阅读说明：本技术 通信设备、通信方法、通信程序、发送设备和通信系统 (Communication device, communication method, communication program, transmission device, and communication system ) 是由 米山悠介 藤木敏宏 田中胜之 小林诚司 于 2020-02-03 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种通信设备包括：获取单元,被配置为从与第一频带不同的第二频带获取用于已经使用第一频带的通信的第一信息,第一频带是能够混合多个通信方式的免许可频带,以及通信控制单元,被配置为基于第一信息控制已经使用第一频带的预定通信方式的通信。(A communication apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed, from a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and a communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.)

1. A communication device, comprising:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed, from a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and

a communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication manner that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the first information includes timing information that enables sharing of timing with other communication devices that use the first frequency band in a communication manner different from the predetermined communication manner, and

the communication control unit controls communication of the predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the timing information.

3. The communication device of claim 2, wherein the timing information is information broadcast using the second frequency band.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the timing information is information broadcast from a terrestrial broadcast station device using the second frequency band, and is virtual satellite transmission information generated by imitating information transmitted from a navigation satellite.

5. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein the virtual satellite transmission information is a virtual PPS signal imitating a PPS-per-second signal transmitted from the navigation satellite, and is decoded into the PPS-per-second signal.

6. The communication device according to claim 4, wherein,

wherein the acquisition unit acquires second information for time measurement or timing measurement transmitted from the navigation satellite, an

The communication control unit controls communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band, based on any one of the timing information and the second information included in the first information.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein the communication control unit

Controlling communication of the predetermined communication manner having used the first frequency band based on the second information when a predetermined number of navigation satellites can be acquired, and

when the predetermined number of navigation satellites cannot be acquired, controlling communication of the predetermined communication method that has used the first frequency band based on timing information included in the first information.

8. The communication device of claim 1, wherein,

wherein the first information includes control information for indicating control on communication to the communication apparatus, an

The communication control unit controls communication of the predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the control information.

9. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control information includes stop information for stopping radio wave transmission that the communication apparatus has used the first frequency band.

10. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control information includes scheduling information for scheduling radio wave transmission of which the communication apparatus has used the first frequency band.

11. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein,

wherein the first information includes control information for controlling communication of the communication apparatus, an

The communication control unit controls communication of the predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the timing information and the control information.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein,

wherein the second frequency band includes a second band composed of a plurality of frequency bands and a first band different from the second band, the first band having a bandwidth wider than a bandwidth of one of the plurality of frequency bands constituting the second band, and

the acquisition unit acquires the first information including the timing information from the first band.

13. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the first frequency band is a frequency band in which a particular small power save radio is enabled.

14. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the first frequency band is a 920MHz frequency band.

15. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the second frequency band is a VHF-high frequency band.

16. The communication device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined communication manner is a communication manner of Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) communication.

17. A method of communication, comprising:

acquiring first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is a license-exempt frequency band in which a plurality of communication methods can be mixed, from a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band; and

controlling communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

18. A communication program for causing a computer to function as:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed, from a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and

a communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication manner that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

19. A transmitting device, comprising:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information used in control of communication by a communication device that performs communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used a first frequency band that is a license-exempt frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed; and

a transmitting unit configured to transmit the first information using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

20. A communication system, comprising: a communication device configured to perform communication that has used a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication means can be mixed; and a transmitting device configured to transmit information to the communication device,

wherein the transmitting apparatus comprises

A transmission unit configured to transmit first information used by the communication device in control of communication of a predetermined communication manner that has used the first frequency band, using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and

the communication device comprises

An acquisition unit configured to acquire the first information from the second frequency band, an

A communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication manner that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, a communication program, a transmission device, and a communication system.

Background

Various wireless communication technologies are being developed to efficiently use wireless resources. For example, in recent years, development of Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) communication technology has become active.

[ list of references ]

[ patent document ]

[PTL 1]JP 6259550 B

Disclosure of Invention

[ problem ] to

Efficient use of radio wave resources is not always possible using only existing technologies. For example, in the license exempt band, a plurality of communication standards may coexist, but when a plurality of communication apparatuses having different communication standards freely communicate, there is a fear that communication errors, communication quality deterioration, and the like due to communication collisions or the like may frequently occur, so that effective use of radio wave resources cannot be achieved.

Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes a communication device, a communication method, a communication program, a transmission device, and a communication system that can achieve efficient use of radio wave resources.

[ problem solution ]

In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication device according to one form of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed, from a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and a communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system of embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating terms used in the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a base station apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a broadcast station apparatus according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the broadcast station apparatus.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a terminal device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of a terminal device.

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a spectrum of a broadcast wave transmitted by a broadcast station apparatus.

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of the communication system 1.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a broadcast process according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating that the region partition may be performed by different spreading codes or code multiplexing.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transmission processing according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating problem 1 of embodiment 2.

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating problem 2 of embodiment 2.

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating problem 3 of embodiment 2.

Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating problem 4 of embodiment 2.

Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control information transmitter according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 21 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a subframe generated by a control information transmitter.

Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a spectrum of a transmission wave.

Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an LPWA transmitting terminal according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an LPWA receiver according to embodiment 2.

Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control information transmitter according to embodiment 3.

Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a virtual satellite signal creating apparatus.

Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 29 is a diagram illustrating a spectrum of a transmission wave.

Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control information transmitter according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 31 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an LPWA transmitting terminal according to embodiment 4.

Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating the position of a radio wave measurement terminal device using a broadcast station device.

Fig. 33 is a diagram illustrating the position of a radio wave measurement terminal device using a broadcast station device.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and repeated description thereof is omitted.

Further, in the present specification and the drawings, a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers or letters after the same reference numeral. For example, such as at terminal equipment 40₁、40₂And 40₃Wherein a plurality of configurations having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished as necessary. In addition, a plurality of configurations having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished as necessary, such as in the broadcast station apparatuses 30A, 30B, 30C.

However, when it is not necessary to particularly distinguish each of a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration, the components are simply denoted by the same symbols. For example, when there is no need to distinguish the terminal device 40₁、40₂And 40₃These terminal devices are simply referred to as terminal devices 40. Further, when there is no need to distinguish between the broadcast station apparatuses 30A, 30B, and 30C, these broadcast station apparatuses are simply referred to as the broadcast station apparatus 30.

Further, the present disclosure will be described according to the order of items shown below.

1. Introduction to

1-1. related Art and problems

1-2 summary of example 1

1-3. terminology used in the examples

2. Configuration of communication System of embodiment 1

2-1. general configuration of communication system

2-2. managing configuration of devices

2-3. configuration of base station equipment

2-4. configuration of broadcasting station equipment

2-5. configuration of terminal equipment

2-6. allocation of frequency bands

3. Operation of a communication system

3-1. summary of the operation

3-2. main channel of broadcasting station (virtual satellite)

3-3. processing flow of broadcasting station equipment

3-4. processing flow of terminal equipment

4. Conclusion of example 1

5. Example 2

Technical background and objects 5-1

5-2. Transmission of time information (related art and object)

5-3. System configuration

5-4. configuration of control information transmitter

Configuration of LPWA transmitting terminal

5-6. configuration of LPWA receiver

6. Example 3

6-1. problem and solution

6-2. System configuration

6-3. configuration of control information transmitter

7. Example 4

7-1 overview of example 4

7-2. System configuration

7-3. frequency spectrum of transmission wave

7-4. configuration of control information transmitter

7-5 configuration of LPWA transmitting terminal

8. Modified examples

8-1 modified example of embodiment

8-2 application example of embodiment

8-3. other communication systems

8-4 other modified examples

9. Conclusion

<1. introduction >

<1-1. related Art and problems >

In order to effectively use a frequency band used in radio communication, standards for achieving fair communication such as transmission restriction according to a used center frequency, antenna power to be transmitted, a transmission frequency, carrier sensing, and the like have been defined in radio laws and standards such as standards of the radio industry and business Association (ARIB). For example, assume that radio signals are transmitted and received in the 920MHz band. In japan, the 920MHz band is a band opened by japan ministry of government in 2011 in 7 months, and anyone can use the band without a license. However, the maximum continuous transmission time is limited to 4 seconds according to the provisions of ARIB STD T-108 and the like. Such a limitation is no exception in communications conforming to standards other than japan. When a predetermined wireless communication technology is used, the technology must conform to national standards. The above criteria are basically frequency of interest, there is room for optimization in the time direction.

The number of internet of things (IoT) devices, some of which are terminals that communicate wirelessly, is expected to exceed 400 billion in 2020. Since the specific low power radio for IoT (ARIB STD-T108) or Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band is a license-free band, each service operator plans, designs and uses its own terminal for this purpose, and there is no mechanism for comprehensive communication control of the terminal. In a specific low power radio, there is a frequency band in which transmission can be performed at 250mW, but the specific low power radio is not suitable for the purpose of integrated communication control because the power is lower than that for broadcasting (several to several tens of kW) and carrier sensing is necessary.

Therefore, transmission terminals based on different standards cannot perform transmission in cooperation with each other. When each terminal randomly transmits, congestion occurs in each communication, resulting in communication errors. Particularly, when a center channel for transmission is defined as in a specific low power radio, a transmission wave of carrier sense or other standards in a receiver becomes an interference wave and cannot be transmitted, thereby causing deterioration in reception performance. Further, in wireless communication with a long communication distance, such as Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) communication, such a tendency becomes remarkable.

<1-2. example 1 overview >

Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, the following means (1) to (5) are provided in embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a communication system 1 of embodiment 1. Hereinafter, an outline of embodiment 1 will be described with reference to fig. 1.

(1) Using timing information transmitted from a broadcast station

The terminal device 40 (e.g., a transmission terminal) extracts and uses the timing information from the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station device 30. Therefore, a plurality of terminal apparatuses 40 using different communication means (terminal apparatuses 40 in the example of fig. 1)₁To 40₄) Can cooperate with each other and achieve efficient use of radio resources.

In this case, the terminal device 40 controls communication that has used the predetermined unlicensed band based on information (signal) acquired from a frequency band different from the predetermined unlicensed band. For example, assume that the predetermined license exempt band is a band used in a particular low power radio (e.g., the 920MHz band defined by ARIB T108). In this case, the terminal device 40 controls communication that has used the specific low power radio (for example, 920MHz band) using a signal in a frequency band (for example, VHF-high frequency band: 200MHz band) different from a frequency band prepared only for the specific low power radio.

Generally, for this purpose (for example, controlling a terminal that performs communication using a predetermined frequency band), the same frequency band (for example, 920MHz band) is divided in advance and used as a dedicated frequency band (for example, a part of the 920MHz band) for transmitting timing information and the like. However, the terminal device 40 of the present embodiment controls a predetermined frequency band (e.g., 920MHz band) using a frequency band (e.g., 200MHz band) other than the predetermined frequency band (e.g., 920MHz band) prepared only for a specific low power radio or the like.

(2) Division of frequency bands for transmitting timing information and the like

The broadcasting station apparatus 30 divides the allocated frequency band into one main channel and a plurality of sub-channels. The broadcast station apparatus 30 transmits timing information using the main channel and transmits control information for controlling communication of the terminal apparatus 40 on the sub-channel.

In this case, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 uses broadband radio for the primary channel. Accordingly, the broadcast station apparatus 30 can broadcast accurate timing information.

Further, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 uses narrowband radio for the sub-channels. The broadcast station apparatus 30 multicasts the control information using the subchannel. The control information may differ between multiple wireless schemes.

The broadcast station device 30 can change the spreading code or code multiplexing so that the broadcast waves of other broadcast stations and the broadcast waves of its own station can be separated and demodulated even at the same frequency.

(3) Distribution of narrow bands

Since narrowband communication is used for the sub-channels, the total number of channels increases. Accordingly, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 allocates a narrow band for each predetermined group (for example, for each communication means, for each service providing subject, for each communication managing subject, for each model, and for each region). This enables each group to provide its own functionality using the sub-channels assigned to that group.

(4) Control of terminal equipment using broadcast wave

The broadcast station device 30 transmits the control information to the terminal device 40 (for example, IoT terminal) using the broadcast wave. This makes it possible to control all the terminal devices 40 (for example, IoT terminals) using the broadcast waves. For example, when communication congestion is predicted, such as in the case of a disaster, the terminal device 40 may be caused to stop radio wave transmission.

