WO2024057566A1

WO2024057566A1 - Wireless communication system, base station control device, and base station control method

Info

Publication number: WO2024057566A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/000197
Authority: WO
Inventors: 弘明浅野; 努淺沼; 慎太郎村松; 剛上野
Original assignee: パナソニックコネクト株式会社
Priority date: 2022-09-15
Filing date: 2023-01-06
Publication date: 2024-03-21
Also published as: JP2024042316A

Abstract

[Problem] To enable more appropriate control of power saving by appropriately controlling the start and stop of a base station. [Solution] A wireless system, in which a user terminal 7 mounted in a vehicle V as a mobile object movable on a road and access points 4 installed along the road perform wireless communication, is provided with an edge server 5 for controlling a plurality of access points. The edge server acquires movement information of the vehicle in which the user terminal is mounted, controls the start of the access points on the basis of the movement information, and controls the stop of the access points on the basis of the connection status of the user terminal to the access points. In particular, the wireless system is provided with a sensor 8 for detecting the vehicle in which the user terminal is mounted, and the edge server acquires, as the movement information, the detection result of the sensor.

Description

Wireless communication system, base station control device, and base station control method

The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile object that can move on a road and a base station installed along the road communicate with each other wirelessly, and a base station control device that controls a plurality of base stations. and a base station control method.

In the field of mobile networks, 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system) is at the commercialization stage. In such 5G, the frequency used is high and the service area of one base station becomes small, so base stations need to be arranged more densely. Therefore, it is conceivable to construct a backhaul line network through wireless multi-hop communication between a plurality of base stations.

As a technology for constructing a backhaul line network using such multi-hop communication, base stations are grouped, and wireless communication paths used for user terminal communication are constructed through multi-hop communication between base stations belonging to the same group. In addition, there is a known technology in which edge servers are arranged corresponding to groups of base stations (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-057738 Publication

According to the conventional technology, a wireless communication path used for communication between the edge server and the user terminal is appropriately constructed in a network where the edge server is arranged. Furthermore, in the conventional technology, when traffic occurs at a base station, activation and deactivation of the base station are controlled according to the traffic. As a result, when there is no user terminal in the communication area of a base station, the base station is controlled to be in a stopped state, so it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the entire system. On the other hand, if the activation and deactivation of the base station is controlled based on the actual position of the mobile object on which the user terminal is mounted, such as when the user terminal is installed in a car as a mobile object, it becomes even more difficult. Appropriate power saving control becomes possible.

Therefore, the present disclosure provides a wireless communication system, a control device, and a base station control method that enable even more appropriate power saving control by appropriately controlling activation and deactivation of base stations. The main purpose is

The wireless communication system of the present disclosure is a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile body and a base station installed along a route along which the mobile body can move wirelessly communicates with each other. The control device includes a control device that controls a base station, and the control device acquires movement information of a mobile body in which the user terminal is mounted, controls activation of the base station based on this movement information, and controls the activation of the base station. The base station is configured to control stoppage of the base station based on the connection status of the user terminal to the base station.

The control device of the present disclosure also provides a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile body and a base station installed along a route along which the mobile body can move wirelessly communicates with a plurality of the base stations. A base station control device that controls a station, acquires movement information of a mobile body in which the user terminal is mounted, controls activation of the base station based on this movement information, and controls the activation of the base station. The configuration is such that the suspension of the base station is controlled based on the connection status of the user terminal.

Further, the base station control method of the present disclosure is applicable to a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile body and a base station installed along a route along which the mobile body can move wirelessly communicates with each other. A base station control method for controlling the base station, wherein a control device for controlling a plurality of base stations acquires movement information of a mobile body in which the user terminal is mounted, and based on this movement information, controls the base station for controlling the base station. The base station is configured to control activation of the base station, and to control deactivation of the base station based on the connection status of the user terminal to the base station.

According to the present disclosure, only base stations that are likely to be used by user terminals can be activated, so power saving can be achieved.

Overall configuration diagram of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment An explanatory diagram showing an example of control of a communication path between a user terminal and an edge server by a NW control server Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of an access point Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the edge server Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the NW control server Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a user terminal Sequence diagram showing the procedure for establishing a communication path in a wireless communication system Sequence diagram showing the procedure for connecting a user terminal to an edge server in a wireless communication system Explanatory diagram showing an overview of processing performed in a wireless communication system Flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed on the edge server Block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an edge server according to the second embodiment Block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a user terminal Explanatory diagram showing an overview of processing performed in a wireless communication system Flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed on the edge server An explanatory diagram showing an overview of processing performed in a wireless communication system according to a modification of the second embodiment Block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an edge server according to the third embodiment Explanatory diagram showing an overview of processing performed in a wireless communication system Flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed on the edge server

A first invention made to solve the above problem is a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile body and a base station installed along a route along which the mobile body can wirelessly communicate. The control device includes a control device that controls a plurality of the base stations, and the control device acquires movement information of a mobile body in which the user terminal is mounted, and activates the base station based on this movement information. The base station is configured to control stoppage of the base station based on the connection status of the user terminal to the base station.

According to this, only the base stations that are likely to be used by user terminals can be activated, so power saving can be achieved.

Moreover, the second invention is configured to include a sensor that detects a moving body on which the user terminal is mounted, and the control device acquires a detection result of the sensor as the movement information.

According to this, the control device can acquire highly accurate movement information.

Further, in a third invention, the sensor is one of a radar, a lidar, and a camera.

According to this, a mobile object equipped with a user terminal can be detected with high accuracy.

Further, in a fourth invention, the sensor has a detection range that covers the communication area of the base station, and when the sensor detects the mobile body on which the user terminal is mounted, the control device controls the movement of the mobile body when the mobile body is mounted with the user terminal. The base station is activated by assuming that a body has approached the communication area of the base station.

