Patent Abstract:
A mobile station for mobile communication includes a receiver operable to receive data from a base station. The receiver includes a first receiving unit operable to receive identifying information for multicast data from a base station and a second receiving unit operable to receive the data on a shared channel from the base station by the information received.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/999,206, filed Nov. 24, 2004, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP02/05340, filed May 31, 2002, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a communication method and device in a mobile communication system using a downlink shared channel (DSCH).  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0003]     In recent years, development of CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) communication systems has proceeded apace, and the need to shift to Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA) systems that provide a wider bandwidth than previously in order to exchange not merely voice but also large-capacity data such as images or video at high speed, and with high quality and efficiency has increased.  
         [0004]     Communication systems adapted to these demands are generally called third generation mobile communication systems and the standards relating thereto are co-coordinated by the 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), which is the world standardization organization; introduction of such systems has already begun.  
         [0005]     In 3GPP, a DSCH (downlink shared channel) is defined as a downlink channel that is used in shared fashion by a plurality of mobiles (see 3GPP TS 25.427, TS 25.435). With DSCH, a single channel can be shared by a large number of mobiles and flexible power control can be achieved.  
         [0000]     In this way, high-speed and high-efficiency data communication can be implemented with limited wireless resources so the importance of this technique is expected to increase in the future.  
         [0006]      FIG. 1A  to  1 C show an outline of downlink data communication (communication to mobiles) in a communication system employing DSCH. This system comprises a core network  100 , which is a wired network, a wireless network control device  101 , base stations  102 ′ and mobiles  103 .  
         [0007]     DSCH is the name given to the channel between the wireless network control device  101  and the base stations  102 ; this DSCH is mapped onto a PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel), which is one of the physical channels on wireless.  
         [0008]     Also, for a single mobile  103 , there is a single individually assigned channel, which is called a dedicated channel (DCH) between the wireless network control device  101  and a base station  102 , and which is called a dedicated physical channel (DPCH) on wireless. The mapping of the channels is defined in 3GPP TS 25.301.  
         [0009]     As shown in  FIG. 1A , when data is transmitted on a DSCH, it is necessary to transmit control data, called signaling, on the DPCH. The signaling data is used to report to the mobile  1 . 03  whether or not data is present on the PDSCH, at a timing corresponding to this signaling.  
         [0010]     Specifically, the mobile  103  is not always in receiving condition in regard to the PDSCH but only receives data on the PDSCH if signaling data has been received on the DPCH.  
         [0011]     The ability to receive data on the DSCH therefore only exists in the case where a dedicated CH is set up in respect of the mobile  103 ; data cannot be received on the DSCH in the idle state or in a condition in which a dedicated channel is not set up. It should be noted that the mobile  103  is normally able to receive signaling data on the DPCH.  
         [0012]     Mapping of the aforesaid signaling data wirelessly onto DPCH is as described above. Two methods are laid down between the wireless network control device  101  and base station  102 . In one case, data is transmitted on DCH. In the other case, data is transmitted on another channel established for the signaling.  
         [0013]     Thereupon, after the mobile  103  has received the signaling data, in order to start preparation for receiving the DSCH, the DSCH data must be transmitted later than the signaling by a delay time ΔT.  
         [0014]     The DSCH data is transmitted in accordance with a standard timing that is set for each sector, so the reception timings thereof are the same for the mobiles  103 . In contrast, the DPCH reception timings are different for each of the mobiles  103 . Consequently, the aforesaid delay time ΔT also differs for each mobile  103 . The wireless network control device  101  must therefore perform transmission timing control of the signaling data, in consideration the delay time ΔT for each mobile  103 .  
         [0015]     It should be noted that the delay time ΔT is respectively reported to the wireless network control device  101 , base station  102  and mobile  103  by the application, at the time point of call set-up.  
         [0016]     Also, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the identifier ID  104 - 2  that is applied to each mobile is stored in the DSCH frame  104  in addition to the user data  104 - 1 . This is necessary in order that the DSCH frame  104  should be correctly transmitted to a specified mobile  103 .  
         [0017]     For this reason, as shown in  FIG. 1C , transmission can only be effected in respect of a single mobile  103  in a single transmission slot; a DSCH frame that is transmitted in this transmission slot cannot be simultaneously received by a plurality of mobiles  103 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  shows an example of the processing sequence in DSCH transmission. When the wireless network control device  101  receives (step S 1 ) user data  104 - 1  from the core network  100 , it generates a DSCH frame  104  (processing step P 1 ) from the information that was already set as the user data  104 - 1 . After this, the transmission timing of the DSCH frame  104  is determined (processing step P 2 ).  
         [0019]     Then, after the signaling data has been generated (processing step P 3 ), the transmission timing of the signaling data is determined (processing step P 4 ) using the aforesaid delay time Δ T, from the DSCH frame transmission timing. The signaling data is transmitted (step S 2 ) to the mobile  103  through the base station  102  in accordance with the signaling transmission timing.  
