Specification
Title of invention: Communication device, communication method, and program
Technical field
[0001]
　The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program.
Background technology
[0002]
　Radio access method and radio network for cellular mobile communication (hereinafter, "Long Term Evolution (LTE)", "LTE-Advanced (LTE-A)", "LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro)", "New Radio ( NR)”, “New Radio Access Technology (NRAT)”, “Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA)”, or “Further EUTRA (FEUTRA)”). 3GPP). In the following description, LTE includes LTE-A, LTE-A Pro, and EUTRA, and NR includes NRAT and FEUTRA. In LTE and NR, a base station device (base station) is also called an eNodeB (evolved NodeB), and a terminal device (mobile station, mobile station device, terminal) is also called a UE (User Equipment). LTE and NR are cellular communication systems in which a plurality of areas covered by a base station device are arranged in a cell. A single base station device may manage a plurality of cells.
[0003]
　In the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system following LTE/LTE-A, a technique of utilizing a directional beam for communication between a base station and a terminal device is under study. By using such a technique, communication between the base station and the terminal device can be spatially multiplexed in addition to being multiplexed in time and frequency. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a technique that uses a directional beam for communication between a base station and a terminal device.
[0004]
　In addition, a technology called MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service) is considered as a technology for delivering contents such as text, music, still images, and moving images to each terminal device using the wireless network described above. Has been done. By using the MBMS technology, it becomes possible to efficiently distribute the various contents broadcast as a program to a plurality of terminal devices via a wireless network.
Prior art documents
Patent literature
[0005]
Patent Document 1: JP-A-2017-157908
Summary of the invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006]
　On the other hand, in the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, since data is transmitted to each terminal device while scanning a beam having directivity (hereinafter, also referred to as “directional beam”), terminals within a communication range are included. The method of delivering content to each device is different from communication using omnidirectional beams. Therefore, even in a situation where a directional beam is used for communication, a technology such as MBMS that enables efficient distribution of content provided as a so-called program (broadcast program) to each terminal device is further developed. There is a need for a technique that can be applied in a suitable manner.
[0007]
　Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a technique that enables distribution of content to a terminal device using a directional beam in a more preferable manner.
Means for solving the problems
[0008]
　According to the present disclosure, a communication unit that performs wireless communication, a control unit that controls distribution of content for each program using a directional beam, and a first timing regarding the timing at which the directional beam is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions. the information, by associating the second information notified in common to one or more terminals in the communication range, and a notification unit that notifies the first information to the terminal device
　comprises a communication device Provided.
[0009]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, the communication unit that performs wireless communication is associated with the first information regarding the timing at which the directional beam used to deliver the content of each program is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions from the base station. The acquisition unit for acquiring the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range of the base station, and the content for each program based on the acquired first information. A communication device is provided that includes a control unit that controls reception.
[0010]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, a computer performs wireless communication, controls distribution of content for each program using a directional beam, and timing when the directional beam is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions. By associating the first information related to the first information with the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range to notify the terminal device of the first information. A method is provided.
[0011]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, the first information relating to the timing at which the computer performs wireless communication and the directional beam used to deliver the content of each program from the base station is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions. Of the second information, which is commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range of the base station associated with, and the content of each program based on the acquired first information. A communication method is provided, the method comprising:
[0012]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, wireless communication is performed to a computer, distribution of content for each program using a directional beam is controlled, and timing at which the directional beam is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions. By associating the first information related to the first information with the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range, thereby notifying the terminal device of the first information. The program is provided.
[0013]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, first information relating to wireless communication with a computer and timing at which a directional beam used for distribution of content of each program from a base station is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions. Of the second information, which is commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range of the base station associated with, and the content of each program based on the acquired first information. A program is provided that controls the receiving of and to execute.
Effect of the invention
[0014]
　As described above, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a technique that enables distribution of content to a terminal device using a directional beam in a more preferable manner.
[0015]
　Note that the above effects are not necessarily limited, and in addition to or in place of the above effects, any of the effects shown in this specification, or other effects that can be grasped from this specification. May be played.
Brief description of the drawings
[0016]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a base station according to the same embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a terminal device according to the same embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of an MBMS network architecture.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for performing counting.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol stack of an M1 interface between an MBMS gateway and a base station.
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an MBMS session start procedure in LTE.
FIG. 8 shows an example of a frame structure when MBMS is used.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of information associated with an MBMS session.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of information associated with an MBMS session.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a beam sweeping configuration.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a beam sweeping configuration.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of a beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session.
FIG. 14 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between beam reference sweeping and beam sweeping for MBMS session.
FIG. 17 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure between a base station and a terminal device for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam in a communication system according to Modification 1. Is.
FIG. 18 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure between a base station and a terminal device for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam in a communication system according to Modification 2. Is.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system according to Modification 3.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system according to Modification 4.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a first example of a schematic configuration of an eNB.
FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a second example of a schematic configuration of an eNB.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone.
FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0017]
　Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and the drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and a duplicate description will be omitted.
[0018]
　The description will be given in the following order.
　1. Configuration example
　　1.1. System configuration example
　　1.2. Configuration example of base station
　　1.3. Configuration example of the terminal device
　2. MBMS
　3. Technical features
　4. Application example
　　4.1. Application example regarding base station
　　4.2. Applications for the terminal device
　5. Conclusion
[0019]
　<<1. Configuration example>>
　　<1.1. System Configuration Example>
　First, an example of a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a schematic configuration of a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes a wireless communication device 100, a terminal device 200, and an MEC server 300. Here, the terminal device 200 is also called a user. The user may also be referred to as a UE. That is, the UE 200 described above can correspond to the terminal device 200 shown in FIG. The wireless communication device 100C is also called UE-Relay. The UE herein may be a UE defined in LTE or LTE-A, and the UE-Relay may be a Prose UE to Network Relay discussed in 3GPP, and more generally communicates. It may mean a device.
[0020]
　　(1) Wireless Communication Device 100 The
　wireless communication device 100 is a device that provides wireless communication services to devices under its control. For example, the wireless communication device 100A is a base station of a cellular system (or mobile communication system). The base station 100A performs wireless communication with a device (for example, the terminal device 200A) located inside the cell 10A of the base station 100A. For example, the base station 100A transmits a downlink signal to the terminal device 200A and receives an uplink signal from the terminal device 200A.
[0021]
　The base station 100A is logically connected to another base station by, for example, an X2 interface, and can transmit/receive control information and the like. The base station 100A is logically connected to the core network 40 by, for example, the S1 interface, and can transmit/receive control information and the like. Communication between these devices can be physically relayed by various devices.
[0022]
　Here, the wireless communication device 100A shown in FIG. 1 is a macrocell base station, and the cell 10 is a macrocell. On the other hand, the wireless communication devices 100B and 100C are master devices that operate the small cells 10B and 10C, respectively. As an example, the master device 100B is a small cell base station that is fixedly installed. The small cell base station 100B establishes a wireless backhaul link with the macrocell base station 100A and an access link with one or more terminal devices (for example, the terminal device 200B) in the small cell 10B. The wireless communication device 100B may be a relay node defined by 3GPP. The master device 100C is a dynamic AP (access point). The dynamic AP 100C is a mobile device that dynamically operates the small cell 10C. The dynamic AP 100C establishes a wireless backhaul link with the macrocell base station 100A and an access link with one or more terminal devices (for example, the terminal device 200C) in the small cell 10C. The dynamic AP 100C may be, for example, a terminal device equipped with hardware or software operable as a base station or a wireless access point. The small cell 10C in this case is a dynamically formed local network (Localized Network/Virtual cell).
[0023]
　The cell 10 may be operated according to any wireless communication scheme such as LTE, LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), GSM (registered trademark), UMTS, W-CDMA, CDMA200, WiMAX, WiMAX2 or IEEE802.16. ..
[0024]
　The small cell is a concept that can include various types of cells (for example, femtocells, nanocells, picocells, microcells, etc.) smaller than the macrocell and arranged to overlap or not overlap with the macrocell. In one example, the small cell is operated by a dedicated base station. In another example, a small cell is operated by a terminal serving as a master device temporarily operating as a small cell base station. So-called relay nodes can also be considered as a form of small cell base station. A wireless communication device that functions as a master station of a relay node is also called a donor base station. The donor base station may mean a DeNB in ​​LTE and more generally a master station of a relay node.
[0025]
　　(2) Terminal device 200 The
　terminal device 200 can communicate in a cellular system (or mobile communication system). The terminal device 200 performs wireless communication with a wireless communication device of the cellular system (for example, the base station 100A, the master device 100B or 100C). For example, the terminal device 200A receives the downlink signal from the base station 100A and transmits the uplink signal to the base station 100A.
[0026]
　　(3) Application Server 60 The
　application server 60 is a device that provides services to users. The application server 60 is connected to the packet data network (PDN) 50. On the other hand, the base station 100 is connected to the core network 40. The core network 40 is connected to the PDN 50 via a gateway device (P-GW in FIG. 8). Therefore, the wireless communication device 100 provides the service provided by the application server 60 to the MEC server 300 and the user via the packet data network 50, the core network 40, and the wireless communication path.
[0027]
　　(4) MEC Server 300 The
　MEC server 300 is a service providing device that provides services (applications, contents, etc.) to users. The MEC server 300 may be provided in the wireless communication device 100. In that case, the wireless communication device 100 provides the service provided by the MEC server 300 to the user via the wireless communication path. The MEC server 300 may be realized as a logical functional entity, or may be integrally formed with the wireless communication device 100 or the like as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0028]
　For example, the base station 100A provides the service provided by the MEC server 300A to the terminal device 200A connected to the macro cell 10. In addition, the base station 100A provides the service provided by the MEC server 300A to the terminal device 200B connected to the small cell 10B via the master device 100B.
[0029]
　Further, the master device 100B provides the service provided by the MEC server 300B to the terminal device 200B connected to the small cell 10B. Similarly, the master device 100C provides the service provided by the MEC server 300C to the terminal device 200C connected to the small cell 10C.
[0030]
　　(5) Supplement Although
　the schematic configuration of the system 1 has been described above, the present technology is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, as the configuration of the system 1, a configuration not including a master device, SCE (Small Cell Enhancement), HetNet (Heterogeneous Network), MTC (Machine Type Communication) network, or the like may be adopted.
[0031]
　　<1.2. Configuration Example of Base Station>
　Next, the configuration of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the base station 100 includes an antenna unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, a network communication unit 130, a storage unit 140, and a processing unit 150.
[0032]
　(1) Antenna unit 110 The
　antenna unit 110 radiates the signal output by the wireless communication unit 120 as a radio wave into space. The antenna unit 110 also converts radio waves in the space into a signal and outputs the signal to the wireless communication unit 120.
