Communication control device and method, and wireless communication device and method

Abstract

The present technology relates to a communication control device and method and a wireless communication device and method that enable retransmission of demodulation-failed data with higher reliability. The communication control device that functions as AP1 causes a first wireless communication device that functions as AP2 to hold a data signal including data, and causes the first wireless communication device to operate to transmit the data signal to a second wireless communication device that functions as STA upon receiving a transmission request. The present technology is applicable to a wireless communication system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to a communication control device and method and a wireless communication device and method, and in particular, to a communication control device and method and a wireless communication device and method that enable retransmission of demodulation-failed data with higher reliability. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the popularity of wireless devices, wireless network congestion has occurred. In a congested wireless network, there is a possibility of communication failure due to communication interference. Generally, in wireless communication, the transmitter retransmits (retransmits) the signal that the receiver failed to receive, and thus the quality of communication is guaranteed.

[0003] It is conceivable that depending on the state of the receiver, the retransmitted signal may not be received and the communication quality cannot be guaranteed. Conceivable examples include a case where the receiver is being interfered with by the transmitter without the knowledge of the transmitter, a case where the receiver has moved away from the transmitter, a case where the transmitter's ability to control the transmission power or the receiver's ability to detect the signal is different from the ability assumed by the transmitter, making the modulation method used for the signal inappropriate, and other cases. In other words, the signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) of the retransmitted signal is insufficient in some cases.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a method of establishing a new communication path and performing communication by using another transmitter in a case where communication through a certain communication path fails in an ad-hoc network in which a plurality of devices are connected to each other.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-151629 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0009] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, when switching the communication path, it is necessary to establish a connection, and overhead is generated in some cases. In addition, it is difficult to cope with dynamic changes.

[0010] The present technology has been developed in view of such a situation, and enables data that has failed to be demodulated to be retransmitted with higher reliability.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] A communication control device of a first aspect of the present technology includes a transmission control unit that causes a first wireless communication device to hold a data signal including data and causes the first wireless communication device to operate to transmit the data signal to a second wireless communication device upon receiving a transmission request.

[0013] A wireless communication device of a second aspect of the present technology includes a transmission unit that holds a data signal including data based on an instruction of a communication control device and transmits the data signal upon receiving a transmission request.

[0014] A wireless communication device according to a third aspect of the present technology includes a demodulator that receives and demodulates a data signal sent from a communication control device, and receives and demodulates at least a portion of information that has not been correctly demodulated in the information included in the data signal sent from at least one of the communication control device and another wireless communication device.

[0015] In a first aspect of the present technology, a data signal including data is held by a first wireless communication device, and the first wireless communication device is caused to operate to transmit the data signal to a second wireless communication device upon receiving a transmission request.

[0016] In a second aspect of the present technology, based on an instruction of a communication control device, a data signal including data is held, and the data signal is transmitted upon receipt of a transmission request.

[0017] In a third aspect of the present technology, a data signal transmitted from a communication control device is received and demodulated. Then, at least a portion of information in the data signal transmitted from at least one of the communication control device or another wireless communication device that has not been correctly demodulated is received and demodulated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a graphic description Figure 1 A diagram of an example of an operation sequence of a wireless communication system.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication device.

[0021] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device functioning as AP1.

[0022] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication process of the wireless communication device functioning as STA1.

[0023] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device functioning as AP2.

[0024] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the operation sequence of the wireless communication system.

[0025] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation sequence of the wireless communication system.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation sequence of the wireless communication system.

[0027] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0028] Fig.11 It is a graphic description Fig.10 A diagram of an example of an operation sequence of a wireless communication system.

[0029] Fig.12 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device functioning as AP1.

[0030] Fig.13 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device functioning as AP2.

[0031] Fig.14 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device functioning as AP3.

[0032] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format configuration used in a data signal.

[0033] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the format of a frame in which an initiation (Initiation) signal is stored.

[0034] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the format of a frame in which a trigger signal is stored.

[0035] Fig.18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following is a description of embodiments of the present technology. The description will be made in the following order.

[0037] 1. First Embodiment (Example of Unconstrained Topology)

[0038] 2. Second Embodiment (Example of Constrained Topology)

[0039] 3. Data configuration

[0040] 4. Others

[0041] <1. First Embodiment (Example of Unconstrained Topology)>

[0042] <Example of Configuration of Wireless Communication System>

[0043] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0044] Figure 1 The wireless communication system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured by connecting a base station AP1 , a base station AP2 , and a terminal STA1 via wireless communication. Figure 1 The wireless communication system 1 is an unconstrained topology wireless communication system in which respective APs operate in cooperation with each other in an autonomous distributed manner.

[0045] In the wireless communication system 1, the terminal STA1 is connected as a slave unit of the base station AP1. The base station AP1 and the base station AP2 have a positional relationship capable of communicating with each other, and the base station AP2 and the terminal STA1 also have a positional relationship capable of communicating with each other. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a solid line indicates a state of connection through wireless communication, and a dotted line indicates a state of a positional relationship capable of mutual communication.

[0046] Note that Figure 1 In the wireless communication system 1, only two base stations are connected. However, in reality, a plurality of base stations greater than or equal to two are connected. Figure 1 In the wireless communication system 1 of FIG. 1 , the base station AP1 is not connected to a terminal, and the base station AP2 is connected to only one terminal. However, in reality, the base station AP1 is also connected to a terminal, and the number of terminals to which the base station AP2 is connected is not limited to one.

[0047] The base station AP1 includes a wireless communication device 11-1. The base station AP2 includes a wireless communication device 11-2. The terminal STA1 includes a wireless communication device 12. Hereinafter, the base stations AP1 and AP2 are simply referred to as AP1 and AP2, and the terminal STA1 is simply referred to as STA1.

[0048] In the case where it is not necessary to distinguish the wireless communication devices 11 - 1 and 11 - 2 from each other, the term “wireless communication device” is used. Note that the wireless communication devices 11 and 12 will be described later.

[0049] AP1 sends an initiation signal to AP2. The initiation signal is a signal for causing AP2 to operate to hold the data signal that AP1 has sent to STA1, and to send the held data signal to STA1 upon receiving a transmission request from AP1.

[0050] After sending the initiation signal, AP1 sends a data signal including data delivered to STA1. When receiving information related to the result indicating the success or failure of demodulation of the data signal sent from STA1, AP1 sends a trigger signal to AP2. The trigger signal is a signal requesting the transmission of data to be retransmitted.

[0051] AP2 receives the initiation signal, receives the data signal based on the received initiation signal, and maintains the data signal. When receiving the trigger signal from AP1, AP2 sends the data signal including the data indicated by the trigger signal and requested to be sent to STA1 based on the trigger signal.

[0052] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device. STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1.

[0053] As described above, in the wireless communication system 1, AP2 is made to hold a data signal including data and to operate to transmit the data signal upon receiving a transmission request, and thus the data is transmitted. In this way, data that has failed to be demodulated on the receiving side can be retransmitted with higher reliability.

[0054] Furthermore, simultaneously with the transmission by AP2, AP1 also transmits data, and thus a diversity gain is obtained, and a high signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) can be obtained on the receiving side.

[0055] <Example of operation sequence>

[0056] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation sequence of the wireless communication system 1 .

[0057] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an operation sequence of AP1 and AP2 acting as a plurality of base stations and STA1 acting as a slave unit connected to AP1.

[0058] At time t1, AP1 sends an initiation signal to AP2. The initiation signal includes retention information for causing AP2 to retain the data signal.

