U.S. patent application number 17/204343 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-22 for communication device, communication control method, and program.
The applicant listed for this patent is SONY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to RYUICHI HIRATA, SHIGERU SUGAYA, YUSUKE TANAKA.
Application Number | 20210227584 17/204343 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005504892 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210227584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIRATA; RYUICHI ; et
al. |
July 22, 2021 |
COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM
Abstract
[Object] To enable determination as to whether or not at least
part of a predetermined signal is correctly received at a
transmission destination device even in the case of failure in
reception processing of a signal which responds to the
predetermined signal. [Solution] Provided is a communication device
including: a transmitting unit configured to perform transmission
processing of a first signal; a receiving unit configured to
perform reception processing of a second signal which responds to
the first signal in a predetermined period determined by a time
point of the transmission processing; and a determining unit
configured to perform determination as to whether or not at least
part of the first signal is correctly received at a transmission
destination device on the basis of information acquired in process
of the reception processing.
Inventors: |
HIRATA; RYUICHI; (KANAGAWA,
JP) ; TANAKA; YUSUKE; (TOKYO, JP) ; SUGAYA;
SHIGERU; (KANAGAWA, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SONY CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005504892 |
Appl. No.: |
17/204343 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16462409 |
May 20, 2019 |
10980063 |
|
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PCT/JP2017/034716 |
Sep 26, 2017 |
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17204343 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 28/04 20130101;
H04L 1/16 20130101; H04W 84/12 20130101; H04L 1/1607 20130101; H04W
76/18 20180201; H04W 74/0825 20130101; H04W 52/367 20130101; H04L
69/22 20130101; H04W 52/365 20130101; H04W 74/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 74/08 20060101
H04W074/08; H04W 76/18 20060101 H04W076/18; H04L 1/16 20060101
H04L001/16; H04L 29/06 20060101 H04L029/06; H04W 52/36 20060101
H04W052/36; H04W 84/12 20060101 H04W084/12; H04W 28/04 20060101
H04W028/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2016 |
JP |
2016-245494 |
Claims
1. A communication device, comprising: a transmitting unit
configured to transmit a first signal; a receiving unit configured
to perform a reception processing operation of a second signal,
wherein the second signal, in response to the first signal, is
received in a specific time period, and the specific time period
corresponds to a time point of the transmission of the first
signal; and a determining unit configured to determine whether at
least a part of the first signal is correctly received at a
transmission destination device based on presence of information
related to a response field in a physical header of the second
signal.
2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the
determining unit is further configured to determine, in a case of
failure in the reception processing operation, whether at least the
part of the first signal is correctly received at the transmission
destination device.
3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the
determining unit is further configured to determine that at least
the part of the first signal is correctly received at the
transmission destination device based on whether received power one
of equal to or greater than a specific threshold is detected in the
specific time period.
4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein the
determining unit is further configured to determine whether at
least the part of the first signal is correctly received at the
transmission destination device based on whether at least a part of
a specific signal pattern included in the second signal is
detected.
5. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the
determining unit is further configured to determine whether at
least the part of the first signal is correctly received at the
transmission destination device based on whether at least a part of
a signal pattern specific to the second signal is detected.
6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the
determining unit is further configured to determine whether at
least the part of the first signal is correctly received at the
transmission destination device based on a combination of a
frequency band and a spatial stream for the reception processing
operation.
7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the
receiving unit is further configured to perform the reception
processing operation using a plurality of frequency bands, and the
determining unit is further configured to determine whether at
least the part of the first signal is correctly received at the
transmission destination device based on whether the reception
processing operation is successful in a part of the plurality of
frequency bands.
8. The communication device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a control unit configured to, in a case where the first
signal is a data frame and the second signal is an ACK frame, and
based on the determination that at least the part of the first
signal is correctly received at the transmission destination
device, maintain a value of a contention window for at least one of
a setting operation of a transmission waiting period or a setting
operation of a minimum value.
9. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, in a
case where the first signal is a request to send (RTS) frame, and
the second signal is a clear to send (CTS) frame, the transmitting
unit is further configured to transmit a data frame based on the
determination that the first signal is correctly received at the
transmission destination device.
10. The communication device according to claim 1, further
comprising: a control unit configured to, in a case where the first
signal is a signal for requesting transmission to the transmission
destination device and the second signal is a signal to be
transmitted in response to the signal for requesting the
transmission, and based on the determination that the first signal
is correctly received at the transmission destination device,
maintain a value of a contention window for at least one of a
setting operation of a transmission waiting period or a setting
operation of a minimum value.
11. The communication device according to claim 10, wherein, in a
case where, based on the determination that the first signal is
correctly received at the transmission destination device, the
control unit is further configured to change combination of a
frequency band and a spatial stream for communication.
12. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, in a
case where the first signal includes a transmission notification of
a channel measurement signal, a channel measurement signal, and a
feedback transmission request of the channel measurement signal,
and the second signal is a signal to be transmitted in response to
the feedback transmission request, in a case where of the
determination that the first signal is correctly received at the
transmission destination device, the transmitting unit is further
configured to retransmit only the feedback transmission request of
the channel measurement signal, without retransmission of the
channel measurement signal and the transmission notification of the
channel measurement signal.
13. A communication control method to be executed by a computer,
comprising: transmitting a first signal; performing reception
processing of a second signal, wherein the second signal, in
response to the first signal, is received in a specific time
period, and the specific time period corresponds to a time point of
the transmission of the first signal; and determining whether at
least a part of the first signal is correctly received at a
transmission destination device based on presence of information
related to a response field in a physical header of the second
signal.
14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
computer-executable instructions, that when executed by a
processor, cause the processor to execute operations, the
operations comprising: transmitting a first signal; performing
reception processing of a second signal, wherein the second signal,
in response to the first signal, is received in a specific time
period, and the specific time period corresponds to a time point of
the transmission of the first signal; and determining whether at
least a part of the first signal is correctly received at a
transmission destination device based on presence of information
related to a response field in a physical header of the second
signal.
15. A communication device, comprising: a receiving unit configured
to receive a first signal; a generating unit configured to generate
a second signal in response to the first signal; and a transmitting
unit configured to transmit the second signal, wherein the second
signal is transmitted by use of a resource block for transmission
of a response to the first signal.
16. The communication device according to claim 15, wherein the
resource block is expressed with combination of a frequency band
and a spatial stream.
17. The communication device according to claim 16, wherein a
different spatial stream is associated with each frequency band as
a resource.
18. A communication control method to be executed by a computer,
comprising: receiving a first signal; generating a second signal in
response to the first signal; and transmitting the second signal,
wherein the second signal is transmitted by use of a resource block
for transmission of a response to the first signal.
19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon
computer-executable instructions, that when executed by a
processor, cause the processor to execute operations, the
operations comprising: receiving a first signal; generating a
second signal in response to the first signal; and transmitting the
second signal, wherein the second signal is transmitted by use of a
resource block for transmission of a response to the first signal.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/462,409, filed May 20, 2019,
which is a national stage entry of PCT/JP2017/034716 filed on Sep.
26, 2017, which claims priority benefit of Japanese Patent
Application No. JP 2016-245494 filed in the Japan Patent Office on
Dec. 19, 2016. Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a
communication control method, and a program.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] While, in a wireless LAN system which complies with IEEE
802.11, communication is performed using a frequency band for which
a license is not required, there is a case where interference
occurs due to influence by other systems which use a frequency band
for which a license is not required. More specifically, in the case
where a frequency band used by the wireless LAN system for
communication overlaps with a frequency band used by other systems
for communication, there is a case where signals transmitted from
the respective systems interfere with each other. In recent years,
various methods for reducing influence of such interference has
been developed.
[0004] For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for
suppressing interference between a wireless LAN system which
complies with IEEE 802.11 and a Zigbee system.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0005] Patent Literature 1: JP 2016-134894A
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0006] Here, in the existing method, in the case of failure in
reception processing of a signal which responds to a predetermined
signal, it is impossible to determine whether or not at least part
of the predetermined signal is normally received at a transmission
destination device. For example, a case will be considered where a
communication device transmits a data frame and receives an ACK
frame from a transmission destination device. In the case where the
communication device fails in reception processing (such as
demodulation and decoding) of the ACK frame, even if the data frame
is normally received at the transmission destination device, there
is a case where the communication device may erroneously determine
that the data frame is not received at the transmission destination
device due to influence of interference, or the like. By this
means, as a result of the communication device changing various
kinds of parameters to reduce the influence of interference, there
is a case where communication performance of a wireless LAN system
may degrade.
[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in view of
the above, and the present disclosure provides a new and improved
communication device, communication control method and program
which can determine whether or not at least part of a predetermined
signal is correctly received at a transmission destination device
even in the case of failure in reception processing of a signal
which responds to the predetermined signal.
Solution to Problem
[0008] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a
communication device including: a transmitting unit configured to
perform transmission processing of a first signal; a receiving unit
configured to perform reception processing of a second signal which
responds to the first signal in a predetermined period determined
by a time point of the transmission processing; and a determining
unit configured to perform determination as to whether or not at
least part of the first signal is correctly received at a
transmission destination device on the basis of information
acquired in process of the reception processing.
[0009] Moreover, according to the present disclosure, there is
provided a communication control method to be executed by a
computer, including: performing transmission processing of a first
signal; performing reception processing of a second signal which
responds to the first signal in a predetermined period determined
by a time point of the transmission processing; and performing
determination as to whether or not at least part of the first
signal is correctly received at a transmission destination device
on the basis of information acquired in process of the reception
processing.
[0010] Moreover, according to the present disclosure, there is
provided a program for causing a computer to realize: performing
transmission processing of a first signal; performing reception
processing of a second signal which responds to the first signal in
a predetermined period determined by a time point of the
transmission processing; and performing determination as to whether
or not at least part of the first signal is correctly received at a
transmission destination device on the basis of information
acquired in process of the reception processing.