[0033]
　(2) Wireless Communication Unit 120 The
　wireless communication unit 120 transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits a downlink signal to the terminal device and receives an uplink signal from the terminal device.
[0034]
　(3) Network communication unit 130 The
　network communication unit 130 transmits and receives information. For example, the network communication unit 130 transmits information to other nodes and receives information from other nodes. For example, the other node includes another base station and a core network node.
[0035]
　As described above, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, the terminal device may operate as a relay terminal and relay communication between the remote terminal and the base station. In such a case, for example, the wireless communication device 100C corresponding to the relay terminal may not include the network communication unit 130.
[0036]
　(4) Storage Unit 140 The
　storage unit 140 temporarily or permanently stores a program and various data for the operation of the base station 100.
[0037]
　(5) Processing Unit 150 The
　processing unit 150 provides various functions of the base station 100. The processing unit 150 includes a communication control unit 151, an information acquisition unit 153, and a notification unit 155. It should be noted that the processing unit 150 may further include components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 150 can perform operations other than the operations of these components.
[0038]
　The operations of the communication control unit 151, the information acquisition unit 153, and the notification unit 155 will be described in detail later.
[0039]
　　<1.3. Example Configuration of Terminal Device>
　Next, an example configuration of the terminal device 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 200 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 200 includes an antenna unit 210, a wireless communication unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a processing unit 240.
[0040]
　(1) Antenna unit 210 The
　antenna unit 210 radiates the signal output from the wireless communication unit 220 into space as a radio wave. The antenna unit 210 also converts radio waves in the space into a signal and outputs the signal to the wireless communication unit 220.
[0041]
　(2) Wireless communication unit 220 The
　wireless communication unit 220 transmits and receives signals. For example, the wireless communication unit 220 receives a downlink signal from the base station and transmits an uplink signal to the base station.
[0042]
　Further, as described above, in the system 1 according to the present embodiment, the terminal device may operate as a relay terminal and relay communication between the remote terminal and the base station. In such a case, for example, the wireless communication unit 220 in the terminal device 200C that operates as a remote terminal may send and receive a side link signal with the relay terminal.
[0043]
　(3) Storage unit 230 The
　storage unit 230 temporarily or permanently stores a program and various data for the operation of the terminal device 200.
[0044]
　(4) Processing Unit 240 The
　processing unit 240 provides various functions of the terminal device 200. For example, the processing unit 240 includes a communication control unit 241, an information acquisition unit 243, a measurement unit 245, and a notification unit 247. It should be noted that the processing unit 240 may further include components other than these components. That is, the processing unit 240 can perform operations other than the operations of these components.
[0045]
　The operations of the communication control unit 241, the information acquisition unit 243, the measurement unit 245, and the notification unit 247 will be described in detail later.
[0046]
　<<2. MBMS>>
　Next, MBMS will be described. MBMS is a technology for delivering contents such as text, music, still images, and moving images to each terminal device using a wireless network, and is officially called "Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services". In addition, in order to make the characteristics of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure more understandable, an overview of broadcast (Broadcast) and multicast (Multicast) will be described below.
[0047]
　Broadcast is a point-to-multi point unidirectional downlink transmission. Since the broadcast does not need to communicate with the network to provide the service, the terminal device is broadcast even in the power saving state where it is not connected to the network like the so-called “RRC idle” state. It is possible to receive delivery of services. That is, the terminal device can receive the content broadcast from the base station and present the content to the user even in the RRC idle state.
[0048]
　Multicast is similar to broadcast in that it provides services to a plurality of terminal devices, but it is necessary to indicate to the network side that the terminal device will receive the service when the service is provided by the terminal device. Different from That is, the multicast needs to communicate with the network in order for the terminal device to be provided with the service.
[0049]
　In 5G, a high frequency of 6 GHz or higher can be used, but since the propagation loss becomes higher in the high frequency band, in order to compensate for the propagation loss, the beam forming has directivity to the radio wave (radio signal). By doing so, a higher antenna gain is secured. Therefore, since the directivity is directed to a specific terminal device by beam forming, it is desirable that the terminal device indicates that it desires to receive the service corresponding to MBMS. That is, in applying the MBMS in the 5G mobile communication system, it is more important to realize the content distribution by the multicast. In the following description, the service corresponding to MBMS is also referred to as “MBMS service”.
[0050]
　(MBMS Network Architecture)
　Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an outline of the MBMS network architecture will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of the MBMS network architecture.
[0051]
　As shown in FIG. 4, the network architecture of MBMS is composed of a core network (CN: Core Network) and a RAN (Radio Access Network). Further, the CN includes various entities. The entities included in the CN include, for example, MME (Mobility Management Entity), HSS (Home Subscriber Server), S-GW (Serving Gateway), P-GW (packet data network gateway), MBMS gateway (MBMS Gateway), and BM. -SC (Broadcast Multicast Service Centre), content server (Content Server) and the like. Further, in the MBMS network architecture, an MCE (Multi-cell/Multicast Coordination Entity) is included as an entity on the RAN side. Note that among these entities, MCE, MBMS gateway, BM-SC, and content server are entities specific to MBMS, and other entities are the same as the entities used for unicast communication in LTE. Also, the content provided in the MBMS service may be provided from inside the operator network or from the Internet network.
[0052]
　Here, each entity of the MBMS, that is, the MCE, the MBMS gateway, the BM-SC, and the content server will be outlined below.
[0053]
　(MCE)
　First, the MCE will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, MCEs are classified into entities on the RAN side. The MCE may be arranged in each base station (eNodeB) or may be arranged outside the base station. There are three roles of the MCE: “allocation of time/frequency resources for MBMS”, “decision of MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme)”, and “counting function”. The MCS corresponds to the modulation method and the coding rate. Further, the counting function corresponds to a function of collecting how much the user is interested in the service. With the counting function, for example, the base station allocates the time/frequency resource for MBMS or suspends the allocation according to the number of interested users (in other words, the number of terminal devices desiring to deliver the content). It becomes possible.
[0054]
　In LTE, since an omnidirectional beam is used, it is difficult to control the MCS individually for each terminal device. On the other hand, in 5G, since it is possible to individually assign a beam to each terminal device, it is possible to provide contents (for example, contents corresponding to MBMS) with different MCS for each terminal device. It will be possible.
[0055]
　That is, in 5G, for example, a situation in which an MBMS service is provided to each terminal device by a UE-specific beam can be assumed. Even if the base station and the terminal device are handled like unicast (strictly multicast because similar contents are distributed to multiple terminal devices), the content server and the base station During this period, the content is distributed by multicast (multicast in the IP layer). Therefore, a function called counting is important in order to specify to which base station the multicast is performed.
[0056]
　Here, as a reference, an example of a conventional procedure for performing counting will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for performing counting.
[0057]
　As shown in FIG. 5, the MCE 400 first transmits an MBMS Service Counting Request to the base station 100 (S101). The base station 100 receives the MBMS Service Counting Request from the MCE 400 and returns an MBMS Service Counting Response to the MCE 400 (S103). Next, the base station 100 transmits an MBMS Service Counting Request to the terminal device 200 (S105). The terminal device 200 receives the MBMS Service Counting Request from the base station 100 and returns an MBMS Service Counting Response to the base station 100 (S107). Then, when the base station 100 receives the return of the MBMS Service Counting Response from the terminal device 200, the base station 100 transmits an MBMS Service Results Report to the MCE 400 (S109). With the above procedure, the MCE 400 can recognize the number of terminal devices that desire to provide the MBMS service based on, for example, a report (MBMS Service Results Report) transmitted from the base station 100.
[0058]
　(MBMS Gateway)
　Next, the MBMS gateway will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the MBMS gateway is an entity located in the CN. The MBMS gateway has a function of delivering a packet to a corresponding base station (eNodeB) by using an IP (Internet protocol) multicast address as a clue. MBMS in LTE assumes only broadcast and does not support multicast. This means that the service does not support multicast. On the other hand, multicast is used for the IP layer. Specifically, in order to broadcast to a plurality of terminal devices on the service, at least a part of the base stations is specified and specified by performing signaling in advance between the plurality of base stations and the MBMS gateway. The packet will be transferred only to the base station. Therefore, a multicast address is used in the IP layer.
[0059]
　For example, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the protocol stack of the M1 interface between the MBMS gateway and the base station. Of the protocols shown in FIG. 6, the upper layer of DASH, HTTP, TPC/UDP, and IP is not explicitly described in the standard, but if the same as normal unicast, It is assumed that the structure shown in FIG. The layers of GTPv1-U, UDP, IP, L2, and L1 located on the lower side are the same as the S1 interface in unicast. The IP layer used to transfer the packet to the plurality of base stations based on the multicast address is the IP layer located on the lower side.
[0060]
　In LTE, packets are multicast from the MBMS gateway to a plurality of base stations as described above, and the plurality of base stations transmit the packets received in synchronization with each other to the terminal device via wireless communication. On the other hand, in 5G, the MBMS service is provided to each terminal device by using the UE-specific beam. Therefore, a cache function is provided for the base station, and the terminal device can freely select the time for receiving the MBMS service within a certain period.
[0061]
　In 5G MBMS, by caching content corresponding to MBMS (hereinafter, also referred to as “MBMS content”) in a base station, it becomes possible to provide a service to a terminal device more flexibly, It is possible to expect an effect of further reducing traffic. Further, on the RAN side, instead of transmitting the content by conventional broadcast or multicast, by transmitting the content for each terminal device using a UE specific beam, the resources consumed by the MBMS on the RAN side can be further improved. It becomes possible to reduce.
[0062]
　(BM-SC)
　Next, the BM-SC will be described. The BM-SC corresponds to the entry point of MBMS content. The BM-SC has the functions described below. First, the BM-SC performs MBMS Session management. Specifically, the BM-SC manages the start and end of the MBMS service. Secondly, the BM-SC allocates an ID called TMGI (Temporary Mobile Group Identity) to each MBMS Session. Thirdly, the BM-SC allocates QoS to the MBMS Session. As a fourth point, the BM-SC provides the terminal device with information about broadcasting such as a program guide at the Application Level (TS29.061).
[0063]
　In LTE, MBMS traffic and unicast traffic are separated by subframes. Specifically, a radio frame having a length of 1 ms is divided into 10 subframes having a length of 0.1 ms, and an MBMS service is provided by some of the subframes. It was Therefore, MBMS and unicast are separate networks, and even if the unicast traffic increases, in a situation where the MBMS traffic is affected, for example, the subframe allocated to the MBMS is quasi-static (semi-). It was extremely limited, such as when changing to static). In the case where the MBMS service is provided by unicast using a UE-specific beam, at least one of normal unicast and MBMS service unicast may possibly affect the other. ..