According to this, activation of the base station can be controlled without predicting the timing at which the user terminal will arrive at the communication area of the base station.

Further, in a fifth aspect of the invention, the control device is configured to receive the movement information transmitted by road-to-vehicle communication from the user terminal mounted on an automobile as a moving body.

According to this, the control device can acquire highly accurate movement information. Note that in addition to this, movement information may be transmitted from the user equipment to the control device using a wide area communication network formed by a macro cell base station or a small cell base station.

Further, in a sixth invention, the control device determines that, upon receiving a road-to-vehicle communication message from the user terminal, a mobile body equipped with the user terminal approaches a communication area of the base station. The configuration is such that the base station is activated.

According to this, the base station can be activated at an appropriate timing.

Further, in the seventh invention, the control device determines whether the user terminal is installed based on the reception of the road-to-vehicle communication message from the user terminal and the position information included in the road-to-vehicle communication message. The approach of the mobile object to the communication area of the base station is determined.

According to this, the base station can be activated at a more appropriate timing.

Further, in an eighth aspect, the control device predicts an arrival timing when the user terminal enters the communication area of the base station based on the movement information, and activates the base station in accordance with the arrival timing. The configuration is such that

According to this, the control device can efficiently control starting and stopping of the base station. Note that the movement information may include information on movement speed, movement direction, etc. in addition to position information.

Further, in a ninth invention, the control device is configured to activate the base station only when an application is operating.

According to this, the base station can be activated in the required state.

Further, in a tenth invention, the base stations are grouped and perform multi-hop communication with other base stations belonging to the same group, and the control device is arranged corresponding to the group of base stations. The configuration is as follows.

According to this, it is possible to appropriately construct a wireless communication path used for communication between user terminals. Note that activation and deactivation of base stations may be controlled collectively on a group basis, or may be controlled on an individual base station basis.

In an eleventh invention, the control device transmits and receives the movement information between adjacent control devices, and cooperates between the adjacent groups to control starting and stopping of the base station. shall be.

According to this, it is possible to efficiently control the activation and deactivation of base stations located on the path of a mobile object.

Further, in a twelfth invention, the base station is configured to be in a standby or suspended state under stop control from the control device.

According to this, the base station can switch itself to an activated state in response to an activation instruction from the control device.

The thirteenth invention is a base station control device that controls a plurality of base stations in a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile object and a base station installed along a route along which the mobile object can move perform wireless communication, and is configured to acquire movement information of the mobile object on which the user terminal is mounted, and control the activation of the base station based on this movement information, and control the suspension of the base station based on the connection status of the user terminal to the base station.

According to this, as in the first invention, only base stations that are likely to be used by user terminals can be activated, so power saving can be achieved.

Further, a fourteenth invention provides a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile object and a base station installed along a route along which the mobile object can move, in which a plurality of the base stations A base station control method for controlling a plurality of base stations, wherein a control device controlling a plurality of base stations acquires movement information of a mobile body in which the user terminal is mounted, and based on this movement information, controls the base station. The base station is configured to control activation and to control shutdown of the base station based on the connection status of the user terminal to the base station.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a wireless communication system 1 according to the first embodiment.

A wireless communication system 1 (abbreviated as system 1) includes a macro cell base station 2, a small cell base station 3, an access point (or base station) 4, an edge server (an example of a control device) 5, a network control server (NW control ), and a user terminal 7.

In a network to which the system 1 is applied, a small cell area 11 that is a communication area of a plurality of small cell base stations 3 is superimposed on a macro cell area 12 that is a communication area of a macro cell base station 2.

The macro cell base station 2 performs wireless communication using a frequency band in which it is easy to construct a larger cell, such as the UHF band (frequency: 300 MHz to 3 GHz) such as LTE (Long Term Evolution). The macro cell base station 2 serves as a control plane (CPplane) base station for transmitting control signals. Furthermore, the macro cell base station 2 may be used as a user plane (U-plane) base station for transmitting user data.

The small cell base station 3 performs wireless communication using a higher frequency than the macro cell base station 2, such as the low SHF band (frequency: 3 GHz to 6 GHz). Note that the small cell base station 3 may use a high SHF band (frequency: 6 GHz to 30 GHz band). The small cell base station 3 is used as a user plane base station.

The access point 4 performs, for example, relatively small-capacity wireless communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or relatively large-capacity wireless LAN communication using WiGig (registered trademark). The communication area 13 of the access point 4 is superimposed on at least one of the small cell area 11 and the macro cell area 12.

However, the access point 4 may be a microcell base station that performs wireless communication using a higher frequency band than the small cell base station 3. In that case, wireless communication by the access point 4 can be performed using a high SHF band or an EHF band (here, a 28 GHz band, a 40 GHz band, a 70 GHz band, etc.), which is NR (New Radio) of 5G. Furthermore, the plurality of access points 4 may include both such microcell base stations and base stations that perform wireless LAN communication. When a microcell base station is used as the access point 4, the communication area 13 corresponds to a microcell, which is the communication area of the microcell base station.

In the system 1, a communication environment in which multiple RATs (radio communication systems) coexist, a so-called heterogeneous network, is configured. The macro cell base station 2, the small cell base station 3, and some of the access points 4 are connected by wire to a wire network consisting of a core network 15 and the Internet 16. The core network 15 includes MME (Mobility Management Entity), S-GW (Serving Gateway), and P-GW (Packet data network Gateway) that constitute EPC (Evolved Packet Core), which corresponds to the LTE core network, and 5G. This includes AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and UPF (User Plane Function), which constitute 5GC (5G Core network), which corresponds to the core network. Further, in the system 1, the number and arrangement of the macro cell base station 2, small cell base station 3, access point 4, edge server 5, NW control server 6, and user terminal 7 can be changed as appropriate.