[0011] Moreover, according to the present disclosure, there is
provided a communication device including: a receiving unit
configured to perform reception processing of a first signal; a
generating unit configured to generate a second signal which
responds to the first signal; and a transmitting unit configured to
perform transmission processing of the second signal using a
predetermined resource indicating that the second signal is a
signal which responds to the first signal.
[0012] Moreover, according to the present disclosure, there is
provided a communication control method to be executed by a
computer, including: performing reception processing of a first
signal; generating a second signal which responds to the first
signal; and performing transmission processing of the second signal
using a predetermined resource indicating that the second signal is
a signal which responds to the first signal.
[0013] Moreover, according to the present disclosure, there is
provided a program for causing a computer to realize: performing
reception processing of a first signal; generating a second signal
which responds to the first signal; and performing transmission
processing of the second signal using a predetermined resource
indicating that the second signal is a signal which responds to the
first signal.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0014] According to the present disclosure as described above, it
is possible to determine whether or not at least part of a
predetermined signal is correctly received at a transmission
destination device even in the case of failure in reception
processing of a signal which responds to the predetermined
signal.
[0015] Note that the effects described above are not necessarily
limitative. With or in the place of the above effects, there may be
achieved any one of the effects described in this specification or
other effects that may be grasped from this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining outline of the
present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining background of
the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration
of a wireless LAN communication device according to the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating determination processing
to be performed on the basis of detection of received power in a
first example.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating determination processing
to be performed on the basis of detection of received power and
detection of a known signal pattern in the first example.
[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining determination
processing to be performed on the basis of a signal pattern of a
PLCP preamble in a second example.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the determination
processing to be performed on the basis of the signal pattern of
the PLCP preamble in the second example.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PLCP header
according to a third example.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the PLCP
header according to the third example.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating determination processing
to be performed on the basis of information set in the PLCP header
in the third example.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a resource
block in a fourth example.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating determination processing
to be performed on the basis of a resource block to be used for
communication in the fourth example.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a communication scheme
according to a fifth example.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating determination processing
to be performed on the basis of a reception result in part of
frequency bands.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a case where the present
disclosure is utilized for detection of a Block ACK frame.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating operation in the case
where the present disclosure is utilized for detection of a Block
ACK frame.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a case where the present
disclosure is utilized for detection of a CTS frame.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating operation in the case
where the present disclosure is utilized for detection of a CTS
frame.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a case where the present
disclosure is utilized for detection of a Trigger-based PPDU.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating operation in the case
where the present disclosure is utilized for detection of a
Trigger-based PPDU.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a case where the present
disclosure is utilized for detection of beamforming feedback.
[0037] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating operation in the case
where the present disclosure is utilized for detection of
beamforming feedback.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
schematic configuration of a smartphone.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
schematic configuration of a car navigation device.
[0040] FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
schematic configuration of a wireless access point.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0041] Hereinafter, (a) preferred embodiment(s) of the present
disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the
appended drawings. Note that, in this specification and the
appended drawings, structural elements that have substantially the
same function and structure are denoted with the same reference
numerals, and repeated explanation of these structural elements is
omitted.
[0042] Note that description will be provided in the following
order.
1. Outline of the present disclosure 2. First example 3. Second
example 4. Third example 5. Fourth example 6. Fifth example 7.
Utilization examples of the present disclosure 8. Application
examples
9. Conclusion
1. OUTLINE OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0043] An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a
wireless LAN system. Therefore, outline of the present disclosure
will be described first with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a
conceptual diagram for explaining the outline of the present
disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless LAN communication device 100a
and a wireless LAN communication device 100b which belong to the
wireless LAN system according to the present disclosure, and an
other system communication device 200 which belongs to another
system different from the wireless LAN system.
[0045] It is assumed that the wireless LAN system according to the
present disclosure is a wireless LAN system which complies with
standards defined by IEEE 802.11, and supports multi-input
multi-output (MIMO) which is one of technologies realizing higher
speed of wireless communication. MIMO is a communication scheme in
which each of a transmission device and a reception device includes
a plurality of antennas, and which achieves higher speed by
utilizing spatial multiplex. The transmission device in a MIMO
communication system transmits transmission data while distributing
the transmission data into the plurality of antennas, and the
reception device in the MIMO communication system performs spatial
separation on signals received at the plurality of antennas through
signal processing.
[0046] In the MIMO communication system, transmission capacity is
increased by using a plurality of antennas without increasing a
frequency band. In the MIMO communication system, because
communication is performed by utilizing spatial multiplex, it is
possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency. Note that,
while the wireless LAN communication device 100 according to the
present disclosure is one of an access point device and a station
device used in the wireless LAN system, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 is not limited to these.
[0047] Further, the other system is an arbitrary system and is not
particularly limited. In the present specification, a case will be
described as an example where the other system is a system
(hereinafter, referred to as a "LAA system" for convenience) in
which licensed assisted access using LTE (LAA) for which
standardization is underway by 3rd generation partnership project
(3GPP) which is a standards body regarding a third generation
mobile phone, is used. The LAA means a technology for enabling long
term evolution (LTE) to be utilized in a frequency band for which a
license is not required. Communication procedure in the LAA system
is different from communication procedure in the wireless LAN
system which complies with IEEE 802.11. Therefore, a communication
device in the LAA system can only detect a signal transmitted from
the wireless LAN system which complies with IEEE 802.11 by
detecting received power.
[0048] Here, because a frequency band for which a license is not
required is also used in the wireless LAN system which complies
with IEEE 802.11 in a similar manner to the LAA system, it can be
considered that the wireless LAN system and the LAA system perform
communication using the same frequency band. Therefore, there is a
possibility that interference may occur by a signal of the wireless
LAN system and a signal of the LAA system.
[0049] For example, FIG. 1 illustrates an example where the
wireless LAN communication device 100a, the wireless LAN
communication device 100b and the other system communication device
200 perform communication using the same frequency band, and the
wireless LAN communication device 100a is located at a position
where the wireless LAN communication device 100a can receive
signals transmitted from the wireless LAN communication device 100b
and the other system communication device 200. That is, there is a
possibility that the signal transmitted from the wireless LAN
communication device 100a or the signal to be received by the
wireless LAN communication device 100a may interfere with the
signal transmitted from the other system communication device 200.
The present disclosure is a disclosure relating to a technology for
reducing influence by such interference.
[0050] Further, in FIG. 1, the wireless LAN communication device
100b and the other system communication device 200 are in a
so-called hidden node state. That is, the wireless LAN
communication device 100b is in a state where the wireless LAN
communication device 100b cannot detect a signal transmitted from
the other system communication device 200, and the other system
communication device 200 is in a state where the other system
communication device 200 cannot detect a signal transmitted from
the wireless LAN communication device 100b.
1-1. Background
[0051] Subsequently, background of the present disclosure will be
described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram
for explaining the background of the present disclosure. FIG. 2
illustrates a wireless LAN communication device 1a, a wireless LAN
communication device 1b and an other system communication device 2
as existing communication devices to distinguish from the
communication device according to the present disclosure. Note that
positional relationship among the respective communication devices
is similar to positional relationship illustrated in FIG. 1. That
is, the wireless LAN communication device 1a is located at a
position where the wireless LAN communication device 1a can receive
signals transmitted from the wireless LAN communication device 1b
and the other system communication device 2, and the wireless LAN
communication device 1b and the other system communication device 2
are in a so-called hidden node state. Note that each block in FIG.
2 indicates a signal to be transmitted and received, an arrow
indicates a transmission direction, and a horizontal axis indicates
time (the same will also apply to the drawings which will be
described later).
[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the wireless
LAN communication device 1a transmits a signal (for example, a data
frame) for requesting a signal for response to the wireless LAN
communication device 1b, and the wireless LAN communication device
1a which receives at least part of the signal transmits a signal
for response (for example, an ACK frame). In this event, because
the wireless LAN communication device 1b and the other system
communication device 2 are in a so-called hidden node state, the
other system communication device 2 cannot detect the signal for
response transmitted from the wireless LAN communication device 1b.
Therefore, there is a possibility that the other system
communication device 2 determines that the other system
communication device 2 can transmit a signal also in a period while
the wireless LAN communication device 1b transmits the signal for
response, and performs processing of transmitting a signal.
[0053] As a result, three is a case where interference occurs by
the signal for response transmitted from the wireless LAN
communication device 1b and the signal transmitted from the other
system communication device 2, and the wireless LAN communication
device 1a fails in reception processing (such as demodulation and
decoding) of the signal for response. In this case, the wireless
LAN communication device 1a cannot determine whether the signal
transmitted from the wireless LAN communication device 1a is not
received at the wireless LAN communication device 1b by influence
of interference, or the like, or although the signal is received at
the wireless LAN communication device 1b, the wireless LAN
communication device 1a cannot receive the signal for response by
influence of interference, or the like. In such a case, there is a
case where the wireless LAN communication device 1a may erroneously
determine that the signal is not received at the wireless LAN
communication device 1b by influence of interference, or the
like.
[0054] By this means, it can be considered that communication
performance of the wireless LAN system degrades. For example, there
is a case where the wireless LAN communication device 1a increases
a contention window (CW) to be used for setting of a transmission
waiting period of a signal to prevent occurrence of interference.
Because the transmission waiting period until a signal is
transmitted increases by the CW being increased, the communication
performance of the wireless LAN system degrades. Further, there is
a case where the wireless LAN communication device 1a lowers a
transmission rate in transmission of a signal to reduce influence
of interference. The communication performance of the wireless LAN
system degrades also by the transmission rate being lowered. The
above description is merely an example, and there can be also a
case where parameters other than the CW and the transmission rate
may be changed. Details will be described later.
[0055] Note that, in the case where parts of areas of a plurality
of wireless LAN systems which comply with IEEE 802.11 overlap with
each other, because a function is provided which controls each
communication device so that, during a period while a signal is
transmitted in one wireless LAN system, a signal is not transmitted
in another wireless LAN system, basically, interference as
described above is unlikely to occur.