         [0020]     When a mobile  10 . 3  receives signaling data, it becomes aware of the existence of a DSCH frame that is to be received on the PDSCH, and starts preparation to receive this DSCH frame (processing step P 5 ). After this, the wireless network control device  101  transmits the DSCH frame to the mobile  103  (step S 3 ) through the base station  102  in accordance with the DSCH frame transmission timing.  
         [0021]     After receiving this DSCH frame, the mobile  103  compares the mobile identifier ID  104 - 2  in the data with its own ID (processing step P 6 ) and, if they agree, performs subsequent data processing. Also, if the mobile ID  104 - 2  in the DSCH frame data does not agree with its own ID, it discards this DSCH frame (processing step P 7 ).  
       DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]     As described above, since a single DSCH channel is shared by a large number of mobiles  103 , high-speed/high efficiency wireless communication can be achieved. However, as shown in  FIG. 1 , transmission can only be effected in respect of a single mobile  103  in a single transmission slot. Thus, the DSCH frame that is transmitted in the transmission slot (see  FIG. 1C ) cannot be simultaneously received by a plurality of mobiles  103 .  
         [0023]     In the future, with improvements in transmission rate, it is planned to perfect a large-capacity service providing music delivery and video delivery, but when DSCH is employed in the current technology, when distributing the same data to a plurality of mobiles  103  in this way, because of the restrictions described above, it is necessary to transmit exactly the same data to as many mobiles as are to receive it. There is therefore considerable waste from the point of view of efficiency of use of wireless and wired transmission channels and it is thought that, as a result of the accumulation of the amount of data destined for the mobiles, the DSCH rate will be adversely affected and communication quality will tend to be lowered.  
         [0024]     Although this problem may apparently be solved by fortifying the infrastructure, this results in increased costs of the infrastructure and so in increased communication charges and cannot but put a brake on future diversification and development of service modes.  
         [0025]     An object of the present invention is therefore to provide an efficient communication method and device based on the current DSCH technique, whereby diverse services, in particular distribution system services (multi-cast services) can be implemented in future by improving the communication rate.  
         [0026]     Furthermore, from the point of view of development costs and development time, it is important to take great pains not to alter the existing 3GPP regulations. Also, DSCH has the characteristic feature that reception is only possible when a dedicated CH has been set up in respect of a mobile. In view of this aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide a communication method and device aimed at implementing further new services wherein for example data distribution is performed on DSCH only during telephone service.  
         [0027]     A characteristic feature of a communication method and device according to the present invention capable of meeting this object and comprising a wireless network control device, base stations and mobiles on which there is respectively installed one or more communication protocol as specified by for example 3GPP is the performance of multi-cast communication of data in respect of one or more mobiles using DSCH.  
         [0028]     In addition, said wireless network control device according to the present invention is characterized by the provision of a functional section that processes DSCH internally and, in addition, the provision of table means that stores various types of setting information relating to DSCH communication and DSCH multi-cast communication. Using these items of information, multi-cast communication (including unicast communication) is implemented using DSCH in respect of one or more mobiles.  
         [0029]     Also, a base station in accordance with the present invention comprises a function of transmitting DSCH data and/or said signaling data received from the wireless network control device to the mobiles through a wireless circuit.  
         [0030]     Furthermore, in addition to the ordinary functions, a mobile may comprise an identification function in respect of whether data on the DSCH is unicast or multicast.  
         [0031]     Further features of the present invention will become clear from embodiments of the present invention that are described below with reference to the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]      FIG. 1  is a view showing an outline of downlink data communication (communication to mobiles) in a communication system employing DSCH.  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a view showing an example of a processing sequence during DSCH transmission.  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a view given in explanation of an outline of a multicast DSCH communication method according to the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is an operating sequence diagram of the method of multicast DSCH communication of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a view showing an embodiment of a wireless network control device  303  according to the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a view showing a practical example of a multicast setting table  502 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a view showing a practical example of a DSCH setting table  503 .  
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a view showing what sort of information is set in the multicast setting table  502 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a view showing what sort of information is set in the DSCH setting table  503 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a view showing the correspondence of system state with a specific example.  
         [0042]      FIG. 11  is a view showing the processing sequence from start-up of the system up to commencement of multicast communication.  
         [0043]      FIG. 12  is a view showing a specific example of a method of signaling.  
         [0044]      FIG. 13  is a view showing the processing flow during DSCH transmission in a wireless network control device  303 , in particular a DSCH processing section  500  and macro diversity processing section  505 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 14  is a view showing the processing flow during DSCH reception in a mobile.  
         [0046]      FIG. 15  is a view given in explanation of the operation when a control frame is received from a base station  304 . 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0047]      FIG. 3  is a view given in explanation of an outline of a multicast DSCH communication method according to the present invention.  FIG. 4  is an operating sequence diagram of the multicast DSCH communication method according to  FIG. 3 .  
