Communication device, communication method, and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, and a computer program product. A communication device functioning as a first communication device in a space sensing system is provided with a control unit. The control unit is configured to transmit a control signal for controlling both space sensing using a first measurement signal and space sensing using a second measurement signal to the second communication device in a first frequency band. The control unit is configured to transmit the first measurement signal to the second communication device or receive the first measurement signal from the second communication device using the first frequency band. The control unit is configured to transmit the second measurement signal to the second communication device or receive the second measurement signal from the second communication device in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] A technology for sensing space using wireless signals in the gigahertz (GHz) band has been studied (for example, Jianyuan Yu, et al., Multi-Band Wi-Fi Sensing With Matched Feature Granularity, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, Volume. 9 Issue. 23, February 7, 2022). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides a communication device, a communication method, and a program that balance the accuracy and speed of spatial sensing.

[0004] The communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure functions as the first communication device in a space sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device. The communication device includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to transmit, to the second communication device, a control signal for controlling both space sensing using a first measurement signal and space sensing using a second measurement signal, using a first frequency band. The control unit is configured to transmit, to the second communication device, or receive, the first measurement signal using the first frequency band. The control unit is configured to transmit, to the second communication device, or receive, the second measurement signal using a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0005] In the communication device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the first frequency band may be a frequency band less than 10 GHz, and the second frequency band may be a frequency band greater than or equal to 10 GHz.

[0006] In the communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to transmit the control signal to the second communication device before transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

[0007] In the communication device of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control signal may be a signal that transmits both parameters related to space sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters related to space sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device.

[0008] In the communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control signal may be a signal compliant with IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11bf standards.

[0009] In the communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to establish a session with the second communication device using the control signal before transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

[0010] In the communication device of the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to, when a session with the second communication device is established, use the control signal to send both parameters associated with space sensing performed using the first measurement signal and parameters associated with space sensing performed using the second measurement signal to the second communication device.

[0011] In the communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to, when the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal have already been transmitted to the second communication device, receive measurement results based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal from the second communication device using the control signal.

[0012] In the communication device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to terminate the session with the second communication device using the control signal after receiving the measurement result.

[0013] The communication method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is performed by the first communication device in a space sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device. The communication method includes transmitting a control signal to the second communication device using a first frequency band to control both space sensing using a first measurement signal and space sensing using a second measurement signal. The communication method includes transmitting the first measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving the first measurement signal from the second communication device using the first frequency band. The communication method includes transmitting the second measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving the second measurement signal from the second communication device using a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0014] In the communication method of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the first frequency band may be a frequency band less than 10 GHz, and the second frequency band may be a frequency band greater than or equal to 10 GHz.

[0015] In the communication method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the control signal may be transmitted to the second communication device before the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are transmitted or received.

[0016] In the communication method of the second aspect of the present disclosure, the control signal may be a signal that transmits both parameters related to space sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters related to space sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device.

[0017] In the communication method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, the control signal may be a signal compliant with the IEEE802.11bf standard.

[0018] In the communication method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, a session with the second communication device may be established using the control signal before the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are transmitted or received.

[0019] In the communication method of the second scheme of the present disclosure, it may also be that when a session with the second communication device is established, the control signal is used to send both parameters associated with space sensing performed using the first measurement signal and parameters associated with space sensing performed using the second measurement signal to the second communication device.

[0020] In the communication method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, when the first and second measurement signals have already been transmitted to the second communication device, measurement results based on the first and second measurement signals may be received from the second communication device using the control signal.

[0021] In the communication method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, after receiving the measurement result, the session with the second communication device may be terminated by the control signal.

[0022] The program according to the third aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the communication method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, both accuracy and speed of spatial sensing can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Hereinafter, features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating space sensing using wireless signals.

[0026] Figure 2A This is the first diagram for explaining the relationship between the initiator and the responder.

