Information processing apparatus and communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and a communication system. The present invention relates to correctly performing wireless communication. A communication system includes a first information processing device and a plurality of second information processing devices. The first information processing device is an information processing device that allocates a plurality of channel resources for wireless communication to the plurality of second information processing devices and notifies the plurality of second information processing devices of the allocation. The second information processing device transmits, to the first information processing device, a plurality of signals for providing predetermined information to the first information processing device by using the plurality of allocated channel resources after receiving the notification.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT application filed on September 21, 2016, with national application number 201680062166.3 and entitled "Information Processing Equipment and Communication System", which has entered the Chinese national phase. Technical Field

[0002] This technology relates to an information processing device, and more specifically, to an information processing device and communication system for exchanging information via wireless communication. Background Technology

[0003] Traditional wireless communication technologies already exist for exchanging information via wireless communication. In addition, in recent years, wireless communication technologies have emerged for simultaneously distributing the same data to multiple wireless devices.

[0004] For example, there exist services that stably distribute the same information (e.g., video or audio) in places with a large number of users (e.g., restaurants, public transportation, stadiums, and educational facilities). This technology used to simultaneously transmit the same data to multiple destinations is called multicast.

[0005] In wireless communication, typically, the device acting as the data source preferably determines whether the transmitted data has been correctly transmitted to the device acting as the data destination, and if the data has not been transmitted correctly, the device acting as the data source preferably retransmits the data. This arrangement helps maintain communication quality. For example, suppose devices with wireless LAN functionality under the standard IEEE 802.11 exchange data with each other. In this case, the source device determines whether the transmitted data has been correctly transmitted by checking whether a delivery acknowledgment (Ack / Block Ack (BA)) has been returned from the destination device in response to the transmitted data. For reference, the source device is, for example, a base station (access point (AP)). Alternatively, the destination device is, for example, a slave device (station (STA)).

[0006] However, with multicast, data is transmitted to multiple devices, and the transmission of acknowledgments requires numerous communications when requesting them from each device, leading to increased overhead. Especially in environments where multiple devices transmit and receive data, the overhead of improving communication quality consumes communication resources, potentially causing a degrade in communication quality. Furthermore, when the latency required to process services is short, a large number of acknowledgments and retransmissions may exceed the required latency.

[0007] Furthermore, when a STA is in poor data reception condition, data is repeatedly retransmitted to the STA, which can degrade the characteristics of the entire system. Therefore, the AP needs to collect information about the reception status from individual STAs in advance and correctly determine which STA to request an acknowledgment from. However, the overhead of collecting information about the reception status can also consume resources and degrade communication quality.

[0008] Therefore, techniques for improving the quality of multicast communication have been proposed. For example, a distributed system has been proposed in which clients for receiving multicast data are grouped, a representative client is selected in each group, and a delivery acknowledgment is received from the representative client (e.g., see Patent Document 1). In this distributed system, clients that are more likely to be unable to receive data are selected as representative clients.

[0009] Citation List

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-53832 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0013] According to the aforementioned conventional technology, acknowledgments are not received from the client acting as a representative client in connection with data that cannot be received. However, the representative client transmits acknowledgments as usual, thus incurring overhead. Furthermore, in environments with many representative clients, it is impossible to reduce overhead. Therefore, it is important to reduce overhead and improve communication quality to perform wireless communication correctly.

[0014] This technology was designed in light of this situation and is intended to perform wireless communication in the correct manner.

[0015] Problem Solution

[0016] This technology is designed to solve the aforementioned problems. A first aspect of this technology is an information processing device comprising: a control unit that performs control to allocate multiple channel resources for wireless communication to multiple devices and notify the multiple devices of the allocation; an information processing method; and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. Using this arrangement, the advantageous effects of allocating multiple channel resources to multiple devices and notifying the multiple devices of the allocation can be achieved.

[0017] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the information processing device may further include: a communication unit configured to receive signals transmitted by the device using the multiple channel resources allocated to the device on each of a plurality of channel resources, wherein the control unit can acquire one or more pieces of information formed by the multiple signals received on each of the multiple channel resources. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of acquiring one or more pieces of information comprising the multiple signals received from the multiple channel resources.

[0018] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to provide information about transmission conditions to multiple devices and cause the multiple devices to transmit signals based on the provided information. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of providing information about transmission conditions to multiple devices and causing the multiple devices to transmit signals based on the provided information.

[0019] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the multiple channel resources may include a combination of frequency channel resources and space channel resources. This arrangement can generate the advantageous effect of using multiple channel resources, including a combination of frequency channel resources and space channel resources.

[0020] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to notify the transmission of a simplified frame format signal using allocated channel resources. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of providing notification of the transmission of a simplified frame format signal using allocated channel resources.

[0021] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to allocate two or more channel resources to each of the multiple devices. This arrangement can produce the advantageous effect of allocating two or more channel resources to each of the multiple devices.

[0022] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to notify multiple devices to transmit signals for providing one or more pieces of information to the information processing device by using two or more channel resources. This configuration can produce the advantageous effect of notifying multiple devices to transmit signals for providing one or more pieces of information to the information processing device by using two or more channel resources.

[0023] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to instruct multiple devices to transmit signals for providing the same information to the information processing device by using different channel resources. This configuration provides the advantageous effect of instructing multiple devices to transmit signals for providing the same information to the information processing device by using different channel resources.

[0024] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to allocate the same frequency channel resources or the same spatial channel resources as two or more channel resources. This arrangement can produce the advantageous effect of allocating the same frequency channel resources or the same spatial channel resources as two or more channel resources.

[0025] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to cause the device to transmit information about the device's receiving status as one or more pieces of information. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of transmitting information about the device's receiving status as one or more pieces of information.

[0026] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to allocate two or more identical channel resources from a plurality of channel resources to each of the plurality of devices. This arrangement can produce the advantageous effect of allocating two or more identical channel resources from a plurality of channel resources to each of the plurality of devices.

[0027] Furthermore, in the first aspect, based on the received power of signals transmitted using the same channel resources, the control unit can determine the number of devices that have transmitted signals among multiple devices. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of determining the number of devices that have transmitted signals among multiple devices based on the received power of signals transmitted using the same channel resources.

[0028] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to cause multiple devices to transmit signals for providing notifications of the reception results of multicast transmissions to multiple devices by using the same channel resources. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of transmitting signals for providing notifications of the reception results of multicast transmissions to multiple devices by using the same channel resources.

[0029] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to allocate some of the multiple channel resources to two or more devices constituting the multiple devices, and independently allocate the other channel resources to the multiple devices. Using this arrangement, the advantageous effect of allocating some of the multiple channel resources to two or more devices and independently allocating the other channel resources to the multiple devices can be achieved.

[0030] Furthermore, in the first aspect, the control unit can perform control to provide the information required for the device to transmit signals by using multiple allocated channel resources. This arrangement can produce the advantageous effect of providing the information required for the device to transmit signals by using multiple allocated channel resources.

[0031] Furthermore, a second aspect of this technology is an information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs control to transmit multiple signals to multiple devices using multiple channel resources for wireless communication to provide one or more pieces of information including the multiple signals to the multiple devices; an information processing method; and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of transmitting multiple signals to multiple devices using multiple channel resources to provide one or more pieces of information including the multiple signals to the multiple devices.

[0032] Furthermore, in the second aspect, the control unit can provide information about the means of accumulating data in the information processing device by using one or more pieces of information. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of providing information about the means of accumulating data in the information processing device using one or more pieces of information.

[0033] Furthermore, a third aspect of this technology is an information processing apparatus, comprising: a control unit that, upon receiving notification that multiple channel resources for wireless communication have been allocated to the information processing apparatus, performs control to transmit multiple signals for providing predetermined information to other devices by using the multiple allocated channel resources; an information processing method; and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. Using this arrangement, the advantageous effect of transmitting multiple signals for providing predetermined information to other devices by using the multiple allocated channel resources after receiving notification that multiple channel resources have been allocated to the apparatus can be achieved.

[0034] Furthermore, in the third aspect, the control unit can perform control to transmit signals with a simplified frame format using multiple allocated channel resources. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of transmitting signals with a simplified frame format using multiple allocated channel resources.

[0035] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of this technology is a communication system comprising: a first information processing device that allocates multiple channel resources for wireless communication to a plurality of second information processing devices and notifies the plurality of second information processing devices of the allocation; a second information processing device that, upon receiving notification, transmits multiple signals for providing predetermined information to the first information processing device by using the multiple allocated channel resources; an information processing method; and a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. This arrangement provides the advantageous effect of enabling the first information processing device to allocate multiple channel resources to the plurality of second information processing devices and notify the plurality of second information processing devices of the allocation, and enabling the second information processing devices, upon receiving notification, to transmit multiple signals for providing predetermined information to the first information processing device by using the multiple allocated channel resources.

[0036] Invention Effects

[0037] This technology can produce the beneficial effect of performing correct wireless communication. For reference, this beneficial effect is not necessarily limited, but can be any of the beneficial effects described in this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating channel resources used by the means constituting the communication system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the frame format of packets exchanged by means constituting a communication system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification of MU resource bitmap allocation performed by information processing device (AP) 100 and information transmission performed by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0043] Figure 6This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification of MU resource bitmap allocation performed by information processing device (AP) 100 and information transmission performed by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0044] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification of MU resource bitmap allocation performed by information processing device (AP) 100 and information transmission performed by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0045] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification of MU resource bitmap allocation performed by information processing device (AP) 100 and information transmission performed by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0046] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) and information provided by the information processing device (STA) to the information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0047] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) and information provided by the information processing device (STA) to the information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0048] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) and information provided by the information processing device (STA) to the information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0049] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0050] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data transmission process performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0051] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data receiving and processing procedure performed by an information processing device (STA1) 201 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0052] Figure 15This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification of MU resource bitmap allocation by information processing device (AP) 100 and information transmission by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0053] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the content transmitted by the information processing device (STA), the content received by the information processing device (AP) 100, and the number of NACK transmissions performed by the information processing device (STA) according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0054] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data transmission process performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0055] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data receiving and processing procedure performed by an information processing device (STA1) 201 according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0056] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resource allocation performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a third embodiment of the present technology.

[0057] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resource allocation performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a third embodiment of the present technology.

[0058] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the frame format of beacons exchanged between devices constituting a communication system 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0059] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device (AP) 100 notifying an information processing device (STA) of a PVB by using a MU resource bitmap according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0060] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device (AP) 100 notifying an information processing device (STA) of a PVB by using a MU resource bitmap according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0061] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device (AP) 100 notifying an information processing device (STA) of a PVB by using a MU resource bitmap according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology.

[0062] Figure 25This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone.

[0063] Figure 26 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a car navigation system.

