823 is a wireless communication interface, the network
interface 823 may use a higher frequency band for wireless communication than the
frequency band used by the wireless communication interface 825.
30
[0136]
The wireless communication interface 825 supports a cellular
communication scheme such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or LTE-Advanced, and
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provides a radio connection to a terminal positioned inside the cell of the eNB 800
via an antenna 8 I 0. Typically, the wireless communication interface 825 may
include a baseband (BB) processor 826, an RF circuit 827, and the like. The BB
processor 826 may conduct processes such as encoding/decoding,
5 modulation/demodulation, and multiplexing/demultiplexing, for example, and
executes various signal processing in each layer (e.g., L1, Medium Access Control
(MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)).
The BB processor 826 may have all or a portion of the above logical functions
instead of the controller 821. The BB processor 826 may be a module including a
10 memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes such
a program, and related circuits. The functions of the BB processor 826 may also be
modifiable by updating the program. Also, the module may be a card or a blade
inserted into a slot of the base station device 820, or a chip mounted onboard the card
or the blade. On the other hand, the RF circuit 827 may include components such
15 as a mixe1~ a filter, and an amplifier, and transmits or receives a radio signal via an
antenna 810.
[0137]
The wireless communication interface 825 may also include a plurality of
BB processors 826 as shown in FIG. I 4, and the plurality of BB processors 826 may
20 respectively correspond to a plurality of frequency bands used by the eNB 800, for
example. In addition, the wireless communication interface 825 may also include a
plurality of RF circuits 827 as shown in FIG. 14, and the plurality of RF circuits 827
may respectively correspond to a plurality of anteima elements, for example.
Moreover, although FIG. 14 illustrates an example of the wireless communication
25 interface 825 including a plurality of BB processors 826 and a plurality of RF
circuits 827, the wireless communication interface 825 may also include a single BB
processor 826 or a single RF circuit 827.
[0138]
(Second application example)
30 FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a second example of a schematic
configuration of an eNB to which the teclmology according to the present disclosure
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may be applied. An eNB 830 includes one or more antennas 840, a base station
device 850, and an RRH 860. The respective antennas 840 and the RRH 860 may
be connected to each other via an RF cable. Also, the base station device 850 and
the RRH 860 may be connected to each other by a high-speed link such as an optical
5 fiber cable.
[0139]
Each antenna 840 includes a single or a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., a.
plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna), and is used by the RRH
860 to transmit and receive radio signals. The eNB 830 may include a plurality of
10 antennas 840 as shown in FIG. 15, and the plurality of antennas 840 may respectively
correspond to a plurality of frequency bands used by the eNB 830, for example.
Moreove1~ although FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the eNB 830 including a
plurality of antennas 840, the eNB 830 may also include a single antenna 840.
15
[0140]
The base station device 850 is equipped with a controller 851, a memory
852, a network interface 853, a wireless communication interface 855, and a
cmmection interface 857. The controller 85 1, the memory 852, and the network
interface 853 are similar to the controller 821, the memory 822, and the network
interface 823 described with reference to FIG. 14.
20 [0141]
The wireless communication interface 85 5 supports a cellular
communication scheme such as LTE or LTE-Advanced, and provides a radio
cmmection to a terminal positioned inside a sector conesponding to the RRH 860 via
the RRH 860 and an antenna 840. Typically, the wireless communication interface
25 855 may include a BB processor 856 and the like. The BB processor 856 is similar
to the BB processor 826 described with reference to FIG. 14, except for being
connected to an RF circuit 864 of the RRH 860 via the connection interface 857.
The wireless communication interface 855 may also include a plurality of BB
processors 856 as shown in FIG. 15, and the plurality of BB processors 856 may
30 respectively correspond to a plurality of frequency ·bands used by the eNB 830, for
example. Moreover, although FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the wireless
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communication interface 855 including a plurality ofBB processors 856, the wireless
communication interface 855 may also include a single BB processor 856.
[0142]
The connection interface 857 is an interface for cotmecting the base station
5 device 850 (wireless conmnmication interface 855) to the RRH 860. The
connection interface 857 may also be a communication module for communication
on the high-speed link collllecting the base station device 850 (wireless
communication interface 855) and the RRH 860.