(5) Use of virtual satellites

It is assumed that information (signal) transmitted by a broadcast wave (e.g., main channel) is obtained by down-converting a satellite wave (e.g., a virtual Global Positioning System (GPS) wave) transmitted by a virtual satellite (e.g., a virtual GPS satellite). Here, the virtual satellite is a completely geostationary satellite in an ideal state, and is a virtual satellite that does not actually exist. Unlike actual navigation satellites (e.g., GPS satellites), virtual satellites do not fluctuate in orbit, and thus ephemeris (ephemeris) information for calculating its own orbit information is fixed and invariant.

It is assumed that the broadcast wave is a wave in which signals of a plurality of virtual satellites have been superimposed. The signal of the virtual satellite may be generated by the broadcasting station apparatus 30. The broadcasting station apparatus 30 can change the spreading code or the like by which each signal is multiplied so that each signal can be easily separated at the receiving side. The broadcast station device 30 changes the spreading code or the like multiplied on the broadcast wave so that the reception side can distinguish a plurality of broadcast waves transmitted from different broadcast station devices 30. This makes it possible to easily separate each broadcast wave on the reception side (e.g., the terminal device 40).

<1-3. terminology used in examples >

Having described the outline of embodiment 1 above, terms used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating terms used in the embodiment. The description of the terms shown below is for the purpose of assisting understanding of the embodiments, and the meaning of the terms is not limited to the meanings shown below.

(LPWA radio)

LPWA radio is wireless communication enabling wide-range communication with low power consumption. For example, LPWA radio is a specific low power radio or IoT radio communication using the industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) band. In the following description, communication using LPWA radio communication may be referred to as "LPWA communication".

(broadcasting station)

A broadcast station is a device (as an equipped broadcast station) that transmits radio waves that can be received over a wide range. In the following description, a "broadcast station" may be referred to as a "broadcast station apparatus" or a "transmission apparatus".

(IoT terminal)

An IoT terminal (endpoint) is a device that receives a broadcast wave in one terminal and performs transmission of LPWA radio communication. An IoT terminal is a type of transmitting device, terminal device, and/or communication device.

(IoT gateway)

An IoT gateway (receiver) is a device that receives LPWA radio. An IoT gateway is a type of gateway, receiving device, base station device, relay device, and/or communication device.

(broadcasting)

Broadcast refers to sending the same information to an unspecified number of communication devices at the same time. For example, broadcasting is transmitting broadcast waves directed to an unspecified number of communication devices (e.g., IoT terminals).

(multicast)

Multicasting refers to sending the same information to a specific plurality of communication devices or a specific group of communication devices at the same time. For example, multicasting is transmitting broadcast waves to a specific plurality of communication devices (e.g., a specific plurality of IoT terminals) or a specific communication device group (e.g., a specific plurality of IoT terminal groups).

(upload)

Uploading refers to moving (including copying and moving) data to a higher level device (e.g., a server device) on a network. For example, upload refers to data moving from a gateway (e.g., an IoT gateway) to a server that performs management of sending data.

(uplink)

The uplink refers to an uplink direction among data flow directions. For example, the uplink refers to a radio wave propagation direction from a terminal device (e.g., IoT terminal) to a gateway (e.g., IoT gateway).

(Down-Link)

The downlink refers to a downlink direction among data flow directions. For example, the uplink refers to a radio wave propagation direction from a broadcasting station to a terminal device (e.g., an IoT terminal).

(timing information)

Timing information refers to information from which periodic timing can be extracted by signal processing, such as the Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal of GPS. The timing information is not limited to the PPS signal of the GPS, and may be a signal for time synchronization or timing synchronization (hereinafter simply referred to as a timing signal) transmitted from other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GLONASS, galileo, and quasi-zenith satellite (QZSS). The concept of "timing signal" also includes the PPS signal of GPS. Further, the timing information may be information (hereinafter referred to as time information) from which calendar and time data such as year, month, day, hour, minute, and second can be extracted.

(control information)

The control information refers to information for instructing the terminal device to perform control regarding communication. For example, the control information is information for instructing a terminal device (e.g., an IoT terminal) to perform control such as stopping and resuming transmission and changing an operation mode (e.g., controlling a wireless communication unit included in the terminal device).

<2. configuration of communication System of embodiment 1 >

Hereinafter, terms used in the present embodiment have been described briefly above, and the communication system 1 of embodiment 1 will be described hereinafter. The communication system 1 is a system that provides various wireless services to the terminal device 40, and the terminal device 40 performs communication using a predetermined license-exempt frequency band in which a plurality of communication methods can be mixed. The predetermined license-exempt frequency band is, for example, a 920MHz frequency band.

The communication method used by the terminal device 40 is, for example, a communication method using LPWA radio. Here, the "communication method using LPWA radio" is, for example, a communication method conforming to the LPWA standard. Examples of LPWA standards may include ELTRES, ZETA, SIGFOX, LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT. Of course, the LPWA standard is not limited thereto, and other LPWA standards may be used. The communication method used by the terminal device 40 is not limited to the communication method using LPWA radio.

Further, the communication standard (e.g., LPWA standard) used in the communication system 1 is not limited to one. One or more terminal apparatuses 40 of the plurality of terminal apparatuses 40 included in the communication system 1 may use a communication standard different from the communication standard of the other terminal apparatuses 40 included in the communication system 1. For example, the communication standard used in the communication system 1 may be one or more LPWA standards among a plurality of LPWA standards. Further, the communication standard used in the communication system 1 may be the LPWA standard and another communication standard different from the LPWA standard.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the communication system 1 will be specifically described.

<2-1. general configuration of communication System >

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication system 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in fig. 3, the communication system 1 includes a server apparatus 10, a base station apparatus 20, a broadcast station apparatus 30, and a terminal apparatus 40.

The communication system 1 may include a plurality of server apparatuses 10, a plurality of base station apparatuses 20, a plurality of broadcast station apparatuses 30, and a plurality of terminal apparatuses 40, respectively. In the example of fig. 3, the communication system 1 includes a server device 10₁、10₂Etc. as the server device 10. Further, the communication system 1 includes a base station apparatus 20₁、20₂Etc. as the base station apparatus 20, and the broadcast station apparatus 30₁、30₂Etc. as the broadcasting station apparatus 30. Further, the communication system 1 includes a terminal device 40₁、40₂、40₃Etc. as the terminal device 40.

The devices in fig. 3 may be considered to be logically devices. That is, a part of the apparatus shown in fig. 3 may be implemented by a Virtual Machine (VM), a container (container), a docker, or the like, and these may be implemented on physically the same hardware.

In the present embodiment, the concept of the communication apparatus includes not only a portable mobile apparatus (terminal apparatus) such as a mobile terminal but also an apparatus mounted on a structure or a moving body. The structure or the moving body itself may be regarded as a communication apparatus. Further, the concept of the communication device includes not only the terminal device but also the base station device and the relay device. The communication apparatus is one type of processing apparatus and information processing apparatus. Further, the communication device may also be referred to as a transmitting device or a receiving device.

[ Server device ]

The server apparatus 10 is an information processing apparatus connected to the base station apparatus 20 and the broadcast station apparatus 30 via a network. For example, the server device 10 is a host computer of a server for processing a request from a client computer (e.g., the terminal device 40). The server device 10 may be a PC server, may be a middle-end server, or may be a mainframe server. The server device 10 is a type of communication device. The connection between the server apparatus 10 and another communication apparatus (for example, the base station apparatus 20 or the broadcast station apparatus 30) may be a wired connection or may be a wireless connection. The server device 10 may also be referred to as a cloud server device, a local server device, a management device, a processing device, or the like.

The server device 10 may be used, operated and/or managed by various entities. For example, a Mobile Network Operator (MNO), a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), a mobile virtual communication enabler (MVNE), a Neutral Host Network (NHN) operator, a business, an education institution (school company, local government education council, etc.), a real estate (building, apartment, etc.) manager, an individual, and the like may be the entities.

Of course, the entity of use, operation and/or management of the server device 10 is not limited thereto. The server device 10 may be installed and/or operated by a commercial operator or may be installed and/or operated by an individual. Of course, the installation and operation entity of the server apparatus 10 is not limited thereto. For example, the server apparatus 10 may be installed and operated collectively by a plurality of commercial carriers or a plurality of individuals. Further, the server device 10 may be a shared equipment used by a plurality of business operators or a plurality of individuals. In this case, the installation and/or operation of the equipment may be performed by a third party different from the user.

The server apparatus 10 provides a predetermined communication service to the terminal apparatus 40 via the base station apparatus 20. For example, the server device 10 provides an execution service for information processing (hereinafter referred to as application processing) required by an application program to the terminal device 40 in which a predetermined application program has been installed via wireless communication.

Here, the application process performed by the server device 10 is an application-layer-level information process, such as a recognition process of an object in an image, performed based on a request from a program (e.g., an application) included in the mobile device or performed in cooperation with the program. For example, the application processing executed by the server device 10 may be edge processing in edge calculation. The application processing is different from the processing at the physical, data link, network, transport, session and presentation layer levels in the OSI reference model. However, when processing at the application layer level such as image recognition processing is included, the application processing may auxiliarily include processing at the physical layer to presentation layer level.

In the following description, information processing at an application layer level performed by the server apparatus 10 (or the base station apparatus 20) based on a request from a program included in the terminal apparatus 40, or information processing at an application layer level performed by an apparatus on a network in cooperation with a program included in the terminal apparatus 40 may be referred to as "application processing". Further, in the following description, a process data of "application processing" provided by a device on the network to the terminal device 40, or a processing function (or a processing service) of "application processing" provided by the server device 10 or the base station device 20 to the terminal device 40 may be referred to as "provision of application processing".

[ base station apparatus ]

The base station device 20 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the terminal device 40. The base station apparatus 20 is a type of communication apparatus. The base station device 20 is, for example, a device corresponding to an IoT gateway. The base station apparatus 20 may be an apparatus corresponding to a radio base station (base station or the like) or a radio access point. Further, the base station device 20 may be a wireless relay station. The base station device 20 may be an optical projection device called a Remote Radio Head (RRH). Further, the base station device 20 may have a function (for example), which provides application processing, included in the server device 10.

The radio access technology used by the base station apparatus 20 for radio communication with the terminal apparatus 40 is, for example, LPWA communication technology. Of course, the radio access technology used by the base station apparatus 20 is not limited to the LPWA communication technology, and may be another radio access technology such as a cellular communication technology or a wireless LAN technology. Further, the wireless communication used by the base station apparatus 20 may be wireless communication using radio waves or wireless communication using infrared rays or visible light (optical radio).

Base station apparatus 20 may be used, operated and/or managed by various entities. For example, assume that the entity is a Mobile Network Operator (MNO), a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), a mobile virtual communication enabler (MVNE), a Neutral Host Network (NHN) operator, an enterprise, an educational institution (school legal, local government education committee, etc.), a real estate (building, apartment, etc.) manager, an individual, or the like.

Of course, the entity of use, operation and/or management of the base station apparatus 20 is not limited thereto. The base station apparatus 20 may be installed and/or operated by a commercial operator or may be installed and/or operated by an individual. Of course, the installation and operation entity of the base station apparatus 20 is not limited thereto. For example, the base station device 20 may be installed and operated collectively by a plurality of operators or a plurality of individuals. Further, the base station device 20 may be shared equipment used by a plurality of operators or a plurality of individuals. In this case, the installation and/or operation of the equipment may be performed by a third party different from the user.

The concept of a base station apparatus (also referred to as a base station) includes not only a donor base station but also a relay base station (referred to as a relay station or a relay station apparatus). Further, the concept of the base station includes not only a structure having a function of the base station but also a device installed in the structure.

The structure is, for example, a building such as a skyscraper, a house, a steel tower, a station facility, an airport facility, a port facility or a stadium. The concept of the structure includes not only buildings but also non-building structures such as tunnels, bridges, dams, walls and towers, or equipment such as cranes, gates, windmills and the like. Further, the concept of the structure includes not only onshore (on the ground in a narrow sense) or underground structures but also offshore structures such as a quay or a giant buoy or underwater structures such as marine observation equipment. The base station apparatus may also be referred to as a processing apparatus or an information processing apparatus.

The base station apparatus 20 may be a donor station, or may be a relay station. Further, the base station apparatus 20 may be a fixed station, or may be a mobile station. A mobile station is a wireless communication station (or broadcast station) that is configured to be mobile. In this case, the base station apparatus 20 may be an apparatus mounted on a mobile body, or may be the mobile body itself. For example, a relay station apparatus having mobility may be regarded as the base station apparatus 20 as a mobile station. Further, a mobile-capable device, such as a vehicle, a drone, a smartphone, which includes the functions of the base station device (at least some of the functions of the base station device) corresponds to the base station device 20 serving as a mobile station.

