Information processing device, information processing method and program

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method and a program. An object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption. The information processing device is provided with a control unit. In addition, a first device that sends data to the information processing device is provided with a multiplexing function that multiplexes and sends data from multiple devices including the first device to the information processing device. In addition, by means of the control unit, the information processing device is configured to control to notify the first device provided with the multiplexing function of the existence of data delivered to the first device, and to notify the first device of a method to be used by the first device to multiplex information notifying the fact that the first device has switched from a function pause state to a data receivable state.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT application entering the Chinese national phase, with an international filing date of May 6, 2016, national application number 201680038527.0, and invention name “Information Processing Device, Information Processing Method and Program”. Technical Field

[0002] The present technology relates to an information processing device and more particularly to an information processing device and an information processing method for exchanging information using wireless communication, and a program for causing a computer to execute the method. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, there is a wireless communication technology for exchanging information using wireless communication. For example, a communication method for exchanging information between information processing devices using a wireless LAN is proposed.

[0004] In addition, for example, in the case where the information processing device is a mobile object, its power source is generally a battery. Therefore, it is important to reduce power consumption in order to extend the operating time of the information processing device. Therefore, for example, regarding IEEE 802.11 of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which is a standard organization for wireless LAN, a technology for reducing power consumption by transitioning from a wake-up state in which normal operations are performed to a sleep state in which signal transmission / reception is not performed when the information processing device does not need to communicate is proposed.

[0005] In this technology, a slave device in a sleeping state is put into a wake-up state at regular intervals to confirm whether the data delivered to the slave device itself is cached in the base station using a signal from the base station. The signal is a traffic indication map (TIM) in a beacon frame. Subsequently, in the case where the data delivered to the slave device itself is cached, the slave device receives the data by sending a data request frame (power save poll (PS-Poll)) to the base station, and resumes the sleeping state after receiving the data. Note that the PS-Poll frame is information for notifying the wake-up state and data transmission request.

[0006] Here, in the case of multiple data delivered to multiple slave devices through TIM notification, a collision avoidance algorithm may be used in order to avoid collisions between PS-Polls. However, due to the collision avoidance algorithm, time loss may occur.

[0007] In addition, for example, when the base station receives a PS-Poll from a slave device, data transmission is performed in response to the PS-Poll. In this case, during the transmission, other slave devices cannot transmit. Therefore, other slave devices take a long time to recover from the sleep state, and power consumption increases.

[0008] Therefore, a technology for reducing the time loss caused by avoiding conflicts between PS-Polls and the time loss caused by communication by another slave device has been proposed. For example, a data transmission / reception system that pre-sets and notifies the time of sending PS-Poll for each slave device in order to avoid conflicts between PS-Polls has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0009] Citation List

[0010] Patent Literature

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-197798 Summary of the invention

[0012] Technical Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0013] According to the conventional technology described above, the time loss caused by the conflict avoidance algorithm can be reduced. However, since each slave device sends PS-Poll in different time slots according to the notification, the time loss caused by multiple PS-Polls occurs. For this reason, each slave device is in a power saving state only for a short period of time, and there is a possibility that power consumption cannot be reduced.

[0014] The present technology has been produced in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present technology is to reduce power consumption.

[0015] Solution to the problem

[0016] The present technology has been developed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the first aspect of the present technology is: an information processing device, comprising: a control unit that controls to notify a first device of a multiplexing method for notification information and the existence of data delivered to the first device, the first device having a multiplexing function for multiplexing and sending data from a plurality of devices including the first device to the information processing device, the notification information indicating that the first device has switched from a function-suspended state to a data-receivable state; an information processing method for the information processing device; and a program that causes a computer to execute the method. This produces an effect of notifying the first device having the multiplexing function of the multiplexing method for notification information and the existence of data delivered to the first device, the notification information indicating that the first device has switched from a function-suspended state to a data-receivable state.

[0017] In addition, in the first aspect, the control unit may control to receive the notification information multiplexed and transmitted by the first device according to the multiplexing method of notification. This produces an effect of receiving the notification information multiplexed and transmitted by the first device according to the multiplexing method of notification.

[0018] In addition, in the first aspect, after receiving the notification information, the control unit may control to multiplex the data to be sent to the first device and send the data to the first device. This produces an effect of multiplexing the data to be sent to the first device and sending the data to the first device after receiving the notification information.

[0019] In addition, in the first aspect, the control unit may control to multiplex the data using a multiplexing method that is the same as or different from the multiplexing method notified, and send the data to the first device. This produces an effect of multiplexing the data using a multiplexing method that is the same as or different from the multiplexing method notified, and sending the data to the first device.

[0020] In addition, in the first aspect, the control unit may control to notify a frequency multiplexing method or a spatial multiplexing method as a multiplexing method, multiplex the data using the same multiplexing method as the notified frequency multiplexing method or spatial multiplexing method, and send the data to the first device. This produces an effect of notifying a frequency multiplexing method or a spatial multiplexing method as a multiplexing method, multiplexing the data using the same multiplexing method as the notified frequency multiplexing method or spatial multiplexing method, and sending the data to the first device.

[0021] In addition, in the first aspect, the control unit may control to notify the first device of the multiplexing method for the data together with the multiplexing method for the notification information. This produces an effect of notifying the first device of the multiplexing method for the data together with the multiplexing method for the notification information.

[0022] In addition, in the first aspect, the control unit may control to notify the first device of the information to be used for multiplexing transmission of the notification information together with the multiplexing method used for the notification information. This produces an effect of notifying the first device of the information to be used for multiplexing transmission of the notification information together with the multiplexing method used for the notification information.

[0023] In addition, in the first aspect, the control unit may notify the first device of the frequency allocation (e.g., center frequency and frequency bandwidth) for frequency multiplexing of the notification information or the matrix index allocation for spatial multiplexing of the notification information, information about the transmission time for the notification information, and information about the transmission power for the notification information as information to be used for multiplexed transmission of the notification information. This produces the effect of notifying the first device of the frequency allocation for frequency multiplexing of the notification information or the matrix index allocation for spatial multiplexing of the notification information, information about the transmission time for the notification information, and information about the transmission power for the notification information.

[0024] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit may notify the first device using a bitmap generated based on a partial virtual bitmap (PVB). This produces an effect of notifying the first device using a bitmap generated based on the PVB.

[0025] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit may confirm in advance that the first device has a multiplexing function for the notification information. This produces an effect of confirming in advance that the first device has a multiplexing function for the notification information.

[0026] In addition, in the first aspect, the control unit may notify the first device at the timing when it is estimated that the first device has switched from the function suspension state to the data receivable state. This produces an effect of notifying the first device at the timing when it is estimated that the first device has switched from the function suspension state to the data receivable state.

[0027] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit may notify the first device using a beacon or another frame transmitted after the beacon. This produces an effect of notifying the first device using a beacon or another frame transmitted after the beacon.

[0028] In addition, the second aspect of the present technology is: an information processing device, comprising: a control unit that controls to multiplex the notification information according to the multiplexing method and send the notification information to the other device in response to notification of a multiplexing method for notification information by another device, the notification information indicating a transition from a function suspended state to a data receivable state; an information processing method for the information processing device; and a program that causes a computer to execute the method. This produces an effect that in response to notification of a multiplexing method for notification information by another device, the notification information is multiplexed according to the multiplexing method and sent to the other device, the notification information indicating a transition from a function suspended state to a data receivable state.

[0029] In addition, in the second aspect, the control unit may control to receive the multiplexed data sent from the other device after sending the notification information, and to multiplex and send the data to be sent to the other device after sending the notification information. This produces the effect of receiving the multiplexed data sent from the other device after sending the notification information, and to multiplex and send the data to be sent to the other device after sending the notification information.

[0030] In addition, in the second aspect, the control unit may control to multiplex the data using a multiplexing method that is the same as or different from the multiplexing method notified, and send the data to the other device. This produces an effect of multiplexing the data using a multiplexing method that is the same as or different from the multiplexing method notified, and sending the data to the other device.

[0031] Furthermore, in the second aspect, the control unit may multiplex the data using the multiplexing method for the data notified together with the multiplexing method for the notification information, and transmit the data to the other device. This produces an effect of multiplexing the data using the multiplexing method for the data notified together with the multiplexing method for the notification information, and transmitting the data to the other device.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] The present technology can obtain an excellent effect of enabling reduction in power consumption. Note that the effects described here are not necessarily restrictive, and any effect described in the present disclosure can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration of the communication system 10 according to the embodiment of the present technology.

[0035] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a frame used by slave devices 201 to 203 to notify the base station 100 of support for triggered multiplexed transmission according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a TIVB managed by the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0038] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format of a TIM transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0039] Figure 6 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of generating a PVB transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0040] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of generating a TMB by the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0041] Figure 8is a diagram illustrating an example of a bitmap transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0042] Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0043] Fig.10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0044] Fig.11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0045] Fig.12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0046] Fig.13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0047] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating a process of independently separating a channel matrix into individual elements by the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0048] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a frame transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0049] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a frame transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0050] Fig.17 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0051] Fig.18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a frame transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0052] Fig.19 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0053] Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a data transmission process of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0054] Fig.211 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a frame transmission process of a data transmission process of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0055] Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a data reception process of the slave device 201 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0056] Fig.23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a frame reception process of a data reception process of the slave device 201 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0057] Fig.24 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone.

[0058] Fig.25 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device.

[0059] Fig.26 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless access point. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] A mode for implementing the present technology (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described below. The description will be made in the following order.

[0061] 1. Embodiment (an example in which a slave device multiplexes and sends a trigger according to a multiplexing method notified by a base station)

[0062] 2. Application examples

[0063] <1. Example>

[0064] [Example Configuration of Communication System]

[0065] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a communication system 10 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 1 In the example shown in the diagram, there are four information processing devices (base station 100, slave device 201, slave device 202 and slave device 203), and the connection with one of the four information processing devices (e.g., base station 100) is established by the other three information processing devices (e.g., slave devices 201 to 203).

[0066] For example, each of the base station 100 and the slave devices 201 to 203 may be a fixed or portable information processing device having a wireless communication function. Here, examples of fixed information processing devices include information processing devices such as access points and base stations in a wireless local area network (LAN) system. In addition, examples of portable information processing devices include information processing devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, and tablet terminals.

[0067] In addition, it is assumed that each of the base station 100 and the slave devices 201 to 203 has a communication function that complies with the wireless LAN standard of, for example, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11. For example, the base station 100 and each of the slave devices 201 to 203 may have a communication function that complies with the wireless LAN standard of IEEE802.11ax. In addition, as a wireless LAN, for example, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast specifications (technical specification name: Wi-Fi Display) may be used. Alternatively, wireless communication may be performed using another communication method.

[0068] For example, the communication system 10 may be a network in which a plurality of devices perform wireless communication in a one-to-one manner to be connected to each other (eg, a mesh network and an ad hoc network). For example, the communication system 10 may be applied to a mesh network of IEEE 802.11s.