         [0048]     As described in  FIG. 1 , the reason why data can only be received by a single mobile for a single transmission slot is that a mobile ID is present in the DSCH frame.  
         [0049]     Consequently, according to the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 3B , identification information (multicast ID) for multicast is stored in the mobile ID storage area  306 - 2  of the DSCH frame  306  comprising the user data storage area  306 - 1  and mobile identifier ID storage area  306 - 2 .  
         [0050]     In this way, it is possible to arrange that a single DSCH frame  306  can be simultaneously received by a plurality of mobiles  300  to  302 .  FIG. 3A  shows how a DSCH frame  306  using the aforesaid multicast ID is simultaneously received after reception of signaling data on their respective DPCHs by a plurality of mobiles  300  to  302 .  
         [0051]     The sequence during multicast communication using the DSCH described in  FIG. 3  will be further described using  FIG. 4 . When the wireless network control device  303  receives user data from the core network  100  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) (step S 11 ), it determines whether this user data is to be multicast or not; if this data is not to be multicast, it performs unicast processing in accordance with the sequence described in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0052]     If the user data received from the core network  100  is to be multicast, the wireless network control device  303  generates the DSCH frame  306  of  FIG. 3B  (processing step P 11 ) from the information that was already set as the user data in question.  
         [0053]     After this, the transmission timing of the DSCH frame  306  is determined (processing step P 12 ). At this point, the multicast ID is stored in the multicast ID storage region  306 - 2  described in  FIG. 3  in the DSCH frame  306 .  
         [0054]     Next, based on the information relating to multicasting that is set therein, the wireless network control device  303  selects mobiles  300  to  302  in respective of which multicasting is to be performed (processing step P 13 ) and determines (processing step P 14 ) the transmission timing of the signaling frame and the generation of the signaling data for each mobile that is the subject of this multicasting.  
         [0055]     The respective signaling data are transmitted (step S 12 ) to all the mobiles  300  to  302  that are the subject of multicasting through the base stations  304 , with the aforesaid signaling transmission timing. When the mobiles receive this signaling, they recognize the presence of the DSCH frame that is to be received on PDSCH and commence preparations for reception of this DCSH frame (processing steps P 14 - 1  to P 14 - 3 ).  
         [0056]     After this, the wireless network control device  303  transmits the DSCH frame through the base stations of  304  to the mobiles  300  to  302 : with the DSCH frame transmission timing (step S 13 ).  
         [0057]     After the mobiles have all received the DSCH frame  306  transmitted as described above, they check the mobile identifier ID in the respectively received data (processing step P 15 ) and, if the identifier ID agrees with the multicast ID, continue processing of this received data (processing step P 16 ). If the ID is not a multicast ID, in the processing step P 6  in the sequence of  FIG. 2 , the mobiles compare the ID with their own IDs, respectively and, if they agree, perform the subsequent data processing. Also, if the ID in the received data and their own ID do not agree, they discard the DSCH frame  306  (processing step P 7 ).  
         [0058]     An embodiment of a wireless network control device  3 . 03  that executes this processing in a sequence in accordance with the present invention as described above will now be described.  
         [0059]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a wireless network control device  303  according to the present invention.  
         [0060]     The wireless network control device  303  comprises a DSCH processing section  500 , macro diversity processing section  505 , main control section.  507  and circuit terminating section  506 ; the respective functional sections are connected by an internal bus  501 .  
         [0061]     The macro diversity processing section  505  is a functional section for implementing macro diversity, which is a characteristic technique in mobile communication. In macro diversity, a plurality of channels are set up between a given node and a given mobile and identical data are copied and transmitted to all of the plurality of channels by the transmitting end. This is employed because communication quality such as during handover is improved by selecting at the receiving end the data of highest quality, of the identical data received on the plurality of channels.  
         [0062]     Specifically, the macro diversity processing section  505  chiefly performs the following two processes.  
         [0063]     (1) The data destined for a given mobile received from the core network  100  is copied to as many channels as are set up on the mobile in question, and transmission is performed to the mobile on all these set channels.  
         [0064]     (2) The respective qualities of the data received on the plurality of channels from a given mobile are evaluated and the data that afford the best quality are selected and transmitted to the core network  100 .  
         [0065]     The circuit terminating section  506  has the function of terminating all circuits such as on the side of the core network  100  or on the side of the base stations  304  and of using the channel to transmit data to a processing block in a suitable device or another node.  
         [0066]     Apart from setting the information of the various functional blocks within the device, the main control section  507  has the function of exchanging control information with other nodes.  
         [0067]     The DSCH processing section  500  comprises a DSCH frame processing section  504  that performs therein DSCH frame generation and transmission timing adjustment etc, a multicast setting table  502  that stores information relating to multicasting using DSCH, and a DSCH setting table  503  that stores information for ordinary DSCH communication.  