The edge server 5 executes various applications (programs) as services provided to the user terminal 7 at a location physically close to the moving user terminal 7. Although there are no particular restrictions on the arrangement of each edge server 5, it is connected to one of the access points 4 here.

The NW control server (network control device) 6 controls the communication path used for communication between the edge server 5 and the user terminal 7 in the network to which the system 1 is applied. NW control server 6 is connected to core network 15. However, the NW control server 6 may constitute a part of the core network 15 or may be connected to the Internet 16.

The user terminal 7 is an information device having a wireless communication function, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal carried by each user (not shown). The user terminal 7 can be wirelessly connected to the macro cell base station 2, the small cell base station 3, and the access point 4, respectively. Further, the user terminal 7 can utilize the application of the edge server 5 by communicating with the edge server 5 via the macro cell base station 2, small cell base station 3, and access point 4. Furthermore, the user terminal 7 can communicate with an arbitrary server (not shown) via a wired network consisting of the core network 15 and the Internet 16 to utilize applications of the server.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of control of the communication path between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5 by the NW control server 6. 2(A) is a conventional communication path (comparative example), and FIG. 2(B) is a communication path constructed by the NW control server 6.

In FIG. 2, a plurality of access points 4 are arranged in a tree shape or a mesh shape starting from the connection point 18 of the wired network. Each access point 4 forms a backhaul by being interconnected through wireless communication. In FIG. 2, symbols AP1 to AP12 are given to distinguish the access points 4 from each other.

FIG. 2A shows an example in which an access point is selected based on wireless quality in communication between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5. In this case, the user terminal 7 selects the nearby access point AP1 that can obtain the highest wireless quality as the connection destination, so as a result, it is necessary to communicate with the edge server 5 via more access points AP1 to AP9. occurs. In FIG. 2A, the communication path R1 between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5 uses a backhaul for connecting each access point to the connection point 18 of the wired network.

On the other hand, in FIG. 2(B), a plurality of access points AP9 to AP12 including the access point AP9 to which the edge server 5 is connected are grouped (see the broken line circle in the figure). Further, the NW control server 6 forms wireless communication paths R2 and R3 using the grouped access points AP9-AP12. Furthermore, the NW control server 6 determines the connection destination priority of the access line so as to preferentially use the wireless communication routes R2 and R3, and provides the priority to the user terminal 7. This allows the user terminal 7 to select the access point AP10 or AP11 as a connection destination and communicate with the edge server 5 using the wireless communication routes R2 and R3.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the access point 4.

In this embodiment, the access point 4 constitutes a roadside machine installed on the side of the road (roadside) or at an intersection. However, the access point 4 may substantially constitute a roadside machine, and may be composed of, for example, an existing roadside machine and a communication device that cooperates with it.

The access point 4 includes a wireless communication section 21, a backhaul communication section 22, a wired communication section 23, a storage section 24, and a control section 25.

The wireless communication unit 21 includes an antenna and a communication circuit for performing wireless communication with the user terminal 7.

The backhaul communication unit 22 includes an antenna and a circuit for wireless communication with surrounding access points 4. As a result, multi-hop communication is performed by the plurality of access points 4, and a wireless communication path used for communication between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5 is formed.

The wired communication unit 23 includes a communication circuit for performing wired communication with the core network 15. However, the wired communication unit 23 does not necessarily need to be provided at all access points 4, but may be provided at nearby access points 4 in the wired network as necessary.

The storage unit 24 stores information regarding the user terminal 7, information regarding the nearby macro cell base station 2, small cell base station 3, and other access points 4, and programs executed by the processor constituting the control unit 25. do.

The control unit 25 includes a wireless quality measurement unit 31, a location information acquisition unit 32, a route connection unit 33, a wireless control unit 34, and a wired control unit 35.

The wireless quality measuring unit 31 measures the quality of wireless communication with other nearby access points 4 based on known indicators such as received signal strength. Furthermore, the wireless quality measurement unit 31 generates wireless quality information based on the measurement results of wireless communication quality.

The location information acquisition unit 32 acquires its own (access point 4) location information. The position information acquisition unit 32 can acquire position information by appropriately measuring the position of its own device, or can use position information stored in advance in the storage unit 24 or the like.

The route connection unit 33 establishes a communication route used for communication between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5 based on the route establishment instruction received from the edge server 5. In establishing such a communication route, the route connecting unit 33 realizes multi-hop communication with surrounding access points by controlling wireless communication by the backhaul communication unit 22.

The wireless control unit 34 controls wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 21 with the user terminal 7.

The wired control unit 35 controls communication by the wired communication unit 23. Further, the wired control unit 35 can exchange information regarding the connection destination of the user terminal 7, etc. through wired communication with a communication control device in a wired network, or with nearby macro cell base stations 2 and small cell base stations 3. .

Note that at least some of the functions of each part of the control unit 25 described above can be realized by one or more processors executing a predetermined control program.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the edge server 5.

The edge server 5 includes a communication section 41, a storage section 42, and a control section 43.

The communication unit 41 includes a communication circuit for communicating with the access point 4 to which the own device is connected.

The storage unit 42 stores information regarding the user terminal 7, information regarding the nearby macro cell base station 2, small cell base station 3, and access point 4, and programs executed by the processor forming the control unit 43.

The control unit 43 includes a route establishment instruction unit 45, a traffic information collection unit 46, an access point operation instruction unit 47, a communication control unit 48, an application unit 49, and a moving object detection unit 50.

Based on the information received from the NW control server 6, the route establishment instruction unit 45 transmits a route establishment instruction for establishing a communication route to the access point 4.