[0027] Figure 2B This is the second diagram illustrating the relationship between the initiator and the responder.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a hardware configuration diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a software configuration diagram of the launcher in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a software configuration diagram of the transponder according to the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a flowchart explaining the stages executed by each device.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a sequence diagram showing the data flow in the detection phase.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram showing the data flow in the measurement setup phase.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram showing the data flow in the measurement phase.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a sequence diagram showing the data flow in the measurement end phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In recent years, a technology for performing sensing in space using radio waves in the unlicensed gigahertz band has been studied.

[0037] In spatial sensing, a transmitter transmits a measurement signal using a specified frequency band, and a receiver receives it. The receiver analyzes the signal and generates information representing the propagation characteristics of the wireless signal. By analyzing this information, the position and movement of objects within the space can be estimated.

[0038] As a frequency band used for space sensing, for example, a microwave frequency band such as a 5 GHz band and a millimeter wave frequency band such as a 60 GHz band may be used.

[0039] Each frequency band has its own characteristics and is selected based on the purpose of sensing. For example, radio waves in the low-frequency band have low directivity, making them suitable for sensing over a wide area. On the other hand, radio waves in the low-frequency band have longer wavelengths, making them unsuitable for detecting the presence or movement of small objects. Furthermore, radio waves in the high-frequency band have shorter wavelengths, making them suitable for detecting the presence or movement of even smaller objects. On the other hand, radio waves in the high-frequency band have higher directivity, requiring processing such as sector scanning, making it impossible to measure over a large area in a short period of time.

[0040] To overcome these shortcomings, it is possible to consider using multiple frequency bands simultaneously for spatial sensing. However, in known standards such as IEEE 802.11bf, the simultaneous use of multiple frequency bands for spatial sensing is not considered.

[0041] The communication device in the present disclosure solves this problem.

[0042] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure functions as the first communication device in a space sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the communication device includes a control unit that performs the following operations: sending a control signal for controlling both space sensing using a first measurement signal and space sensing using a second measurement signal to the second communication device using a first frequency band; sending the first measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving the first measurement signal from the second communication device using the first frequency band; and sending the second measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving the second measurement signal from the second communication device using a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0043] In space sensing, a communication device (transmitter) that transmits a measurement signal and a communication device (receiver) that receives the measurement signal are used. The first communication device can be either a transmitter or a receiver.

[0044] When the first communication device is a transmitter and the second communication device is a receiver, the control unit transmits a first measurement signal to the second communication device using a first frequency band and transmits a second measurement signal to the second communication device using a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0045] When the first communication device is a receiver and the second communication device is a transmitter, the control unit receives a first measurement signal from the second communication device using a first frequency band and receives a second measurement signal from the second communication device using a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit transmits a control signal for controlling both the space sensing using the first measurement signal and the space sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device using the first frequency band.

[0047] That is, the communication device of the present disclosure transmits or receives a measurement signal using each of a plurality of frequency bands, and transmits a control signal for controlling the measurement using a lower frequency band (first frequency band).

[0048] Typically, the control signal is a signal that transmits both parameters related to space sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters related to space sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device. Alternatively, the control signal may be a signal used, for example, to discover the other communication device or transmit measurement results.

[0049] The control signal may be transmitted to the second communication device before the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal are transmitted or received.

[0050] While control signals can be sent using separate frequency bands, they do not require high bit rates or high directivity. Therefore, by sending both control signals together using the first frequency band, communication reliability can be improved and the time required for spatial sensing can be shortened.

[0051] It should be noted that the first frequency band may be a frequency band less than 10 GHz, and the second frequency band may be a frequency band greater than or equal to 10 GHz. In addition, the control signal may be a signal compliant with the IEEE802.11bf standard.

[0052] Furthermore, before transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal, the control unit may establish a session with the second communication device using the control signal.

[0053] In addition, when a session with the second communication device is established, the control unit may use the control signal to send both parameters associated with space sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters associated with space sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device.