10
[0143]
In addition, the RRH 860 is equipped with a connection interface 861 and a
wireless communication interface 863.
[0144]
The connection interface 861 is an interface for COllllecting the RRH 860
(wireless communication interface 863) to the base station device 850. The
15 collllection interface 861 may also be a connnunication module for communication
on the high-speed link.
[0145]
The wireless communication interface 863 transmits and receives a radio
signal via an antelllla 840. Typically, the wireless communication interface 863
20 may include an RF circuit 864. The RF circuit 864 may include components such
as a mixer, a filter, and an amplifier, and transmits or receives a radio signal via an
antemta 840. The wireless communication interface 863 may also include a
plurality ofRF circuits 864 as shown in FIG. 15, and the plurality ofRF circuits 864
may respectively correspond to a plurality of antenna elements, for example.
25 Moreover, although FIG. 15 shows an example of the wireless communication
interface 863 including a plurality of RF circuits 864, the wireless communication
interface 863 may also include a single RF circuit 864.
[0146]
In the eNB 800 and the eNB 830 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the paging
30 segment selection unit 151, the paging segment notification unit 153, and the paging
control unit 155 of the base station 100 described with reference to FIG. 4 may be
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implemented in the wireless communication interface 825 and the wireless
connnunication interface 855 and/or the wireless communication interface 863.
Alternatively, at least portion of these fimctions may be implemented in the
controller 821 and the controller 851.
5 [0147]
<5-2. Application examples of a terminal device>
(First application example)
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic
configuration of a smartphone 900 to which the technology according to the present
10 disclosure may be applied. The smartphone 900 is equipped with a processor 90 I, a
memory 902, storage 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a
sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, a display device 910, a speaker
911, a wireless communication interface 912, one or more antenna switches 915, one
or more antennas 916, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919.
15 [0148]
The processor 90 I may be a CPU or system-on-a-chip (SoC), for example,
and controls functions in the application layer and other layers of the smmiphone 900.
The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs executed by the
processor 901 as well as data. The storage 903 may include a storage medium such
20 as a semiconductor memmy or a hard disk. The external connection interface 904
is an interface for connecting an externally attached device, such as a memory card
or Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, to the smartphone 900.
[0149]
The camera 906 includes an image sensor such as a charge-coupled device
25 (CCD) or complementmy metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, and generates
a captured image. The sensor 907 may include a sensor group such as a positioning
sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor, for example.
The microphone 908 conve1is audio input into the smartphone 900 into an audio
signal. The input device 909 includes devices such as a touch sensor that detects
30 touches on a screen of the display device 910, a keypad, a keyboard, buttons, or
switches, and receives operations or information input from a user. The display
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device 910 includes a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic
light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and displays an output image of the
smartphone 900. The speaker 911 converis an audio signal output from the
smmiphone 900 into audio.
5 [0150]
The wireless communication interface 912 supports a cellular
coll1111tmication scheme such as LTE or LTE-Advanced, and executes wireless
coll1111tmication. Typically, the wireless conununication interface 912 may include a
BB processor 913, an RF circuit 914, and the like. The BB processor 913 may
10 conduct processes such as encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, and
multiplexing/demultiplexing, for example, and executes various signal processing for
wireless communication. On the other hand, the RF circuit 914 may include
components such as a mixer, a filter, and an amplifier, and transmits or receives a
radio signal via an anterma 916. The wireless communication interface 912 may
15 also be a one-chip module integrating the BB processor 913 and the RF circuit 914.
The wireless co=unication interface 912 may also include a plurality of BB
processors 913 and a plurality of RF circuits 914 as illustrated in FIG. 16.
Moreover, although FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the wireless communication
interface 912 including a plurality of BB processors 913 and a plurality of RF
20 circuits 914, the wireless connnunication interface 912may also include a single BB
processor 913 or a single RF circuit 914.
[0151]
Furthermore, in addition to a cellular conununication scheme, the wireless
communication interface 912 may also support other types of wireless
25 communication schemes such as a short-range wireless communication scheme, a
near field wireless communication scheme, or a wireless local area network (LAN)
scheme. In this case, a BB processor 913 and an RF circuit 914 may be included
for each wireless communication scheme.
30
[0152]
Each antenna switch 915 switches the destination of an antenna 916 among
a plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication interface 912 (for
37/55
example, circuits for different wireless communication schemes).