The traffic information collection unit 46 collects information on traffic between each access point 4 forming a wireless communication path regarding communication between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5. Note that the traffic information collection unit 46 may be omitted as appropriate.

The access point operation instruction unit 47 transmits an operation instruction to the access point 4 based on the information received from the NW control server 6. Such operation instructions include instructions to start or stop the access point 4. Note that the access point operation instruction section 47 may be omitted as appropriate.

The communication control unit 48 controls communication by the communication unit 41. Further, the communication control unit 48 exchanges necessary information with nearby access points 4 and user terminals 7.

The application unit 49 executes various applications depending on the content of the service provided to the user terminal 7. Processing by the application includes, for example, storing or providing outputs (detection results) of sensors installed in smart factories, storing or providing detection information such as traffic images of intersections, etc.

Based on the detection result of the sensor 8 , the mobile object detection unit 50 detects a user terminal 7 , that is, a mobile device on which the user terminal 7 is mounted, in the management area of the edge server 5 , that is, the access point 4 managed by the edge server 5 . Detects the approach of a car as a body.

Here, the sensor 8 is a radar, camera, lidar, etc. The sensor 8 is connected to the edge server 5, and the edge server 5 can acquire the detection results of the sensor 8. The sensor 8 is installed along a road on which a car on which the user terminal 7 is mounted runs, and detects the car on which the user terminal 7 is mounted.

Note that at least some of the functions of each part of the control unit 43 described above can be realized by one or more processors executing a predetermined control program.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the NW control server 6.

The NW control server 6 includes a communication section 51, a storage section 52, and a control section 53.

The communication unit 51 includes a communication circuit for communicating with the edge server 5 and the user terminal 7 via the core network 15.

The storage unit 52 stores information regarding the user terminal 7, information regarding the nearby macro cell base station 2, small cell base station 3, and access point 4, and programs executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 53.

The control unit 53 includes an information collection unit 61, a grouping unit 62, a route setting unit 63, a traffic analysis unit 64, a connection destination priority setting unit 65, a service area setting unit 66, an edge server operation control unit 67, and an access point operation control unit. section 68 and a communication control section 69.

The information collection unit 61 collects peripheral device information from each access point 4. This peripheral device information includes wireless quality information regarding the quality of wireless communication between each access point 4, location information of each access point 4, and edge server information regarding the presence or absence of an edge server 5 connected to each access point 4. It will be done.

Based on the collected peripheral device information, the grouping unit 62 extracts access points 4 that constitute a network in a specific area from a plurality of access points 4 under management, and groups them. As a result, at least one group of access points 4 is generated. The "specific area" includes, for example, the inside of a smart factory and a predetermined area including an intersection. Note that at least some of the groups of access points 4 may be set by the operator. Further, the grouping unit 62 can reconfigure the existing groups of access points 4 based on the traffic analysis results by the traffic analysis unit 64, which will be described later. Note that in this embodiment, each access point 4 may constitute a corresponding roadside device.

The route setting unit 63 sets one or more wireless communication routes used for communication between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5. Such a wireless communication path is formed by multi-hop communication of grouped access points 4. Note that at least a portion of such a wireless communication path may be set by an operator.

The traffic analysis unit 64 sequentially acquires traffic information on the wireless communication path used for communication between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5 from the edge server 5. The acquired traffic information is stored in the storage unit 52. The traffic analysis unit 64 also performs traffic analysis, such as predicting the traffic distribution of the wireless communication route set by the route setting unit 63, based on the accumulated traffic information. The traffic analysis unit 64 can also detect a detour route using an access point 4 outside the group that is not included in the target group.

The connection destination priority setting unit 65 sets the priority of the connection destination candidates of the user terminal 7 according to the type of service of the edge server 5 used by the user terminal 7. Furthermore, the connection destination priority setting unit 65 generates connection destination priority information based on the set priorities of the connection destination candidates. The candidate for the connection destination of the user terminal 7 is usually one of the access points 4, but the macro cell base station 2 or the small cell base station 3 can be a candidate for the connection destination as necessary. Furthermore, the connection destination priority information includes the priority order of connection destination candidates. However, the connection destination priority information may include, for example, information regarding criteria (rules) for determining the priority order of connection destination candidates.

The service area setting unit 66 sets their service areas (communication area ranges) based on peripheral device information from each access point 4. Such a service area is set according to the type of service of the edge server 5 used by the user terminal 7. The service area setting unit 66 also generates service area information regarding the range of the set service area. Note that at least part of the service area information may be set by the operator.

The edge server operation control unit 67 controls the operation of the edge server 5, including the activation of applications on the edge server 5.

The access point operation control unit 68 controls the operation of the access point 4 including starting and stopping the access point 4.

The communication control unit 69 controls communication by the communication unit 51. Furthermore, the communication control unit 69 can exchange necessary information with nearby access points 4, edge servers 5, and user terminals 7.

Note that at least some of the functions of each section in the control section 53 described above can be realized by one or more processors executing a predetermined control program.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal 7.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 7 is a terminal device mounted on a mobile object (here, a car). The user terminal 7 may be configured by, for example, an on-vehicle device installed in a car. Further, the user terminal 7 may be a portable computer such as a smartphone carried by a user (driver or passenger) of a car.

The user terminal 7 includes a wireless communication section 71, a storage section 72, a position information acquisition section 73, and a control section 74.

The wireless communication unit 71 includes an antenna and a communication circuit for performing wireless communication with the access point 4. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 71 includes an antenna and a communication circuit for performing wireless communication with the macro cell base station 2 and the small cell base station 3.

The storage unit 72 stores information regarding the own device, information regarding the nearby macro cell base station 2, small cell base station 3, and access point 4, and programs executed by the processor that constitutes the control unit 74.

The position information acquisition unit 73 acquires the position information of its own device using a known positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) or a system using a beacon transmitter.