[0064] Figure 27 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a wireless access point. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The following describes a mode for implementing this technology (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment). It will be described in the following order:

[0066] 1. First embodiment (example of an information processing device (AP) allocating two or more resources to an information processing device (STA) and providing it with a notification of the allocation)

[0067] 2. Second embodiment (example of allocating the same channel resources to two or more information processing devices (STAs) and providing them with notification of the allocation)

[0068] 3. Third embodiment (an example of equally allocating some channel resources from a plurality of channel resources to two or more information processing devices (STAs) and independently allocating the remaining channel resources from the plurality of channel resources to each of the information processing devices (STAs) and providing them with an allocation notification)

[0069] 4. Fourth Embodiment (Example of an information processing device (AP) providing information to an information processing device (STA) using a MU resource bitmap) 5. Application Example

[0070] <1. First Embodiment>

[0071] [Configuration Example of a Communication System]

[0072] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0073] Figure 1 The illustration depicts an example of a scenario where there are N+1 information processing devices (STA0) 100 and information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STAN) 204, and one of these devices is connected to the other N devices. Specifically, Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of an information processing device (STA 0(AP)) 100 connected to information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA N) 204. Furthermore, the connected information processing devices can be considered as belonging to a group that receives the same multicast data.

[0074] For example, the information processing device (STA0) can be configured as a base station (access point (AP)). Furthermore, the information processing device (STA0) will also be referred to below as information processing device (STA0(AP)), information processing device (AP), AP, etc. Additionally, information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STAN) 204 connected to the information processing device (STA0(AP)) 100 can be configured as slaves (stations (STA)) belonging to the same multicast group.

[0075] For reference only. Figure 1 The dashed lines illustrate an example of a communication path used for direct communication between devices via wireless communication.

[0076] Alternatively, for example, the information processing device (STA0(AP)) 100 and the information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA N) 204 can be configured as fixed or portable information processing devices with wireless communication capabilities. Here, for example, the fixed information processing device is an access point or base station in a wireless local area network (LAN) system. Alternatively, for example, the portable information processing device is a smartphone, cellular phone, tablet computer, etc.

[0077] Additionally, information processing devices (STA0(AP)) 100 and (STA1) 201 to (STA N) 204 include communication capabilities compliant with wireless LAN standards (e.g., such as IEEE 802.11). Furthermore, these information processing devices may, for example, have communication capabilities compliant with the wireless LAN standard IEEE 802.11ax. Moreover, for example, the wireless LAN may comply with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, or Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Miracast specifications (technical specification name: Wi-Fi Display). Alternatively, wireless communication can be performed using another communication scheme.

[0078] For example, communication system 10 is suitable for a network (e.g., a mesh network or ad-hoc network) in which multiple devices perform one-to-one wireless communication to connect with each other. For example, communication system 10 is suitable for an IEEE 802.11 mesh network.

[0079] For reference, embodiments of this technology are described separately for convenience, focusing on the operation of the source device (transmitting device) and the destination device (receiving device). However, each device may have both functions or one of both functions.

[0080] Furthermore, the system configurations described in the embodiments of this technology are not limited to those described above. For example, Figure 1The illustration shows an example of a communication system comprising 1+N information processing devices, but the number of information processing devices is not limited to this. Furthermore, the connection method for multiple information processing devices is not limited to the aforementioned method. For example, embodiments of this technology are also applicable to networks where multiple devices are connected in a connection method different from the aforementioned connection method. For example, in a communication system where an information processing device can communicate with multiple connected information processing devices, the number of information processing devices is not limited to the aforementioned number.

[0081] [Example of functional configuration for information processing devices (AP and STA)]

[0082] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology. For reference, in Figure 1 The functional configurations of the information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA N) 204 (configurations related to wireless communication) shown in the diagram are largely the same as those of the information processing device (AP) 100.

[0083] The information processing device (AP) 100 includes a data processing unit 11, a communication unit 120, a storage unit 130, a power supply unit 140, and a control unit 150. Furthermore, the communication unit 120 includes a modulation and demodulation unit 121, a signal processing unit 122, wireless interface units 123 and 124, amplifier units 125 and 126, antennas 127 and 128, and a channel estimation unit 129. Additionally, the communication unit 120 can perform communication via Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) and Multiple-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO).

[0084] The data processing unit 110 processes various types of data under the control of the control unit 150. For example, during the transmission of data input through a higher layer, the data processing unit 110 generates packets for wireless transmission from the data. The data processing unit 110 then performs processes such as adding a header for Media Access Control (MAC) and adding error detection codes, and provides the processed data to the modulation and demodulation unit 121. Additionally, for example, during the reception of data input through the modulation and demodulation unit 121, the data processing unit 110 performs processes such as analyzing the MAC header, monitoring and detecting packet errors, and reordering, and provides the processed data to a higher protocol layer within the device. For example, the data processing unit 110 also notifies the control unit 150 of the results of header analysis, packet error detection, etc.

[0085] The modulation and demodulation unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing under the control of the control unit 150. For example, during transmission, the modulation and demodulation unit 121 encodes, interleaves, and demodulates the input data from the data processing unit 110 according to the encoding and modulation method set by the control unit 150. The modulation and demodulation unit 121 then generates a data symbol stream and provides it to the signal processing unit 122. Additionally, for example, during reception, the modulation and demodulation unit 121 performs the opposite processing on the input data from the signal processing unit 122 to the processing performed during transmission, and provides the processed data to the data processing unit 110 or the control unit 150.

[0086] Signal processing unit 122 performs various signal processing operations (e.g., spatial signal processing) under the control of control unit 150. For example, during transmission, signal processing unit 122 performs signal processing necessary for spatial separation (spatial signal processing) on ​​input data from modulation and demodulation unit 121, and provides one or more acquired transmission symbol streams to wireless interface units 123 and 124. Additionally, for example, during reception, signal processing unit 122 performs signal processing on received symbol streams input through wireless interface units 123 and 124, performs spatial separation on the streams (if necessary), and provides the processed data to modulation and demodulation unit 121.

[0087] Wireless interface units 123 and 124 are interfaces for wirelessly connecting to other information processing devices to transmit and receive various types of information. For example, during transmission, wireless interface units 123 and 124 convert input data from signal processing unit 122 into analog signals, filter the signals, and up-convert them to a carrier frequency. Then, wireless interface units 123 and 124 transmit analog signals from antennas 127 and 128 via amplifier units 125 and 126. Additionally, for example, during reception, wireless interface units 123 and 124 perform the reverse processing on input data from antennas 127 and 128 or amplifier units 125 and 126, and provide the processed data to signal processing unit 122 and channel estimation unit 129.

[0088] Amplifier units 125 and 126 are amplifiers that amplify analog signals to a predetermined power. For example, during transmission, amplifier units 125 and 126 amplify analog signals input through wireless interface units 123 and 124 to a predetermined power and transmit the analog signals from antennas 127 and 128. Additionally, for example, during reception, amplifier units 125 and 126 amplify signals input through antennas 127 and 128 to a predetermined power and output them to wireless interface units 123 and 124.

[0089] For reference only. Figure 2Amplifier units 125 and 126 and wireless interface units 123 and 124 are illustrated in different configurations. However, amplifier units 125 and 126 can be configured such that at least one of the transmission and reception functions is included in wireless interface units 123 and 124.

[0090] in addition, Figure 2 The illustration shows examples of multiple combinations of wireless interface unit 123, amplifier unit 125, and antenna 127, as well as multiple sets of wireless interface unit 124, amplifier unit 126, and antenna 128. However, it is possible that only one set of wireless interface unit, amplifier unit, and antenna exists.

[0091] The channel estimation unit 129 calculates composite channel gain information about the propagation channel from the preamble portion and the training signal portion of the input signals from the wireless interface units 123 and 124. The calculated composite channel gain information is then used by the control unit 150 in the demodulation processing performed by the modulation and demodulation unit 121 and the spatial processing performed by the signal processing unit 122.

[0092] Storage unit 130 serves as a work area for data processing performed by control unit 150 and functions as a storage medium for storing various types of data. For example, storage unit 130 can be a storage medium such as non-volatile memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a magneto-optical (MO) disk. For reference, non-volatile memory can be, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM). Alternatively, a magnetic disk can be, for example, a hard disk or a disc-shaped magnetic disk. Additionally, an optical disk can be, for example, a compact disc (CD), a recordable digital versatile disc (DVD-R), or a Blu-ray disc (BD) (registered trademark).

[0093] The power supply unit 140 supplies power to the components of the information processing device (AP) 100 under the control of the control unit 150. If the information processing device (AP) 100 is a stationary device, the power supply unit 140 may include a stationary power source. Alternatively, if the information processing device (AP) 100 is a portable device (e.g., a mobile device), the power supply unit 140 may include a battery power source.

[0094] The control unit 150 controls the receiving and transmitting operations of the components of the information processing device (AP) 100 according to a control program. For example, the control unit 150 allows information to be exchanged between the components of the information processing device (AP) 100. Additionally, for example, the control unit 150 sets parameters in the modulation and demodulation unit 121 and the signal processing unit 122, and schedules packets in the data processing unit 110. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 150 sets parameters in the wireless interface units 123 and 124 and the amplifier units 125 and 126, and controls the transmission power of the wireless interface units 123 and 124 and the amplifier units 125 and 126.

[0095] Additionally, for example, the control unit 150 performs communication control via, for example, OFDMA and MU-MIMO. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 150 transmits simplified frame formats, determines channel resource allocation, provides allocation notification, and performs communication control based on the allocation.

[0096] [Example of using multiplexed channel resources simultaneously via OFDMA and MU-MIMO]

[0097] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating channel resources used by the means constituting the communication system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0098] Figure 3 The left side shows the M frequency resources of OFDMA (resources R1(301) to RM(302)). Figure 3 The right side also illustrates the N spatial resources of MU-MIMO.

[0099] As in Figure 3 As illustrated in the diagram, a total of M×N channel resources can be provided by combining OFDMA with M frequency resources with MU-MIMO with N spatial resources. That is, resources R1-1(311) to RM-N(314) can be provided.

[0100] In addition, for ease of explanation, Figure 3 The diagram illustrates individual channel resources with identification information (R1-1, ..., R1-N, ..., RM-1, ..., RM-N).

[0101] [Example of frame format for grouping]

[0102] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the frame format of packets exchanged by means constituting a communication system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0103] exist Figure 4Figure a illustrates an example of a common packet frame format. For example, in Figure 4 The grouping shown in diagram a includes header 321 and payload 322.

[0104] exist Figure 4 Figure b illustrates an example of a frame format obtained by simplifying the frame format of a general-purpose group. For example, in Figure 4 The grouping illustrated in b is obtained by simplifying the general frame format and includes only header 331. As stated above, Figure 4 Figure b illustrates a configuration example of a frame that can only represent a very small amount of information (e.g., one or more bits).

[0105] Here, for example, in Figure 4 In the case where a single bit is stored in the packet (header 331) illustrated in diagram b, a field that actually stores 0 / 1 can be used. Alternatively, known encoding patterns can represent 0 / 1. For reference, these are merely examples, and packets with any different configuration can be used, and information can be transmitted via any other means of information transmission (e.g., power intensity).

[0106] For example, in an information processing device that allows simultaneous use of multiplexing via OFDMA and MU-MIMO, assuming it is formed in Figure 4 The frame shown in diagram b (obtained by simplifying the general frame format). In this case, the combination of channel resources and frame format makes it possible to communicate with multiple information processing devices to transmit small amounts of information with minimal overhead.

[0107] That is, in Figure 3 The diagram shows multiple channel resources and... Figure 4 The combination of simplified frame formats illustrated in b allows communication with multiple information processing devices to transmit small amounts of information with minimal overhead. For reference, in embodiments of this technology, these combinations will be described as MU resource bitmaps.