[0153]
SP353451 WOOD
Each antenna 916 includes a single or a plurality of antcm1a elements (for
example, a plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna), and is used
5 by the wireless communication interface 912 to transmit and receive radio signals.
The smartphone 900 may also include a plurality of antennas 916 as shown in FIG.
16. Moreover, although FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the smatiphone 900
including a plurality of antennas 916, the smatiphone 900 may also include a single
antenna 916.
10 [0154]
15
Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may also be equipped with an ante1ma 916
for each wireless communication scheme. In this case, the antenna switch 915 may
be omitted from the configuration of the smatiphone 900.
[0155]
The bus 917 interconnects the processor 90 I, the memory 902, the storage
903, the external connection interface 904, the camera 906, the sensor 907, the
microphone 908, the input device 909, the display device 910, the speaker 911, the
wireless communication interface 912, and the auxiliary controller 919. The battery
918 supplies electric power to the respective blocks of the smartphone 900 shown in
20 FIG. 16 via power supply lines partially illustrated with dashed lines in the drawing.
The auxiliaty controller 919 causes the smartphone 900 to operate minimal necessary
functions, for example, in a sleep mode.
[0156]
In the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 16, the request notification unit 261,
25 the information acquisition unit 263, and the DRX control unit 265 of the terminal
apparatus 200 described with reference to FIG. 10 may be implemented in the
wireless communication interface 912. Also, at least a pmiion of these functions
may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.
[0 157]
30 (Second application example)
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic
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configuration of a car navigation device 920 to which technology according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied. The car navigation device
920 is equipped with a processor 921, a memory 922, a Global Positioning System
(GPS) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, a storage
5 medium interface 928, an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931, a
wireless communication interface 933, one or more antenna switches 936, one or
more antennas 937, and a battery 938.
[0158]
The processor 921 may be a CPU or SoC, for example, and controls a car
10 navigation function and othei" functions of the car navigation device 920. The
memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs executed by the
processor 921 as well as data.
[0159]
The GPS module 924 measures the position of the car navigation device 920
15 (e.g., the latitude, longitude, and altitude) by using GPS signals received from GPS.
satellites. The sensor 925 may include a sensor group such as a gyro sensor, a
geomagnetic sensor, and a barometric pressure sensor, for example. The data
interface 926 is connected to an in-vehicle network 941 via a port not illustrated in
the drawing, and acquires data generated on the vehicle side, such as vehicle speed
20 data.
[0160]
The content player 927 plays content stored on a storage medium (e.g., a
CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928. The input device 929
includes devices such as a touch sensor that detects touches on a screen of the display
25 device 930, buttons, or switches, and receives operations or information input from a
user. The display device 930 includes a screen such as an LCD or OLEO display,
and displays a navigation function or an image of played-back content. The speaker
931 outputs audio of a navigation function or played-back content.
30
[0161]
The wireless communication interface 933 supports a cellular
communication scheme such as LTE or LTE-Advanced, and executes wireless
SP353•151 WOOD
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communication. Typically, the wireless communication interface 933 may include a
BB processor 934, an RF circuit 935, and the like. The BB processor 934 may
conduct processes such as encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, and
multiplexing/demultiplexing, for example, and executes various signal processing for
5 wireless communication. On the other hand, the RF circuit 935 may include
components such as a mixer, a filter, and an amplifier, and transmits or receives a
radio signal via an antetma 93 7. The wireless communication interface 93 3 may
also be a one-chip module integrating the BB processor 934 and the RF circuit 93 5.
The wireless communication interface 933 may also include a plurality of BB
10 processors 934 and a plurality of RF circuits 935 as shown in FIG 17. Moreover,
although FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the wireless communication interface 933
including a plurality of BB processors 934 and a plurality of RF circuits 935, the
wireless communication interface 933 may also include a single BB processor 934 or
a single RF circuit 93 5.
15 [0162]
Furthermore, in addition to a cellular conmmnication scheme, the wireless
communication interface 933 may also suppmi other types of wireless
communication schemes such as a shmi -range wireless communication scheme, a
near field wireless communication scheme, or a wireless LAN scheme. In this case,
20 a BB processor 934 and an RF circuit 93 5 may be included for each wireless
communication scheme.