The control unit 74 includes a connection destination selection unit 81, an application unit 82, and a wireless control unit 83.

The connection destination selection unit 81 selects a connection destination such as the access point 4 based on the grouping information, connection destination priority information, and service area information received from the NW control server 6. Thereby, the user terminal 7 can communicate with the edge server 5 via the selected connection destination and the wireless communication path including the selected connection destination.

The application unit 82 executes processing according to the content of the application executed on the user terminal 7 and transmits and receives application data to and from the edge server 5 via the wireless communication unit 71.

The radio control section 83 controls radio communication by the radio communication section 71 with the access point 4 and radio communication with the macro cell base station 2 and the small cell base station 3.

Note that at least some of the functions of each section in the control section 74 described above can be realized by one or more processors executing a predetermined control program.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of the communication path construction operation in the system 1.

In the system 1, each access point 4 acquires wireless quality information by measuring the wireless quality with other access points 4 in the vicinity of the own device. Furthermore, each access point 4 acquires position information of its own device. The wireless quality information and location information obtained thereby are transmitted to the NW control server 6 as peripheral device information together with edge server information regarding the presence or absence of an edge server 5 connected to the device itself.

Thereafter, the NW control server 6 groups the access points 4 based on the peripheral device information. This grouping is performed according to the service provision area assumed in a specific area.

Subsequently, the NW control server 6 constructs one or more wireless communication paths for use in communication between the user terminal 7 and the edge server 5 regarding the grouped access points 4. At this time, the NW control server 6 can set priorities for the plurality of connection destination candidates that constitute the constructed wireless communication path. The priority is set based on QoS (Quality of Service) including, for example, power efficiency and the number of hops.

Group information regarding the grouped access points 4 and route information regarding one or more wireless communication routes set by the route setting unit 63 are transmitted to the edge server 5 as route establishment information used for establishing a communication route. .

The edge server 5 sends a route establishment instruction to the access point 4 based on the group information and route information from the NW control server 6.

Upon receiving the route establishment instruction from the edge server 5, each access point 4 establishes a communication route with the edge server 5 by establishing a wireless connection with other nearby access points 4.

Note that the NW control server 6 may omit transmitting the route establishment information (including group information and route information) to the edge server 5 described above and transmit the same route establishment information to the user terminal 7. good. The transmission of route establishment information to such user terminals may be performed, for example, in the system 1 when the position of the edge server 5 or at least part of the wireless communication route between each access point 4 is determined (or fixed) in advance. It is effective if there are Similarly, for example, in system 1, when there is little room to change the wireless communication route between each access point 4 (for example, when the wireless communication route is automatically determined based on the wireless quality between each access point 4), etc. is also valid.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure for connecting the user terminal 7 to the edge server 5 in the system 1.

When the user terminal 7 communicates with the edge server 5, the NW control server 6 transmits group information, connection destination priority information, and service area information to the user terminal 7 via the macro cell base station 2 or the small cell base station 3. Send to.

Upon receiving the group information, connection destination priority information, and service area information, the user terminal 7 acquires wireless quality information by measuring the wireless quality with surrounding access points 4, and further measures the position of the own device. Obtain location information by doing this.

Next, the user terminal 7 extracts one or more access points 4 with which wireless quality is above a certain value and can communicate, and if the user terminal 7 is located within the service area of the extracted access point 4, the user terminal 7 sets the connection destination priority. One access point 4 is selected as a connection destination based on the information. At this time, if the user terminal 7 extracts only one access point 4 and the user terminal 7 is located within the service area, the user terminal 7 selects the access point 4 regardless of the connection destination priority information. Note that the extraction of the access point 4 by the user terminal 7 is performed periodically at a predetermined cycle.

Thereafter, the user terminal 7 connects to the access point 4 selected as the connection destination, and starts communication with the edge server 5 via the communication path including the access point 4. The wireless communication path constructed by the operation shown in FIG. 7 is used for this communication path. In this case, if there are multiple available wireless communication paths, one wireless communication path is selected depending on the type of service of the edge server 5 used by the user terminal 7.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the processing performed in the system 1.

The sensor 8 is a radar, a camera, etc. The sensor 8 is installed along a road on which a vehicle V, which is a moving object, on which the user terminal 7 is mounted runs, and detects the vehicle V on which the user terminal 7 is mounted. The sensor 8 is connected to the edge server 5, and the edge server 5 can acquire the detection results of the sensor 8. Note that the sensor 8 may be installed at a position with good visibility, such as near a traffic light, so that the automobile V as a moving object can be easily detected.

The edge server 5 controls activation of the access point 4 that it manages based on the detection result of the sensor 8. Specifically, the edge server 5 performs control to activate the access point 4 that it manages at the timing when the vehicle V is detected by the sensor 8. Furthermore, the edge server 5 activates the access point 4 only when an application is running.

Here, in this embodiment, the detection range of the sensor 8 covers the communication area of the access point 4, and the detection of the car V by the sensor 8 means that the car V has approached the communication area of the access point 4. It will be judged. Specifically, when the vehicle V approaches the communication area of the access point 4, it means that the vehicle V has entered the communication area of the access point 4, or immediately before the vehicle V enters the communication area of the access point 4. state. Furthermore, the detection range of the sensor 8 covers the communication area of the access point 4 means that the detection range of the sensor 8 is larger than the communication area of the access point 4, and the detection range of the sensor 8 includes the entire communication area of the access point 4. represents a state. Further, when one sensor 8 is in charge of the communication areas of a plurality of access points 4, the detection range of the sensor 8 includes all of the communication areas of the plurality of access points 4.