[0064]
　(Content Server)
　Next, the content server will be described. The content server is a server that provides content. The content server can be located both inside and outside the operator network.
[0065]
　(Session start procedure)
　Next, in order to make the features of the communication system according to the present embodiment easier to understand, an example of an MBMS session start procedure in LTE will be described as a reference. For example, FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an MBMS session start procedure in LTE.
[0066]
　As shown in FIG. 7, the MBMS session start procedure starts from the MB-SC. Specifically, the MB-SC 460 first transmits a request (Start Request) regarding the start of the MBMS session to the MBMS gateway 440 (S121). At this time, the request notifies information such as service area, QoS, and MGI (Mobile Group Identity). The MBMS gateway 440 returns a response (Start Response) to the request from the MB-SC 460 (S123).
[0067]
　Next, the MBMS gateway 440 transmits a request (Start Request) regarding the start of the MBMS session to the MME 420 (S125). Upon receiving the request from the MBMS gateway 440, the MME 420 transmits a request (Start Request) regarding the start of the MBMS session to the MCE 400 (S127). Upon receiving the request from the MME 420, the MCE 400 returns a response (Start Response) to the MME 420 (S129). Upon receiving the above-mentioned response returned from the MCE 400, the MME 420 returns a response (Start Response) to the above-mentioned request from the MBMS gateway 440 to the MBMS gateway 440 (S131).
[0068]
　Next, the MCE 400 transmits a request (Start Request) regarding the start of the MBMS session to the base station 100 corresponding to the service area (S133). Further, the MCE 400 notifies the base station 100 of information (Scheduling Info) regarding the schedule of the MBMS session (S135). The base station 100 returns a response (Start Response) to the request from the MCE 400 to the MCE 400 (S137). Further, the base station 100 receives the notification of the information regarding the schedule of the MBMS session from the MCE 400, and returns a response (Scheduling Info Response) to the MCE 400 (S139).
[0069]
　Next, the base station 100 transmits MCCH Change Notification to the terminal device 200 within the communication range based on the information notified from the MCE 400 (S141), and then transmits MCCH/MCH/PMCH to the terminal device 200. Yes (S143). The details of MCCH, MCH, and PMCH will be described later separately.
[0070]
　Next, the target MBMS content is transferred from the MB-SC 460 to the MBMS gateway 440, and the MBMS content is IP multicast from the MBMS gateway 440 to the base station 100 (S145). Upon receiving the MBMS content from the MBMS gateway 440, the base station 100 transmits MCCH/MCH/PMCH to the terminal device 200. That is, the base station 100 broadcasts the received MBMS content (S147).
[0071]
　An example of the MBMS session start procedure in LTE has been described above with reference to FIG. 7. On the other hand, in 5G NR, a procedure for starting a session from a terminal device may be added to the conventional session start procedure. This is because the MBMS service provided by the UE-specific beam can change the content delivery time for each terminal device.
[0072]
　(Regarding MBMS Radio Access Network)
　Next, the features of MBMS RAN will be described below.
[0073]
　(1) Logical channel regarding
　MBMS MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) is provided by two logical channels (Logical Channel) of MTCH (Multicast Transport Channel) and MCCH (Multicast Control Channel). These two channels are mapped to PMCH (PHY Multicast Channel) as physical channels. In the PMCH, both MCCH and MTCH are sent, and scheduling information for mapping between MBMS session and PMCH, which is generated as MAC signaling, is also sent. This Mac signaling is sent at the beginning of PMCH.
[0074]
　(2) On the physical channel
　PMCH for MBMS , a Cyclic prefix called a Extend CP having a relatively long CP length is used. This is to configure a single frequency network for combining signals from a plurality of base stations. In LTE, one radio frame (radio frame) has 10 subframes (subframes), and among these subframes that can use MBSFN (MBMS Single Frequency Network) are designated as semi-static (semi static) and used. To do. For example, FIG. 8 shows an example of a frame structure when using MBMS. In FIG. 8, the marked subframes schematically show the subframes in which MBSFN can be used. Further, the marked frame schematically shows a frame including a subframe in which MBSFN can be used.
[0075]
　Although there are PDCCH and PDSCH parts in the subframe for MBSFN, the PDCCH is used not for MBMS but for carrying Uplink scheduling information necessary for normal unicast traffic. Therefore, the PDSCH part in the subframe for MBSFN is used for MBMS, and the PMCH is sent by the PDSCH.
[0076]
　(3) MBMS Session In
　this disclosure, one program is also referred to as an MBMS session. In this case, the MBMS session is mapped to PMCH (PHY Multicast Channel) which is a physical channel. In addition, the PMCH is mapped to the subframe allocated for MBMS.
[0077]
　(4) MBMS service area An
　MBMS service area corresponds to an area where one MBMS service is provided. Further, the MBSFN area (MBSFN Area) corresponds to an area forming an SFN (Single Frequency Network). Up to eight MBSFN areas can be set for one base station. When configuring the SFN, a plurality of base stations cooperate to transmit the same content.
[0078]
　Note that in 5G, it can be assumed that the MBMS session is provided to each terminal device by a UE-specific beam. Since the conventional MBMS uses the SFN technique described later, it is not necessary to consider handover. On the other hand, in 5G, due to the above-described characteristics, a mechanism for handling MBMS handover is required. Therefore, for example, the switching source base station may need to notify the switching destination base station of the MBMS session number. Here, when a beam required for beam recovery is provided from another base station (for example, a base station of an adjacent cell), a beam recovery request (beam recovery request) It is also possible to reduce the delay by including an MBMS session.
[0079]
　(5) SFN With
　SFN (Single Frequency Network), the same signal is transmitted simultaneously from the plurality of base stations (eNodeB) at the same time and the same frequency, and the plurality of Downlink signals are within the range of CP (Cyclic Prefix). This is a technique for improving the signal strength by recognizing reflected waves and combining and receiving them. In the case of broadcasting, since the terminal device is required to receive in a wide range, the SFN may be used.
[0080]
　(6) About MBMS scheduling It
　may be difficult for a terminal device to receive a broadcast program without knowing where the broadcast program is transmitted from the base station (eNodeB). In such a case, the terminal device needs to acquire the scheduling information (that is, the information indicating where it is being transmitted).
[0081]
　The scheduling is performed according to the procedure shown below. The details of each procedure will be described below with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of information associated with an MBMS session.
　-Specify Radio Frame and Sub Frame
　-MBSFN Area Configuration
　-Specify MBMS session
[0082]
　(Specification of Radio Frame and Sub Frame)
　The location of MCCH is specified in SIB13 of system information (System Information). Specifically, the location of the radio frame including the MCCH is specified by the cycle and the offset. Further, it is also specified in which subframe of each radio frame the MCCH is included. Since the location of this MCCH is actually the PMCH, this MCCH will be sent in the PDSCH portion of the MBSFN subframe.
[0083]
　(MBSFN Area Configuration) The
　MCCH includes MBSFN Area Configuration. This MBSFN Area Configuration designates in which subframe (Subframe) the MBSFN is performed. The designation can be set by the cycle and offset of the radio frame. At this time, with respect to the designation, it is possible to set eight different periods and offsets at the same time. In addition, which subframe in the radio frame is used is also set. By performing such an operation, a subframe that can be used for MBMS is determined. In the subframe for MBMS determined above, how to allocate PMCH is also specified. The PMCH can set up to 16 channels.
[0084]
　(Designation
　of MBMS Session) It is possible to set a maximum of 30 MBMS sessions (in other words, broadcast programs) for the 16 PMCHs determined above. As a specific example, it is possible to set MBMS sessions 0 and 1 for PMCH0 and MBMS sessions 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 for PMCH1.
[0085]
　How to map the MBMS session to PMCH is specified by Mac signaling sent by PMCH. Since Mac signaling is a type of RRC signaling in SIB13, it is said that MBMS scheduling is executed by a combination of RRC signaling and Mac signaling.
[0086]
　In 5G, it is considered that the MBMS session is provided to each terminal by a UE-specific beam. In that case, there is no need to use SFN, and the terminal device may be able to receive television broadcast distribution at a desired time. The content broadcast in the MBMS session is transmitted from the BM-SC to each base station (eNodeB) via the MBMS gateway. As long as the content is held as a cache in the base station, this content can be provided as a broadcast to the terminal device at a time desired by the terminal device. When the cache capacity has a physical limit, the information of the MBMS session disclosed in SIB may be expired. The location where the conventional MBMS session is provided is disclosed in the PMCH specified by the information of the radio frame (Radio Frame) and the subframe (Sub frame) and the location of the PMCH in the subframe. On the other hand, when the MBMS service is provided by the beam, it is possible to publish the information of the MBMS session as follows.
　・It will be published as before by the System Information embedded in the beam forming during beam management. Beam Management is a procedure for identifying an appropriate beam between a base station and a terminal device.
　-The provision of the information for MBMS is notified by DCI (Downlink Control Channel) in the procedure after the appropriate beam between the base station and the terminal device is determined.
[0087]
　(7) Regarding
　the MBMS service that receives the MBMS, both the RRC idle mode terminal device and the RRC connected mode terminal device can receive the MBMS service. Therefore, the various information described above can also be received by the terminal in RRC idle mode.
[0088]
　(8) MCS (modulation method) used in MBMS
　As described above together with the network architecture, in MBMS in the conventional LTE, the MCS itself can be changed by the MCE, but since it is broadcasting, The frequency of change is low. Therefore, in the conventional MBMS in LTE, for example, a common MCS preset for all terminal devices is used.
[0089]
　On the other hand, in 5G, the MBMS session may be provided to each terminal device by a UE-specific beam. In such a case, it is possible to provide the MBMS service between the base station and the terminal device by changing the MCS. Furthermore, when the beam is blocked by an obstacle such as a person or a car entering between the base station and the terminal device, it may be necessary to switch the beam used for communication to that from another base station. There is. In such a case, an MCS different from the MCS used in the beam before the switching may be used for the beam after the switching, and the MCS before and after the switching may be discontinuous. Can be done.
[0090]
　(9) Feedback information from terminal device At
　present, in LTE MBMS, feedback information from the terminal device is not specified. There is a mixed mode in which both normal LTE and MBMS are operated, but in this case as well, feedback regarding MBMS is not specified as a standard.
[0091]
　<<3. Technical Features>> The technical features of the
　communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. As mentioned above, in MBMS in 5G, it is assumed that the MBMS service is provided for each terminal device. Therefore, the present disclosure focuses on a technique for enabling the MBMS service to be provided to each terminal device by a cell specific beam. More specifically, an example of a technique that makes it possible to control the MBMS service provision to Cell specific by providing a Cell specific beam in consideration of the position of the terminal device and the like is proposed.