[0163]
Each antenna switch 936 switches the destination of an antenna 937 among
a plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933 (e.g.,
25 circuits for different wireless conrmunication schemes).
[0164]
Each antenna 937 includes a single or a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., a
plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna), and is used by the
wireless communication interface 933 to transmit and receive radio signals. The car
30 navigation device 920 may also include a plurality of antennas 937 as shown in FIG
17. Moreover, although FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the car navigation device
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920 including a plurality of antennas 937, the car navigation device 920 may also
include a single ante1ma 937.
[0165]
Fmihennore, the car navigation device 920 may also be equipped with an
5 antenna 937 for each wireless commtmication scheme. In this case, the antenna
switch 936 may be omitted from the configuration of the car navigation device 920.
[0166]
The battery 938 supplies electric power to the respective blocks of the car
navigation device 920 shown in FIG. 17 via power supply lines pmiially illustrated
10 with dashed lines in the drawing. Also, the battery 93 8 stores electric power
supplied from the vehicle.
[0167]
In the car navigation apparatus 920 shown in FIG. 17, the request
notification unit 261, the information acquisition unit 263, and the DRX control unit
15 265 of the terminal apparatus 200 described with reference to FIG. 10 may be
implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. Also, all or a p01iion of
these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.
[0168]
In addition, the teclmology according to the present disclosure may also be
20 realized as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 that includes one or more blocks of
the car navigation device 920 discussed above, the in-vehicle network 941, and a
vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data
such as the vehicle speed, number of engine revolutions, or malfunction information,
and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941.
25 [0169]
<6. Conclusion>
In the foregoing, the communication apparatuses and processes according to
embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to FIGS.
1-17. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the paging segment
30 selection unit 151 selects a paging segment from a plurality of paging segments that
are repeatedly present during a period having the length of the first DRX cycle for
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the terminal apparatus 200. Also, the paging control unit 155, when performing
paging for the terminal apparatus 200, performs paging during the above selected
paging segment. Also, the above length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by
the length of each paging segment.
5 [0170]
As a result, more flexible DRX can be achieved.
[0171]
For example, firstly, a DRX cycle which is longer than the length of a
paging segment can be used. As a result, the power consumption of the terminal
10 apparatus 200 can be reduced. Also, for example, secondly, even when a long DRX
cycle is used, a paging opportunity can be limited to a sh01ter period (i.e., within a
selected paging segment) irrespective of the identification information (e.g., an
IMSI) of the terminal apparatus, and therefore, paging can be performed at a more
desirable timing. Also, for example, thirdly, even when a desired DRX cycle is not
15 divisible by a paging segment, a DRX cycle which is considerably close to the
desired DRX cycle can be provided.
[0172]
As a result, for example, a practically useful DRX cycle having a length
such as 5 min or I 0 min can be provided with a small error (e.g., less than one paging
20 segment). Also, for example, paging can be performed at desired time (e.g., time
0:00,0:05, 0:10, etc.). Therefore, for example, a terminal apparatus can be operated
according to requests of various applications such as an MTC application.
[0173]
Moreover, for example, the pagmg control unit 155, when performing
25 paging for the terminal apparatus 200, performs paging for the terminal apparatus
200 at a paging opportunity conesponding to the terminal ID of the terminal
apparatus 200 during the above selected paging segment.
[0174]
As a result, for example, paging for the terminal apparatus 200 having the
30 first DRX cycle can be performed while an existing arrangement for paging is
maintained.
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[0175]
Also, for example, the paging segment selection unit 151 selects a paging
segment from the above plurality of paging segments for each of the above plurality
of periods, on the basis of shift information for shifting paging segments separately
5 for the terminal apparatus 200.
[0176]
Such selection of a paging segment on the basis of shift information allows
for any shift of the selected paging segment. Therefore, for example, a paging
message can be transmitted and received at more desirable timings. As an example,
10 a paging mes.sage can be transmitted and received at appropriate timings, taking into
consideration the time it takes to perform data processing for each application, or the
like.
[0177]
Also, for example, the paging segment notification unit 153 notifies the
15 terminal apparatus 200 of the above selected paging segment.
[0178]
20
Such notification allows the terminal apparatus 200 to perform an
appropriate DRX operation.