[0059] The retention information may include a retention ID for identifying a data signal (described later) including data to be retained. In addition, the retention information may include information related to the type of data to be retained, or may include information related to the amount of data to be retained. The information related to the amount of data to be retained may be reported using a bit length or a number of bytes, or may be specified using the number of MAC protocol data units (MPDUs). The initiation signal may include information related to the period of time for retaining the data.

[0060] AP2 receives the initiation signal sent from AP1. At this time, AP2 can respond to the initiation signal and send an Ack signal for confirming the transmission.

[0061] After transmitting the initiation signal, at time t2, AP1 transmits a data signal including data delivered to STA1.

[0062] The data signal may be sent within a certain period of time after the initiation signal or the Ack signal, or may be sent after the short interframe space (SIFS) defined by IEEE802.11 has passed. The data signal may include the retention information contained in the initiation signal. In other words, the data signal may include information related to the report indicating the data that needs to be retained, or may include information related to the retention ID reported by the initiation signal. Such retention information may be included in the physical header of the data signal. The data signal may include information related to the amount and type of data included in the data signal, or may include information related to the identifier of STA1.

[0063] The data signal may include instruction information for STA1 to send information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation to both AP1 and AP2. The instruction information may be included in a Phy header of the data signal, or may be included in a MAC header.

[0064] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device.

[0065] Note that when STA1 receives a data signal, AP2 detects the data signal sent from AP1 to STA1 based on the content of the initiation signal, and makes a retention possibility determination to determine whether to retain the detected data signal. AP2 retains the detected data signal according to the result of the retention possibility determination.

[0066] The retention possibility determination may be made based on information related to a report indicating that data included in the data signal needs to be retained, or information related to a retention ID. The retention possibility determination may be made based on whether the data signal includes an identifier of a local device. The retention possibility determination may be made based on information included in a physical header of the data signal. Note that in the case where it has been determined that retention will not be performed, the reception of the data signal may be stopped when the reception of the physical header is terminated.

[0067] Thereafter, at time t3, STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1.

[0068] Information related to success or failure of demodulation may be transmitted to AP2, or may be transmitted to both AP1 and AP2. Information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation may be transmitted as a block ack (BA) signal including a block ack frame defined by IEEE 802.11.

[0069] AP1 receives a BA signal transmitted from STA1. AP1 determines data to be retransmitted in a data signal indicated by the BA signal and failed to be demodulated by STA1. The determination is performed based on information related to an upper limit of the number of retransmissions of data, information related to an allowable delay time, or information related to a discarding deadline. The information related to the upper limit of the number of retransmissions is information indicating an upper limit of the number of retransmissions. The information related to the allowable delay time is information indicating a delay time that can be allowed. The discarding deadline is information indicating a deadline for discarding the retained data.

[0070] AP1 sends a trigger signal to AP2 requesting it to send the data to be resent.

[0071] The trigger signal includes information for causing the data to be retransmitted to be transmitted. The trigger signal includes information identifying the data serving as the target of the transmission request. The information identifying the data may be a sequence number defined by IEEE 802.11. The information identifying the data may include, for example, information related to different data sequences generated from the data, such as hybrid automatic repeat request (ARQ).

[0072] The trigger signal may include information related to the communication mode. The information related to the communication mode is information related to the modulation mode, coding mode, transmission power or precoding.

[0073] The trigger signal may include information related to resources. The information related to resources may include information related to frequency resources, or may include information related to center frequency and frequency bandwidth. The information related to resources may include information related to spatial stream resources, or may include information specifying a specific spatial stream. The information related to resources may include information related to non-orthogonal multiple access resources, or may include information related to transmit power or information related to an interleaving pattern. The information related to resources may include information reporting that the same resource has been previously allocated.

[0074] The trigger signal may include information related to the transmission timing of the data serving as the target of the transmission request.

[0075] AP2 receives the trigger signal sent from AP1. At time t5, AP2, which receives the trigger signal, sends a data signal including the data requested to be sent indicated by the trigger signal to STA1 according to the communication method and resources indicated by the trigger signal. Note that Figure 2 The data (retransmission) shown in the diagram indicates retransmission of the data signal.

[0076] AP2 may send the data signal at the timing indicated by the trigger signal. AP2 may send the data signal after a certain period of time, for example, at the timing indicated by the trigger signal, at the timing of receiving the trigger signal, or at another timing, or may send the data signal after the SIFS defined by IEEE802.11 has passed.

[0077] The data signal may include information reporting that it has been transmitted based on the trigger signal.

[0078] If no trigger signal is received within the data retention period indicated by the initiation signal, AP2 may discard the retained data.

[0079] On the other hand, AP1 that has sent the trigger signal may send a data signal including the data indicated by the trigger signal to STA1. The data signal may be sent if it has been determined that the probability of STA1 successfully receiving the data signal will be increased by sending simultaneously with AP2. The data signal may be sent if it is not confirmed that AP2 holds the data.

[0080] AP1 sends a data signal at the same timing as the trigger signal. The data signal may be sent according to the communication method and resource indicated by the trigger signal. The data signal may include information reporting that a data signal including the same data will be sent from another wireless communication device (AP2) based on the trigger signal.

[0081] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device. Thereafter, at time t6, STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 as, for example, a BA signal.

[0082] AP1 receives the BA signal transmitted from STA1.

[0083] According to the above sequence, data transmitted from AP1 to STA1 and failed to be demodulated by STA1 can be transmitted to STA1 again with higher reliability.

[0084] Furthermore, when the communication environment between AP1 and STA1 deteriorates, transmission can be performed again by using the communication between AP2 and STA1 in a good environment.

[0085] Furthermore, by retransmitting from AP1 and AP2 to STA1 respectively, diversity gain is obtained, and a high SINR can be obtained.

[0086] In addition, AP2 receives and holds the data signal transmitted by AP1 to STA1. Therefore, AP1 and AP2 can simultaneously transmit to STA1 without performing communication for the purpose of sharing, that is, without overhead.

[0087] Note that at the beginning Figure 2 Before the sequence of the present technology, each wireless communication device can perform function correspondence check with each other to check whether the function corresponds to the sequence of the present technology.

[0088] <Example of device configuration>

[0089] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the wireless communication device 11.

[0090] Figure 3 The wireless communication device 11 illustrated in the figure is a device that functions as an AP.

[0091] The wireless communication device 11 includes a control unit 31, a power supply 32, and a communication unit 33. The communication unit 33 may be implemented as an LSI.

[0092] The communication unit 33 transmits and receives data. The communication unit 33 includes a data processing unit 51, a wireless control unit 52, a modulator / demodulator 53, a signal processing unit 54, a channel estimator 55, wireless interface (I / F) units 56-1 to 56-N, amplifiers 57-1 to 57-N, and antennas 58-1 to 58-N.

[0093] Among the wireless I / F units 56-1 to 56-N, the amplifiers 57-1 to 57-N, and the antennas 58-1 to 58-N, the respective units having the same branch number may form a group, and each of one or more groups may serve as a component. Note that the functions of the amplifiers 57-1 to 57-N may be included in the wireless I / F units 56-1 to 56-N.

[0094] Note that in the following, the terms "wireless I / F unit 56", "amplifier 57" and "antenna 58" may be used as appropriate without having to distinguish the wireless I / F units 56-1 to 56-N, the amplifiers 57-1 to 57-N and the antennas 58-1 to 58-N from each other.

[0095] The control unit 31 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), etc. The control unit 31 executes a program stored in the ROM, etc., and controls the power supply 32 and the wireless control unit 52 .

[0096] The power source 32 includes a battery power source or a fixed power source, and supplies power to the entire wireless communication device 11 .