[0092]
　(Basic Configuration)
　First, the basic configuration of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In a 5G network, it is possible to provide services using the millimeter wave band from 6 GHz to 100 GHz. The radio wave from 6 GHz to 100 GHz has a larger propagation loss than the radio wave in the frequency band used in the network based on the standard such as LTE, and it is difficult to reach the radio wave far. Therefore, a beam forming technique having a high antenna gain may supplement the propagation loss by concentrating the transmission energy in a specific direction. From such a background, in 5G, transmission of a control signal and a data signal using a beam having directivity by beam forming is being studied. In the following description, the beam having the directivity obtained by beam forming is also referred to as “directional beam” or simply “beam”.
[0093]
　On the other hand, the MBMS is equivalent to so-called broadcasting, and it is necessary to deliver the data to be broadcast (hereinafter, also referred to as “broadcast data”) to the terminal devices of an unspecified number of users. In conventional LTE, broadcast data is provided to each terminal device using an omnidirectional antenna. In 5G, broadcast data will be provided by the beam forming technique using a directional antenna as described above. Here, in a situation where broadcast data is provided by using UE-specific beams for each terminal device, if a large number of terminal devices exist within the communication range of the base station, It may be necessary to assign a beam to In such a case, a situation in which more frequency/time resources of the network are consumed can be assumed.
[0094]
　In view of the above situation, the present disclosure proposes an example of a technique for providing broadcast data (in other words, MBMS content) by using a beam common to each base station, that is, a cell specific beam. Information on a program to be broadcast (for example, information on a beam corresponding to a specific broadcast) is provided in a system information area included in a beam for beam sweeping for synchronization. More specifically, for example, for each program (that is, MBMS session), information indicating which beam of which subframe (subframe) is provided is provided.
[0095]
　In the related art (for example, LTE), as described with reference to FIG. 9, after information such as a subframe (Subframe) is provided, information indicating which program is included in the subframe is provided. Was offered. On the other hand, in 5G, after providing the information of the program first, it is notified for each program what kind of beam is used (in other words, by what kind of beam sweeping) the information is provided. Is desirable. With such a configuration, for example, even when the terminal device desired to be delivered is different for each program, setting of beam sweeping (for example, the period of beam sweeping, the number of beams provided by beam sweeping, It is also possible to optimize the beam direction provided by the beam sweeping, etc.) for the program.
[0096]
　In order to realize the above-described operation, for example, the resource configuration of beam sweeping may be associated with the MBMS session. An MBMS session is associated with one or more beam sweeping configurations capable of delivering the MBMS session. For example, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of information associated with an MBMS session. As shown in FIG. 10, first, an MBMS session is performed by system information included in a beam for transmitting a synchronization signal or the like (in other words, a beam transmitted in beam sweeping for synchronization). Is provided to the terminal device. In other words, the information regarding the MBMS session is provided in association with the system information. The information regarding the MBMS session includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, an MBMS session ID for identifying the corresponding program, a beam sweeping configuration, and the like. The information about the MBMS session corresponds to an example of “first information”. Further, in order to provide the terminal device with the information about the MBMS session, the information (for example, system information) that is commonly notified to a plurality of terminal devices and is associated with the information corresponds to an example of the “second information”. To do.
[0097]
　Next, the outline of the beam sweeping configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams for describing the outline of the beam sweeping configuration. As shown in FIG. 11, the base station sweeps a plurality of beams at predetermined intervals (for example, 10 ms or 20 ms) as if they were the light of a lighthouse. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, each beam transmitted by the scanning (beam sweeping) includes a synchronization signal which is a signal for synchronization, system information (System information), and the like. Each of the plurality of beams transmitted from one base station by one beam sweeping (that is, the plurality of beams belonging to the beam sweeping) includes system information indicating common contents. This is because it is not necessary to change the contents of the system information for each beam due to the characteristic that information is provided to an unspecified large number of terminal devices. Therefore, as the information regarding the MBMS session (MBMS session information) provided in association with the system information, information common to each beam is provided. In the above, the example of using the beam including the synchronization information has been described, but the beam may not include the synchronization signal as long as the beam is for providing system information.
[0098]
　In the examples shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, beam sweeping configuration information is provided for each MBMS session. Therefore, in addition to the beam sweeping for providing the information, the beam sweeping for each program indicated by the information is performed. For example, in the case of the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, beam sweeping for each program is performed by the number of MBMS sessions.
[0099]
　Here, with reference to FIG. 13, an outline of the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session includes, for example, a setting indicating when and in which resource beam sweeping is performed. That is, the beam sweeping configuration includes, for example, information on the timing of transmitting (irradiating) a beam in each of a plurality of directions, information on a frequency band available for communication using the beam, and the like.
[0100]
　As shown in FIG. 13, the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session includes the setting of when and in which resource the beam sweeping is performed. The example shown in FIG. 13 indicates that L beams are transmitted in one beam sweeping. The L beams are beams transmitted in different directions. Since it is difficult for the terminal device to recognize which of the L beams is a beam transmitted in its direction, the terminal device first attempts to receive all of the L beams. .. Then, the terminal device specifies a beam having a higher received power and capable of receiving the MBMS session desired to be distributed. Then, after that, the terminal device may receive the previously specified beam in synchronization with the period of the beam sweeping corresponding to the MBMS session. As shown in FIG. 13, the beam sweeping configuration for recognizing the time and frequency locations where the beam sweeping is performed is set by the number of MBMS sessions.
[0101]
　Here, with reference to FIG. 14, an example of a procedure for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam will be described, particularly focusing on the beam sweeping described above. FIG. 14 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam.
[0102]
　As shown in FIG. 14, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) first performs beam sweeping to provide system information. As a result, the base station 100 (notification unit 155) notifies the terminal device 200 of the system information. Accordingly, the terminal device 200 (information acquisition unit 243) can acquire the information regarding the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session from the system information notified from the base station 100 (S201).
[0103]
　After that, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) sequentially executes the beam sweeping corresponding to the program for each program (that is, the beam sweeping corresponding to the MBMS session) based on the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session ( S203a, S203b). Further, the base station 100 may periodically execute the beam sweeping for each program at a predetermined cycle (S205a, S205b).
[0104]
　Here, the procedure shown in FIG. 14 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam, and more specifically the procedure shown in FIG. 14 including the procedure related to MBMS. It is the sequence diagram shown. Note that, in FIG. 15, the procedures indicated by reference numerals S251 to S269 are substantially the same as the procedures indicated by reference numerals S121 to S139 in FIG. 7, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0105]
　When the target MBMS content is transferred (IP multicast) from the MB-SC 460 to the MBMS gateway 440 (S271), the MBMS content is IP multicast from the MBMS gateway 440 to the base station 100 (S271). Upon receiving the MBMS content from the MBMS gateway 440, the base station 100 first performs beam sweeping to provide system information (S275). The procedure indicated by reference numeral S275 corresponds to the procedure indicated by reference numeral S201 in FIG.
[0106]
　Next, the base station 100 sequentially executes the beam sweeping corresponding to the program (that is, the beam sweeping corresponding to the MBMS session) for each program based on the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session (S277a, S277b). Note that the procedures indicated by reference numerals S277a and S277b correspond to the procedures indicated by reference numerals S203a and S203b in FIG.
[0107]
　Next, when the MBMS content is transferred again from the MB-SC 460 to the MBMS gateway 440 (IP multicast) (S281), the MBMS content is IP multicast from the MBMS gateway 440 to the base station 100 in the same manner as above. (S283). Upon receiving the MBMS content from the MBMS gateway 440, the base station 100 executes the beam sweeping corresponding to the program again for each program based on the beam sweeping configuration for each MBMS session (S285a, S285b). The procedures indicated by reference numerals S285a and S285b correspond to the procedures indicated by reference numerals S205a and S205b in FIG.
[0108]
　The basic configuration of the communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to FIGS. 9 to 15.
[0109]
　　(Modification 1)
　Next, a modification of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, hereinafter, this modification will also be referred to as “modification 1”.
[0110]
　The beam sweeping performed to provide a program to a terminal device (that is, the beam sweeping performed to carry an MBMS session to the terminal device) is likely to occur in many cases when distribution to an unspecified number of terminal devices is assumed. It is desirable to use the beam to provide it in as many directions as possible. However, due to such control, limited frequency and time resources are wasted for the MBMS service, and the communication capacity for the normal unicast downlink may be limited. From such a background, in MBMS in 5G, it is important to configure the beam sweeping in a more suitable manner according to the tendency of the terminal device desiring to deliver.
[0111]
　Note that the function of a terminal device that requests distribution of an MBMS session (that is, a terminal device in which a user is interested in a program) to notify the base station is a function referred to as counting in LTE. Has been realized in. In this modification, the terminal device receiving the MBMS session notifies the base station of the information indicating in which direction the beam transmitted in the reception is used, and thus the extra beam sweeping is performed. We propose a technology to reduce the energy consumption.
[0112]
　Here, the outline of the difference between counting and beam identification (that is, information indicating which beam is used for reception) will be described. In counting, the terminal device notifies the base station of which program the terminal desires to be distributed. In LTE, since the MBMS session is distributed (that is, the broadcasting is carried out) by the omnidirectional antenna, the base station is informed about which beam the terminal device uses to distribute the program. I didn't need to notify you. In 5G, in addition to the information notified from the terminal device to the base station in the conventional counting (for example, the counting in LTE), for example, information indicating which beam the program should be received by is required.
[0113]
　In view of such a situation, in the communication system according to the present modification, the terminal device reports to the base station about MBMS beam sweeping (that is, beam report).
[0114]
　Specifically, first, the base station performs beam reference sweeping for MBMS in order to provide beams in as many directions as possible for each MBMS session. Each beam transmitted in beam reference sweeping includes a reference signal for measuring the received power of the beam. Different settings may be applied to the reference signal for each beam, or common settings may be applied to a plurality of beams.
[0115]
　The terminal device receives a beam transmitted by beam reference sweeping for MBMS, a desired beam for receiving the content of the program corresponding to the desired MBMS session, for example, based on RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) Identify. Then, the terminal device reports the beam ID of the specified beam to the base station (performs beam reporting). The information notified from the terminal device to the base station by the report corresponds to an example of “third information”. Moreover, in other words, the terminal device reports, as beam reporting, which beam is desired to deliver the content corresponding to the program by which beam. That is, like the above-mentioned reporting (beam reporting) from the terminal device to the base station, the information notified to the base station from the terminal device for the base station to perform counting is the request for the distribution of the content corresponding to the program. It can be said that this corresponds to an example.
[0116]
　The cycle of beam reference sweeping is preferably set to be longer than the cycle of beam sweeping (beam sweeping for MBMS session) for transmitting the content of the program corresponding to the MBMS session.
