Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method that enable coexistence with other wireless communications. A wireless communication device is provided that includes a control unit that performs control to: in a case where the wireless communication device operates by acquiring a transmission opportunity that periodically arrives at a predetermined time interval between the wireless communication device and a first wireless communication device, receive a first signal including information on a surrounding communication state transmitted from other wireless communication devices including the first wireless communication device; determine whether or not to allow a second wireless communication device to perform spatial reuse communication based on the information included in the first signal; and in a case where it is determined to allow spatial reuse communication, set a first period that allows spatial reuse communication in the time interval to the second wireless communication device. The present disclosure can be applied to a wireless communication device that configures a wireless LAN system, for example.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication devices and methods, and more specifically, to wireless communication devices and methods capable of coexisting with other wireless communications. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, data transmission for real-time applications (such as real-time gaming) in wireless local area network (LAN) systems has required low latency. For example, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a technology related to data transmission for real-time applications.

[0003] In wireless local area network (LAN) systems, the technique of limited target wake-up time (R-TWT) has been studied as a method for transmitting data suitable for real-time applications.

[0004] Reference List

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-525062 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved

[0008] In the R-TWT technology, it is desirable to set the duration of the service period (SP) to the shortest time period required for data transmission as specified by the traffic identifier (TID), but a longer period is needed when considering the time until data retransmission. Furthermore, in the R-TWT technology, the service period arrives periodically; therefore, in order to transmit the data received from the application with less delay, a longer period needs to be set as the required duration to eliminate jitter.

[0009] When a longer time period is set as the duration of the service period, the available time for other wireless communications besides the one performing data transmission specified by the TID is relatively reduced, and there is a risk of delays in data transmissions performed by other wireless communications. Therefore, when using R-TWT technology, there has been a demand for a technology for coexistence with other wireless communications.

[0010] In view of this situation, this disclosure was made to enable coexistence with other wireless communications.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication device includes a control unit that performs control to: receive a first signal, including information about the surrounding communication status, transmitted from another wireless communication device including the first wireless communication device, when the wireless communication device is operating by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically between the wireless communication device and a first wireless communication device at predetermined time intervals; determine, based on information included in the first signal, whether a second wireless communication device is permitted to perform spatial reuse communication; and, if spatial reuse communication is permitted, set a first time period for the second wireless communication device that allows spatial reuse communication during the time interval.

[0013] A wireless communication method according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: receiving, when the wireless communication device operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically between the wireless communication device and a first wireless communication device at predetermined time intervals, a first signal including information about the surrounding communication status transmitted from another wireless communication device including the first wireless communication device; determining, based on information included in the first signal, whether a second wireless communication device is permitted to perform spatial reuse communication; and, if it is determined that spatial reuse communication is permitted, setting a first time period for the second wireless communication device that allows spatial reuse communication during the time interval.

[0014] In a wireless communication device and wireless communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, when the wireless communication device operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically between the wireless communication device and a first wireless communication device at predetermined time intervals, it receives a first signal from another wireless communication device, including the first wireless communication device, which includes information about the surrounding communication status; determines, based on the information included in the first signal, whether to allow a second wireless communication device to perform spatial reuse communication; and, if it is determined that spatial reuse communication is allowed, sets a first time period for spatial reuse communication under the allowed time interval to the second wireless communication device.

[0015] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a wireless communication device includes a control unit that performs control to: detect that a first time period for spatial reuse communication is set by a first wireless communication device that operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals; and perform data transmission with a second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication during the first time period.

[0016] A wireless communication method according to one aspect of this disclosure includes: detecting, by a wireless communication device, that a first wireless communication device, which operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals, has set a first time period allowing spatial reuse communication within the predetermined time interval; and performing data transmission with a second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication during the first time period.

[0017] In a wireless communication device and wireless communication method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first time period is set by a first wireless communication device that operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals, allowing spatial reuse communication within the predetermined time interval; and data transmission is performed with a second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication during the first time period.

[0018] It should be noted that the wireless communication device according to one aspect of this disclosure may be a standalone device or an internal block constituting a device. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a wireless communication system to which this disclosure is applied.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating an example of data transmission via wireless communication that utilizes spatial reuse.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a view of an example of a sequence of information exchanged between wireless communication devices to determine whether space reuse is permitted.

[0022] Figure 4 This is another example of a view indicating the sequence of information exchanged between wireless communication devices to determine whether space reuse is permitted.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a view that indicates an example of a sequence of data transmissions via wireless communication that has performed spatial reuse.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a view that schematically indicates the method for setting up the service period in related technologies.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a view that schematically illustrates an example of a setup method that allows for the reuse of space during the service period.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a view that schematically illustrates an example of how to set up a service period that prohibits space reuse.

[0027] Figure 9This is a view that schematically indicates an example of a setup method for combining actions to determine whether space reuse is allowed.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a view that indicates a configuration example of the fields of the broadcast TWT parameter set.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a view that indicates a detailed configuration example of the R-TWT space reuse parameter set.

[0030] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication device to which this disclosure is applied.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a wireless communication module applying the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 14 It is a flowchart indicating the process of applying the space reuse settings of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer's hardware configuration.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone using this technology.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device to which this technology is applied.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP that applies this technology. Detailed Implementation

[0037] <System Configuration>

[0038] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a wireless communication system to which this disclosure is applied.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In this diagram, the Basic Service Set (BSS) of the Wireless Local Area Network (LAN), indicated by the dashed line A1, is formed, namely BSS#1. BSS#1 forms a network within the radio wave coverage area around the access point AP#1, indicated by the white square, which includes the communication terminals STA#1 to STA#4, indicated by the white circles.

[0040] Furthermore, adjacent to BSS#1 is the overlapping basic service set, OBSS, indicated by the dotted line B1. OBSS forms a network of communication terminals OBSS STA#1 to OBSS STA#3 within the radio wave coverage area around the access point OBSS AP, indicated by the dotted line square.

[0041] exist Figure 1 As shown by double arrows C1 and C2, the communication terminals STA#1 and STA#2 of BSS#1 are located at positions where signals can be detected from the access point OBSS AP. Therefore, the transmitted signals interfere with each other.

[0042] <Space Reuse Communication>

[0043] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating an example of data transmission via wireless communication (space reuse communication) that utilizes spatial reuse. Figure 2 In the configuration of BSS#1 and OBSS, Figure 1 The configuration in the document corresponds to that in the document, and the same descriptions will be omitted appropriately.