[0056] Therefore, the present discloser has achieved creation of
the present disclosure in view of the above-described
circumstances. The wireless LAN communication device 100 according
to the present disclosure can determine whether or not a signal for
response is transmitted using a method described below. That is,
the wireless LAN communication device 100 according to the present
disclosure can determine whether or not at least part of a signal
transmitted by the wireless LAN communication device 100 is
received at a transmission destination device. Hereinafter, outline
of functions of the present disclosure, a functional configuration
of the wireless LAN communication device 100, examples of the
present disclosure (first example to fifth example), utilization
examples of the present disclosure, and application examples of the
present disclosure will be sequentially described.
1-2. Outline of Functions of the Present Disclosure
[0057] The background of the present disclosure has been described
above. Subsequently, outline of functions of the present disclosure
will be described. The wireless LAN communication device 100
according to the present disclosure transmits a predetermined
signal (hereinafter, referred to as a "first signal" for
convenience), and, even in the case of failure in reception
processing of a signal for response to the signal (hereinafter,
referred to as a "second signal" for convenience), can determine
whether or not the signal for response is transmitted on the basis
of information acquired in the process of the reception processing.
That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100 can determine
whether or not at least part of the predetermined signal
transmitted by the wireless LAN communication device 100 is
received at a transmission destination device.
[0058] In the present specification, five types of determination
methods from a first example to a fifth example will be
described.
[0059] The first example is an example where the wireless LAN
communication device 100 performs determination on the basis of
whether or not received power equal to or greater than a
predetermined threshold is detected after a predetermined period
has elapsed since a time point of transmission of a signal.
[0060] The second example is an example where the wireless LAN
communication device 100 performs determination on the basis of
whether or not at least part of a signal pattern specific to a
signal for response is detected.
[0061] The third example is an example where the wireless LAN
communication device 100 performs determination on the basis of
information included in a physical layer header of the signal for
response.
[0062] The fourth example is an example where the wireless LAN
communication device 100 performs determination on the basis of
combination of a frequency band and a spatial stream used for
reception processing of the signal for response.
[0063] The fifth example is an example where, in the case where the
wireless LAN communication device 100 performs reception processing
of the signal for response using a plurality of frequency bands,
the wireless LAN communication device 100 performs determination on
the basis of whether or not reception processing is successful in
part of the frequency bands.
[0064] Note that the wireless LAN communication device 100
according to the present disclosure may perform determination using
the methods in the first example to the fifth example also in the
case where the reception processing is successful, as well as in
the case of failure in the reception processing of the signal for
response. Further, while, a case is mainly assumed where the
present disclosure is used in the case where interference occurs
between the wireless LAN system and another system other than the
wireless LAN system, the present disclosure may be used in the case
where interference occurs between wireless LAN systems.
1-3. Functional Configuration of Wireless LAN Communication Device
100 According to the Present Disclosure
[0065] The outline of the functions of the present disclosure has
been described above. Subsequently, a functional configuration of
the wireless LAN communication device 100 according to the present
disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a
diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the wireless
LAN communication device 100 according to the present
disclosure.
[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the wireless LAN communication
device 100 according to the present disclosure includes a
communication unit 110, a data processing unit 120 and a control
unit 130. Then, the communication unit 110 includes an amplifier
unit 111, a wireless interface unit 112, a signal processing unit
113, a channel estimating unit 114 and a modulating and
demodulating unit 115. Here, the communication unit 110 functions
as a transmitting unit, a receiving unit and a generating unit, the
data processing unit 120 functions as a generating unit, and the
control unit 130 functions as a determining unit. Note that, as
described above, because the wireless LAN communication device 100
according to the present disclosure supports MIMO, a plurality of
amplifier units 111 and a plurality of wireless interface units 112
are provided.
[0067] (Amplifier Unit 111)
[0068] The amplifier unit 111 performs amplification processing of
a signal. More specifically, upon signal reception, the amplifier
unit 111 amplifies a received signal input from an antenna to
predetermined power and outputs the amplified received signal to
the wireless interface unit 112 which will be described later.
Further, upon signal transmission, the amplifier unit 111 amplifies
a transmission signal input from the wireless interface unit 112 to
predetermined power and sends out the amplified transmission signal
to the antenna. Note that these functions may be realized by the
wireless interface unit 112.
[0069] (Wireless Interface Unit 112)
[0070] Upon signal reception, the wireless interface unit 112
acquires a baseband signal by performing down-conversion on a
received signal which is an analog signal provided from the
amplifier unit 111, generates a received symbol stream by
performing various kinds of processing such as filtering and
conversion to a digital signal on the baseband signal and outputs
the received symbol stream to the signal processing unit 113 which
will be described later. Further, upon signal transmission, the
wireless interface unit 112 converts input from the signal
processing unit 113 into an analog signal, performs filtering and
up-conversion to a carrier frequency band, and sends out the
up-converted signal to the amplifier unit 111.
[0071] (Signal Processing Unit 113)
[0072] Upon signal reception, the signal processing unit 113
acquires a data symbol stream independent for each received symbol
stream by performing spatial processing on the received symbol
stream provided from the wireless interface unit 112, and provides
the data symbol stream to the modulating and demodulating unit 115
which will be described later. Further, upon signal transmission,
the signal processing unit 113 performs spatial processing on the
data symbol stream input from the modulating and demodulating unit
115 and provides the obtained one or more transmission symbol
streams to the respective wireless interface units 112.
[0073] (Channel Estimating Unit 114)
[0074] The channel estimating unit 114 calculates complex channel
gain information of a propagation channel from a preamble portion
and a training signal portion among the received signals provided
from the respective wireless interface units 112. The calculated
complex channel gain information is utilized for demodulation
processing at the modulating and demodulating unit 115 and spatial
processing at the signal processing unit 113.
[0075] (Modulating and Demodulating Unit 115)
[0076] Upon signal reception, the modulating and demodulating unit
115 acquires received data by performing demodulation,
de-interleaving and decoding on the data symbol stream provided
from the signal processing unit 113, and provides the received data
to the data processing unit 120. Further, upon signal transmission,
the modulating and demodulating unit 115 generates a data symbol
stream by performing encoding, interleaving and modulation on the
transmission data from the data processing unit 120 which will be
described later on the basis of a coding and modulation scheme set
by the control unit 130 which will be described later, and provides
the stream to the signal processing unit 113.
[0077] (Data Processing Unit 120)
[0078] Upon signal reception, the data processing unit 120 performs
processing such as analysis of a MAC header for media access
control (MAC), and error detection in a frame on the received data
provided from the modulating and demodulating unit 115. Further,
upon signal transmission, the data processing unit 120 generates a
packet for transmission, generates transmission data by performing
processing such as addition of a MAC header and addition of an
error detection code on the packet, and provides the transmission
data to the modulating and demodulating unit 115.
[0079] (Control Unit 130)
[0080] The control unit 130 performs control of the above-described
respective components. More specifically, the control unit 130
performs processing such as setting of a parameter to be used for
processing of the above-described respective components, and
scheduling of the processing. Further, in the present disclosure,
in the case of failure in reception processing of the signal for
response, the control unit 130 implements the processing described
in the first example to the fifth example by controlling the
respective components, performs determination as to whether or not
the signal for response is transmitted, and implements processing
in accordance with a determination result. Further, in the second
example to the fourth example, the control unit 130 generates and
transmits the signal for response so that the other wireless LAN
communication device 100 which receives the signal for response can
perform the above-described determination. Details will be
described later.
2. FIRST EXAMPLE
[0081] The functional configuration of the wireless LAN
communication device 100 according to the present disclosure has
been described above. Subsequently, the first example of the
present disclosure will be described.
[0082] The first example of the present disclosure is an example
where it is determined whether or not a second signal is
transmitted on the basis of whether or not the wireless LAN
communication device 100 detects power greater than a predetermined
threshold after a predetermined period has elapsed since a time
point of transmission of a first signal.
[0083] It is assumed that the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a predetermined signal to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b, the wireless LAN communication device
100b transmits a signal for response to the wireless LAN
communication device 100a after the wireless LAN communication
device 100b normally receives at least part of the signal, and the
wireless LAN communication device 100a fails in reception
processing of the signal for response. In this event, there is a
case where it is known that transmission of the signal for response
by the wireless LAN communication device 100b is performed after a
first period since transmission of the predetermined signal by the
wireless LAN communication device 100a has been completed. The
wireless LAN communication device 100a according to the present
example determines that the wireless LAN communication device 100b
normally receives at least part of the predetermined signal and
transmits the signal for response on the basis that received power
equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold can be detected
after the first period has elapsed and before a second period has
elapsed since the time point at which transmission of the
predetermined signal was completed.
[0084] Here, the first period is, for example, short inter frame
space (SIFS), and the second period is, for example, an upper limit
of a reception waiting period for the signal for response. Further,
the predetermined threshold is, for example, a threshold for
detecting a preamble of the signal for response. Note that the
first period, the second period and the predetermined threshold may
be set while propagation delay and an individual difference of the
wireless LAN communication devices 100 are taken into account or
may be changed as appropriate.
[0085] By this means, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
can determine whether or not the signal for response is transmitted
even if the wireless LAN communication device 100a fails in
reception processing of the signal for response. That is, the
wireless LAN communication device 100a can determine whether or not
at least part of the predetermined signal transmitted by the
wireless communication device 100a is normally received at the
wireless LAN communication device 100b without confirming a
reception state of the signal to the wireless LAN communication
device 100b.
[0086] Subsequently, operation in the first example will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart
illustrating determination processing to be performed on the basis
of detection of received power in the first example.
[0087] First, in step S1000, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a predetermined signal to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b. Then, the wireless LAN communication
device 100b receives at least part of the signal and transmits a
signal for response to the wireless LAN communication device 100a.