[0069] In addition, for example, the communication system 10 may be a network including an access point (master device) and its subordinate devices (slave devices). In the example provided by the embodiment of the present technology, the base station 100 acts as an access point, and the subordinate devices 201 to 203 act as subordinate devices of the access point (base station 100).

[0070] In addition, Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , examples of communication paths through which devices can directly communicate with each other using wireless communications are represented by dotted lines.

[0071] Note that in the embodiments of the present technology, for convenience, the operation of the sending source device (sending side device) and the operation of the sending destination device (receiving side device) are described separately, however, both functions can be installed in each device, or only one of the functions can be installed in each device.

[0072] In addition, the system configuration to which the embodiments of the present technology are applied is not limited to the above. Figure 1 In the example in , a communication system including four information processing devices is illustrated, however, the number of information processing devices is not limited thereto. In addition, the connection form of multiple information processing devices is not limited to the connection forms described above. For example, the embodiment of the present technology can also be applied to a network in which multiple devices are connected using connection forms other than the connection forms described above.

[0073] [Example Functional Configuration of Information Processing Device]

[0074] Figure 22 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of the base station 100 according to the embodiment of the present technology. Note that since the functional configurations of the respective slave devices 201 to 203 are similar to those of the base station 100, descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0075] The base station 100 includes a data processing unit 110 , a signal processing unit 10 , a wireless interface unit 130 , an antenna 140 , a storage unit 150 , and a control unit 160 .

[0076] The data processing unit 110 processes various types of data based on the control of the control unit 160. For example, when data is transmitted, the data processing unit 110 adds a media access control (MAC) header, an error detection code, etc. to the data from the upper layer, and generates a packet for wireless transmission. Subsequently, the data processing unit 110 provides the generated packet to the signal processing unit 120.

[0077] In addition, for example, when receiving data, the data processing unit 110 performs processing such as analyzing the header and detecting packet errors on the bit string received from the signal processing unit 120, and provides the processed data to the upper layer. In addition, for example, the data processing unit 110 notifies the control unit 160 of the header analysis result, the packet error detection result, etc.

[0078] The signal processing unit 120 performs various signal processing based on the control of the control unit 160. For example, when data is transmitted, the signal processing unit 120 encodes the input data from the data processing unit 110 based on the coding and modulation scheme set by the control unit 160, and adds a preamble and a PHY header. Subsequently, the signal processing unit 120 provides the transmission symbol stream obtained by the signal processing to the wireless interface unit 130.

[0079] In addition, for example, at the time of data reception, the signal processing unit 120 detects a preamble and a PHY header from the received symbol stream received from the wireless interface unit 130, performs decoding processing, and provides it to the data processing unit 110. In addition, for example, the signal processing unit 120 notifies the control unit 160 of the PHY header detection result and the like.

[0080] The wireless interface unit 130 is an interface for connecting to another information processing device and transmitting and receiving various information using wireless communication based on the control of the control unit 160. For example, when data is transmitted, the wireless interface unit 130 converts the input from the signal processing unit 120 into an analog signal, amplifies, filters, and up-converts the analog signal to a predetermined frequency, and transmits it to the antenna 140.

[0081] In addition, for example, at the time of data reception, the wireless interface unit 130 performs the reverse processing of the processing for data transmission on the input from the antenna 140 , and supplies the processing result to the signal processing unit 120 .

[0082] The storage unit 150 serves as a working area for the control unit 160 to process data, and serves as a storage medium for storing various types of data. As the storage unit 150, for example, a storage medium such as a nonvolatile memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, and a magneto-optical (MO) disk can be used. Note that as a nonvolatile memory, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) can be used. In addition, as a magnetic disk, for example, a hard disk or a disk-shaped magnetic disk can be used. In addition, as an optical disk, for example, a compact disc (CD), a recordable digital versatile disc (DVD-R), or a Blu-ray disc (BD, registered trademark) can be used.

[0083] The control unit 160 controls the receiving operation and the transmitting operation of each of the data processing unit 110, the signal processing unit 120, and the wireless interface unit 130. For example, the control unit 160 causes the respective units to exchange information, sets communication parameters, and schedules packets in the data processing unit 110.

[0084] For example, the control unit 160 controls to notify the slave device having the multiplexing function of the multiplexing method for notification information and the existence of data delivered to the slave device. The notification information indicates that the slave device has switched from the function suspension state to the data receivable state. In this case, for example, the control unit 160 may notify the slave device at the timing when it is estimated that the slave device has switched from the function suspension state to the data receivable state. In addition, for example, the control unit 160 may notify the slave device using a beacon or another frame sent after the beacon. In addition, for example, the control unit 160 may confirm in advance that the slave device has the multiplexing function for notification information.

[0085] As used herein, notification information is, for example, PS-Poll, QoS Null (PM = 0), a frame notifying the end of a function pause state, etc. As used herein, PS-Poll is a signal indicating the end of a power saving state (e.g., a function pause state) and indicating a data request. In addition, QoS Null (PM = 0) is a signal indicating the end of a power saving state (e.g., a function pause state). Note that in the description of the embodiments of the present technology, notification information is referred to as a trigger.

[0086] In addition, multiplexed transmission means that multiple signals (data items) are combined and transmitted using one or more shared transmission lines. In addition, multiplexed transmission is also called multiplexed transmission, multiplexed transmission or multiplexed communication. In addition, the transmission method of sending multiple data from multiple slave devices to one base station at the same timing can be understood as uplink multiplexed transmission to the base station.

[0087] In addition, a slave device that supports triggered uplink multiplexing transmission to a base station (a slave device with a triggered multiplexing transmission function) is referred to as a slave device with a multiplexing function. In other words, a slave device with a multiplexing function can cooperate with other slave devices to multiplex and send multiple data to an information processing device (perform uplink multiplexing transmission). In addition, a slave device that does not support triggered uplink multiplexing transmission to a base station (a slave device that does not have a triggered multiplexing transmission function) is referred to as a legacy device.

[0088] In addition, the function suspension state means a state in which at least part of the function of the slave device is suspended. For example, the function suspension state may be a state in which the receiving function of the slave device is suspended (e.g., a low power consumption state (e.g., a sleep state)). However, for example, it is also assumed that although the slave device is in a low power consumption state relative to the connected base station, the slave device performs another operation. In addition, it is also assumed that even if the slave device is in a low power consumption state relative to the connected base station, the slave device is also performing operations for groups other than the connected group. In addition, it is also assumed that even if the slave device is in a low power consumption state relative to the connected base station, the slave device is searching for groups other than the connected group. Therefore, the function suspension state also includes a situation in which even if the slave device is in a low power consumption state relative to the connected base station, the slave device is not in a low power consumption state relative to devices other than the connected base station. In addition, the function suspension state of the base station can be similarly interpreted.

[0089] In addition, for example, the control unit 160 controls to receive notification information multiplexed and sent by the slave device according to the multiplexing method notified to the slave device. In this case, after receiving the notification information, the control unit 160 may control to multiplex the data to be sent to the slave device and send the data to the slave device. For example, the control unit 160 may control to multiplex the data using the same or different multiplexing method as the multiplexing method notified to the slave device, and send the data to the slave device. For example, the control unit 160 may notify a frequency multiplexing method or a spatial multiplexing method as the multiplexing method, multiplex the data using the same multiplexing method as the notified frequency multiplexing method or spatial multiplexing method, and send the data to the slave device. Specifically, in the case where the control unit 160 has notified a frequency multiplexing method as the multiplexing method, the control unit 160 may frequency multiplex the data using the same frequency multiplexing method as the notified frequency multiplexing method, and send the data to the slave device. In addition, in the case where the control unit 160 has notified a spatial multiplexing method as a multiplexing method, the control unit 160 may spatially multiplex the data using the same spatial multiplexing method as the notified spatial multiplexing method and transmit the data to the slave device.

[0090] For example, the control unit 160 may perform control to notify the slave device of a multiplexing method for data together with a multiplexing method for notification information.

[0091] In addition, for example, the control unit 160 may control to notify the slave device of information to be used for multiplexing transmission of the notification information together with the multiplexing method for the notification information. In this case, for example, the control unit 160 may notify the slave device of frequency allocation (for example, center frequency and frequency bandwidth) for frequency multiplexing of the notification information or matrix index allocation for spatial multiplexing of the notification information, information about the transmission time for the notification information, and information about the transmission power for the notification information as information to be used for multiplexing transmission of the notification information. In addition, for example, the control unit 160 may use a bitmap ( Figure 7 ) to notify the slave device.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, the control unit (corresponding to the control unit 160) of the slave device may perform control so that, in response to notification of a multiplexing method for notification information by the base station 100, the notification information is multiplexed according to the multiplexing method and the notification information is transmitted to the base station 100. For example, in response to notification of the multiplexing method by the base station 100 at the timing when the slave device transitions from the function suspension state to the data receivable state, the control unit of the slave device may transmit the notification information to the base station 100 according to the multiplexing method. Furthermore, for example, the control unit of the slave device may notify the base station 100 in advance that the slave device supports multiplexing of notification information.

[0093] In addition, for example, the control unit of the slave device may control to receive multiplexed data transmitted from the base station 100 after transmitting the notification information, and to multiplex and transmit data to be transmitted to the base station 100 after transmitting the notification information.

[0094] In addition, for example, the control unit of the slave device may control to multiplex the data using a multiplexing method that is the same as or different from the notified multiplexing method, and transmit the data to the base station 100. For example, in the case where the notified multiplexing method is frequency multiplexing, the data may be multiplexed using frequency multiplexing based on the same frequency as the notified frequency multiplexing, and the data may be transmitted to the base station 100. In addition, for example, in the case where the notified multiplexing method is spatial multiplexing based on a matrix index, the data may be multiplexed using spatial multiplexing based on the same matrix index as the notified spatial multiplexing, and the data may be transmitted to the base station 100.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the control unit of the slave device may multiplex data using the multiplexing method for data notified together with the multiplexing method for notification information, and transmit the data to the base station 100 .

[0096] [Example configuration of trigger multiplexing transmission support notification frame]

[0097] Figure 3 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a frame used by slave devices 201 to 203 to notify base station 100 of support for triggered multiplexed transmission according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 3 In the example shown in the diagram, an information element (IE) for notifying support for triggered multiplexed transmission is used.

[0098] The IE includes an element ID 301, a length 302, and a trigger multiplexing 303. Note that Figure 3 In the figure, the numerical value of the eight-bit byte representing each field is indicated below each field. In addition, similarly, in each subsequent figure, the numerical value of the eight-bit byte representing each field (or a part thereof) is indicated below each field.

[0099] ELEMENT ID 301 includes an ID indicating that this IE notifies support for triggered multiplexed transmission (indicating that a triggered multiplexed transmission function is provided).

[0100] Length 302 contains information indicating the data length of this IE.

[0101] Trigger multiplex 303 includes information indicating support for triggered multiplex transmission (eg, trigger multiplex capability (TMC)).