[0044] Figure 2 Arrows D1 and D2 indicate data transmission and schematically illustrate the state of spatial reuse for data transmission from access point OBSS AP to communication terminal OBSS STA#1 during data transmission from communication terminal STA#1 to access point AP#1.

[0045] Here, the dashed line A2 indicates the radio wave coverage area centered on the communication terminal STA#1 of BSS#1, and the access point OBSS AP and the communication terminal OBSS STA#1 of OBSS exist within this radio wave coverage area. In other words, although the data transmission of the access point OBSS AP and the communication terminal OBSS STA#1 is subject to interference from the communication terminal STA#1, as shown by the dotted lines C3 and C4, the access point OBSS AP and the communication terminal OBSS STA#1 can still perform data transmission without affecting wireless communication.

[0046] For example, when an access point OBSS AP transmits data to a communication terminal OBSS STA#1, the OBSS AP can control its transmit power, as shown by the double-dotted line B2, so as not to affect the data reception of the access point AP#1 receiving data sent from the communication terminal STA#1. In this case, the OBSS AP can estimate the transmission parameters while controlling the transmit power and can perform data transmission based on space reuse communication to the communication terminal OBSS STA#1, as shown by arrow D2.

[0047] In this disclosure, the associated wireless communication device (e.g., AP#1 and STA#1 connected to BSS#1) notifies the adjacent wireless communication device (e.g., OBSS AP and OBSS STA#1 connected to OBSS) whether data transmission is permitted to be performed via such spatial reuse communication, so that the adjacent wireless communication device can use spatial reuse communication to perform data transmission.

[0048] Figure 3 It is a view of an example of a sequence of information exchanged between wireless communication devices to determine whether space reuse is permitted. Figure 3 This indicates a sequence of settings for determining the duration of the service period of a restricted TWT (R-TWT) by determining whether spatial reuse is needed based on the state of the surrounding network (communication state). Note that in an R-TWT, between wireless communication devices (e.g., between communication terminal STA#1 and access point AP#1), the wireless communication devices perform operations by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals. In other words, in an R-TWT, the service period arrives periodically.

[0049] exist Figure 3 In the middle, access point AP#1 and communication terminals STA#1 to STA#4 are connected with... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration corresponds to this, and BSS#1 is formed. In Figure 3 The process described herein involves access point AP#1 acting as the owner of the R-TWT and determining whether space reuse is permitted. However, as an alternative to access point AP#1, any of the communication terminals STA#1 through STA#4 associated with the R-TWT can be configured to determine whether space reuse is permitted.

[0050] First, access point AP#1 sends an R-TWT SR parameter request to communication terminal STA#1 (S11). In response to the R-TWT SR parameter request sent from access point AP#1, communication terminal STA#1 learns about the presence and operation status of surrounding OBSSs and returns an R-TWT SR parameter response describing the presence and operation status of surrounding OBSSs to access point AP#1 (S12).

[0051] Access point AP#1 receives the R-TWT SR parameter response from communication terminal STA#1, and determines whether space reuse is allowed based on the operational status of surrounding OBSSs, while ensuring the necessary service life of R-TWT. For example, if an OBSS exists and space reuse needs to be allowed to ensure the necessary service life, access point AP#1 will transmit an R-TWT SR parameter indication describing the existence of an OBSS and the need to allow space reuse to communication terminals STA#1 to STA#4 (S13).

[0052] Additionally, if OBSS is not present and Access Point AP#1 wishes to exclusively use the R-TWT service period, Access Point AP#1 can transmit an R-TWT SR parameter indication describing that space reuse is not allowed. Note that the duration of allowed space reuse and the duration of disallowed space reuse can be set together.

[0053] Figure 4 This is another example of a view indicating the sequence of information exchanged between wireless communication devices to determine whether space reuse is permitted. Figure 4 In the middle, access point AP#1 and communication terminals STA#1 to STA#4 are connected with... Figure 3 Similarly with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration corresponds to this, and the same descriptions will be omitted appropriately.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the presence of multiple wireless communication devices associated with R-TWT, or in order to apply the technology according to this disclosure to broadcast TWT, access point AP#1 confirms the parameters of all communication terminals STA associated with R-TWT.

[0055] In other words, access point AP#1 uses communication such as broadcast to simultaneously transmit R-TWT SR parameter requests (S21) to communication terminals STA#1, STA#2, STA#3 and STA#4 associated with the transmission and reception of data specified by the same traffic identifier (TID).

[0056] In response to an R-TWT SR parameter request from access point AP#1, communication terminal STA#1 ascertains the presence and operational status of surrounding OBSSs and returns an R-TWT SR parameter response describing the presence and operational status of surrounding OBSSs to access point AP#1 (S23). In a similar manner to communication terminal STA#1, each of communication terminals STA#2 to STA#4 ascertains the presence of surrounding OBSSs and transmits an R-TWT SR parameter response to access point AP#1 (S22, S24, S25).

[0057] Here, a method is shown in which each communication terminal STA individually sends an R-TWT SR parameter response to the access point AP#1. However, for example, another communication method can also be used, such as a method in which the communication terminal STA simultaneously uses multi-user communication to return an R-TWT SR parameter response.

[0058] Access point AP#1 receives R-TWT SR parameter responses from communication terminals STA#1 to STA#4, and determines whether space reuse is allowed based on the operational status of surrounding OBSSs, while ensuring the necessary service life of R-TWT based on this information. For example, if OBSSs exist and space reuse needs to be allowed to ensure the necessary service life, access point AP#1 will transmit an R-TWT SR parameter indication describing the existence of OBSSs and the need to allow space reuse to communication terminals STA#1 to STA#4 (S26).

[0059] Additionally, if OBSS is not present and Access Point AP#1 wishes to exclusively use the R-TWT service period, Access Point AP#1 can transmit an R-TWT SR parameter indication describing that space reuse is not allowed. Note that the duration of allowed space reuse and the duration of disallowed space reuse can be set together.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a view showing an example of a sequence of data transmissions performed via wireless communication (space reuse communication) that utilizes spatial reuse. Figure 5 In the configuration of AP#1, STA#1, OBSS AP and OBSS STA#1, ... Figure 2 The configuration corresponds to, and Figure 5 It indicates the state that data transmission (R-TWT SP data transmission) is periodically performed from the communication terminal STA#1 forming BSS#1 to the access point AP#1 by setting a predetermined service period (R-TWT SP) (S31 to S33).

[0061] Here, for the wake-up interval (R-TWT wake-up interval), the service period (R-TWT SP) is set to be more redundant than in the normal state, indicating that space reuse is allowed. This indicates the state of data transmission (SR data transfer) using space reuse technology from the access point OBSS AP that forms the OBSS to the communication terminal OBSS STA#1 (S41, S42).

