U.S. patent application number 12/961190 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-31 for cell selection method and mobile station.
This patent application is currently assigned to NTT DOCOMO, INC.. Invention is credited to Mikio Iwamura, Takehiro Nakamura.
Application Number | 20110077009 12/961190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40638840 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110077009 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iwamura; Mikio ; et
al. |
March 31, 2011 |
CELL SELECTION METHOD AND MOBILE STATION
Abstract
A cell selection method includes steps of: (A) determining, at a
mobile station (UE), whether or not a first CSG cell satisfies a
predetermined condition, when using a first macro cell as a camped
cell; and (B) changing, at the mobile station (UE), the camped cell
from the first macro cell to a first CSG cell, when determined that
the first CSG cell satisfies the predetermined condition.
Inventors: |
Iwamura; Mikio;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) ; Nakamura; Takehiro;
(Yokohama-shi, JP) |
Assignee: |
NTT DOCOMO, INC.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
40638840 |
Appl. No.: |
12/961190 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12742981 |
Jun 14, 2010 |
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PCT/JP2008/070811 |
Nov 14, 2008 |
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12961190 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/436 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 48/06 20130101;
H04W 48/20 20130101; H04W 60/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/436 |
International
Class: |
H04W 36/00 20090101
H04W036/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 16, 2007 |
JP |
2007-298714 |
Sep 22, 2008 |
JP |
2008-243401 |
Claims
1.-22. (canceled)
23. A cell selection method in which a mobile station selects a
camped cell among a first cell using a first carrier frequency and
a second cell using a second carrier frequency which is different
from the first carrier frequency, the cell selection method
comprising steps of: changing, at the mobile station, the camped
cell from the first cell to the second cell, when the first cell is
used as the camped cell, when a priority level of the second cell
is lower than a priority level of the first cell, when radio
quality in the second cell satisfies predetermined radio quality,
and when radio quality in the first cell does not satisfy
predetermined radio quality.
24. A mobile station configured to select a camped cell among a
first cell using a first carrier frequency and a second cell using
a second carrier frequency which is different from the first
carrier frequency, the mobile station comprising: a cell selector
unit configured to change the camped cell from the first general
cell to the second specific cell, when the mobile station uses the
first cell as the camped cell, when a priority level of the second
cell is lower than a priority level of the first cell, when radio
quality in the second cell satisfies predetermined radio quality,
and when radio quality in the first cell does not satisfy
predetermined radio quality.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a cell selection method in
which a mobile station selects a camped cell among specific cells
selectable as a camped cell only by a specific mobile station and
general cells selectable as a camped cell by any mobile station.
The present invention also relates to the mobile station.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] There is a discussion in the 3GPP (3rd Generation
Partnership Project) RAN-WG on a home base station HNB employing
the "LTE (Long Term Evolution)" as a radio access scheme.
[0003] Specifically, in the current 3GPP specifications, a mobile
communication system is configured to manage a specific mobile
station (a mobile station permitted to select a specific cell as a
camped cell) belonging to a CSG (Closed Subscriber Group) under
control of the home base station HNB.
[0004] In other words, in the current 3GPP specifications, only a
specific mobile station belonging to a CSG can perform
communication via a CSG cell (specific cell) under control of the
home base station HNB.
[0005] However, the current 3GPP specifications do not define a
method in which the mobile station selects a camped cell in an
environment where CSG cells and macro cells coexist.
[0006] Accordingly, the following situation may occur.
Specifically, even when a mobile station using a macro cell as a
camped cell enters an area where a CSG cell regarding the mobile
station as a specific mobile station is selectable as a camped
cell, the mobile station cannot detect that, and thus cannot change
the camped cell to the CSG cell.
[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the
above problem, and has an objective to provide a cell selection
method and a mobile station that allow a camped cell to be properly
selected in an environment where CSG cells and macro cells
coexist.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
cell selection method in which a mobile station selects a camped
cell among a specific cell selectable as a camped cell only by a
specific mobile station and a general cell selectable as a camped
cell by any mobile station, the cell selection method including
steps of: (A) determining, at the mobile station, whether or not a
predetermined condition is satisfied, when using a first general
cell as the camped cell; and (B) changing, at the mobile station,
the camped cell from the first general cell to a first specific
cell, when determined that the predetermined condition is
satisfied.
[0009] In the first aspect, in the step (A), the mobile station can
determine whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied,
when using the first general cell as the camped cell, and when
determined that the mobile station is located in the general cell
which at least partially overlaps the first specific cell that
regards the mobile station as the specific mobile station.
[0010] In the first aspect, a first frequency used by the first
specific cell can be different from a second frequency used by the
first general cell; and when determined that the first specific
cell has best radio quality among cells using the first frequency,
and when determined that the radio quality in the first specific
cell satisfies first radio quality, the mobile station can
determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied, in the
step (A), and can change the camped cell from the first general
cell to the first specific cell, in the step (B).