         [0068]     The control information received from the main control section  507  etc is set and stored in the multicast setting table  502  and/or the DSCH setting table  503 . This information that has thus been set and stored is referenced during for example frame generation processing or transmission timing determination by the DSCH frame processing section  504 .  
         [0069]     It should be noted that, although, in the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the DSCH processing section  500  and the macro diversity processing section  505  were constituted as separate functional blocks, this DSCH processing section  500  and macro diversity processing section  505  could be substantially constituted by a single functional block.  
         [0070]      FIG. 6  shows a practical example of a multicast setting table  502 . The layout of the multicast setting table  502  is that a single row shows the setting information of a single multicast group; this setting information comprises (a) a multicast channel identifier ID, (b) a DSCH identifier ID, (c) the number of mobiles participating in this multicast group and (d) the identifier IDs of these mobiles.  
         [0071]     The details of these respective items of setting information are described below.  
         [0072]     (a) “Multicast Channel Identifier ID” 
         [0073]     This is the identifier of the multicast data distribution channel that is set up between the wireless network control device  303  and the core network  100 . Although, in this case, it was assumed that a single multicast channel was always mapped onto a single DSCH, depending on the layout of the table, it would be possible to map a single multicast channel onto a plurality of DSCHs.  
         [0074]     (b) “DSCH Identifier ID” 
         [0075]     This is the identifier that is applied to a DSCH. In this case also, it is assumed that a single multicast channel is mapped onto a single DSCH, but, depending on the layout of the table, it would be possible to map a plurality of multicast channels onto a single DSCH.  
         [0000]     (c) “Number of Mobiles” 
         [0076]     This indicates the number of mobiles participating in a multicast group in the DSCH indicated by the DSCH identifier ID.  
         [0077]     (d) “Mobile Identifier IDs” 
         [0078]     This is a list, having the same number of entries as the number of mobiles, of the IDs that distinguish the mobiles that participate in the multicast group.  
         [0079]      FIG. 7  shows a practical example of the DSCH setting table  503 . One row of the layout of the DSCH setting table  503  indicates the setting information relating to a single DSCH; this setting information comprises: (a) the identifier ID of the dedicated channel, (b) a DSCH identifier ID, (c) the identifier IDs of the mobiles corresponding to the identifier ID of the dedicated channel, and (d) the timing offsets in the signal transmission that is set up in respect of the mobiles.  
         [0080]     The details of the respective items of setting information are described below.  
         [0081]     (a) “Identifier ID of the Dedicated Channel” 
         [0082]     This is the identifier of the channel that is uniquely allocated to the respective mobiles and that is set up between the wireless network control device  303  and the core network  100 . A single dedicated channel is always mapped onto a single DSCH.  
         [0000]     (b) “DSCH Identifier ID” 
         [0083]     This is the identifier that is applied to the DSCH. A single dedicated channel is mapped to a single DSCH.  
         [0000]     (c) “Mobile Identifier IDs” 
         [0084]     These are the identifier IDs of the mobiles to which the dedicated channel is allocated.  
         [0085]     (d) “Timing Offset” 
         [0086]     This expresses the amount of offset from the reference timing in the wireless network control device; transmission is effected to the mobiles with a timing that is adjusted by the amount of this offset from this reference timing.  
         [0087]      FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  are views indicating what information is set in the multicast setting table  502  and the DSCH setting table  503 , respectively, corresponding to the specific example of system condition shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0088]      FIG. 10  shows only the wireless network control device  304 ; the base stations  304  are not shown. In this specific example, three DSCHs, # 0  to # 2  are set up; the multicast channels MC_CH # 0  and # 1  and the dedicated channels CH # 0  to # 2  are accommodated on the DSCH # 0 ; the multicast channel MC_CH # 2  and the dedicated channels&#39; CH # 3  to # 6  are accommodated on the DSCH # 1 ; and the dedicated channels CH # 7  to # 8  are accommodated on the DSCH # 2 .  
         [0089]     Furthermore, the mobiles # 0  to # 2  perform communication through the DSCH # 0 , the mobiles # 0  and # 2  are mobiles participating in multicasting, while the mobile # 1  is a mobile that does not participate in multicasting.  
         [0090]     Also, the mobiles # 3  to # 5  perform communication through the DSCH # 1  and, of these, the mobiles # 3  to # 5  are mobiles participating in multicasting while the mobile # 6  is a mobile that does not participate in multicasting. Further, the mobiles # 7 , # 8  perform communication through the DSCH # 2 , but these mobiles do not participate in multicasting.  
         [0091]     In regard to the condition of  FIG. 10 , the multicast setting table  502  of  FIG. 8  has registered therein (a) which multicast channels are (b) accommodated on which DSCH and (c) the number of multicast participant mobiles and (d) the identifier IDs of the participant mobiles.  