[0062] In other words, as indicated by the dashed arrow, this indicates a state in which the access point OBSS AP detects a signal of data transmitted from the communication terminal STA#1 in the service period (R-TWT SP), sets transmission parameters within a range that does not affect wireless communication, and transmits spatially reused data. In addition, since the data transmission of the communication terminal STA#1 is performed periodically, the access point OBSS AP can also use this periodicity to transmit spatially reused data to the communication terminal OBSS STA#1 almost periodically.

[0063] Note that in Figure 5 , the access point OBSS AP is controlled to terminate the transmission of spatially reused data to the communication terminal OBSS STA#1 before the data transmission of the communication terminal STA#1 terminates. However, even after the data transmission of the communication terminal STA#1 terminates, the access point OBSS AP can continuously perform data transmission. Alternatively, after the data transmission of the communication terminal STA#1 terminates, the access point OBSS AP can release the control of the transmission parameters and perform data transmission to the communication terminal OBSS STA#1.

[0064] <Setting of R-TWT SP>

[0065] Next, details of the setting of the service period (R-TWT SP) in R-TWT will be described. Here, for comparison, Figure 6 schematically illustrates a method for setting a service period in the related art. In Figure 6 , on two time axes, the upper part indicates the setting state of the service period of the own BSS in time series, and the lower part indicates the setting state of the service period of the OBSS in time series.

[0066] In Figure 6 , as a period for preferentially processing data transmission specified by TID, a period of about half of the wake interval (R-TWT wake interval) is set as the normal duration. In other words, communications other than the data transmission specified by TID are to be performed using the period in the wake interval that does not correspond to the service period (R-TWT SP).

[0067] As a result, in the case where no OBSS exists, it is generally considered that even if R-TWT communication is performed at such a frequency, the communication in the own BSS is substantially not affected. However, Figure 6 the lower part of indicates an example in which a peripheral OBSS exists and the OBSS also performs R-TWT communication. In this case, even if the period in each service period is adjusted, only communication using R-TWT can be performed, and there is a problem that a period available for other communications cannot be secured.

[0068] In other words, the proposed methods in the related art suffer from the problem that even the presence of one OBSS can hinder the operation of two networks. To address this issue, this disclosure proposes a method that ensures available time slots for other wireless communications and reuses them without affecting the service periods of the two wireless communications by applying spatial reuse techniques to the duration of the R-TWT service period, thereby utilizing the transmission path without waste. Next, reference will be made to... Figures 7 to 9 This disclosure describes a method for setting a service period that allows space reuse.

[0069] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating an example of a method for setting up a service period that allows space reuse (Allowed SR R-TWT SP). Figure 7 In, such as Figure 6 Similarly, the upper and lower timelines indicate the service period settings of their respective BSS and OBSS in a time sequence.

[0070] Figure 7 It indicates the time period for prioritizing data transmission specified by the TID, by allowing space reuse to set the service period status across a time period exceeding half of the wake-up interval (R-TWT wake-up interval). In other words, by allowing space reuse in OBSS, it allows setting the service period up to the maximum duration (space reuse maximum duration) as the duration of the service period in its own R-TWT.

[0071] This example indicates setting approximately 75% of the wake-up interval as the maximum duration (maximum duration for spatial reuse), but the maximum duration can be appropriately set based on, for example, the number of surrounding OBSSs or the traffic volume within those OBSSs. In other words, in the presence of more OBSSs, a shorter segment of the wake-up interval can be set as the maximum duration based on the number of surrounding OBSSs. Alternatively, spatial reuse can be allowed based on the number of wireless communication devices connected to its own BSS, the type of application to be used within its own BSS, etc.

[0072] As mentioned above, when space reuse communication is allowed, a service period for allowing space reuse can be set ( Figure 7 The allowed SR R-TWT SP in the R-TWT, so as to exceed the duration of the transmission opportunity periodically acquired in the R-TWT ( Figure 6 The R-TWT SP in the middle is long. As a result, for example, in adjacent OBSS, if the setting of the service period that allows space reuse (allowed SR R-TWT SP) is detected, by using space reuse to perform data transmission, the service period (OBSS R-TWT SP) can be set as the normal duration for about half of the wake-up interval.

[0073] Note that the service period (allowed R-TWT SP) setting, which allows space reuse, arrives repeatedly at predetermined wake-up intervals, and therefore can also be used for periodic communication in the OBSS. Additionally, time periods outside the service period can be ensured, thus allowing various wireless communications to coexist in both the BSS and OBSS.

[0074] Figure 8 This is an example view illustrating how to set a protected service period (Protect SP) that prevents space reuse. Also in Figure 8 In the middle, the upper and lower time axes indicate the service period settings of their respective BSS and OBSS in a time sequence.

[0075] Figure 8 This indicates the period during which data transmission specified by the TID is prioritized, by disabling and protecting space reuse for setting the service period during a period that spans the wake-up interval (R-TWT wake-up interval). In other words, by disabling space reuse in OBSS as the duration of its own service period in the R-TWT, a minimum duration can be set for the duration.

[0076] This example illustrates setting approximately 25% of the wake-up interval as a prohibited period (the protected duration), but this prohibited period can be appropriately set based on, for example, the number of surrounding OBSSs or the traffic volume within those OBSSs. In other words, in the presence of more OBSSs, shorter periods within the wake-up interval can be prevented from being set as prohibited periods.

[0077] As mentioned above, in the case of prohibiting space reuse communication, it is possible to achieve a higher efficiency than in R-TWT ( Figure 6 In the R-TWT SP, the short duration (e.g., significantly short periods) of periodically acquired transmission opportunities are set as the service period during which space reuse is prohibited. Figure 8 (Protected SP in the context). As a result, for example, also in adjacent OBSSs, by setting data transmission for execution space reuse while avoiding prohibited periods, even if approximately half of the wake-up interval is set as the service period (OBSS R-TWT SP) as the normal duration, periods that should be used for other communications can be ensured.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a view illustrating an example of setting up a method when determining whether space reuse is allowed in a combined manner. Here, Figure 9 Instructions Figure 8 The period during which space reuse is prohibited (protected SP) as indicated in the instructions and Figure 7An example of a situation where the allowed time periods for space reuse (allowed SR R-TWT SP) are set together as indicated in the text. Also in... Figure 9 In the middle, the upper and lower time axes indicate the service period settings of their respective BSS and OBSS in a time sequence.