[0054] Furthermore, when the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal have already been transmitted to the second communication device, the control unit may receive measurement results based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal from the second communication device using the control signal.

[0055] Furthermore, after receiving the measurement result, the control unit may terminate the session with the second communication device using the control signal.

[0056] The following describes specific embodiments of the present disclosure based on the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed technology to only these.

[0057] (First embodiment)

[0058] [System Overview]

[0059] Reference Figure 1 The space sensing system of the first embodiment is briefly described. The space sensing system of this embodiment is configured to include an initiator and a responder installed indoors.

[0060] The spatial sensing system of this embodiment performs spatial sensing according to the procedures specified in IEEE 802.11bf. Spatial sensing, as defined by this standard, is a method of using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) wireless signals to obtain the position, movement, or shape of objects within a target space (e.g., a room indoors).

[0061] In this standard, spatial sensing is implemented through four communication devices: an initiator, a responder, a transmitter, and a receiver.

[0062] The initiator is the device that starts the measurement process and ultimately obtains the measurement results. The transmitter is the device that actually sends the measurement signal. The responder is the device that participates in the measurement according to the instructions from the initiator, and the receiver is the device that actually receives the measurement signal.

[0063] The initiator and transmitter can also be the same device, and the transponder and receiver can also be the same device. Figure 1 As shown, (1) a measurement signal is transmitted from the initiator, and the transponder receives the measurement signal. Furthermore, (2) the transponder generates channel information based on the received measurement signal. Then, (3) the transponder transmits the generated channel information to the initiator, and (4) the initiator generates a spatial sensing result based on the channel information.

[0064] It should be noted that the initiator may be the receiver and the responder may be the transmitter. In this case, the responder transmits the measurement signal according to the instruction of the initiator, and the initiator generates the measurement result.

[0065] In the following embodiments, the initiator is described as a transmitter and the responder is a receiver, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the description of the embodiments, the initiator is referred to as the initiator 10 and the responder is referred to as the responder 20. The initiator 10 is an example of a "first communication device" and the responder 20 is an example of a "second communication device."

[0066] Figure 2A This diagram illustrates the propagation path of wireless signals between initiator 10 and transponder 20. As shown, the measurement signal transmitted by initiator 10 is reflected by obstacles, walls, and the like before reaching transponder 20. Transponder 20 uses known channel analysis methods to measure the propagation path's attenuation, delay, frequency shift, multipath effects, and other characteristics, generating channel information. This channel information is also known as CSI (Channel State Information). Initiator 10 receives this CSI information from transponder 20 and generates spatial sensing results based on it.

[0067] Figure 2A The example is an example of a case where omnidirectional transmission is performed, but when using a high-frequency measurement signal, sector scanning may also be performed. For example, Figure 2B As shown, the actuator 10 performs beamforming, changing the direction of the beam while transmitting multiple measurement signals. By integrating the multiple CSI information obtained in this way, the presence, movement, or shape of objects in the space can be estimated.

[0068] [Hardware composition]

[0069] Next, the hardware configuration of each device constituting the system will be described.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device 30 (information processing device) that can operate as the initiator 10 and the responder 20 .

[0071] The communication device 30 can be configured as a computer having a processor (CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.), a main storage device (RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.), and an auxiliary storage device (EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored in the auxiliary storage device, various functions (software modules) consistent with the specified purpose, as described below, can be implemented. However, some or all of the functions can also be implemented as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) and FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0072] The communication device 30 may be configured to include a control section 301 , a storage section 302 , and a wireless communication section 303 .

[0073] The control unit 301 is a computing unit that implements various functions of the communication device 30 by executing a predetermined program. The control unit 301 can be implemented by a hardware processor such as a CPU. Alternatively, the control unit 301 can be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0074] The storage unit 302 is a unit for storing information and is composed of a storage medium such as RAM, a magnetic disk, and a flash memory. The storage unit 302 stores programs executed by the control unit 301 and data used by the programs.