Here, the mobile body may be a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a mobile phone. Further, the mobile body may be a mobile body (for example, a vehicle such as an automobile, a bicycle, a bus, a truck, a motorcycle, a train, or a linear motor car) that moves on the ground (the ground in a narrow sense), or may be a mobile body (for example, a subway) that moves underground (inside a tunnel).

Further, the mobile body may be a mobile body that moves on water (for example, a ship such as a passenger ship, a cargo ship, or a hovercraft), or may be a mobile body that moves under water (for example, a submersible ship such as a submersible, a submarine, or an unmanned submersible).

Further, the mobile body may be a mobile body that moves in the atmosphere (for example, an aircraft such as an airplane, an airship, or a drone), or may be a mobile body that moves outside the atmosphere (for example, a satellite, a spacecraft, or a space station, or an artificial celestial body such as a detection device). A moving body that moves outside the atmosphere may also be referred to as a space moving body.

Further, the base station apparatus 20 may be a ground station installed on the ground. The ground station is a ground wireless communication station or a ground broadcast station. For example, the base station apparatus 20 may be a base station apparatus provided on a ground structure, or may be a base station apparatus mounted on a moving body that moves on the ground. More specifically, the base station apparatus 20 may be an antenna installed in a structure such as a building, and a signal processing apparatus connected to the antenna. Of course, the base station apparatus 20 may be a structure or a moving body itself. "ground" means not only land (ground in a narrow sense) but also ground in a broad sense including underground, above water and in water. The base station apparatus 20 is not limited to the terrestrial base station apparatus. The base station apparatus 20 may be a non-ground base station apparatus (non-ground station apparatus) that can float in the air or space. For example, the base station device 20 may be an aircraft station device or a satellite station device.

The aircraft station device is a wireless communication device that may float in the atmosphere, such as an aircraft. The aircraft station device may be a device installed in an aircraft or the like, or may be the aircraft itself. The concept of the aircraft includes not only heavy aircraft such as airplanes and gliders but also light aircraft such as balloons and airships. Furthermore, the concept of aircraft includes rotorcraft, such as helicopters or gyroplanes, as well as heavy-duty aircraft and light-duty aircraft. The aircraft station device (or the aircraft in which the aircraft station device is installed) may be an unmanned aircraft such as a drone.

The concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAS) and tethered unmanned aerial vehicle systems (tethered UAS). Furthermore, the concept of unmanned aerial vehicles includes Lighter-than-Air unmanned aircraft systems (LTA: light through Air UAS) and heavy unmanned aircraft systems (HTA: heavy through Air UAS). In addition, the concept of unmanned aerial vehicles also includes high altitude UAS platforms (HAPs).

The satellite station device is a wireless communication device that can float outside the atmosphere. The satellite station apparatus may be an apparatus mounted on a space moving body such as an artificial satellite, or may be the space moving body itself. The satellite used as the satellite station device may be any one of a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, a Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite, a geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite, and a High Elliptic Orbit (HEO) satellite. Of course, the satellite station apparatus may be an apparatus installed in a low earth orbit satellite, a medium earth orbit satellite, a geostationary orbit satellite, or a high elliptic orbit satellite.

The coverage area of the base station apparatus 20 may be a wide range of a macro cell to a small range such as a pico cell. Of course, the coverage area of the base station apparatus 20 may be very small, such as a femto cell. Further, the base station device 20 may have beamforming capability. In this case, in the base station apparatus 20, a cell or a service area may be formed for each beam.

In the example of fig. 3, the base station device 20 is directly connected to the terminal device 40, but the base station device 20 may be capable of indirectly wirelessly communicating with the terminal device 40 via another base station device 20 (relay device).

[ broadcasting station equipment ]

The broadcast station apparatus 30 is an apparatus that broadcasts various types of information (or various signals) to the terminal apparatuses 40. The broadcast station apparatus 30 is, for example, an apparatus that broadcasts various types of information (or various signals) using the VHF-high band. The broadcast station apparatus 30 is a type of transmission apparatus. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that not only the "data" transmitted from the broadcast station apparatus 30 but also the "signal" transmitted from the broadcast station apparatus 30 are "information". In the present embodiment, the broadcast station is a broadcast station as equipment. The broadcasting station further includes a broadcasting relay station.

Here, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 may be a transmitter of a predetermined broadcasting standard. For example, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 may be a DVB transmitter or may be an ISDB transmitter. Further, broadcast station apparatus 30 may be an ATSC transmitter such as an ATSC 3.0 transmitter. Further, the broadcast station apparatus 30 is not limited to transmitters of these standards, and may be transmitters of other broadcast standards. Further, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be a transmitter according to an independent broadcast standard dedicated to transmitting information (e.g., timing information or control information) so as to allow the terminal apparatus 40 to communicate using the license-exempt frequency band.

Further, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be a wireless station. For example, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be a wireless communication station constituting a wireless communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR). Further, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be an apparatus corresponding to a wireless base station, a radio access point, or a wireless relay station. In this case, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be a base station or a relay station for a cellular communication system such as LTE or NR. When the wireless communication station has a function of transmitting information (or signals) over a broadband, the wireless communication station (for example, base station apparatus 20) may also be regarded as a broadcast station.

Broadcast waves used by the broadcast station apparatus 30 for broadcasting are not limited to terrestrial waves. For example, the broadcast wave may be a satellite wave. Satellite waves are radio waves transmitted from satellites.

Further, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be a fixed station. In this case, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 may be an apparatus mounted on the structure or may be the structure itself. Further, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 may be a mobile station. In this case, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be an apparatus mounted on a mobile body, or may be the mobile body itself. Further, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be a ground station. For example, the base station apparatus 20 may be a broadcasting station apparatus provided on a ground structure, or may be a broadcasting station apparatus mounted on a moving body moving on the ground. Further, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be a non-ground station. For example, the broadcast station device 30 may be an aircraft station device, or may be a satellite station device.

[ terminal Equipment ]

The terminal device 40 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the base station device 20 or another terminal device 40. The base station apparatus 20 is a type of communication apparatus. The terminal device 40 is, for example, a mobile phone, a smart device (smart phone or tablet), an individual digital assistant (PDA), or a personal computer. Further, the terminal device 40 may be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device or an IoT device (IoT terminal).

Further, the terminal device 40 may be capable of LPWA communication with the base station device 20. The terminal device 40 may be a device capable of only transmission or a device capable of only reception. Of course, the terminal device 40 may be capable of both transmitting and receiving. Further, the terminal device 40 may be capable of side-link communication with another terminal device 40. Terminal device 40 may use automatic retransmission techniques such as hybrid arq (harq) when performing sidelink communications. The terminal device 40 may also be capable of LPWA communication in communication (side link) with another terminal device 40. The wireless communication (including the side link communication) used by the terminal device 40 may be wireless communication using radio waves, or may be wireless communication using infrared rays or visible light (optical radio).

Further, the terminal device 40 may be a mobile device. Here, the mobile device is a mobile wireless communication device. In this case, the terminal device 40 may be a wireless communication device mounted on a mobile body or may be the mobile body itself. For example, the terminal device 40 may be a vehicle moving on a road, such as an automobile, a bus, a truck, or a motorcycle, or a wireless communication device installed in a vehicle. The mobile body may be a mobile terminal, or may be a mobile body moving on land (ground in a narrow sense), underground, on water, or in water. Further, the mobile body may be a mobile body such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, a helicopter, or the like that moves in the atmosphere, or may be a mobile body such as an artificial satellite that moves outside the atmosphere.

The terminal device 40 can simultaneously connect a plurality of base station devices or a plurality of cells for communication. For example, when one base station apparatus supports a communication area via a plurality of cells (e.g., pCell or sCell), the plurality of cells may be bundled together using a Carrier Aggregation (CA) technique, a Dual Connection (DC) technique, or a Multi Connection (MC) technique, so that the base station apparatus 20 and the terminal apparatus 40 can communicate. Alternatively, the terminal apparatus 40 and the plurality of base station apparatuses 20 may communicate with each other via cells of different base station apparatuses 20 using a coordinated multipoint transmission and reception (CoMP) technique.

The terminal device 40 does not necessarily have to be a device used directly by a person. The terminal device 40 may be a sensor installed in a machine or the like in a factory, such as so-called Machine Type Communication (MTC). Further, the terminal device 40 may be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device or an internet of things (IoT) device. Further, the terminal device 40 may be a device having a relay communication function, as represented by device-to-device (D2D) or vehicle-to-anything (V2X). Further, the terminal device 40 may be a device called Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) used in a wireless backhaul or the like.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each device constituting the communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail. The configuration of each device shown below is merely an example. The configuration of each device may be different from the following configuration.

<2-2. configuration of Server apparatus >

First, the configuration of the server device 10 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server apparatus 10 according to embodiment 1. The server device 10 includes a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13. The configuration shown in fig. 4 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from such a configuration. Further, the functions of the server device 10 may be distributed and implemented in a plurality of physically separate configurations. For example, the server device 10 may be configured as a plurality of server devices.

The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The communication unit 11 may be a network interface or may be a device connection interface. For example, the communication unit 11 may be a Local Area Network (LAN) interface such as a Network Interface Card (NIC), or may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface configured as a USB host controller, a USB port, or the like. Further, the communication unit 11 may be a wired interface or may be a wireless interface. The communication unit 11 functions as a communication means of the server apparatus 10. The communication unit 11 communicates with the base station apparatus 20 and the broadcast station apparatus 30 under the control of the control unit 13.

The storage unit 12 is a storage device from or to which data can be read or written, such as a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), a Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), a flash memory, and a hard disk. The storage unit 12 functions as storage means of the server apparatus 10.

The control unit 13 is a controller that controls each unit of the server apparatus 10. The control unit 13 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a Micro Processing Unit (MPU). For example, the control unit 13 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the server device 10 using a Random Access Memory (RAM) or the like as a work area. The control unit 13 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA may all be considered as controllers.

<2-3. configuration of base station apparatus >

Next, the configuration of the base station apparatus 20 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the base station apparatus 20 according to embodiment 1. Base station apparatus 20 may perform LPWA communication with terminal apparatus 40. The base station apparatus 20 includes a wireless communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, a network communication unit 23, and a control unit 24. The configuration shown in fig. 5 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from such a configuration. Furthermore, the functionality of the base station apparatus 20 may be distributed and implemented in a plurality of physically separated configurations.

The wireless communication unit 21 is a signal processing unit for performing wireless communication with another wireless communication apparatus (for example, the terminal apparatus 40 or another base station apparatus 20). The wireless communication unit 21 operates according to the control of the control unit 24. The wireless communication unit 21 corresponds to one or more wireless access schemes. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 supports communication using LPWA communication.

The storage unit 22 is a storage device from and to which data can be read and written, such as DRAM, SRAM, flash memory, and hard disk. The storage unit 22 serves as a storage means for the base station apparatus 20.

The network communication unit 23 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The network communication unit 23 is, for example, a LAN interface. The network communication unit 23 may be a wired interface or may be a wireless interface. The network communication unit 23 functions as a network communication device of the base station device 20. The network communication unit 23 communicates with the server apparatus 10 under the control of the control unit 24.

The control unit 24 is a controller that controls each unit of the base station apparatus 20. The control unit 24 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or MPU. For example, the control unit 24 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the base station device 20 using a RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 24 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA may all be considered as controllers.

<2-4. configuration of broadcasting station apparatus >

Next, the configuration of the broadcast station apparatus 30 will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the broadcast station apparatus 30 according to embodiment 1. The broadcast station device 30 is a device that carries timing information or control information about a broadcast wave and transmits the broadcast wave to the terminal device 40. The broadcasting station apparatus 30 includes a signal processing unit 31, a satellite receiving unit 35, a storage unit 32, a network communication unit 33, and a control unit 34. The configuration shown in fig. 6 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different therefrom. Further, the functions of the broadcast station apparatus 30 may be distributed and implemented in a plurality of physically separated configurations.

The signal processing unit 31 is a signal processing unit for transmitting broadcast waves. The signal processing unit 31 operates according to the control of the control unit 34.

The satellite receiving unit 35 is a signal processing unit for receiving satellite waves and demodulation information (signals). The satellite wave received by the satellite receiving unit 35 is, for example, a GPS wave transmitted from a GPS satellite. The satellite receiving unit 35 demodulates, for example, a PPS signal, GPS time information, and the like from the GPS wave and outputs the PPS signal, the GPS time information, and the like. The satellite wave received by the satellite receiving unit 35 may be a satellite wave transmitted from another GNSS such as GLONASS, Galileo, or quasi-zenith satellite.