[0011] In the first aspect, a first frequency used by the first
specific cell can be different from a second frequency used by the
first general cell; and when determined that a difference between
radio quality in the first specific cell and best radio quality
among cells using the first frequency is within a predetermined
offset, and determined that the radio quality in the first specific
cell satisfies first radio quality, the mobile station can
determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied, in the
step (A), and can change the camped cell from the first general
cell to the first specific cell, in the step (B).
[0012] In the first aspect, when determined that radio quality in
the first specific cell satisfies first radio quality, the mobile
station can determine that the predetermined condition is
satisfied, in the step (A), and can change the camped cell from the
first general cell to the first specific cell, in the step (B).
[0013] In the first aspect, the cell selection method can further
include a step of (C) setting, at the mobile station, a second
specific cell as the camped cell, when not detected a general cell
that satisfies second radio quality, and when detected the second
specific cell that does not regard the mobile station as the
specific mobile station and satisfies third radio quality.
[0014] In the first aspect, the cell selection method can further
include a step of: changing, at the mobile station, the camped cell
from the second specific cell to a second general cell, when using
the second specific cell as the camped cell, and when detected a
second general cell that satisfies the second radio quality.
[0015] A second aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile station configured to select a camped cell among a specific
cell selectable as a camped cell only by a specific mobile station
and a general cell selectable as a camped cell by any mobile
station, the mobile station including: a cell selector unit
configured to determine whether or not a predetermined condition is
satisfied when using a first general cell as a camped cell, and to
change the camped cell from the first general cell to a first
specific cell when determined that the predetermined condition is
satisfied.
[0016] In the second aspect, the cell selector unit can be
configured to determine whether or not the predetermined condition
is satisfied, when using the first general cell as the camped cell,
and when determined that the mobile station is located in the
general cell which at least partially overlaps the first specific
cell that regards the mobile station as the specific mobile
station.
[0017] In the second aspect, a first frequency used by the first
specific cell can be different from a second frequency used by the
first general cell; and when determined that the first specific
cell has best radio quality among cells using the first frequency,
and that the radio quality in the first specific cell satisfies
first radio quality, the cell selector unit can be configured to
determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and to
change the camped cell from the first general cell to the first
specific cell.
[0018] In the second aspect, a first frequency used by the first
specific cell can be different from a second frequency used by the
first general cell; and when determined that a difference between
radio quality in the first specific cell and best radio quality
among cells using the first frequency is within a predetermined
offset, and determined that the radio quality in the first specific
cell satisfies first radio quality, the cell selector unit can be
configured to determine that the predetermined condition is
satisfied, and to change the camped cell from the first general
cell to the first specific cell.
[0019] In the second aspect, when determined that radio quality in
the first specific cell satisfies first radio quality, the cell
selector unit can be configured to determine that the predetermined
condition is satisfied, and to change the camped cell from the
first general cell to the first specific cell.
[0020] In the second aspect, when not detected a general cell that
satisfies second radio quality, and when detected a second specific
cell that does not regard the mobile station as the specific mobile
station and satisfies third radio quality, the cell selector unit
can be configured to set the second specific cell as the camped
cell.
[0021] In the second aspect, when using the second specific cell as
the camped cell, and when detected a second general cell that
satisfies the second radio quality, the cell selector unit can be
configured to change the camped cell from the second specific cell
to the second general cell.
[0022] A third aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
cell selection method in which a mobile station selects a camped
cell among a first cell using a first frequency and a second cell
using a second frequency different from the first frequency, the
cell selection method including a step of: changing, at the mobile
station which uses the first cell as the camped cell, the camped
cell from the first cell to the second cell, when a priority level
of the second cell is higher than a priority level of the first
cell, and when determined that radio quality in the second cell
satisfies predetermined radio quality.
[0023] A fourth aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
cell selection method in which a mobile station selects a camped
cell among a first cell using a first frequency and a second cell
using a second frequency different from the first frequency, the
cell selection method including a step of; changing, at the mobile
station which uses the first cell as the camped cell, the camped
cell from the first cell to the second cell, when a priority level
of the second cell is the same as a priority level of the first
cell, and when determined that radio quality in the second cell
satisfies predetermined radio quality and that radio quality in the
first cell does not satisfy predetermined radio quality.
[0024] A fifth aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
cell selection method in which a mobile station selects a camped
cell among a first cell using a first frequency and a second cell
using a second frequency different from the first frequency, the
cell selection method including a step of: changing, at the mobile
station which uses the first cell as the camped cell, the camped
cell from the first cell to the second cell, when a priority level
of the second cell is lower than a priority level of the first
cell, and when determined that radio quality in the second cell
satisfies predetermined radio quality and that radio quality in the
first cell does not satisfy predetermined radio quality.
[0025] In the third to fifth aspects, the mobile station can change
the camped cell from the first cell to the second cell, when the
second cell is a specific cell selectable as a camped cell only by
a specific mobile station, and when determined that a difference
between radio quality in the second cell and best radio quality
among cells using the second frequency is within a predetermined
offset.