         [0092]     In contrast, the DSCH setting table  503  of  FIG. 9  has registered therein (a) of the dedicated channel IDs, (b) the subject DSCH identifier IDs that are accommodated therein, and (c) the corresponding mobile identifier IDs.  
         [0093]      FIG. 11  is a view showing the processing sequence from start-up of the system up to commencement of multicast communication.  
         [0094]     When the mobile network i.e. the wireless network control device  303  and the base stations  304  are started up, various settings are performed (processing step P 21 ) in accordance with a predetermined procedure, between these nodes. At this point, setting of the DSCHs employed in the present invention is also performed (processing step P 22 ).  
         [0095]     When DSCH setting is completed, next, setting of the data channels for multicasting between the core network  100  and the wireless network control device  303  is performed (processing step P 23 ). Although not shown in  FIG. 11 , it is assumed that the data channel for multicasting is connected for example to a data distribution server within the core network  100  (processing step P 24 ).  
         [0096]     After set-up of the data channel for multicasting has been completed, the multicasting setting table  502  within the wireless network device is updated (processing step P 24 ) in accordance with the mapping information of the data channels for multicasting that have been set up and the DSCHs.  
         [0097]     After this, communication of the multicast data from for example the data distribution server is commenced (step S 21 ). At this stage, there need not necessarily be any mobile that receives the multicast data. Alternatively, it is also possible to stop transmission of the multicast data and to issue the data transmission commencement request to the server at a time-point where the mobiles that are to receive the multicast data are registered.  
         [0098]     After this, when call connection of a particular mobile is effected (processing step P 25 ), and when, by a prescribed procedure, a changeover decision is made (processing step P 26 ) to use DSCH, the wireless network control device adds this mobile to the DSCH setting table  503 : (processing step P 27 ).  
         [0099]     After this, instructions to change over to the DSCH are transmitted to the mobile  300  in question via the base station  304  (step S 22 ).  
         [0100]     When the mobile  300  receives the instructions to change over to DSCH, it extracts and sets the parameters for DSCH reception that are contained in the changeover instruction signal (processing step P 28 ).  
         [0101]     In addition, a decision is made as to whether or not the mobile  300  in question is to participate in the multicast transmission to which DSCH is being applied (processing step P 29 ) and the mobile  300  in question returns (step S 23 ) to the wireless network control device through the base station a response message of completion of DSCH changeover, including the result of this decision.  
         [0102]     Regarding this decision as to whether or not the mobile  300  is to participate in multicast communication, the methods may be considered of setting the result of this decision beforehand by the user in the mobile or of setting the result of this decision in the network.  
         [0103]     When the wireless network control device  303  receives from the mobile  300  the DSCH changeover response, if this contains a request to participate in multicasting, it updates the multicast setting table  502  therein to add the mobile in question (processing step P 30 ).  
         [0104]     It should be noted that, if, as the method whereby it is decided whether or not the aforesaid mobile is to participate in multicast communication, the method is adopted of setting the result of this decision in the network, authentication processing may be performed in the network  100  in the event of reception of a DSCH changeover response from the mobile, if the mobile is to participate in the multicast communication, processing may be performed to add the mobile to the multicast setting table  502 .  
         [0105]     After the mobile has been added to the multicast setting table  502 , data is distributed (step S 24 ) from the server or the like. This distribution data is assembled into DSCH frames in the DSCH processing section  500  in the wireless network control device  303  and its transmission timing is determined (processing step P 31 ). After this, signaling in respect of the added mobile (step S 25 ) and transmission of the DSCH frame (step  26 ) are performed.  
         [0106]     For its part, after the mobile has received the signaling that has been transmitted thereto by the wireless network control device.  303 , DSCH reception processing (processing step P 32 ) is initiated. DSCH frame reception processing (processing step P 33 ) is performed as described with reference to  FIG. 2  (processing steps P 6  and P 7 ) and  FIG. 4  (processing steps P 15 , P 16 ).  
         [0107]      FIG. 12  shows a specific example of a method of signaling. Signaling must be transmitted to each mobile, so channels for signaling transmission must be set up allocated in units of the number of mobiles.  
         [0108]     In 3GPP, as the channels for signaling, two methods are laid down, namely, a method employing a DCH and a method of setting up a new channel (signaling bearer) for signaling. Referring to  FIG. 12 , a description will now be given as to how signaling is actually transmitted within the wireless network control device  303  in the above two cases.  
         [0109]     As described above, since signaling is generated and transmitted when data is transmitted on the DSCH, the opportunity for signaling transmission is created by the DSCH processing section  500 .  
         [0110]     This will be described with reference to the following four cases.  
         [0111]     [Case A] 
         [0112]     The case A shown in  FIG. 12A  is a case in which signaling is transmitted with DCH. In accordance with the embodiment described in  FIG. 5 , the DCH is terminated by the macro diversity processing section  505 , so in the event of signaling transmission the DSCH processing section  500  must output a signaling transmission instruction to the macro diversity processing section  505 .  