[0179]
As a first example, the paging segment notification unit 153 notifies the
terminal apparatus 200 of the above selected paging segment, by providing
information indicating the above selected paging segment (i.e., the paging segment
information) to the terminal apparatus 200.
[0180]
25 As a result, the base station 100 can more freely select a paging segment,
without depending on the terminal apparatus 200.
[0181]
As a second example, the paging segment notification unit 153 may notifY
the terminal apparatus 200 of the above selected paging segment by providing, to the
30 terminal apparatus 200, information indicating one or more parameters for specifYing
the above selected paging segment (i.e., the parameter information).
SP353451WOOO
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[0182]
As a result, the terminal apparatus 200 can specify a selected paging
segment on its own. Therefore, the terminal apparatus 200 does not have to be at
all times notified of a selected paging segment. As a result, for example, the
5 overhead used for notification of paging segments can be reduced.
[0 183]
Moreover, a paging segment may be selected from the above plurality of
paging segments or the above paging may be performed during the above selected
paging segment, taking into consideration the request of the terminal apparatus 200
10 related to a DRX operation.
[0184]
15
As a result, for example, the likelihood that the terminal apparatus 200
performs a desired DRX operation possibly increases.
[0185]
Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the
present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be understood by those skilled in
the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations
may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are
20 within the scope of.the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.
[01 86]
For example, an example has been described in which the base station has a
main role in selecting a paging segment from a plurality of paging segments. The
present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, an apparatus
25 (e.g., a core network node) other than the base station may previously select the
above paging segment, and notify the base station of the selected paging segment.
Then, the base station may select the paging segment that the base station has been
notified of, from a plurality of paging segments.
[0 187]
30 Also, an example has been described in which one DRX cycle (i.e., the first
DRX cycle) which is not divisible by the length of a paging segment is used. The
5
44/55
present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, one or more
other DRX cycles that are not divisible by the length of a paging segment may be
further used.
[0188]
Also, an example has been described in which a single paging segment is
used. The present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, one
or more other paging segments may be further used. In this case, a DRX cycle
having the same length as that of each of the one or more other paging segments may
be further used. Also, a paging segment selected for a terminal apparatus that uses
10 the first DRX cycle may be the above single paging segment and any of the above
one or more other paging segments.
[0189]
Also, an example has been mainly described in which each terminal
apparatus uses a single DRX cycle. The present disclosure is not limited to such
15 an example. For example, each terminal apparatus may use, as a DRX cycle, one of
a plurality ofDRX cycle candidates. Alternatively, one of a plurality of DRX cycle
candidates may be determined by the base station.
[0190]
Also, the processing steps in the communication control processes in this
20 specification are not strictly limited to being executed in a time series following the
sequence described in the flowchmis. For example, the processing steps in the
communication control processes may be executed in a sequence that differs from
the sequence described herein as flowcharts, and furthermore may be executed in
parallel.
25 [0191]
In addition, a computer program for causing hardware such as a CPU, a
ROM, and a RAM installed in communication control devices (devices to configure
base station devices) or a terminal device to exhibit the same fimctions as the
respective configurations of the aforementioned communication control device or
30 terminal device can also be created. In addition, a storage medium for storing the
computer program may also be provided. In addition, an information processing
5
SP353451WOOO
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device (e.g., a processing circuit or a chip) that includes a memory for storing the
computer program (e.g., a ROM and a RAM) and a processor that executes the
computer program (e.g., a CPU) may also be provided.
[0192]
In addition, the effects described in the present specification are merely
explanatmy or illustrative, and not limitative. In other words, the technology
according to the present disclosure can exhibit, along with or instead of the effects,
other effects apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the present
specification.
10 [0193]
Additionally, the present technology may also be configured as below.
(1)
A communication control apparatus including:
a selection unit configured to select a paging segment from a plurality of
15 paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period having a length of a first
discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for a terminal apparatus; and
a control unit configured to perform paging for the terminal apparatus
during the selected paging segment if performing the paging,
wherein the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each
20 of the plurality of paging segments.
(2)
The communication control apparatus according to (1 ),
wherein each of the plurality of paging segments has a predetermined length,
and is a segment for performing paging for each terminal apparatus that uses a
25 second DRX cycle of the predetermined length.