[0026] A sixth aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile station configured to select a camped cell among a first
cell using a first frequency and a second cell using a second
frequency different from the first frequency, the mobile station
including: a cell selector unit configured to change the camped
cell from the first cell to the second cell, when a priority level
of the second cell is higher than a priority level of the first
cell, when the first cell is used as the camped cell, and when
determined that radio quality in the second cell satisfies
predetermined radio quality.
[0027] A seventh aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile station configured to select a camped cell among a first
cell using a first frequency and a second cell using a second
frequency different from the first frequency, the mobile station
including: a cell selector unit configured to change the camped
cell from the first cell to the second cell, when a priority level
of the second cell is the same as a priority level of the first
cell, when the first cell is used as the camped cell, and when
determined that radio quality in the second cell satisfies
predetermined radio quality and that radio quality in the first
cell does not meet predetermined radio quality.
[0028] A eighth aspect of the present invention is summarized as a
mobile station configured to select a camped cell among a first
cell using a first frequency and a second cell using a second
frequency different from the first frequency, the mobile station
including: a cell selector unit configured to change the camped
cell from the first cell to the second cell, when a priority level
of the second cell is lower than a priority level of the first
cell, when the first cell is used as the camped cell, and when
determined that radio quality in the second cell satisfies
predetermined radio quality and that radio quality in the first
cell does not meet predetermined radio quality.
[0029] In the sixth to eighth aspects, the cell selector unit can
be configured to change the camped cell from the first cell to the
second cell, when the second cell is a specific cell selectable as
a camped cell only by a specific mobile station, and when
determined that a difference between radio quality in the second
cell and best radio quality among cells using the second frequency
is within a predetermined offset.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration a
mobile communication system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a mobile station
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation of determining
a camped cell of the mobile station, according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of determining a
camped cell of the mobile station, according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of determining a
camped cell of the mobile station, according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of determining a
camped cell of the mobile station, according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a mobile communication
system according to Modification 1 of the present invention.
BEST NODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Configuration of a Mobile Communication System According to a First
Embodiment of the Present Invention
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the configuration of a mobile
communication system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention will be described.
[0038] As FIG. 1 shows, the mobile communication system according
to the embodiment includes: a switching apparatus MME (Mobility
Management Entity); home base stations HNB #1 and #2 that manage
CSG cells (specific cells) #1 and #2, respectively; radio base
stations eNB #1 and #2 that manage macro cells (general cells) #1
and #2, respectively; and a mobile station UE.
[0039] Here, the CSG cell is a cell for which a CSG is set up,
whereas the macro cell is a cell for which no CSG is set up. The
CSG is a group having an access right to a set-up CSG cell.
[0040] When not belonging to a CSG set up for a certain CSG cell,
the mobile station UE is a "general mobile station" in that certain
CSG cell. When belonging to a CSG set up for a certain CSG cell, on
the other hand, the mobile station UE is a "specific mobile
station" in that certain CSG cell.
[0041] In the mobile communication system according to the
embodiment, the CSG cell #1 regards the mobile station UE as a
"specific mobile station" (a mobile station permitted to use the
CSG cell #1 as a camped cell, namely, a mobile station permitted to
perform communication via the CSG cell #1). On the other hand, the
CSG cell #2 does not regard the mobile station UE as a "specific
mobile station". Accordingly, to the mobile station UE, the CSG
cell #1 is an "own CSG cell", and the CSG cell #2 is an "other CSG
cell".
[0042] In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the CSG cell #1
partially overlaps the macro cells #1 and #2, and the CSG cell #2
also partially overlaps the macro cells #1 and #2.
[0043] Note that the CSG can be set up not only for a cell under
control of a so-called home base station installed in houses, but
also for a general cell under control of a radio base station
installed in office buildings, cafes, schools, and elsewhere. For
example, possible situations include giving an access right only to
the employees of an office, or giving an access right temporarily
to the employees and customers of a cafe.
[0044] In such cases, the same CSG may be set up for multiple cells
or multiple radio base stations. The radio base stations are ranged
from small-sized low-power ones to large-sized high-power ones.
[0045] Accordingly, in the description herein, the above scenarios
are encompassed, and a radio base station managing a cell for which
a CSG is set up (CSG cell) is specially called a "home base station
HNB" for convenience reasons.
[0046] The switching apparatus MME is configured to manage specific
mobile stations in CSG cells under control of the home base
stations HNB connected to the switching apparatus MME (namely,
configured to manage specific mobile stations permitted to perform
communication via the CSG cells).
[0047] Alternatively, it may be the home base station HNB that is
configured to manage a specific mobile station in a cell under
control of the home base station HNB. However, the home base
station HNB can be installed where the user can reach. Accordingly,
considering factors such as security, it is preferable that the
switching apparatus MME be configured to manage specific mobile
stations in CSG cells as described above.
[0048] As FIG. 2 shows, the mobile station UE has a broadcast
information receiver unit 11, an individual signal receiver unit
12, a parameter storage unit 13, a cell information manager unit
14, a search location information manager unit 15, and a cell
selector unit 16.
[0049] The broadcast information receiver unit 11 is configured to
receive broadcast information transmitted via a BCH (Broadcast
Channel), an SU (Scheduling Unit) or the like, from the radio base
station eNB or the home base station HNB managing the camped cell
(a CSG cell or a macro cell) of the mobile station UE.