[0117]
　Further, the terminal device does not necessarily have to notify the beam ID for beam reference sweeping as beam reporting. For example, if any of the plurality of terminal devices reports the corresponding beam ID to the base station, the corresponding beam is used by the base station even if all of the plurality of terminal devices do not report the beam ID. This is because it becomes possible to recognize On the other hand, if at least some of the beams are not reported as beam reporting from any of the terminal devices, the base station supports the MBMS session using the beams. The content of the program to be played may not be provided. The determination may be set appropriately according to the implementation of the base station.
[0118]
　Here, the relationship between the beam reference sweeping and the beam sweeping for MBMS session will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between beam reference sweeping and beam sweeping for MBMS session. For example, the period of Beam reference sweeping is set to be every 1 sec, and the period of beam sweeping for MBMS session is set to be every 10 ms. The number Z of beams provided by beam reference sweeping is set to be equal to or larger than the number L of beams provided by beam sweeping for MBMS session (Z≧L). The beam reference sweeping corresponds to an example of “second scanning”, and the beam provided by the beam reference sweeping corresponds to an example of “second directional beam”. On the other hand, the beam sweeping for MBMS session corresponds to an example of “first scanning”, and the beam provided by the beam sweeping for MBMS session corresponds to an example of “first directional beam”.
[0119]
　Next, with reference to FIG. 17, an example of a procedure between a base station and a terminal device for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam in the communication system according to the present modification will be described. .. FIG. 17 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure between a base station and a terminal device for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam in the communication system according to the present modification. Is. Note that, for convenience, in the present description, a series of procedures will be described focusing on the case where the base station 100 distributes the MBMS content of the program corresponding to the MBMS session (1).
[0120]
　As shown in FIG. 17, first, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) performs beam sweeping to provide system information (S301). Next, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) performs beam reference sweeping for each program. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the base station 100 is performing beam reference sweeping on the program corresponding to the MBMS session (1) (S303). The terminal device 200 (measurement unit 245) measures the RSRP of each beam transmitted from the base station 100 by beam reference sweeping, and receives the content of the program corresponding to the MBMS session (1) according to the measurement result. To identify the desired beam. The terminal device 200 (notifying unit 247) reports the beam ID of the specified beam to the base station 100 (S305). Then, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) responds to the report from the terminal device 200, and performs beam sweeping for delivering the content of the program corresponding to the MBMS session (1) (that is, beam sweeping for MBMS session). ) Is executed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 10 ms) (S307a to S307d).
[0121]
　Further, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) performs beam reference sweeping for each program at a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 sec) (S309). In this case, the terminal device 200 again measures the RSRP of each beam transmitted from the base station 100 by beam reference sweeping, and reports to the base station 100 the beam ID of the beam specified according to the measurement result. (S311). In addition, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) executes the beam sweeping for MBMS session in response to the report from the terminal device 200 (S313a to S313d).
[0122]
　By the control as described above, the base station 100 is a beam for distributing the content of the program for each program (in other words, for each MBMS session) according to the distribution of the terminal devices 200 desiring to distribute the program. It is also possible to limit the sweeping (for example, to limit the beam transmission direction, the number of beams, etc.). That is, according to the communication system according to the first modification, a situation in which extra beam sweeping is performed (for example, a situation in which a beam is transmitted in a direction in which the terminal device 200 desiring distribution does not exist). It is possible to reduce the frequency of occurrence of. As a result, according to the communication system of the present modification, it is possible to optimize the use of frequency and time resources in the entire system depending on the situation.
[0123]
　　(Modification 2)
　Next, another modification of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, hereinafter, this modification will also be referred to as “modification 2”.
[0124]
　In Modification 1, the measurement result (for example, the RSRP measurement result) using the reference signal (Reference signal) included in the beam transmitted in the beam reference sweeping is reported from the terminal device to the base station as beam reporting. It was
[0125]
　On the other hand, when the terminal device sends a notification such as beam reporting to the base station, it needs to be in a state called RRC Connected, that is, a state in which the terminal device and the base station can communicate with each other. That is, when the terminal device is in a state in which UL communication between the terminal device and the base station, which is called RRC Idle, is restricted, the terminal device performs RRC Idle for beam reporting. It becomes necessary to change the state from RRC Connected to.
[0126]
　On the other hand, in order to change the state from RRC Idle to RRC Connected, predetermined signaling between the terminal device and the base station is required. The situation in which signaling occurs due to such a state transition can be a heavy burden for a terminal device that desires to receive the MBMS service by using only the DL while keeping the RRC Idle state. Further, in a situation where an unspecified number of terminal devices are provided with the MBMS service (that is, a situation where the MBMS content is delivered), UL resources are allocated to a plurality of the terminal devices for beam reporting. It may be assumed that the UL throughput may be reduced due to the individual allocation.
[0127]
　In view of such a situation, in the communication system according to the present modification, the terminal device uses the Random Access Procedure to perform beam reporting. Specifically, in the communication system according to the present modification, the terminal device receives the beam transmitted from the base station in Beam reference sweeping, and an area (window) for performing beam reporting to the base station is provided. It is provided. Based on such a configuration, the terminal device transmits UL by using a different sequence for each beam ID within the range of the window. In such a configuration, UL transmissions from a plurality of terminal devices may collide within the window. Even in such a case, it is possible to separate those having different sequences. Further, it may be assumed that a plurality of terminal devices perform beam reporting on the same beam ID. In such a case, since the same sequence is used for the same beam ID, collision of UL transmission from each of the plurality of terminal devices may occur. Even in such a case, the base station can recognize that at least one terminal device desires to provide the MBMS service by the beam indicated by the beam ID. It doesn't matter.
[0128]
　Here, with reference to FIG. 18, an example of a procedure between a base station and a terminal device for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam in the communication system according to the present modification will be described. To do. FIG. 18 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an example of a procedure between a base station and a terminal device for providing a program to each terminal device using a directional beam in the communication system according to the present modification. Is. Note that, for convenience, in the present description, a series of procedures will be described focusing on the case where the base station 100 distributes the MBMS content of the program corresponding to the MBMS session (1).
[0129]
　As shown in FIG. 18, first, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) performs beam sweeping to provide system information (S351). Next, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) performs beam reference sweeping for each program. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the base station 100 is performing beam reference sweeping on the program corresponding to the MBMS session (1) (S353). The terminal device 200 (measurement unit 245) measures the RSRP of each beam transmitted from the base station 100 by beam reference sweeping, and receives the content of the program corresponding to the MBMS session (1) according to the measurement result. To identify the desired beam. The terminal device 200 (notifying unit 247) performs beam reporting using a sequence corresponding to the beam ID of the identified beam within the range of the window provided for performing beam reporting (S355). As a result, the beam ID is reported from the terminal device 200 to the base station 100.
[0130]
　The subsequent processing is the same as the example described with reference to FIG. That is, the procedures indicated by reference numerals S357a to S357d and S363a to S363d are substantially the same as the reference numerals S307a to 307d and S313a to S313d in FIG. Further, similarly to the example illustrated in FIG. 17, the base station 100 (communication control unit 151) may perform beam reference sweeping for each program at a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 sec) (S359). In this case, when the terminal device 200 is in the RRC Connected state, for example, the terminal device 200 may perform beam reporting in the same manner as the procedure indicated by reference numeral S311 in FIG. Further, when the terminal device 200 is in the RRC Idle state, it may perform beam reporting as in the procedure indicated by reference numeral S355.
[0131]
　By the control as described above, the terminal device 200 can perform beam reporting to the base station 100 while keeping the RRC Idle state. Therefore, since the terminal device 200 does not need to transit to the RRC connected state in order to perform beam reporting, the processing load on the terminal device 200 can be reduced. Further, since the terminal device 200 does not need to transit to the RRC connected state in order to perform beam reporting, the frequency of signaling for transiting from the RRC Idle state to the RRC connected state is reduced, and accompanying the signaling. It is also possible to suppress a decrease in UL throughput.
[0132]
　　(Modification 3)
　Next, another modification of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, hereinafter, this modification will also be referred to as “modification 3”.
[0133]
　In the first modification and the second modification, an example in which beam reference sweeping is performed for each MBMS session (that is, for each program) has been described. On the other hand, in the present modified example, an example of a technique for reducing the number of beams used for the beam reference sweeping by sharing the beam reference sweeping between different MBMS sessions will be described.
[0134]
　As described above, when performing the beam reporting, the terminal device notifies the base station of the MBMS session ID corresponding to the program desired to be distributed and the beam ID of the beam used to distribute the content of the program. The terminal device in the RRC connected state can easily include the above MBMS session ID and beam ID in the beam report.
[0135]
　On the other hand, as described as the second modification, when applying the method of transmitting a sequence in the Random Access Procedure, the window for transmitting the sequence is set for each of the above MBMS session ID and beam ID. The sequence for each MBMS session ID and beam ID may be separately transmitted by dividing into a plurality of areas.
[0136]
　For example, FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the communication system according to the present modification, in which the window for transmitting a sequence in the Random Access Procedure is divided into regions for each MBMS session ID and beam ID. An example of a method is shown. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the window is divided into a plurality of regions in the frequency direction and the time direction by TDM and FDM, and a combination of an MBMS session ID and a beam ID is associated with each divided region. ing.
[0137]
　That is, the terminal device is used to distribute the content of the program selected from the resources corresponding to the program (in other words, MBMS session ID) desired to be distributed among the windows set as the resources for performing beam reporting. Select the resource corresponding to the beam to be used. Then, the terminal device uses the selected resource to perform UL transmission using a predetermined sequence in the Random Access Procedure. In this case, all terminal devices report using a common sequence regardless of the program desired to be distributed and the beam used to distribute the content of the program (that is, the sequence transmission is performed). It is also possible.
[0138]
　With the above-described control, according to the communication system according to the present modification, beam reference sweeping is shared between different MBMS sessions, so that the number of beams used for the beam reference sweeping can be further reduced. It will be possible. With this, according to the communication system according to the present modification, it is possible to optimize the resources used for communication in the entire system.
[0139]
　　(Modification 4)
　Next, another modification of the communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that, hereinafter, this modification will also be referred to as “modification 4”.
[0140]
　In Modifications 1 to 3, an example in which the terminal device performs beam reporting every time beam reference sweeping is performed has been described. On the other hand, in the present modified example, an example of a technique will be described in which any one of a plurality of terminal devices performs beam reporting as necessary, thereby further reducing the load on the terminal device associated with the beam reporting.