Furthermore, the edge server 5 controls the termination of the access point 4 that it manages based on the connection status of the user terminal 7 to the access point 4. Specifically, the edge server 5 disconnects all user terminals 7 from the access point 4 at the timing when no user terminal 7 exists within the communication area of the access point 4. 4 is controlled to stop.

As a result, when the user terminal 7, that is, the automobile V as a mobile body on which the user terminal 7 is mounted, does not exist within the communication area, the access point 4 is in a stopped state, and the automobile V on which the user terminal 7 is mounted is in a stopped state. The access point 4 is activated only when it exists within the communication area.

Furthermore, if the edge servers 5 are installed separately for the up lane and the down lane, and the access points 4 installed along the road belong to different groups for the up lane and the down lane, the automobile V as a moving object The access point 4 located in the lane where the vehicle V is traveling is activated, and the access point 4 located in the lane where the vehicle V is not traveling remains in a stopped state.

Note that the access point 4 is controlled by the edge server 5 to start and stop itself, so when the access point 4 is in a stopped state, the function of communicating with the edge server 5 and the function of communicating between the access points 4 are activated. , it enters a so-called standby or suspended state. Thereby, the access point 4 can receive the start instruction and stop instruction from the edge server 5 and switch its own start state and stop state (standby state).

By the way, at night, the camera serving as the sensor 8 detects the light emitted from the light provided on the vehicle V, so that the user terminal 7, that is, the vehicle V in which the user terminal 7 is mounted, approaches the access point 4. If it is determined that the access point 4 has been activated, control may be performed to activate the access point 4. Furthermore, when the microphone serving as the sensor 8 detects the noise (running sound or engine sound) emitted by the vehicle V, it is determined that the vehicle V is approaching the access point 4, and control is performed to activate the access point 4. Good too.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the edge server 5.

The edge server 5 acquires the detection results of the sensor 8 (ST101). Next, based on the detection result of the sensor 8, the edge server 5 determines that the user terminal 7, that is, a car as a mobile body equipped with the user terminal 7, is located in the communication area of the access point 4 managed by the edge server 5. When the access point 4 detects the approach (Yes in ST102), a startup instruction for starting the access point 4 is transmitted to the access point 4 (ST103).

Next, the edge server 5 receives a report on the connection status of the user terminal 7 from the access point 4 (ST104), and based on the report, determines whether all connections of the user terminal 7 to the access point 4 have been disconnected. That is, it is determined whether or not there is any user terminal 7 within the communication area of the access point 4 (ST105). Here, if all the connections of the user terminals 7 to the access point 4 are disconnected (Yes in ST105), a stop instruction to stop the access point 4 is transmitted to the access point 4 (ST106).

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the edge server 5 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same components as those of the edge server 5 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals. In the second embodiment, matters not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the edge server 5 according to the second embodiment includes a V2I communication section 91. The V2I communication unit 91 performs V2I (vehicle-to-roadside-infrastructure) communication (road-to-vehicle communication), which is a type of ITS communication, with user terminals 7 existing in the vicinity. ITS communication is wireless communication that uses a frequency band (for example, a 700 MHz band or a 5.8 GHz band) that is used in a safe driving support wireless system that uses an ITS (Intelligent Transport System). Here, the edge server 5 functions as a roadside device, and the user terminal 7 functions as a vehicle-mounted terminal.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the user terminal 7 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the user terminal 7 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, matters not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, the user terminal 7 according to the second embodiment includes a V2I communication section 75. The V2I communication unit 75 performs V2I communication (road-to-vehicle communication) with edge servers 5 existing in the vicinity. In V2I communication, movement information of a moving object, that is, movement information (information such as position, speed, direction, etc.) of a user terminal 7 mounted on a car as a moving object, is transmitted from the user terminal 7 to the edge server 5.

Note that the configurations of the access point 4 and the NW control server 6 are the same as in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of processing performed in the wireless communication system 1 according to the second embodiment.

In this embodiment, the user terminal 7 mounted on the automobile V as a moving body and the edge server 5 perform V2I communication (road-to-vehicle communication). The user terminal 7 broadcasts a V2I communication message, and the edge server 5 receives the V2I communication message from the user terminal 7.

Based on the reception of the V2I communication message from the user terminal 7, the edge server 5 controls the activation of the access point 4 that it manages. Specifically, the edge server 5 performs control to activate the access point 4 that it manages at the timing when the V2I communication message from the user terminal 7 is received.

Here, in this embodiment, the communication range of the V2I communication covers the communication area of the access point 4, and the message of the V2I communication from the user terminal 7 is received by the edge server 5. It is determined that the automobile V has approached the communication area of the access point 4 by entering the communication range of the access point 4 for V2I communication. Furthermore, the approach of the vehicle V to the communication area of the access point 4 may be determined based on the movement information (location information) included in the V2I communication message from the user terminal 7 . Further, based on both the fact that the V2I communication message from the user terminal 7 has been received by the edge server 5 and the movement information (location information) included in the V2I communication message, the access point 4 of the vehicle V Approach to an area may be determined.

Note that the V2I communication message sent from the user terminal 7 may be a general message used in ITS communication. This message includes location information, terminal information, etc. of the user terminal 7 as movement information of the user terminal 7 (vehicle V serving as a moving object on which the user terminal 7 is mounted).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as in the previous embodiment, all connections of the user terminals 7 to the access point 4 are disconnected, that is, when the user terminal 7 is no longer present within the communication area of the access point 4. Control is performed to stop the access point 4 at the appropriate timing. Further, based on the location information included in the V2I communication message from the user terminal 7, it is determined that the vehicle V has moved away from the communication area of the access point 4, and based on the determination result, the Stop control may also be performed. Further, the access point 4 may be stopped and controlled based on both the connection status of the user terminal 7 and the position information of the user terminal 7.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the edge server 5.