[0050] For example, The broadcast information receiver unit 11 is
configured to receive, as the broadcast information, information
identifying a cell (or a TA: Tracking Area) where the mobile
station UE is currently located (a cell ID and a TA-ID).
[0051] The broadcast information receiver unit 11 is configured to
also receive, as the broadcast information, information on the
frequency of a cell that at least partially overlaps the cell (a
CSG cell or a macro cell) where the mobile station UE is currently
located (different-frequency information).
[0052] Here, in a case where the mobile station UE is located in a
cell F2 having a frequency f2, the broadcast information receiver
unit 11 is configured to receive, as the "different-frequency
information", information (a TA-ID and a cell ID) identifying each
of cells F1, F3, and F4 that overlaps the cell F2 at least
partially; frequencies f1, f3, and f4 (e.g., xxMHz) used by the
respective cells F1, F3, and F4 overlapping the cell F2 at least
partially; and the like.
[0053] The individual signal receiver unit 12 is configured to
receive an individual signal transmitted from the switching
apparatus MME.
[0054] For example, the individual signal receiver unit 12 is
configured to receive, as the individual signal, a "list of own CSG
cells," a "list of overlapping macro cells" and the like. The "list
of own CSG cells" lists CSG cells for which the CSG to which the
mobile station UE belongs is set up. For each of the own CSG cells,
the "list of overlapping macro cells" lists macro cells that
overlap the CSG cell at least partially.
[0055] Here, the individual signal receiver unit 12 may be
configured to receive, as the individual signal, the
above-described "list of own CSG cells", "list of overlapping macro
cells" and the like, upon entrance to a macro cell (or a TA)
overlapping an own CSG cell of the mobile station UE at least
partially.
[0056] The parameter storage unit 13 is configured to store
parameters, such as "Hysteresis (e.g., xx dB)", "Treselection
(e.g., xx seconds)" and "Margin (e.g., xx dB)" included in
determination information used for determining whether or not to
change the camped cell of the mobile station UE.
[0057] Each of these parameters may be a different value for each
cell, or be a common value for multiple cells. In addition, these
parameters may be notified of as the aforementioned broadcast
information or as the aforementioned individual signal.
[0058] The cell information manager unit 14 is configured to manage
information on each cell (cell information).
[0059] The cell information manager unit 14 is configured to
manage, as the cell information, a "priority level", a threshold
"QRSRPmin" or "QRSRQmin", a "frequency used", a predetermined
offset "OffsetRSRP" or "OffsetRSRQ" and the like, for each
cell.
[0060] Note that the threshold "QRSRPmin" ox "QRSRPmin" and the
predetermined offset "OffsetRSRP" or "OffsetRSRQ" may be a
different value for each cell, or be a common value for multiple
cells.
[0061] Moreover, the threshold "QRSRPmin" and "QRSRPmin" may be
called "ThreshServing, low", "ThreshX, low", "ThreshX, high" and
the like.
[0062] Each information element included in the cell information
may be notified of as the aforementioned broadcast information or
as the aforementioned individual signal.
[0063] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the "own CSG cells" of the
mobile station UE each have a "high" priority level; "macro cells"
each have an "intermediate" priority level; and the "other CSG
cells" of the mobile station UE each have a "low" priority level.
Note that the carrier frequency of the "own CSG cells" and the
carrier frequency of the "other CSG cells" may be different or the
same.
[0064] The search location information manager unit 15 is
configured to manage search location information defining a
location where the mobile station UE should start searching for the
own CSG cell.
[0065] For example, the search location information manager unit 14
may be configured to directly manage, as the search location
information, the "list of own CSG cells" and the "list of
overlapping macro cells" received by the individual signal receiver
unit 12. In this case, the "search location" is the macro cells
included in the "list of overlapping macro cells".
[0066] Alternatively, the search location information manager unit
15 may be configured to manage search location information (Finger
Print) uniquely generated based on the "list of own CSG cells" and
the "list of overlapping macro cells" received by the individual
signal receiver unit 12. In this case, the "search location" is a
location defined by "GPS information" or the like.
[0067] Furthermore, the search location information manager unit 15
may be configured to manage search location information generated
based on the propagation levels or the like of cells included in
the "list of overlapping macro cells".
[0068] The cell selector unit 16 is configured to select a camped
cell (a cell where the mobile station UE should camp on) among CSG
cells (specific cells selectable as a camped cell only by specific
mobile stations) and macro cells (general cells selectable as a
camped cell by any mobile stations).
[0069] As FIG. 3 shows, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to
select the camped cell based on the priority level of each
cell.
[0070] In the example shown in FIG. 3, regarding to the mobile
station UE, cells #1-1 and #1-2 (own CSG cells) using the frequency
f1 each have a "high" priority level; cells #2-1, #2-2, #3-1, and
#3-2 (macro cells) using either the frequency f2 or the frequency
f3 each have an "intermediate" priority level; and cells #4-1 and
#4-2 (other CSG cells) using the frequency f4 each have a "low"
priority level. Note that the frequencies f1 and f4 may be
different frequencies, or be the same frequency.