[0141]
　Specifically, when a beam ID (that is, beam reporting) of a beam ID (that is, a beam used to deliver the program) for a certain session ID (program) is reported from any terminal device to the base station, The other terminal devices do not necessarily have to make the same report (in other words, a request regarding the distribution of the content using the corresponding beam). This is because at least some terminal devices report a beam ID for a certain session ID, and the base station at least delivers the program corresponding to the session ID by the beam corresponding to the beam ID. This is because it is possible to recognize that the desired terminal device exists. On the other hand, in order to realize the above-described control, the terminal device sets a program desired to be distributed (in other words, a session ID) and a beam used in distribution of the program (in other words, a beam ID). For the combination, it is necessary to recognize whether beam reporting has already been performed (in other words, beam usage status for each program).
[0142]
　In view of the above situation, in the communication system according to the present modification, the base station provides the terminal device with information indicating the beam use status of each program, such as system information (system information). To be provided in association with information commonly notified to a plurality of terminal devices.
[0143]
　For example, FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the communication system according to the present modification, and schematically illustrates an example of the information provided from the base station to the terminal device, which indicates the usage status of the beam for each program. Is shown in. Note that the information indicating the usage status of the beam for each program as illustrated in FIG. 20 corresponds to an example of “fourth information”.
[0144]
　In FIG. 20, the information indicated as “In use” indicates that for the MBMS session associated with the information, the delivery of the content by the beam associated with the information is ongoing.
[0145]
　In addition, the information indicated as "Beam reporting is required" indicates that the MBMS session associated with the information is being delivered by the beam associated with the information, but the content is delivered within a predetermined period. Is likely to be stopped. That is, it indicates that the delivery of the content corresponding to the MBMS session using the beam is stopped if beam reporting is not performed from any of the terminal devices within the period.
[0146]
　In addition, regarding information other than the above (that is, information that is not hatched), for the MBMS session associated with the information, it is determined that the content is not distributed by the beam associated with the information. Showing.
[0147]
　Based on such a configuration, for example, when the terminal device does not want to stop the distribution of the content based on the setting (that is, the session ID and the beam ID) associated with the information indicated as “Beam reporting is required”. For that, beam reporting corresponding to the setting may be performed. Specifically, the terminal device may measure the reference signal in the beam transmitted by beam reference sweeping and perform beam reporting according to the result of the measurement. In this case, the base station may update the information corresponding to the session ID and the beam ID indicated by the beam reporting transmitted from the terminal device, from “Beam reporting is required” to “In use”. .. The beam transmitted by the beam reference sweeping can be received by any terminal device within the communication range (cell), and thus corresponds to a cell specific beam.
[0148]
　With the control as described above, the terminal device can recognize the use status of the beam for distributing the program to itself for the program desired to be distributed, based on the information provided from the base station. Thereby, the terminal device may perform beam reporting to the base station only when, for example, the distribution of the content of the program using the beam is stopped or may be stopped. This makes it possible to further reduce the load on the terminal device by performing beam reporting.
[0149]
　<<4. Application Examples>>
　The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various products. For example, the base station 100 may be implemented as an eNB (evolved Node B) of any type such as a macro eNB or a small eNB. A small eNB may be an eNB that covers a cell smaller than a macro cell, such as a pico eNB, a micro eNB or a home (femto) eNB. Instead, the base station 100 may be realized as another type of base station such as a NodeB or a BTS (Base Transceiver Station). The base station 100 may include a main body (also referred to as a base station device) that controls wireless communication, and one or more RRHs (Remote Radio Heads) that are arranged in different locations from the main body. Further, various types of terminals described below may operate as the base station 100 by temporarily or semi-permanently executing the base station function. Furthermore, at least a part of the components of the base station 100 may be implemented in a base station device or a module for the base station device.
[0150]
　Further, for example, the terminal device 200 is a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a portable game terminal, a mobile terminal such as a portable/dongle type mobile router or a digital camera, or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation device. May be realized as. In addition, the terminal device 200 may be realized as a terminal that performs M2M (Machine To Machine) communication (also referred to as an MTC (Machine Type Communication) terminal). Also, the terminal device 200 may be realized as a so-called low-cost terminal such as an MTC terminal, an eMTC terminal, an NB-IoT terminal, or the like. Further, at least some of the constituent elements of the terminal device 200 may be realized by a module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured by one die) mounted on these terminals.
[0151]
　　<4.1. Application Example Regarding Base Station>
　(First Application Example)
　FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing a first example of a schematic configuration of an eNB to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The eNB 800 has one or more antennas 810 and a base station device 820. Each antenna 810 and the base station device 820 can be connected to each other via an RF cable.
[0152]
　Each of the antennas 810 has a single or a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of antenna elements forming a MIMO antenna), and is used for the base station apparatus 820 to transmit and receive radio signals. The eNB 800 has a plurality of antennas 810 as shown in FIG. 21, and the plurality of antennas 810 may correspond to a plurality of frequency bands used by the eNB 800, respectively. Note that FIG. 21 shows an example in which the eNB 800 has a plurality of antennas 810, but the eNB 800 may have a single antenna 810.
[0153]
　The base station device 820 includes a controller 821, a memory 822, a network interface 823, and a wireless communication interface 825.
[0154]
　The controller 821 may be, for example, a CPU or a DSP, and operates various functions of the upper layer of the base station device 820. For example, the controller 821 generates a data packet from the data in the signal processed by the wireless communication interface 825, and transfers the generated packet via the network interface 823. The controller 821 may generate a bundled packet by bundling data from a plurality of baseband processors, and may transfer the generated bundled packet. In addition, the controller 821 is a logic that executes control such as radio resource management (Radio Resource Control), radio bearer control (Radio Bearer Control), mobility management (Mobility Management), admission control (Scheduling), and the like. It may have a general function. In addition, the control may be executed in cooperation with a peripheral eNB or core network node. The memory 822 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores a program executed by the controller 821 and various control data (for example, a terminal list, transmission power data, scheduling data, etc.).
[0155]
　The network interface 823 is a communication interface for connecting the base station device 820 to the core network 824. Controller 821 may communicate with core network nodes or other eNBs via network interface 823. In that case, the eNB 800 and the core network node or another eNB may be connected to each other by a logical interface (for example, the S1 interface or the X2 interface). The network interface 823 may be a wired communication interface or a wireless communication interface for wireless backhaul. When 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.
[0156]
　The wireless communication interface 825 supports a cellular communication scheme such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or LTE-Advanced, and provides a wireless connection to a terminal located in the cell of the eNB 800 via the antenna 810. The wireless communication interface 825 may typically include a baseband (BB) processor 826, an RF circuit 827, and the like. The BB processor 826 may perform, for example, encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, multiplexing/demultiplexing, and the like, and each layer (for example, L1, MAC (Medium Access Control), RLC (Radio Link Control), and PDCP). (Packet Data Convergence Protocol). The BB processor 826 may have some or all of the logical functions described above instead of the controller 821. The BB processor 826 may be a module that includes a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and a related circuit. The function of the BB processor 826 may be changed by updating the program. Good. Further, the module may be a card or a blade inserted into the slot of the base station device 820, or a chip mounted on the card or the blade. On the other hand, the RF circuit 827 may include a mixer, a filter, an amplifier, and the like, and transmits and receives a wireless signal through the antenna 810.
[0157]
　The wireless communication interface 825 includes a plurality of BB processors 826 as shown in FIG. 21, and the plurality of BB processors 826 may respectively correspond to a plurality of frequency bands used by the eNB 800, for example. The wireless communication interface 825 may include a plurality of RF circuits 827 as shown in FIG. 21, and the plurality of RF circuits 827 may correspond to, for example, a plurality of antenna elements. Note that although FIG. 21 shows an example in which the wireless communication interface 825 includes a plurality of BB processors 826 and a plurality of RF circuits 827, the wireless communication interface 825 includes a single BB processor 826 or a single RF circuit 827. But it's okay.
[0158]
　In the eNB 800 illustrated in FIG. 21, one or more components (at least one of the communication control unit 151, the information acquisition unit 153, and the notification unit 155) included in the processing unit 150 described with reference to FIG. , May be implemented in the wireless communication interface 825. Alternatively, at least some of these components may be implemented in controller 821. As an example, the eNB 800 includes a module including a part (for example, the BB processor 826) or all of the wireless communication interface 825 and/or the controller 821, and even if the one or more components are mounted in the module. Good. In this case, the module stores a program for causing the processor to function as the one or more components (in other words, a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the one or more components), and You may run the program. As another example, even if a program for causing the processor to function as one or more components described above is installed in the eNB 800 and the wireless communication interface 825 (for example, the BB processor 826) and/or the controller 821 executes the program. Good. As described above, the eNB 800, the base station device 820 or the module may be provided as a device including the one or more components, and a program for causing a processor to function as the one or more components is provided. May be. A readable recording medium recording the above program may be provided.
[0159]
　Further, in the eNB 800 illustrated in FIG. 21, the wireless communication unit 120 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be mounted in the wireless communication interface 825 (for example, the RF circuit 827). The antenna unit 110 may be mounted on the antenna 810. Further, the network communication unit 130 may be implemented in the controller 821 and/or the network interface 823. The storage unit 140 may be implemented in the memory 822.
[0160]
　(Second Application Example)
　FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a second example of a schematic configuration of an eNB to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The eNB 830 has one or more antennas 840, a base station device 850, and an RRH 860. Each antenna 840 and RRH 860 may be connected to each other via an RF cable. Further, the base station device 850 and the RRH 860 can be connected to each other by a high speed line such as an optical fiber cable.
[0161]
　Each of the antennas 840 has a single or a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of antenna elements forming a MIMO antenna), and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals by the RRH 860. The eNB 830 includes a plurality of antennas 840 as illustrated in FIG. 22, and the plurality of antennas 840 may correspond to a plurality of frequency bands used by the eNB 830, respectively. Note that FIG. 22 shows an example in which the eNB 830 has a plurality of antennas 840, but the eNB 830 may have a single antenna 840.
[0162]
　The base station device 850 includes a controller 851, a memory 852, a network interface 853, a wireless communication interface 855, and a connection interface 857. The controller 851, the memory 852, and the network interface 853 are the same as the controller 821, the memory 822, and the network interface 823 described with reference to FIG.
[0163]
　The wireless communication interface 855 supports a cellular communication scheme such as LTE or LTE-Advanced, and provides a wireless connection to a terminal located in a sector corresponding to the RRH 860 via the RRH 860 and the antenna 840. The wireless communication interface 855 may typically include a BB processor 856 or the like. The BB processor 856 is similar to the BB processor 826 described with reference to FIG. 21 except that the BB processor 856 is connected to the RF circuit 864 of the RRH 860 via the connection interface 857. The wireless communication interface 855 includes a plurality of BB processors 856 as shown in FIG. 21, and the plurality of BB processors 856 may correspond to a plurality of frequency bands used by the eNB 830, respectively. Although the example in which the wireless communication interface 855 includes a plurality of BB processors 856 is shown in FIG. 22, the wireless communication interface 855 may include a single BB processor 856.