[0102] For example, the base station 100 confirms in advance whether each of the slave devices 201 to 203 supports triggered multiplexing transmission. Figure 3 In the IE illustrated in FIG. 1 , the base station 100 can confirm in advance whether each slave device 201 to 203 supports triggered multiplexing transmission.

[0103] Here, some information can be exchanged between the base station 100 and the slave devices 201 to 203 at a certain timing. Figure 3 For example, when capabilities are exchanged via handshake, Figure 3 IE as exemplified in .

[0104] As described above, the base station 100 utilizes Figure 3 1 to 203 supports triggered multiplexing transmission, and manages the confirmation result. For example, the base station 100 may store the confirmation result in the storage unit 150 and manage the confirmation result. For example, the control unit 160 of the base station 100 may manage whether the slave device supports triggered multiplexing transmission as part of the capability information managed in association with each slave device.

[0105] [Example Configuration of Traffic Indication Virtual Bitmap (TIVB)]

[0106] Figure 4 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a TIVB managed by a base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 4 In the example illustrated in , there are 24 slave devices supporting triggered multiplexing transmission, and each slave device is assigned an association identifier (AID). As used herein, an AID is an ID assigned to each slave device so that the base station 100 manages each slave device.

[0107] exist Figure 4 The AIDs illustrated on the upper side of indicate the AIDs assigned to the respective slave devices. Figure 4 The TIVB bit illustrated on the lower side of is a bit indicating whether each piece of data delivered to the corresponding AID is cached. Specifically, TIVB bit=1 indicates that the data delivered to the corresponding AID is cached, while TIVB bit=0 indicates that the data delivered to the corresponding AID is not cached.

[0108] like Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, whether the data delivered to the slave device supporting triggered multiplexing transmission is buffered is managed by TIVB.

[0109] For example, in the case where data delivered to a slave device in a function suspended state has arrived, the base station 100 temporarily buffers the data and Figure 4 In the TIVB illustrated in , the bit corresponding to the AID of the slave device which is the destination of the data is set to 1.

[0110] In addition, the base station 100 periodically or irregularly determines whether the data delivered to the slave device in the function suspension state is cached in the base station 100. Then, in the case where the data delivered to the slave device in the function suspension state is cached in the base station 100, the base station 100 notifies this fact using a beacon. For example, this fact is included in a traffic information message (TIM, Figure 5 In addition, the base station 100 may give a notification as to whether to cause a plurality of slave devices to send a trigger for requesting the cached data.

[0111] For example, assume that each piece of data delivered to a plurality of slave devices in a function suspension state is buffered in the base station 100. In this case, the base station 100 may instruct the plurality of slave devices to multiplex and send a trigger for requesting the delivery of each piece of data to the plurality of slave devices. In the case of such transmission, for example, Figure 3 The IE illustrated in the example is used to notify each slave device to multiplex and send a trigger for requesting each piece of data. Information indicating that the trigger for requesting all pieces of data is multiplexed and sent (for example, a global non-polling delivery announcement (G-NPDA)) is included in the IE and sent.

[0112] In addition, the base station 100 may give a notification about whether to trigger multiplexing and send data delivered to each AID separately. For example, the base station 100 may use the TIM included in the beacon to notify the slave device of the existence of data delivered to the slave device. Subsequently, the base station 100 may send the data at the timing when the slave device enters the receivable state. Note that the TIM used to notify the existence of data is also called a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM, delivery traffic indication message).

[0113] Note that Figure 5 and 6 0 illustrates the frame format of a partial virtual bitmap (PVB) and a TIM used in embodiments of the present technology.

[0114] [Example of TIM frame format]

[0115] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format of a TIM transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0116] The frame format of the TIM includes an element ID 311 , a length 312 , a DTIM count 313 , a DTIM period 314 , a bitmap control 315 , and a partial virtual bitmap 316 .

[0117] The element ID 311 contains an ID indicating that the IE gives a notification to trigger multiplexed transmission.

[0118] The length 312 contains information indicating the data length of the TIM frame.

[0119] The DTIM count 313 contains information indicating the number of beacons until the next beacon.

[0120] DTIM period 314 contains information indicating a value for setting the timing for transmitting data buffered in base station 100 .

[0121] Bitmap control 315 contains information about the next field.

[0122] The portion of the virtual bitmap 316 is contained in Figure 6 The PVB is illustrated on the lower side.

[0123] [Example of generating PVB]

[0124] Figure 6 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of generating a PVB transmitted from the base station 100 to the slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology. Figure 6 The upper side of the TIVB example is Figure 4 In addition, Figure 6 An example illustrating the relationship between TIVB and PVB.

[0125] In the case where data delivered to each slave device in the function suspension state is cached, in the TIVB provided in the base station 100 itself, the base station 100 sets the bit corresponding to the AID of the slave device for which data is cached to 1. Thus, the base station 100 can manage the presence or absence of data and the destination of the data. In addition, it is specified that a partial virtual bitmap (PVB) is notified to the slave device using the TIM in the beacon, and the partial virtual bitmap is only a necessary part of the TIVB extracted from the TIVB.

[0126] In addition, in the case of giving a notification of whether to trigger multiplexing transmission separately for data delivered to each AID, the base station 100 can generate a bitmap based on the PVB used in IEEE 802.11. For example, in the case of transmitting TIM in the beacon, the base station 100 extracts only the necessary part from the TIVB to generate the PVB.

[0127] exist Figure 6 In the example illustrated in FIG, data delivered to AIDs=1 to 16, 19, 20, and 24 are buffered in the base station 100. Specifically, in Figure 6 In the example illustrated in , in the case where each piece of data information delivered to slave devices with AID=1 to 24 is included in the PVB, bits corresponding to AID=1 to 16, 19, 20, and 24 are set to 1, and each piece of data is buffered in the base station 100. Figure 6 In the example illustrated in FIG, a notification of triggering multiplexing transmission for AID=1 to 16, 19, 20 and 24 is given to each AID. Specifically, in this example, based on Figure 6 The PVB illustrated in FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary bitmap (trigger multiplex bitmap (TMB)) for notifying a trigger multiplexing method applied to a trigger requesting data to be delivered to each AID.

[0128] For example, the trigger multiplexing method may be notified to all AIDs = 1 to 24. Specifically, for AIDs whose data is cached, a bitmap containing information required for trigger multiplexing transmission is created. In addition, for AIDs whose data is not cached, a bitmap containing empty data is created.

[0129] As used herein, the information required for triggering multiplexing transmission (triggering multiplexing transmission information) is, for example, the transmission time and specific information. The specific information is, for example, information about triggering multiplexing transmission and information about the transmission power used for triggering multiplexing transmission (transmission power information). In addition, the information about triggering multiplexing transmission is, for example, frequency channel information (center frequency and frequency width) for frequency multiplexing, or matrix index number (matrix index number) for spatial multiplexing ( Fig.13 and 14 example in).

[0130] Note that the AID is exchanged in advance between the base station 100 and the slave device. Therefore, when the TMB is transmitted, even if the AID is not transmitted, the slave device can grasp the TMB based on the content of the PVB exchanged in advance.

[0131] In addition, unnecessary information may be deleted from the above-mentioned bitmap so that the bitmap is compressed. For example, the bitmap may be configured using only bits corresponding to the AIDs for which data is cached in the base station 100, without arranging bits corresponding to the AIDs for which data is not cached in the base station 100. In this case, since the bits corresponding to the unnecessary AIDs are deleted, the correspondence between the actually allocated AIDs and the order of the bits is destroyed. However, based on the content of the original PVB, the slave device can reconstruct the correspondence. In this regard, Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an example of deleting bits corresponding to unnecessary AIDs to generate a bitmap (trigger multiplexing bitmap (TMB)) for giving a notification that triggered multiplexing transmission is performed.

[0132] [Example of generating TMB based on PVB]

[0133] Figure 7 Schematically illustrates an example of generating TMB by the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology. More specifically, Figure 7 The diagram illustrates an example in which the base station 100 generates a bitmap (TMB) for notifying a trigger multiplexing method based on the PVB. Figure 7 In the TMB of , the bit corresponding to the AID in which valid data exists is indicated by V, and the empty data is indicated by N. In addition, Figure 7 In AID 8 in the bottom row of FIG. 1 , exemplary contents of valid data are illustrated.

[0134] For example, as in Figure 7As illustrated in the middle row of , all AIDs = 1 to 24 may be notified of information required for triggering multiplexing transmission (e.g., transmission time and specific information). Specifically, in the bit string corresponding to AIDs = 1 to 16, 19, 20, and 24 that support triggered multiplexing transmission and for which data is cached in the base station 100, valid data V is set. In addition, in the bit string corresponding to AIDs = 17, 18, and 21 to 23 for which data is not cached in the base station 100, empty data N is set. In this way, a bitmap in which valid data V or empty data N is set may be used. In addition, the valid data N includes, for example, 20 octets.

[0135] As used herein, valid data is, for example, the information required to trigger multiplexed transmission as described above (eg, transmission time and specific information).

[0136] In addition, for example, as in Figure 7 As illustrated in the bottom row of FIG. , unnecessary information can be deleted from the bitmap, so that the bitmap is compressed.

[0137] For example, the bitmap may be configured using only the bit string corresponding to the AID for which data is cached in the base station 100, without arranging the bit string corresponding to the AID for which data is not cached in the base station 100. In this case, since the bit string corresponding to the unnecessary AID is deleted, the correspondence between the actually allocated AID and the order of the bits is destroyed. However, based on the content of the original PVB, the slave device can reconstruct the correspondence. In this way, by deleting the bit string corresponding to the unnecessary AID (AID = 17, 18, and 21 to 23), a bitmap (NPIB) for notifying the information required to trigger multiplexing transmission can be generated. In this way, when the TMB is generated based on the PVB, the data can be compressed.

[0138] Here, the trigger multiplexing method notified by the various methods described above can be used for multiplexing in the exchange of frames (such as Ack and data) after the trigger multiplexing is sent. In addition, as a multiplexing method for exchanging frames after the trigger multiplexing is sent, a multiplexing method different from the trigger multiplexing method can be notified simultaneously with the trigger multiplexing method.

[0139] For example, Figure 7The TMB illustrated in is extended so that in each AID, valid data including information required for triggering multiplexing transmission and information required for the exchange of frames after triggering multiplexing transmission is stored. As used herein, the information required for triggering multiplexing transmission is, for example, the transmission time and specific information described above. In addition, the information required for the exchange of frames after triggering multiplexing transmission is, for example, information about frame transmission timing (e.g., transmission time) and information about the multiplexing method used for the exchange of frames after triggering multiplexing transmission. The information about the multiplexing method is, for example, a frequency channel for frequency multiplexing, or a matrix index number for spatial multiplexing.

[0140] Here, for example, instead of notifying each AID of information required for trigger multiplex transmission, AIDs having the same triggered multiplex transmission information may be grouped and notified of the information. Figure 8 Such an example is illustrated in FIG.