The storage unit 32 is a data readable/writable storage device such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, and a hard disk. The storage unit 32 functions as storage means of the broadcast station apparatus 30.

The network communication unit 33 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The network communication unit 33 is, for example, a LAN interface. The network communication unit 33 may be a wired interface or may be a wireless interface. The network communication unit 33 functions as a network communication device of the broadcast station device 30. The network communication unit 33 communicates with the server apparatus 10 under the control of the control unit 34.

The control unit 34 is a controller that controls each unit of the broadcasting station apparatus 30. The control unit 34 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or MPU. For example, the control unit 34 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the broadcast station device 30 using a RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 34 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA may all be considered as controllers.

As shown in fig. 6, the control unit 34 includes an acquisition unit 341 and a transmission unit 342. Each block (from the acquisition unit 341 to the transmission unit 342) constituting the control unit 34 is a functional block indicating a function of the control unit 34. These functional blocks may be software blocks or may be hardware blocks. For example, each of the above-described functional blocks may be one software module implemented by software (including a microprogram), or may be one circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

The control unit 34 may be configured in a functional unit different from the above-described functional blocks. The operation of each block (from the acquisition unit 341 to the transmission unit 342) constituting the control unit 34 will be described below.

As described above, the broadcast station device 30 carries timing information on broadcast waves and transmits the resultant broadcast waves to the terminal device 40. The timing information is virtual satellite transmission information generated in a manner imitating information transmitted from a navigation satellite. In this case, the broadcast wave may be a wave obtained by down-converting a virtual satellite wave (for example, a GPS wave) transmitted from a virtual satellite. Further, the virtual satellite transmission information may be a PPS signal obtained when a radio wave from a navigation satellite (e.g., a GPS satellite) is decoded, or a radio wave from which an equivalent PPS signal is obtained. The navigation satellite is not limited to a GPS satellite, and may be a GNSS navigation satellite different from GPS.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the broadcast station apparatus 30. The configuration shown in fig. 7 is a configuration example of the broadcast station apparatus 30 when there are four virtual satellites. The configuration shown in fig. 7 is merely an example, and the configuration of the broadcast station apparatus 30 is not limited to the configuration shown in fig. 7.

The broadcasting station apparatus 30 includes a GPS and GNSS receiver 32 a. The GPS and GNSS receiver 32a corresponds to the satellite receiving unit 35 in the example of fig. 6. The GPS and GNSS receiver 32a receives GPS waves from actual GPS satellites and demodulates GPS time information and the like. The GPS and GNSS receiver 32a inputs the demodulated signals to the four virtual satellite modules 31a to 31 d. In the example of fig. 6, four virtual satellite modules 31a to 31d constitute a part of the signal processing unit 31. The four virtual satellite modules 31a to 31d generate signals simulating GPS satellite signals under the control of the main CPU31 a. In the example of fig. 6, the main CPU31a constitutes a part of the control unit 34. The broadcasting station apparatus 30 adds a predetermined delay to each of the four signals according to the position of the virtual satellite and then multiplexes the four signals to which the delay has been added. The broadcasting station apparatus 30 transmits the multiplexed signal in a predetermined frequency band (for example, 200MHz frequency band).

Although fig. 7 illustrates a configuration for transmitting timing information, the broadcast station device 30 may transmit control information carried on a broadcast wave together with the timing information to the terminal device 40.

In this case, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 can transmit the timing information using the broadband radio main channel. This allows the broadcast station apparatus 30 to broadcast accurate timing information. On the other hand, the broadcast station apparatus 30 may use a subchannel of a narrowband radio to transmit control information. This makes it possible to transmit control information to a large number of terminal apparatuses 40. The main channel and the sub-channel will be described below.

<2-5. configuration of terminal device >

Next, the configuration of the terminal device 40 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal device 40 according to embodiment 1. Terminal apparatus 40 may communicate with base station apparatus 20 at LPWA. The terminal device 40 extracts timing information from the broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station device 30, and controls LPWA communication using the timing information. The terminal device 40 includes a wireless communication unit 41, a satellite receiving unit 42, a storage unit 43, a network communication unit 44, an input-output unit 45, and a control unit 46. The configuration shown in fig. 8 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from such a configuration. Further, the functionality of the terminal device 40 may be distributed and implemented in a number of physically separate configurations.

The wireless communication unit 41 is a signal processing unit for performing wireless communication with another wireless communication apparatus (for example, the base station apparatus 20 and another terminal apparatus 40). The wireless communication unit 41 operates according to the control of the control unit 46. The wireless communication unit 41 corresponds to one or more wireless access schemes. For example, the wireless communication unit 21 supports communication using LPWA communication. The wireless communication unit 41 can multiplex and transmit a plurality of transmission signal transmissions generated by chirping the transmission data within the same transmission channel by shifting the timing at predetermined time intervals.

The satellite receiving unit 42 is a signal processing unit for receiving satellite waves and demodulating information (signals). The satellite wave received by the satellite receiving unit 42 is, for example, a GPS wave transmitted from a GPS satellite. For example, the satellite receiving unit 42 demodulates a PPS signal, GPS time information, and the like from the GPS wave and outputs the demodulation result. The Satellite wave received by the Satellite receiving unit 42 may be a Satellite wave transmitted from another GNSS such as GLONASS, Galileo, or Quasi-Zenith Satellite (Quasi-Zenith Satellite).

The storage unit 43 is a storage device, such as a DRAM, an SRAM, a flash memory, or a hard disk, from which data can be read and written. The storage unit 43 functions as storage means of the terminal device 40.

The network communication unit 44 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices. The network communication unit 44 is, for example, a LAN interface. The network communication unit 44 may be a wired interface or may be a wireless interface. The network communication unit 44 functions as a network communication means of the terminal device 40. The network communication unit 44 communicates with other devices according to the control of the control unit 46.

The input and output unit 45 is a user interface for exchanging information with a user. The input and output unit 45 is an operation device that allows the user to perform various operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, operation keys, and a touch panel, for example. Alternatively, the input and output unit 45 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (organic EL display). The input and output unit 45 may be an audio device such as a speaker or a buzzer. Further, the input and output unit 45 may be a lighting device, such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp. The input and output unit 45 functions as input and output means (input means, output means, operation means, or notification means) of the terminal device 40.

The control unit 46 is a controller that controls each unit of the terminal device 40. The control unit 46 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU or MPU. For example, the control unit 46 is realized by a processor executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the terminal device 40 using a RAM or the like as a work area. The control unit 46 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA. The CPU, MPU, ASIC, FPGA may all be considered as controllers.

As shown in fig. 8, the control unit 46 includes an acquisition unit 461 and a communication control unit 462. Each block (from the acquisition unit 461 to the communication control unit 462) constituting the control unit 46 is a functional block indicating a function of the control unit 46. These functional blocks may be software blocks or may be hardware blocks. For example, each of the above functional blocks may be one software module implemented by software (including a microprocessor), or may be one circuit block on a semiconductor chip (die). Of course, each functional block may be a processor or an integrated circuit. The method of configuring the functional blocks is arbitrary.

The control unit 46 may be configured in a functional unit different from the above-described functional blocks. The operation of each block (from the acquisition unit 461 to the communication control unit 462) constituting the control unit 46 will be described below.

As described above, the terminal device 40 extracts timing information from a broadcast wave transmitted from the broadcast station device 30, and controls LPWA communication using the timing information. The timing information is a signal that mimics a GPS signal. When a predetermined number of GPS satellites can be supplemented, the terminal device 40 can use a GPS signal (e.g., a PPS signal) acquired from an actual GPS satellite as the timing information.

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the configuration of the terminal device 40. The configuration shown in fig. 9 is a configuration example of the broadcasting station device 30 when a commercially available GPS demodulation LSI is used to demodulate a GPS signal. The configuration shown in fig. 9 is merely an example, and the configuration of the terminal device 40 is not limited to the configuration shown in fig. 9.

The terminal device 40 extracts a satellite wave from a GPS satellite using a front end 42a including a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filter, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), and the like, and then outputs the satellite wave to an AB selector 46 b. The front end 42a corresponds to a part of the satellite receiving unit 42 in the example of fig. 8.

Further, after the terminal device 40 extracts a broadcast wave from the broadcasting station device 30 using the front end 41a including a SAW filter, an LNA, and the like, the terminal device 40 performs frequency shifting using the up-converter 41b and the down-converter 42 c. Terminal apparatus 40 outputs the up-converted signal to AB selector 46b, and outputs the down-converted signal to subchannel demodulator 41 d. The front end 41a, the up-converter 41b, the down-converter 42c, and the sub-channel demodulator 41d correspond to a part of the wireless communication unit 41 in the example of fig. 8.

On the other hand, the AB selector selects a signal according to the control of the CPU 46a, and then inputs the selected signal to the GPS demodulation LSI 42 b. In the example of fig. 8, the GPS demodulation LSI 42b corresponds to a part of the wireless communication unit 41. The GPS demodulation LSI 42b demodulates the PPS signal and outputs the PPS signal to the LPWA transmitter 41 e. The PPS signal is one type of timing information. The LPWA transmitter 41e corresponds to a part of the wireless communication unit 41 in the example of fig. 8. A part of the LPWA transmitter 41e (e.g., a control unit in the LPWA transmitter 41 e) may be regarded as a part of the control unit 46.

The subchannel demodulator 41d demodulates the control signal from the input signal and outputs the control signal to the CPU 46 a. In the example of fig. 8, the CPU 46a corresponds to a part of the control unit 46. The LPWA transmitter 41e communicates with the base station apparatus 20 under the control of the control unit 46.

<2-6. allocation of frequency band >

Next, allocation of a frequency band (second frequency band) will be described. The second frequency band is a frequency band different from the first frequency band and is a license-exempt frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed. Here, the first frequency band is, for example, a frequency band in which specific small power saving radio can be performed (for example, a frequency band in which the terminal device 40 is used for LPWA communication). The first frequency band is, for example, a 920MHz frequency band, and the second frequency band is, for example, a VHF-high frequency band.

Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a spectrum of a broadcast wave transmitted by the broadcast station device 30. The broadcasting station apparatus 30 divides the allocated frequency band (second frequency band) into one main channel and a plurality of sub-channels. The broadcast station apparatus 30 transmits timing information using the main channel and transmits control information for controlling communication of the terminal apparatus 40 on the sub-channel.

In this case, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 uses broadband radio for the main channel. Assuming a bandwidth of up to about 2 MHz. For example, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 spectrum-spreads the timing signal and transmits the resultant timing signal. The broadcast station apparatus 30 can broadcast accurate timing information using a spectrum spreading method or the like.

Further, the broadcasting station apparatus 30 uses narrowband radio for the sub-channel. The broadcast station apparatus 30 multicasts the control information using the subchannel. The control information may be different in a variety of wireless schemes.

The bandwidth of the sub-channel is assumed to be, for example, about 10 kHz. The broadcast station apparatus 30 may use any radio modulation such as BPSK, FSK, and OFDM as long as the radio modulation fits the bandwidth. A person (e.g., an IoT carrier, hereinafter, referred to as a service provider) who provides a communication service such as application processing to a user of the terminal device 40 may commonly use a plurality of channels through Carrier Aggregation (CA), channel bonding, and the like with respect to the allocated sub-channels. In addition, a service provider may divide and use one channel.

The broadcast from each broadcast station device 30 may be defined in advance so that the broadcast waves can be distinguished from each other even at the same frequency by code multiplexing.

<3. operation of communication System >

Next, the operation of the communication system 1 will be described.

<3-1. operational overview >

First, an outline of the operation of the communication system 1 will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the operation of the communication system 1.

[ step S1]

The broadcast station apparatus 30 broadcasts the timing information using the main channel periodically independently of the terminal apparatus 40 (e.g., IoT terminal) (step S1).

(1) The data broadcast from the primary channel may include not only timing information, but also date and time information and ephemeris information. Time information such as GPS time information may also be regarded as timing information when the terminal device 40 synchronizes with another terminal device 40.

(2) The data broadcast from the primary channel may also include control signals of the terminal devices 40 (e.g., IoT terminals) that conform to the frequency bands they use.

[ Steps S2 and S3]

Steps S2 and S3 are normal operations of the terminal device 40 (e.g., IoT terminal), the base station device 20 (e.g., IoT gateway), and the server device 10.