[0164]
　The connection interface 857 is an interface for connecting the base station device 850 (radio communication interface 855) to the RRH 860. The connection interface 857 may be a communication module for communication on the high-speed line connecting the base station device 850 (radio communication interface 855) and the RRH 860.
[0165]
　The RRH 860 also includes a connection interface 861 and a wireless communication interface 863.
[0166]
　The connection interface 861 is an interface for connecting the RRH 860 (radio communication interface 863) to the base station device 850. The connection interface 861 may be a communication module for communication on the high speed line.
[0167]
　The wireless communication interface 863 transmits and receives wireless signals via the antenna 840. The wireless communication interface 863 may typically include an RF circuit 864 or the like. The RF circuit 864 may include a mixer, a filter, an amplifier, and the like, and transmits and receives a wireless signal through the antenna 840. The wireless communication interface 863 includes a plurality of RF circuits 864 as shown in FIG. 22, and the plurality of RF circuits 864 may correspond to, for example, a plurality of antenna elements. 22 shows the example in which the wireless communication interface 863 includes a plurality of RF circuits 864, the wireless communication interface 863 may include a single RF circuit 864.
[0168]
　In the eNB 830 illustrated in FIG. 22, one or more components (at least one of the communication control unit 151, the information acquisition unit 153, and the notification unit 155) included in the processing unit 150 described with reference to FIG. , Wireless communication interface 855 and/or wireless communication interface 863. Alternatively, at least some of these components may be implemented in controller 851. As an example, the eNB 830 includes a module including a part (for example, the BB processor 856) or all of the wireless communication interface 855 and/or the controller 851, and the one or more components may be mounted in the module. Good. In this case, the module stores a program for causing the processor to function as the one or more components (in other words, a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the one or more components), and You may run the program. As another example, a program for causing a processor to function as one or more components described above is installed in the eNB 830, and the wireless communication interface 855 (for example, the BB processor 856) and/or the controller 851 executes the program. Good. As described above, the eNB 830, the base station device 850, or the module may be provided as a device including the one or more components, and a program for causing a processor to function as the one or more components is provided. May be. A readable recording medium recording the above program may be provided.
[0169]
　Further, in the eNB 830 illustrated in FIG. 22, for example, the wireless communication unit 120 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 863 (for example, the RF circuit 864). In addition, the antenna unit 110 may be mounted on the antenna 840. Further, the network communication unit 130 may be implemented in the controller 851 and/or the network interface 853. Further, the storage unit 140 may be implemented in the memory 852.
[0170]
　　<4.2. Application Example Regarding Terminal Device>
　(First Application Example)
　FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone 900 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a 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, and one or more antenna switches 915. It comprises one or more antennas 916, a bus 917, a battery 918 and an auxiliary controller 919.
[0171]
　The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU or a SoC (System on Chip), and controls the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900. The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901. The storage 903 may include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a memory card or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) device to the smartphone 900.
[0172]
　The camera 906 has, for example, an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), 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 converts a voice input to the smartphone 900 into a voice signal. The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 910, a keypad, a keyboard, a button or a switch, and receives an operation or information input from a user. The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and displays the output image of the smartphone 900. The speaker 911 converts the audio signal output from the smartphone 900 into audio.
[0173]
　The wireless communication interface 912 supports a cellular communication method such as LTE or LTE-Advanced and executes wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 912 may typically include a BB processor 913, an RF circuit 914, and the like. The BB processor 913 may perform, for example, encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, multiplexing/demultiplexing, and the like, and performs various signal processing for wireless communication. On the other hand, the RF circuit 914 may include a mixer, a filter, an amplifier, and the like, and transmits and receives a wireless signal through the antenna 916. The wireless communication interface 912 may be a one-chip module in which the BB processor 913 and the RF circuit 914 are integrated. The wireless communication interface 912 may include a plurality of BB processors 913 and a plurality of RF circuits 914 as shown in FIG. Although FIG. 23 shows an example in which the wireless communication interface 912 includes a plurality of BB processors 913 and a plurality of RF circuits 914, the wireless communication interface 912 includes a single BB processor 913 or a single RF circuit 914. But it's okay.
[0174]
　Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 912 may support other types of wireless communication systems such as a short-range wireless communication system, a close proximity wireless communication system or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system in addition to the cellular communication system, In that case, a BB processor 913 and an RF circuit 914 for each wireless communication system may be included.
[0175]
　Each of the antenna switches 915 switches the connection destination of the antenna 916 among a plurality of circuits (for example, circuits for different wireless communication systems) included in the wireless communication interface 912.
[0176]
　Each of the antennas 916 has a single or a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of antenna elements forming a MIMO antenna), and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals by the radio communication interface 912. The smartphone 900 may have a plurality of antennas 916 as shown in FIG. Note that FIG. 23 shows an example in which the smartphone 900 has a plurality of antennas 916, but the smartphone 900 may have a single antenna 916.
[0177]
　Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may include an antenna 916 for each wireless communication method. In that case, the antenna switch 915 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.
[0178]
　The bus 917 connects the processor 901, 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 to each other. .. The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 23 via a power supply line partially shown by a broken line in the figure. The auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900 in the sleep mode, for example.
[0179]
　In the smartphone 900 illustrated in FIG. 23, one or more components (the communication control unit 241, the information acquisition unit 243, the measurement unit 245, and the notification unit 247 included in the processing unit 240 described with reference to FIG. At least one) may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 912. Alternatively, at least some of these components may be implemented in processor 901 or auxiliary controller 919. As an example, the smartphone 900 includes a module including a part (eg, the BB processor 913) or all of the wireless communication interface 912, the processor 901, and/or the auxiliary controller 919, and the one or more constituent elements in the module. May be implemented. In this case, the module stores a program for causing the processor to function as the one or more components (in other words, a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the one or more components), and You may run the program. As another example, a program for causing a processor to function as one or more components described above is installed in the smartphone 900, and the wireless communication interface 912 (for example, the BB processor 913), the processor 901, and/or the auxiliary controller 919 is included. You may run the program. As described above, the smartphone 900 or the module may be provided as an apparatus including the one or more components, and a program for causing the processor to function as the one or more components may be provided. A readable recording medium recording the above program may be provided.
[0180]
　Further, in the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 23, for example, the wireless communication unit 220 described with reference to FIG. 3 may be mounted in the wireless communication interface 912 (for example, the RF circuit 914). The antenna unit 210 may be mounted on the antenna 916. Further, the storage unit 230 may be implemented in the memory 902.
[0181]
　(Second Application Example)
　FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device 920 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The car navigation device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, a storage medium interface 928, an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931 and wireless communication. Interface 933, one or more antenna switches 936, one or more antennas 937 and a battery 938.
[0182]
　The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or a SoC, and controls the navigation function and other functions of the car navigation device 920. The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data executed by the processor 921.
[0183]
　The GPS module 924 measures the position (eg, latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the car navigation device 920 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 the vehicle-mounted network 941 via, for example, a terminal (not shown) and acquires data generated on the vehicle side such as vehicle speed data.
[0184]
　The content player 927 plays the content stored in the storage medium (eg, CD or DVD) inserted in the storage medium interface 928. The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 930, a button, or a switch, and receives an operation or information input from a user. The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or an OLED display, and displays a navigation function or an image of reproduced content. The speaker 931 outputs the sound of the navigation function or the reproduced content.
[0185]
　The wireless communication interface 933 supports a cellular communication system such as LTE or LTE-Advanced and executes wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 933 may typically include a BB processor 934, an RF circuit 935, and the like. The BB processor 934 may perform, for example, encoding/decoding, modulation/demodulation, multiplexing/demultiplexing, and the like, and perform various signal processing for wireless communication. On the other hand, the RF circuit 935 may include a mixer, a filter, an amplifier, and the like, and transmits and receives a wireless signal through the antenna 937. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a one-chip module in which the BB processor 934 and the RF circuit 935 are integrated. The wireless communication interface 933 may include a plurality of BB processors 934 and a plurality of RF circuits 935 as shown in FIG. Although the wireless communication interface 933 includes a plurality of BB processors 934 and a plurality of RF circuits 935 in FIG. 24, the wireless communication interface 933 includes a single BB processor 934 or a single RF circuit 935. But it's okay.
[0186]
　Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication systems such as a short-range wireless communication system, a close proximity wireless communication system, and a wireless LAN system in addition to the cellular communication system. A BB processor 934 and an RF circuit 935 for each communication method may be included.
[0187]
　Each of the antenna switches 936 switches a connection destination of the antenna 937 among a plurality of circuits (for example, circuits for different wireless communication systems) included in the wireless communication interface 933.
[0188]
　Each of the antennas 937 has a single or a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of antenna elements forming a MIMO antenna), and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals by the radio communication interface 933. The car navigation device 920 may have a plurality of antennas 937 as shown in FIG. Although FIG. 24 shows an example in which the car navigation device 920 has a plurality of antennas 937, the car navigation device 920 may have a single antenna 937.
[0189]
　Further, the car navigation device 920 may include an antenna 937 for each wireless communication system. In that case, the antenna switch 936 may be omitted from the configuration of the car navigation device 920.
[0190]
　The battery 938 supplies electric power to each block of the car navigation device 920 shown in FIG. 24 through a power supply line partially shown by a broken line in the figure. Further, the battery 938 stores electric power supplied from the vehicle side.
[0191]
　In the car navigation device 920 shown in FIG. 24, one or more components (communication control unit 241, information acquisition unit 243, measurement unit 245, and notification unit 247 included in the processing unit 240 described with reference to FIG. And/or the like) may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. Alternatively, at least some of these components may be implemented in processor 921. As an example, the car navigation device 920 includes a module including a part (for example, the BB processor 934) or all of the wireless communication interface 933 and/or the processor 921, and the one or more components described above are mounted in the module. May be. In this case, the module stores a program for causing the processor to function as the one or more components (in other words, a program for causing the processor to execute the operation of the one or more components), and You may run the program. As another example, a program for causing a processor to function as the one or more components is installed in the car navigation device 920, and the wireless communication interface 933 (eg, BB processor 934) and/or the processor 921 executes the program. You may. As described above, the car navigation device 920 or the module may be provided as the device including the one or more constituent elements, and the program for causing the processor to function as the one or more constituent elements may be provided. Good. A readable recording medium recording the above program may be provided.
[0192]
　Further, in the car navigation device 920 shown in FIG. 24, for example, the wireless communication unit 220 described with reference to FIG. 3 may be mounted in the wireless communication interface 933 (for example, the RF circuit 935). The antenna unit 210 may be mounted on the antenna 937. The storage unit 230 may be implemented in the memory 922.