[0108] In addition, in the first embodiment of this technology, the information processing device (AP) 100 allocates two or more channel resources to an information processing device (STA) and notifies the information processing device of the allocation.

[0109] Here, as described above, the MU resource bitmap includes a maximum of M×N types of resources R1-1 to RM-N. However, in the first embodiment of this technology, for ease of illustration, a total of 36 types of resources with M=9 and N=4 are presented as an example.

[0110] in addition, Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows an example of an information processing device (AP) 100 assigning a MU resource bitmap to information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203. Figures 5 to 8 The illustration also shows an example of information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 transmitting information to information processing device (AP) 100 according to an allocation. Additionally, Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows an example of allocating three channel resources to three information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203.

[0111] [Example of notification for MU resource bitmap allocation and information transmission based on allocation]

[0112] Figures 5 to 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification of MU resource bitmap allocation performed by information processing device (AP) 100 and information transmission performed by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0113] Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows an example of information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 multiplexing information requested by information processing device (AP) 100 and transmitting it to information processing device (AP) 100. For reference, in Figures 5 to 8 The horizontal axis in the diagram represents the time axis. Additionally, Figures 5 to 8 The data transmitted from the device is illustrated in a rectangle above the time axis corresponding to the device. For reference, the rectangle includes the data name or identification information of the channel resources used.

[0114] Here, in the first embodiment of this technology, as an example, the bandwidth is set to 20MHz, which is divided into up to 9 sub-channels via OFDMA. Additionally, Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows an example of dividing a 20MHz bandwidth into three or more frequency resources using OFDMA and allocating three of the divided frequency resources to information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203. Furthermore, Figures 5 to 8 The illustration shows an example of allocating three spatial resources to a single frequency resource using MU-MIMO.

[0115] Figure 5 The illustration shows an example of information processing device (AP) 100 providing information about the allocation of MU resource bitmap coupled to trigger frame 401 (channel resource allocation information (included in frame 402)).

[0116] Here, trigger frame 401 refers to the frame from which uplink multiplexing begins. In addition, trigger frame 401 includes information to be transmitted by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 in uplink multiplexing and instructions for the transmission method (e.g., modulation and coding scheme, transmission power, time (transmission timing)).

[0117] Here, multiplexing means acquiring multiple signals (data) and transmitting them in one or more shared transmission paths. Multiplexing is also referred to as non-multiplexing transmission, multiplexed transmission, or multiplexed communication. For example, a method for transmitting data from multiple information processing devices (STAs) to one information processing device (AP) 100 at the same timing can be considered as an uplink non-multiplexing transmission for that information processing device (AP) 100.

[0118] in addition, Figure 5 The illustration shows an example of providing channel resource allocation information, wherein the channel resource allocation information stored in a single frame 402 is transmitted in such a manner that information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 can receive frame 402. For example, frame 402 can be transmitted to a group of information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 as the destination to receive frame 402.

[0119] Specifically, the information processing device (AP) 100 couples the channel resource allocation information (included in frame 402) to the trigger frame 401 to have a coupled frame. Then, the information processing device (AP) 100 transmits the channel resource allocation information and the coupled frame of the trigger frame 401 to the information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203.

[0120] Here, the coupled frames can be transmitted in a manner that allows multiple information processing devices to receive them. For example, coupled frames can be transmitted via OFDMA, Multiple-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO), multicast, or broadcast. Furthermore, the frame format of the coupled frames in this case can be... Figure 4 The frame format of the general packet is illustrated in diagram a. Additionally, channel resource allocation information can be recorded in... Figure 4 The payload is located within a predetermined area as illustrated in diagram a. This predetermined area is set in advance.

[0121] Additionally, the channel resource allocation information (information regarding MU resource bitmap allocation) included in frame 402 is information used to specify the channel resources allocated to information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203. For example, the channel resource allocation information may include an association between the identification information of the information processing device (STA) and the identification information used to specify the channel resources. Figure 5 The channel resource allocation information in frame 402 is illustrated in a simplified manner.

[0122] Furthermore, after receiving the trigger frame 401, the information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 perform uplink multiplexing based on the information included in the received trigger frame 401. For example, the information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 perform uplink multiplexing of information 403 to 411 based on information about uplink multiplexing (e.g., modulation and coding scheme, transmission power, and timing (transmission timing)).

[0123] Furthermore, after receiving frame 402, information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 perform uplink multiplexing based on the channel resource allocation information included in the received frame 402 by using the provided channel resource notifications. For example, information processing device (STA1) 201 performs uplink multiplexing of information 403 to 405 by using the provided channel resource notifications R1-1 to R1-3. Additionally, information processing device (STA2) 202 performs uplink multiplexing of information 406 to 408 by using the provided channel resource notifications R2-1 to R2-3. Furthermore, information processing device (STA3) 203 performs uplink multiplexing of information 409 to 411 by using the provided channel resource notifications R3-1 to R3-3.

[0124] Figures 5 to 8 Next to the rectangles indicating information 403 to 411, the identification information R1-1 to R3-3 for the channel resources used for transmission is illustrated. For reference, this will be discussed later. Figures 9 to 11 Describe the contents of information 403 to 411 in detail.

[0125] For reference only. Figure 5 An example of a coupled frame consisting of a transmission frame 402 (including channel resource allocation information) and a trigger frame 401 is illustrated. Alternatively, the channel resource allocation information may be included in a portion of the trigger frame 401.

[0126] Figure 6 The illustration shows an example of an information processing device (AP) 100 providing channel resource allocation information (included in frame 421) at a timing different from that of trigger frame 422. Specifically, Figure 6 The illustration shows an example of providing channel resource allocation information before trigger frame 422.

[0127] For reference, frame 421, which provides channel resource allocation information, is similar to... Figure 5 The diagram shows frame 402, and trigger frame 422 corresponds to... Figure 5 This corresponds to trigger frame 401 in the diagram. Therefore, its detailed description will be omitted here.

[0128] Here, it can be as if... Figure 6Frame 421, which provides channel resource allocation information, can be transmitted separately as shown in the diagram, or it can be transmitted together with another frame (e.g., a beacon).

[0129] Additionally, frame 421, which provides channel resource allocation information, may include information about the time when trigger frame 422 will be transmitted (transmission timing). Using this arrangement, after receiving frame 421, the information processing device (STA) can determine the transmission timing of trigger frame 422.

[0130] Figure 7 The illustration shows another example of an information processing device (AP) 100 providing channel resource allocation information coupled to trigger frame 431 (included in frame 432).

[0131] Specifically, Figure 7 The illustration shows an example of multiplexing and transmitting a frame that provides channel resource allocation information. The channel resources used for multiplexing are the same as those of the notification information processing device (STA).

[0132] For example, suppose information processing device (STA1) 201 is notified to perform uplink multiplexing by using channel resource R1-1. In this case, information processing device (AP) 100 transmits frame 432 to information processing device (STA1) 201 by using channel resource R1-1 to notify information processing device (STA1) 201 of the allocation of channel resource R1-1.

[0133] For reference only. Figure 7 The channel resource allocation information (e.g., channel resource destination and identification information) in frame 432 is illustrated in a simplified manner. Figure 7 The identification information R1-1 to R3-3 for the channel resources used for transmission is also illustrated next to the rectangle indicating the frame. Following this method, refer to... Figure 7 Only information about the destination to which information (channel resource allocation information) is to be provided is stored in frame 432.

[0134] For reference, trigger frame 431 and in Figure 5 The trigger frame 401 in the diagram corresponds to this. However, in Figure 7 In the example shown in the diagram, multiple channel resources are used, and the transmission time of frame 431 is longer than that in... Figure 5 The example shown in the diagram illustrates a short transmission time for trigger frame 431. Here, multiple channel resources are used, including frequency resources as sub-channels for OFDMA and spatial resources for MIMO, and the shorter transmission time is primarily due to the increased data rate via MIMO.

[0135] Alternatively, trigger frame 431 can be transmitted via OFMDA or MIMO, and frame 432 can be transmitted via OFMDA or MU-MIMO.

[0136] For reference only. Figure 7 An example of a coupled frame consisting of a transmission frame 432 (including channel resource allocation information) and a trigger frame 431 is illustrated. Alternatively, the channel resource allocation information may be included in a portion of the trigger frame 431.

[0137] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example of an information processing device (AP) 100 providing channel resource allocation information solely through trigger frame 441.

[0138] Specifically, Figure 8 The illustration shows an example of multiplexing and transmitting trigger frame 441, which is used to provide channel resource allocation information. The channel resources used for multiplexing are the same as those notified to the information processing device (STA).

[0139] For example, suppose information processing device (STA1) 201 is notified to perform uplink multiplexing by using channel resource R1-1. In this case, information processing device (AP) 100 transmits trigger frame 441 to information processing device (STA1) 201 by using channel resource R1-1 to notify information processing device (STA1) 201 of the allocation of channel resource R1-1.

[0140] For reference only. Figure 8 The channel resource allocation information (e.g., channel resource destination and identification information) in trigger frame 441 is illustrated in a simplified manner. Figure 8 Next to the rectangle indicating the trigger frame, identification information R1-1 to R3-3 for the channel resources used for transmission is also illustrated. Following this method, refer to... Figure 8 Only information about the destination to which information (channel resource allocation information) is to be provided is stored in trigger frame 441.

[0141] Alternatively, OFMDA or MU-MIMO can be used to transmit trigger frame 441.

[0142] [Examples of allocating channel resources and using allocated channel resources to transmit information]

[0143] In a first embodiment of this technology, in order to provide at least one piece of information to an information processing device (AP) 100 via an information processing device (STA), the information processing device (AP) 100 allocates two or more channel resources to one information processing device (STA). Additionally, reference will be made to... Figures 9 to 12 Describe the specific allocation method.

[0144] [Example of allocating three channel resources to an information processing device (STA) and the information processing device (STA) providing a message to an information processing device (AP)]

[0145] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) and information provided by the information processing device (STA) to the information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0146] Specifically, Figure 9 The illustration shows an example of allocating two or more channel resources to an information processing device (STA) to provide one piece of information. In this case, one bit of information can be provided in one channel resource. For example, if three channel resources are allocated to an information processing device (STA), the STA can provide three bits of information to the information processing device (AP).

[0147] exist Figure 9 Figure a illustrates an example of channel resource allocation. Figure 9 In the example illustrated in Figure a, three channel resources are allocated to an information processing device (STA). For example, channel resources R1-1 to R1-3 can be allocated to information processing device (STA1) 201. Similarly, channel resources R2-1 to R2-3 can be allocated to information processing device (STA2) 202, and channel resources R3-1 to R3-3 can be allocated to information processing device (STA3) 203. For reference, in Figure 9 In the example, channel resources R1-4, R2-4, and R3-4 are not allocated.

[0148] exist Figure 9 Figure b illustrates an example of the relationship between allocated channel resources and information provided to the information processing device (AP) 100. Figure 9 In the example shown in Figure b, the information processing device (STA) notifies the information processing device (AP) of the packet error rate (PER).

[0149] As in Figure 9 As illustrated in Figure b, each information processing device (STA) in the information processing apparatus (STA) can transmit 3 bits of information using the three channel resources allocated to it. In this case, each information processing device (STA) specifies one of eight ranges corresponding to the value of PER measured in the information processing device (STA), and transmits information within that range.