[0097] When transmitting, the data processing unit 51 generates a packet for wireless transmission by using the data supplied from the upper layer. The data processing unit 51 processes the generated packet such as adding a header for medium access control (MAC) or adding an error detection code, and outputs the processed data to the modulator / demodulator 53.

[0098] At the time of reception, the data processing unit 51 performs MAC header analysis, packet error detection, reordering processing, etc. on the data supplied from the modulator / demodulator 53, and outputs the processed data to the upper layer of the local unit.

[0099] The wireless control unit 52 transfers information between the respective units of the wireless communication device 11, and controls the respective units in the communication unit 33. The wireless control unit 52 includes a transmission control unit 61 and a reception control unit 62.

[0100] When transmitting, the transmission control unit 61 sets parameters in the modulator / demodulator 53 and the signal processing unit 54, performs packet scheduling in the data processing unit 51, sets parameters in the wireless I / F unit 56 and the amplifier 57, or controls the transmission power as needed. When receiving, the reception control unit 62 sets parameters in the modulator / demodulator 53 and the signal processing unit 54, or sets parameters in the wireless I / F unit 56 and the amplifier 57 as needed.

[0101] In the case where the wireless communication device 11 is AP1 (wireless communication device 11-1), the transmission control unit 61 controls each unit to transmit an initiation signal to AP2. The transmission control unit 61 controls each unit to transmit a data signal to STA1. The transmission control unit 61 controls each unit to transmit a trigger signal to AP2. The reception control unit 62 controls each unit to receive a BA signal transmitted from STA1.

[0102] In the case where the wireless communication device 11 is AP2 (wireless communication device 11-2), the reception control unit 62 controls each unit to hold the data signal transmitted from AP1 and delivered to STA1, and receives the initiation signal transmitted from AP1. The transmission control unit 61 controls each unit to transmit the held data signal based on the initiation signal.

[0103] Note that at least some of these operations of the wireless control unit 52 may be performed by the control unit 31 instead of the wireless control unit 52. Furthermore, the control unit 31 and the wireless control unit 52 may be configured as a single component.

[0104] When transmitting, the modulator / demodulator 53 encodes, interleaves, and modulates the data supplied from the data processing unit 51 based on the encoding method and modulation method set by the control unit 31, and generates a data symbol stream. The modulator / demodulator 53 outputs the generated data symbol stream to the signal processing unit 54.

[0105] Upon reception, the modulator / demodulator 53 outputs data obtained as a result of demodulating, deinterleaving, and decoding the data symbol stream supplied from the signal processing unit 54 to the data processing unit 51 or the wireless control unit 52 .

[0106] When transmitting, the signal processing unit 54 performs signal processing for spatial separation on the data symbol stream supplied from the modulator / demodulator 53 as necessary, and outputs one or more transmission symbol streams obtained as a result of the signal processing to each wireless I / F unit 56 .

[0107] At the time of reception, the signal processing unit 54 performs signal processing on the reception symbol streams supplied from the respective wireless I / F units 56. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 54 performs spatial separation on the streams as necessary, and outputs the data symbol streams obtained as a result of the spatial separation to the modulator / demodulator 53.

[0108] The channel estimator 55 calculates complex channel gain information indicating the complex channel gain of the propagation path based on the preamble code part and the training signal part of the received symbol stream supplied from each wireless I / F unit 56. The complex channel gain information is supplied to the modulator / demodulator 53 and the signal processing unit 54 via the wireless control unit 52, and is used for the demodulation processing in the modulator / demodulator 53 and the spatial separation processing in the signal processing unit 54.

[0109] During transmission, the wireless I / F unit 56 converts the transmission symbol stream from the signal processing unit 54 into an analog signal, performs filtering, up-conversion to a carrier frequency, and phase control, and outputs the analog signal after phase control to the amplifier 57 .

[0110] Upon reception, the wireless I / F unit 56 performs phase control, down-conversion, and inverse filtering on the analog signal supplied from the amplifier 57 , and outputs a received symbol stream obtained as a result of conversion into a digital signal to the signal processing unit 54 and the channel estimator 55 .

[0111] When transmitting, the amplifier 57 amplifies the analog signal supplied from the wireless I / F unit 56 to a predetermined power, and outputs the power-amplified analog signal to the antenna 58. When receiving, the amplifier 57 amplifies the analog signal supplied from the antenna 58 to a predetermined power, and outputs the power-amplified analog signal to the wireless I / F unit 56.

[0112] The wireless I / F unit 56 may include at least some of the functions of at least transmission or reception among the functions of the amplifier 57. At least some of the functions of at least transmission or reception among the functions of the amplifier 57 may be provided as a component outside the communication unit 33.

[0113] Note that the configuration of the wireless communication device 12 functioning as STA1 is a configuration basically similar to that of the wireless communication device 11. Hereinafter, the configuration of the wireless communication device 12 is explained by appropriately citing the configuration of the wireless communication device 11.

[0114] In explaining the configuration of the wireless communication device 12, the reception control unit 62 controls each unit to receive and demodulate a data signal transmitted from the AP 1. The transmission control unit 61 controls each unit to transmit information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to the AP 1 as a BA signal.

[0115] <Processing of Wireless Communication Device 11-1 (AP1)>

[0116] Figure 4 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11 - 1 functioning as the AP1.

[0117] In step S11 , the transmission control unit 61 of the wireless communication device 11 - 1 controls the respective units of the communication unit 33 to transmit an initiation signal to the wireless communication device 11 - 2 .

[0118] In step S12 , the transmission control unit 61 controls each unit of the communication unit 33 to transmit a data signal to the wireless communication device 12 .

[0119] The wireless communication device 12 that receives the data signal responds to the data signal by sending a BA signal (described later) to the wireless communication device 11-1. Figure 5 , or step S32 in the above procedure.

[0120] In step S13 , the reception control unit 62 controls the respective units of the communication unit 33 to receive the BA signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 12 .

[0121] In step S14, the transmission control unit 61 determines whether to retransmit the data delivered to the wireless communication device 12 based on the BA signal. When it is determined in step S14 that the data delivered to the wireless communication device 12 is to be retransmitted, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0122] In step S15, the transmission control unit 61 determines whether to instruct the wireless communication device 11-2 to transmit the data to be retransmitted. In the case where it is determined in step S15 that the wireless communication device 11-2 is to be instructed to transmit the data to be retransmitted, the process proceeds to step S16.

[0123] In step S16 , the transmission control unit 61 transmits a trigger signal to the wireless communication device 11 - 2 .

[0124] In step S17, the transmission control unit 61 determines whether the data to be retransmitted is to be transmitted simultaneously with the wireless communication device 11-2. In the case where it is determined in step S17 that the data to be retransmitted is to be transmitted simultaneously with the wireless communication device 11-2, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0125] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S15 that an instruction to transmit data to be retransmitted is not issued to the wireless communication device 11 - 2 , the process proceeds to step S18 .

[0126] In step S18 , the transmission control unit 61 controls each unit of the communication unit 33 to transmit a data signal including data to be retransmitted to the wireless communication device 12 .

[0127] After the data signal including the data to be retransmitted is transmitted to the wireless communication device 12 in step S18, the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11-1 is terminated.

[0128] Furthermore, similarly, in the case where it is determined in step S14 that data delivered to the wireless communication device 12 is not retransmitted, and in the case where it is determined in step S17 that data to be retransmitted is not transmitted simultaneously with the wireless communication device 11-2, the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11-1 is terminated.

[0129] <Processing of Wireless Communication Device 12 (STA1)>

[0130] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication process of the wireless communication device 12 functioning as STA1.

[0131] The wireless communication device 11-1 sends a data signal to the wireless communication device 12 ( Figure 4 , step S12 in the process.