[0141] [Bitmap in which AIDs having the same trigger multiplexing transmission information are grouped]

[0142] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a bitmap transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0143] Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an example of a bitmap in which AIDs having the same trigger multiplexing transmission information (information required for trigger multiplexing transmission) are grouped. Specifically, Figure 8 The diagram illustrates an example in which AID=1 and 7 are a group of AIDs having the same triggered multiplexed transmission information, and AID=5 and 19 are a group of AIDs having the same triggered multiplexed transmission information.

[0144] Here, the maximum number of AIDs is 2008, and 11 bits may be required to indicate this information. In this case, the data size may be comparable to Figure 7 Therefore, for example, in the case where valid data is indicated by 1 octet, it is preferred that the bitmap be used after pre-counting the number of AIDs to be notified of trigger multiplexing transmission and then pre-determining whether the number can be represented by at least 1 or less octets.

[0145] In addition, Figure 5 The various bitmaps described above are extended within the TIM frame format illustrated in FIG. In addition, the various bitmaps described above may be notified using a frame different from the beacon. The frame different from the beacon is, for example, a dedicated frame for notifying the various bitmaps described above, and may be sent immediately after the beacon (e.g., after a short interframe space (SIFS)).

[0146] [Example of communication]

[0147] The following will refer to Figures 9 to 12 and 17 , illustrating an example of communication of data exchanged between a plurality of devices.

[0148] Figures 9 to 12 17 illustrate an example in which the base station 100 serves as a data transmission source, and the slave devices 201 to 203 serve as data transmission destinations. Figures 9 to 12 1 and 17 indicate the time axis. In addition, on the lower side of the time axis corresponding to each slave device, the sleep state of each slave device is indicated by a colored rectangle. In addition, in the case where each slave device is not in the sleep state, it is assumed that each slave device is in the awake state. In addition, on the upper side of the time axis corresponding to the base station 100, the frame sent from the base station 100 is indicated by a hollow rectangle. In addition, on the lower side of the time axis corresponding to each slave device, the frame sent from each slave device is indicated by a hollow rectangle. In addition, the target beacon transmission time (TBTT) is information about the beacon transmission timing.

[0149] In addition, Figures 9 to 12 In the example illustrated in FIG. 17 , it is assumed that both the base station 100 and the slave device notify information about the transmission time and transmission power. Figures 9 to 12 In 17, frames sent at the same time or overlapping frames mean that the frames are multiplexed and sent.

[0150] [Data transmission example]

[0151] Fig. 9 and 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0152] exist Fig. 9 A and Fig.10 In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , slave devices 201 and 202 perform trigger multiplexing transmission. Fig. 9 In b, as a comparative example, an example of normal data transmission is illustrated. Fig. 9 In the examples illustrated in a and b, data delivered to the slave devices 201 and 202 are buffered in the base station 100.

[0153] As in Fig. 9 As shown in the diagram in b, in a case where the slave devices 201 to 203 do not need to communicate, the slave devices can reduce power consumption by switching from an awake state in which normal operations are performed to a sleep state in which signal transmission / reception is not performed.

[0154] In addition, each slave device 201 to 203 in the sleep state is brought into the wake-up state at regular intervals to confirm whether data delivered to the slave device itself is buffered in the base station 100 using a signal from the base station 100. This can be confirmed using a TIM in the beacon 411, for example.

[0155] In this way, in the case where the data delivered to the respective slave devices 201 and 202 are buffered, the slave devices 201 and 202 transmit data request frames (PS-Poll) 412 and 416 to the base station 100. For example, after transmitting the data request frame 412, the slave device 201 receives an ACK 413 in response to the data request frame 412 and receives data 414. Subsequently, after transmitting an ACK 415 in response to the data 414, the slave device 201 resumes the sleep state.

[0156] Note that PS-Poll is information for notifying a wake-up state and a data transmission request. In addition, PS-Poll is information that serves as a trigger for the base station 100 to transmit data to the slave device. Note that PS-Poll may be a frame that notifies the end of a function suspension state, for example.

[0157] Furthermore, for example, after transmitting the data request frame 416, the slave device 202 receives ACK 417 in response to the data request frame 416 and receives data 418. Subsequently, after transmitting ACK 419 in response to the data 418, the slave device 202 resumes the sleep state.

[0158] As in Fig. 9 As shown in the diagram in b, when multiple slave devices request data, there is a possibility that multiple PS-Polls are sent from the multiple slave devices. Therefore, by using a collision avoidance algorithm, multiple PS-Polls can be sent at different timings. However, when multiple PS-Polls are sent at different timings by using a collision avoidance algorithm, time loss occurs.

[0159] For example, when receiving the data request frame 412 from the slave device 201, the base station 100 transmits data 414 in response to the data request frame 412. In this case, during the transmission of the data 414, the slave device 202 cannot transmit, as indicated by the arrow 410. Therefore, it takes a long time for the slave device 202 to recover the sleep state, and the power consumption increases.

[0160] On the other hand, in the embodiment of the present technology, after the base station 100 notifies the slave device of the existence of data using a beacon, multiple slave devices multiplex and transmit triggers (PS-Poll). In this case, the base station 100 can simultaneously receive triggers multiplexed and transmitted from multiple slave devices.

[0161] In addition, when notifying the slave device of the presence of data using a beacon, the base station 100 notifies the slave device of information about the trigger multiplexing method. In addition, multiple slave devices multiplex and transmit triggers immediately after receiving a beacon (eg, after SIFS) without using a collision avoidance algorithm.

[0162] More specifically, as in Fig. 9 As shown in the diagram a, the base station 100 sends a beacon 401 (including Figure 5 403. The base station 100 transmits the triggers 402 and 403 to the slave devices 201 to 203. Subsequently, the slave devices 201 and 202 supporting multiplexing transmission multiplex and transmit triggers 402 and 403. In addition, in response to the triggers 402 and 403, the base station 100 multiplexes Acks 404 and 405 and transmits them to the slave devices 201 and 202. Subsequently, the base station 100 sequentially transmits data 406 and 408 to the slave devices 201 and 202.

[0163] Here, after sending Ack 407 in response to data 406, slave device 201 resumes the sleep state. In addition, after sending Ack 409 in response to data 408, slave device 202 resumes the sleep state. Note that slave device 202 may transition to the sleep state after receiving multiplexed Acks 404 and 405, and may enter the awake state to receive data 408 before sending data 408. Fig.10 , 11 This example is illustrated in etc.

[0164] Fig.10 The diagram illustrates an example in which the base station 100 does not send an Ack in response to triggers from multiple slave devices.

[0165] More specifically, if Fig.10 As shown in the diagram, a plurality of slave devices 201 and 202 multiplex and transmit triggers 422 and 423. In addition, the base station 100 transmits data 424 and 426 to the slave devices 201 and 202 without sending back Ack in response to the triggers 422 and 423.

[0166] Here, after sending Ack 425 in response to data 424, the slave device 201 resumes the sleep state. In addition, the slave device 202 transitions to the sleep state after multiplexing and sending the trigger 423, and enters the awake state before the transmission of data 426 to receive the data 426. Subsequently, after sending Ack 427 in response to data 426, the slave device 202 resumes the sleep state. Note that based on the above-mentioned information required for the exchange of frames after trigger multiplexing transmission (for example, information on frame transmission timing), the timing of the slave device 202 transitioning from the sleep state to the awake state after multiplexing and sending the trigger 423 can be acquired.

[0167] Note that, as described above, it is assumed that the base station 100 confirms in advance whether each slave device supports triggered multiplexing transmission. For example, as a support confirmation at the time of previous association, the base station 100 can confirm whether each slave device supports triggered multiplexing transmission. In addition, for example, as a response to a request from the base station 100, the base station 100 can confirm whether each slave device supports triggered multiplexing transmission. In addition, for example, the base station 100 can confirm whether the slave device supports triggered multiplexing transmission through a spontaneous notification from the slave device.

[0168] Here, as a trigger multiplexing method, for example, frequency multiplexing (eg, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)) or spatial multiplexing may be used.

[0169] In addition, the trigger multiplexing method may be determined based on the slave devices connected to the base station 100. For example, which multiplexing method to use may be determined based on the multiplexing methods supported by the slave devices connected to the base station 100. In addition, the multiplexing method may be determined based on the number of slave devices in the target system that can be simultaneously transmitted by frequency multiplexing or spatial multiplexing and the number of slave devices that perform simultaneous transmission. For example, in a case where the number of slave devices that can be simultaneously transmitted by frequency multiplexing is equal to or greater than the number of slave devices that perform simultaneous transmission, but the number of slave devices that can be simultaneously transmitted by spatial multiplexing is less than the number of slave devices that perform simultaneous transmission, frequency multiplexing is specified as the multiplexing method.

[0170] [Example of trigger multiplexing transmission and Ack multiplexing transmission through frequency multiplexing]

[0171] Fig.11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig.11 The diagram illustrates an example in which trigger multiplexing transmission and Ack multiplexing transmission are performed by frequency multiplexing.

[0172] First, the base station 100 sends the beacon 431 (including Figure 5 433) is sent to the slave devices 201 to 203. Then, the slave devices 201 and 202 supporting multiplexing transmission frequency-multiplex the triggers 432 and 433 for transmission. In addition, the base station 100 responds to the triggers 432 and 433, frequency-multiplexes the Acks 434 and 435, and sends them to the slave devices 201 and 202. Then, the base station 100 sends the data 436 and 438 to the slave devices 201 and 202.

[0173] Here, after sending Ack 437 in response to data 436, slave device 201 resumes the sleep state. In addition, slave device 202 transitions to the sleep state after receiving multiplexed Acks 434 and 435, and enters the awake state before sending data 438 to receive data 438. Subsequently, after sending Ack 439 in response to data 438, slave device 202 resumes the sleep state.

[0174] Notice Fig.11 The diagram illustrates an example in which triggers 432 and 433, and Acks 434 and 435 are multiplexed and transmitted. However, the method of transmitting Ack and data after trigger multiplexing transmission is not limited to Fig.11 For example, data 436 and 438 may also be multiplexed and sent. Fig.12 Such an example is illustrated in FIG. In addition, for example, the multiplexing method of the triggers 432 and 433 and the multiplexing method of the Acks 434 and 435 may be different from each other.

[0175] [Examples of trigger multiplexing transmission, Ack multiplexing transmission, and data multiplexing transmission by frequency multiplexing]

[0176] Fig.12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig.12 The diagram illustrates an example in which trigger multiplexing transmission, Ack multiplexing transmission, and data multiplexing transmission are performed by frequency multiplexing.

[0177] First, the base station 100 sends the beacon 441 (including Figure 5 The base station 100 transmits the triggers 442 and 443 to the slave devices 201 to 203. Then, the slave devices 201 and 202 supporting multiplexing transmission frequency-multiplex the triggers 442 and 443 for transmission. In addition, the base station 100 frequency-multiplexes the Acks 444 and 445 in response to the triggers 442 and 443 and transmits them to the slave devices 201 and 202.