[0071] Here, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to perform a
search, at a predetermined interval "TEqual", whether or not there
is any cell selectable as a camped cell for the mobile station UE
among the cells having the same priority level as the current
camped cell of the mobile station UE.
[0072] Note that the cell selector unit 16 may be configured not to
perform the search, when the radio quality "Serving (RSRQ
(Reference Signal Received Quality) or RSRP (Reference Signal
Received Power))" in the current camped cell of the mobile station
UE is a threshold "SSerchEqual" or more.
[0073] For example, as FIG. 3 shows, when using the "cell #1-1"
which uses the frequency f1 and has a "high" priority level, as the
camped cell, and when a predetermined condition A (R-criteria) is
satisfied, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the
camped cell from the "cell #1-1" to the "cell #1-2" using the
frequency f1 and having a "high" priority level.
[0074] In addition, as FIG. 3 shows, when using the "cell #2-1"
which uses the frequency f2 and has an "intermediate" priority
level, as the camped cell, and when the predetermined condition A
is satisfied, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the
camped cell from the "cell #2-1" to either the "cell #2-2" using
the frequency f2 and having an "intermediate" priority level or the
"cell #3-1" using the frequency f3 and having an "intermediate"
priority level (see the operation shown in FIG. 5 described
later).
[0075] Moreover, as FIG. 3 shows, when using the "cell #4-1" which
uses the frequency f4 and has a "low" priority level, as the camped
cell, and when the predetermined condition A is satisfied, the cell
selector 16 is configured to change the camped cell from the "cell
#4-1" to the "cell #4-2" using the frequency f4 and having a "low"
priority level.
[0076] Here, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to determine
that the predetermined condition A is satisfied when the following
Equation (1) holds true.
"Neighbour"+"OffsetRSRP(or Offset RSRQ)">"Serving"+"Hysteresis"
Equation (1)
[0077] Here, "Neighbour" is the radio quality in a cell adjacent to
the current camped cell of the mobile station UE (the "cell #1-2",
the "cell #2-2", the "cell #3-1" or the "cell #4-2"); "OffsetRSRP
(or Offset RSRQ) is a predetermined offset; "Serving" is the radio
quality in the current camped cell of the mobile station UE (the
"cell #1-1", the "cell #2-1" or the "cell #4-1"); and "Hysteresis"
is a predetermined parameter.
[0078] Meanwhile, as FIG. 3 shows, when using the "cell #1-2" as
the camped cell, and when a predetermined condition B is satisfied,
for example, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the
camped cell from the "cell #1-2" to the "cell #2-2".
[0079] Moreover, when using the "cell #3-2" as the camped cell, and
when the predetermined condition B is satisfied, the cell selector
unit 16 is configured to change the camped cell from the "cell
#3-2" to the "cell #4-2" (see the operation shown in FIG. 6
described later).
[0080] Here, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to determine
that the predetermined condition B is satisfied, when not detected
a cell that satisfies second communication quality (namely, a cell
in which (radio quality "RSRP" or "RSRQ")<("QRSRPmin" or
"QRSRQmin")+(parameter "Margin") holds true) among the cells having
the same priority level as the current camped cell of the mobile
station UE; and when detected a cell that has a lower priority
level than the current camped cell of the mobile station UE and
satisfies third radio quality (namely, a cell in which (radio
quality "RSRP" or "RSRQ")>("QRSRPmin" or "QRSRQmin")+(parameter
"Hysteresis") holds true).
[0081] Here, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to perform a
search, at a predetermined interval "THigher", whether or not there
is any cell selectable as a camped cell for the mobile station UE
among the cells having a higher priority level than the current
camped cell of the mobile station UE.
[0082] Here, the mobile station UE may be notified of the
predetermined intervals "TEqual" and "THigher" through the
broadcast information and the individual signal described above.
Note that the predetermined intervals "TEqual" and "THigher" may be
the same interval or be different intervals.
[0083] For example, as FIG. 3 shows, when using the "cell #4-1" as
the camped cell, and when a predetermined condition C is satisfied,
the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the camped cell
from the "cell #4-1" to the "cell #3-1".
[0084] Moreover, as FIG. 3 shows, the cell selector unit 16 is
configured to change the camped cell from the "cell #2-1" to the
"cell #1-1", when using the "cell #2-1" as the camped cell; when
the mobile station UE is determined as being located in the "cell
#2-1 (a general cell)" that at least partially overlaps the "cell
#1-1 (a first specific cell that regards the mobile station UE as a
"specific mobile station")"; and when the predetermined condition C
is satisfied (see the operation shown in FIG. 4 described
later).
[0085] Here, the cell selector unit 16 may be configured to
determine that the predetermined condition C is satisfied, when
determining that the "cell #1-1 (the first specific cell) has the
best "RSRP or RSRQ (radio quality)" among the cells using the
frequency f1 (first frequency); and when determining that the "RSRP
or RSRQ (radio quality)" of the "cell #1-1 (first specific cell)"
satisfies first radio quality (namely, when (radio quality "RSRP"
or "RSRQ")>("QRSRPmin" or "QRSRQmin") holds true).