[0132] In step S31 , the reception control unit 62 of the wireless communication device 12 controls the respective units of the communication unit 33 to receive a data signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 11 - 1 .

[0133] In step S32 , the transmission control unit 61 controls the respective units of the communication unit 33 to transmit a BA signal to the wireless communication device 11 - 1 .

[0134] The wireless communication device 11-1 transmits a data signal including data to be retransmitted to the wireless communication device 12 ( Figure 4 In addition, the wireless communication device 11-2 transmits a data signal including data to be retransmitted to the wireless communication device 12 ( Figure 6 Step S65 in

[0135] In step S33, reception control unit 62 determines whether a data signal including data to be retransmitted transmitted from wireless communication device 11-2 has been received. In the event that it is determined in step S33 that a data signal including data to be retransmitted transmitted from wireless communication device 11-2 has been received, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0136] In step S34, reception control unit 62 determines whether a data signal including data to be retransmitted transmitted from wireless communication device 11-1 has been received. If it is determined in step S34 that a data signal including data to be retransmitted transmitted from wireless communication device 11-1 has been received, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0137] In step S35, the modulator / demodulator 53 combines and demodulates the data signals transmitted from the wireless communication devices 11-1 and 11-2.

[0138] In the event that it is determined in step S34 that the data signal including the data to be retransmitted transmitted from the wireless communication device 11 - 1 has not been received, the process proceeds to step S36 .

[0139] In step S36, the modulator / demodulator 53 demodulates the data signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 11-2.

[0140] After the data signal is demodulated in step S35 or step S36, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0141] In step S37, the transmission control unit 61 transmits a BA signal to the wireless communication device 11-1 or the wireless communication devices 11-1 and 11-2.

[0142] On the other hand, in the event that it is determined in step S33 that the data signal including the data to be retransmitted transmitted from the wireless communication device 11 - 2 has not been received, the process proceeds to step S38 .

[0143] In step S38, reception control unit 62 determines whether a data signal including data to be retransmitted transmitted from wireless communication device 11-1 has been received. In the event that it is determined in step S38 that a data signal including data to be retransmitted transmitted from wireless communication device 11-1 has been received, the process proceeds to step S39.

[0144] In step S39, the modulator / demodulator 53 demodulates the data signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 11-1.

[0145] In step S40 , the transmission control unit 61 transmits a BA signal to the wireless communication device 11 - 1 .

[0146] After the BA signal is transmitted in step S37 or step S40, the communication processing of the wireless communication device 12 is terminated. Also, similarly, in the case where it is determined in step S38 that the data signal including the data to be retransmitted transmitted from the wireless communication device 11-1 is not received, the communication processing of the wireless communication device 12 is terminated.

[0147] <Processing of Wireless Communication Device 11-2 (AP2)>

[0148] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11 - 2 functioning as the AP 2 .

[0149] The wireless communication device 11-1 sends an initiation signal to the wireless communication device 11-2 ( Figure 4 Step S11 in the process).

[0150] In step S61 , the reception control unit 62 of the wireless communication device 11 - 2 receives the initiation signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 11 - 1 .

[0151] In step S62, the reception control unit 62 determines whether a data signal indicated by the launch signal and including data to be held is detected. When it is determined in step S62 that a data signal indicated by the launch signal and including data to be held is detected, the process proceeds to step S63.

[0152] In step S63, the reception control unit 62 receives the data signal, and holds the data included in the received data signal.

[0153] The wireless communication device 11-1 sends a trigger signal to the wireless communication device 11-2 ( Figure 4 , step S16 in the process).

[0154] In step S64, the reception control unit 62 determines whether a trigger signal is received from the wireless communication device 11-1. In a case where it is determined in step S64 that a trigger signal is received from the wireless communication device 11-1, the process proceeds to step S65.

[0155] In step S65 , the transmission control unit 61 transmits the held data to the wireless communication device 12 as a data signal including data to be retransmitted.

[0156] On the other hand, in the event that it is determined in step S64 that a trigger signal has not been received from the wireless communication device 11 - 1 , the process proceeds to step S66 .

[0157] In step S66, the reception control unit 62 determines whether the retention period indicated by the launch signal as the period for retaining data has elapsed. In the case where it is determined in step S66 that the data retention period indicated by the launch signal has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S67.

[0158] In step S67, the reception control unit 62 discards the held data.

[0159] In the case where it is determined in step S66 that the data holding period indicated by the launch signal has not elapsed, the process returns to step S64 , and the process in step S64 and thereafter is repeated.

[0160] After transmitting the data signal in step S65 and discarding the data in step S67, the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11-2 is terminated. In addition, similarly, in the case where it is determined in step S62 that the data signal indicated by the initiation signal and including the data to be held is not detected, the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11-2 is terminated.

[0161] <Another example of operation sequence>

[0162] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating still another example of the operation sequence of the wireless communication system 1 .

[0163] Figure 7 The operations related to the initiation signal in the sequence and Figure 2 The operations related to the initiation signal in the sequence are the same.

[0164] At time t11, AP1 sends an initiation signal to AP2.

[0165] AP2 receives the initiation signal sent from AP1. Figure 7 In the example, at time t12, AP2 sends a response signal in response to the initiation signal.

[0166] The response signal may include the type of data that may be retained, or may include information regarding the amount of data that may be retained.

[0167] The response signal may include prevention information for preventing transmission by a wireless communication device connected to the local device and under its control and a wireless communication device other than the wireless communication device 11-1 or the wireless communication device 12. The prevention information may include period information indicating a prevention period so as to prevent transmission before transmission of a data signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 11-1 or a BA signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 12 is terminated.

[0168] The response signal may be sent within a certain period of time after the initiation signal, or may be sent after SIFS defined by IEEE 802.11 has passed.

[0169] AP1 receives the response signal from AP2. At time t13, AP sends a data signal including data delivered to STA1. The subsequent operations are the same as Figure 2 The operations are similar in sequence, and therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0170] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device.

[0171] Note that at this time, AP2 detects the data signal sent from AP1 to STA1 based on the content of the initiation signal, and performs a retention possibility determination to determine whether to retain the detected data signal. AP2 retains the detected data signal according to the result of the retention possibility determination.

[0172] Thereafter, at time t14 , STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 as a BA signal.

[0173] AP1 receives the BA signal transmitted from STA1. AP1 determines data to be retransmitted among the data signals that STA1 failed to demodulate and are indicated by the BA signal.

[0174] At time t15, AP1 sends a trigger signal to AP2 requesting it to send the data to be retransmitted.

[0175] AP2 receives the trigger signal sent from AP1. At time t16, AP2, which receives the trigger signal, sends a data signal including the data indicated by the trigger signal and requested to be sent to STA1 according to the communication method and resources indicated by the trigger signal.

[0176] At time t16 , AP1 , which has transmitted the trigger signal, also transmits a data signal including the data indicated by the trigger signal to STA1 .

[0177] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device.

[0178] Thereafter, at time t17 , STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 , for example, as a BA signal.

[0179] AP1 receives the BA signal transmitted from STA1.

[0180] The sequence described above can prevent a situation where, when a data signal is transmitted from AP1 to STA1, STA1 fails to receive the data signal due to other communications, etc. Thus, STA1 can reliably receive the data signal.

[0181] <Another example of operation sequence>

[0182] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation sequence of the wireless communication system 1 .

[0183] Figure 8 The operations in the sequence before the trigger signal is sent are Figure 2 The operations in the sequence are the same as before the trigger signal is sent.

[0184] At time t21, AP1 sends an initiation signal to AP2.