[0075] The wireless communication unit 303 is a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving measurement signals used for spatial sensing and control signals used for spatial sensing control. The wireless communication unit 303 is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals compliant with standards such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 303 can transmit and receive these wireless signals using two different frequency bands. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 303 can transmit and receive wireless signals using two frequency bands: the 5 GHz band (first frequency band) and the 60 GHz band (second frequency band).

[0076] [Software composition]

[0077] Next, the software configuration of each device constituting the system will be described. Figure 4 Schematically shows the software configuration of the launcher 10 of this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the launcher 10 is as follows: Figure 3 shown.

[0078] In this embodiment, the initiator 10 includes a control unit 100 that logically corresponds to the control unit 301. The control unit 100 is configured to include three software modules: a measurement control unit 101, a measurement signal transmission unit 102, and a sensing unit 103. Each software module can also be implemented by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in the storage unit 302. It should be noted that the information processing performed by the software module has the same meaning as the information processing performed by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.).

[0079] The measurement control unit 101 manages the transmission and reception of control signals used for spatial sensing. Specifically, the measurement control unit 101 performs processes such as detecting and negotiating with the transponder 20, exchanging parameters required for measurement with the transponder 20, and terminating the session after the measurement is complete. The measurement control unit 101 transmits and receives the wireless signals required for these processes using only the first frequency band.

[0080] The measurement signal transmitter 102 manages the transmission of measurement signals used for spatial sensing. Specifically, the measurement signal transmitter 102 transmits the measurement signal to the responder 20 when negotiation between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 is complete and measurement preparation is complete. The measurement signal may not contain user data in its payload. In other words, the measurement signal may be an encoded signal consisting only of a header packet.

[0081] The measurement signal transmitter 102 transmits measurement signals using both the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band). Hereinafter, the measurement signal transmitted using the first frequency band will be referred to as the first measurement signal, and the measurement signal transmitted using the second frequency band will be referred to as the second measurement signal.

[0082] like Figure 2A As shown in FIG, the first measurement signal is a non-directional signal, and the second measurement signal is a high frequency signal. Figure 2B As shown, the second measurement signal is transmitted multiple times while changing the direction of the beam.

[0083] The measurement signal transmitted by the measurement signal transmitting unit 102 is received and analyzed by the transponder 20. The transponder 20 analyzes each of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

[0084] The measurement signal transmitter 102 receives the analysis result (report) generated by the transponder 20 from the transponder 20. The report includes CSI information generated by analyzing the measurement signal. The CSI information is also generated for each of the first and second measurement signals.

[0085] The sensing unit 103 detects objects within a space based on the CSI information received from the transponder 20. Sensing can also involve detecting the presence of unknown objects within a space. For example, if an intruder is present within a space being monitored, the CSI information transmitted from the transponder 20 will change. Therefore, for example, by pre-training the sensing unit 103 with CSI information corresponding to an unoccupied space, it can detect intruders within that space.

[0086] Furthermore, sensing can also be a process of estimating the shape of an object in a space. For example, by analyzing CSI information, the sensing unit 103 can estimate the shape of an object in the target space. It should be noted that when the second frequency band is used in the measurement, a more precise shape can be estimated compared to when the first frequency band is used. In this case, it is also possible to receive multiple CSI information corresponding to the measurement signal transmitted multiple times while changing the direction of the beam from the transponder 20, and analyze the multiple CSI information to estimate the shape of the object.

[0087] Furthermore, sensing can also be the act of estimating the motion of objects within a space. For example, by transmitting measurement signals multiple times over time and receiving and analyzing the CSI information corresponding to the measurement signals, the motion of objects within the space can be estimated.

[0088] The sensing result generated by the sensing unit 103 is transmitted to the outside or stored in a storage device to be used for a predetermined purpose.

[0089] Next, the software configuration of the responder 20 will be described. Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the software configuration of the transponder 20 of this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the transponder 20 is as follows: Figure 3 shown.