[0079] exist Figure 9 In this context, the time period for prioritizing data transmission specified by the TID (protected SP) and the time period for allowing space reuse (allowed SR R-TWT SP) are set together as other time periods. Therefore, when a service period (OBSSR-TWT SP) is set in the OBSS, wireless communication can coexist by setting a service period (OBSS R-TWT SP) in the time period for allowing space reuse (allowed SR R-TWT SP) while avoiding the prohibited time period for space reuse (protected SP). Here, a first ratio can be set as a predetermined ratio in the wake-up interval as the time period for allowing space reuse (allowed SR R-TWT SP), and a second ratio less than the first ratio can be set as the time period for prohibiting space reuse (protected SP).

[0080] Furthermore, in OBSS, the service period (OBSS R-TWT SP) does not necessarily have to be set within the allowed space reuse period, and the OBSS service period (OBSS R-TWT SP) can be set even if the period exceeds the allowed space reuse period. When the service period is set to exceed the allowed space reuse period, there is no need to restrict the transmission parameters used for space reuse. In other words, BSS can allow OBSS to continue space reuse communication beyond the allowed space reuse period (Allowed SR R-TWT SP) for the corresponding time.

[0081] This enables the provision of a method that allows for reliable data transfer with spatial reuse, which is also performed in adjacent OBSSs.

[0082] <Parameter set configuration example>

[0083] Figure 10 This is a view that indicates a configuration example of the fields of the broadcast TWT parameter set.

[0084] The fields of the broadcast TWT parameter set include the request type indicating the request format as a parameter in the prior art, the target wake-up time indicating the operation period, the normal minimum TWT wake-up duration indicating the duration of normal minimum TWT operation, the TWT wake-up interval mantissa indicating the interval used as the TWT period, broadcast TWT information indicating information about the settings of broadcast TWT, and restricted TWT traffic information indicating traffic information of restricted TWT.

[0085] In addition, the R-TWT space reuse parameter set, which indicates information for space reuse communication according to this disclosure, is newly added to the field of the broadcast TWT parameter set.

[0086] Figure 11 It is an instruction Figure 10 A view showing a detailed configuration example of the R-TWT space reuse parameter set.

[0087] The R-TWT space reuse parameter set includes the application type indicating the format of the application transmitted by its own BSS, the OBSS count indicating the number of OBSSs existing around its own BSS, the R-TWT space reuse enable indicating whether R-TWT space reuse can be performed, the enable type indicating the format of the enabled / disabled, the minimum duration of space reuse protection specifying the minimum duration when space reuse is prohibited, and the maximum duration of space reuse specifying the maximum duration when space reuse is allowed.

[0088] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The parameters in the R-TWT space reuse parameter set indicated in the text are examples, and other parameters can be added to these parameters as needed. Figure 10 Fields in the broadcast TWT parameter set or Figure 11 The parameters of the R-TWT space reuse parameter set can be included in, for example, requests, responses, instructions, etc., or can be arranged in frames such as action frames or management frames.

[0089] <Device Configuration>

[0090] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a wireless communication device to which the present disclosure is applied.

[0091] exist Figure 12 In the aforementioned wireless LAN system, the wireless communication device 10 serves as an access point (AP) or communication terminal (STA). The wireless communication device 10 includes a network module 11, an input module 12, a control module 13, an output module 14, and a wireless communication module 15.

[0092] The network module 11 performs various processes related to Internet connectivity under the control of the control module 13. For example, when the network module 11 is used as an access point (AP), the network module 11 is configured to have functions such as a communication modem for connecting to the Internet, and is configured to perform Internet connectivity via public communication lines and Internet service providers.

[0093] The input module 12 has the function of inputting instruction information corresponding to instructions from the user into the control module 13. The input module 12 includes input devices such as buttons, keyboards, or touch panels.

[0094] The control module 13 controls each unit (module) to enable the wireless communication device 10 to operate as an access point (AP) or a communication terminal (STA). The control module 13 exchanges necessary information (data) with each unit (module). The control module 13 includes, for example, control devices such as microprocessors or microcontrollers, storage devices such as semiconductor memories, etc.

[0095] The output module 14 has the function of displaying necessary information to the user based on information supplied from the control module 13. Here, the information to be displayed and notified by the output module 14 includes, for example, the operating status of the wireless communication device 10, information obtained via the Internet, etc. The output module 14 includes display elements such as liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, or light-emitting diode (LED) displays, and output devices including speakers that output sound or music.

[0096] The wireless communication module 15 performs various processes related to wireless communication under the control of the control module 13. The wireless communication module 15 includes, for example, a wireless communication chip, peripheral circuits, control devices such as microcontrollers, and storage devices such as semiconductor memories. (See later...) Figure 13 The configuration details of the wireless communication module 15 are described.

[0097] It should be noted that in the wireless communication device 10, the control module 13 and the wireless communication module 15 are essential components, but whether the network module 11, the input module 12 and the output module 14, which are not included in the components, can be arbitrarily set.

[0098] In other words, each wireless communication device 10 used as an access point (AP) or communication terminal (STA) can be configured with only the necessary modules, and unnecessary parts can be simplified or omitted. For example, in Figure 18In the wireless communication device 10, the network module 11 may be contained only in the access point (AP), and the input module 12 and the output module 14 may be contained only in the communication terminal (STA). Whether the wireless communication module 15 includes an antenna can be arbitrarily configured.

[0099] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an embodiment of a wireless communication module applying the present disclosure. Figure 13 The diagram shows Figure 12 Detailed configuration example of the wireless communication module 15.

[0100] The wireless communication module 15 includes: an interface 101 for connecting to other modules and exchanging various types of information and data; a transmission buffer 102 for temporarily storing data to be transmitted; an application management unit 103 for managing settings according to application type; and a frame construction unit 104 for creating frames such as data frames and management frames.

[0101] In addition, the wireless communication module 15 also includes: an R-TWT control unit 105, which performs R-TWT-related controls, such as management of whether R-TWT settings are required; a service period control unit 106, which actually sets the service period of the R-TWT; and a space reuse control unit 107, which performs controls to allow space reuse with wireless communication devices in the surrounding OBSS.

[0102] The wireless communication module 15 further includes: a transmission signal processing unit 108 for constructing a signal to be transmitted; an access control unit 109 for performing access control in a target channel; an antenna unit 110 including an antenna for transmitting or receiving signals; and a received signal detection unit 111 for detecting received signals. Furthermore, the wireless communication module 15 also includes: a frame analysis unit 112 for extracting predetermined header information from the received signal and extracting information described in the frame; and a receive buffer 113 for temporarily storing received data.