[0185] AP2 receives the initiation signal sent from AP1.

[0186] At time t22, AP1 transmits a data signal including data delivered to STA1.

[0187] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device. At this time, AP2 receives and holds the data signal delivered to STA1 sent from AP1 based on the content of the initiation signal.

[0188] Thereafter, at time t23 , STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 as a BA signal.

[0189] AP1 receives the BA signal transmitted from STA1. AP1 determines the data to be retransmitted among the data signals that STA1 failed to demodulate indicated by the BA signal. At time t24, AP1 transmits a trigger signal requesting AP2 to transmit the data to be retransmitted.

[0190] AP2 receives the trigger signal sent from AP1. At time t25, AP2, which receives the trigger signal, sends a response signal to AP1.

[0191] The response signal is a signal reporting whether AP2 holds data included in a data signal transmitted from AP1 to STA1. The response signal is transmitted from AP2 after transmission of a trigger signal and before transmission of a data signal transmitted from AP1 to STA1.

[0192] AP1 receives a response signal transmitted from AP2. AP1 determines a transmission method and transmission resources of a data signal including data to be transmitted to STA1 based on a report included in the response signal and indicating whether the data is retained. In a case where it has been reported that AP2 does not retain the data, AP1 determines a transmission method and transmission resources different from the transmission method and transmission resources of a data signal including the same data assumed to be transmitted from AP2.

[0193] At time t26, AP1 sends a data signal to STA1.

[0194] STA1 receives and demodulates the data signal transmitted from AP1. At time t27, STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 as a BA signal.

[0195] AP1 receives the BA signal transmitted from STA1.

[0196] The sequence explained above can prevent a situation where, in a case where AP2 does not hold data, AP1 performs transmission by using a transmission method and transmission resources under the assumption that a data signal including the same data will be transmitted from AP2.

[0197] Furthermore, transmission may be performed without using precoding on the assumption that a data signal including the same data will be transmitted from AP2 , and thus STA1 may perform demodulation by using only the data signal transmitted from AP1 .

[0198] <Another example of operation sequence>

[0199] Fig. 9is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation sequence of the wireless communication system 1 .

[0200] Fig. 9 The sequence of operations before the first BA signal is sent is Figure 2 The operation is the same as before the transmission of the first BA signal in the sequence. Therefore, the detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0201] At time t31, AP1 sends an initiation signal to AP2.

[0202] AP2 receives the initiation signal sent from AP1.

[0203] At time t32, AP1 transmits a data signal including data delivered to STA1.

[0204] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device. When STA1 receives the data signal, AP2 receives and holds the data signal delivered to STA1 sent from AP1 based on the content of the initiation signal.

[0205] Thereafter, at time t33 , STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 as a BA signal.

[0206] AP1 receives the BA signal transmitted from STA1.

[0207] On the other hand, after transmitting the BA signal, STA1 determines data to be retransmitted among the data signals indicated by the BA signal that STA1 failed to demodulate. At time t34, STA1 transmits a trigger signal requesting transmission of the data to be retransmitted to AP1 and AP2.

[0208] The trigger signal may be sent within a certain period of time after the BA signal, or may be sent after the SIFS defined by IEEE 802.11 has passed. The configuration of the trigger signal is the same as that in the above reference. Figure 2 The configuration of the trigger signal described is similar.

[0209] AP1 and AP2 receive the trigger signal sent from STA1. At time t35, AP1 and AP2 receiving the trigger signal send a data signal including the data indicated by the trigger signal and requested to be sent to STA1 according to the communication method and resources indicated by the trigger signal.

[0210] STA1 receives the data signal transmitted from AP1, and transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 as a BA signal at time t36.

[0211] AP1 receives the BA signal transmitted from STA1.

[0212] According to the sequence described above, STA1 itself that needs to retransmit can specify the data to be retransmitted, the transmission method and the transmission resource. In addition, STA1 itself can select the AP that will perform the retransmission.

[0213] <2. Second Embodiment (Example of Constrained Topology)>

[0214] <Example of Configuration of Wireless Communication System>

[0215] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0216] Fig.10 The wireless communication system 101 shown in the diagram is Figure 1 The wireless communication system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is different in that an AP3 serving as a base station connected to both the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 is added. Corresponding parts are denoted by corresponding reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Fig.10 The wireless communication system 101 is a constrained topology wireless communication system.

[0217] The AP 3 includes a wireless communication device 111. The wireless communication device 111 will be described later.

[0218] In the wireless communication system 101, in addition to sending an initiation signal to AP2, AP1 also sends an initiation signal to AP3. In addition, after receiving the first BA signal sent from STA1, AP1 sends a trigger request signal (also called a Tigger Req signal) to AP3 requesting to send a trigger signal.

[0219] AP3 receives the initiation signal sent from AP1 and also receives a trigger request signal. In response to the trigger request signal from AP1, AP3 sends a trigger signal to at least one of AP1 and AP2 according to the content of the trigger request signal.

[0220] Through the above description, at least one of AP1 and AP2 that receives the trigger signal sent from AP3 can send a data signal to STA1.

[0221] As described above, in the wireless communication system 101, the AP is made to hold a data signal including data to be held, and the AP is made to operate to transmit the data signal when a transmission request is received. In addition, the AP to be requested to transmit can be selected. In this way, in the case where multiple wireless communication devices hold data signals, an appropriate wireless communication device can be requested to transmit.

[0222] <Example of operation sequence>

[0223] Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation sequence of the wireless communication system 101.

[0224] Fig.11 The diagram illustrates an operation sequence of a plurality of base stations AP1 and AP2, STA1 acting as a slave unit connected to AP1, and a base station AP3 connected to each of the plurality of base stations.

[0225] At time t41, AP1 sends a first initiation signal to AP2. In addition, at this time, AP1 sends a second initiation signal to AP3.

[0226] The first initiation signal is a signal that causes AP2 to operate to maintain the data signal transmitted by AP1 to STA1, and to transmit the data signal to STA1 upon receiving a transmission request from AP3.

[0227] The second initiation signal is a signal that enables AP3 to operate to send a transmission request to AP1 and AP2 when AP1 requests to send a transmission request.

[0228] Note that the first and second initiation signals may be sent as a single initiation signal to AP2 and AP3. The information included in the initiation signal is similar to the information included in the initiation signal according to the first embodiment. In addition, the initiation signal may be sent by AP3 to AP1 and AP2.

[0229] In response, AP2 and AP3 that have received the initiation signal may send an Ack signal for confirming the transmission.

[0230] After transmitting the initiation signal, at time t42, AP1 transmits a data signal including data delivered to STA1.

[0231] STA1 receives the data signal transmitted from AP1. At this time, AP2 receives and holds the data signal transmitted from AP1 and delivered to STA1 based on the content of the initiation signal.

[0232] Thereafter, at time t43 , STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1 as a BA signal.

[0233] AP1 receives a BA signal sent from STA1. AP1 determines data to be retransmitted among the data signals indicated by the BA signal and failed to be demodulated by STA1. The determination is based on information related to the upper limit of the number of retransmissions of data, information related to the allowable delay time, or information related to the discard period.

[0234] At time t44, AP1 sends a trigger request signal to AP3 requesting the transmission of a trigger signal, wherein the trigger signal requests the transmission of data to be retransmitted.

[0235] The trigger request signal may include information related to an identifier specifying the AP2 serving as a destination of the trigger signal. The trigger request signal may include information included in the trigger signal according to the first embodiment. The trigger request signal may include information related to the transmission timing of the trigger signal.

[0236] AP3 receives the trigger request signal sent from AP1. At time t45, AP3 sends a trigger signal to AP1 and AP2.