[0086] Alternatively, the cell selector unit 16 may be configured
to determine that the predetermined condition C is satisfied, when
determining that the difference between the "RSRP or RSRQ (radio
quality)" of the "cell #1-1 (first specific cell)" and the best
"RSRP or RSRQ (radio quality)" among the cells using the frequency
f1 (first frequency) is within the predetermined offset "OffsetRSRP
or OffsetRSRQ; and when determining that the "RSRP or RSRQ (radio
quality)" of the "cell #1-1 (first specific cell)" satisfies the
first radio quality (namely, when (radio quality "RSRP" or
"RSRQ")>("QRSRPmin" or "QRSRQmin") holds true).
[0087] Still alternatively, the cell selector unit 16 may be
configured to determine that the predetermined condition C is
satisfied, when determining that the "RSRP or RSRQ (radio quality)"
of the "cell #1-1 (first specific cell)" satisfies the first radio
quality (namely, when (radio quality "RSRP" or
"RSRQ")>("QRSRPmin" or "QRSRQmin") holds true).
Operation of the Mobile Communication System According to the First
Embodiment of the Present Invention
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, an operation of the mobile
communication system according to the first embodiment of the
present invention will be described.
[0089] First, with reference to FIG. 4, a description will be given
of an operation in which the mobile station UE changes a camped
cell from a "macro cell" to an "own CSG cell".
[0090] As FIG. 4 shows, in Step S101, upon receipt of the "list of
own CSG cells" and the "list of overlapping macro cells" from the
switching apparatus MME, the mobile station UE determines whether
or not the "information identifying a macro cell (a TA-ID and a
cell ID)" having been notified of through the broadcast information
is in the "list of overlapping macro cells" included in the
individual signal received from the switching apparatus MME.
Thereby, the mobile station UE determines whether or not the mobile
station UE is located in the macro cell which overlaps an own CSG
cell at least partially.
[0091] Alternatively, in Step S101, the mobile station UE
determines whether or not the mobile station UE is located within a
"search location" by referring to the search location information
manager unit 15. Thereby, the mobile station UE determines whether
or not the mobile station UE is located in the macro cell which
overlaps an own CSG cell at least partially.
[0092] When determined as being located in such a macro cell, the
mobile station UE repeats the processing in Step S101.
[0093] When determined as being located in such a macro cell, and
when detected a lapse of the predetermined period "THigher" in Step
S102, the mobile station UE determines whether or not there is an
own CSG cell satisfying the predetermined condition C.
[0094] When determined that there is an own CSG cell satisfying a
predetermined condition D, in Step S104, the mobile station UE
changes the camped cell to the own CSG cell satisfying the
predetermined condition C.
[0095] On the other hand, when the mobile station UE determines
that there is no own CSG cell satisfying the predetermined
condition C, the operation returns to Step S101.
[0096] Second, with reference to FIG. 5, a description will be
given of an operation in which the mobile station UE changes a
camped cell from a "first macro cell" to a "second macro cell".
[0097] As FIG. 5 shows, when detected a lapse of the predetermined
period "TEqual" in Step S201, the mobile station UE determines
whether or not the radio quality "Serving (RSRP or RSRQ)" is larger
than the threshold "SSearchEqual" in Step S202.
[0098] When the determination result in Step S202 is negative (NO),
the operation returns to Step S201.
[0099] On the other hand, when the determination result in Step
S202 is affirmative (YES), the mobile station UE determines whether
or not the following Equation (2) holds true in Step S203.
("Neighbour(RSRP or RSRQ)" being the radio quality in the second
macro cell adjacent to the first macro cell)+(predetermined offset
"OffsetRSRP" or "OffsetRSRQ")>("Serving(RSRP or RSRQ)" being the
radio quality in the first macro cell)+(parameter "Hysteresis")
Equation (2)
[0100] When the determination result in Step S203 is negative (NO),
the operation returns to Step S201.
[0101] On the other hand, when the determination result in Step
S203 is affirmative (YES), the mobile station UE changes the camped
cell from the "first macro cell" to the "second macro cell".
[0102] Third, with reference to FIG. 6, a description will be given
of an operation in which the mobile station UE changes a camped
cell from a "macro cell" to an "other CSG cell".
[0103] In Step S301, the mobile station UE determines whether or
not the mobile station UE detects a cell in which (radio quality
"RSRP" or "RSRQ")<(QRSRPmin" or "QRSRQmin")+(parameter "Margin")
holds true.
[0104] When the determination result in Step S301 is negative (NO),
the operation returns to Step S301.
[0105] On the other hand, when the determination result in Step
S301 is affirmative (YES), the mobile station UE determines whether
or not the mobile station UE detects a cell in which (radio quality
"RSRP" or "RSRQ")>("QRSRPmin" or "QRSRQmin")+(parameter
"Hysteresis") holds true in Step 302.
[0106] When the determination result in Step S302 is negative (NO),
the mobile station UE detects as being out of area in Step
S304.