[0103] exist Figure 13 In the configuration shown, arrows between blocks indicate the flow and control of data (signals), and each block collaborates with another block connected by arrows to perform its own function. For example, the R-TWT control unit 105 collaborates with each of the application management unit 103, frame construction unit 104, service duration control unit 106, space reuse control unit 107, access control unit 109, and frame analysis unit 112 to implement a series of controls related to R-TWT according to this disclosure.

[0104] More specifically, with parameters such as the expected data arrival cycle, data transmission duration, and the presence or absence of the reliability of the information to be transmitted and received stored in the application management unit 103, the R-TWT control unit 105 is configured to perform various settings such as the service period of R-TWT based on the parameters.

[0105] Furthermore, when the R-TWT control unit 105 sets the permitted time period for space reuse or the time period to be protected during the R-TWT service period, the frame construction unit 104 generates a control frame describing the setting, and the transmission signal processing unit 108 transmits the control frame signal via the antenna unit 110. Therefore, information about the setting status (such as the permitted time period for space reuse and the time period to be protected) can be transmitted.

[0106] Furthermore, when the received signal detection unit 111 receives a control frame related to the service period of the R-TWT transmitted from other wireless communication devices via the antenna unit 110, the frame analysis unit 112 extracts information about the time period that allows space reuse or information about the time period to be protected as information for setting the service period of the R-TWT. Then, the R-TWT control unit 105 sets these time periods, and actually sets the duration of the service period at the service period control unit 106, and further, if space reuse is allowed, sets the duration of the service period at the space reuse control unit 107.

[0107] In addition, Figure 13 In the configuration shown, each block can of course be configured individually, or multiple blocks can be configured to perform a series of processes according to this disclosure. For example, the control unit may include at least an R-TWT control unit 105, a service period control unit 106, and a space reuse control unit 107, and perform a series of processes according to this disclosure under the control of the control module 13.

[0108] Note that, Figure 12 and Figure 13 The configuration shown assumes the configuration of the BSS's wireless communication equipment (BSS's AP and STA), but the OBSS's wireless communication equipment (OBSS's AP and STA) is configured in a basically similar manner. However, in the OBSS's wireless communication equipment, it is not necessary to set the functions for allowing space reuse periods (allowed SR R-TWT SP) and prohibiting space reuse periods (protected SP), therefore, it is not necessary to provide blocks corresponding to these functions (e.g., space reuse control unit 107, etc.).

[0109] <Space Reuse Setup Process>

[0110] Figure 14This is a flowchart indicating the process of applying the space reuse setup procedure of this disclosure. Here, the process is indicated, for example, in the case of setting up a service period (SP) for a wireless communication device 10 acting as the owner of an R-TWT.

[0111] First, the wireless communication device 10 determines whether R-TWT can be set in its own BSS based on the type of application based on the TID managed by the wireless communication device 10 (S101). If it is determined that communication of R-TWT is necessary (S102: Yes), the wireless communication device 10 performs at least the processes in steps S103 to S106, S109 and S111.

[0112] In other words, the wireless communication device 10 calculates the necessary wake-up interval (R-TWT Wake Interval) and the duration of the service period (S103). Furthermore, the wireless communication device 10 exchanges requests and responses with other wireless communication devices that receive data associated with the TID (S104).

[0113] Here, to confirm the status of surrounding OBSSs, an R-TWT SR parameter request is sent, and thereby, R-TWT SR parameter responses are received from other wireless communication devices. For example, the R-TWT SR parameter request and R-TWT SR parameter response can be... Figure 3 and Figure 4 Swap within the sequence shown.

[0114] Note that for this exchange, for example, the surrounding state can be grasped and notified during association, in which case the information storing this information can be read and used. Alternatively, if other wireless communication devices detect the OBSS signal, the other wireless communication devices can sequentially return and record the R-TWT SR parameter response.

[0115] Then, the wireless communication device 10 learns about the status of the surrounding OBSS (e.g., OBSS interference) based on the parameters included in the response, and actually determines whether to allow setting a service period (R-TWTSP) based on the learned status of the surrounding OBSS (S105).

[0116] Here, it is determined whether the duration of the service period, set according to factors such as the number of surrounding OBSSs, exceeds the service period (SP) limit value (S106). The SP limit value is a threshold preset based on the space reuse operation.

[0117] If it is determined in step S106 that the duration exceeds the SP limit value, the wireless communication device 10 performs the processing in steps S107 and S108. In other words, space reuse is allowed (S107), and the service period within the maximum time period is set to the service period setting that allows space reuse (allowed SR R-TWT SP) (S108). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the duration does not exceed the SP limit value, the processing in steps S107 and S108 is skipped.

[0118] In addition, it is determined whether it is necessary to make a setting to prohibit space reuse based on the number of surrounding OBSSs (S109).

[0119] If it is determined in step S109 that a setting to prohibit space reuse is required, the wireless communication device 10 executes the process of step S110. In other words, when space reuse is prohibited and the time period is protected, the service period within the minimum duration is set to the protected duration (S110). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S109 that a setting to prohibit space reuse is not required, the process of step S110 is skipped.

[0120] As described above, in the wireless communication device 10, which is the owner of the R-TWT, when spatial reuse communication is allowed for wireless communication devices in the OBSS based on the number of surrounding OBSSs, a service period (allowed SR R-TWT SP) is set for the maximum time period (S107, S108). Furthermore, when it is necessary to prohibit spatial reuse communication for wireless communication devices in the OBSS, a protected service period (protected SP) is set (S110). Specifically, the case where only the former service period (allowed SR R-TWT SP) is set is... Figure 7 The setup method shown applies only to the case where the latter service period (protected SP) is configured. Figure 8 The setup method is shown below. Additionally, the service periods for both (allowed SR R-TWT SP, protected SP) are set as follows: Figure 9 The setup method is shown in the image.

[0121] Then, wireless communication device 10 transmits an indication (R-TWT SR parameter indication) describing the parameters related to these settings to other wireless communication devices (S111). When the process of step S111 ends, the series of processes ends. Furthermore, if communication via R-TWT is not necessary and the settings of R-TWT are not necessary (S102: No), the process is canceled.