[0178] Then, the base station 100 frequency-multiplexes the data 446 and 447 and transmits them to the slave devices 201 and 202. Then, the slave devices 201 and 202 frequency-multiplex the Acks 448 and 449 in response to the data 446 and 447 and transmit them to the base station 100.

[0179] Here, the multiplexing method used for each piece of data (Ack 444 and 445, data 446 and 447, and Ack 448 and 449) after the multiplexed transmission of triggers 442 and 443 will be described. The multiplexing method used for each piece of data after the multiplexed transmission of triggers 442 and 443 may be a frequency multiplexing method similar to the multiplexing method used for triggers 442 and 443, or a frequency multiplexing method different from the multiplexing method used for triggers 442 and 443. In this way, in the case where the multiplexing method is different from the multiplexing method used for triggers 442 and 443, the different multiplexing method is notified to each slave device by the above-mentioned information required for the exchange of frames after triggering the multiplexed transmission.

[0180] In this way, the Ack and data after the trigger multiplexing transmission can be frequency multiplexed based on the frequency multiplexing method notified together with the information required for the trigger multiplexing transmission, or based on the frequency multiplexing method notified separately.

[0181] [Example of spatial multiplexing transmission]

[0182] Here, a matrix and a matrix index number used for spatial multiplexing transmission will be described. In addition, in the example described here, as shown in the following equation 1, a coding matrix including 4 rows and 4 columns is used.

[0183] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0184]

[0185] For example, in the case where triggers from n slave devices are spatially multiplexed, a coding matrix including n columns and n rows is prepared as information known to both the base station and the slave devices. However, in the case where each slave device utilizes a plurality of spatial streams, a value obtained based on the number of slave devices and the number of spatial streams used by each slave device (the total number of spatial streams used by each slave device) is set as n. In addition, in the case where n is an odd number equal to or greater than 3, an even number greater than the odd number by 1 is set as n.

[0186] In the example described here, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that 4 slave devices are multiplexed and n = 4 is satisfied. An exemplary encoding matrix including 4 rows and 4 columns is shown in Equation 1.

[0187] For example, in the case where each of the two slave devices A and B uses one spatial stream (SSA and SSB), and the other slave device C uses two spatial streams (SSC1 and SSC2), then n=4 is satisfied.

[0188] Furthermore, for example, in the case where one slave device D uses one spatial stream (SSD) and another slave device E uses two spatial streams (SSD1 and SSD2), n = 3 is satisfied. However, in this case, since n is an odd number equal to or greater than 3, an even number (4) greater than the odd number (3) by 1 is set as n, thereby satisfying n = 4.

[0189] In addition, for ease of explanation, a matrix including n columns and n rows is denoted by M, and an element in the i-th row and j-th column is denoted by Mij. For example, M23 indicates an element in the second row and third column.

[0190] In the case where the triggers from 4 slaves are spatially multiplexed, 4 long training fields (LTFs) 1 to 4, or the first to fourth LTFs, are added to the header of each triggered frame. These 4 LTFs are common to all slaves and are also known to the base station. Among the 4 slaves, one slave is assigned the i-th row of the M matrix. In this case, the assigned i-th row includes 4 elements, and the 4 LTFs 1 to 4, or the first to fourth LTFs, are multiplied by the 4 elements (Mi1 to Mi4), or the first to fourth elements, in this order.

[0191] Similarly, other slave devices are assigned different rows, and the corresponding LTFs are multiplied by the respective elements in a similar manner.

[0192] exist Fig.13 In the example illustrated in , the LTF and the encoding matrix are multiplied under the assumption that the slave devices 211 to 214 act as 4 slave devices.

[0193] [Example of coded frame for spatial multiplexing transmission]

[0194] Fig.13 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0195] exist Fig.13 , R1 to R4 indicate received signals in the base station 100, and indicate received signals in time slots corresponding to the first to fourth LTFs. In short, Rn means a received signal of the base station 100 in the nth time slot. In addition, H indicates a channel matrix from the slave devices 211 to 214 to the base station 100.

[0196] Here, by adding or subtracting the four received signals R1 to R4, the base station 100 can independently separate the channel matrix H into individual elements. In addition, by multiplying the received signal by the inverse matrix of the separated channel matrix, the base station 100 can extract the original signal. In this regard, Fig.14 The diagram illustrates the process of independently separating the channel matrix H into its individual elements.

[0197] [Example of separating the channel matrix into its individual elements independently]

[0198] Fig.14 is a diagram illustrating a process of independently separating a channel matrix into individual elements by the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0199] In this manner, by notifying each slave device of the row number of the coding matrix, the base station 100 can perform spatial multiplexing. For example, the base station 100 notifies the row number as the matrix index number and as the multiplexing method information.

[0200] In addition, matrix index numbers are assigned not only to each slave device, but also to each spatial stream used by each slave device. For example, assume that each of two slave devices A and B uses one spatial stream (SSA and SSB), and one slave device C uses two spatial streams (SSC1 and SSC2). In this case, matrix index numbers are assigned to SSA, SSB, SSC1, and SSC2. In other words, slave device C is assigned a total of two matrix index numbers.

[0201] In addition, in the case where the number of spatial streams used for spatial multiplexing is an odd number equal to or greater than 3, the encoded LTF is provided so that the number of encoded LTFs is equal to an even number greater than the odd number by 1. In this case, since the matrix index number is greater than the number of spatial streams by 1, the remaining 1 matrix index number remains unassigned to any spatial stream. In this way, a portion of the coding matrix is ​​lost. However, if the number of rows of the coding matrix information that can be received by the base station 100 is equal to the number of spatial streams, the base station 100 can extract the signal.

[0202] In addition, as Fig.13 The frame illustrated in FIG. 4 may be used to notify a slave device that does not understand the triggered multiplexed transmission function that it does not understand the triggered multiplexed transmission function. Fig.15 and 16 An example configuration of such a frame is illustrated in FIG.

[0203] [Example configuration of frame]

[0204] Fig.15 and 16 Each is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a frame transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0205] Fig.15 An example coded LTF frame is illustrated in which a configuration of a High Throughput (HT)-Hybrid format Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) Protocol Data Unit (PPDU) specified in IEEE 802.11 is employed.

[0206] exist Fig.15 In the HT-LTF, the encoded LTF corresponds to the respective parts indicated by the data HT-LTF (321) and the extended HT-LTF (322).

[0207] Fig.16 An exemplary coded LTF frame is illustrated in which a configuration of the HT-greenfield format PPDU specified in IEEE 802.11 is employed.

[0208] exist Fig.16 In the HT-LTF, the encoded LTF corresponds to the respective parts indicated by the data HT-LTF (331) and the extended HT-LTF (332).

[0209] [Example of trigger multiplexing transmission by spatial multiplexing]

[0210] Fig.17 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig.17 The diagram illustrates an example in which triggered multiplexing transmission is performed by spatial multiplexing.

[0211] Fig.17 In FIG. 4 , each rectangle 452 and 454 indicating a frame means a long training field (LTF) including n fields containing partial information of a matrix including n columns and n rows corresponding to the number n of slave devices for multiplexing.

[0212] First, the base station 100 sends the beacon 451 (including Figure 5 4. The TIM illustrated in FIG. 4 is sent to the slave devices 201 to 203. Subsequently, the slave devices 201 and 202 supporting multiplexed transmission spatially multiplex and send triggers 452 to 455 including nLTFs.

[0213] Here, in the case of sending Ack or data from the base station 100 to multiple slave devices, the Ack or data can be multiplexed and sent using another method instead of being spatially multiplexed and sent. For example, the base station 100 responds to triggers 452 to 455, performs frequency multiplexing on Acks 456 and 457, and sends them to the slave devices 201 and 202.

[0214] Then, the base station 100 transmits data 458 and 460 to the slave devices 201 and 202. Then, in response to the data 458 and 460, the slave devices 201 and 202 transmit Acks 459 and 461 to the base station 100. Note that part or all of the frames (e.g., Ack and data) after the trigger may be multiplexed and transmitted as described above.

[0215] exist Figures 9 to 12 In the example illustrated in FIG. 17 , the method of sending a frame (eg, Ack and data) after the multiplexed trigger is not limited to Figures 9 to 12 17. For example, in the case of an Ack from the base station 100 in response to a trigger from a slave device, the Ack may be sequentially and continuously sent to one or more slave devices, or the Acks delivered to a plurality of different slave devices may be concatenated for transmission. Alternatively, the Ack may be subjected to frequency multiplexing or spatial multiplexing for transmission, the Ack may be sent in response to an Ack request, or a frame including information indicating that the Ack is delivered to a plurality of slave devices may be sent.

[0216] In addition, in the case of a frame including information indicating that Ack is delivered to a plurality of slave devices, one or more slave devices may request transmission using the frame. Fig.18 Illustrate an example of a frame including information indicating that an Ack is delivered to multiple slave devices.

[0217] [Example of a frame including information indicating that Ack is delivered to a plurality of slave devices]

[0218] Fig.18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a frame transmitted from the base station 100 to a slave device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0219] Fig.18 The frame illustrated in FIG. 3 includes frame control 331 , duration / ID 332 , receiver address (RA) 333 , transmitter address (TA) 334 , BA control 335 , BA information 336 , AID 337 , and ACK / BA 338 .

[0220] The frame control 331 contains information indicating that the frame includes information indicating that Ack is delivered to a plurality of slave devices.

[0221] Duration / ID 332 contains information indicating the duration of the frame.

[0222] The RA 333 may include information indicating the address of the destination device. In this case, information indicating that the Ack is delivered to a plurality of slave devices may be included.

[0223] The TA 334 contains information indicating the address of the transmission source device.

[0224] BA Control 335 contains information about the frame (eg, an identifier of the frame).

[0225] The BA information 336 includes at least an AID 337 as the destination of the Ack and a field indicating Ack / BA (ACK / BA 338). Fig.18As shown in the diagram, in the BA information 336, a field indicating at least an AID may be repeatedly arranged such that the number of repetitions is equal to the number of AIDs.

[0226] Here, the timing of performing frequency multiplexing communication (eg, OFDMA) or spatial multiplexing communication will be described. In the case of performing frequency multiplexing communication or spatial multiplexing communication, for example, it is preferable to perform frequency multiplexing communication or spatial multiplexing communication immediately after the function suspension state is released.

[0227] For example, it is assumed that the previous state is not a function suspension state but a normal state. In this case, how many data delivered to the plurality of slave devices are buffered in the base station 100 at a certain time is determined based on the probability of delivering the data delivered to the respective slave devices from the upper layer of the base station 100 corresponding to the respective traffic. Therefore, the efficiency of using multiplexing for the plurality of slave devices varies with the traffic conditions. In another case, by inserting unnecessary delays, the data delivered to the plurality of slave devices does not need to be buffered, but this results in low efficiency.

[0228] However, immediately after each slave device releases the function suspension state, data delivered to each slave device that was in the function suspension state is generally buffered in the base station 100. Therefore, immediately after the function suspension state, the possibility that data delivered to multiple slave devices is buffered is high, and it can be considered that efficiency is improved by means of multiplexing.