[0150] For example, if the PER value measured in the information processing device (STA1) 201 is 0.01 to 0.02, the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits information corresponding to the PER range "0.01 to 0.02" (R1-1 "0", R1-2 "0", and R1-3 "1").

[0151] For reference, instructions for transmitting PER via three bits of information can be provided based on some information. For example, the instructions can be included in the beacons to be exchanged, or they can be provided during the initial exchange of other information. Additionally, information (e.g., in...) can be... Figure 9 The table (shown in Figure b) for generating transmission information (three-bit information) includes information provided in the beacon and may be provided in the initial exchange of other information. Additionally, as information for generating transmission information, a threshold notification (e.g., a threshold for PER or RSSI) may be provided, causing the information processing device (STA) to provide information only if the threshold is exceeded. In this way, the information processing device (AP) 100 may provide information about transmission conditions (e.g., the PER threshold) to the information processing device (STA). In this case, the information processing device (STA) may determine whether to transmit information (e.g., the PER value) to the information processing device (AP) 100 based on the information about transmission conditions (e.g., the PER threshold). That is, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 may provide information about transmission conditions to the information processing device (STA) and execute control to cause the information processing device (STA) to transmit signals based on the provided information.

[0152] [Example of allocating three channel resources to an information processing device (STA) and the STA providing two messages to an information processing device (AP)]

[0153] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) and information provided by the information processing device (STA) to the information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0154] Specifically, Figure 10 The illustration shows an example of allocating two or more channel resources to an information processing device (STA) to provide two bits of information. For example, if three channel resources are allocated to an information processing device (STA), the device can provide three bits of information. Therefore, in Figure 10 In the example, two bits are used to provide one piece of information, and one bit is used to provide another piece of information.

[0155] exist Figure 10 Figure a illustrates an example of channel resource allocation. Figure 10 In the example illustrated in Figure a, three channel resources are allocated to an information processing device (STA).

[0156] exist Figure 10 Figure b illustrates an example of the relationship between allocated channel resources and information provided to the information processing device (AP) 100. Figure 10 In the example shown in Figure b, the information processing device (STA) notifies the information processing device (AP) 100 of the PER and the received signal strength indicator.

[0157] As in Figure 10 As illustrated in Figure b, each information processing device (STA) can transmit 3 bits of information using the three channel resources allocated to it. In this case, each information processing device (STA) specifies one of two ranges corresponding to the PER value measured in the information processing device (STA) and transmits information within that range. Additionally, each information processing device (STA) specifies one of four ranges corresponding to the RSSI value measured in the information processing device (STA) and transmits information within that range.

[0158] For example, if the PER value measured in the information processing device (STA1) 201 is between 0.10 and 1.00, the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits information corresponding to the PER range "0.10 to 1.00" (R1-1 "1"). Additionally, for example, if the RSSI value measured in the information processing device (STA1) 201 is between -40 and 0 dBm, the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits information corresponding to the RSSI range "-40 to 0 dBm" (R1-2 "1" and R1-3 "0").

[0159] In this manner, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 performs control to allocate multiple channel resources to multiple information processing devices (STAs) and notifies the multiple information processing devices (STAs) of the allocation. In this case, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can allocate two or more channel resources to each of the information processing devices (STAs). For reference, for example, multiple channel resources are as follows: Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, it includes a combination of frequency channel resources and space channel resources.

[0160] Additionally, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 performs control to notify the transmission of signals with simplified frame formats using allocated channel resources. Furthermore, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 performs control to provide the information processing device (STA) with the information required to transmit signals using multiple allocated channel resources. For example, the necessary information may include: modulation and coding scheme, transmission power, time (transmission timing), and information to be transmitted. For example, this information may be provided in the trigger frame (e.g., in...). Figure 5 The necessary information is provided in the trigger frame 401, beacon, etc., as shown in the diagram.

[0161] Additionally, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 performs control to instruct the information processing device (STA) to transmit signals for providing one or more pieces of information to the information processing device (AP) 100 using two or more channel resources. In this case, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can perform control to cause the information processing device (STA) to transmit information about the reception status as one or more pieces of information (e.g., PER and RSSI). For example, this can be done in a trigger frame (e.g., in...). Figure 5 Information is provided in the trigger frame 401, beacon, etc., as shown in the diagram.

[0162] Furthermore, the communication unit 120 of the information processing device (AP) 100 receives signals transmitted by the information processing device (STA) using multiple allocated channel resources in each of the multiple channel resources. In this case, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can acquire one or more pieces of information (e.g., PER and RSSI) including multiple signals received in each of the multiple channel resources.

[0163] Additionally, the control unit of the information processing device (STA) (equivalent to...) Figure 2 The control unit 150 shown in the figure can provide one or more messages by transmitting multiple specified signals (e.g., three bits) within the range of channel resource notification provided by the information processing device (AP) 100.

[0164] [Example of an information processing device (STA) providing redundant information to an information processing device (AP)]

[0165] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) and information provided by the information processing device (STA) to the information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0166] Specifically, Figure 11The illustration shows an example of allocating two or more channel resources to an information processing device (STA) to provide two messages. Additionally, in Figure 11 In the example, to address information redundancy, the same information is provided in two or more channel resources.

[0167] For example, when three channel resources are allocated to an information processing device (STA), each bit is used for two messages. In this case, the remaining bit can be used to repeat relatively important information. This arrangement increases the redundancy of relatively important information, thereby improving communication quality.

[0168] Additionally, for example, important information may not be any one of multiple messages, but rather the important bit (e.g., the most significant bit) of a single message.

[0169] exist Figure 11 Figure a illustrates an example of channel resource allocation. Figure 11 In the example illustrated in Figure a, three channel resources are allocated to an information processing device (STA).

[0170] exist Figure 11 Figure b illustrates an example of the relationship between allocated channel resources and information provided to the information processing device (AP) 100. Figure 11 In the example illustrated in b, the information processing device (STA) notifies the information processing device (AP) 100 of the PER and RSSI. However, in Figure 11 In the example illustrated in b, PER is set as relatively important information, and PER is provided redundantly by using 1 bit.

[0171] As in Figure 11 As illustrated in Figure b, each information processing device (STA) in the information processing apparatus (STA) can transmit 3 bits of information using the three channel resources allocated to it. In this case, each information processing device (STA) specifies one of two ranges corresponding to the value of PER measured in the information processing device (STA), and transmits information within that range using one bit. Here, as described above, each information processing device (STA) transmits the same information using another bit.

[0172] In addition, each information processing device (STA) in the information processing device (STA) specifies one of two ranges corresponding to the RSSI value measured in the information processing device (STA), and transmits information within that range.

[0173] For example, if the PER value measured in the information processing device (STA1) 201 is between 0.10 and 1.00, the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits information (R1-1 "1") corresponding to the PER range of "0.10 to 1.00". In this case, the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits the same information "1" by using another channel resource R1-3.

[0174] Additionally, for example, if the RSSI value measured in the information processing device (STA1) 201 is -40dBm or more, the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits information (R1-1 "1") corresponding to the RSSI range "-40dBm or more".

[0175] In this manner, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 performs control to notify multiple information processing devices (STAs) to transmit signals for providing the same information to the information processing device (AP) 100 by using different channel resources. In this case, the information processing devices (STAs) transmit signals for providing the same information (e.g., PER) to the information processing device (AP) 100 by using different channel resources.

[0176] [Another example of channel resource allocation]

[0177] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of channel resources allocated to an information processing device (STA) according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0178] exist Figure 12 Figure a illustrates an example of allocating the same frequency channel resources to the same information processing device (STA). Figure 12 Figure b illustrates an example of allocating the same spatial channel resources to the same information processing device (STA). Figure 12 Figure c illustrates an example of allocating different frequency or spatial channel resources with redundant bits to an information processing device (STA).

[0179] like Figure 12 As illustrated in Figure a, when allocating two or more channel resources to an information processing device (STA), the channel resources can be allocated to the same frequency channel. For example, channel resources R1-1 to R1-3 can be allocated to information processing device (STA1) 201. Using this allocation, information can be received from an information processing device (STA) without being affected by the degradation in the communication environment of one frequency channel.

[0180] Additionally, as in Figure 12As illustrated in Figure b, when allocating two or more channel resources to an information processing device (STA), the channel resources can be allocated to the same spatial channel. For example, channel resources R1-1, R2-1, and R3-1 can be allocated to information processing device (STA1) 201. Using this allocation, information can be received from an information processing device (STA) unaffected by degradation in the communication environment of a spatial channel.

[0181] In this manner, when two or more channel resources are allocated to an information processing device (STA), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can allocate the same frequency channel resources or the same spatial channel resources to the information processing device (STA).

[0182] Additionally, as in Figure 12 As illustrated in Figure c, when allocating two or more channel resources to an information processing device (STA), different frequency or spatial channel resources can be assigned to the information processing device. For example, channel resources R1-1 to R1-3 and R2-4 can be allocated to information processing device (STA1) 201. In this case, redundant bits can be allocated to channel resource R2-4. Using this allocation, even if the communication environment of a frequency channel deteriorates, the information of the redundant bits can be received without being affected by the deterioration.

[0183] These allocation methods can be appropriately modified according to the communication environment. For example, if it is detected that the requested information is not being transmitted by an information processing device (STA), the information processing device (AP) 100 can change the channel resource allocation for the information processing device (STA). Alternatively, for example, the information processing device (AP) 100 can change the allocation method to change the channel resource allocation for the information processing device (STA).

[0184] For reference, the information provided in the channel resources allocated to each information processing device (STA) is not limited to the aforementioned information. For example, other information may be provided in the channel resources allocated to each information processing device (STA). For instance, as other information, information regarding the reception status in the information processing device (STA) may be provided. Here, reception status refers to information such as packet error rate, throughput, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), received packet count, received signal strength indicator (RSSI), or block acknowledgment bitmap. Alternatively, a combination of these items may be transmitted according to a specific mode.

[0185] [Operational Example of an Information Processing Device (AP)]

[0186] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data transmission process performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0187] The control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether to request two or more messages from each of the information processing devices (STAs) connected to it (step S801). If two or more messages are requested from each of the information processing devices (STAs) (step S801), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines the channel resource allocation for transmitting the requested two or more messages (step S802). For example, this can be achieved by... Figure 10 or Figure 11 The allocation method shown in the diagram determines the allocation.

[0188] When a message is requested from each information processing device (STA) in the information processing equipment (STA) (step S801), the control unit 150 of the information processing equipment (AP) 100 determines the channel resource allocation for transmitting the requested message (step S803). For example, this can be achieved by... Figure 9 The allocation method shown in the diagram determines the allocation.

[0189] Subsequently, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether to provide redundancy to a specific piece of information (step S804). If no redundancy is provided to any information (step S804), the control unit 150 proceeds to step S810.

[0190] In the case of providing redundancy to specific information (step S804), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether to provide redundancy to the frequency channel resources (step S805).

[0191] When redundancy is provided to frequency channel resources (step S805), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 allocates the same information as the information to be redundant (original information) to a frequency channel resource that is different from the channel resource used to transmit the information to be redundant (step S806).