(1) The server apparatus 10 specifies the terminal ID for reception for the base station apparatus 20 (for example, IoT gateway) (step S3).

(2) The base station device 20 (e.g., IoT gateway) receives the uplink of the terminal device 40 (e.g., IoT terminal) having the specified terminal ID (step S2).

(3) The base station device 20 (e.g., IoT gateway) uploads the received uplink data (payload) to the server device 10 (step S3).

[ Steps S1, S4, S5]

Steps S1, S4, and S5 are operations, for example, when there is a request to stop the terminal device 40 (e.g., IoT terminal) having a specific ID.

(1) The server device 10 notifies the control signal encoder in the broadcast station device 30 of data for stopping the terminal device 40 (for example, IoT terminal) having the specific ID (step S4).

(2) The control signal encoder of the broadcasting station apparatus 30 performs default encoding and transmits the resultant data to the modulator.

(3) The modulator of the broadcast station apparatus 30 performs default modulation.

(4) The broadcast station apparatus 30 broadcasts the data via the sub-channel (step S5).

(5) The broadcast station apparatus 30 may also broadcast the data via the main channel (step S1).

<3-2. broadcast station main channel (virtual (pseudo) satellite) >

In the present embodiment, the broadcast station apparatus 30 generates and broadcasts timing information. Timing information may be generated using virtual satellite (also referred to as pseudolite) technology.

The broadcast station apparatus 30 may generate pseudolites in a ground-based augmentation system (GBAS). Pseudolites (pseudolites) are a well-known technology and are used in construction sites or indoor areas where the number of satellites is reduced or where reception from satellites is not possible due to the effects of buildings. The number and arrangement of satellites can be improved.

The broadcasting station apparatus 30 may be a terrestrial broadcasting station that converts a baseband signal observed when radio waves from a plurality of unmoved pseudolites are received at a point on the ground into a "high transmission frequency" and transmits the resultant signal. In this case, the "high transmission frequency" may be a frequency in a television broadcast band.

<3-3. processing flow of broadcasting station apparatus >

Next, a process flow of the broadcast station apparatus 30 will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a broadcast process according to embodiment 1. The broadcast processing shown below is executed by the control unit 34 of the broadcast station apparatus 30, for example. The broadcast station apparatus 30 is, for example, a terrestrial broadcast station apparatus.

First, the acquisition unit 341 of the broadcast station apparatus 30 acquires information (for example, GPS signal) from the satellite wave (step S101). The acquisition unit 341 acquires information (for example, a PPS signal) for time measurement or timing measurement transmitted from a navigation satellite.

The acquisition unit 341 acquires the timing information broadcasted to the terminal device 40 (step S102). For example, the acquisition unit 341 generates timing information based on the information (signal) acquired in step S101. As described above, the terminal device 40 can use a predetermined license-exempt frequency band (first frequency band) in which a plurality of communication methods can be mixed in a predetermined communication method (for example, a communication method conforming to a predetermined LPWA standard).

The timing information is virtual satellite transmission information generated by simulating information transmitted from a navigation satellite. In this case, the virtual satellite transmission information may be formed so that a Pulse Per Second (PPS) signal may be demodulated from a signal transmitted from the navigation satellite.

The acquisition unit 341 acquires control information from the server device 10 (step S103). The control information is, for example, information for instructing the terminal device 40 to perform control regarding communication. The control information may include stop information for stopping the radio wave transmission in which the first frequency band of the terminal device 40 has been used. Further, the control information may include scheduling information for scheduling radio wave transmission in which the first frequency band of the terminal device 40 has been used. The scheduling information may include information on radio wave resources (frequency and/or time resources) that can be used by the terminal device 40.

The transmission unit 342 of the broadcast station apparatus 30 broadcasts the timing information and the control information using a frequency band (second frequency band) different from a predetermined license-exempt frequency band (first frequency band).

For example, the transmission unit 342 transmits the timing information using the primary channel described in < allocation of 2-6 band >. Further, the transmission unit 342 transmits control information using the sub-channel described in < allocation of 2-6 band >.

In this case, the transmission unit 342 may change a spreading code or code multiplexing for transmitting information using the main channel so that a broadcast wave of another broadcast station and a broadcast wave of its own station can be separated and demodulated even at the same frequency. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating that regions may be separated by different spreading codes or code multiplexing. The transmission unit 342 may enable region division not only for the main channel but also for the sub-channel using the same device.

When the transmission of the information is completed, the control unit 34 of the broadcast station apparatus 30 ends the broadcast process.

<3-4. processing flow of terminal device >

Next, a process flow of the terminal device 40 will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transmission processing according to embodiment 1. The transmission processing shown below is executed by the control unit 46 of the terminal device 40, for example.

When the power is turned on, the control unit 46 of the terminal device 40 performs terminal initial setting (step S201). The control unit 46 of the terminal device 40 performs a sub-channel demodulation sequence, a GPS satellite acquisition sequence, and a main channel demodulation sequence. These sequences may be executed in parallel.

First, a subchannel demodulation sequence will be described.

Acquisition section 461 of terminal apparatus 40 performs demodulation of the subchannel (step S211). When demodulation fails (step S212: no), the acquisition unit 461 returns to step S211, and continues demodulation of the sub-channel. When the demodulation is successful (step S212: yes), the acquisition unit 461 returns to step S211 after executing WAIT (step S213), and repeats demodulation of the sub-channel. In fig. 14, "WAIT" means a time of waiting until a predetermined time elapses, or before or after LPWA transmission.

When the demodulation is successful, the acquisition unit 461 of the terminal device 40 acquires control information from the demodulation information. The control information may include stop information for stopping the radio wave transmission in which the first frequency band of the terminal device 40 has been used. Further, the control information may include scheduling information for scheduling radio wave transmission in which the first frequency band of the terminal device 40 has been used.

The communication control unit 462 of the terminal device 40 generates a control signal for controlling LPWA transmission based on the control information (step S214). For example, the communication control unit 462 generates a stop signal for stopping radio wave transmission or generates a signal for specifying available radio wave resources based on the control information.

Next, a GPS satellite acquisition sequence will be described.

The acquisition unit 461 of the terminal device 40 executes processing for acquiring a navigation satellite (e.g., a GPS satellite) (step S221). When a predetermined number (e.g., four) of navigation satellites can be acquired (yes in step S222), the acquisition unit 461 returns to step S221 after execution of WAIT (step S223), and restarts the process for acquiring navigation satellites. Further, when acquisition is successful, the acquisition unit 461 transmits timing information (e.g., a timing signal such as a PPS signal or a GPS signal) to the AB selector. The timing information enables sharing of timing with another terminal device 40 that uses the first frequency band in a communication manner different from the predetermined communication manner used by the terminal device 40.

When a predetermined number (e.g., four) of navigation satellites cannot be acquired (step S222: no), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the acquisition process (step S224). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S224: yes), the acquisition unit 461 returns to step S221 and continues the capturing process. When the predetermined time has elapsed (no in step S224), the acquisition unit 461 advances the process to the main-channel demodulation sequence.

Next, the primary channel demodulation sequence will be described.

The acquisition unit 461 of the terminal device 40 executes processing for acquiring a virtual satellite (for example, a virtual GPS satellite) (step S231). The process for acquiring the virtual satellite is, for example, a process for demodulating the main channel. When a predetermined number (e.g., four) of virtual satellites can be acquired (yes in step S232), the acquisition unit 461 returns to step S221 after executing WAIT (step S233), and restarts the process for acquiring navigation satellites. When acquisition is successful, the acquisition unit 461 transmits timing information (e.g., a timing signal such as a PPS signal or a GPS signal) to the AB selector.

When a predetermined number (e.g., four) of virtual satellites cannot be acquired (step S232: no), it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the acquisition process (step S234). When the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S234: yes), the acquisition unit 461 returns to step S231 and continues the capturing process. When the predetermined time has elapsed (no in step S234), the acquisition unit 461 advances the process to the GPS satellite acquisition sequence.

The AB selector selects the active sequence side. That is, the AB selector selects either one of the main channel demodulation sequence (first information) or the information acquired by the GPS satellite acquisition sequence (second information) (step S241). For example, the AB selector selects the second information when a predetermined number of navigation satellites can be acquired, and selects the first information when the predetermined number of navigation satellites cannot be acquired.

The communication control unit 462 of the terminal device 40 controls transmission of LPWA transmission data based on the control signal generated in step S214 and the information (for example, timing information such as a PPS signal and a GPS signal) selected in step S241 (step S251).

For example, when the communication control unit 462 can acquire a predetermined number of navigation satellites, the communication control unit 462 controls communication in a predetermined communication manner that has used the first frequency band based on the second information. On the other hand, when the communication control unit 462 cannot acquire a predetermined number of navigation satellites, the communication control unit 462 controls communication in a predetermined communication manner in which the first frequency band has been used, based on the timing information included in the first information.

Further, when the communication control unit 462 receives, as the control information, an instruction to stop the radio wave transmission in which the first frequency band has been used, the communication control unit 462 stops the radio wave transmission in which the first frequency band has been used.

When the transmission is completed, the control unit 46 of the terminal device 40 ends the transmission processing.

<4. conclusion of example 1 >

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device (e.g., terminal device 40) acquires information (e.g., timing information and/or control information) for communication in which a predetermined license exempt frequency band (e.g., 920MHz frequency band) in which a plurality of communication means can be mixed has been used, from another frequency band (e.g., 200MHz frequency band) different from the predetermined license exempt frequency band. The communication apparatus controls communication (e.g., LPWA communication) in a predetermined communication manner in which a predetermined license-exempt band has been used, based on the acquired information.

This allows a plurality of communication apparatuses using different communication means to cooperate in a predetermined license-exempt frequency band. Thus, efficient use of radio resources is achieved.

Further, using broadcast waves of tens of kW power of the broadcast station enables communication control of wireless communication in a frequency band different from that of the broadcast waves.

Further, timing information is carried on the primary channel, so that even when wireless communication standards are different, a mechanism for realizing LPWA transmission aligned in the time axis direction can be provided using timing obtained from the timing information.

Further, in the present embodiment, another frequency band (e.g., 200MHz band) is divided into a main channel and a sub-channel. A mechanism may be provided for carrying information on the primary channel that may be used for general purposes and giving individual information for various wireless communications to the sub-channels.

Further, in the present embodiment, various types of information are transmitted using a main channel or a sub channel. This makes it possible to provide a mechanism capable of stopping wireless transmission in case of a disaster, for example.

Furthermore, since broadband radio is used for the primary channel, the accuracy of the timing information to be broadcast is improved.

Since ephemeris information necessary for GPS demodulation contained in the main channel of the broadcasting station becomes a fixed value, ephemeris does not need to be updated (from an expiration date to four hours), and the time until GPS outputs position coordinates can be shortened.

<5. example 2>

Next, the communication system 2 of embodiment 2 will be described.

<5-1. technical background and objects >

[ correlation technique ]

In the IoT era, various devices connect to the internet using wireless technology. From the white paper of information communication of housekeeping and communication sections (2017), it is expected that a long-distance and low-power consumption wireless technology called Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) will be rapidly expanded and used by near 4 billion wireless devices in 2021. Three quarters of the devices are devices using the unlicensed Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) band.

A large number of devices are required to establish wireless communication using the limited radio frequency band of the ISM band. Therefore, it is essential that each wireless device reduces the time for transmitting radio waves to improve communication efficiency.

When there is downlink communication that conveys accurate time information to each wireless device, an oscillator internal to each device may be calibrated. Therefore, the frequency of wireless communication becomes correct, and an efficient (i.e., short-time) wireless communication scheme becomes possible. It is also possible to eliminate an unnecessary signal (preamble) indicating the start of transmission, which contributes to efficient use of the frequency band by short-time communication.

Further, the downlink communication makes it possible to control the transmission condition of the wireless device and improve the communication efficiency.

However, in the current ISM band, there are limitations on downlink transmission such as antenna power, transmission channel, transmission time, and the like. Therefore, it is difficult to transmit downlink communication to all devices.

[ object ]

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the object is to achieve downlink communication capable of transmitting accurate time information, control information from the system, and the like to each device.

<5-2. Transmission of time information (related art and object) >

[ correlation technique ]

The means for wirelessly transmitting the time information includes standard radio waves (JJY), and radio waves of 50kW are transmitted from Fukushima county and congratulatory (Saga) county. Further, the radio wave frequencies used by fushima county and zoga county are 40kHz and 60kHz, respectively, so that the two radio waves do not interfere with each other. However, since the radio wave frequency of JJY is low, only time accuracy of about one second can be obtained. Further, there is a problem that radio waves cannot be received indoors and device control information cannot be transmitted because the frequency band is narrow.