[0122] As described above, in this disclosure, the following processing is performed by the wireless communication device 10 of the BSS, which is the owner of the R-TWT. In other words, when the wireless communication device 10 of the BSS (e.g., AP#1 of BSS#1) operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals between the wireless communication device 10 and other wireless communication devices (e.g., any one of STA#1 to STA#4 of BSS#1) (operation via R-TWT), the control unit (including a control unit such as R-TWT control unit 105) performs control to receive signals (R-TWT SR parameter responses) transmitted from other wireless communication devices (e.g., STA#1 to STA#4 of BSS#1) that include information about the surrounding communication status. Then, the control unit performs control to determine, based on the information included in the received signal, whether spatial reuse communication is permitted for other wireless communication devices (e.g., OBSS AP and OBSS STA#1 of OBSS), and if spatial reuse communication is permitted, sets the permitted time period for spatial reuse communication (e.g., permitted SR R-TWT SP) for other wireless communication devices (e.g., OBSS AP and OBSS STA#1 of OBSS).

[0123] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the following process is performed by the wireless communication device 10 of the OBSS, which has detected information indicating that space reuse communication is permitted. In other words, in the wireless communication device 10 of the OBSS (e.g., OBSSAP of the OBSS), the control unit performs control to detect that the period of space reuse communication permitted (e.g., permitted SR R-TWT SP) is set by another wireless communication device (e.g., AP#1 of BSS#1) that operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals (operating according to R-TWT), and performs data transmission by using the space reuse communication within the period to perform data transmission with other wireless communication devices (e.g., OBSSSTA#1 of the OBSS).

[0124] Note that, as a method for the OBSS wireless communication device 10 to detect the setting of a period for allowing space reuse communication, the OBSS wireless communication device 10 (e.g., the OBSS AP of the OBSS) can detect information set by the BSS wireless communication device 10 (e.g., the AP#1 of BSS#1), or it can detect the setting of a period for allowing space reuse communication based on information included in the signal notified from the BSS wireless communication device 10 (e.g., the AP#1 of BSS#1). In short, any detection method can be used as long as the OBSS wireless communication device 10 can detect the period for allowing space reuse communication set by the BSS wireless communication device 10.

[0125] Furthermore, the OBSS wireless communication device 10 can perform data transmission with information about permitted spatial reuse communication periods set in its own network, or with information about permitted spatial reuse communication periods set in an overlapping basic service set. The OBSS wireless communication device 10 (e.g., the OBSS AP) can perform data transmission with other wireless communication devices (e.g., the OBSS STA#1) via spatial reuse communication, for example, by controlling transmission power, so as not to affect wireless communication via other wireless communication devices (e.g., the AP#1 and STA#1 of BSS#1). Furthermore, in the OBSS wireless communication device 10, when information about permitted spatial reuse communication periods is set, data can be transmitted using spatial reuse communication depending on the type of data to be transmitted by the device itself.

[0126] Meanwhile, in the restricted TWT (R-TWT) of related technologies, the following method has been adopted: the timing of periodic use by the wireless communication device on the transmitting side and the wireless communication device on the receiving side is agreed upon, and specific data transmissions are prioritized under the periodic timing until a predetermined duration. Furthermore, in the R-TWT of related technologies, by setting a service period (SP) with a constant period, data transmissions specified by a specific TID can be prioritized. According to this method, it is necessary to use time periods other than the service period to perform other data communications and wireless communications with other wireless communication devices, thus requiring the guarantee of a certain time period.

[0127] Furthermore, surrounding wireless communication devices do not operate unless they terminate communication before the start time of the R-TWT service period, thus requiring further improvements, such as pre-setting a quiet period. Originally, as long as it did not affect the reception of the receiving wireless communication device, it was possible for the following situation to exist: even if arbitrary data was sent from other wireless communication devices capable of detecting the signal of the transmitting wireless communication device for the purpose of transmission, it would not be affected.

[0128] Furthermore, as a spatial reuse-based technique, communication can be multiplexed using transmission power within a range that does not interfere with existing wireless communications, or to a degree that does not interfere with existing wireless communications. This spatial reuse technique is defined as a method for effectively performing communication in congested environments within wireless LAN systems. In this technique, communication is performed in an overlapping manner using transmission parameters of wireless communication devices on the receiving side that will certainly not interfere with the original data communication.

[0129] However, in R-TWT of related technologies, it is desirable to set the duration of the service period to the minimum value required for data transmission specified by the TID. However, considering the period until the data is retransmitted, a longer period (more than twice as long) is needed. Furthermore, since the service period arrives periodically, a longer period needs to be set to the required duration to eliminate jitter in order to send the data received from the application and reduce latency.

[0130] Furthermore, if a longer duration is set for the service period, the available time for other wireless communications besides the data communication specified by the TID is relatively reduced, and there is a possibility of large delays in data transmission over other wireless communications. If the duration of the service period is limited to the minimum required to handle this situation, it becomes difficult to satisfactorily transmit the data specified by the TID that should be transmitted first.

[0131] In spatial reuse techniques based on spatial reuse in related technologies, in order to perform multiplexing of other wireless communications within a range that does not interfere with existing wireless communications, it is necessary to determine the degree of impact and the necessary transmission parameters. Furthermore, since it is possible to pre-set whether spatial reuse techniques based on spatial reuse can be used, there is a possibility of causing interference with existing communications, which hinders its active use. Moreover, to promote the use of spatial reuse techniques based on spatial reuse, a condition is needed in which a mechanism is used to prioritize the wireless communications of one's own device.

[0132] Therefore, this disclosure proposes the following method to solve the aforementioned problems in the related art. In other words, this disclosure proposes a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method that can easily coexist with other wireless communications even when the service period is set to long, by indicating whether spatial reuse communication based on spatial reuse is allowed during the service period (R-TWT SP) of the R-TWT in a wireless LAN system.

[0133] Specifically, in cases where spatial reuse communication based on spatial reuse is permitted, a longer service period (R-TWT SP) can be set compared to cases where spatial reuse communication is not permitted, and spatial reuse communication can coexist with other wireless communications to improve the utilization efficiency of the transmission path. Furthermore, a method is proposed where the service period (R-TWT SP) can be set to a duration exceeding the original minimum required duration for wireless communication. Here, the duration of the service period can be determined based on the number of surrounding OBSs, and control can be implemented to allow spatial reuse if the number of OBSs is large. For example, if the original minimum required duration for wireless communication is 50% of the wake-up interval (R-TWT Wake Interval), control can be implemented to allow the service period to be set up to approximately 75% of that.

[0134] Additionally, a method is proposed to reliably perform communication for the device itself by defining a period during which spatial reuse communication based on spatial reuse is not permitted (a prohibited period), setting the service period (R-TWT SP) to a shorter duration, and rejecting reuse via other wireless communications. Here, the duration of the service period can also be determined based on the number of surrounding OBSSs, and if the number of OBSSs is large, controls can be implemented to disallow spatial reuse. For example, if the minimum required duration for wireless communication could be 50% of the wake-up interval, controls can be implemented to allow the service period to be set up to approximately 25% of that.