[0193]
　Further, the technology according to the present disclosure may be realized as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the car navigation device 920 described above, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. That is, the in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 may be provided as an apparatus including at least one of the communication control unit 241, the information acquisition unit 243, the measurement unit 245, and the notification unit 247. The vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, or failure information, and outputs the generated data to the vehicle-mounted network 941.
[0194]
　<<5. Conclusion>> As
　described above, in the communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the base station communicates information related to the MBMS session (for example, information such as timing at which beams are transmitted in each of a plurality of directions). The terminal device is notified in association with information (for example, system information) commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the range. The terminal device controls so that the content of the desired program is received based on the information notified from the base station. As a specific example, the terminal device recognizes the timing at which the beam for transmitting the content of the desired program is transmitted toward itself based on the information notified from the base station, and the terminal device recognizes the timing according to the timing. Receive content.
[0195]
　With the above configuration, the base station efficiently distributes the content of the program (MBMS content) desired to be distributed by the terminal device to each terminal device within the communication range by using the UE specific beam. It becomes possible to do. With such a configuration, according to the communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve utilization efficiency of network resources, that is, efficiently accommodate a terminal device desiring to deliver MBMS content. It becomes possible to do. Therefore, according to the communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an effect of further improving the throughput of the entire system can be expected.
[0196]
　Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is understood that the above also naturally belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure.
[0197]
　Further, the effects described in the present specification are merely illustrative or exemplary, and are not limiting. That is, the technology according to the present disclosure can exert other effects that are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of the present specification, in addition to or instead of the above effects.
[0198]
　Note that the following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.
(1) A
　communication unit that performs wireless communication,
　a control unit that controls distribution of content for each program using
　a directional beam, and first information regarding timing when the directional beam is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions. A communication unit that notifies the terminal device of the first information by associating it with the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range
　.
(2)
　The communication device according to (1), wherein the first information includes information about resources allocated according to the timing.
(3)
　The communication device according to (1) or (2), wherein the second information is system information.
(4) The
　control unit, after the first information is notified to the terminal device, uses the directional beam individually assigned to each of the one or more programs to display the content corresponding to the program. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (3), which controls to perform scanning of the directional beam for distribution.
(5)
　The communication device according to (4), wherein the control unit individually controls the scanning of the directional beam for each program.
(6)
　In the above (5), at least one of the scanning cycle, the number of the directional beams transmitted in the scanning, and the direction in which the directional beam is transmitted in the scanning is set for each program. The communication device described.
(7) The
　control unit, prior to execution of the first scan, which is the scan, includes a second directional beam that is different from the first directional beam that is the directional beam used for distributing the content of each program. It controls so that the second scanning of the directional beam is executed
　, and based on the third information notified from the terminal device according to the reception result of the second directional beam,
　The communication device according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the first directional beam for transmitting the content of each program to the terminal device is determined from the inside .
(8)
　The communication device according to (7), wherein the control unit controls the second scanning so that the second scanning is commonly executed for a plurality of the programs.
(9)
　The communication device according to (7) or (8), wherein the cycle of the second scan is set to be longer than the cycle of the first scan.
(10) The
　number of the second directional beams transmitted in the second scan is set to be equal to or more than the number of the first directional beams transmitted in the first scan, The communication device according to any one of (7) to (9).
(11)
　An acquisition unit that acquires, from each of the one or more terminal devices within the communication range, a request regarding distribution of content for at least some of the one or more programs for each of the directional beams used for the distribution of the content. the provided,
　the notification unit, the fourth information in response to the acquired status of the request of each of the directional beams for each one or more of the program, in association with the second information notified to the terminal device, 　The communication device according to any one of (1) to (10)
　,
wherein the acquisition unit acquires the request from the terminal device after the fourth information is notified to the terminal device.
(12) The 　base in which the
　communication unit that performs wireless communication
is associated with the first information regarding the timing at which the directional beam used for distributing the content of each program is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions from the base station. An acquisition unit for acquiring second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range of the station, and
　a content for each program is received based on the acquired first information. A control
　device for controlling the communication device.
(13) A
　first directional beam that is transmitted from the base station and is different from the first directional beam that is the directional beam used to distribute the content for each program, and receives a second directional beam that is different from the first directional beam. A notification unit for notifying the information of 3 to the base station,

　The communication device according to (12) 　, wherein the control unit controls, after the notification of the third information, to receive the content for each program by using the first directional beam .
(14)
　The communication device according to (13), wherein the notification unit notifies the base station of the third information in a procedure for establishing communication with the base station.
(15) The
　notifying unit notifies the base station of the third information corresponding to the first directional beam based on a different sequence for each of the first directional beams. The communication device described.
(16)
　The communication device according to (14) or (15), wherein the notification unit controls the base station to be notified of the third information within a predetermined window.
(17)
　The communication device according to (16), wherein the window is set for each of the first directional beams.
(18) 　First information on a
　computer
　performing wireless communication,
　controlling distribution of content for each program using
a directional beam, and timing of transmitting the directional beam in each of a plurality of directions Is associated with the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range, thereby notifying the terminal device of the first information
　.
(19) The
　computer
　performs wireless communication, and the
　base station associates the first information regarding the timing at which the directional beam used for distributing the content of each program is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions, Obtaining the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range of the base station, and
　receiving the content for each program based on the obtained first information. Controlling,
　and a communication method.
(20) 　First information on 　performing wireless communication with a
　computer, 　controlling distribution of content for each program using a directional beam, and timing of transmitting the directional beam in each of a plurality of directions Is associated with the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range, thereby notifying the terminal device of the first information 　. (21) The 　computer is associated with the 　wireless communication and 　the first information relating to the timing at which the directional beam used for distributing the content of each program is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions from the base station, Acquiring second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range of the base station;

　And controlling to receive the content of each program based on the acquired first information
　.
Explanation of symbols
[0199]
　1 system
　10 cell
　40 core network
　50 packet data network
　60 application server
　100 base station
　110 antenna unit
　120 wireless communication unit
　130 network communication unit
　140 storage unit
　150 processing unit
　151 communication control unit
　153 information acquisition unit
　155 notification unit
　200 terminal device
　210 antenna Unit
　220 Wireless communication unit
　230 Storage unit
　240 Processing unit
　241 Communication control unit
　243 Information acquisition unit
　245 Measuring unit
　247 Notification unit
　300 MEC server
The scope of the claims
[Claim 1]
　The communication unit that performs wireless communication,
　the control unit that controls the distribution of content for each program using
　the directional beam, and the first information regarding the timing at which the directional beam is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions are included in the communication range. A communication unit that notifies the terminal device of the first information by associating it with the second information that is commonly notified to one or more terminal devices in
　the communication device.
[Claim 2]
　The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes information regarding resources allocated according to the timing.
[Claim 3]
　The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second information is system information.
[Claim 4]
　After the first information is notified to the terminal device, the control unit uses the directional beam individually assigned to each of the one or more programs to deliver the content corresponding to the program. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device controls the scanning of the directional beam.
[Claim 5]
　The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit individually controls the scanning of the directional beam for each program.
[Claim 6]
　The at least one of the scanning cycle, the number of the directional beams transmitted in the scanning, and the direction in which the directional beam is transmitted in the scanning is set for each program. Communication device.
[Claim 7]
　The control unit, prior to execution of the first scan, which is the scan, includes a second directional beam that is different from the first directional beam that is the directional beam used for distributing the content of each program. Of the
　plurality of directional beams is controlled based on the third information notified from the terminal device according to the reception result of the second directional beam.
　The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the first directional beam for transmitting the content of each program to the terminal device is determined .
[Claim 8]
　The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit controls the second scanning so that the second scanning is commonly performed for a plurality of the programs.
[Claim 9]
　The communication device according to claim 7, wherein the cycle of the second scan is set to be longer than the cycle of the first scan.
[Claim 10]
　8. The number of the second directional beams transmitted in the second scan is set to be equal to or greater than the number of the first directional beams transmitted in the first scan. The communication device according to 1.
[Claim 11]
　An acquisition unit that acquires, from each of the one or more terminal devices within the communication range, a request regarding distribution of content for at least some of the one or more programs for each of the directional beams used for distribution of the content. the provided,
　the notification unit, the fourth information in response to the acquired status of the request of each of the directional beams for each one or more of the program, in association with the second information notified to the terminal device, 　The communication device according to claim 1
　, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the request from the terminal device after the fourth information is notified to the terminal
device.
[Claim 12]
　Communication of the
　base station in which the communication unit that performs wireless communication is associated with the first information regarding the timing at which the directional beam used for distributing the content of each program is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions from the base station. An acquisition unit that acquires the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the range,
　and a control that controls the content for each program to be received based on the acquired first information. And a
　communication unit.
[Claim 13]
　Third information according to a reception result of a second directional beam that is transmitted from the base station and is different from the first directional beam that is the directional beam used for distributing the content of each program.
　Is provided to the base station, and the control unit controls the content of each program to be received using the first directional beam after the notification of the third information. to,
　the communication apparatus according to claim 12.
[Claim 14]
　The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the notification unit notifies the base station of the third information in a procedure for establishing communication with the base station.
[Claim 15]
　The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the notification unit notifies the base station of the third information corresponding to the first directional beam based on a sequence that differs for each of the first directional beams. ..
[Claim 16]
　The communication device according to claim 14, wherein the notification unit performs control so that the third information is notified to the base station within a predetermined window.
[Claim 17]
　The communication device according to claim 16, wherein the window is set for each of the first directional beams.
[Claim 18]
　A computer
　communicates wirelessly
　, controls distribution of contents for each program using
　a directional beam, and communicates first information regarding timing when the directional beam is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions. Notifying the terminal device of the first information by associating it with the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the range
　.
[Claim 19]
　The 　base station in
　which the computer performs wireless communication and
the first information relating to the timing at which the directional beam used to deliver the content of each program is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions from the base station is associated with the base station. Acquiring the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range,
　and controlling the content for each program to be received based on the acquired first information. And a
　communication method including:
[Claim 20]

　Wireless communication to a 　computer,
　controlling distribution of contents for each program using
　a directional beam, and communicating first information regarding timing of transmitting the directional beam to each of a plurality of directions. A
　program for causing the terminal device to be notified of the first information by associating it with the second information that is commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the range .
[Claim 21]
　The 　base station in
　which the computer is associated with the wireless communication and
the first information relating to the timing at which the directional beam used to deliver the content of each program is transmitted in each of a plurality of directions from the base station. Acquiring the second information commonly notified to one or more terminal devices within the communication range,
　and controlling the content for each program to be received based on the acquired first information. A
　program that executes things and things .