Thereafter, in step S1004, the wireless LAN communication device
100a detects received power equal to or greater than the
predetermined threshold (step S1004: Yes), and, in the case where a
detection time point is after the first period has elapsed and
before the second period has elapsed since a time point at which
transmission of the predetermined signal was completed (step S1008:
Yes), in step S1012, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that the signal for response is transmitted. That is,
the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that at least
part of the predetermined signal transmitted by the wireless LAN
communication device 100a is normally received by the wireless LAN
communication device 100b.
[0088] In the case where the second period has elapsed since a time
point at which transmission of the predetermined period was
completed (step S1016: Yes) without received power equal to or
greater than the threshold being detected in step S1004 (step
S1004: No), in step S1020, the wireless LAN communication device
100a determines that the signal for response is not transmitted. In
step S1016, in the case where the second period has not elapsed
(step S1016: No), the processing transitions to step S1004.
[0089] Further, in the first example, in addition to the
above-described determination processing, determination processing
based on detection of a known signal pattern included in the signal
for response may be performed. Here, while description will be
provided assuming that the known signal pattern is, for example, a
signal pattern set in a short traning field (L-STF) or a long
traning field (L-LTF) in a physical layer convergence procedure
(PLCP) preamble, the signal pattern is not limited to these.
Because the wireless LAN communication device 100 can determine
that the received signal is not a signal transmitted from other
systems, but a signal transmitted from the wireless LAN system by
detecting these known signal patterns, it is possible to further
improve detection accuracy of the signal for response.
[0090] Here, operation in the case where the determination
processing based on detection of the known signal pattern included
in the signal for response is performed will be described in detail
with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the
determination processing to be performed on the basis of detection
of received power and detection of the known signal pattern in the
first example.
[0091] Operation from step S1100 to step S1108 and operation in
step S1124 are the same as those in the example in FIG. 4,
description will be omitted. In the case where the wireless LAN
communication device 100a utilizes the known signal pattern
included in the signal for response for determination processing
(step S1112: Yes), and in the case where all or part of the known
signal pattern can be detected (step S1116: Yes), in step S1120,
the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that the
signal for response is transmitted. That is, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a determines that the predetermined signal
transmitted by the wireless LAN communication device 100a is
normally received by the wireless LAN communication device
100b.
[0092] In the case where the wireless LAN communication device 100a
does not utilize the known signal pattern included in the signal
for response for determination processing in step S1112 (step
S1112: No), in a similar manner to FIG. 4, in step S1120, the
wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that the signal
for response is transmitted. Further, in the case where all or part
of the known signal pattern cannot be detected in step S1116 (step
S1116: No), in step S1128, the wireless LAN communication device
100a determines that the signal for response is not
transmitted.
3. SECOND EXAMPLE
[0093] The first example of the present disclosure has been
described above. Subsequently, the second example of the present
disclosure will be described.
[0094] The second example of the present disclosure is an example
where the wireless LAN communication device 100 performs
determination on the basis of whether or not at least part of a
signal pattern specific to the signal for response is detected.
Here, while description will be provided using an example where the
signal pattern specific to the signal for response is a signal
pattern of a PLCP preamble, the signal pattern is not limited to
this.
[0095] More specifically, in the second example, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 generates a signal for response using the
PLCP preamble different from a PLCP preamble of a signal which is
not a signal for response. By this means, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 which receives the signal for response can
determine whether or not the received signal is the signal for
response on the basis of the PLCP preamble.
[0096] Here, the PLCP preamble to be used in the present example
will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIGS. 6A and
6B are diagrams for explaining determination processing to be
performed on the basis of the signal pattern of the PLCP preamble
in the second example. FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a signal
pattern of an L-STF of a signal which is not the signal for
response, and FIG. 6B illustrates an example of a signal pattern of
an L-STF of the signal for response. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and
6B, the signal pattern in FIG. 6A and the signal pattern in FIG. 6B
are different from each other in respective periods separated at
predetermined intervals (described as s1, s2, s3 and s4 in the
drawing). The wireless LAN communication device 100 can determine
whether the received signal is the signal for response or a signal
which is not the signal for response by calculating correlation of
the received signal with the signal pattern of the signal for
response and the signal pattern of a signal which is not the signal
for response. Note that FIGS. 6A and 6B is merely an example, and
the present disclosure can be also applied to an L-LTF as well as
the L-STF.
[0097] Here, operation in the case where determination processing
is performed on the basis of the signal pattern of the PLCP
preamble will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. FIG.
7 is a flowchart illustrating the determination processing to be
performed on the basis of the signal pattern of the PLCP preamble
in the second example.
[0098] First, in step S1200, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a predetermined signal to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b. Thereafter, the wireless LAN
communication device 100b receives at least part of the signal and
transmits a signal for response to the wireless LAN communication
device 100a. Then, in the case where the wireless LAN communication
device 100a detects all or part of the PLCP preamble of the signal
for response (step S1204: Yes), in step S1208, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a determines that the signal for response
is transmitted. That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that at least part of the predetermined signal
transmitted by the wireless LAN communication device 100a is
normally received by the wireless LAN communication device
100b.
[0099] In the case where the second period has elapsed since a time
point at which transmission of the predetermined signal was
completed (step S1212: Yes) without the wireless LAN communication
device 100a being able to detect all or part of the PLCP preamble
of the signal for response in step S1204 (step S1204: No), in step
S1216, the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that
the signal for response is not transmitted. In step S1212, in the
case where the second period has not elapsed (step S1212: No), the
processing transitions to step S1204.
[0100] Note that the PLCP preamble of the signal for response in
the present example may be one obtained by changing part of a shape
of the PLCP preamble of a signal which is not the signal for
response. For example, the PLCP preamble of the signal for response
may be a signal pattern generated by shifting a phase of the PLCP
preamble of the signal which is not the signal for response by a
certain amount or may be a signal pattern generated by replacing
part of the PLCP preamble of the signal which is not the signal for
response with a predetermined signal pattern. Further, all types of
signals for response do not have to have the same PLCP preamble.
For example, different PLCP preambles may be used for each type
(such as ACK and CTS) of the signal for response.
4. THIRD EXAMPLE
[0101] The second example of the present disclosure has been
described above. Subsequently, the third example of the present
disclosure will be described.
[0102] The third example of the present disclosure is an example
where the wireless LAN communication device 100 performs
determination on the basis of information included in a physical
layer header of the signal for response. Here, while a PLCP header
will be described as an example of the physical layer header of the
signal for response, the physical layer header is not limited to
this.
[0103] More specifically, in the third example, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 according to the present example sets a
predetermined value at the PLCP header of the signal for response.
By this means, the wireless LAN communication device 100 which
receives the signal for response can determine whether or not the
received signal is the signal for response by succeeding in
reception processing of all or part of the PLCP header and
confirming the presence of the predetermined value.
[0104] Here, the PLCP header in the present example will be
described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9
are diagrams illustrating an example of the PLCP header according
to the third example. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the PLCP header has
a Rate field, a Reserved field, a Length field, a Parity bit, a
Tail bit and a Service field.
[0105] It is assumed that, while, normally, "0" is set in the
Reserved field of the PLCP header of the signal which is not the
signal for response, in the present example, "1" is set in the
Reserved field of the signal for response. Then, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 which receives the signal determines
whether or not the received signal is the signal for response on
the basis of whether "0" is set or "1" is set in the Reserved
field. Note that FIG. 8 is merely an example, and a predetermined
value indicating that the signal is the signal for response may be
set in a field other than the Reserved field.
[0106] Further, a configuration itself of the PLCP header may be
changed. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, a Response
field may be newly added to the PLCP header (in the drawing, a
field corresponding to two bits is added), and a predetermined
value indicating that the signal is the signal for response and
indicating other information (such as a type of the signal) may be
set in the field. Note that part of the existing field may be
utilized instead of a new field being added. For example, the
wireless LAN communication device 100 may reduce part of the Length
field, and may set a predetermined value corresponding to a reduced
data amount.
[0107] According to the present example, even in the case of
failure in part of reception processing of the signal, if the
wireless LAN communication device 100 succeeds in reception
processing of a PLCP header portion, the wireless LAN communication
device 100 can determine whether or not the received signal is the
signal for response.
[0108] Here, operation in the case where determination processing
is performed on the basis of information set in the PLCP header
will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a
flowchart illustrating the determination processing to be performed
on the basis of the information set in the PLCP header in the third
example.
[0109] First, in step S1300, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a predetermined signal to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b. Then, the wireless LAN communication
device 100b receives at least part of the signal and transmits a
signal for response to the wireless LAN communication device 100a.
Thereafter, in step S1304, the wireless LAN communication device
100a detects a PLCP preamble of the signal for response, and, in
step S1308, performs reception processing such as demodulation and
decoding on the signal for response. In the case where the wireless
LAN communication device 100a can confirm that information specific
to the signal for response is set in a predetermined field of the
PLCP header in step S1312 (step S1312: Yes), in step S1316, the
wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that the signal
for response is transmitted. That is, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a determines that at least part of the
predetermined signal transmitted by the wireless LAN communication
device 100a is normally received by the wireless LAN communication
device 100b.
[0110] In the case where the wireless LAN communication device 10a
cannot confirm that information specific to the signal for response
is set in a predetermined field of the PLCP header in step S1312
(S1312: No), and the second period has elapsed since a time point
at which transmission of the predetermined signal was completed
(step S1320: Yes), in step S1324, the wireless LAN communication
device 100a determines that the signal for response is not
transmitted. In the case where the second period has not elapsed in
step S1320 (step S1320: No), the processing transitions to step
S1304.
5. FOURTH EXAMPLE
[0111] The third example of the present disclosure has been
described above. Subsequently, the fourth example of the present
disclosure will be described.
[0112] The fourth example of the present disclosure is an example
where the wireless LAN communication device 100 performs
determination on the basis of combination of a frequency band and a
spatial stream used for reception processing of the signal for
response.