[0237] AP1 and AP2 receive the trigger signal transmitted from AP3. At time t46, AP1 and AP2 transmit a data signal to STA1.

[0238] STA1 receives the data signal and demodulates the data signal to obtain data delivered to the local device. Thereafter, at time t47, STA1 transmits information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation of the data signal to AP1, for example, as a BA signal.

[0239] According to the sequence explained above, in the case where a plurality of wireless communication devices can function as AP2 connected to AP3, an appropriate AP2 can be selected in consideration of the characteristics of the wireless communication system 101.

[0240] Note that at the beginning Fig.11 Before the sequence of the present technology, each wireless communication device can perform function correspondence check with each other to check whether the function corresponds to the sequence of the present technology.

[0241] <Device Configuration>

[0242] The configuration of the wireless communication device 111 functioning as the AP3 is a configuration basically similar to that of the wireless communication device 11. Hereinafter, the configuration of the wireless communication device 111 is explained by appropriately citing the configuration of the wireless communication device 11.

[0243] In the case of explaining the configuration of the wireless communication device 111, the reception control unit 62 receives the initiation signal transmitted from the AP1, and also receives the trigger request signal. In response to the trigger request signal from the AP1, the transmission control unit 61 transmits a trigger signal to the AP1 and AP2.

[0244] <Processing of Wireless Communication Device 11-1 (AP1)>

[0245] Fig.12 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11 - 1 functioning as the AP1.

[0246] In step S111 , the transmission control unit 61 of the wireless communication device 11 - 1 controls the respective units of the communication unit 33 to transmit an initiation signal to the wireless communication device 11 - 2 and the wireless communication device 111 .

[0247] In step S112 , the transmission control unit 61 controls each unit of the communication unit 33 to transmit a data signal to the wireless communication device 12 .

[0248] The wireless communication device 12 that receives the data signal responds to the data signal by sending a BA signal to the wireless communication device 11-1 ( Figure 5 , or step S32 in the above procedure.

[0249] In step S113 , the reception control unit 62 controls each unit of the communication unit 33 to receive the data signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 12 .

[0250] In step S114, the transmission control unit 61 determines whether to retransmit the data delivered to the wireless communication device 12 based on the BA signal. In the case where it is determined in step S114 that the data delivered to the wireless communication device 12 is to be retransmitted, the process proceeds to step S115.

[0251] In step S115, the transmission control unit 61 determines whether to instruct the wireless communication device 11-2 to transmit the data to be retransmitted. In the case where it is determined in step S115 that the wireless communication device 11-2 is to be instructed to transmit the data to be retransmitted, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0252] In step S116 , the transmission control unit 61 transmits a trigger request signal to the wireless communication device 111 .

[0253] In response to the trigger request signal, the wireless communication device 111 sends a trigger signal (described later) to the wireless communication devices 11-1 and 11-2. Fig.14 .

[0254] In step S117, the transmission control unit 61 determines whether a trigger signal delivered to the local device is received. In the case where it is determined in step S117 that a trigger signal delivered to the local device is received, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0255] Furthermore, in the event that it is determined in step S115 that an instruction to transmit data to be retransmitted is not issued to the wireless communication device 11 - 2 , the process proceeds to step S118 .

[0256] In step S118 , the transmission control unit 61 controls the respective units of the communication unit 33 to transmit a data signal including data to be retransmitted to the wireless communication device 12 .

[0257] After the data signal including the data to be retransmitted is transmitted to the wireless communication device 12 in step S118 , the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11 - 1 is terminated.

[0258] Furthermore, similarly, in the case where it is determined in step S114 that the data delivered to the wireless communication device 12 is not retransmitted, and in the case where it is determined in step S117 that the trigger signal delivered to the local device is not received, the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11-1 is terminated.

[0259] <Processing of Wireless Communication Device 12 (STA1)>

[0260] The communication processing of the wireless communication device 12 acting as STA1 is the same as that of the above reference Figure 5 The communication processing described above is similar to the processing described above, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0261] <Processing of Wireless Communication Device 11-2 (AP2)>

[0262] Fig.13 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device 11 - 2 functioning as the AP 2 .

[0263] The wireless communication device 11-1 transmits an initiation signal ( Fig.12 , or step S111 in the above procedure.

[0264] In step S131 , the reception control unit 62 of the wireless communication device 11 - 2 receives the initiation signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 11 - 1 .

[0265] In step S132, the reception control unit 62 determines whether a data signal including data to be held indicated by the launch signal is detected. In the event that it is determined in step S132 that a data signal including data to be held indicated by the launch signal is detected, the process proceeds to step S133.

[0266] In step S133, the reception control unit 62 receives the data signal, and holds the data included in the data signal.

[0267] The wireless communication device 111 sends a trigger signal (described later) to the wireless communication device 11-2. Fig.14 .

[0268] In step S134, the reception control unit 62 determines whether a trigger signal is received from the wireless communication device 111. In a case where it is determined in step S134 that a trigger signal is received from the wireless communication device 111, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0269] In step S135 , the transmission control unit 61 transmits the held data to the wireless communication device 12 as a data signal including data to be retransmitted.

[0270] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S134 that a trigger signal has not been received from the wireless communication device 111 , the process proceeds to step S136 .

[0271] In step S136, the reception control unit 62 determines whether the data holding period indicated by the launch signal has elapsed. In the case where it is determined in step S136 that the data holding period indicated by the launch signal has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S137.

[0272] In step S137, the reception control unit 62 discards the held data.

[0273] In the event that it is determined in step S136 that the data retention period indicated by the launch signal has not elapsed, the process returns to step S134 , and the process in and after step S134 is repeated.

[0274] After the data signal is transmitted in step S135 and after the data is discarded in step S137, the communication process of the wireless communication device 11-2 is terminated.

[0275] Furthermore, similarly, in the event that it is determined in step S132 that the data signal including the data to be held indicated by the initiation signal is not detected, the communication process of the wireless communication device 11 - 2 is terminated.

[0276] <Processing of Wireless Communication Device 111 (AP3)>

[0277] Fig.14 1 is a flowchart illustrating the communication processing of the wireless communication device 111 functioning as the AP3.

[0278] The wireless communication device 11-1 transmits an initiation signal ( Fig.12 , or step S111 in the above procedure.

[0279] In step S161 , the reception control unit 62 of the wireless communication device 111 receives the initiation signal transmitted from the wireless communication device 11 - 1 .

[0280] The wireless communication device 11-1 sends a trigger request signal to the wireless communication device 111 ( Fig.12 , or step S116 in the above procedure.

[0281] The reception control unit 62 stands by until it is determined in step S162 that a trigger request signal has been received from the wireless communication device 11-1. When it is determined in step S162 that a trigger request signal has been received from the wireless communication device 11-1, the process proceeds to step S163.

[0282] In step S163, the transmission control unit 61 transmits a trigger signal to the wireless communication devices 11-1 and 11-2. After the trigger signal is transmitted, the communication process of the wireless communication device 111 is terminated.

[0283] <3. Data Configuration>

[0284] <Example of format configuration used in data signal>

[0285] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format configuration used in a data signal.

[0286] Fig.15 The data signal shown in the diagram includes a physical header (Phy Header) arranged at the head and a physical payload (Phy Payload).

[0287] A CRC is attached to the end of the physical header. Therefore, AP2 can determine whether the data signal stores the data to be retained based only on the physical header without receiving the entire data signal.

[0288] The physical header includes a legacy short training field (L-STF), a legacy long training field (L-LTF), and a legacy signal field (L-SIG).