Because of the lack of accuracy in JJY, GPS (referred to as GNSS when systems outside the united states are included) is often used as a means to obtain accurate time information. The GPS is composed of tens of artificial satellites that orbit the earth, and captures radio waves from the artificial satellites so that the position (latitude and longitude) and time of a reception point can be accurately known. The time accuracy is a high accuracy within one microsecond. However, since the satellite is as long as 20000 km, radio waves are weak and cannot be received indoors. Furthermore, since the satellite is in orbit and not stationary, the GPS receiver should need to acquire orbit information of the satellite for a long time (several tens of seconds to one minute). There is also a problem in that power consumption increases due to reception of the track information.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a downlink broadcast is realized in which accurate time information is transmitted from a broadcast base in a strong radio wave.

[ problem ]

For such downlink broadcasting, the following four technical problems need to be solved.

(problem 1) problem of region overlapping

(problem 2) realization of high time accuracy

(problem 3) practical use with inexpensive reception apparatus

(problem 4) operation in a short time to achieve low power consumption

(problem one: area overlap problem)

Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating problem 1 of embodiment 2. Where radio waves from two or more broadcasting stations can be received (areas overlap), the radio waves interfere and cannot be received correctly. Since radio waves from a broadcasting station are strong, the radio waves may accidentally reach a long distance. Therefore, it is necessary to change (a) frequency, (B) time, or (C) spreading code depending on the broadcasting station.

(A) The frequency varies depending on the region

When a narrow band is used, the number of channels can be increased and a frequency channel can be allocated to each broadcasting station for transmission, so that overlapping can be prevented. However, the receiver must scan many narrow-band frequencies, which complicates the configuration. Further, since the frequency band becomes narrow (narrow band), the time resolution is lowered and (problem 2: high time accuracy) cannot be solved.

(B) The transmission time varies depending on the region

The problem of region overlap can be solved by allocating one frame transmission time for transmission to each region. However, since the receiver does not know the transmission timing, the receiver must continuously perform reception. Therefore, (problem 4: operation in a short time) cannot be solved.

(C) The spreading code changes depending on the region (this embodiment)

The overlap problem can be solved by using spectral spreading and varying the spreading code for each region. For example, the overlap can be solved by adopting a spectrum spreading method using BPSK of 1Mbps as a modulation scheme and changing the spreading code of each region. In this case, the frequency band is extended to 2 MHz.

(problem 2: realization of high time accuracy)

Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating problem 2 of embodiment 2. The time accuracy is determined by the inverse of the frequency band. In this embodiment, the time accuracy of 1 microsecond is realized by a spectrum spreading method that uses BPSK of 1Mbps as a modulation method.

(problem 3: allowing inexpensive receiving apparatus)

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating problem 3 of embodiment 2. In this embodiment, a spectrum spreading method is adopted, and a communication format conforming to GPS is used. Therefore, with the receiving circuit in the present scheme, a GPS receiving circuit widely available on the market can be used as it is, and the price can be greatly reduced.

(question 4: reception can be performed in a short time)

Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating problem 4 of embodiment 2. In the present embodiment, a baseband signal of GPS observed when a radio wave from a pseudolite is received at a point on the ground is created, converted into a high frequency band, and transmitted. Since the pseudolite does not move, there is no need to acquire satellite orbit information, and the receiver can complete the receiving operation in a short time. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of the receiver.

<5-3. System configuration >

Having described the problem of the present embodiment, the configuration of the communication system 2 of embodiment 2 will be described hereinafter. Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication system 2 according to embodiment 2. Hereinafter, the configuration of the communication system 2 will be described with reference to fig. 19. The description of "communication system" may be replaced by other words, such as "control system".

[ overview of the System ]

The communication system 2 is a data transmission and reception system including a control information transmitter 300 that transmits control information including GPS time information to an LPWA transmitting terminal 400, the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 that transmits data according to the control information, and a reception system (e.g., LPWA receiver 200) that receives data in synchronization with GPS time, and is an LPWA transmitting terminal control system.

Further, the communication system 2 is a data transmission control system in which control information is transmitted by spread spectrum, and the frame timing of the spread spectrum signal is synchronized with GPS time.

Further, the communication system 2 is an LPWA transmitting terminal control system in which the control information includes TMCC information indicating a disaster occurrence situation or a communication channel state.

Further, the communication system 2 is an LPWA transmitting terminal control system in which the transmitting carrier frequency of the control information transmitter 300 is 170MHz or more and 220MHz or less.

[ specific example of System configuration ]

The outline of the communication system 2 has been described, but a specific example of the configuration of the communication system 1 will be described below.

The communication system 2 includes a control information transmitter 300, an LPWA transmitting terminal 400, and an LPWA receiver 200, as shown in fig. 19. The central information control device may also be considered as part of the communication system 2.

(Central information control device)

The central information control apparatus notifies disaster information, communication channel information, and the like when an earthquake, disaster, or the like occurs to the control information transmitter 300 as TMCC information. In embodiment 1, the control information transmitter 300 corresponds to, for example, the server device 10. Of course, the control information transmitter 300 is not limited to the server device 10.

(control information transmitter)

The control information transmitter 300 receives radio waves from GPS satellites orbiting the earth to obtain GPS time information. The control information transmitter 300 collects GPS time information and TMCC information (disaster information, communication channel information, etc. obtained from the central control apparatus) to create control information. The control information transmitter 300 spreads the control information as a spectrum spread signal having a chip rate of 1.023MHz, and transmits the control information in a frequency band (170MHz to 220MHz) in which a broadcast wave has been used. In embodiment 1, the control information transmitter 300 corresponds to, for example, the broadcast station apparatus 30. Of course, the control information transmitter 300 is not limited to the broadcasting station apparatus 30.

(LPWA transmitting terminal)

The LPWA transmitting terminal 400 is a transmitting device that transmits information from various sensors using long-distance and low bit rate communication. Here, the long-distance and low-bit-rate wireless technology is generally referred to as Low Power Wide Area (LPWA). The LPWA transmitting terminal 400 is intended to transmit information from various sensors as payloads using LPWA communication. In embodiment 1, the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 corresponds to, for example, the terminal device 40. Of course, the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 is not limited to the terminal device 40.

Before the LPWA communication starts, the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 receives the spread radio wave transmitted from the control information transmitter 300 and decodes the control information. When the disaster information included in the control signal indicates "disaster", the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 stops transmitting to prioritize high-priority wireless communication.

The clock signal inside the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 is calibrated using the GPS time included in the control information. Accordingly, the LPWA signal transmitted by the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 exactly matches the carrier frequency desired by the LPWA receiver 200, thereby improving the reception success probability of the LPWA receiver 200 and improving communication efficiency. Further, the LPWA transmission signal transmitted from the LPWA transmission terminal 400 starts to be transmitted at an exact time desired by the LPWA receiver 200, thereby eliminating unnecessary signals such as a preamble and improving communication efficiency. After performing such calibration, the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 transmits information from various sensors as LPWA signals.

(LPWA receiver)

The LPWA receiver 200 receives radio waves from GPS satellites orbiting the earth and calibrates clock signals inside the LPWA receiver 200. Therefore, the reception frequency and the reception timing of the LPWA receiver 200 are accurately synchronized with the GPS time.

That is, since the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 is synchronized with GPS time via the control information transmitter 300 and the LPWA receiver 200 is synchronized with GPS time by directly receiving radio waves from GPS satellites, both transmission and reception are performed in synchronization with GPS time, thereby improving stability and efficiency of communication.

The LPWA signal received by the LPWA receiver 200 is displayed on a smart phone in the user's hand via a server on a network (e.g., the internet).

The LPWA receiver 200 corresponds to, for example, the base station apparatus 20 in embodiment 1. Of course, the LPWA receiver 200 is not limited to the base station apparatus 20.

The illustrated smart phone is only one example and may be replaced with another terminal device, such as a mobile phone, a smart device (smart phone, tablet, etc.), a PDA, a personal computer, an M2M device, or an IoT device.

Further, the network is not limited to the internet. The network may comprise, for example, a communication network (including the internet), such as a regional Internet Protocol (IP) network or a telephone network (e.g., a fixed telephone network or a mobile telephone network). In this case, the network may include a wired network or may include a wireless network.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each device constituting the communication system 2 will be described in detail. The configuration of each device shown below is merely an example. The configuration of each device may be different from the following configuration.

<5-4. configuration of control information transmitter >

First, the configuration of the control information transmitter 300 will be described. Fig. 20 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control information transmitter 300 according to embodiment 2.

[ Equipment overview ]

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmission device including time information acquisition means (time acquisition means), transmission data creation means for creating control information including time information, spectrum spread means for modulating the control information by spectrum spread to create a modulated signal, timing correction means for adjusting the timing of the modulated signal in accordance with the time information, and transmission means.

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmitting device in which the time information acquisition means is a GPS receiver that receives radio waves from GPS satellites (typically GNSS satellites).

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmitting device in which the timing correction means performs correction so that the modulated signal is synchronized with the GPS time.

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmission device in which control information includes TMCC information such as disaster information or communication channel information.

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmitting device in which the transmission data creation means generates time information as a 300-bit subframe and has a bit rate of 50 bps.

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmitting apparatus in which the spectrum spreading means has a chip rate of 1023kHz and a spreading code length of 1023 chips.

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmitting device in which the transmitting means includes frequency correction means for correcting a transmission carrier frequency based on the time information.

The control information transmitter 300 is a transmitting device in which the transmission carrier frequency of the transmitting means is 170MHz or more and 220MHz or less.

[ specific examples of device configurations ]

The outline of the control information transmitter 300 has been described above, and the configuration of the control information transmitter 300 will be described in detail below.

As shown in fig. 20, the control information transmitter 300 includes time acquisition means, transmission data creation means, spectrum spreading means, timing correction means, and transmission means. In fig. 20, the meaning of MIX, PRN, BPF, and PA is as follows.

MIX: mixing device

PRN: pseudo random number

BPF: band-pass filter

PA: power amplifier

The configuration shown in fig. 20 is a functional configuration, and the hardware configuration may be different from such a configuration. Further, the functions of the control information transmitter 300 may be distributed and implemented in a plurality of physically separated configurations.

(time acquisition device)

The time acquisition device receives GPS satellites orbiting the earth using a GPS antenna and a GPS receiver and outputs GPS time. GPS time can be obtained with a high accuracy of 1 microsecond.

(Transmission data creation device)

The transmission data creating device includes a CPU. The CPU adds 6 seconds to the acquired GPS time to create the time of week (TOW: 17 bits) and the number of weeks (WN: 10 bits) of the transmission start time. Using TOW and WN, the GPS time to start transmission is specified in units of 6 seconds.

The CPU adds TMCC information (174 bits), authentication data Auth (32 bits), and CRC (24 bits) to form a subframe (300 bits), as shown in fig. 21. Here, the transmission and multiplexing configuration control information (TMCC) is information indicating a disaster occurrence situation or a communication channel state. TMCC may be used as information for controlling the LPWA transmitting terminal. The authentication data Auth is a code for detecting that the communication information has been tampered with, and the CRC is a code for detecting an error occurring in the communication path.

The TLM is 30-bit information, which is composed of, for example, a header (10001011) and a 6-bit parity. HOW is information that stores time of week (TOW) at the beginning and uses the subsequent end as parity, and indicates time every 6 seconds. The 10 digit Week Number (WN) is time information of year, month and week.

The 300-bit subframe configured as described above becomes transmission data of a 1-bit unit due to the P/S converter and is supplied to the spectrum spreading device.

(Spectrum spreading device)

The spectrum spreading device repeatedly multiplies 1 bit of transmission data by a pseudo random number sequence (PRN) 20 times to increase the number of bits. Here, the PRN is a pseudo random number sequence of 1023 bits, and thus 1 bit of transmission data is spread into 20460 symbols. The symbol rate is 1.023M symbols/second.

(timing correcting device)

The timing correction means is constituted by a FIFO memory (not shown), a delay line, and the like, and performs timing adjustment by giving a predetermined delay so that the transmission symbol is synchronized with the GPS time. That is, the delay amount is adjusted so that the timing of the radio wave transmitted from the control information transmitter 300 matches the timing at which the radio wave transmitted from the virtual GPS satellite has been received on the ground. Here, the virtual satellite is a non-existent satellite, and the altitude of flight of the virtual satellite is specified, so that the delay time at which the radio wave transmitted from the virtual satellite has been received on the ground can be obtained by calculation.