[0113] More specifically, in the fourth example, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 supporting MIMO can transmit a signal
while designating a plurality of frequency bands and a plurality of
spatial streams. Here, resources expressed with a plurality of
frequency bands and a plurality of spatial streams will be referred
to as a "resource block". The wireless LAN communication device 100
according to the present example distinguishes between a resource
block to be used for transmission of the signal for response and a
resource block to be used for transmission of a signal which is not
the signal for response. By this means, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 which receives the signal determines
whether or not the received signal is the signal for response on
the basis of which resource block is used. More specifically, the
wireless LAN communication device 100 determines whether or not the
received signal is the signal for response on the basis of in which
resource block the preamble is detected.
[0114] According to the present example, even in the case of
failure in part of reception processing of the signal, if the
wireless LAN communication device 100 succeeds in detection of a
preamble, the wireless LAN communication device 100 can determine
whether or not the received signal is the signal for response on
the basis of in which resource block the preamble is detected. Note
that, even in the case where the wireless LAN communication device
100 cannot detect a preamble, the wireless LAN communication device
100 may determine whether or not the received signal is the signal
for response on the basis of in which resource block received power
of a predetermined threshold is detected.
[0115] An example of the resource block will be described next with
reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example
of the resource block in the fourth example. FIG. 11 illustrates an
example in the case where a plurality of resource units (described
as "RU: Resource Unit" in the drawing) is used on a frequency axis,
and a plurality of spatial streams (described as "SS: Spatial
Stream" in the drawing) is used.
[0116] It is assumed here that resource blocks (colored resource
blocks in FIG. 11) to which spatial streams which are different for
each resource unit (frequency band) are applied are used for
communication of the signal for response. By this means, even in
the case where the wireless LAN communication device 100 cannot
perform reception using a predetermined resource unit or a
predetermined spatial stream for some reasons such as interference
with other systems, it is possible to increase a possibility that
the wireless LAN communication device 100 can receive the signal
for response using any other resource unit or a predetermined
spatial stream.
[0117] Operation in the case where determination processing is
performed on the basis of the resource block to be used for
communication will be described in detail next with reference to
FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating determination
processing to be performed on the basis of the resource block to be
used for communication in the fourth example.
[0118] First, in step S1400, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a predetermined signal to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b. Thereafter, the wireless LAN
communication device 100b receives at least part of the signal and
transmits a signal for response to the wireless LAN communication
device 100a. Thereafter, in the case where the wireless LAN
communication device 100a detects a preamble in a predetermined
resource block to be used for communication of the signal for
response in step S1404 (step S1404: Yes), in step S1408, the
wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that the signal
for response is transmitted. That is, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a determines that at least part of the
predetermined signal transmitted by the wireless LAN communication
device 100a is normally received by the wireless LAN communication
device 100b.
[0119] In the case where the second period has elapsed since a time
point at which transmission of the predetermined signal was
completed (step S1412: Yes) while the wireless LAN communication
device 100a cannot detect a preamble in a predetermined resource
block to be used for communication of the signal for response in
step S1404 (step S1404: No), in step S1416, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a determines that the signal for response
is not transmitted. In step S1412, in the case where the second
period has not elapsed (step S1412: No), the processing transitions
to step S1404.
6. FIFTH EXAMPLE
[0120] The fourth example of the present disclosure has been
described above. Subsequently, the fifth example of the present
disclosure will be described.
[0121] The fifth example of the present disclosure is an example
where, in the case where the wireless LAN communication device 100
performs reception processing of the signal for response using a
plurality of frequency bands, the wireless LAN communication device
100 performs determination on the basis of whether or not reception
processing is successful in part of the frequency bands.
[0122] Here, the present example will be specifically described
with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a
communication scheme according to the fifth example.
[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the wireless LAN communication
device 100a which is a transmission side transmits a predetermined
signal using a plurality of frequency bands of a band 1 and a band
2, and the wireless LAN communication device 100b which is a
reception side performs reception processing of the signal in the
plurality of frequency bands. The wireless LAN communication device
100b then transmits a signal for response using the plurality of
frequency bands of the band 1 and the band 2 in a similar manner as
described above. It is assumed here that the other system
communication device 200 uses the band 1 for transmission
processing, and the wireless LAN communication device 100a fails in
reception processing of the signal for response in the band 1 by a
signal transmitted by the other system communication device 200 and
the signal for response transmitted by the wireless LAN
communication device 100b interfering with each other.
[0124] In the case where the present example is not applied,
normally, in the case of failure in reception processing of a
signal in part of frequency bands, even in the case where reception
processing of the signal in other frequency bands is successful,
the reception is not regarded as successful. Meanwhile, in the case
where reception processing of the signal in part of frequency bands
is successful, the wireless LAN communication device 100a according
to the present example regards the reception as successful even in
the case of failure in reception processing of the signal in other
frequency bands. That is, even in the case of failure in reception
processing of the signal for response in the band 1, if the
wireless LAN communication device 100a succeeds in reception
processing in other band 2, the wireless LAN communication device
100a regards the reception as successful on the basis of the
success, and can determine that the wireless LAN communication
device 100b on the reception side normally receives at least part
of the predetermined signal and transmits the signal for
response.
[0125] Subsequently, operation according to the fifth example will
be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a
flowchart illustrating determination processing to be performed on
the basis of a reception result in part of the frequency bands in
the fifth example.
[0126] First, in step S1500, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a predetermined signal to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b. Then, the wireless LAN communication
device 100b receives at least part of the signal and transmits a
signal for response to the wireless LAN communication device 100a.
Thereafter, in step S1504, the wireless LAN communication device
100a detects a PLCP preamble of the signal for response, and, in
step S1508, performs reception processing such as demodulation and
decoding on the signal for response. In the case where the wireless
LAN communication device 100a succeeds in reception processing in
part of the frequency bands in step S1512 (step S1512: Yes), in
step S1516, the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines
that the signal for response is transmitted even in the case of
failure in reception processing in other frequency bands. That is,
the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that at least
part of the predetermined signal transmitted by the wireless LAN
communication device 100a is normally received by the wireless LAN
communication device 100b.
[0127] In the case where the wireless LAN communication device 100a
fails in reception processing in all the frequency bands in which
reception processing is performed in step S1512 (step S1512: No),
and the second period has elapsed since a time point at which
transmission of the predetermined signal was completed (step S1520:
Yes), in step S1524, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that the signal for response is not transmitted. In the
case where the second period has not elapsed in step S1520 (step
S1520: No), the processing transitions to step S1504.
7. UTILIZATION EXAMPLES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0128] The fifth example of the present disclosure has been
described above. Subsequently, utilization examples of the present
disclosure will be described. As described above, according to the
first example to the fifth example, even in the case of failure in
reception processing of the signal for response, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 can determine whether or not the received
signal is the signal for response on the basis of information
acquired in the process of the reception processing. Hereinafter,
utilization examples of the determination methods according to the
first example to the fifth example in various communication schemes
will be described.
7-1. Case where the Determination Methods are Utilized for
Detection of Block ACK Frame
[0129] A case where the above-described determination methods are
utilized for detection of a Block ACK frame which is a signal for
response of a data frame will be described first with reference to
FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a case where the present
disclosure is utilized for detection of the Block ACK frame. Note
that the present disclosure may be utilized for detection of an ACK
frame or a Multi STA Block ACK frame addressed to a plurality of
communication devices instead of the Block ACK frame.
[0130] As illustrated in FIG. 15, first, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a sets a transmission waiting period on the
basis of a random number generated in a range from 0 to the CW to
prevent occurrence of interference with signals transmitted from
other communication devices, and transmits a data frame to the
wireless LAN communication device 100b after the transmission
waiting period has elapsed. This data frame may include a plurality
of data units. Then, in the case where the data frame is received,
and at least one of the plurality of data units is normally
received, the wireless LAN communication device 100b transmits a
Block ACK frame to the wireless LAN communication device 100a as
the signal for response. It is assumed that the wireless LAN
communication device 100a fails in reception processing of the
Block ACK frame as a result of a signal transmitted from other
system communication device 200 and the Block ACK frame interfering
with each other.
[0131] In this event, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that the Block ACK frame is transmitted using a method
of one of the above-described first example to the fifth example or
a method of combination of the first example to the fifth example.
That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that
at least part of the data frame is normally received by the
wireless LAN communication device 100b.
[0132] By this means, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
can appropriately perform subsequent communication. More
specifically, the wireless LAN communication device 100a does not
increase the CW to be used for setting of a waiting period for
subsequent data transmission or keeping the CW at a minimum value
(hereinafter, referred to as "CWmin" for convenience) by
determining that at least part of the data frame is normally
received by the wireless LAN communication device 100b. By this
means, the wireless LAN communication device 100a can reduce a
possibility that a waiting period for subsequent data transmission
increases.
[0133] Here, operation in the case where the present disclosure is
utilized for detection of the Block ACK frame will be described
with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the
operation in the case where the present disclosure is utilized for
detection of the Block ACK frame.
[0134] First, in step S1600, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a data frame to the wireless LAN communication
device 100b. Thereafter, the wireless LAN communication device 100b
receives at least part of the data frame and transmits a Block ACK
frame to the wireless LAN communication device 100a. In the case
where the wireless LAN communication device 100a fails in reception
of the Block ACK frame by influence of interference, or the like,
in step S1604 (step S1604: No), in step S1608, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a determines whether or not the Block ACK
frame is transmitted using a method of one of the above-described
first example to fifth example or a method of combination of the
first example to the fifth example.
[0135] In the case where it is determined that the Block ACK frame
is transmitted (step S1608: Yes), in step S1612, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a sets a CW immediately before the Block
ACK frame is transmitted or CWmin at the CW. Then, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a retransmits the data frame after the
transmission waiting period set on the basis of the CW has elapsed
in step S1616, and processing is finished after the number of times
of retransmission is counted in step S1620. In the case where it is
determined in step S1608 that the Block ACK frame is not
transmitted (step S1608: No), in step S1624, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a increases the CW and performs
retransmission of the data frame in step S1616 and subsequent
steps. Note that, in the case where the wireless LAN communication
device 100a succeeds in reception of the Block ACK frame without
being influenced by interference, or the like, in step S1604 (step
S1604: Yes), of course, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
does not retransmit the data frame, and the processing is
finished.