[0090] In this embodiment, the transponder 20 includes a control unit 200 that logically corresponds to the control unit 301. The control unit 200 is configured to include three software modules: a measurement control unit 201, a measurement signal receiving unit 202, and a report generating unit 203. Each software module can also be implemented by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in the storage unit 302. It should be noted that the information processing performed by the software module has the same meaning as the information processing performed by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.).

[0091] The measurement control unit 201 manages the transmission and reception of control signals used for spatial sensing. Specifically, the measurement control unit 201 performs processes such as negotiation in response to requests from the initiator 10, exchanging parameters required for measurement with the initiator 10, and terminating the session after the measurement is complete. The measurement control unit 201 transmits and receives the wireless signals required for these processes using only the first frequency band.

[0092] The measurement signal receiving unit 202 manages the reception of measurement signals for space sensing. Specifically, the measurement signal receiving unit 202 receives the measurement signal transmitted by the initiator 10. The measurement signal receiving unit 202 receives the measurement signal in both the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band).

[0093] The report generator 203 analyzes the measurement signal transmitted from the initiator 10 and generates CSI information, which represents the characteristics of the transmission path. CSI information indicates the state of the wireless channel and includes, for example, information related to wireless signal attenuation, phase shifts caused by wireless signal reflection, and multipath characteristics. The report generator 203 transmits the generated CSI information to the initiator 10 as a report for the measurement signal.

[0094] It should be noted that, after receiving the measurement signal, the report generator 203 may unconditionally transmit the CSI information to the initiator 10, or may transmit the CSI information to the initiator 10 only when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, when the sensed object is the motion of an object, the report generator 203 may transmit the CSI information to the initiator 10 when a predetermined value indicated by the CSI information changes by exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0095] Note that, as described above, the CSI information is generated for each of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

[0096] [Processing Flowchart]

[0097] Next, the flow of processing in space sensing will be described. Figure 6This is a diagram for explaining the stages of processing executed by the initiator 10 and the responder 20 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, space sensing is divided into four stages and implemented.

[0098] The first phase (P1) is the phase (probe phase) in which the initiator 10 and responder 20 recognize each other's existence and negotiate. In the probe phase, the initiator 10 sends a request frame to detect the responder 20. The responder 20 determines whether it can respond to the request sent by the initiator 10 and sends a response frame.

[0099] In the transmission and reception of frames in the detection phase, only the first frequency band is used.

[0100] The next phase (P2) is the phase in which the initiator 10 and the responder 20 exchange information required for spatial sensing (the measurement setup phase). During the measurement setup phase, the initiator 10 and the responder 20 transmit and receive information related to measurement parameters, measurement type, measurement duration, and other information, and share this information. Furthermore, the initiator 10 and the responder 20 exchange and share an ID that uniquely identifies the session and measurement.

[0101] In the transmission and reception of frames in the measurement setup phase, only the first frequency band is used.

[0102] Once the measurement setup phase is complete, the measurement phase (P3) begins. During the measurement phase, initiator 10 transmits measurement signals to responder 20 using both the first and second frequency bands. Responder 20 generates a report (CSI information) based on the received measurement signals. Furthermore, responder 20 transmits the generated CSI information to initiator 10.

[0103] When the measurement phase is complete, the measurement end phase (P4) begins. The measurement end phase is used to end the measurement set up in the measurement setup phase (P2). In this phase, the initiator 10 and the responder 20 transmit an ID that uniquely identifies the measurement, thus ending the corresponding measurement. It should be noted that if multiple measurements are to be performed consecutively, the process can be transferred back to the measurement setup phase to start a new measurement.

[0104] Next, the processing executed by each device in each of the above-mentioned stages will be described in detail.

[0105] Figure 7 1 is a sequence diagram of data transmitted and received between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 during the detection phase. The illustrated process starts at the timing of starting space sensing.