         [0113]     At this juncture, the macro diversity processing section  505  must be able to identify in respect of which mobile (DCH) signaling is being transmitted, so the DSCH processing section  500  must give instructions for signaling transmission to the macro diversity processing section  505  and hand over the identifier ID of the mobile that is the subject of this transmission. At this juncture, in order for the transmission instruction and mobile identifier ID to be exchanged between the DSCH processing section  500  and the macro diversity processing section  505 , the method of  FIG. 5  of employing an internal bus or the method of providing a dedicated control path for signal exchange may be considered.  
         [0114]     The macro diversity processing section  505  generates signaling data from the signaling transmission instruction and mobile identifier ID received from the DSCH processing section  500  and transmits this signaling data on the corresponding DCH. Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , the macro diversity processing section  505  is internally provided with mapping table means of the mobile identifier ID and DCH.  
         [0115]     [Case B] 
         [0116]     Case B, shown in  FIG. 12B , is also a case in which signaling is transmitted with DCH. Unlike the case of  FIG. 12A , it has a characteristic feature in regard to the method whereby generation and transmission of the signaling data are performed by the DSCH processing section  500  and mapping of the signaling data onto the DCH is performed by the circuit terminating section  506 .  
         [0117]     The DSCH processing section  500  performs transmission of signaling data to the circuit terminating section  506 , using the same channel ID as the channel of the DCH where the macro diversity processing section  505  terminates. The channel ID whereby signaling transmission was performed by the DSCH processing section  500  is the same as the ID of the DCH corresponding to the mobile that is to receive the signaling, so the signaling data is merged with the DCH in the circuit terminating section  506  before being transmitted to the corresponding mobile through the base station  304 .  
         [0118]     It should be noted that, in this case, the DSCH processing section  500  must simultaneously identify the channel ID of the DCH corresponding to the mobile that is registered. This can be achieved by storing as additional information in the DSCH setting table  503  shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0119]     [Case C] 
         [0120]     In case C shown in  FIG. 12C , a channel for signaling (signaling bearer) is newly set up between the DSCH processing section  500  and base station  304 . This is an example in which signaling data is transmitted using this channel. In this case, the signaling data that is generated in the DSCH processing section  500  is transmitted by the signaling bearer at which the DSCH processing section  500  terminates, without modification.  
         [0121]     [Case D] 
         [0122]     In the case D shown in  FIG. 12D , a channel for signaling (signaling bearer) is newly set up between the macro diversity processing section  505  and the base station  304 ; this is an example of the case where signaling data is transmitted using this channel. This case also is the same as case A.  
         [0123]      FIG. 13  is a view showing the processing flow during DSCH transmission in the wireless network control device  303 , in particular in the DSCH processing section  500  and the macro diversity processing section  505 . In this case, case A of  FIG. 12A  is employed as the signaling method.  
         [0124]     When the DSCH processing section  500  receives data from the core network  100  (processing step P 40 , Yes), the channel ID of the received data is extracted (processing step P 41 ). The DSCH processing section  500  checks for the existence of the channel ID extracted in the processing step P 41  in the multicast setting table  502  (processing step P 42 ) by referencing this multicast setting table  502 . If the channel ID extracted in the processing step P 41  is present in the multicast setting table  502  (processing step P 42 , Yes), the DSCH processing section  500  extracts the DSCH-ID and all of the mobile IDs belonging to the DSCH from the multicast setting table  502  (processing step P 44 ).  
         [0125]     Next, if not even one mobile ID is present in the multicast setting table  502  (processing step P 45 , No) nor in the DSCH setting table  503  (processing step P 43 , No), the data is discarded (processing step P 46 ).  
         [0126]     If one or more mobile ID is present in the multicast setting table  502  (processing step P 45 , Yes) the DSCH processing section  500  applies the data received in processing step P 1  to the multicast ID to generate the DSCH frame (processing step P 47 ).  
         [0127]     On the other hand, if, in processing step P 42 , the channel ID extracted in processing step P 41  is not present in the multicast setting table  50 . 2  (processing step P 42 , No), the DSCH processing section  500  checks to ascertain whether or not the extracted channel ID is present in the DSCH setting table  503  (processing step P 48 ).  
         [0128]     If, in processing step P 48 , the extracted channel ID is not present in the DSCH setting table  503 , the DSCH processing section  500  discards the data received in the processing step P 40  (processing step P 49 ).  
         [0129]     If, in the processing step P 49 , the extracted channel ID is present in the DSCH setting table  503  (processing step P 48 , Yes), the DSCH processing section  500  extracts the DSCH-ID and mobile ID from the DSCH setting table  503  (processing step P 50 ). After this, the extracted mobile ID is applied to the data received in the processing step P 1  and the DSCH frame is generated (processing step P 51 ).  