[0136] Note that the above is merely an example, and the wireless
LAN communication device 100a may control parameters other than the
CW. For example, in the case where it is determined that the Block
ACK frame is transmitted while the wireless LAN communication
device 100a controls a transmission rate, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a may maintain the transmission rate
instead of lowering the transmission rate. That is, the wireless
LAN communication device 100a can prevent the transmission rate
from being inappropriately lowered by erroneous determination that
the data frame is not normally received due to interference, or the
like, so that it is possible to prevent reduction of communication
speed.
[0137] Further, in the case where it is determined that the Block
ACK frame is transmitted while the wireless LAN communication
device 100a controls transmission power, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a may maintain the transmission power
instead of increasing the transmission power. That is, the wireless
LAN communication device 100a can prevent the transmission power
from being inappropriately increased by erroneous determination
that the data frame is not normally received due to interference,
or the like, so that it is possible to prevent degradation of
communication performance of the whole system due to increase of
interference.
[0138] Further, in the case where it is determined that the Block
ACK frame is transmitted while the wireless LAN communication
device 100a controls a threshold to be used for power detection,
the wireless LAN communication device 100a may maintain the
threshold to be used for power detection instead of lowering the
threshold. That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100a can
prevent the threshold to be used for power detection from being
inappropriately lowered by erroneous determination that the data
frame is not normally received due to interference, or the like, so
that it is possible to prevent detection of an unnecessary signal
such as noise.
7-2. Case where the Determination Methods are Utilized for
Detection of a CTS Frame
[0139] Subsequently, a case where the above-described determination
methods are utilized for detection of a clear to send (CTS) frame
which is a signal for response to a request to send (RTS) frame
will be described with reference to FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a diagram
illustrating a case where the present disclosure is utilized for
detection of the CTS frame. Note that a multi user RTS (MU RTS)
frame addressed to a plurality of wireless LAN communication
devices 100 may be used instead of the RTS frame.
[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 17, first, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a transmits an RTS frame to the wireless
LAN communication device 100b to confirm whether or not the
wireless LAN communication device 100b which is a destination
device is in a state where the wireless LAN communication device
100b can perform reception before transmitting a data frame. The
wireless LAN communication device 100b which receives the RTS frame
then transmits a CTS frame to the wireless LAN communication device
100a to make a notification that the wireless LAN communication
device 100b is in a state where the wireless LAN communication
device 100b can receive a data frame. It is assumed that the
wireless LAN communication device 100a fails in reception
processing of the CTS frame by a signal transmitted from the other
system communication device 200 and the CTS frame interfering with
each other.
[0141] In this event, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that the CTS frame is transmitted using a method of one
of the above-described first example to the fifth example or a
method of combination of the first example to the fifth example.
That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines that
RTS frame is normally received by the wireless LAN communication
device 100b.
[0142] By this means, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
can appropriately perform the subsequent communication. For
example, the wireless LAN communication device 100a transmits a
data frame even while received power exceeding the predetermined
threshold (that is, a signal transmitted from the other system
communication device 200) is detected by determining that the RTS
frame is received by the wireless LAN communication device 100b and
the CTS frame is transmitted. More specifically, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a may transmit a data frame even while
received power exceeding the predetermined threshold is detected by
judging that the other system communication device 200 and the
wireless LAN communication device 100b are in a so-called hidden
node state, and judging that influence of interference provided by
the signal transmitted from the other system communication device
200 to the reception processing of the wireless LAN communication
device 100b is not large. By this means, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a can prevent the communication speed from
being reduced by the RTS frame being retransmitted after the
received power exceeding the predetermined threshold has been no
longer detected.
[0143] Here, operation in the case where the present disclosure is
utilized for detection of the CTS frame will be described with
reference to FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the
operation in the case where the present disclosure is utilized for
detection of the CTS frame.
[0144] First, in step S1700, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits an RTS frame to the wireless LAN communication
device 100b. Thereafter, the wireless LAN communication device 100b
receives the RTS frame and transmits a CTS frame to the wireless
LAN communication device 100a. In the case where the wireless LAN
communication device 100a fails in reception of the CTS frame by
influence of interference, or the like, in step S1704 (step S1704:
No), in step S1712, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines whether or not the CTS frame is transmitted using a
method of one of the above-described first example to fifth example
or a method of combination of the first example to the fifth
example.
[0145] In the case where it is determined that the CTS frame is
transmitted (step S1712: Yes), in step S1716, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a transmits a data frame even while
received power exceeding the predetermined threshold is detected,
and the processing is finished. In the case where it is determined
that the CTS frame is not transmitted (step S1712: No), in step
S1720, the wireless LAN communication device 100a retransmits the
RTS after received power exceeding the predetermined threshold has
been no longer detected, and the processing is finished. Note that,
in the case where the wireless LAN communication device 100a
succeeds in reception of the CTS frame without being influenced by
interference, or the like, in step S1704 (step S1704: Yes), in step
S1708, the wireless LAN communication device 100a transmits a data
frame, and the processing is finished.
7-3. Case where the Determination Methods are Utilized for
Detection of Trigger-Based PPDU
[0146] Subsequently, a case where the above-described determination
method is utilized for detection of a frame, such as a
Trigger-based PPDU, which is transmitted in a form corresponding to
a transmission request (hereinafter, referred to as a
"Trigger-based PPDU" for convenience) will be described with
reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a case
where the present disclosure is utilized for detection of the
Trigger-based PPDU.
[0147] As illustrated in FIG. 19, first, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a transmits a trigger frame to the wireless
LAN communication device 100b to request a Trigger-based PPDU. The
wireless LAN communication device 100b which receives the trigger
frame then transmits a Trigger-based PPDU on the basis of various
kinds of parameters included in the trigger frame. It is assumed
that the wireless LAN communication device 100a fails in reception
processing of the Trigger-based PPDU in part of resource units or
spatial streams by a signal transmitted from the other system
communication device 200 and the Trigger-based PPDU interfering
with each other.
[0148] In this event, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that the Trigger-based PPDU is transmitted using a
method of one of the above-described first example to the fifth
example or a method of combination of the first example to the
fifth example. That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that the trigger frame is normally received by the
wireless LAN communication device 100b.
[0149] By this means, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
can appropriately perform subsequent communication. For example,
the wireless LAN communication device 100a does not increase the CW
or keeps the CW at CWmin upon retransmission of the trigger frame
to receive the Trigger-based PPDU. By this means, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a can reduce a possibility that the waiting
period for subsequent transmission of the trigger frame increases.
Further, the wireless LAN communication device 100a changes the
resource unit or the spatial stream to be used for communication in
conjunction with this. By this means, it is possible to reduce a
possibility of occurrence of interference by a signal transmitted
from the other system communication device 200 upon retransmission
of the Trigger-based PPDU.
[0150] Here, operation in the case where the present disclosure is
utilized for detection of the Trigger-based PPDU will be described
with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the
operation in the case where the present disclosure is utilized for
detection of the Trigger-based PPDU.
[0151] First, in step S1800, the wireless LAN communication device
100a transmits a trigger frame to the wireless LAN communication
device 100b. Thereafter, the wireless LAN communication device 100b
receives the trigger frame and transmits a Trigger-based PPDU to
the wireless LAN communication device 100a. In the case where the
wireless LAN communication device 100a fails in reception of the
Trigger-based PPDU by influence of interference, or the like, in
step S1804 (step S1804: No), in step S1808, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a determines whether or not the
Trigger-based PPDU is transmitted using a method of one of the
above-described first example to fifth example or a method of
combination of the first example to the fifth example.
[0152] In the case where it is determined that the Trigger-based
PPDU is transmitted (step S1808: Yes), in step S1812, the wireless
LAN communication device 100a sets a CW immediately before the
Trigger-based PPDU is transmitted or CWmin at the CW. Further, in
step S1816, the wireless LAN communication device 100a retransmits
the trigger frame while changing the resource unit or the spatial
stream to be used for subsequent communication.
[0153] In the case where it is determined in step S1808 that the
Trigger-based PPDU is not transmitted (step S1808: No), and the
wireless LAN communication device 100a determines to retransmit the
trigger frame (step S1820: Yes), the wireless LAN communication
device 100a increases the CW in step S1824 and retransmits the
trigger frame without changing the resource unit or the spatial
stream to be used for subsequent communication in step S1828. In
the case where the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines not to retransmit the trigger frame in step S1820 (step
S1820: No), the processing is finished. Note that, in the case
where the wireless LAN communication device 100a succeeds in
reception of the Trigger-based PPDU without being influenced by
interference, or the like, in step S1804 (step S1804: Yes), of
course, the wireless LAN communication device 100a does not
retransmit the trigger frame, and the processing is finished.
5-4. Case where the Determination Methods are Utilized for
Detection of Beamforming Feedback
[0154] Subsequently, a case where the above-described determination
is utilized for detection of a signal (hereinafter, "beamforming
feedback" will be described as an example for convenience) such as,
for example, beamforming feedback, which is transmitted in a form
corresponding to a sounding frame (hereinafter, an "NDP-A frame"
and "NDP" will be described as an example for convenience) or a
feedback request (hereinafter, a "trigger frame" will be described
as an example for convenience) in channel measurement procedure
will be described with reference to FIG. 21. More specifically, it
is assumed that the wireless LAN communication device 100 can
transmit signals to a plurality of devices which are spatially
dispersed at the same time using a beamforming technology. FIG. 21
is a diagram illustrating a case where the present disclosure is
utilized for detection of the beamforming feedback.