[0192] Without providing redundancy to frequency channel resources (step S805), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether to provide redundancy to spatial channel resources (step S807).

[0193] When providing redundancy to the space channel resources (step S807), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 allocates the same information as the information to be redundant (original information) to a space channel resource that is different from the channel resource used to transmit the information to be redundant (step S808).

[0194] Without providing redundancy to the spatial channel resources (step S807), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 allocates the same information as the information to be redundant (original information) to a channel resource that is different from the channel resource used to transmit the information to be redundant, whether it is a frequency channel resource or a spatial channel resource (step S809).

[0195] Subsequently, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether the allocation of request information for the information processing device (STA) falls within the maximum number of channel resources (step S810). If the allocation of request information for the information processing device (STA) exceeds the maximum number of channel resources (step S810), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 adjusts the allocation of request information for the information processing device (STA) (step S811). Then, the control unit 150 proceeds to step S812. For example, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 adjusts the channel resource allocation and request information allocation for the information processing device (STA) to fall within the maximum number of channel resources (step S811).

[0196] When the maximum number of requested information allocations for an information processing device (STA) falls within the channel resources (step S810), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 provides predetermined information to each information processing device (STA) (step S812). This predetermined information includes, for example, channel resource allocation, the requested information, and information allocation. Furthermore, the predetermined information may be provided, for example, through a method that allows multiple information processing devices to receive the information (e.g., OFDMA, MU-MIMO, multicast, and broadcast).

[0197] [Operational Example of an Information Processing Device (STA)]

[0198] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data receiving and processing procedure performed by an information processing device (STA1) 201 according to a first embodiment of the present technology. For reference, this procedure is also applicable to the operation of other information processing devices (STAs).

[0199] The control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 (equivalent to in Figure 2The control unit 150 shown in the diagram determines whether it has received channel resource allocation, requested information, and information allocation from the information processing device (AP) 100 (step S821). If the above information has not yet been received, the control unit continues to monitor.

[0200] Having received the aforementioned information from the information processing device (AP) 100 (step S821), the control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits the requested information based on the received information (step S822). That is, the control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 uses the channel resources allocated to it by the information processing device (AP) 100 to transmit the requested information according to the information allocation (step S822).

[0201] In this manner, the information processing device (STA1) 201 receives a notification that multiple channel resources have been allocated to the information processing device (STA1) 201. Then, upon receiving the notification, the information processing device (STA1) 201 executes control to transmit multiple signals for providing predetermined information to the information processing device (AP) 100 using the multiple allocated channel resources. In this case, the control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 executes control to transmit signals with a simplified frame format (e.g., as shown in...) using the multiple allocated channel resources. Figure 4 (As illustrated in diagram b). Additionally, for example, the pre-defined information is the information requested by the information processing device (AP) 100 (e.g., PER and RSSI).

[0202] In this manner, the information processing device (AP) 100 allocates multiple channel resources to multiple information processing devices (STAs) and notifies the multiple information processing devices (STAs) of the allocation. Furthermore, upon receiving the notification, the information processing devices (STAs) use the multiple allocated channel resources to transmit multiple signals to the information processing device (AP) 100 for providing predetermined information (e.g., PER and RSSI) to the information processing device (AP) 100.

[0203] <2. Second Embodiment>

[0204] In a second embodiment of this technology, the same channel resources are allocated to two or more information processing devices (STAs) and they are provided with notification of the allocation as an example.

[0205] For reference, the configuration of the device in the second embodiment of this technology is similar to that in... Figure 1 , Figure 2The configurations of the information processing device (AP) 100 and information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 illustrated in the other figures are almost identical. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present technology, and their descriptions will be partially omitted.

[0206] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment of this technology, the MU resource bitmap includes a maximum of M×N channel resources R1-1 to RM-N. However, in the example described below, for ease of illustration, there are a total of 36 channel resources with M=9 and N=4.

[0207] In addition, in a second embodiment of this technology, 36 channel resources are allocated to a single information processing device (STA) and 36 channel resources are similarly allocated to other information processing devices (STAs).

[0208] [An example of allocating the same 36 channel resources to each of the information processing devices (STAs) and providing them with notification of the allocation]

[0209] Figure 15 This is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of notification of MU resource bitmap allocation by information processing device (AP) 100 and information transmission by information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0210] Figure 15 The illustration shows an example of information processing device (AP) 100 allocating a MU resource bitmap to information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203. Additionally, in Figure 15 In the example illustrated, information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 transmit information according to allocation. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In the example shown in the diagram, 36 channel resources are allocated to three information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203. Alternatively, channel resources can be allocated to a group comprising the three information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203.

[0211] Note that trigger frames 451, 452, and information 453 to 458 are related to... Figure 5 The trigger frames 401, 402, and information 403 to 411 shown in the diagram correspond to each other, and their descriptions will be omitted here.

[0212] [An example of the relationship between the content transmitted by the STA, the content received by the AP, and the number of NACK transmissions]

[0213] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the content transmitted by the information processing device (STA), the content received by the information processing device (AP) 100, and the number of NACK transmissions performed by the information processing device (STA) according to a second embodiment of the present technology. That is, Figure 16 The illustration shows an example of the result of an operation in a system based on Negative Acknowledgment (NACK) using MU resource bitmaps.

[0214] Here, it is assumed that the information processing device (AP) 100 receives information (signals) transmitted by the information processing device (STA) based on channel resource allocation. For example, assuming that one channel resource stores one bit of information, when at least one of the three information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 transmits one bit of information, the information processing device (AP) 100 observes one bit. That is, the received result is a logical sum.

[0215] For example, this operation can be used to store a block acknowledgment bitmap formed by NACKs used for multicast in a MU resource bitmap, and transmit the block acknowledgment bitmap in a NACK-based system. Using this arrangement, the information processing device (AP) 100 can determine data frames that have not yet been received by at least one information processing device (STA) and need to be retransmitted.

[0216] For example, suppose information processing device (AP) 100 transmits multicast packets (sequence numbers: 0 to 35) to each information processing device (STA). In this case, the information processing device (STA) can store the received result in the MU resource bitmap and transmit the received result. For example, channel resource R1-1 is associated with sequence number 0, and channel resource R1-2 is associated with sequence number 2. Similarly, other channel resources are associated sequentially with sequence numbers.

[0217] Here, the sequence number (starting sequence number) associated with channel resource R1-1 can be pre-transmitted by information processing device (AP) 100 to each information processing device (STA) in the information processing device (STA) via information exchange.

[0218] Figure 16 The illustration shows an example of the results of the transmission performed by the information processing device (STA1) 201 to the information processing device (STA3) 203 and the results of the reception performed by the information processing device (AP) 100.

[0219] Here, in a NACK-based system, it can be determined that a packet with a sequence number associated with a channel resource that results in a reception of 1 by the information processing device (AP) 100 has not yet been received by at least one information processing device (STA). Therefore, it can be determined that the packet with the sequence number associated with the channel resource that results in a reception of 1 will be retransmitted. However, the reception result is a logical sum and cannot include how many information processing devices (STAs) have actually received packets.

[0220] For example, Figure 16 The illustration illustrates a scenario based on the assumption that, among the three information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203, the reception characteristics of information processing device (STA3) 203 are worse than those of the other information processing devices (STA1) 201 and (STA2) 202. In this case, many of the reception results obtained by information processing device (AP) 100 are 1. Specifically, as in Figure 16 As illustrated in the diagram, many information processing devices in the information processing equipment (STA) have transmitted NACK on channel resources R1-4 and R9-3, and it can be assumed that packets corresponding to these channel resources will be retransmitted with a higher priority than packets corresponding to other channel resources.

[0221] Therefore, an example of the information processing device (AP) 100 checking the receive power of NACK will be described below.

[0222] For example, when the information processing device (AP) 100 receives signals from information processing devices (STAs) with the same receiving power, the receiving power is proportional to the number of information processing devices (STAs). Therefore, when the information processing device (AP) 100 receives signals from information processing devices (STAs) with the same receiving power, the information processing device (AP) 100 can check the receiving power to predict the number of information processing devices (STAs) that have already transmitted NACKs. Using this arrangement, the information processing device (AP) 100 can determine the priority of retransmissions.

[0223] Here, for example, when only one information processing device (STA) near information processing equipment (AP) 100 transmits a NACK, AP 100 assumes that the absolute value of its received power will be greater than the absolute value of the received power of other information processing devices. Typically, it is assumed that the packet reception failure of the information processing device (STA) near AP 100 is due to an unexpected packet collision. In this case, it is highly expected that retransmissions for the information processing device (STA) near AP 100 will recover from the failure, and it can be determined that packets will be retransmitted with higher priority.

[0224] Meanwhile, it is assumed that the reception failure by an information processing device (STA) located far from the information processing equipment (AP) 100 is due to SNR degradation caused by insufficient signal power. Therefore, it is assumed that retransmission for the information processing device (STA) located far from the information processing equipment (AP) 100 is unlikely to recover from the failure, and it can be determined that packets will be retransmitted with a lower priority. The information processing equipment (AP) 100 can control retransmissions based on this determined priority.

[0225] Furthermore, it is assumed that the received power of the information processing device (AP) 100 varies among the information processing devices (STAs) depending on their proximity. In this case, the magnitude of the received power of the information processing device (AP) 100 can be determined after calibration through initial training.

[0226] Additionally, the information processing device (AP) 100 can provide notification of a NACK threshold (e.g., the number of NACK transmissions) to prevent a less efficient information processing device (STA) from transmitting NACKs more frequently than the NACK threshold notification provides. This arrangement avoids situations where a large number of NACK transmissions by a less efficient information processing device (STA) prevents the determination of packets to be retransmitted with higher priority. In this manner, the information processing device (AP) 100 can provide information about transmission conditions (e.g., the NACK threshold) to each of the information processing devices (STAs). In this case, each information processing device (STA) can determine whether to transmit information (e.g., NACK) to the information processing device (AP) 100 based on the information about transmission conditions (e.g., the NACK threshold). That is, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can perform control to provide information about transmission conditions to each information processing device (STA) in the information processing device (STA), and cause each information processing device (STA) in the information processing device (STA) to transmit signals based on the provided information.

[0227] In this manner, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can perform control to allocate two or more identical channel resources from a plurality of channel resources to each of the plurality of information processing devices (STAs). Additionally, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can perform control to cause the plurality of information processing devices (STAs) to transmit signals for providing notification of multicast reception results to the plurality of information processing devices (STAs) using the same channel resources. In this case, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can determine the number of information processing devices (STAs) that have transmitted signals based on the received power of the signals transmitted using the same channel resources. Furthermore, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can determine the priority of retransmission in response to multicast transmission based on the received power of the signals transmitted using the same channel resources.

[0228] [Operational Example of an Information Processing Device (AP)]

[0229] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data transmission process performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a second embodiment of the present technology.

[0230] The control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 transmits multicast packets to each of the information processing devices (STAs) connected to it (step S831). Subsequently, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether it is a timing for requesting acknowledgment of multicast packet delivery (step S832). If it is not a timing for requesting acknowledgment, the control unit 150 continues monitoring.

[0231] When it is timed to request a transmission confirmation (step S832), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 transmits a request for transmission confirmation in the MU resource bitmap and provides each information processing device (STA) in the information processing device (STA) with a notification of channel resource allocation for the packet number (step S833).