         [0130]     Next, after the DSCH frame has been generated in the processing steps P 47 , P 51 , the DSCH processing section  500  determines the transmission timing of the DSCH frame that has been generated (processing step P 52 ) and acquires the timing offset of the mobile corresponding to this DSCH from the DSCH setting table  503  (processing step P 53 ).  
         [0131]     In this way, the signaling data transmission timing is calculated (processing step P 54 ) from the DSCH frame transmission timing and the timing offset of the mobile. After this the DSCH processing section  500  reports the mobile ID and the signaling transmission instruction to the macro diversity processing section  505  (processing step P 55 ) in accordance with the signaling timing determined in processing step P 54 .  
         [0132]     The macro diversity processing section  505  generates a signaling frame using the mobile ID and the signaling transmission instruction that are handed over from the DSCH processing section  500 , and transmits this signaling frame on the corresponding DCH (processing step P 56 ).  
         [0133]     The processing of the aforesaid steps. P 52  to P 56  is executed a number of times equal to the number of mobiles. After this, the DSCH processing section- 500  transmits (processing step P 57 ) the DSCH frame generated in the processing step P 47  or in the processing step-P 51  on the DSCH in accordance with the DSCH frame-transmission timing that was determined in the processing step P 52 .  
         [0134]      FIG. 14  is a view showing the processing flow during DSCH reception by a mobile. In  FIG. 14 , it is assumed that the dedicated channels (DCH, DPCH) are already set up by a prescribed procedure at the mobile.  
         [0135]     When the mobile receives signaling on the DPCH (processing step P 60 , Yes)), the DSCH reception preparation is commenced (processing step P 61 ) and the DSCH frame on the PDSCH is received (processing step P 62 ).  
         [0136]     After this, an error check of the DSCH frame is performed (processing step P 63 ). If any abnormality in the data is found, the received DSCH frame is discarded (processing step. P 64 ).  
         [0137]     If the received DSCH frame is normal (processing step P 63 , Yes), the identifier ID in the DSCH frame is checked (processing step P 65 ) and if this identifier ID is a multicast ID (processing step P 66 , Yes), data processing as multicast data is performed (processing step P 67 ).  
         [0138]     On the other hand, if, in processing step P 66 , it is found that the identifier ID is not a multicast ID, the identifier ID in the DSCH frame is compared with the mobile&#39;s own identifier ID (processing step P 68 ) and if it is not found to agree with the mobile&#39;s own identifier ID (processing step P 68 , No), the received DSCH frame is discarded (processing step P 64 ).  
         [0139]     If the identifier ID agrees with the mobile&#39;s own identifier ID (processing step P 68 , Yes), ordinary unicast processing is performed (processing step P 67 ).  
         [0140]      FIG. 15  describes the operation when a control frame is received from the base station  304 . In 3GPP, various control frames are defined between the wireless network control device  303  and base station  304 . One of these is a control frame called the timing adjustment control frame. This is employed to adjust the channel timing that is set between the wireless network control device and the base station.  
         [0141]     The timing adjustment control frame is used to store and transmit the difference with respect to the appropriate reception timing from the base station  304  to the wireless network control device  303 , in cases where the data that was transmitted by the wireless network  100  is not received with the appropriate timing at the base station  304 . Also, the timing adjustment control frame is returned using a channel where the transmission timing is abnormal.  
         [0142]     When the wireless network control device  303  receives a timing adjustment control frame, it adjusts the transmission timing within the wireless network control device  303  by the amount of the timing to be adjusted that is stored in the frame relating to the received channel and subsequently performs data transmission with this timing.  
         [0143]     The details of timing adjustment are set out in 3GPP TS25.402.  
         [0144]     In a data communication system using DSCH, the signaling data is transmitted to the mobile immediately prior to transmission of the DSCH frame, but, as mentioned above, the transmission timing of the signaling data is based on the transmission timing of the dedicated channel (DCH, DPCH).  
         [0145]     Consequently, if any abnormality were to be generated in the transmission timing in the dedicated channel during transmission on the ordinary dedicated channel, in regard to this dedicated channel, in the event of an incoming transmission of this timing adjustment control frame it would not only be necessary to adjust the transmission timing of this dedicated channel, but it would also be necessary to adjust the timing off set of each mobile stored in the DSCH setting table  503  in the DSCH processing section  500 .  
         [0146]     Accordingly, as described above, when a timing adjustment control frame is generated on a dedicated channel, the method is specified of reporting the control information (in this case, the timing adjustment value) also to the DSCH processing section  500 . It should be noted that the following method can likewise be applied to other control frames associated with the dedicated channel.  
         [0147]      FIG. 15A  to  FIG. 15C  show three patterns, namely, case A, case B and case C as methods for reporting control information on reception of a timing adjustment control frame to the DSCH processing section  500 . These three patterns will be described below.  
         [0148]     [Case A] 
         [0149]     In Case A shown in  FIG. 15A , the timing adjustment control frame that is transmitted on the DCH is terminated by the macro diversity control section  505 , and an adjustment value in respect of the DCH is extracted from the control frame.  