[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 21, first, the wireless LAN
communication device 100a transmits a null data packet announcement
(NDP-A) frame and a null data packet (NDP) to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b to perform channel measurement. The
wireless LAN communication device 100a then transmits a trigger
frame to the wireless LAN communication device 100b to request
beamforming feedback. The wireless LAN communication device 100b
which receives the trigger frame transmits the beamforming feedback
generated on the basis of the NDP to the wireless LAN communication
device 100a. It is assumed that the wireless LAN communication
device 100a fails in reception processing of the beamforming
feedback by a signal transmitted from the other system
communication device 200 and the beamforming feedback interfering
with each other.
[0156] In this event, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that the beamforming feedback is transmitted using a
method of one of the above-described first example to the fifth
example or a method of combination of the first example to the
fifth example. That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
determines that an NDP-A frame, an NDP, and the trigger frame are
normally received by the wireless LAN communication device
100b.
[0157] By this means, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
can appropriately perform subsequent communication. For example,
the wireless LAN communication device 100a retransmits only the
trigger frame without retransmitting the NDP-A frame and the NDP by
determining that the NDP-A frame, the NDP and the trigger frame are
received by the wireless LAN communication device 100b and the
beamforming feedback is transmitted. By this means, the wireless
LAN communication device 100a can prevent channel measurement from
being performed again by the NDP-A frame and the NDP being
retransmitted. That is, the wireless LAN communication device 100a
can improve communication efficiency by omitting unnecessary
transmission processing of frames.
[0158] Here, operation in the case where the present disclosure is
utilized for detection of the beamforming feedback will be
described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a flowchart
illustrating the operation in the case where the present disclosure
is utilized for detection of the beamforming feedback.
[0159] First, the wireless LAN communication device 100a transmits
an NDP-A frame to the wireless LAN communication device 100b in
step S1900, and transmits an NDP frame to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b in step S1904. Then, in step S1908, the
wireless LAN communication device 100a transmits a trigger frame
for requesting beamforming feedback to the wireless LAN
communication device 100b. Thereafter, the wireless LAN
communication device 100b receives these signals and transmits
beamforming feedback to the wireless LAN communication device 100a.
In the case where the wireless LAN communication device 100a fails
in reception of the beamforming feedback by influence of
interference, or the like, in step S1912 (step S1912: No), in step
S1916, the wireless LAN communication device 100a determines
whether or not the beamforming feedback is transmitted using a
method of one of the above-described first example to fifth example
or a method of combination of the first example to the fifth
example.
[0160] In the case where it is determined that the beamforming
feedback is transmitted (step S1916: Yes), in step S1920, the
wireless LAN communication device 100a retransmits only the trigger
frame without retransmitting the NDP-A frame and the NDP. In the
case where it is determined in step S1916 that the beamforming
feedback is not transmitted (step S1916: No), the wireless LAN
communication device 100a requests the beamforming feedback again
by retransmitting the NDP-A frame in step S1924, retransmitting the
NDP in step S1928, and retransmitting the trigger frame in step
S1920.
8. APPLICATION EXAMPLE
[0161] The technology according to the present disclosure can be
applied to various products. For example, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 may be realized as mobile terminals such
as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), notebook PCs,
portable game terminals, or digital cameras, fixed-type terminals
such as television receivers, printers, digital scanners, or
network storages, or car-mounted terminals such as car navigation
devices. In addition, the wireless LAN communication device 100 may
be realized as terminals that perform machine to machine (M2M)
communication (also referred to as machine type communication (MTC)
terminals) such as smart meters, vending machines, remotely
controlled monitoring devices, or point of sale (POS) terminals.
Furthermore, the wireless LAN communication device 100 may be
wireless communication modules mounted in such terminals (for
example, integrated circuit modules including one die).
[0162] On the other hand, for example, the wireless LAN
communication device 100 may be realized as a wireless LAN access
point (also referred to as a wireless base station) which has a
router function or does not have a router function. The wireless
LAN communication device 100 may be realized as a mobile wireless
LAN router. The wireless LAN communication device 100 may also be a
wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit
module configured with one die) mounted on such devices.
8-1. First Application Example
[0163] FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
schematic configuration of a smartphone 900 to which the technology
of the present disclosure can be applied. The smartphone 900
includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage 903, an external
connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone
908, an input device 909, a display device 910, a speaker 911, a
wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an
antenna 915, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller
919.
[0164] The processor 901 may be, for example, a central processing
unit (CPU) or a system on chip (SoC), and controls functions of an
application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900. The
memory 902 includes random access memory (RAM) and read only memory
(ROM), and stores data and programs executed by the processor 901.
The storage 903 can include a storage medium such as a
semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The external connection
interface 904 is an interface for connecting an externally
attachable device such as a memory card or a universal serial bus
(USB) device to the smartphone 900.
[0165] The camera 906 has an image sensor, for example, a charge
coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor
(CMOS), to generate captured images. The sensor 907 can include a
sensor group including, for example, a positioning sensor, a gyro
sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like.
The microphone 908 converts sounds input to the smartphone 900 into
audio signals. The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch
sensor that detects touches on a screen of the display device 910,
a key pad, a keyboard, buttons, switches, and the like, to receive
operation or information input from a user. The display device 910
has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an organic
light emitting diode (OLED) display to display output images of the
smartphone 900. The speaker 911 converts audio signals output from
the smartphone 900 into sounds.
[0166] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or
more wireless LAN standards of IEEE 802.11a, 11 b, 11g, 11n, 11 ac,
11 ad and 11 ax, to establish wireless communication. The wireless
communication interface 913 can communicate with another device via
a wireless LAN access point in an infrastructure mode. In addition,
the wireless communication interface 913 can directly communicate
with another device in a direct communication mode such as an ad
hoc mode or Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). Note that, Wi-Fi
Direct is different from the ad hoc mode. One of two terminals
operates as an access point, and communication is performed
directly between the terminals. The wireless communication
interface 913 can typically include a baseband processor, a radio
frequency (RF) circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The
wireless communication interface 913 may be a one-chip module on
which a memory that stores a communication control program, a
processor that executes the program, and a relevant circuit are
integrated. The wireless communication interface 913 may support
another kind of wireless communication scheme such as a cellular
communication scheme, a near-field communication scheme, or a
proximity wireless communication scheme in addition to the wireless
LAN scheme. The antenna switch 914 switches a connection
destination of the antenna 915 among a plurality of circuits (for
example, circuits for different wireless communication schemes)
included in the wireless communication interface 913. The antenna
915 has a single or a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a
plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna), and is
used for transmission and reception of wireless signals through the
wireless communication interface 913.
[0167] Note that the smartphone 900 may include a plurality of
antennas (for example, antennas for a wireless LAN or antennas for
a proximity wireless communication scheme, or the like), without
being limited to the example of FIG. 23. In this case, the antenna
switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone
900.
[0168] The bus 917 connects the processor 901, the memory 902, the
storage 903, the external connection interface 904, the camera 906,
the sensor 907, the microphone 908, the input device 909, the
display device 910, the speaker 911, the wireless communication
interface 913, and the auxiliary controller 919 with each other.
The battery 918 supplies electric power to each of the blocks of
the smartphone 900 illustrated in FIG. 23 via power supply lines
partially indicated by dashed lines in the drawing. The auxiliary
controller 919 causes, for example, necessary minimum functions of
the smartphone 900 to be operated in a sleep mode.
[0169] Note that the smartphone 900 may operate as a wireless
access point (software AP) as the processor 901 executes the
function of an access point at an application level. In addition,
the wireless communication interface 913 may have the function of a
wireless access point.
8-2. Second Application Example
[0170] FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
schematic configuration of a car navigation device 920 to which the
technology of the present disclosure can be applied. The car
navigation device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a
Global Positioning System (GPS) module 924, a sensor 925, a data
interface 926, a content player 927, a storage medium interface
928, an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931, a
wireless communication interface 933, an antenna switch 934, an
antenna 935, and a battery 938.
[0171] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or an SoC
controlling a navigation function and other functions of the car
navigation device 920. The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM storing
data and programs executed by the processor 921.
[0172] The GPS module 924 measures a position of the car navigation
device 920 (for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude) using
GPS signals received from a GPS satellite. The sensor 925 can
include a sensor group including, for example, a gyro sensor, a
geomagnetic sensor, a barometric sensor, and the like. The data
interface 926 is connected with an in-vehicle network 941 via, for
example, a terminal (not illustrated) to acquire data generated on
the vehicle side such as car speed data.
[0173] The content player 927 reproduces content stored in a
storage medium (for example, a CD or a DVD) inserted into the
storage medium interface 928. The input device 929 includes, for
example, a touch sensor that detects touches on a screen of the
display device 930, buttons, switches, and the like to receive
operation or information input from a user. The display device 930
has a screen such as an LCD or an OLED display to display images of
the navigation function or reproduced content. The speaker 931
outputs sounds of the navigation function or reproduced
content.
[0174] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or
more wireless LAN standards of IEEE 802.11a, 11 b, 11g, 11n, 11 ac,
11 ad, and the like to execute wireless communication. The wireless
communication interface 933 can communicate with another device via
a wireless LAN access point in the infrastructure mode. In
addition, the wireless communication interface 933 can directly
communicate with another device in a direct communication mode such
as an ad hoc mode or Wi-Fi Direct. The wireless communication
interface 933 can typically have a baseband processor, an RF
circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless
communication interface 933 may be a one-chip module on which a
memory that stores a communication control program, a processor
that executes the program, and a relevant circuit are integrated.
The wireless communication interface 933 may support another kind
of wireless communication scheme such as a near-field communication
scheme, a proximity wireless communication scheme, or the cellular
communication scheme in addition to the wireless LAN scheme. The
antenna switch 934 switches a connection destination of the antenna
935 among a plurality of circuits included in the wireless
communication interface 933. The antenna 935 has a single or a
plurality of antenna elements and is used for transmission and
reception of wireless signals from and to the wireless
communication interface 933.