[0229] [Communication example in which slave devices with multiplexing functions and conventional devices coexist]

[0230] Fig.19 is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow of data exchanged between devices according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig.19 The diagram illustrates an example in which slave devices with multiplexing functions and legacy devices coexist. Specifically, Fig.19 The diagram illustrates an example in which the slave device 203 is a slave device (conventional device) that does not have a trigger multiplexing transmission function. Fig.19 In FIG. 1 , the random backoff period is schematically indicated by a plurality of oblique squares.

[0231] First, the base station 100 sends the beacon 471 (including Figure 5 472 and 473. In addition, the base station 100 multiplexes Acks 474 and 475 in response to the triggers 472 and 473 and sends them to the slave devices 201 and 202.

[0232] In this way, multiplexed triggers 472 and 473 are sent immediately after reception of the beacon (eg, after a SIFS) without using a collision avoidance algorithm (random backoff).

[0233] Then, the base station 100 transmits data 476 and 478 to the slave devices 201 and 202. Then, in response to the data 476 and 478, the slave devices 201 and 202 transmit Acks 477 and 479 to the base station 100.

[0234] In addition, the slave device 203, which is a legacy device, uses a collision avoidance algorithm (random backoff 480 and 481) to send a trigger (PS-Poll) 482. Specifically, the slave device 203 sends a trigger (PS-Poll) 482 after a predetermined period of time (distributed interframe space (DIFS) (>SIFS) + random backoff) has passed after the reception of the beacon.

[0235] In this way, the slave devices 201 and 202 with the trigger multiplexing transmission function multiplex and transmit triggers 472 and 473 immediately after receiving the beacon (for example, after SIFS) without using the collision avoidance algorithm (random backoff). On the other hand, the slave device 203 as a traditional device uses the collision avoidance algorithm (random backoff 480 and 481) to transmit the trigger 482.

[0236] Therefore, the slave device with the trigger multiplexing transmission function can start the exchange of frames with priority. In addition, the conventional device can start the exchange of frames after the exchange of frames of the slave device with the multiplexing function.

[0237] [Base station operation example]

[0238] Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a data transmission process of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0239] It is assumed that the base station 100 receives information about the period (function suspension period) during which the slave device is in the function suspension state from the slave device regularly or irregularly. In addition, it is assumed that the control unit 160 of the base station 100 sequentially receives data delivered to the slave device in the function suspension state from the upper layer.

[0240] First, the control unit 160 of the base station 100 determines whether it is time to transmit a beacon (step S801). If it is not time to transmit a beacon (step S801), monitoring is continued.

[0241] When it is time to transmit a beacon (step S801 ), the control unit 160 determines whether data delivered to a slave device supporting trigger multiplexing is buffered (step S802 ).

[0242] In the case where data delivered to the slave device supporting trigger multiplexing is buffered (step S802), the control unit 160 sends information required for trigger multiplexing transmission to the slave device (step S803). Here, the information required for trigger multiplexing transmission is, for example, the transmission time and the multiplexing method. Note that steps S801 to S803 are examples of the control steps of notification described in the claims.

[0243] Then, the control unit 160 receives the multiplexed trigger from each slave device to which the information required for trigger multiplexed transmission has been transmitted (step S804). Then, the control unit 160 determines whether the setting specifies that Ack is to be multiplexed transmitted (step S805).

[0244] When the setting specifies that Ack is to be multiplexed and sent (step S805), the control unit 160 determines whether the multiplexing method for Ack has been notified to each slave device (step S806). When the multiplexing method for Ack has been notified to each slave device (step S806), the control unit 160 multiplexes and sends Ack using the multiplexing method for Ack notified to each slave device (step S807).

[0245] In the case where the multiplexing method for Ack has not been notified to each slave device (step S806), the control unit 160 determines whether the setting specifies that Ack is to be multiplexed and sent using the same method as the multiplexing method for triggering multiplexed transmission (step S808). Note that the multiplexing method for triggering multiplexed transmission has been notified to each slave device as information required for triggering multiplexed transmission. In addition, for example, in the case where the multiplexing method for triggering multiplexed transmission is frequency multiplexing, the multiplexing method for Ack multiplexed transmission can be the same frequency multiplexing.

[0246] In the case where the setting specifies that Ack is multiplexed and transmitted using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission (step S808), the control unit 160 multiplexes and transmits Ack using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission (step S807).

[0247] In the case where the setting does not specify to multiplex and send Ack using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger the multiplexing transmission (step S808), the control unit 160 multiplexes and sends Ack using a method different from the multiplexing method used to trigger the multiplexing transmission (step S810). For example, the control unit 160 may multiplex and send Ack using a multiplexing method that implicitly expects the slave device to be able to receive Ack.

[0248] When it is set that multiplexing is not designated and Ack is transmitted (step S805), the control unit 160 transmits Ack without performing multiplexing (step S811).

[0249] In the case where the data delivered to the slave device supporting trigger multiplexing is not buffered (step S802), the control unit 160 performs normal trigger processing (step S812).

[0250] After the Ack transmission process (steps S807, S809, S810 and S811) is performed, or after the trigger process of the bed cabinet is performed (step S812), the frame transmission process (step S820) is performed. Fig.21 Detailed description.

[0251] Then, the control unit 160 determines whether there is data delivered to a slave device that does not support trigger multiplexing (step S813). Then, if there is data delivered to a slave device that does not support trigger multiplexing (step S813), the process returns to step S812 and performs normal trigger processing.

[0252] In the case where there is no data delivered to the slave device that does not support trigger multiplexing (step S813), the operation of the data transmission process is terminated.

[0253] [Example of frame transmission processing]

[0254] Fig.21 is a diagram illustrating a frame transmission process of a data transmission process of the base station 100 according to an embodiment of the present technology ( Fig. 20 Flowchart of an example of step S820) illustrated in FIG.

[0255] First, the control unit 160 determines whether the setting specifies that data is to be multiplexed and transmitted (step S821). If the setting specifies that data is to be multiplexed and transmitted (step S821), the control unit 160 determines whether the multiplexing method for data has been notified to each slave device (step S822).

[0256] In the case where the multiplexing method for data has been notified to each slave device (step S822), the control unit 160 multiplexes and transmits the data using the multiplexing method for data notified to each slave device (step S823).

[0257] In the case where the multiplexing method for data has not been notified to each slave device (step S822), the control unit 160 determines whether the setting specifies that the data is to be multiplexed and transmitted using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission (step S824). Note that the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission has been notified to each slave device as information required for triggering multiplexed transmission.

[0258] When the setting specifies that data is multiplexed and transmitted using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission (step S824), the control unit 160 multiplexes and transmits the data using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission (step S825).

[0259] In the case where the setting does not specify to multiplex and transmit data using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger the multiplexed transmission (step S824), the control unit 160 multiplexes and transmits the data using a method different from the multiplexing method used to trigger the multiplexed transmission (step S826). For example, the control unit 160 may multiplex and transmit the data using a multiplexing method by which the slave device is expected to be able to receive data by default.

[0260] In the case where the setting does not specify that the data is to be multiplexed and transmitted (step S821), the control unit 160 transmits the data without multiplexing (step S827).

[0261] After performing the data transmission process (steps S823 and S825 to S827), the control unit 160 receives Ack in response to the transmitted data from each slave device (step S828).

[0262] Here, in the case where it is difficult to notify the Ack multiplexing method in advance, or in the case where the overhead corresponding to the information cannot be tolerated, it is desirable to use a frame that can be received even without prior notification (for example, Fig.18 Frames shown in the diagram).

[0263] [Operation example of slave device]

[0264] Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of a data reception process of the slave device 201 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Fig. 22 The diagram illustrates an example in which the slave device 201 is initially in a sleep state.

[0265] First, the control unit of the slave device 201 (corresponding to Figure 2 The control unit 160 illustrated in FIG. 8 determines whether it is time to switch to the awake state (step S831). If it is not time to switch to the awake state (step S831), monitoring is continued.

[0266] If it is time to transition to the awake state (step S831), the slave device 201 transitions to the awake state, and the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether a beacon has been received (step S832). If a beacon has not been received (step S832), the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether it is time to transition to the sleep state (step S833).

[0267] If it is time to transition to the sleep state (step S833), the slave device 201 transitions to the sleep state (step S839). If it is not time to transition to the sleep state (step S833), the process returns to step S832.

[0268] In the case where a beacon has been received (step S832), the control unit of the slave device 201 generates a signal based on the information (for example, Figure 6 100), it is determined whether the data delivered to the slave device 201 itself is cached in the base station 100 (step S834). In the case where the data delivered to the slave device 201 itself is not cached in the base station 100 (step S834), the process proceeds to step S839. Note that in the case where the data delivered to the slave device 201 itself is not cached in the base station 100 (step S834), the process may proceed to step S839 at the timing of transition to the sleep state.

[0269] In the case where the data delivered to the slave device 201 itself is buffered in the base station 100 (step S834), the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether the information required for triggering multiplexed transmission is included in the received beacon (step S835). In the case where the information required for triggering multiplexed transmission is included in the received beacon (step S835), the control unit of the slave device 201 multiplexes the trigger based on the information required for triggering multiplexed transmission, and sends the multiplexed trigger to the base station 100 (step S836). Note that steps S831 to S836 are examples of control steps for transmission described in the claims.

[0270] Then, frame reception processing is performed (step S840). The frame reception processing will refer to Fig.23 Detailed description.

[0271] Then, the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether it is time to shift to the sleep state (step S838). If it is not time to shift to the sleep state (step S838), monitoring is continued.

[0272] In a case where it is time to transition to the sleep state (step S838), the slave device transitions to the sleep state (step S839).

[0273] Furthermore, in the case where the information required to trigger multiplexed transmission is not included in the received beacon (step S835), the control unit of the slave device 201 performs normal trigger transmission processing and normal frame exchange processing (step S837), and the processing proceeds to step S838.

[0274] [Example of frame reception processing]

[0275] Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating a frame reception process ( Fig. 22 Flowchart of an example of step S840) illustrated in FIG.

[0276] First, the control unit of the slave device 201 receives Ack and data from the base station 100 (step S841).

[0277] Subsequently, the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether the setting specifies that Ack is to be multiplexed and sent in response to the received data (step S842). In the case where the setting specifies that Ack is to be multiplexed and sent (step S842), the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether the information required for Ack multiplexed transmission has been received (step S843). For example, the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether the information required for Ack multiplexed transmission is included in the received beacon (step S843).

[0278] Upon receiving the information required for Ack multiplexing transmission (step S843), the control unit of the slave device 201 multiplexes Ack based on the information required for Ack multiplexing transmission, and transmits the multiplexed Ack to the base station 100 (step S844).

[0279] In the case where the information required for Ack multiplexing transmission is not received (step S843), the control unit of the slave device 201 determines whether the setting specifies that Ack is to be multiplexed and transmitted using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexing transmission (step S845). Note that the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexing transmission has been notified to each slave device as the information required for triggering multiplexing transmission.