[0289] exist Fig.15 In the physical header of the , NEW-SIG is arranged after the L-SIG, and NEW-SIG serves as an area in which information related to a hold request requesting a hold signal is stored.

[0290] In NEW-SIG, as information related to the signal hold request, a hold request indication, a hold request ID, and a multi-AP response indication are stored.

[0291] The retention request indication is information related to a report indicating that data needs to be retained.

[0292] The hold request ID is information related to the hold ID reported by the originating signal.

[0293] The multi-AP response indication is instruction information for causing STA1 to transmit information related to a result indicating success or failure of demodulation to both AP1 and AP2.

[0294] Note that data included in a data signal transmitted by using this format is stored in a physical payload. The "payload" portion corresponds to an MPDU serving as data of a MAC layer.

[0295] <Configuration Example of Format of Frame in Which Initiation Signal is Stored>

[0296] Fig.16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the format of a frame in which an initiation signal is stored.

[0297] Fig.16 The frame illustrated in FIG. 1 includes various fields, signal type, length, retention request ID, retention data amount, and retention period. The frame is included in, for example, a MAC header or a MAC payload of an MPDU serving as a data unit in a MAC layer.

[0298] In the field "Signal Type", information indicating that the frame is a frame related to maintenance of a signal is included.

[0299] In the field "Length", information related to the length of the frame is included.

[0300] In the field "hold request ID", information related to a hold ID for identifying a signal including data to be held is included.

[0301] In the “retained data amount”, information related to the amount of data to be retained is included.

[0302] In the "retention period", information on the period during which data is to be retained is included.

[0303] <Configuration Example of Format of Frame in Which Trigger Signal is Stored>

[0304] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the format of a frame in which a trigger signal is stored.

[0305] Fig.17 The frame illustrated in the diagram includes various fields, signal type, length, transmission data ID, transmission mode, transmission resource and transmission time. The frame is also included in, for example, a MAC header or MAC payload of an MPDU serving as a data unit in the MAC layer.

[0306] In the field "Signal Type", information indicating that the frame is a frame related to a transmission request is included.

[0307] In the field "Length", information related to the length of the frame is included.

[0308] In the field "transmission data ID", information related to a retention ID for identifying data serving as a target of a transmission request is included.

[0309] In the “transmission method”, information related to the communication method for transmitting data serving as a transmission request is included.

[0310] In “transmission resource”, information related to a communication resource used to transmit data serving as a target of a transmission request is included.

[0311] In the “transmission time”, information related to the transmission timing of data serving as a target of the transmission request is included.

[0312] Notice, Fig.16 and 17 The configuration example of the format of the frame illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an example. The frame of the present technology may be configured in a format other than the above-described format.

[0313] <4. Others>

[0314] <Effect>

[0315] As described above, in the present technology, the AP2 is caused to operate in such a manner that a data signal including data is held by the AP2, and when a transmission request is received, the data signal is transmitted to the STA1.

[0316] In this way, data that has failed to be demodulated can be retransmitted with higher reliability.

[0317] Furthermore, by retransmitting from each of AP1 and AP2 to STA1, diversity gain is obtained, and a high SINR can be obtained.

[0318] In addition, by sending data signals from multiple APs only when retransmitting, the transmission opportunity of one AP will not be wasted. This can avoid a reduction in throughput.

[0319] Furthermore, another AP maintains the transmitted data signal and thus does not perform communication for the purpose of sharing, and generation of overhead can be avoided.

[0320] Furthermore, the communication path is not switched. Therefore, there is no need to establish a connection and the generation of overhead can be avoided.

[0321] <Computer Configuration Example>

[0322] The above series of processing can be realized by hardware, or can be realized by software. In the case of realizing the series of processing by software, a program configuring the software is installed from a program recording medium in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware, a general-purpose personal computer, or the like.

[0323] Fig.18 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that performs the above-described series of processing by using a program.

[0324] A central processing unit (CPU) 301 , a read only memory (ROM) 302 , and a random access memory (RAM) 303 are connected to each other via a bus 304 .

[0325] The bus 304 is also connected to an input / output interface 305. The input / output interface 305 is connected to an input unit 306 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and an output unit 307 including a display, a speaker, etc. In addition, the input / output interface 305 is connected to a storage device 308 including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc., a communication unit 309 including a network interface, etc., and a drive 310 that drives a removable medium 311.

[0326] In the computer configured as described above, the CPU 301 loads a program stored in the storage device 308 into the RAM 303 via the input / output interface 305 and the bus 304, for example, and executes the program, and thus performs the above-described series of processing.

[0327] The program executed by the CPU 301 is recorded in, for example, the removable medium 311 , or is provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting, and installed in the storage device 308 .

[0328] Note that the program executed by the computer may be a program that causes the processing to be performed time-sequentially in the order described herein, or may be a program that causes the processing to be performed in parallel or at necessary timing (such as at the timing of execution of a call).

[0329] Note that in this article, a system means a group of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), and it is not important whether all components are located in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in different housings and connected via a network, as well as a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing, are all systems.

[0330] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not restrictive, and other effects may be exhibited.

[0331] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes may be made without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0332] For example, the present technology may adopt a configuration of cloud computing in which one function is shared by a plurality of devices via a network, and the plurality of devices perform processing in cooperation with each other.

[0333] Note that each step described in the above flowchart may be performed by one device, or may be performed in a shared manner by a plurality of devices.

[0334] Furthermore, in the case where a plurality of processes are included in one step, the plurality of processes included in the one step may be performed by one device, or may be performed in a shared manner by a plurality of devices.

[0335] <Configuration combination example>

[0336] The present technology can also adopt the configuration described below.

[0337] (1) A communication control device comprising:

[0338] A transmission control unit causes the first wireless communication device to hold a data signal including data and causes the first wireless communication device to operate to transmit the data signal to the second wireless communication device upon receiving a transmission request.

[0339] (2) The communication control device according to (1) above,

[0340] The transmission control unit causes the first wireless communication device to transmit an initiation signal, wherein the initiation signal includes retention information for causing the first wireless communication device to retain the data signal.

[0341] (3) The communication control device according to (2) above,

[0342] The retained information includes information identifying the data.

[0343] (4) The communication control device according to (2) or (3) above,

[0344] The retained information includes information related to the type and amount of the data.

[0345] (5) The communication control device according to any one of (2) to (4) above,

[0346] The retention information is recorded in a physical header of the data signal.

[0347] (6) The communication control device according to any one of (1) to (5) above,

[0348] The transmission control unit causes the first wireless communication device to transmit a trigger signal for causing the data signal to be transmitted.

[0349] (7) The communication control device according to (6) above,

[0350] The trigger signal includes information related to an identifier of the data signal.

[0351] (8) The communication control device according to (6) or (7) above,

[0352] The trigger signal includes information related to the communication method and resources used to send the data signal.

[0353] (9) The communication control device according to any one of (6) to (8) above, wherein the trigger signal includes information related to a transmission timing of the data signal.

[0354] (10) The communication control device according to any one of (6) to (9) above,

[0355] The transmission control unit requests the third wireless communication device to transmit the trigger signal.

[0356] (11) The communication control device according to (1) above,

[0357] The transmission control unit transmits an initiation signal for causing the first wireless communication device to hold the data signal, and determines the data signal to be transmitted by the first wireless communication device based on a reception result of a transmission destination.

[0358] (12) The communication control device according to (1) above,

[0359] The transmission control unit transmits the data signal to be transmitted by the second wireless communication device at the same timing as that of the first wireless communication device.

[0360] (13) A communication control method performed by a communication control device, the communication control method comprising:

[0361] The first wireless communication device is caused to hold a data signal including data, and the first wireless communication device is caused to operate to transmit the data signal to the second wireless communication device upon receiving a transmission request.