[0107] On the other hand, when the determination result in Step
S302 is affirmative (YES), the mobile station UE selects the cell
(other CSG cell) detected in Step S302 as the camped cell, in Step
S303.
Advantageous Effects of the Mobile Communication System According
to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention
[0108] With the mobile communication system according to the
embodiment, a camped cell can be selected properly in an
environment where CSG cells and macro cells coexist.
Modification 1
[0109] Referring to FIG. 7, a mobile communication system according
to Modification 1 will be described, focusing on differences from
the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment
described above.
[0110] In the example shown in FIG. 7, regarding to the mobile
station UE, a cell #11 using a frequency f11 and a cell #12 using a
frequency f12 each have a "high" priority level; a cell #21 using a
frequency f21 and a cell #22 using a frequency f22 each have an
"intermediate" priority level; and a cell #31 using a frequency f31
and a cell #32 using a frequency f32 each have a "low" priority
level. Note that the cells #11, #12, #21, #22, #31, and #32 may be
a macro cell or be a CSG cell. In addition, the frequencies f11,
f12, f21, f22, f31, and f32 are different frequencies.
[0111] For example, as FIG. 7 shows, when using the "cell #11" as
the camped cell, and when a predetermined condition A1 is
satisfied, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the
camped cell from the "cell #11" to the "cell #12".
[0112] Moreover, as FIG. 7 shows, when using the "cell #21" as the
camped cell, and when the predetermined condition A1 is satisfied,
the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the camped cell
from the "cell #21" to the "cell #22".
[0113] Moreover, as FIG. 7 shows, when using the "cell #31" as the
camped cell, and when the predetermined condition A1 is satisfied,
the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the camped cell
from the "cell #31" to the "cell #32".
[0114] Here, in a case where the "cell #12", the "cell #22" or the
"cell #32" is a macro cell, the cell selector unit 16 is configured
to determine that the predetermined condition A1 is satisfied, when
the following Equation (2) holds true, namely, when the radio
quality in the "cell #12", the "cell #22" or the "cell #32"
satisfies predetermined radio quality and when the radio quality in
the "cell #11", the "cell #21" or the "cell #31" does not meet
predetermined radio quality.
"Neighbour"+"Offset 1">"threshold 1", and
"Serving"+"Offset 2"<"threshold 2" Equation (2)
[0115] Here, "Neighbour" is the radio quality in a cell adjacent to
the current camped cell of the mobile station UE (the "cell #12",
the "cell #22" or the "cell #32"); and "Serving" is the radio
quality in the current camped cell of the mobile station UE (the
"cell #11", the "cell #21" or the "cell #31").
[0116] Meanwhile, in a case where the "cell #12", the "cell #22" or
the "cell #32" is a CSG cell, the cell selector unit 16 is
configured to determine that the predetermined condition A1 is
satisfied, when the following Equation (3) holds true, namely, in
addition to the conditions of the Equation (2) described above
being satisfied, when the difference between the radio quality in
the "cell #12", the "cell #22" or the "cell #32" and the best radio
quality among cells using any of the second frequencies f12, f22,
and f32 is within a predetermined offset.
"Neighbour"+"Offset 1">"threshold 1", and
"Serving"+"Offset 2"<"threshold 2", and
"Neighbour">"R0"-"Offset 3" Equation (3)
[0117] Here, "R0" is the radio quality in a cell having the best
radio quality among cells using the same frequency as the frequency
(f12, f22, or f32) used in a cell (the "cell #12", the "cell #22"
or the "cell #32") adjacent to the current camped cell of the
mobile station UE.
[0118] Furthermore, as FIG. 7 shows for example, when using the
"cell #12" as the camped cell, and when a predetermined condition
B1 is satisfied, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change
the camped cell from the "cell #12" to the "cell #22".
[0119] Moreover, when using the "cell #22" as the camped cell, and
when the predetermined condition B1 is satisfied, the cell selector
unit 16 is configured to change the camped cell from the "cell #22"
to the "cell #32".
[0120] Here, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to determine
that the predetermined condition 31 is satisfied, when the "cell
#22" or the "cell #32" is a macro cell, and when the following
Equation (4) holds true, namely, when the radio quality in the
"cell #22" or the "cell #32" satisfies predetermined radio quality
and when the radio quality in the "cell #11" or the "cell #21" does
not meet predetermined radio quality.
"Neighbour"+"Offset 4">"threshold 3", and
"Serving"+"Offset 5"<"threshold 4" Equation (4)
[0121] Here, "Neighbour" is the radio quality in a cell adjacent to
the current camped cell of the mobile station UE (the "cell #22" or
the "cell #32"); and "Serving" is the radio quality in the current
camped cell of the mobile station UE (the "cell #12" or the "cell
#22").
[0122] In addition, the cell selector unit 16 may be configured to
determine that the predetermined condition B1 is satisfied, when
the following Equation (4-1) holds true, in addition to the
Equation (4) described above holding true. Specifically, the
Equation (4-1) holds true, when there is no cell that satisfies the
predetermined radio quality among the cells using the same
frequency as the frequency (f12 or f22) used in the current camped
cell (the "cell #12" or the "cell #22") of the mobile station
UE.