When the time added to the GPS time in the transmission data creation device is 6 seconds, the radio wave transmission speed is C, and the flying height of the virtual satellite (distance from the control information transmitter 300) is H, the delay amount D is calculated using the following equation (1).

D ═ 6 sec- (H/C) + α … (1)

Here, α is a delay time caused by the electronic components of the control information transmitter 300.

Therefore, the timing correction means adjusts the delay amount in accordance with the set flying height of the virtual satellite. By controlling the delay time in this manner, the radio wave transmitted from the control information transmitter 300 becomes a radio wave as if the GPS satellite is flying at the altitude H. Such radio waves are received by the GPS receiver so that correct time information can be obtained.

(transmitting device)

The transmission apparatus converts a reference clock supplied from a crystal Oscillator (OSC) into a high frequency using a Phase Locked Loop (PLL), and multiplies the clock by a transmission symbol using a Mixer (MIX) to perform conversion into a high carrier frequency. Here, the carrier frequency is set to the VHF-high band (170MHz to 220MHz) of the legacy analog television, so that it can be transmitted at high output using an available channel of television broadcasting. Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a spectrum of a transmission wave. The spectrum is spread when multiplied by PRN and has a band of about 2MHz centered on the carrier frequency Fc, as shown in fig. 22.

The oscillation frequency of a crystal Oscillator (OSC) is counted according to a timing pulse from a GPS receiver, so that a frequency deviation of the OSC can be obtained. This frequency deviation is fed back to the PLL circuit so that the frequency deviation of the OSC is cancelled to transmit at the correct frequency.

<5-5. configuration of LPWA transmitting terminal >

Next, the configuration of the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 will be described. Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an LPWA transmitting terminal 400 according to embodiment 2. More specifically, fig. 23 illustrates a configuration example of an LPWA transmitting terminal 400 that transmits temperature information obtained from a temperature sensor as long-distance low bit rate radio (LPWA).

The radio wave transmitted from the control information transmitter 300 is converted into an electric signal by the receiving antenna, and only a signal component centered on the carrier frequency Fc is extracted by the SAW filter. In this example, the carrier frequency Fc is set to 200 MHz. The signal passed through the SAW filter is amplified to a constant amplitude by an AGC amplifier, multiplied by a local oscillator LO of 1375MHz by a Mixer (MIX), and then frequency-converted to 1575 MHz. The signal transmitted from the control information transmitter 300 has the same signal format (spectrum spread) as that used in the GPS and is synchronized with the GPS time. Accordingly, radio waves received by the receiving antenna are frequency-converted to 1575MHz, so that signal detection can be performed using the same semiconductor as that used in a commercially available GPS receiver. That is, since the spectrum spread signal can be despread and decoded in the same manner as the radio waves from the GPS satellites, the sub-frame (300 bits) of the transmission data shown in fig. 21 can be output.

Thus, GPS time with 6 second accuracy can be obtained from TOW and WN information located near the beginning of the subframe. Further, GPS time information with an accuracy of 1 microsecond is output according to the timing at which the subframe is detected. The GPS time information is provided to the LPWA transmitter so that the LPWA transmitter can transmit at a frequency (920MHz) synchronized with GPS time and at a timing synchronized with GPS time. Further, the disaster information transmitted as TMCC information may be decoded from the subframe. When the disaster information is issued as TMCC information, the CPU stops LPWA communication. In this manner, LPWA communications are controlled using control information such that valuable radio wave resources are provided for more important communications.

Here, in order to operate the GPS receiver, orbit information of the satellite is required. In the present embodiment, since the satellite positions shown in fig. 20 are fixed, the orbit information is a fixed value. Accordingly, the CPU transmits the track information having a fixed value stored in the CPU firmware to the GPS receiver so that the control information transmitted from the control information transmitter 300 can be received. In this patent, since the acquisition of the track information can be omitted in this way, the control information can be received in a short time.

As described above, the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 of the present patent can receive the control information transmitted from the control information transmitter 300 and control the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 by simply adding a simple circuit to a commercially available GPS receiver.

<5-6. configuration of LPWA receiver >

Next, the configuration of the LPWA receiver 200 will be described. Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the LPWA receiver 200 according to embodiment 2.

The LPWA receiver 200 receives radio waves from GPS satellites orbiting the earth and calibrates clock signals inside the LPWA receiver 200. Therefore, the reception frequency and the reception timing of the LPWA receiver 200 are accurately synchronized with the GPS time.

An oscillation frequency of a crystal Oscillator (OSC) is counted according to a timing pulse from a GPS receiver, so that a frequency deviation of the OSC can be obtained. This frequency deviation is fed back to the PLL circuit, so that the frequency deviation of the OSC is eliminated, local oscillation of the correct frequency (920MHz) is performed, and supply to the mixer is performed. The LPWA radio signal of 920MHz received by the receiving antenna is amplified to a predetermined amplitude by the AGC amplifier after unnecessary radio waves have been removed by the SAW filter. The mixer multiplies the output of the AGC amplifier by a local oscillation signal of 920MHz, so that a baseband signal is obtained. The baseband signal is converted into a digital signal by AD conversion, and decoding processing such as error correction is performed by the CPU so that the sensor information is decoded. The sensor information is displayed on the smart phone in the user's hand via a server on the internet.

As described above, the LPWA receiver 200 synchronizes with GPS time by directly receiving radio waves from GPS satellites. Since the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 is synchronized with GPS time via the control information transmitter 300 as described above, both transmission and reception are performed in synchronization with GPS time, and stability and efficiency of communication are improved.

<6. example 3>

Next, the communication system 3 of embodiment 3 will be described.

<6-1. problems and solutions >

A commercially available GPS receiver is configured to receive from at least four different satellites to obtain four pieces of unknown information (latitude, longitude, altitude, and time), and then output an accurate time.

In the embodiment described so far, the control information transmitter 300 is configured to transmit radio waves of one virtual satellite. Therefore, it is necessary to change the firmware of the GPS receiver or the like so that the time information is received from the signal of only one virtual satellite.

Therefore, in the present embodiment below, the radio waves of four virtual satellites are combined and transmitted from one broadcasting station. This makes it possible to reduce the cost by reducing the modifications of the receiver.

<6-2. System configuration >

Having described the problems and solutions of the present embodiment, the configuration of the communication system 3 of embodiment 3 will be described hereinafter. Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication system 3 according to embodiment 3. Hereinafter, the configuration of the communication system 2 will be described with reference to fig. 25. The description of "communication system" may be replaced by other words, such as "control system".

The communication system 3 includes a control information transmitter 300A, LPWA transmitting terminal 400 and LPWA receiver 200 as shown in fig. 25. The central information control device may also be considered as part of the communication system 2. The communication system 3 differs from the communication system 2 shown in fig. 19 in that the control information transmitter 300 is a control information transmitter 300A. The configuration of the devices other than the control information transmitter 300A is the same as that of the communication system 2.

<6-3. configuration of control information transmitter >

Hereinafter, the configuration of the control information transmitter 300A will be described. Fig. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control information transmitter 300A according to embodiment 3.

In embodiment 3, radio waves equivalent to GPS radio waves from four virtual satellites received at one point on the ground are created and transmitted by a broadcasting station. This makes it possible to acquire GPS time information as it is using a commercially available GPS receiver.

Thus, the control information transmitter 300A shown in fig. 26 is configured to combine and transmit signals from the four virtual satellites A, B, C and D. Here, for the four virtual satellite signals, different satellite positions and different spreading codes PRN are used.

Signals from virtual satellites are created by four virtual satellite signal creation means 310₁To 310₄Each of which is created. Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the virtual satellite signal creating apparatus 310. The virtual satellite signal creation means 310 shown in fig. 27 is a block in which the transmission data creation means, the spectrum spread means, and the timing correction means are put together. Since each device included in the virtual satellite signal creation device 310 is configured in the same manner as described with reference to fig. 20, a description thereof will be omitted.

<7. example 4>

Next, the communication system 4 of embodiment 4 will be described.

<7-1. overview of example 4>

In the present embodiment, control information is transmitted for each purpose to individually support various applications.

In the present embodiment, a thermometer that transmits a measured value to the internet will be described.

For example, with the thermometer, the temperature measurement interval can be changed according to the request of the farmer.

<7-2. System configuration >

The outline of the present embodiment has been described above, and the configuration of the communication system 4 of embodiment 4 will be described below. Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the communication system 4 according to embodiment 4. Hereinafter, the configuration of the communication system 4 will be described with reference to fig. 28. The description of "communication system" may be replaced by other words, such as "control system".

In recent years, the internet has also been introduced into agriculture, for example, in farmhouses where thermometers are installed and LPWA communication is used to monitor the temperature of houses. In this case, it is necessary to send the temperature measurement results frequently, for example, in the nursery period. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a system capable of changing the LPWA transmission interval according to a request from a farmer or the like is provided.

As shown in fig. 28, the communication system 4 includes a control information transmitter 300B, LPWA transmitting terminal 400B and LPWA receiver 200. The central information control device may also be considered as part of the communication system 2. The communication system 4 is different from the communication system 2 shown in fig. 28 in that the control information transmitter 300 is a control information transmitter 300A, and an LPWA transmitting terminal 400B. In the example of fig. 28, a thermometer is included as the LPWA transmitting terminal 400B. Further, the central control apparatus is configured to receive various instructions from the farmers. The configuration thereof is the same as that of the communication system 2.

<7-3. frequency spectrum of transmission wave >

In fig. 28, the measurement value transmission interval indication from the farmer is transmitted as separate control information to the control information transmitter 300B via the central control apparatus. The control information transmitter 300B transmits the control information (GPS time-of-day information and TMCC information) using the wideband spectrum spreading manner as described in the previous embodiment. Fig. 29 is a diagram illustrating a spectrum of a transmission wave. In the example of fig. 29, the spectrum of the transmission wave is shown as a primary channel.

Here, in the TMCC information, the communication method of the sub-channel is transmitted as communication channel information (information such as a transmission frequency and a modulation method). Therefore, in the present embodiment, separate control information is added to the sub-channel and broadcasted.

<7-4. configuration of control information transmitter >

Next, the configuration of the control information transmitter 300B will be described. Fig. 30 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control information transmitter 300B according to embodiment 4.

The configuration of the control information transmitter 300B is different from the configuration of the control information transmitter 300 shown in fig. 20 in the configuration in which a portion surrounded by a dotted line is added. The configuration of the portion surrounded by the dotted line enables the control information transmitter 300B to transmit individual control information.

As described above, the measurement value transmission interval indication from the farmer is transmitted as separate control information to the control information transmitter 300B via the central control apparatus. The control information transmitter 300B transmits the control information transmitted from the central control apparatus to the LPWA transmitting terminal 400B.

<7-5. configuration of LPWA transmitting terminal >

Next, the configuration of the LPWA transmitting terminal 400B will be described. Fig. 31 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an LPWA transmitting terminal 400B according to embodiment 4. The LPWA transmitting terminal 400B is, for example, a thermometer installed in a house (e.g., a polyethylene house). The LPWA transmitting terminal 400B receives the individual control information broadcasted from the control information transmitter 300B.

The configuration of the LPWA transmitting terminal 400B is different from the configuration of the LPWA transmitting terminal 400 shown in fig. 23 in that a portion surrounded by a dotted line is added. The LPWA transmitting terminal 400B may acquire individual control information using the configuration of the portion enclosed by the dotted line.

The LPWA transmitting terminal 400B installed in the house receives the sub-channel to obtain individual control information and changes the LPWA transmitting interval. Thus, during the nursery period, temperature information may be frequently transferred to a terminal device (e.g., a smartphone) in the user's hand. Further, when the nursery stage is ended, the LPWA transmission interval is extended, so that interference can be reduced.

<8. modified example >, a method for producing a semiconductor device, and a semiconductor device

Each of the above embodiments illustrates an example, and various changes and applications are possible.

<8-1. modified example of embodiment >

For example, although the broadcast wave used to convert the main channel frequency into the broadcast band to obtain the timing (time) information is the transmission wave from the terrestrial broadcast station in the above-described embodiment, the following wave may be employed.

(1) The GPS transmits waves.

(2) Radio waves (radio clock) of standard frequency are reported.

(3) Radio waves of Satellite Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS).

(4) Radio waves of ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS) (operating in VHF-low band).