[0106] First, in step S11, the initiator 10 (measurement control unit 101) generates a start request frame. The start request frame is used to initiate negotiation with the responder 20. If the responder 20 is known, the start request frame may include the address of the destination responder 20, etc. Alternatively, if the responder 20 is unknown, the start request frame may be broadcast. The start request frame may also include information specifying requirements that the responder should meet (e.g., supported frequency bands, etc.).

[0107] The generated start request frame is transmitted to the responder 20 via a wireless signal in the first frequency band (5 GHz band) (step S12 ).

[0108] When the responder 20 receives the start request frame, the responder 20 (measurement control unit 201) determines whether the responder 20 can respond to the initiator 10 (step S13). For example, if the start request frame specifies a frequency band, the responder 20 may also determine whether the responder 20 meets the requirements (e.g., whether the frequency band is supported). Furthermore, the responder 20 may also determine whether the specified frequency band is currently available.

[0109] If the responder 20 determines that it can respond to the initiator 10, a response frame is sent to the initiator 10 (step S14). The response frame is also sent to the initiator 10 via a wireless signal in the first frequency band (5 GHz band). Upon receiving the response frame, the initiator 10 can identify the responder 20 that responded.

[0110] Figure 8 1 is a sequence diagram of data transmitted and received between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 during the measurement setup phase. The illustrated process starts when the detection phase is completed, that is, when the initiator 10 and the responder 20 recognize each other's presence.

[0111] The initiator 10 (measurement control unit 101) generates parameters for measurement (measurement parameters) (step S21). The measurement parameters may include data specifying various values ​​used for measurement, as well as data specifying the type of measurement, the type of report requested for measurement results, the measurement period, and other data. The initiator 10 transmits a measurement setup request (MSRQ) frame containing the measurement parameters to the responder 20 (step S22).

[0112] The responder 20, having received the measurement setup request frame, generates measurement parameters to be used by the responder in response to the measurement parameters received from the initiator 10 (step S23). For example, if the initiator 10 presents multiple usable measurement parameters, the responder 20 may determine the measurement parameters to be actually used and respond accordingly.

[0113] The responder 20 transmits a measurement setup response (MSRP: Measurement Setup Response) frame including the measurement parameters generated by the responder 20 to the initiator 10 (step S24 ).

[0114] MSRQ and MSRP are an example of a “control signal” in this disclosure.

[0115] It should be noted that the above measurement parameters are generated for each of the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band). That is, measurement parameters are generated for both the case of measurement using the first measurement signal in the first frequency band and the case of measurement using the second measurement signal in the second frequency band.

[0116] The measurement setting request frame and the measurement setting response frame including these measurement parameters are transmitted and received via wireless signals in the first frequency band (5 GHz band).

[0117] When the exchange of measurement parameters is completed, the initiator 10 generates measurement setting information (step S25). The measurement setting information includes information for uniquely identifying the measurement (called measurement setting ID) set by the processing of steps S21 to S24 and information for uniquely identifying the measurement instance (called measurement instance ID).

[0118] The measurement setting information is transmitted from the initiator 10 to the responder 20 via a measurement setting frame (step S26). The responder 20 stores the received measurement setting information (step S27) and transmits an acknowledgment (step S28).

[0119] It should be noted that the above measurement setting information is also generated for each of the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band).

[0120] The measurement setup frame and confirmation are transmitted and received via wireless signals in the first frequency band (5 GHz band).

[0121] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram of data transmitted and received between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 during the measurement phase. The illustrated process starts when the measurement setup phase is completed, that is, when the initiator 10 and the responder 20 exchange measurement parameters and share measurement setup information.

[0122] First, in step S31, the initiator 10 (measurement signal transmitter 102) generates an initial frame. The initial frame is a frame including a measurement instance ID and data specifying an instance period.