[0232] Subsequently, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether a transmission acknowledgment has been received in the MU resource bitmap (step S834). If no transmission acknowledgment has been received in the MU resource bitmap (step S834), the control unit 150 terminates the data transmission process.

[0233] If a transmission confirmation has been received in the MU resource bitmap (step S834), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether the received power of one of the multiple channel resources is greater than a threshold (step S835). If the received power of the channel resource is equal to or less than the threshold (step S835), the control unit 150 proceeds to step S837.

[0234] If the received power of the channel resource is greater than the threshold (step S835), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines the packet associated with the channel resource as the retransmission target (step S836).

[0235] Subsequently, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether there are any channel resources among the multiple channel resources that have not yet been compared with the threshold (step S837). If there are any channel resources that have not yet been compared with the threshold (step S837), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 selects the channel resource that has not yet been compared with the threshold from the multiple channel resources as the comparison target. Then, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 determines whether the received power of the channel resource is greater than the threshold (step S835).

[0236] If there are no channel resources that have not yet been compared with the threshold (step S837), the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 will transmit the packets determined as retransmission targets to each of the information processing devices (STAs) (step S838). That is, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 retransmits the packets determined as retransmission targets (step S838).

[0237] [Operational Example of an Information Processing Device (STA)]

[0238] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data receiving and processing procedure performed by an information processing device (STA1) 201 according to a second embodiment of the present technology. For reference, this procedure is also applicable to the operation of other information processing devices (STAs).

[0239] The control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 determines whether a multicast packet has been received from the information processing device (AP) 100 (step S841). If no multicast packets have been received, the control unit continues monitoring.

[0240] If a multicast packet has been received from the information processing device (AP) 100 (step S841), the control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 determines whether a delivery acknowledgment in the MU resource bitmap and a packet number allocation for the channel resources have been received from the information processing device (AP) 100 (step S842). If no information has been received, the control unit continues monitoring.

[0241] If information has been received from the information processing device (AP) 100 (step S842), the control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 transmits a delivery acknowledgment in the MU resource bitmap (step S843). For reference, if all multicast packets transmitted by the information processing device (AP) 100 have been successfully received, the control unit does not transmit a delivery acknowledgment in the MU resource bitmap.

[0242] Subsequently, the control unit of the information processing device (STA1) 201 receives packets from the information processing device (AP) 100 as retransmission targets (step S844).

[0243] <3. Third Embodiment>

[0244] The third embodiment of this technology provides another example of channel resource allocation. Specifically, some channel resources from a plurality of channel resources are equally allocated to two or more information processing devices (STAs), and the remaining channel resources from the plurality of channel resources are independently allocated to each of the information processing devices (STAs).

[0245] For reference, the configuration of the device in the third embodiment of this technology is similar to that in... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The configurations of the information processing device (AP) 100 and information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 illustrated in the other figures are almost identical. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present technology, and their descriptions will be partially omitted.

[0246] [Example of channel resource allocation]

[0247] First, examples of the method for channel resource allocation in the first embodiment of the present technology and the method for channel resource allocation in the second embodiment of the present technology will be described. Specifically, examples of the method for acquiring information individually from multiple information processing devices (STAs) in the first embodiment of the present technology and the method for acquiring bitmap information from each information processing device (STA) in the second embodiment of the present technology as a logical sum will be described.

[0248] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resource allocation performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a third embodiment of the present technology. Specifically, Figure 19 The illustration shows an allocation method in which some channel resources are equally allocated to two or more information processing devices (STAs) and other channel resources are independently allocated to each of the information processing devices (STAs), as well as an example of providing allocation notification.

[0249] According to Figure 19 The allocation method illustrated in the diagram can be used to collect multiple bits of information from each information processing device (STA) individually by using some channel resources in the channel resources, and to collect bitmap information from each information processing device (STA) as a logical sum by using other channel resources in the channel resources.

[0250] Specifically, multiple bits of information can be individually acquired from information processing device (STA1) using channel resources R1-1 to R1-4. Similarly, multiple bits of information can be individually acquired from information processing device (STA2) using channel resources R2-1 to R2-4, and multiple bits of information can be individually acquired from information processing device (STA3) using channel resources R3-1 to R3-4. Additionally, similar to acquiring the above information, bitmap information can be acquired as a logical sum from information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 using channel resources R4-1 to R9-4.

[0251] In this manner, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can allocate some of the channel resources from a plurality of channel resources to two or more information processing devices (STAs), and independently allocate the other channel resources from the channel resources to multiple information processing devices (STAs).

[0252] [Another example of channel resource allocation]

[0253] Next, an example of an allocation method that would be effective in situations where the number of channel resources is insufficient for information processing devices (STAs) will be described in the first embodiment of the present technology.

[0254] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of channel resource allocation performed by an information processing device (AP) 100 according to a third embodiment of the present technology. Figure 20Figures a through c illustrate examples of the following allocation: when the number of channel resources is insufficient for the number of information processing devices (STAs), some of the same channel resources are allocated to different information processing devices (STAs).

[0255] According to Figure 20 The allocation method illustrated in the figure involves using some channel resources to collect multiple bits of information from some information processing devices (STAs) individually, and sharing a insufficient number of channel resources among the remaining information processing devices (STAs).

[0256] Specifically, in Figure 20 In the examples illustrated in a and b, multiple bits of information are individually acquired from information processing devices (STA1) to (STA8) using channel resources R1-1 to R8-1. Additionally, channel resources R9-1 to R9-4 are shared between the remaining information processing devices (STA9) and (STA10).

[0257] In this way, when sharing channel resources R9-1 to R9-4, it is possible to... Figure 20 Information is collected as a logical sum as shown in diagram a.

[0258] Additionally, as in Figure 20 As shown in diagram b, shared channel resources R9-1 to R9-4 can be divided to transmit information at a coarser granularity.

[0259] Additionally, as in Figure 20 As illustrated in Figure c, it is assumed that channel resources R1-1 to R6-4 are allocated to information processing devices (STA1) to (STA6) as usual. In this case, channel resources R7-1 to R9-4 can be allocated to information processing devices (STA7) to (STA10) at a lower granularity.

[0260] These allocation methods can be appropriately modified according to the communication environment. For example, if the information processing device (AP) 100 detects that the information processing device (STA) is performing poorly compared to the standard, the AP 100 can change the channel resources by increasing the channel resource allocation for the STA. Alternatively, for example, the AP 100 can change the channel resource allocation for the STA by changing the allocation method.

[0261] <4. Fourth Embodiment>

[0262] In a fourth embodiment of this technology, the information processing device (AP) provides information to the information processing device (STA) by using a MU resource bitmap.

[0263] For reference, the configuration of the device in the fourth embodiment of this technology is similar to that in... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The configurations of the information processing device (AP) 100 and information processing devices (STA1) 201 to (STA3) 203 illustrated in the other figures are almost identical. Therefore, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as those in the first embodiment of the present technology, and their descriptions will be partially omitted.

[0264] In the fourth embodiment of this technology, the simplified frame format used in the first to third embodiments of this technology may also be used. However, the frame format is not limited to this, and another frame format may be used.

[0265] Additionally, as in the first embodiment of this technology, as an example, the MU resource bitmap includes a maximum of M×N channel resources R1-1 to RM-N. However, in the example described below, for ease of illustration, there are a total of 36 channel resources with M=9 and N=4.

[0266] For example, the information provided by the information processing device (AP) 100 to the information processing device (STA) using a MU resource bitmap (the provided information) can be the same as the information transmitted in a generic bitmap. For example, a portion of the Virtual Bitmap (PVB) field of the Service Indication Map (TIM) element in a beacon frame can be set as the provided information.

[0267] Here, the wireless LAN standardization organization IEEE 802.11 has proposed a technique for reducing power consumption. This technique allows the information processing device to transition from a wake-up state (performing normal operation) to a power-saving state (sleep state) where it neither transmits nor receives signals when communication is not required. According to this technique, slave devices in the power-saving state enter the wake-up state at constant intervals to check whether data for their own device has been buffered at the base station via a signal (TIM) from the base station. In this way, if a slave device is unable to receive packets in the power-saving state, it is necessary to periodically notify the slave device that packets have been buffered at the base station. PVB is used as the notification field. An example of using PVB as a notification bitmap will be described below.

[0268] [Beacon frame format example]

[0269] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the frame format of beacons exchanged between devices constituting a communication system 10 according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. Figure 22 The beacon is used in the example shown in the diagram.

[0270] Figure 21The illustration shows an example of a partially modified frame format for a beacon as defined by IEEE Std. 802.11 2012 and IEEE Std. 802.11ac 2013. Specifically, Figure 21 The illustration shows an example of using a beacon-based frame format to multiplex a partial virtual bitmap (PVB) to form a bitmap in the direction of channel resources.

[0271] exist Figure 21 The beacon shown in the diagram includes a Physical Layer Convergence Protocol (PLCP) header 501, a Media Access Control (MAC) header 502, a payload 503, and a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) 504. The payload 503 includes a Traffic Indicator Map (TIM) 520.

[0272] TIM 520 includes element ID 521, length 522, DTIM count 523, DTIM period 524, bitmap control 525, MU bitmap control 526, and MU-partial virtual bitmap [0] 530 to MU-partial virtual bitmap [n] 533.

[0273] In this way, Figure 21 In the example shown in the diagram, a new field (MU bitmap control 526) is prepared. Then, the new field (MU bitmap control 526) informs subsequent PVBs that they are MU-PVBs by using a bitmap formed through multiplexing in the direction of the channel resources. For reference, the location of the new field (MU bitmap control 526) is not limited to... Figure 21 The location shown in the diagram.

[0274] In addition, Figure 21 In the example shown in the diagram, the vertical stacking of rectangles (MU-partial virtual bitmap [0] 530 to MU-partial virtual bitmap [n] 533) signifies multiplexing.

[0275] Element ID 521 includes the ID of the IE that indicates the notification execution that triggered the multiplexing.

[0276] Length 522 includes information indicating the data length of the frame in TIM 520.

[0277] DTIM count 523 includes information indicating the beacon count before the next beacon.

[0278] DTIM cycle 524 includes information indicating the timing value for setting the transmission of data buffered at the base station (information processing equipment (AP) 100).

[0279] Bitmap control 525 includes information about the next field.

[0280] The MU bitmap control 526 includes information indicating that subsequent fields are MU-PVB information using a bitmap formed by multiplexing in the direction of channel resources.

[0281] MU-partial virtual bitmaps [0]530 to MU-partial virtual bitmaps [n]533 contain information equivalent to PVB. For example, the information can be one bit.

[0282] Here, it is assumed that the number of data destinations (STAs) stored in the information processing device (AP) 100 can exceed the maximum number of MU channel resources. In this case, the MU-PVB can be divided into two or more MU-PVBs and then coupled, and the MU bitmap control 526 can provide notification of this status.

[0283] [Example of using MU resource bitmaps to notify PVB (MU-PVB)]

[0284] Figures 22 to 24 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information processing device (AP) 100 notifying an information processing device (STA) of a PVB using a MU resource bitmap according to a fourth embodiment of the present technology. Furthermore, in this fourth embodiment of the present technology, the PVB using the MU resource bitmap is referred to as MU-PVB.