[0135] In this disclosure, by proposing the above method, the following effects can be achieved, for example: In other words, when setting the service period of the R-TWT (R-TWT SP), by allowing space reuse, it is possible to coexist with other wireless communications and set a longer service period. In particular, in an environment where BSS and OBSS coexist, flexibility can be given to setting the R-TWT for each of the BSS and OBSS, and a sufficient service period for its own BSS can be ensured. In other words, even if the service period is set longer than necessary, time periods for other wireless communications can be ensured.

[0136] Furthermore, by optimizing the service period settings of one's own BSS based on the status of surrounding OBSSs, an optimal service period can be set. When setting the R-TWT service period (R-TWT SP), data transmission of the BSS can be performed more reliably by providing periods during which space reuse is prohibited (denied). Additionally, even in environments where the BSS coexists with OBSSs existing around it, reliable wireless communication can be performed within the service period of the BSS itself.

[0137] <Variation>

[0138] The aforementioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or by software. When the processes are executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer, general-purpose personal computer (PC), or similar dedicated hardware. For example, in a computer that executes the aforementioned series of processes via a program, the central processing unit (CPU) loads the program stored in storage units, including hard disks and non-volatile memory, into random access memory (RAM) and executes the program, thereby performing the aforementioned series of processes. It should be noted that the program to be executed by the computer can be a program that executes processes sequentially in the order described in this specification, or a program that executes processes in parallel or at necessary times, such as when called.

[0139] This disclosure can be applied to a variety of products. For example, when the wireless communication device 10 is a communication terminal (STA), the wireless communication device can be configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet PC, laptop PC, portable gaming terminal, or digital camera; a fixed terminal such as a television receiver, printer, digital scanner, or network storage; or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation device. Furthermore, the wireless communication device 10 can be configured as a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication terminal such as a smart meter, vending machine, remote monitoring device, or point-of-sale (POS) terminal. Moreover, the wireless communication device 10 can be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module including a bare die) installed on these terminals.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, when the wireless communication device 10 is an access point (AP), the wireless communication device 10 can be configured as an AP (wireless base station) of a wireless LAN with or without router functionality. Additionally, the wireless communication device 10 can be configured as a mobile wireless LAN router. Moreover, the wireless communication device 10 can be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module comprising a bare die) installed on these devices.

[0141] <Computer Configuration Example>

[0142] The above series of processes can be executed by hardware or by software. In the case where the series of processes are executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from the program recording medium into a computer, general-purpose personal computer, or similar hardware integrated into dedicated hardware.

[0143] Figure 15 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a computer performing the above series of processes according to a program.

[0144] The central processing unit (CPU) 801, read-only memory (ROM) 802 and random access memory (RAM) 803 are connected to each other via bus 804.

[0145] The input / output interface 805 is also connected to the bus 804. The input / output interface 805 is connected to an input unit 806, including a keyboard, mouse, etc., and an output unit 807, including a display, speakers, etc. Information about the present technology (e.g., information about the surrounding communication conditions) can be output or displayed from the output unit 807. Information about the present technology (e.g., information about the surrounding communication conditions) and confirmation or response to the information output or displayed on the output unit 807 can be input from the input unit 806. Furthermore, a storage unit 808, including a hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc., a communication unit 809, including a network interface, etc., and a driver 810 that drives the removable medium 811 are connected to the input / output interface 805.

[0146] In a computer configured as described above, for example, CPU 801 loads a program stored in storage unit 808 into RAM 803 via input / output interface 805 and bus 804, and executes the program to perform the aforementioned series of processes. For example, CPU 801 can perform operations related to the present technology. Figure 14 The corresponding processing procedure for the flowchart.

[0147] The program to be executed by the CPU 801 is provided, for example, by recording on a removable medium 811 or by a wired or wireless transmission medium (such as a local area network, the Internet or digital broadcasting), and is installed on the storage unit 808.

[0148] Note that the program to be executed by the computer may be a program that performs time-series sequential processing as described in this specification, or it may be a program that performs parallel processing or performs processing when necessary (such as when invoked).

[0149] <Application Example>

[0150] This technology can be applied to various products. For example, Figure 12 The wireless communication device 10 can be implemented as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, tablet PC, laptop PC, portable gaming terminal, or digital camera; a fixed terminal such as a TV receiver, projector, printer, digital scanner, or network storage; or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation device or driving recorder. Furthermore, Figure 12 The wireless communication device 10 can be implemented as a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication terminal or an Internet of Things (IoT) terminal, such as a smart meter, vending machine, remote monitoring equipment, or point-of-sale (POS) terminal. Furthermore, Figure 12The wireless communication device 10 in the text can be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module including a die) installed on these terminals.

[0151] On the other hand, for example, Figure 12 The wireless communication device 10 can be implemented as an access point (AP) of a wireless LAN, with or without router functionality. Furthermore, Figure 12 The wireless communication device 10 can be implemented as a mobile wireless LAN router. Additionally, Figure 12 The wireless communication device 10 can be implemented as a base station and a femtocell in a cellular communication system. Furthermore, Figure 12 The wireless communication device 10 can be a wireless communication module (e.g., an integrated circuit module including a die) installed on these devices.

[0152] <Smartphone Configuration Example>

[0153] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone 900 to which this technology is applied. Figure 16 A configuration example of smartphone 900 is shown, but the configuration example is not limited to this and can be a configuration example of various devices and functions mentioned above.

[0154] 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, and a display device 910. Furthermore, smartphone 900 also includes 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. Note that smartphone 900 may include all of the above, or may include some of the above.

[0155] The processor 901 can be, for example, a CPU or a system-on-a-chip (SoC), and controls the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900.

[0156] The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data to be executed by the processor 901.

[0157] Storage device 903 includes storage media, such as semiconductor memory or hard disk.

[0158] External connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting external devices such as memory cards or Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices to smartphone 900.

[0159] The camera 906 includes imaging elements such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and generates captured images.

[0160] Sensor 907 includes, for example, a sensor group including a positioning sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an accelerometer, etc.

[0161] Microphone 908 converts the sound input to smartphone 900 into an audio signal.

[0162] Input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor, keypad, keyboard, button, or switch that detects touch on the screen of display device 910, and receives operation or information input from the user.

[0163] The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or a quantum dot (QD) display, and displays the output image of the smartphone 900.

[0164] Speaker 911 converts the audio signal output from smartphone 900 into sound.