[0123] The instance period is the duration of a single measurement. For example, when measuring using the first frequency band, a measurement frame is transmitted once, while when measuring using the second frequency band, sector scanning is performed, requiring multiple measurement frames to be transmitted. By specifying the instance period, the transponder 20 can determine the measurement duration for each measurement frame.

[0124] An activation frame is transmitted from the initiator 10 to the responder 20 using each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band (step S32).

[0125] Next, the initiator 10 (measurement signal transmitter 102) generates a measurement frame (step S33). In this embodiment, a measurement frame is a frame that does not store user data in the payload. In other words, the measurement frame consists only of a header. The measurement frame is generated for each of the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band).

[0126] Once the measurement frame is generated, the initiator 10 (measurement signal transmitter 102) transmits the generated measurement frame to the transponder 20 (step S34). As mentioned above, the measurement frame is transmitted once for the first frequency band, while the measurement frame is transmitted multiple times for the second frequency band. For example, if a beam is transmitted over a 180-degree range and scanned every two degrees, the measurement frame is transmitted 90 times.

[0127] The measurement frame is received by the transponder 20 (measurement signal receiving unit 202). When the specified instance period has elapsed, the transponder 20 (report generating unit 203) begins analyzing the received measurement frame and generates a report (CSI information) (step S35). Note that for the second frequency band in which sector scanning is performed, CSI information is generated for each sector.

[0128] The generated report (CSI information) is transmitted from the responder 20 to the initiator 10 (step S36).

[0129] Figure 10 1 is a sequence diagram of data transmitted and received between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 during the measurement end phase. The illustrated process starts when the measurement phase is completed, that is, when the transmission of the report from the responder 20 to the initiator 10 is completed.

[0130] First, in step S41, the initiator 10 (measurement control unit 101) generates a measurement setup termination request (MSTR) frame. This frame requests the termination of a specific measurement and includes the measurement setup ID of the measurement being terminated. The initiator 10 transmits the measurement setup request frame to the responder 20 (step S42).

[0131] The responder 20 that has received the measurement end request frame prepares to end the requested measurement and transmits an acknowledgment to the initiator 10 (step S43 ).

[0132] The initiator 10 that has received the confirmation generates a frame (session end request frame) for ending the session with the responder 20 and transmits it to the responder 20 (step S44).

[0133] The responder 20 that has received the session end request frame releases resources of both the first frequency band and the second frequency band (step S45 ), and sends an acknowledgment to the initiator 10 (step S46 ).

[0134] The initiator 10 that has received the confirmation releases resources of both the first frequency band and the second frequency band (step S47 ).

[0135] The initiator 10, having acquired CSI information from the transponder 20, uses this CSI information to perform predetermined processing. Predetermined processing may include detecting the presence of an object, detecting the motion of an object, or estimating the shape of an object. It should be noted that if an application program that performs these processes is running on an external device, the initiator 10 may also transmit the acquired CSI information or data generated based on the CSI information to the external device.

[0136] As described above, in the space sensing system of this embodiment, the initiator 10 transmits measurement frames using both the first and second frequency bands, and the responder 20 generates CSI information based on the measurement frames. This enables space sensing that takes advantage of both frequency bands.

[0137] Furthermore, in the spatial sensing system of this embodiment, only the first frequency band is used to transmit and receive the two control signals used for measurement across the two frequency bands. Generally, control signals do not require high bit rates or high directivity. Therefore, by transmitting both control signals simultaneously using the first frequency band, which is more easily connected, communication reliability can be improved and spatial sensing time can be shortened.

[0138] (Variation)

[0139] The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0140] For example, the processes and components described in the present disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0141] In addition, the embodiments illustrate a method in which the initiator is a transmitter and the responder is a receiver. However, the initiator may be a receiver and the responder a transmitter. In this case, the responder may transmit measurement frames according to the initiator's instructions, and the initiator may generate a report (CSI information).

[0142] In addition, in the embodiment, the initiator 10 is shown as an example of a "first communication device" and the responder 20 is shown as an example of a "second communication device", but the initiator 10 may be the "second communication device" and the responder 20 may be the "first communication device".