         [0150]     The macro diversity processing section  5 . 05  performs timing adjustment of the DCH in question within its own processing section, using the a foresaid adjustment value. The macro diversity processing section  505  reports this adjustment value and the mobile ID to the DSCH processing section  500 . The DSCH processing section  500  is thereby able to adjust the timing offset amount corresponding to the mobile in question in the DSCH setting table  503 , using the adjustment value and the mobile ID.  
         [0151]     [Case B] 
         [0152]     In case B shown in  FIG. 15B , the circuit terminating section  506  copies all of the uplink data that is transmitted on the dedicated channel terminated by the macro diversity processing section  505  and transmits this also to the DSCH processing section  500 .  
         [0153]     The DSCH processing section  500  is arranged to monitor, all the time, the uplink data on the dedicated channels that are received by transmission from the circuit terminating section  506  so as to receive only control data such as timing adjustment frames and discard ordinary user data. In this way, the DSCH processing section  500  can also learn the timing adjustment amount on the dedicated channels.  
         [0154]     [Case C] 
         [0155]     In Case C shown in  FIG. 15C , a number of control frame dedicated channels equal to the number of dedicated channels are set up between the wireless network control device  303  and the base stations  304  and control frames are transmitted to the wireless network control device  303  from the base stations  304  on the dedicated channels. In this process, respective copied control frames are transmitted on the dedicated channel in question and the control frame dedicated channel in question after copying the control frame within the base station  304 .  
         [0156]     Service employing multicast DSCH that is capable of being implemented by applying the present invention will now be described.  
         [0157]     As described above, in order for the mobile to receive data on DSCH, it is essential to receive signaling data on a dedicated channel (DPCH).  
         [0158]     This means that, in order to receive DSCH, the mobile must be in call-connected condition rather than in idle condition. Specifically, a characteristic feature of service using multicast DSCH is that a service can be provided that is distributed by multicasting to mobiles that are in connected condition.  
         [0159]     Also, although description thereof has been omitted from the above, one or several DSCH channels are normally set up for each area unit and changeover of the DSCH that is being received is performed when a mobile moves from a given area to another area. In other words, this may be said to constitute a further characteristic feature of multicast communication using DSCH in that different information can be distributed for different areas.  
         [0160]     Thus the characteristic features of a multicasting service using DSCH may be summarized as “an area-aware service available only to mobiles that are in a call-connected condition”.  
         [0161]     It should be noted that, since DSCH cannot be received by mobiles that are not in a call-connected condition, there is no wasted power consumption due to multicast distribution to mobiles that are in an idle condition.  
         [0162]     Various examples of such services are described below.  
         [0163]     [Practical Example 1: Area Information Distribution Service using Multicast DSCH] 
         [0164]     Information relating to this area is constantly distributed using multicast DSCH, for each area, from for example server means within the core network, and the mobile receives this area distribution information by performing call connection.  
         [0165]     [Practical Example 2: BGM Distribution Service using Multicast DSCH] 
         [0166]     For example music data is constantly transmitted from for example server means in the core network and this is multicast within the area using DSCH. When a mobile comes into service by performing call connection, this distributed music data is received on the DSCH and reproduced. In this way, it is possible to hear as BGM this music that is received in the background, while carrying on a conversation with another party.  
         [0167]     Furthermore, it, may be envisioned that a service may be provided displaying characteristic features for each geographical region by using different music data for each area. This is of course not restricted to music data and a similar service could be provided for all types of audible data.  
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
       [0168]     There has been an enormous increase in communication rates and communication quality in recent years due to advances in mobile communication technology. As a result, service modes have been diversified and services are being commenced that handle large quantities of data in the form not merely of voice telephone service but also of images or video. Currently however, most services are user request type services and high rate broadcast/multicast type services such as radio or television are considered merely as future possibilities.  
         [0169]     Viewed from this aspect, as mentioned above, the current third-generation mobile communication technology, in particular, W-CDMA communication networks as specified by 3GPP, are not considered to provide an optimum method for realizing high rate multicast services in an efficient manner at the present time. This must have the effect of impeding the development of communications services which might be expected to offer high diversity in the future.  
         [0170]     With the present invention, efficient multicast services can be implemented simply by revising somewhat the DSCH technology in 3GPP. Also, by exploitation of the highly characteristic technical feature that “a distributed service allocated in area units can only be received during call connection”, it is envisioned that various different types of services, which were hitherto difficult to implement, may be expected to become further developed, leading to expansion of the mobile communication market.  
         [0171]     Furthermore, it is envisioned that such diversification and expansion of services will make it possible to change over from a situation in which communication enterprises obtain profit by communication charges from users towards a situation in which communication network charges are obtained from multicast service providers, thereby making it possible to reduce communication charges that are currently borne by users, and as a result make it possible to further expand the market.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7