[0285] As in Figure 21 The diagram illustrates the provision of MU-PVB notification within the beacon frame. Here, the beacon is provided using only some channels, either frequency channels or spatial channels.

[0286] Therefore, by using some channels in the channel to transmit data other than the MU-PVB portion (including TIM), Figure 21 The beacon is shown in the diagram. Additionally, the MU-PVB portion is multiplexed and transmitted. Figure 22 The example is illustrated.

[0287] Figure 22 The illustration shows an example of transmitting beacon 461 other than MU-PVB 462 using channel resource R9-4 and transmitting MU-PVB 462 using channel resources R1-1 to R9-4.

[0288] In addition, although Figure 22 The illustration shows an example of transmitting MU-PVB 462 after transmitting beacon 461, but the transmission order is not limited to this.

[0289] In addition, the beacon portion, besides MU-PVB, can provide notification about which information processing equipment (STA) will later be used to allocate MU-PVB to it.

[0290] Figure 23 The illustration shows an example of transmitting beacon 471, excluding MU-PVB 472 (including TIM), using all channel resources. In this case, transmitting beacon 471 by using all channel resources reduces the transmission time of beacon 471.

[0291] Figure 24 An example is illustrated of a beacon 481 comprising a MU-PVB 482 represented by only a small amount of information (e.g., one bit) using channel resources alone.

[0292] In this manner, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can perform control to transmit multiple signals to multiple information processing devices (STAs) using multiple channel resources. That is, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can perform control to transmit multiple signals for providing one or more pieces of information (e.g., bitmap information) formed by multiple signals to the multiple information processing devices (STAs). For example, the control unit 150 of the information processing device (AP) 100 can use one or more pieces of information (e.g., MU-PVB) to provide information about the information processing devices (STAs) whose data is accumulated in the information processing device (AP) 100. For example, the multiple signals can be transmitted as beacons, coupling frames, or as part of a single frame.

[0293] Here, the maximum number of channel resources that can be processed by a device capable of simultaneous multiplexing via OFDMA and MIMO refers to the product of the number of channel resources. Additionally, for example, a general frame format can be simplified to a frame that includes only a header and can contain a very small amount of information (e.g., one bit). Using their combination, small amounts of information can be transmitted to multiple devices with minimal overhead. Furthermore, a multi-user (MU) channel resource bitmap can be used efficiently. With this arrangement, acknowledgments and information can be acquired and transmitted from multiple information processing devices (STAs) in a simplified manner with minimal overhead.

[0294] In this manner, acknowledgments and information about the reception status can be collected from multiple information processing devices (STAs) in a simplified way with less overhead, thereby improving the quality of multicast communication. In other words, the overhead caused by multicast acknowledgments can be reduced, as can the overhead caused by transmitting information about the reception status. Using this arrangement, wireless communication can be accelerated and communication quality improved.

[0295] In addition, adding redundant signals improves robustness and achieves risk diversification.

[0296] In this manner, according to embodiments of the present technology, signal notification can be implemented using a MU resource bitmap. Furthermore, overhead can be reduced and communication quality improved, thereby enabling correct wireless communication.

[0297] <5. Application Examples>

[0298] The technology disclosed herein is applicable to a variety of products. For example, the information processing device (AP) 100 and the information processing device (STA) can be implemented as mobile terminals (such as smartphones, tablet PCs, laptop PCs, portable gaming terminals, or digital cameras), fixed terminals (such as televisions, printers, digital scanners, or network storage devices), or in-vehicle terminals (such as car navigation systems). Additionally, the information processing device (AP) 100 and the information processing device (STA) can be implemented as terminals performing machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, such as smart meters, vending machines, remote monitoring systems, or point-of-sale (POS) terminals (also known as machine-type communication (MTC) terminals). Furthermore, the information processing device (AP) 100 and the information processing device (STA) can be wireless communication modules (e.g., integrated circuit modules formed from various chips) installed in these terminals.

[0299] Alternatively, for example, the information processing device (AP) 100 can be implemented as a wireless LAN access point (also known as a wireless base station) with or without router functionality. Additionally, the information processing device (AP) 100 can be implemented as a mobile wireless LAN router. Furthermore, the information processing device (AP) 100 can be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module formed from a die) installed in these devices.

[0300] [5-1. First Application Example]

[0301] Figure 25 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone 900 to which the technology according to this 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.

[0302] For example, processor 901 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) to control the functions of the application layer and other layers of smartphone 900. Memory 902 includes random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) to store programs and data executed by processor 901. Memory 903 may include storage media, such as semiconductor memory or hard disk. External connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting external devices (such as memory cards or Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices) to smartphone 900.

[0303] For example, camera 906 has an imaging element (such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)) to generate captured images. For example, sensor 907 may include a sensor array of positioning sensors, gyroscope sensors, geomagnetic sensors, and accelerometers. Microphone 908 converts sound input to smartphone 900 into audio signals. For example, input device 909 includes a touch sensor for detecting touches on the screen of display device 910, a keypad, a keyboard, and buttons or switches to accept user input of operations or information. Display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, etc., to display the output images of smartphone 900. Speaker 911 converts the audio signals output from smartphone 900 into sound.

[0304] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards (such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad) to perform wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 913 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in infrastructure mode. Additionally, the wireless communication interface 913 can communicate directly with other devices in direct communication mode (such as ad hoc mode or Wi-Fi direct). Note that in Wi-Fi direct, unlike ad hoc mode, one of the two terminals acts as the access point, but communication occurs directly between the two terminals. The wireless communication interface 913 typically includes a baseband processor, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, power amplifiers, etc. The wireless communication interface 913 can be a single-chip module integrating a memory storing communication control programs and a processor and related circuitry for executing programs. Besides wireless LAN systems, the wireless communication interface 913 can support other types of wireless communication systems, such as near-field communication systems, proximity communication systems, or cellular communication systems. Antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of antenna 915 among multiple circuits (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication systems) included in wireless communication interface 913. Antenna 915 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna) used by wireless communication interface 913 for transmitting and receiving wireless signals.

[0305] For reference, smartphones 900 are not limited to Figure 25 Instead of being a single example, it can include multiple antennas (e.g., wireless LAN antennas, proximity communication antennas, etc.). In that case, the antenna switch 914 can be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0306] Bus 917 connects processor 901, memory 902, storage device 903, external connection interface 904, camera 906, sensor 907, microphone 908, input device 909, display device 910, speaker 911, wireless communication interface 913, and auxiliary controller 919. Battery 918 supplies power to corresponding blocks of smartphone 900 via power lines shown in the figure by dashed lines. For example, auxiliary controller 919 implements the least necessary functions of smartphone 900 in sleep mode.

[0307] exist Figure 25 In the illustration of the smartphone 900, the above reference... Figure 2The described control unit 150 can be implemented by the wireless communication interface 913. Additionally, at least some of these functions can be implemented by the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919. For example, allocating multiple channel resources to multiple devices and receiving signals transmitted using these multiple channel resources (simplified signals) can reduce the power consumption of the battery 918.

[0308] For reference, the smartphone 900 can operate as a wireless access point (software AP) by performing application-level access point functions through the processor 901. Alternatively, the wireless communication interface 913 can also have wireless access point functionality.

[0309] [5-2. Second Application Example]

[0310] Figure 26 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an automotive navigation system 920 to which the technology according to this disclosure can be applied. The automotive navigation system 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.

[0311] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or SoC that controls the navigation functions and other functions of the car navigation system 920. The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM to store programs and data executed by the processor 921.

[0312] GPS module 924 uses GPS signals received from GPS satellites to measure the position (e.g., longitude, latitude, and altitude) of the vehicle navigation system 920. For example, sensor 925 may include a sensor array of gyroscope sensors, geomagnetic sensors, and pressure sensors. Data interface 926 connects to in-vehicle network 941 via a terminal (not shown) to, for example, acquire data generated at the vehicle, such as vehicle speed data.

[0313] Content player 927 plays content stored on a storage medium (e.g., CD or DVD) inserted into storage medium interface 928. Input device 929 includes a touch sensor, button, or switch for detecting touch on the screen of display device 930 to, for example, accept operation or information input from a user. Display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or OLED display to display images of navigation functions or played content. Speaker 931 outputs sound from navigation functions or played content.

[0314] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards (such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad) to perform wireless communication. The wireless communication interface 933 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point in infrastructure mode. Alternatively, the wireless communication interface 933 can communicate directly with other devices in direct communication mode (such as ad hoc mode or Wi-Fi direct). The wireless communication interface 933 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, power amplifier, etc. The wireless communication interface 933 can be a single-chip module integrating a memory storing communication control programs and a processor and related circuitry for executing programs. Besides wireless LAN systems, the wireless communication interface 933 can support other types of wireless communication systems, such as near-field communication systems, proximity communication systems, or cellular communication systems. An antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933. The antenna 935 has one or more antenna elements used by the wireless communication interface 933 for transmitting and receiving wireless signals.

[0315] For reference, the 920 car navigation system is not limited to... Figure 26 Instead of a single example, it can include multiple antennas. In that case, the antenna switch 934 can be omitted from the configuration of the car navigation system 920.

[0316] Battery 938 transmits power to the electric field lines shown in the attached diagram via the dashed lines. Figure 26 The corresponding block of the car navigation system 920 shown in the diagram is powered. Additionally, the battery 938 stores power supplied from the vehicle side.

[0317] exist Figure 26 In the car navigation system 920 shown in the diagram, the reference above... Figure 2 The described control unit 150 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. Additionally, at least some of these functions can be implemented by the processor 921.

[0318] Additionally, the wireless communication interface 933 can function as the information processing device (AP) 100 described above to provide wireless connectivity to the user's terminal on the vehicle.

[0319] Furthermore, the technology according to this disclosure can be implemented as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 comprising one or more blocks including the car navigation system 920 described above, 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.

[0320] [5-3. Third Application Example]

[0321] Figure 27 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a wireless access point 950 to which the technology according to this 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.

[0322] The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP) to implement various functions of the Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers of the wireless access point 950 (e.g., access restrictions, routing, encryption, firewall, log management, etc.). The memory 952 includes RAM and ROM to store programs executed by the controller 951 and various control data (e.g., terminal list, routing table, encryption keys, security settings, logs, etc.).

[0323] Input device 954 includes buttons or switches to, for example, accept user operations. Display device 955 includes LEDs or the like to display the operating status of wireless access point 950.

[0324] Network interface 957 is a wired communication interface used by wireless access point 950 to connect to wired communication network 958. Network interface 957 may have multiple connected terminals. Wired communication network 958 may be a LAN (such as Ethernet (registered trademark)) or a wide area network (WAN).

[0325] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more wireless LAN standards (such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad) to act as an access point and provide wireless connectivity to neighboring terminals. The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, power amplifiers, etc. The wireless communication interface 963 can be a single-chip module integrating a memory storing communication control programs and a processor and related circuitry for executing programs. An antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of the antenna 965 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963. The antenna 965 has one or more antenna elements used by the wireless communication interface 963 for transmitting and receiving wireless signals.

[0326] exist Figure 27 In the diagram of wireless access point 950, refer to the above. Figure 2 The described control unit 150 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. Additionally, at least some of these functions can be implemented by the controller 951.