[0143] In the embodiment, the first frequency band is set to 5 GHz and the second frequency band is set to 60 GHz, but other frequency bands may also be used. Preferably, the first frequency band is less than 10 GHz and the second frequency band is greater than or equal to 10 GHz.

[0144] Furthermore, in the embodiment, data conforming to the IEEE802.11bf standard is exemplified as data transmitted and received between devices, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0145] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be performed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) used to implement each function can be flexibly changed.

[0146] The present disclosure can also be implemented in the following manner: a computer program that implements the functions described in the above embodiment is supplied to a computer, and the program is read and executed by one or more processors of the computer. Such a computer program can be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the system bus of the computer, or it can be provided to the computer via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk (floppy disk (registered trademark), hard disk drive (HDD: Hard Disk Drive)), optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory: Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD disk (Digital Versatile Disc: Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray disc, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), magnetic card, flash memory, optical card, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic commands.

Claims

1. A communication device that functions as the first communication device in a space sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein: Including the control unit, The control unit is configured to perform the following actions: transmitting, using a first frequency band, a control signal for controlling both space sensing using a first measurement signal and space sensing using a second measurement signal to the second communication device; using the first frequency band, transmitting the first measurement signal to the second communication device, or receiving the first measurement signal from the second communication device; as well as The second measurement signal is transmitted to the second communication device or received from the second communication device using a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The first frequency band is a frequency band less than 10 GHz, and the second frequency band is a frequency band greater than or equal to 10 GHz.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein The control unit is configured to transmit the control signal to the second communication device before transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, wherein: The control signal is a signal that transmits both a parameter related to space sensing performed using the first measurement signal and a parameter related to space sensing performed using the second measurement signal to the second communication device. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein: The control signal is a signal that complies with the IEEE802.11bf standard. The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein: The control unit is configured to establish a session with the second communication device using the control signal before transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

7. The communication device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit is configured to, when a session with the second communication device is established, transmit, to the second communication device, using the control signal, both parameters associated with space sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters associated with space sensing using the second measurement signal.

8. The communication device according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit is configured to, when the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal have already been transmitted to the second communication device, receive measurement results based on the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal from the second communication device using the control signal.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein: The control unit is configured to terminate the session with the second communication device using the control signal after receiving the measurement result.

10. A communication method, performed by a first communication device in a space sensing system comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, the communication method comprising: transmitting, using a first frequency band, a control signal for controlling both space sensing using a first measurement signal and space sensing using a second measurement signal to the second communication device; using the first frequency band, transmitting the first measurement signal to the second communication device, or receiving the first measurement signal from the second communication device; as well as The second measurement signal is transmitted to the second communication device or received from the second communication device using a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

11. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein: The first frequency band is a frequency band less than 10 GHz, and the second frequency band is a frequency band greater than or equal to 10 GHz.

12. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein: The control signal is transmitted to the second communication device before transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

13. The communication method according to claim 12, wherein: The control signal is a signal that transmits both a parameter related to space sensing performed using the first measurement signal and a parameter related to space sensing performed using the second measurement signal to the second communication device.

14. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein: The control signal is a signal that complies with the IEEE802.11bf standard.

15. The communication method according to claim 10, wherein: Before transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal, a session with the second communication device is established using the control signal.

16. The communication method according to claim 15, characterized in that: When a session with the second communication device is established, both parameters related to space sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters related to space sensing using the second measurement signal are transmitted to the second communication device using the control signal.

17. The communication method according to claim 16, wherein: When the first and second measurement signals have been transmitted to the second communication device, measurement results based on the first and second measurement signals are received from the second communication device using the control signal.

18. The communication method according to claim 17, wherein: After receiving the measurement result, the session with the second communication device is terminated through the control signal.

19. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute the communication method according to any one of claims 10 to 18.

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