"X"+"Offset 5"<"threshold 4" Equation (4-1)
[0123] Here, "X" is the radio quality in each cell using the same
frequency as the frequency (f12 or f22) used in the current camped
cell (the "cell #12" or the "cell #22") of the mobile station
UE.
[0124] On the other hand, the cell selector unit 16 is configured
to determine that the predetermined condition 31 is satisfied, when
the "cell #22" or the "cell #32" is a CSG cell, and when the
following Equation (5) holds true, namely, in addition to the
conditions of the Equation (4) described above being satisfied,
when the difference between the radio quality in the "cell #22" or
the "cell #32" and the best radio, quality among cells using any of
the second frequencies f22 and f32 is within a predetermined
offset.
"Neighbour"+"Offset 4">"threshold 3", and
"Serving"+"Offset 5"<"threshold 4", and
"Neighbour">"R0"-"Offset 6" Equation (5)
[0125] Here, "R0" is the radio quality in a cell having the best
radio quality among cells using the same frequency as the frequency
(f22 or f32) used in a cell adjacent to the current camped cell of
the mobile station UE (the "cell #22" or the "cell #32").
[0126] In addition, the cell selector unit 16 may be configured to
determine that the predetermined condition B1 is satisfied, when
the following Equation (5-1) holds true, in addition to the
Equation (5) described above holding true. Specifically, the
Equation (5-1) holds true, when there is no cell that satisfies the
predetermined radio quality among the cells using the same
frequency as the frequency (f12 or f22) used in the current camped
cell (the "cell #12" or the "cell #22") of the mobile station
UE.
"X"+"Offset 5"<"threshold 4" Equation (5-1)
[0127] Here, "X" is the radio quality in each cell using the same
frequency as the frequency (f12 or f22) used in the current camped
cell (the "cell #12" or the "cell #22") of the mobile station
UE.
[0128] For example, as FIG. 7 shows, when using the "cell #31" as
the camped cell, and when a predetermined condition C1 is
satisfied, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the
camped cell from the "cell #31" to the "cell #32".
[0129] Moreover, as FIG. 7 shows, when using the "cell #21" as the
camped cell, and when the predetermined condition C1 is satisfied,
the cell selector unit 16 is configured to change the camped cell
from the "cell #21" to the "cell #11".
[0130] Here, in a case where the "cell #11" or the "cell #21" is a
macro cell, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to determine
that the predetermined condition C1 is satisfied, when the
following Equation (6) holds true, namely, when the radio quality
in the "cell #11" or the "cell #21" satisfies predetermined radio
quality.
"Neighbour"+"Offset 7">"threshold 5" Equation (6)
[0131] Here, "Neighbour" is the radio quality in a cell adjacent to
the current camped cell of the mobile station UE (the "cell #11" or
the "cell #21").
[0132] Meanwhile, in a case where the "cell #11" or the "cell #21"
is a CSG cell, the cell selector unit 16 is configured to determine
that the predetermined condition C1 is satisfied, when the
following Equation (7) is satisfied, namely, in addition to the
condition of the Equation (6) described above being satisfied, when
the difference between the radio quality in the "cell #11" or the
"cell #21" and the best radio quality among the cells using any of
the second frequencies f11 and f21 is within a predetermined
offset.
"Neighbour"+"Offset 7">"threshold 5", and
"Neighbour">"R0"-"Offset 8" Equation (7)
[0133] Here, "R0" is the radio quality in a cell having the best
radio quality among cells using the same frequency as the frequency
(f11 or f21) used in a cell adjacent to the current camped cell of
the mobile station UE (the "cell #11" or the "cell #21").
[0134] Note that the above-described operations of the mobile
station UE, the radio base station eNB, the home base station HNB,
and the switching apparatus MME may be implemented by any of
hardware, a software module executed by a processor, and a
combination of both.
[0135] The software module may be provided in a storage medium of
any form, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a
ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (erasable Programmable ROM), an
EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM), a register,
a hard disk, a removable disk, or a CD-ROM.
[0136] Such a storage medium is connected to the processor so that
the processor can read from and write into the storage medium.
Moreover, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor.
Further, the storage medium and the processor may be provided in an
ASIC. The ASIC may be provided in the mobile station UE and the
radio base station eNB. Furthermore, the storage medium and the
processor may be provided in the mobile station UE and the radio
base station eNB as discrete components.
[0137] The present invention has been described in detail above
using the embodiment above. It is apparent to those skilled in the
art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment
described herein. The present invention may be carried out as
modified or corrected forms without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.
Therefore, the description of the present invention has been given
for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the
present invention whatsoever.
[0138] Note that the entire content of Japanese Patent Application
No. 2008-243401 (filed on Sep. 22, 2008) is incorporated herein by
reference.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0139] As described above, the present invention can provide a cell
selection method and a mobile station that allow a camped cell to
be properly selected in an environment where CSG cells and macro
cells coexist.
* * * * *