[0175] Note that the car navigation device 920 may include a
plurality of antennas, without being limited to the example of FIG.
24. In this case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the
configuration of the car navigation device 920.
[0176] The battery 938 supplies electric power to each of the
blocks of the car navigation device 920 illustrated in FIG. 24 via
power supply lines partially indicated by dashed lines in the
drawing. In addition, the battery 938 accumulates electric power
supplied from the vehicle side.
[0177] Further, the wireless communication interface 933 may
operate as the above-described wireless LAN communication device
100 and may provide wireless connection to a terminal carried by a
user who gets in the vehicle.
[0178] Further, the technology of the present disclosure may be
realized as an in-vehicle system (or a vehicle) 940 including one
or more blocks of the above-described car navigation device 920,
the in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The
vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data such as a
vehicle speed, the number of engine rotations, or failure
information and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle
network 941.
8-3. Third Application Example
[0179] FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a
schematic configuration of a wireless access point 950 to which the
technology of the present disclosure can be applied. The wireless
access point 950 includes a controller 951, a memory 952, an input
device 954, a display device 955, a network interface 957, a
wireless communication interface 963, an antenna switch 964, and an
antenna 965.
[0180] The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a digital
signal processor (DSP) and operates various functions (for example,
access limitation, routing, encryption, a fire wall, and log
management) of the Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers
of the wireless access point 950. The memory 952 includes RAM and
ROM and stores a program executed by the controller 951 and various
kinds of control data (for example, a terminal list, a routing
table, an encryption key, security settings, and a log).
[0181] The input device 954 includes, for example, a button or a
switch, and receives operation performed by a user. The display
device 955 includes an LED lamp and displays an operation status of
the wireless access point 950.
[0182] The network interface 957 is a wired communication interface
that connects the wireless access point 950 with a wired
communication network 958. The network interface 957 may include a
plurality of connection terminals. The wired communication network
958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or may be
a wide area network (WAN).
[0183] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or
more wireless LAN standards of IEEE 802.11a, 11 b, 11g, 11n, 11 ac,
11 ad, and 11 ax and the like to supply wireless connection to a
nearby terminal as an access point. The wireless communication
interface 963 can typically include a baseband processor, an RF
circuit, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication
interface 963 may be a one-chip module in which memory storing a
communication control program, a processor executing the program,
and relevant circuits are integrated. The antenna switch 964
switches a connection destination of the antenna 965 among a
plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication
interface 963. The antenna 965 includes one antenna element or a
plurality of antenna elements and is used to transmit and receive a
wireless signal through the wireless communication interface
963.
9. CONCLUSION
[0184] As described above, the wireless LAN communication device
100 according to the present disclosure transmits a predetermined
signal (first signal), and, even in the case of failure in
reception processing of a signal for response to the signal (second
signal), can determine whether or not the signal for response is
transmitted on the basis of information acquired in the process of
the reception processing. That is, the wireless LAN communication
device 100 can determine whether or not at least part of the
predetermined signal transmitted by the wireless LAN communication
device 100 is received at a transmission destination device. The
wireless LAN communication device 100 can then appropriately
perform subsequent communication on the basis of the
determination.
[0185] The preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been
described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst
the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. A
person skilled in the art may find various alterations and
modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and it
should be understood that they will naturally come under the
technical scope of the present disclosure.
[0186] For example, the respective steps illustrated in the
above-described respective flowcharts do not necessarily have to be
processed in chronological order along the order described as the
flowcharts. That is, the respective steps may be processed in the
order different from the order described as the flowcharts or may
be processed in parallel.
[0187] Further, part of the components of the wireless LAN
communication device 100 can be provided outside the wireless LAN
communication device 100 as appropriate. Further, part of the
functions of the wireless LAN communication device 100 may be
embodied by the control unit 130. For example, the control unit 130
may embody part of the functions of the communication unit 110 and
the data processing unit 120.
[0188] Further, the effects described in this specification are
merely illustrative or exemplified effects, and are not limitative.
That is, with or in the place of the above effects, the technology
according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that
are clear to those skilled in the art from the description of this
specification.
[0189] Additionally, the present technology may also be configured
as below.
[0190] (1)
[0191] A communication device including:
[0192] a transmitting unit configured to perform transmission
processing of a first signal;
[0193] a receiving unit configured to perform reception processing
of a second signal which responds to the first signal in a
predetermined period determined by a time point of the transmission
processing; and
[0194] a determining unit configured to perform determination as to
whether or not at least part of the first signal is correctly
received at a transmission destination device on the basis of
information acquired in process of the reception processing.
[0195] (2)
[0196] The communication device according to (1),
[0197] in which the determining unit performs the determination in
a case of failure in the reception processing.
[0198] (3)
[0199] The communication device according to (1) or (2),
[0200] in which the determining unit performs the determination on
the basis of whether or not received power equal to or greater than
a predetermined threshold is detected in the period.
[0201] (4)
[0202] The communication device according to (3),
[0203] in which the determining unit performs the determination on
the basis of whether or not at least part of a predetermined signal
pattern included in the second signal is detected.
[0204] (5)
[0205] The communication device according to any one of (1) to
(4),
[0206] in which the determining unit performs the determination on
the basis of whether or not at least part of a signal pattern
specific to the second signal is detected.
[0207] (6)
[0208] The communication device according to any one of (1) to
(5),
[0209] in which the determining unit performs the determination on
the basis of information included in a physical layer header of the
second signal.
[0210] (7)
[0211] The communication device according to any one of (1) to
(6),
[0212] in which the determining unit performs the determination on
the basis of combination of a frequency band and a spatial stream
used in the reception processing.
[0213] (8)
[0214] The communication device according to any one of (1) to
(7),
[0215] in which the receiving unit performs the reception
processing using a plurality of frequency bands, and
[0216] the determining unit performs the determination on the basis
of whether or not the reception processing is successful in part of
the plurality of frequency bands.
[0217] (9)
[0218] The communication device according to any one of (1) to (8),
further including:
[0219] a control unit configured to, in a case where the first
signal is a data frame, and the second signal is an ACK frame,
[0220] in a case where it is determined that at least part of the
first signal is correctly received at a transmission destination
device, maintain a value of a contention window for setting a
transmission waiting period or set a minimum value.
[0221] (10)
[0222] The communication device according to any one of (1) to
(8),
[0223] in which, in a case where the first signal is an RTS frame,
and the second signal is a CTS frame,
[0224] the transmitting unit transmits a data frame in a case where
it is determined that the first signal is correctly received at a
transmission destination device.
[0225] (11)
[0226] The communication device according to any one of (1) to (8),
further including:
[0227] a control unit configured to, in a case where the first
signal is a signal for requesting transmission to a transmission
destination, and the second signal is a signal to be transmitted in
response to the signal for requesting the transmission,
[0228] in a case where it is determined that the first signal is
correctly received at a transmission destination device, maintain a
value of a contention window for setting a transmission waiting
period or set a minimum value.
[0229] (12)
[0230] The communication device according to (11),
[0231] in which, in a case where it is determined that the first
signal is correctly received at a transmission destination device,
the control unit changes combination of a frequency band and a
spatial stream to be used for communication.
[0232] (13)
[0233] The communication device according to any one of (1) to
(8),
[0234] in which, in a case where the first signal is a transmission
notification of a channel measurement signal, a channel measurement
signal or a signal which makes a feedback transmission request of
channel measurement, and the second signal is a signal to be
transmitted in response to the feedback transmission request,
[0235] in a case where it is determined that the first signal is
correctly received, the transmitting unit retransmits the signal
which makes the feedback transmission request of the channel
measurement instead of the transmission notification of the channel
measurement signal and the channel measurement signal.
[0236] (14)
[0237] A communication control method to be executed by a computer,
including:
[0238] performing transmission processing of a first signal;
[0239] performing reception processing of a second signal which
responds to the first signal in a predetermined period determined
by a time point of the transmission processing; and
[0240] performing determination as to whether or not at least part
of the first signal is correctly received at a transmission
destination device on the basis of information acquired in process
of the reception processing.
[0241] (15)
[0242] A program for causing a computer to realize:
[0243] performing transmission processing of a first signal;
[0244] performing reception processing of a second signal which
responds to the first signal in a predetermined period determined
by a time point of the transmission processing; and
[0245] performing determination as to whether or not at least part
of the first signal is correctly received at a transmission
destination device on the basis of information acquired in process
of the reception processing.
[0246] (16)
[0247] A communication device including:
[0248] a receiving unit configured to perform reception processing
of a first signal;
[0249] a generating unit configured to generate a second signal
which responds to the first signal; and
[0250] a transmitting unit configured to perform transmission
processing of the second signal using a predetermined resource
indicating that the second signal is a signal which responds to the
first signal.
[0251] (17)
[0252] The communication device according to (16),
[0253] in which the resource is expressed with combination of a
frequency band and a spatial stream.
[0254] (18)
[0255] The communication device according to (17),
[0256] in which a spatial stream different for each frequency band
is used as the resource.
[0257] (19)
[0258] A communication control method to be executed by a computer,
including:
[0259] performing reception processing of a first signal;
[0260] generating a second signal which responds to the first
signal; and
[0261] performing transmission processing of the second signal
using a predetermined resource indicating that the second signal is
a signal which responds to the first signal.
[0262] (20)
[0263] A program for causing a computer to realize:
[0264] performing reception processing of a first signal;
[0265] generating a second signal which responds to the first
signal; and
[0266] performing transmission processing of the second signal
using a predetermined resource indicating that the second signal is
a signal which responds to the first signal.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0267] 100 wireless LAN communication device [0268] 110
communication unit [0269] 111 amplifier unit [0270] 112 wireless
interface unit [0271] 113 signal processing unit [0272] 114 channel
estimating unit [0273] 115 modulating and demodulating unit [0274]
120 data processing unit [0275] 130 control unit
* * * * *