The edge server 5 receives the movement information of the user terminal 7 transmitted by V2I communication from the user terminal 7 (ST201). Next, when the edge server 5 detects that the user terminal 7 approaches the management area of the edge server 5, that is, the communication area of the access point 4 managed by the edge server 5, based on the movement information of the user terminal 7. (Yes in ST202), the activation instruction is transmitted to the access point 4 (ST203).

Next, the edge server 5 receives a report of the connection status of the user terminal 7 from the access point 4 (ST204), and based on the report, determines whether all connections of the user terminal 7 to the access point 4 have been disconnected. is determined (ST205). Here, if all connections of the user terminals 7 to the access point 4 are disconnected (Yes in ST205), a stop instruction is transmitted to the access point 4 (ST206).

(Modified example of second embodiment)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of processing performed in the wireless communication system 1 according to a modification of the second embodiment.

In this modification, the movement information of the user terminal 7, that is, the movement information of the automobile V as a mobile body on which the user terminal 7 is mounted, is transmitted using the wide area communication network of the macro cell base station 2 or the small cell base station 3. , is transmitted from the user terminal 7 to the edge server 5.

The edge server 5 controls activation and deactivation of the access point 4 based on the movement information of the user terminal 7, and transmits a activation instruction or a deactivation instruction to the access point 4. Specifically, the access point 4 is activated at the timing when the user terminal 7 approaches the communication area of the access point 4 managed by the edge server 5, and the user terminal 7 moves outside the communication area of the access point 4 and the access point is activated. The access point 4 is stopped at the timing when the connection of the user terminal 7 to the access point 4 is disconnected.

Here, in this modification, the edge server 5 estimates the timing (predicted arrival time) at which the user terminal 7 will arrive at the communication area of the access point 4 managed by the edge server 5 based on the movement information of the user terminal 7. Then, the access point 4 may be activated at that timing. Note that the movement information may include information regarding movement speed and movement direction in addition to position information, and the edge server 5 uses information based on the change status of the position of the user terminal 7 and the movement speed and movement direction. , the predicted arrival time can be estimated.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the edge server 5 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 16, the same components as those of the edge server 5 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals. In the third embodiment, matters not specifically mentioned below are the same as those in the first embodiment, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the edge server 5 according to the third embodiment includes an inter-edge communication section 92. The inter-edge communication unit 92 communicates with peripheral edge servers 5. In this embodiment, the movement information of the user terminal 7, that is, the movement information of the automobile as a mobile body in which the user terminal 7 is mounted, is transmitted and received between the adjacent edge servers 5.

Note that the configurations of the access point 4, NW control server 6, and user terminal 7 are the same as in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 3, 5, and 6).

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of processing performed in the wireless communication system 1 according to the third embodiment.

In this embodiment, the movement information of the user terminal 7, that is, the movement information of the automobile V as a mobile body on which the user terminal 7 is mounted, is transmitted and received between adjacent edge servers 5.

The movement information may be the time (predicted arrival time) when the target user terminal 7 reaches the management area of the neighboring edge server 5, that is, the communication area of the access point 4 managed by the edge server 5. . Moreover, the movement information may be information such as position, speed, and direction. In this case, the edge server 5 that has received the movement information can calculate the predicted arrival time based on information such as the position, speed, and direction.

Note that the process of predicting the time when the target user terminal 7 will arrive in the communication area of the access point 4 managed by each edge server 5 may be performed by a management server different from the edge server 5.

Each edge server 5 instructs the access point 4 to activate at the timing when the user terminal 7 enters the communication area of the access point 4 that it manages (predicted arrival time). As a result, as the user terminal 7 enters the communication area of the access point 4, the access points 4 are sequentially activated.

On the other hand, the stop control of the access point 4 is the same as in the above embodiment. That is, when all the connections of the user terminals 7 to the access point 4 are severed, that is, when the user terminals 7 no longer exist within the communication area of the access point 4, the edge server 5 instructs the access point 4 to stop. As a result, as the user terminal 7 moves out of the communication area of the access point 4, the access point 4 is sequentially stopped.

Further, in this embodiment, in some of the edge servers 5, the approach of the automobile V as a moving object on which the user terminal 7 is mounted is detected using the sensor 8, as in the first embodiment. Then, movement information of the user terminal 7, that is, movement information of the automobile V in which the user terminal 7 is mounted, is acquired.

Note that similarly to the second embodiment (see FIG. 13), the movement information of the user terminal 7 may be received by the edge server 5 using V2I communication, or a modification of the second embodiment (see FIG. 15) Similarly, the movement information of the user terminal 7 may be received by the edge server 5 using the wide area communication network of the macro cell base station 2 or the small cell base station 3.

Furthermore, the edge server 5 may perform a process of predicting the course of the automobile V, which is a moving object on which the user terminal 7 is mounted, based on the movement information of the user terminal 7. In this case, the movement information of the user terminal 7 is transmitted only to the edge server 5 that manages the access point 4 that has a communication area on the route of the vehicle V. This makes it possible to activate only the access point 4 that has a communication area on the path of the vehicle.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the edge server 5.

The edge server 5 acquires the detection results of the sensor 8 (ST301). Next, based on the detection result of the sensor 8, the edge server 5 detects that the user terminal 7, that is, a car as a mobile body equipped with the user terminal 7, is located in the communication area of the access point 4 managed by the edge server 5. When the access point 4 detects the approach (Yes in ST302), it transmits an activation instruction to the access point 4 (ST304).

Furthermore, even if the approach of the user terminal 7 cannot be detected (No in ST302), if the movement information of the user terminal 7 is received from the neighboring edge server 5 (Yes in ST303), a startup instruction is sent to the access point 4. (ST304). Furthermore, the edge server 5 transmits the movement information of the user terminal 7 to the neighboring edge server 5 (ST305).