Further, the information transmitted using the main channel may include control information for instructing all terminal devices 40 (for example, IoT terminals) using the broadcast wave to stop transmitting, in addition to the timing information. Only control from the primary channel presents security issues and final terminal control (e.g., IoT terminals) may be performed in conjunction with control information from the sub-channels.

Further, the information transmitted using the primary channel may include data that can be used to shorten the time to first fix (GPS initial position calculation time; TTFF) from ephemeris information, almanac information, and the like used in GPS, in addition to timing information.

Furthermore, one of the sub-channels may be used as a standard frequency reporting service (radio clock).

<8-2. application example of embodiment >

Different spreading codes may be used in the plurality of broadcast station apparatuses 30.

In this case, when the terminal device 40 (e.g., an IoT terminal) can receive broadcast waves (e.g., timing signals included in the broadcast waves) of the three broadcast station devices 30, the location of the reception point can be known.

Fig. 32 and 33 are diagrams illustrating position measurement of the terminal apparatus 40 using radio waves of the broadcast station apparatus 30. It is assumed that the respective broadcasting station apparatuses 30 can be received_ATo 30_CThe areas of the broadcast wave of (a) are areas a to C, as shown in fig. 32. Broadcasting station apparatus 30_ATo 30_CAre (XA, YA), (XB, YB) and (XC, YC), respectively. It is assumed that the terminal device 40 is located in an area including all the areas a to C.

Here, it is assumed that the terminal device 40 can separate the broadcast waves from the broadcast station devices 30A to 30C, and can detect that the delay times from the broadcast time are TA, TB, and TC, as shown in fig. 33.

In this case, the position (X, Y) of the terminal device 40 may be semi-determined by solving simultaneous equations shown below.

√[(XA-X)²+(YA-Y)²]-√[(XB-X)²+(YB-Y)²]＝c(TA-TB)

√[(XB-X)²+(YB-Y)²]-√[(XC-X)²+(YC-Y)²]＝c(TB-TC)

√[(XC-X)²+(YC-Y)²]-√[(XA-X)²+(YA-Y)²]＝c(TC-TA)

Here, c is a radio wave propagation speed.

For example, such a position measurement method may be used for indoor position measurement.

<8-3. other communication System >

In the communication systems 1 to 4, information to be transmitted and received is arbitrary. For example, the terminal device 40(LPWA transmitting terminals 400 and 400B) may generate and transmit transmission information including images, sounds, measurement data, identification information of devices, and the like, parameter setting information, control information such as commands, and the like. Further, the transmission information may include various types of information such as images and sounds, identification information and setting information, and control information.

Further, the terminal device 40(LPWA transmitting terminals 400 and 400B) may be capable of generating transmission information including information provided from another device, for example. For example, the terminal device 40(LPWA transmitting terminals 400 and 400B) may generate and transmit transmission information including information (sensor output) output from various sensors that perform detection, measurement, or the like, for any variable such as an image, light, brightness, saturation, electricity, sound, vibration, acceleration, velocity, angular velocity, force, temperature (not temperature distribution), humidity, distance, area, volume, shape, flow rate, time, period of time, magnetism, chemical substance, or odor, or a variation thereof.

That is, the present technology can be applied to, for example, a system for any purpose such as three-dimensional shape measurement, space measurement, object observation, movement deformation observation, biological observation, authentication processing, monitoring, auto focusing, imaging control, illumination control, tracking processing, input and output control, electronic device control, and actuator control.

Furthermore, the present technology can be applied to systems in any field, such as transportation, medical, crime prevention, agriculture, animal husbandry, mining, beauty, factories, home appliances, weather, and nature monitoring. For example, the present technology can also be applied to a system for capturing an image for viewing and using a digital camera, a portable device having a camera function, and the like. Further, for example, the present technology may also be applied to a system provided for traffic, such as an in-vehicle system that can photograph a front area, a rear area, surroundings, an interior, and the like of a vehicle to ensure safe driving (such as automatic stop, recognition of a driver's condition, and the like), a monitoring camera system that monitors a running vehicle or a road, or a distance measurement system that measures a distance between vehicles. Further, for example, the present technology can also be applied to a system provided for security in which a monitoring camera for crime prevention purpose, a camera for personal authentication purpose, or the like is used.

Further, for example, the present technology may be applied to a system provided for sports in which various sensors or the like that can be used for sports purposes are used, such as a wearable camera. Further, for example, the present technology may be applied to a system provided for agriculture in which various sensors are used, such as cameras for monitoring the status of fields and crops. Further, the present technology can be applied to a system provided for animal husbandry, for example, in which various sensors for monitoring the state of livestock such as pigs or cattle are used. Further, the present technology can also be applied to a system for monitoring natural states such as volcanoes, forests, and oceans, a weather observation system for observing weather, temperature, humidity, wind speed, sunshine time, and the like, or a system for observing the ecology of wildlife such as birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects, and plants.

In addition, the present technology can also be applied to a position notification system, an antitheft system, and the like.

Further, the specification of the radio signal or information to be transmitted and received is arbitrary. Further, although the present technology is applied to the examples of the server device 10, the base station device 20, the broadcast station device 30, the terminal device 40, or the communication systems 1 to 4 having devices equivalent to or modified from these devices as described above, the present technology can be applied to any transmitting device, any receiving device, any transmitting and receiving device, any communication device, any information processing device, and any system.

<8-4. other modified examples >

The control device that controls the server device 10, the base station device 20, the broadcast station device 30, the terminal device 40, the LPWA receiver 200, the control information transmitters 300, 300A, 300B, and the LPWA transmitting terminals 400 and 400B of the present embodiment may be implemented by a dedicated computer system or a general-purpose computer system.

For example, a communication program for performing the above-described operations (e.g., transmission and reception processes) is stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or a floppy disk. For example, the control apparatus is configured by installing a program in a computer and executing the above-described processing. In this case, the control device may be a device (e.g., a personal computer) external to the server device 10, the base station device 20, the broadcast station device 30, the terminal device 40, the LPWA receiver 200, the control information transmitters 300, 300A, and 300B, and the LPWA transmitting terminals 400 and 400B. Further, the control device may be a device (e.g., the control unit 13, the control unit 24, the control unit 34, or the control unit 46) inside the server device 10, the base station device 20, the broadcast station device 30, the terminal device 40, the LPWA receiver 200, the control information transmitters 300, 300A, and 300B, and the LPWA transmitting terminals 400 and 400B.

Further, the above-described communication program may be stored in a disk device included in a server device on a network (such as the internet), so that the communication program can be downloaded to a computer or the like. Further, the above-described functions may be realized by cooperation between an Operating System (OS) and application software. In this case, the part other than the OS may be stored in the medium and distributed, or the part other than the OS may be stored in the server device so that the part can be downloaded to the computer or the like.

Further, all or part of the processing described as being automatically performed among the processing described in the above-described embodiments may be manually performed, or all or part of the processing described as being manually performed may be automatically performed using a known method. Further, unless otherwise specified, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various types of data or parameters illustrated in the above-described documents or drawings may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the various types of information shown in the figures are not limited to the information shown.

Further, each component of each device shown in the drawings is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of distribution and integration of the respective devices is not limited to the form shown in the drawings, and all or part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads or use cases.

Further, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined in a field in which the processing contents do not contradict each other. Further, the order of the respective steps shown in the flowcharts of the above-described embodiments may be changed as appropriate.

Further, for example, the present embodiment may also be implemented as any configuration constituting a device or a system, such as a processor as a system large-scale integration (LSI) or the like, a module using a plurality of processors or the like, a unit using a plurality of modules or the like, a set adding other functions to a unit, or the like (i.e., a configuration of a part of a device).

In the present embodiment, the system refers to a set of a plurality of components (devices, modules (parts), and the like), and it does not matter whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, both a plurality of devices accommodated in a single housing and connected via a network and one device in which a plurality of modules are accommodated in one housing are systems.

Further, for example, embodiments may have a cloud computing configuration in which one function is shared and joint-processed by a plurality of devices via a network.

<9. conclusion >

As described above, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, efficient use of wireless resources using broadcast waves can be achieved.

Although each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments as it is, and various changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Further, components covering different embodiments and modified examples may be appropriately combined.

Further, the effects in each embodiment described in the present specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects can be obtained.

The present technology may also have the following configuration.

(1)

A communication device, comprising:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed, from a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and

a communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

(2)

The communication device according to (1), wherein the first information includes timing information enabling sharing of timing with other communication devices using the first frequency band in a communication manner different from the predetermined communication manner, and

the communication control unit controls communication in a predetermined communication manner that has used the first frequency band based on the timing information.

(3)

The communication device according to (2), wherein the timing information is information broadcasted using the second frequency band.

(4)

The communication device according to (3), wherein the timing information is information broadcast from the terrestrial broadcast station device using the second frequency band, and is virtual satellite transmission information generated by emulating information transmitted from a navigation satellite.

(5)

The communication device according to (4), wherein the virtual satellite transmission information is a virtual PPS signal that mimics a GPS signal transmitted from a navigation satellite, and is decoded into the PPS signal.

(6)

The communication device according to (4),

wherein the acquisition unit acquires second information for time measurement or timing measurement transmitted from the navigation satellite, an

The communication control unit controls communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band, based on any one of the timing information and the second information included in the first information.

(7)

The communication device according to (6), wherein the communication control unit

When a predetermined number of navigation satellites can be acquired, controlling communication of a predetermined communication manner that has used the first frequency band based on the second information, and

when a predetermined number of navigation satellites cannot be acquired, communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band is controlled based on timing information included in the first information.

(8)

The communication device according to any one of (1) to (7),

wherein the first information comprises control information for indicating control regarding communication to the communication device, an

The communication control unit controls communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the control information.

(9)

The communication device according to (8), wherein the control information includes stop information for stopping the communication device from having used the radio wave transmission of the first frequency band.

(10)

The communication device according to (8), wherein the control information includes scheduling information for scheduling that the communication device has transmitted using a radio wave of the first frequency band.

(11)

The communication device according to (2),

wherein the first information comprises control information for controlling communication of the communication device, an

The communication control unit controls communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the timing information and the control information.

(12)

The communication device according to (11),

wherein the second frequency band includes a second band composed of a plurality of frequency bands and a first band different from the second band, the first band having a bandwidth wider than that of one of the plurality of frequency bands constituting the second band, and

the acquisition unit acquires first information including timing information from the first band.

(13)

The communication device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the first frequency band is a frequency band in which a specific small power-saving radio is possible.

(14)

The communication device according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the first frequency band is a frequency band of 920 MHz.

(15)

The communication device according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the second frequency band is a VHF-high frequency band.

(16)

The communication device according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the predetermined communication manner is a communication manner of Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) communication.

(17)

A method of communication, comprising:

acquiring first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is a license-exempt frequency band in which a plurality of communication methods can be mixed, from a second frequency band that is different from the first frequency band; and

communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band is controlled based on the first information.

(18)

A communication program for causing a computer to function as:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information for communication that has used a first frequency band, which is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed, from a second frequency band different from the first frequency band; and

a communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

(19)

A transmitting device, comprising:

an acquisition unit configured to acquire first information used in control of communication by a communication device of a predetermined communication scheme that has used a first frequency band that is a license-exempt frequency band in which a plurality of communication schemes can be mixed; and

a transmitting unit configured to transmit the first information using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band.

(20)

A communication system, comprising: a communication device configured to perform communication that has used a first frequency band that is an unlicensed frequency band in which a plurality of communication means can be mixed; and a transmitting device configured to transmit information to the communication device,

wherein the transmitting apparatus comprises

A transmission unit configured to transmit first information used by the communication device in control of communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band, using a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, an

The communication device comprises

An acquisition unit configured to acquire the first information from the second frequency band, an

A communication control unit configured to control communication of a predetermined communication scheme that has used the first frequency band based on the first information.

[ list of reference symbols ]

1. 2, 3, 4 communication system

10 server device

20 base station equipment

30 broadcasting station apparatus

40 terminal device

11 communication unit

12. 22, 32, 43 memory cell

13. 24, 34, 46 control unit

21. 41 radio communication unit

23. 33, 44 network communication unit

31 signal processing unit

35. 42 satellite receiving unit

45 input and output unit

341. 461 acquisition unit

342 sending unit

462 communication control unit

31a, 31b, 31c, 31d virtual satellite module

41a, 42a front end

41b up converter

42c down converter

41d sub-channel demodulator

41e LPWA transmitter

46b AB selector

200LPWA receiver

300. 300A, 300B control information transmitter

400. 400B LPWA transmitting terminal

310 virtual satellite signal creating device