[0280] When it is set to specify that Ack is to be multiplexed and sent using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission (step S845), the control unit of the slave device 201 multiplexes and sends Ack using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexed transmission (step S846).

[0281] When the setting does not specify that Ack is to be multiplexed and sent using the same method as the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexing transmission (step S845), the control unit of the slave device 201 multiplexes and sends Ack using a method different from the multiplexing method used to trigger multiplexing transmission (step S847).

[0282] When the setting does not specify that Ack is to be multiplexed and transmitted (step S842), the control unit of the slave device 201 transmits Ack without performing multiplexing (step S848).

[0283] Here, in Fig.23 In the Ack multiplexing method shown in the diagram, generally by utilizing a method of prior notification, or by utilizing the same multiplexing method as trigger multiplexing, multiplexed communication can be performed without going through the coordination process with multiple slave devices again.

[0284] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present technology, by multiplexing triggers such as PS-Poll, it is possible to reduce the time loss caused by the conflict avoidance algorithm and the time loss caused by the communication performed by one slave device causing the communication failure in another slave device. As a result, it is possible to increase the time that the slave device is in a function suspension state including a sleep state, and it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[0285] Furthermore, for example, by utilizing multiplexing immediately after the function suspension state is released, multiplexed communication can be performed efficiently.

[0286] In addition, information required for multiplexing triggers such as PS-Poll can be efficiently communicated.

[0287] In addition, the base station 100 and the slave devices 201 to 203 according to the embodiment of the present technology can be applied to devices used in various fields. For example, they can be applied to wireless devices used in cars (e.g., car navigation devices and smart phones). In addition, for example, they can be applied to learning devices used in the field of education (e.g., tablet terminals). In addition, for example, they can be applied to wireless devices used in the field of agriculture (e.g., terminals of livestock management systems). Similarly, for example, they can be applied to various wireless devices used in the field of sports, the field of medicine, etc.

[0288] <2. Application Examples>

[0289] The technology disclosed in the present invention can be applied to various products. For example, the base station 100 and the slave devices 201 to 203 can be implemented as a mobile terminal (such as a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a notebook PC, a portable game terminal, or a digital camera), a fixed terminal (such as a TV, a printer, a digital scanner or a network storage device), or a vehicle-mounted terminal (such as a car navigation device). In addition, the base station 100 and the slave devices 201 to 203 can be implemented as a terminal for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication (also referred to as a machine type communication (MTC) terminal), such as a smart meter, a vending machine, a remote monitoring device, or a point of sale (POS) terminal. In addition, the base station 100 and the slave devices 201 to 203 can be wireless communication modules (for example, an integrated circuit module including a die) installed in each of these terminals.

[0290] On the other hand, for example, the base station 100 may be implemented as a wireless LAN access point (also referred to as a wireless base station) with or without a router function. In addition, the base station 100 may be implemented as a mobile wireless LAN router. In addition, the base station 100 may be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module including one die) installed in each of these devices.

[0291] [2-1. First application example]

[0292] Fig.24 900 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone 900 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage device 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.

[0293] 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 a random access memory (RAM) and a read-only memory (ROM), and stores programs executed by the processor 901 and data. The storage device 903 may include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a memory card or a universal serial bus (USB) device to the smartphone 900.

[0294] The camera 906 has, for example, an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and generates a captured image. The sensor 907 may include, for example, a group of sensors such as a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The microphone 908 converts the sound input to the smart phone 900 into an audio signal. The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor, a keypad, a keyboard, a button, a switch, etc. that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 910, and receives an 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, and displays an output image of the smart phone 900. The speaker 911 converts an audio signal output from the smart phone 900 into sound.

[0295] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac and 11ad, and performs wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 913 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in an infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface 913 can communicate directly with other devices in an ad-hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct. Note that in Wi-Fi Direct, unlike the ad hoc mode, one of the two communication terminals acts as an access point, but communication is performed directly between these terminals. The wireless communication interface 913 may generally include a baseband processor, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a power amplifier, etc. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a single-chip module in which a memory storing a communication control program, a processor executing the program, and related circuits are integrated. In addition to the wireless LAN method, the wireless communication interface 913 may also support other types of wireless communication methods, such as a near-field wireless communication method, a proximity wireless communication method, or a cellular communication method. The antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of the antenna 915 between a plurality of circuits (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication methods) included in the wireless communication interface 913. The antenna 915 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., a plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna), and is used by the wireless communication interface 913 for transmission and reception of wireless signals.

[0296] Note that the smartphone 900 is not limited to Fig.24 , and may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an antenna for a wireless LAN, an antenna for a proximity wireless communication method, etc.). In this case, the antenna switch 914 may be removed from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0297] The bus 917 connects the processor 901, the memory 902, the storage device 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. The battery 918 is connected to the power supply line indicated by the dashed line in the figure. Fig.24 The auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900 in the sleep mode, for example.

[0298] exist Fig.24 In the smart phone 900 illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 The illustrated control unit 160 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. In addition, at least a portion of these functions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919. For example, by triggering the execution of multiplexed transmission, the power consumption of the battery 918 may be reduced.

[0299] Note that the processor 901 may execute an access point function at the application layer to cause the smartphone 900 to function as a wireless access point (software AP). Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 913 may have a wireless access point function.

[0300] [2-2. Second application example]

[0301] Fig.25 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device 920 to which the technology according to 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.

[0302] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or an SoC, and controls a navigation function and other functions of the car navigation device 920. The memory 922 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs executed by the processor 921 and data.

[0303] The GPS module 924 measures the position (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the car navigation device 920 using GPS signals received from GPS satellites. The sensor 925 may include, for example, a group of sensors such as a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an air pressure sensor. The data interface 926 is connected to the vehicle network 941, for example, through a terminal (not shown), and acquires data generated on the vehicle side, such as vehicle speed data.

[0304] The content player 927 reproduces the content stored in the storage medium (e.g., CD or DVD) inserted in the storage medium interface 928. The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor, a button, a switch, etc. that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 930, and receives an operation or information input from a user. The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or OLED display, and displays an image of a navigation function or a reproduced content. The speaker 931 outputs the sound of the navigation function or the reproduced content.

[0305] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more of the wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac and 11ad, and performs wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 933 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in an infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface 933 can communicate directly with other devices in an ad-hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct. The wireless communication interface 933 may generally include a baseband processor, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a power amplifier, etc. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a single-chip module in which a memory storing a communication control program, a processor executing the program, and related circuits are integrated. In addition to the wireless LAN mode, the wireless communication interface 933 may also support other types of wireless communication methods, such as a near-field wireless communication method, a proximity wireless communication method, or a cellular communication method. The antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 between multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933. The antenna 935 has one or more antenna elements and is used by the wireless communication interface 933 for sending and receiving wireless signals.

[0306] Note that the car navigation device 920 is not limited to Fig.25 , and may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, the antenna switch 934 may be removed from the configuration of the car navigation device 920.

[0307] The battery 938 is connected to the power supply line indicated by the dashed line in the figure. Fig.25 Each block of the car navigation device 920 illustrated in FIG. 9 is supplied with power. In addition, the battery 938 accumulates power supplied from the vehicle side.

[0308] exist Fig.25 In the car navigation device 920 illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 The illustrated control unit 160 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. In addition, at least a portion of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.

[0309] In addition, the wireless communication interface 933 can function as the above-mentioned base station 100 to provide wireless connection to a terminal carried by a user riding in a vehicle.

[0310] In addition, the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more of the blocks of the above-mentioned car navigation device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed, engine speed, or fault information, and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941.

[0311] [2-3. Third application example]

[0312] Fig.26 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless access point 950 to which the technology according to 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.

[0313] The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), and runs various functions (e.g., access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, log management, etc.) of the Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers of the wireless access point 950. The memory 952 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs to be executed by the controller 951 and various control data (e.g., a terminal list, a routing table, an encryption key, a security setting, a log, etc.).

[0314] The input device 954 includes, for example, a button, a switch, etc., and receives an operation from a user. The display device 955 includes, for example, an LED light, and displays the working status of the wireless access point 950 .

[0315] The network interface 957 is a wired communication interface that allows the wireless access point 950 to connect to the wired communication network 958. The network interface 957 may have a plurality of connection terminals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or a wide area network (WAN).

[0316] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and provides wireless connection to nearby terminals as an access point. The wireless communication interface 963 may generally include a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, etc. The wireless communication interface 963 may be a single-chip module in which a memory storing a communication control program, a processor executing the program, and related circuits are integrated. The antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of the antenna 965 between multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963. The antenna 965 has one or more antenna elements and is used by the wireless communication interface 963 for sending and receiving wireless signals.

[0317] exist Fig.26 In the wireless access point 950 illustrated in FIG. Figure 2 The illustrated control unit 160 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. In addition, at least a portion of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951.

[0318] Note that the above-described embodiments represent examples of implementing the present technology, and matters in the embodiments and matters specifying the present invention in the claims are related to each other. Similarly, matters specifying the present invention in the claims and matters represented by the same names in the embodiments of the present technology are related to each other. However, the present technology is not limited to the embodiments, and the present technology can be implemented by making various types of modifications to the embodiments within the scope that does not depart from the gist of the present technology.

[0319] In addition, the processing procedures described in the above embodiments may be regarded as a method having a series of these procedures, or may be regarded as a program for causing a computer to execute the series of these procedures, or may be regarded as a recording medium storing the program. As the recording medium, for example, a compact disc (CD), a mini disc (MD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a memory card, a Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, etc. may be used.

[0320] Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples, and the effects of the present technology are not limited to these effects. Other effects can also be obtained.

[0321] Note that the present technology may also be configured as follows.

[0322] (1) An information processing device comprising:

[0323] A control unit that controls to notify a first device of a multiplexing method for notification information and the existence of data delivered to the first device, the first device having a multiplexing function for multiplexing and sending data from a plurality of devices including the first device to an information processing device, the notification information indicating that the first device has transitioned from a function pause state to a data receivable state.

[0324] (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein

[0325] The control unit controls to receive the notification information multiplexed and sent by the first device according to the multiplexing method of notification.

[0326] (3) The information processing device according to (2), wherein

[0327] After receiving the notification information, the control unit controls to multiplex data to be transmitted to the first device and transmit the data to the first device.

[0328] (4) The information processing device according to (3), wherein

[0329] The control unit controls to multiplex the data using a multiplexing method that is the same as or different from the notified multiplexing method, and transmits the data to the first device.

[0330] (5) The information processing device according to (4), wherein

[0331] The control unit controls to notify a frequency multiplexing method or a spatial multiplexing method as a multiplexing method, multiplex the data using the same multiplexing method as the notified frequency multiplexing method or spatial multiplexing method, and transmit the data to the first device.

[0332] (6) The information processing device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein

[0333] The control unit controls to notify the first device of a multiplexing method for the data together with a multiplexing method for the notification information.