(3)
The communication control apparatus according to (1) or (2),
wherein the control unit performs paging for the terminal apparatus at a
paging opportunity during the selected paging segment, the paging opportunity
30 corresponding to identification information of the terminal apparatus, if performing
the paging for the terminal apparatus.
SP353451WOOO
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(4)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (I) to (3),
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
paging segments for each of a plurality of successive periods each having the length
5 of the first DRX cycle.
(5)
The communication control apparatus according to ( 4),
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
paging segments for each of the plurality of periods such that an interval of the
10 plurality of paging segments selected for the plurality of periods becomes closer to
the length of the first DRX cycle.
(6)
The communication control apparatus according to (5),
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
15 paging segments for each of the plurality of periods, using calculation including
division involving the length of the first DRX cycle and the length of each of the
plurality of paging segments.
20
(7)
The communication control apparatus according to (5) or (6),
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
paging segments for each of the plurality of periods, on the basis of shift information
for shifting paging segments separately for a terminal apparatus.
(8)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7),
25 fiuther including:
30
a notification unit configured to notify the terminal apparatus of the selected
paging segment.
(9)
The communication control apparatus according to (8),
wherein the notification unit notifies the terminal apparatus of the selected
paging segment, by providing information indicating the selected paging segment to
the terminal apparatus.
(10)
47/55
The communication control apparatus according to (8),
SP353451 WOOO
wherein the notification unit notifies the terminal apparatus of the selected
5 paging segment, by providing information indicating one or more parameters for
specifying the selected paging segment to the terminal apparatus.
(11)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (1 0),
wherein the selection of a paging segment from the plurality of paging
10 segments, or the paging performed during the selected paging segment, is performed,
taking into consideration a request from the terminal apparatus related to a DRX
operation.
15
20
25
(12)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11 ),
wherein the length of each of the plurality of paging segments is an integer
multiple of a length from a start time point of a radio fi:ame having a minimum
system frame number (SFN) for identifying a radio frame to an end time point of a
radio fi·ame having a maximum SFN number.
(13)
(MTC).
(14)
The communication control apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12),
wherein the terminal apparatus performs machine-type communication
A conmmnication control method including:
selecting a paging segment from a plurality of paging segments that are
repeatedly present during a period having a length of a first discontinuous reception
(DRX) cycle for a terminal apparatus, using a processor; and
performing paging for the terminal apparatus during the selected paging
segment if performing the paging,
30 wherein the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each
of the plurality of paging segments.
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(15)
A terminal apparatus including:
an acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating a paging
segment selected from a plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present
5 during a period having a length of a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for the
terminal apparatus; and
a control unit configured to control a DRX operation on the basis of the
information indicating the paging segment,
wherein the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each
10 of the plurality of paging segments.
(16)
The terminal apparatus according to (15),
wherein the acquisition unit acquires the information indicating the paging
segment when notified of the paging segment by a base station.
15 (17)
The terminal apparatus according to (16),
wherein the acquisition unit acquires the information indicating the paging
segment upon specifYing the paging segment by using one of more parameters, if
notified of the paging segment by the base station, by providing information
20 indicating one or more parameters for specifYing the paging segment.
(18)
The terminal apparatus according to any one of (15) to (17), further
including:
a notification unit configured to notifY a base station of a request from the
25 terminal apparatus related to a DRX operation.
30
(19)
An information processing apparatus configured to control a terminal
apparatus, including:
a memory configured to store a predetermined program; and
one or more processors capable of executing the predetermined program,
wherein the predetermined program is configured to execute
5
10
15
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acquisition of information indicating a paging segment, selected
from a plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period
having a length of a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for the terminal
apparatus, and
control of a DRX operation on the basis of the information
indicating the paging segment, and
the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each of the
plurality of paging segments.
Reference Symbols List
[0194]
I communication system
10 cell
100 base station
151 paging segment selection unit
153 paging segment notification unit
155 paging control unit
200 terminal apparatus
261 request notification unit
20 263 information acquisition unit
265 discontinuous reception (DRX) control unit

CLAIMS
Claim 1
A communication control apparatus comprising:
a selection unit configured to select a paging segment from a plurality of
5 paging segments that are repeatedly present during a period having a length of a first
discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for a terminal apparatus; and
a control unit configured to perform paging for the terminal apparatus
during the selected paging segment if performing the paging,
wherein the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each
10 of the plurality of paging segments.