[0327] For reference, the foregoing embodiments are examples embodying the present technology, and the matters in the embodiments correspond to the matters specifying the invention in the claims. Similarly, the matters specifying the invention in the claims and the matters given the same designations in the embodiments of the present technology correspond to the matters in the claims. However, the present technology is not limited to these embodiments, but can be embodied by various modifications to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

[0328] Furthermore, the processing steps described above with respect to the embodiments can be considered as a method having a series of steps, or as a program or a recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to perform a series of steps. The recording medium can be, for example, a CD, a mini-disc (MD), a DVD, a memory card, a Blu-ray disc (registered trademark), etc.

[0329] Furthermore, the beneficial effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting. Additionally, this technique may have any other beneficial effects.

[0330] For reference, this technology can be configured as follows: (1)

[0331] An information processing device includes: a control unit configured to perform control to allocate multiple channel resources for wireless communication to multiple devices and notify the multiple devices of the allocation. (2)

[0333] The information processing apparatus according to (1) further includes: a communication unit configured to receive, on each of a plurality of channel resources, a signal transmitted by the apparatus using a plurality of channel resources allocated to the apparatus, wherein

[0334] The control unit acquires one or more pieces of information formed by multiple signals received on each of the multiple channel resources. (3)

[0336] According to the information processing device of (1) or (2), the control unit performs control to provide information about transmission conditions to multiple devices and causes the multiple devices to transmit signals based on the provided information. (4)

[0338] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the plurality of channel resources includes a combination of frequency channel resources and spatial channel resources. (5)

[0340] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit performs control to notify the transmission of a simplified frame format signal by using allocated channel resources. (6)

[0342] The information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit performs control to allocate two or more channel resources to each of the multiple devices. (7)

[0344] According to the information processing device of (6), the control unit performs control to notify multiple devices to transmit signals for providing one or more pieces of information to the information processing device by using two or more channel resources. (8)

[0346] According to the information processing device of (6) or (7), the control unit performs control to notify multiple devices to transmit signals for providing the same information to the information processing device by using different channel resources. (9)

[0348] The information processing apparatus according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the control unit performs control to allocate the same frequency channel resources or the same spatial channel resources as two or more channel resources. (10)

[0350] According to the information processing device of (2), the control unit performs control to cause the device to transmit information about the receiving status of the device as one or more pieces of information. (11)

[0352] The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit performs control to allocate two or more identical channel resources of a plurality of channel resources to each of a plurality of devices. (12)

[0354] According to the information processing device of (11), the control unit determines the number of devices that have transmitted signals among a plurality of devices based on the received power of signals transmitted by using the same channel resources. (13)

[0356] According to the information processing device of (11) or (12), wherein the control unit performs control to cause multiple devices to transmit signals for providing a notification of the reception results of multicast transmission to multiple devices by using the same channel resources. (14)

[0358] The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10) wherein the control unit performs control to allocate some of the channel resources among the multiple channel resources to two or more devices constituting the multiple devices, and independently allocates the other channel resources among the multiple devices. (15)

[0360] The information processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (14) wherein the control unit performs control to provide the information required for the device to transmit signals by using a plurality of allocated channel resources. (16)

[0362] An information processing device includes a control unit configured to perform control to transmit multiple signals to multiple devices by using multiple channel resources for wireless communication to provide one or more pieces of information formed by the multiple signals to the multiple devices. (17)

[0364] According to the information processing device of (16), the control unit provides information about the means of accumulating data in the information processing device by using one or more pieces of information. (18)

[0366] An information processing device includes a control unit configured to perform control upon receiving a notification that a plurality of channel resources for wireless communication have been allocated to the information processing device, in order to transmit a plurality of signals for providing predetermined information to other devices by using the plurality of allocated channel resources. (19)

[0368] According to the information processing device of (18), the control unit performs control to transmit signals in a simplified frame format by using multiple allocated channel resources. (20)

[0370] A communication system comprising:

[0371] A first information processing device is configured to allocate multiple channel resources for wireless communication to a plurality of second information processing devices and notify the plurality of second information processing devices of the allocation; and

[0372] A second information processing device is configured to, upon receiving a notification, transmit multiple signals to a first information processing device for providing predetermined information to the first information processing device by using multiple allocated channel resources. (twenty one)

[0374] An information processing method includes the steps of controlling the allocation of multiple channel resources for wireless communication to multiple devices and notifying the multiple devices of the allocation. (twenty two)

[0376] An information processing method includes the step of controlling the transmission of multiple signals to multiple devices by using multiple channel resources for wireless communication to provide one or more pieces of information formed by the multiple signals to the multiple devices. (twenty three)

[0378] An information processing method includes the step of controlling, upon receiving a notification that multiple channel resources for wireless communication have been allocated to an information processing device, to transmit multiple signals for providing predetermined information to another device using the multiple allocated channel resources.

[0379] List of reference numerals

[0380] 10. Communication System

[0381] 100 Information Processing Equipment (AP)

[0382] 110 Data Processing Unit

[0383] 120 Communication Units

[0384] 121 Modulation and Demodulation Unit

[0385] 122 Signal Processing Unit

[0386] Wireless interface units 123 and 124

[0387] Amplifier units 125 and 126

[0388] 127 and 128 antennas

[0389] 129 Channel Estimation Unit

[0390] 130 storage units

[0391] 140 power supply units

[0392] 150 control unit

[0393] 201 Information Processing Equipment (STA1)

[0394] 202 Information Processing Equipment (STA2)

[0395] 203 Information Processing Equipment (STA3)

[0396] 204 Information Processing Equipment (STA N)

[0397] 900 Smart Phone

[0398] 901 processor

[0399] 902 Memory

[0400] 903 Storage device

[0401] 904 External Connection Interface

[0402] 906 camera

[0403] 907 sensor

[0404] 908 microphone

[0405] 909 Input Device

[0406] 910 display device

[0407] 911 speaker

[0408] 913 Wireless Communication Interface

[0409] 914 Antenna Switch

[0410] 915 antenna

[0411] 917 bus

[0412] 918 battery

[0413] 919 Auxiliary Controller

[0414] 920 Car Navigation System

[0415] 921 processor

[0416] 922 memory

[0417] 924 GPS module

[0418] 925 sensor

[0419] 926 Data Interface

[0420] 927 Content Player

[0421] 928 Storage Media Interface

[0422] 929 Input Device

[0423] 930 display device

[0424] 931 loudspeaker

[0425] 933 Wireless Communication Interface

[0426] 934 Antenna Switch

[0427] 935 antenna

[0428] 938 battery

[0429] 941 In-vehicle Network

[0430] 942 Vehicle-side module

[0431] 950 Wireless Access Point

[0432] 951 Controller

[0433] 952 memory

[0434] 954 Input Device

[0435] 955 display device

[0436] 957 Network Interface

[0437] 958 Wired Communication Network

[0438] 963 Wireless Communication Interface

[0439] 964 Antenna Switch

[0440] 965 antenna.

Claims

1. An information processing device (100) for an access point, the information processing device comprising: Control unit, the control unit is configured as follows: Controlling a first allocation of a first plurality of channel resources among a plurality of channel resources for a first wireless communication to a first device among a plurality of devices, and a second allocation of a second plurality of channel resources among the plurality of channel resources for a second wireless communication to a second device among a plurality of devices, and Sending a trigger frame (401) including allocation information (402) indicating the first allocation and the second allocation to the first device and the second device; and the device (100) further includes: Communication unit, the communication unit is configured as follows: Receive a first signal (403, 404, 405) transmitted by the first device using a first plurality of channel resources allocated to the first device, and Receive a second signal (406, 407, 408) transmitted by the second device using a second plurality of channel resources allocated to the second device, wherein The control unit is configured to acquire first state information formed by a first signal received on a first plurality of channel resources and to acquire second state information formed by a second signal received on a second plurality of channel resources.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple channel resources include a combination of frequency channel resources and spatial channel resources.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to notify the transmission of signals in a simplified frame format using the allocated channel resources.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to allocate two or more channel resources to each of the plurality of devices.

5. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to notify the plurality of devices i) to transmit signals for providing one or more pieces of information to the information processing device by using the two or more channel resources, or ii) to transmit signals for providing the same information to the information processing device by using different channel resources.

6. The information processing device according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to allocate the same frequency channel resources or the same spatial channel resources as the two or more channel resources.

7. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to cause the first device and the second device to transmit information about the reception status of the first device and the second device as first status information and second status information.

8. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to allocate two or more of the same channel resources to each of the plurality of devices.

9. The information processing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the number of devices among the plurality of devices that have transmitted the signal based on the received power of the signal transmitted using the same channel resources.

10. The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to cause the plurality of devices to transmit signals for providing notifications of the reception results of multicast transmissions to the plurality of devices by using the same channel resources.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to allocate some of the multiple channel resources to two or more devices constituting the multiple devices, and to independently allocate other channel resources to the multiple devices.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to provide the first and second devices with the information required to transmit signals using the allocated plurality of channel resources.

13. A first device for a terminal (201, 202, 203), comprising: Control unit, the control unit being configured to: A trigger frame (401) including allocation information (402) is received from an information processing device (100), the allocation information indicating a first allocation of a first plurality of channel resources of a plurality of channel resources for a first wireless communication of a first device and a second allocation of a second plurality of channel resources of a plurality of channel resources for a second wireless communication of a second device. Communication unit, the communication unit being configured to: The first signal (403, 404 and 405) is transmitted to the information processing device (100) by using a first plurality of channel resources allocated to the first device, and The first signal is transmitted at the same timing as the second signal (406, 407, and 408) transmitted by the second device using a second plurality of channel resources allocated to the second device. In this process, a first signal transmitted on a first plurality of channel resources forms first state information, and a second signal transmitted on a second plurality of channel resources forms second state information.

14. The first device according to claim 13, wherein, The multiple channel resources include a combination of frequency channel resources and spatial channel resources.

15. The first apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The control unit is configured to receive the following notification from the information processing device: to transmit signals in a simplified frame format using the allocated channel resources.

16. The first device according to claim 13, wherein, The first plurality of channel resources and the second plurality of channel resources each include two or more channel resources.

17. The first apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The control unit is configured to receive a notification from the information processing device i) to transmit a signal for providing one or more pieces of information to the information processing device by using the two or more channel resources, or ii) to transmit a signal for providing the same information to the information processing device by using different channel resources.

18. The first device according to claim 16, wherein, The same frequency channel resources or the same spatial channel resources are allocated as the two or more channel resources.

19. The first apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to transmit information about the reception status of the first device as first status information.

20. The first apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The first plurality of channel resources and the second plurality of channel resources are two or more identical channel resources among the plurality of channel resources.

21. The first apparatus according to claim 20, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to transmit signals for providing notifications of the reception results of multicast transmissions to multiple devices, including the first and second devices, by using the same channel resources.

22. The information processing device according to claim 13, wherein, Both the first plurality of channel resources and the second plurality of channel resources include some of the channel resources among the plurality of channel resources, and independently include different channel resources among the other channel resources among the plurality of channel resources.

23. The first device according to claim 13, wherein, The control unit is configured to perform control to receive from the information processing device information required by the first device to transmit signals using the allocated plurality of channel resources.

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