Next, the edge server 5 receives a report on the connection status of the user terminal 7 from the access point 4 (ST306), and based on the report, determines whether all connections of the user terminal 7 to the access point 4 have been disconnected. is determined (ST307). Here, if all connections of the user terminals 7 to the access point 4 are disconnected (Yes in ST307), a stop instruction is transmitted to the access point 4 (ST308).

Note that communication between the user terminal 7 mounted on a car as a moving object and the access point 4 may be blocked by another moving object (such as a car). In this case, switching is performed between multi-hop communication by the access point 4 and wide area communication by the macro cell base station 2 and small cell base station 3.

As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to create a new embodiment by combining the components described in the above embodiments.

For example, in the wireless communication system 1, the mobile object on which the user terminal 7 is mounted is not limited to a car, but may be another vehicle such as a bicycle, or may be a mobile object other than a vehicle such as a pedestrian. It's fine.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the mobile body on which the user terminal 7 is mounted moves on the road, but this is just an example, and the mobile body on which the user terminal 7 is mounted is limited to one that moves on the road. Not done. The mobile object on which the user terminal 7 is mounted may be any object that moves along a predetermined route, such as a train that moves on railroad tracks or a flying object (such as a drone) that has a predetermined flight route. You can. Further, the access point 4 is installed along a route along which a mobile object can move.

A wireless communication system, a base station control device, and a base station control method according to the present disclosure have the effect of enabling even more appropriate power saving control by appropriately controlling the start and stop of a base station. A wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile body capable of moving on a road and a base station installed along the road perform wireless communication, and a base station control device that controls a plurality of base stations; This is useful as a base station control method, etc.

1: Wireless communication system 2: Macro cell base station 3: Small cell base station 4: Access point 5: Edge server (control device)
6: NW control server 7: User terminal 8: Sensor 11: Small cell area 12: Macro cell area 13: Communication area 15: Core network 16: Internet 18: Connection point 21: Wireless communication section 22: Backhaul communication section 23: Wired Communication unit 24: Storage unit 25: Control unit 31: Wireless quality measurement unit 32: Location information acquisition unit 33: Route connection unit 34: Wireless control unit 35: Wired control unit 41: Communication unit 42: Storage unit 43: Control unit 45 : Route establishment instruction section 46: Traffic information collection section 47: Access point operation instruction section 48: Communication control section 49: Application section 50: Mobile object detection section 51: Communication section 52: Storage section 53: Control section 61: Information collection section 62: Grouping section 63: Route setting section 64: Traffic analysis section 65: Connection destination priority setting section 66: Service area setting section 67: Edge server operation control section 68: Access point operation control section 69: Communication control section 71: Wireless communication unit 72: Storage unit 73: Location information acquisition unit 74: Control unit 75: V2I communication unit 81: Connection destination selection unit 82: Application unit 83: Wireless control unit 91: V2I communication unit 92: Edge-to-edge communication unit V: car

Claims

A wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile object and a base station installed along a route on which the mobile object can move perform wireless communication,
A control device for controlling a plurality of the base stations,
The control device includes:
Acquire movement information of a moving body on which the user terminal is mounted;
Based on the movement information, the activation of the base station is controlled,
A wireless communication system that controls the shutdown of the base station based on a connection status of the user terminal to the base station.
comprising a sensor that detects a moving object on which the user terminal is mounted,
The control device includes:
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein a detection result of the sensor is acquired as the movement information.
The wireless communication system according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is one of a radar, a lidar, and a camera.
The sensor is
a detection range covers the communication area of the base station,
The control device includes:
3. The wireless communication system according to claim 2, wherein when a mobile body equipped with the user terminal is detected by the sensor, it is assumed that the mobile body has approached the communication area of the base station, and the base station is activated. Communications system.
The control device includes:
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, which receives the movement information transmitted by road-to-vehicle communication from the user terminal mounted on a car as a mobile object.
The control device includes:
Claim 1: Upon receiving a road-vehicle communication message from the user terminal, it is assumed that a mobile body equipped with the user terminal has approached the communication area of the base station, and the base station is activated. The wireless communication system described in .
The control device includes:
Based on the receipt of the road-to-vehicle communication message from the user terminal and the location information included in the road-to-vehicle communication message, the mobile object equipped with the user terminal is directed to the communication area of the base station. The wireless communication system according to claim 6, which determines proximity.
The control device includes:
predicting the arrival timing of the user terminal entering the communication area of the base station based on the movement information;
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the base station is activated in accordance with the arrival timing.
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control device activates the base station only when an application is running.
The base station is grouped and performs multi-hop communication with other base stations belonging to the same group,
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the control device is arranged corresponding to the group of base stations.
The control device includes:
The wireless communication system according to claim 10, wherein the movement information is transmitted and received between adjacent control devices, and the adjacent groups cooperate to control activation and deactivation of the base station.
The wireless communication system according to claim 1, wherein the base station is placed in a standby or suspended state under stop control from the control device.
In a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile body performs wireless communication with a base station installed along a route along which the mobile body can move, a base station control device that controls a plurality of base stations. There it is,
Obtaining movement information of a mobile body equipped with the user terminal,
Based on this movement information, controlling activation of the base station, and
A base station control device that controls suspension of the base station based on a connection status of the user terminal to the base station.
A base station control method for controlling a plurality of base stations in a wireless communication system in which a user terminal mounted on a mobile body and a base station installed along a route along which the mobile body can move wirelessly communicate. There it is,
A control device that controls the plurality of base stations,
Obtaining movement information of a mobile body equipped with the user terminal,
Based on this movement information, controlling activation of the base station, and
A base station control method, comprising controlling suspension of the base station based on a connection status of the user terminal to the base station.