[0334] (7) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0335] The control unit performs control to notify the first device of information to be used for multiplexed transmission of the notification information together with a multiplexing method for the notification information.

[0336] (8) The information processing device according to (7), wherein

[0337] The control unit notifies the first device of frequency allocation for frequency multiplexing of the notification information or matrix index allocation for spatial multiplexing of the notification information, information about the transmission time for the notification information, and information about the transmission power for the notification information as information to be used for multiplexed transmission of the notification information.

[0338] (9) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

[0339] The control unit notifies the first device using a bitmap generated based on a partial virtual bitmap (PVB).

[0340] (10) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein

[0341] The control unit confirms in advance that the first device has a multiplexing function for the notification information.

[0342] (11) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein

[0343] The control unit notifies the first device at a timing when estimating that the first device has shifted from a function suspended state to a data receivable state.

[0344] (12) The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein

[0345] The control unit notifies the first device using a beacon or another frame transmitted after the beacon.

[0346] (13) An information processing device comprising:

[0347] A control unit that controls, in response to notification of a multiplexing method for notification information by another device, to multiplex the notification information according to the multiplexing method and send the notification information to the other device, the notification information indicating a transition from a function suspended state to a data receivable state.

[0348] (14) The information processing device according to (13), wherein

[0349] The control unit controls to receive multiplexed data transmitted from the another device after transmitting the notification information, and to multiplex and transmit data to be transmitted to the another device after transmitting the notification information.

[0350] (15) The information processing device according to (14), wherein

[0351] The control unit performs control to multiplex the data using a multiplexing method that is the same as or different from the notified multiplexing method and transmits the data to the another device.

[0352] (16) The information processing device according to (15), wherein

[0353] The control unit multiplexes the data using the multiplexing method for the data notified together with the multiplexing method for the notification information, and transmits the data to the another device.

[0354] (17) An information processing method comprising:

[0355] A control step, wherein the control step notifies a first device of a multiplexing method for notification information and the existence of data delivered to the first device, the first device having a multiplexing function for multiplexing and sending data from a plurality of devices including the first device to an information processing device, the notification information indicating that the first device has switched from a function pause state to a data receivable state.

[0356] (18) An information processing method comprising:

[0357] A control step, wherein in response to notification of a multiplexing method for notification information by another device, the notification information is multiplexed according to the multiplexing method and sent to the other device, the notification information indicating a transition from a function suspended state to a data receivable state.

[0358] (19) A program causing a computer to execute:

[0359] A control step, wherein the control step notifies a first device of a multiplexing method for notification information and the existence of data delivered to the first device, the first device having a multiplexing function for multiplexing and sending data from a plurality of devices including the first device to an information processing device, the notification information indicating that the first device has switched from a function pause state to a data receivable state.

[0360] (20) A program causing a computer to execute:

[0361] A control step, wherein in response to notification of a multiplexing method for notification information by another device, the notification information is multiplexed according to the multiplexing method and sent to the other device, the notification information indicating a transition from a function suspended state to a data receivable state.

[0362] (21) A communication system comprising:

[0363] a slave device having a multiplexing function of multiplexing and transmitting data from a plurality of slave devices to a base station, the slave device being configured to respond to a multiplexing method of notification information for indicating a transition from a function suspension state to a data receivable state notified by the base station, multiplex the notification information according to the multiplexing method, and transmit the notification information to the base station; and

[0364] A base station notifies the slave device of a multiplexing method for notification information and the presence of data delivered to the slave device, the notification information indicating that the slave device has shifted from a function suspension state to a data receivable state.

[0365] Reference numerals list

[0366] 10. Communication System

[0367] 100 Base Station (Information Processing Equipment)

[0368] 110 Data processing unit

[0369] 120 signal processing unit

[0370] 130 Interface unit

[0371] 140 Antenna

[0372] 150 storage units

[0373] 160 Control Unit

[0374] 201 to 203 Slave equipment (information processing equipment)

[0375] 900 Smartphone

[0376] 901 Processor

[0377] 902 Memory

[0378] 903 Storage Device

[0379] 904 External connection interface

[0380] 906 Camera

[0381] 907 Sensor

[0382] 908 Microphone

[0383] 909 Input Device

[0384] 910 Display Device

[0385] 911 Speaker

[0386] 913 Wireless Communication Interface

[0387] 914 Antenna Switch

[0388] 915 Antenna

[0389] 917 Bus

[0390] 918 Battery

[0391] 919 Auxiliary Controller

[0392] 920 Car navigation equipment

[0393] 921 processor

[0394] 922 Memory

[0395] 924 GPS Module

[0396] 925 Sensor

[0397] 926 Data Interface

[0398] 927 Content Player

[0399] 928 Storage Media Interface

[0400] 929 Input Devices

[0401] 930 Display Devices

[0402] 931 Speaker

[0403] 933 Wireless Communication Interface

[0404] 934 Antenna Switch

[0405] 935 Antenna

[0406] 938 Battery

[0407] 941 In-vehicle Network

[0408] 942 Vehicle side module

[0409] 950 Wireless Access Point

[0410] 951 Controller

[0411] 952 Memory

[0412] 954 Input Devices

[0413] 955 Display Device

[0414] 957 Network Interface

[0415] 958 Wired Communication Network

[0416] 963 Wireless Communication Interface

[0417] 964 Antenna Switch

[0418] 965 Antenna

Claims

1. An information processing device (100), comprising: The circuit (160) is configured to perform control to: Notifying a plurality of devices (201, 202) configured as slave devices or wireless LAN stations of an uplink multiplexing method for PS-Polls (442, 443) respectively transmitted by the plurality of devices and the presence of downlink data to be transmitted to the plurality of devices by using a frame different from a beacon, the PS-Polls respectively indicating that the plurality of devices have transitioned from a function suspension state to a data receivable state; wherein the frame includes a plurality of first information elements indicating PS-Poll multiplexing transmission information about an uplink multiplexing method and a second information element indicating the presence of downlink data, and the plurality of first information elements are specified so as to combine association identifiers of a plurality of devices having the same first information element among the first information elements; receiving PS-Polls multiplexed using the uplink multiplexing method and respectively sent by the plurality of devices; and After receiving the PS-Poll, multiplexing and transmitting a plurality of downlink data to be transmitted to the plurality of devices using a downlink multiplexing method; and After the plurality of downlink data are transmitted, another plurality of downlink data respectively delivered to the plurality of devices transitioned from the data receivable state to the function suspension state are received from an upper layer.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The circuit is configured to perform control to notify the plurality of devices of a downlink multiplexing method for the plurality of downlink data together with an uplink multiplexing method for PS-Poll.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The circuit is configured to perform control to notify the plurality of devices of information of uplink multiplexing transmission for PS-Poll together with an uplink multiplexing method for PS-Poll.

4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein The circuit is configured to perform control to notify the multiple devices of frequency allocation for frequency multiplexing of PS-Poll or matrix index allocation for spatial multiplexing of PS-Poll, information about transmission time for PS-Poll, and information about transmission power for PS-Poll as information for uplink multiplexing transmission of PS-Poll.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The circuit is configured to perform control to notify the plurality of devices using a bitmap generated based on a partial virtual bitmap (PVB).

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein The circuit is configured to perform control to confirm in advance that each of the plurality of devices has a multiplexing function for PS-Poll.

7. An information processing device (201, 202) configured as a slave device or a wireless LAN station, comprising: The circuit is configured as: receiving a frame transmitted by another device (100) different from a beacon, the frame including information on: an uplink multiplexing method for a plurality of PS-Polls (442, 443) transmitted by the information processing device and one or more information processing devices (201, 202), respectively, and the presence of downlink data to be transmitted to the information processing device and the one or more information processing devices; wherein the frame includes a plurality of first information elements indicating PS-Poll multiplexing transmission information about an uplink multiplexing method and a second information element indicating the presence of downlink data, and the plurality of first information elements are specified so as to combine association identifiers of a plurality of devices having the same first information element among the first information elements; In response to receiving an uplink multiplexing method for the plurality of PS-Polls, indicating a transition from a function suspended state to a data receivable state, performing multiplexing of the PS-Poll with one or more of the plurality of PS-Polls of the one or more information processing devices according to the uplink multiplexing method, and sending the PS-Poll to the other device; and After sending the PS-Poll, receiving from the other device one of the multiple downlink data multiplexed and sent with one or more of the multiple downlink data to be sent to the information processing device and the one or more information processing devices, respectively, using a downlink multiplexing method; and After receiving the one of the plurality of downlink data, control is shifted from the data receivable state to the function suspension state.

8. An information processing method for an information processing device (100), comprising: A control step of notifying a plurality of devices (201, 202) configured as slave devices or wireless LAN stations of an uplink multiplexing method for PS-Polls (442, 443) respectively transmitted by the plurality of devices and the presence of downlink data to be transmitted to the plurality of devices by using a frame different from a beacon, the PS-Polls respectively indicating that the plurality of devices have transitioned from a function suspension state to a data receivable state; wherein the frame includes a plurality of first information elements indicating PS-Poll multiplexing transmission information about an uplink multiplexing method and a second information element indicating the presence of downlink data, and the plurality of first information elements are specified so as to combine association identifiers of a plurality of devices having the same first information element among the first information elements; A step of receiving PS-Polls multiplexed using the uplink multiplexing method and respectively sent by the plurality of devices; After receiving the PS-Poll, a step of multiplexing and transmitting a plurality of downlink data to be transmitted to the plurality of devices using a downlink multiplexing method; and After transmitting the plurality of downlink data, receiving from an upper layer another plurality of downlink data respectively delivered to the plurality of devices transitioned from the data receivable state to the function suspension state.

9. An information processing method for an information processing device (201, 202) configured as a slave device or a wireless LAN station, comprising: The step of receiving a frame transmitted by another device (100) different from the beacon, the frame including information on: an uplink multiplexing method for a plurality of PS-Polls (442, 443) transmitted by the information processing device and one or more information processing devices (201, 202), respectively, and the presence of downlink data to be transmitted to the information processing device and the one or more information processing devices; wherein the frame includes a plurality of first information elements indicating PS-Poll multiplexing transmission information about an uplink multiplexing method and a second information element indicating the presence of downlink data, and the plurality of first information elements are specified so as to combine association identifiers of a plurality of devices having the same first information element among the first information elements; a control step, in response to receiving an uplink multiplexing method for the plurality of PS-Polls, indicating a transition from a function suspended state to a data receivable state, performing multiplexing of the PS-Poll with one or more of the plurality of PS-Polls of the one or more information processing devices according to the uplink multiplexing method, and sending the PS-Poll to the another device; After sending the PS-Poll, a step of receiving, from the other device, one downlink data of the plurality of downlink data multiplexed and sent with one or more of the plurality of downlink data to be sent to the information processing device and the one or more information processing devices, respectively, using a downlink multiplexing method; and After receiving the one of the plurality of downlink data, controlling the step of transitioning from the data receivable state to the function suspension state. 10 . A computer program product, comprising instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the information processing method according to claim 8 .

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