Claim2
The communication control apparatus according to claim I,
wherein each of the plurality of paging segments has a predetermined length,
15 and is a segment for performing paging for each terminal apparatus that uses a
second DRX cycle of the predetermined length.
Claim 3
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
20 wherein the control unit performs paging for the tetminal apparatus at a
pagmg opportunity during the selected paging segment, the paging oppotiunity
corresponding to identification information of the terminal apparatus, if performing
the paging for the terminal apparatus.
25 Claim4
30
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
paging segments for each of a plurality of successive periods each having the length
of the first DRX cycle.
Claim 5
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The communication control apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
paging segments for each of the plurality of periods such that an interval of the
plurality of paging segments selected for the plurality of periods becomes closer to
5 the length of the first DRX cycle.
Claim 6
The communication control apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
10 paging segments for each of the plurality of periods, using calculation including
division involving the length of the first DRX cycle and the length of each of the
plurality of paging segments.
15
Claim 7
The communication control apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the selection unit selects a paging segment from the plurality of
paging segments for each of the plurality of periods, on the basis of shift infonnation
for shifting paging segments separately for a terminal apparatus.
20 Claim 8
25
The communication control apparatus according to claim I, fi.u"ther
compnsmg:
a notification unit configured to notify the terminal apparatus of the selected
paging segment.
Claim 9
The communication control apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the notification unit notifies the terminal apparatus of the selected
paging segment, by providing information indicating the selected paging segment to
30 the terminal apparatus.
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Claim 10
The communication control apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the notification unit notifies the terminal apparatus of the selected
paging segment, by providing information indicating one or more parameters for
5 specifying the selected paging segment to the terminal apparatus.
Claim 11
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the selection of a paging segment from the plurality of paging
10 segments, or the paging performed during the selected paging segment, is performed,
taking into consideration a request from the terminal apparatus related to a DRX
operation.
15
20
25
Claim 12
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the length of each of the plurality of paging segments is an integer
multiple of a length from a start time point of a radio frame having a minimum
system frame number (SFN) for identifYing a radio frame to an end time point of a
radio frame having a maximum SFN number.
Claim 13
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the terminal apparatus performs machine-type conmmnication
(MTC).
Claim 14
A communication control method comprising:
selecting a paging segment from a plurality of paging segments that are
repeatedly present during a period having a length of a first discontinuous reception
30 (DRX) cycle for a terminal apparatus, using a processor; and
perfonning paging for the terminal apparatus during the selected paging
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segment if perfonning the paging,
wherein the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each
of the plurality of paging segments.
5 Claim I 5
A terminal apparatus comprising:
an acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating a paging
segment selected from a plurality of paging segments that are repeatedly present
during a period having a length of a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for the
10 terminal apparatus; ami
15
20
a control unit configured to control a DRX operation on the basis of the
information indicating the paging segment,
wherein the length of the first DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each
of the plurality of paging segments.
Claim 16
The terminal apparatus according to claim 15,
wherein the acquisition unit acquires the information indicating the paging
segment when notified of the paging segment by a base station.
Claim 17
The terminal apparatus according to claim 16,
wherein the acquisition unit acquires the information indicating the paging
segment upon specifying the paging segment by using one of more parameters, if
25 notified of the paging segment by the base station, by providing information
indicating one or more parameters for specifying the paging segment.
30
Claim 18
The terminal apparatus according to claim 15, n1rther comprising:
a notification unit configured to notify a base station of a request from the
terminal apparatus related to a DRX operation.
5
SP353451 WQOO
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Claim 19
An information processmg apparatus configured to control a terminal
apparatus, comprising:
a memory configured to store a predetermined program; and
one or more processors capable of executing the predetermined pro grain,
wherein the predetermined program is configured to execute
acquisition of information indicating a paging segment, selected
from a plurality of paging 'egments that are repeatedly present during a period
10 having a length of a Jlrst discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle for the terminal
apparatus, and
control of a DRX operation on the basis of the information
indicating the paging segment, and
the length of the fir~;( DRX cycle is not divisible by a length of each of the
15 plurality of paging segmePts.