[0362] (14) A wireless communication device comprising:

[0363] A transmitting unit holds a data signal including data based on an instruction of the communication control device and transmits the data signal upon receiving a transmission request.

[0364] (15) The wireless communication device according to (14) above, further comprising:

[0365] A receiving unit receives an initiation signal transmitted from the communication control device, the initiation signal including holding information for holding the data signal.

[0366] (16) The wireless communication device according to (15) above,

[0367] The receiving unit holds the data signal based on the holding information.

[0368] (17) The wireless communication device according to (16) above,

[0369] The receiving unit determines whether the data signal transmitted from the communication control device is the data signal including data to be held based on information described in a physical header of the data signal.

[0370] (18) The wireless communication device according to any one of (15) to (17),

[0371] The receiving unit receives a trigger signal from the communication control device, wherein the trigger signal includes information for causing the data signal to be transmitted.

[0372] (19) The wireless communication device according to (18),

[0373] The sending unit sends the data signal based on information included in the trigger signal.

[0374] (20) A wireless communication method performed by a wireless communication device, the wireless communication method comprising:

[0375] Based on an instruction of the communication control device, a data signal including data is held, and the data signal is transmitted upon receiving a transmission request.

[0376] (21) A wireless communication device comprising:

[0377] A demodulator that receives and demodulates a data signal sent from a communication control device, the data signal including a signal to be held, and receives and demodulates at least a portion of information that has not been correctly demodulated in information included in the data signal sent from at least one of the communication control device or another wireless communication device.

[0378] (22) The wireless communication device according to (21) above,

[0379] wherein the demodulator receives and demodulates information as at least a part of information included in the data signal transmitted from the communication control device.

[0380] (23) The wireless communication device according to (21) above,

[0381] wherein the demodulator receives and demodulates information as at least a part of information included in the data signal transmitted from the other wireless communication device.

[0382] (24) The wireless communication device according to (21) above,

[0383] wherein the demodulator receives information as at least a part of information included in the data signal transmitted from each of the communication control device and the other wireless communication device, and combines and demodulates these multiple pieces of information.

[0384] (25) The wireless communication device according to any one of (21) to (24) above, further comprising:

[0385] A transmitting unit transmits a trigger signal including information for causing the communication control device and the other wireless communication device to transmit information which is at least a part of the information included in the data signal.

[0386] (26) The wireless communication device according to any one of (21) to (24) above, further comprising:

[0387] A transmitting unit that transmits a block ack signal including information related to success or failure of demodulation of information included in the data signal to at least one of the communication control device or the other wireless communication device.

[0388] (27) A wireless communication method performed by a wireless communication device, the wireless communication method comprising:

[0389] A data signal transmitted from a communication control device is received and demodulated, the data signal including data to be retained, and at least a portion of information that has not been correctly demodulated in the information included in the data signal transmitted from at least one of the communication control device or another wireless communication device is received and demodulated.

[0390] Reference numerals list

[0391] 1 Wireless Communication System

[0392] 11 Wireless communication equipment

[0393] 12 Wireless communication equipment

[0394] 31 Control unit

[0395] 32 Power Supply

[0396] 33 Communication unit

[0397] 51 Data processing unit

[0398] 52 Wireless Control Unit

[0399] 53 Modulator / Demodulator

[0400] 54 Signal Processing Unit

[0401] 55 Channel Estimator

[0402] 56,56-1 to 56-N Wireless I / F Unit

[0403] 57,57-1 to 57-N Amplifier

[0404] 58,58-1 to 58-N Antenna

[0405] 61 Send control unit

[0406] 62 Receiving control unit

[0407] 101 Wireless Communication System

[0408] 111 Wireless communication equipment

Claims

1. A communication control device, comprising: A control unit, the control unit being configured to: controlling the transmission of a data signal including data to a second wireless communication device; causing the first wireless communication device to detect and retain a data signal including data transmitted to the second wireless communication device; controlling receiving a block acknowledgement signal from a second wireless communication device; determining, based on the block confirmation signal, data to be retransmitted in the data signal that failed to be demodulated by the second wireless communication device; Based on the determination of the data to be retransmitted in the data signal that failed to be demodulated by the second wireless communication device, controlling the sending of a trigger signal requesting the first wireless communication device to send the data to be retransmitted; causing the first wireless communication device to send the data signal to a second wireless communication device based on the trigger signal; as well as The data signal is controlled to be retransmitted to the second wireless communication device at the same timing as the timing indicated by the trigger signal.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, The control unit causes the first wireless communication device to send an initiation signal, wherein the initiation signal includes holding information for causing the first wireless communication device to hold the data signal.

3. The communication control device according to claim 2, The retained information includes information identifying the data.

4. The communication control device according to claim 1, The control unit causes the first wireless communication device to send a trigger signal for causing the data signal to be sent.

5. The communication control device according to claim 4, The trigger signal includes information related to an identifier of the data signal.

6. The communication control device according to claim 4, The control unit requests the third wireless communication device to send the trigger signal.

7. The communication control device according to claim 1, The control unit transmits an initiation signal for causing the first wireless communication device to hold the data signal, and determines the data signal to be transmitted by the first wireless communication device based on a reception result of a transmission destination.

8. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits the data signal to be transmitted by the second wireless communication device at the same timing as that of the first wireless communication device.

9. A communication control method performed by a communication control device, the communication control method comprising: Controlling the transmission of a data signal including data to a second wireless communication device; causing the first wireless communication device to detect and retain a data signal including data transmitted to the second wireless communication device; controlling receiving a block acknowledgement signal from a second wireless communication device; determining, based on the block confirmation signal, data to be retransmitted in the data signal that failed to be demodulated by the second wireless communication device; Based on the determination of the data to be retransmitted in the data signal that failed to be demodulated by the second wireless communication device, controlling the sending of a trigger signal requesting the first wireless communication device to send the data to be retransmitted; causing the first wireless communication device to send the data signal to a second wireless communication device based on the trigger signal; as well as The data signal is controlled to be retransmitted to the second wireless communication device at the same timing as the timing indicated by the trigger signal.

10. A wireless communication device, comprising: A control unit, the control unit being configured to: based on an instruction of the communication control device, controlling detection and holding of a data signal including data transmitted to another wireless communication device, controlling reception of a trigger signal from a communication control device, the trigger signal being issued by the communication control device based on receiving from another wireless communication device a demodulation failure of another wireless communication device for a data signal received from the communication control device, and the trigger signal including information requesting the wireless communication device to transmit data to be retransmitted, and The data signal is transmitted to another wireless communication device based on the trigger signal.

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, The control unit further controls reception of an initiation signal transmitted from the communication control device, the initiation signal including holding information for holding the data signal.

12. The wireless communication device according to claim 11, The control unit controls holding of the data signal based on the holding information.

13. The wireless communication device according to claim 11, The control unit controls reception of a trigger signal from the communication control device, the trigger signal including information for causing the data signal to be transmitted.

14. The wireless communication device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit controls the transmission of the data signal based on information included in the trigger signal.

15. A wireless communication method performed by a wireless communication device, the wireless communication method comprising: based on an instruction of the communication control device, controlling detection and holding of a data signal including data transmitted to another wireless communication device, controlling reception of a trigger signal from a communication control device, the trigger signal being issued by the communication control device based on receiving from another wireless communication device a demodulation failure of another wireless communication device for a data signal received from the communication control device, and the trigger signal including information requesting the wireless communication device to transmit data to be retransmitted, and The data signal is transmitted to another wireless communication device based on the trigger signal.

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