[0165] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more of the wireless LAN standards such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn and their successors, and performs wireless communication.

[0166] In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 913 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN AP. Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 913 communicates directly with other devices in self-organizing mode or direct communication modes such as Wi-Fi Direct.

[0167] Note that in Wi-Fi Direct, unlike the self-organizing mode, one of the two terminals acts as an access point (AP), but communication between the two terminals is performed directly.

[0168] The wireless communication interface 913 typically includes a baseband processor, radio frequency (RF) circuitry, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 913 can be a single-chip module that integrates a memory storing the communication control program, a processor executing the program, and related circuitry.

[0169] In addition to wireless LAN solutions, the wireless communication interface 913 can also support other types of wireless communication solutions, such as near-field communication solutions (e.g., Bluetooth), near-field communication solutions (e.g., NFC), and 3GPP (registered trademark) cellular communication solutions (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G). The wireless communication interface 913 can be a single-chip module supporting multiple wireless communication solutions, or it can be a combination of modules supporting several wireless communication solutions.

[0170] Antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of antenna 915 among multiple circuits included in wireless communication interface 913 (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication schemes, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0171] Antenna 915 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements forming a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, or multiple antenna elements forming an array antenna) and is used to transmit and receive wireless signals through wireless communication interface 913.

[0172] Note that the smartphone 900 is not limited to... Figure 16 The example in the text can include multiple antennas (e.g., an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for short-range wireless communication schemes, an antenna for cellular communication schemes, etc.). In this case, the antenna switch 914 can be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0173] Bus 917 interconnects 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.

[0174] Battery 918 is fed via a feed line indicated by the dashed line in the attached diagram to... Figure 16 Each block of the smartphone 900 shown is powered. For example, the auxiliary controller 919 enables the smartphone 900 to operate in sleep mode with the minimum required functions. Furthermore, the battery 918 can be charged via an external connection interface 904. Additionally, the battery 918 may have the ability to read information about remaining battery power, cumulative power-on time, or cumulative power supply, and the processor 901, wireless communication interface 913, or auxiliary controller 919 may control any of the functions described above based on the information read from the battery 918.

[0175] exist Figure 16 In the smartphone 900 shown, for example, Figure 12 The control module 13 and wireless communication module 15 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. For example, with Figure 14The corresponding processing program in the flowchart can be executed in the wireless communication interface 913. Furthermore, at least some of these functions can be installed on the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.

[0176] Note that the smartphone 900 can function as a wireless AP (software AP) at the application level through the processor 901, performing AP functionality. Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 913 can also have wireless AP functionality. Additionally, the processor 901 or the wireless communication interface 913 can have network tethering capabilities using both wireless LAN and cellular communication schemes, and can transmit payload data received via cellular communication using either the wireless LAN scheme or the cellular communication scheme. The network tethering function of the smartphone 900 can be enabled via user input.

[0177] Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may include a biometric authentication unit (fingerprint authentication, palm print authentication, voice authentication, vascular authentication, facial authentication, iris authentication, and retinal authentication). At this point, [the following is achieved / implemented]. Figure 12 The wireless communication interface 913 of the control module 13 and the wireless communication module 15 is configured to receive power from at least one of the same batteries 918 as the display device 910, speaker 911 or biometric authentication unit.

[0178] Furthermore, in the smartphone 900, information is displayed from at least one of the display devices 910 or the speaker 911 based on communication with an external device via the wireless communication interface 913. At this time, information about the technology (e.g., information about the surrounding communication conditions) can be output as information from at least one of the display devices 910 or the speaker 911. Additionally, the input device 909 can input confirmation or response to the information output from at least one of the display devices 910 or the speaker 911.

[0179] <Configuration Example of Vehicle-Mounted Equipment>

[0180] Figure 17 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device 920 to which this technology is applied. Figure 17 The illustration shows a configuration example of the in-vehicle device 920, but is not limited to it, and can be a configuration example of the various devices and functions mentioned above.

[0181] The vehicle-mounted device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, and a storage medium interface 928. Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device 920 includes 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. It should be noted that the vehicle-mounted device 920 may have all of the above configurations, or some of the above configurations.

[0182] The processor 921 can be, for example, a CPU or a SoC, and controls the navigation and other functions of the in-vehicle device 920. Furthermore, the processor 921 can also control vehicle drive systems such as brakes, accelerators, or steering based on information obtained through communication based on this technology.

[0183] The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data to be executed by the processor 921.

[0184] The GNSS module 924 measures the position (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the vehicle-mounted equipment 920 by using GNSS signals received from GNSS satellites.

[0185] Sensor 925 includes, for example, a sensor group including a gyroscope sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a millimeter-wave radar, a camera (such as an imaging element like a CCD or CMOS), and a barometric pressure sensor.

[0186] Data interface 926 is connected to vehicle network 941 via, for example, a terminal (not shown) and acquires data generated on the vehicle side (such as vehicle-side data).

[0187] Content player 927 reproduces content stored in a storage medium (such as a CD or DVD) in the insertion storage medium interface 928, or content received via wireless communication interface 933.

[0188] Input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects touch on the screen, button, or switch of display device 930, and receives operations or information input from the user. For example, input device 929 may input confirmation or response to information output from at least one of display device 930 or speaker 931.

[0189] The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD, OLED, or QD display, and displays information such as images for navigation functions or content to be reproduced, as well as information about the technology (e.g., information about the surrounding communication conditions).

[0190] The speaker 931 outputs navigation functions, sound of the content to be reproduced, or information about the technology (such as information about the surrounding communication conditions).

[0191] Note that in the in-vehicle device 920, the navigation function and the content player 927 are optional. The navigation function and the content player 927 can be removed from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0192] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn and subsequent standards, and performs wireless communication.

[0193] In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 933 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN AP. Additionally, the wireless communication interface 933 communicates directly with other devices in self-organizing mode or direct communication mode (such as Wi-Fi Direct).

[0194] Note that in Wi-Fi Direct, unlike in self-organizing mode, one of the two terminals acts as an access point (AP), but communication is performed directly between the two terminals.

[0195] The wireless communication interface 933 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 933 can be a single-chip module integrating a memory storing communication control programs, a processor executing those programs, or related circuitry.

[0196] In addition to wireless LAN solutions, the wireless communication interface 933 can also support other types of wireless communication solutions, such as short-range wireless communication solutions like Bluetooth, near-field wireless communication solutions like NFC, or 3GPP cellular communication solutions like 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 933 can be a single-chip module supporting multiple wireless communication solutions, or it can be a combination of modules supporting several wireless communication solutions.

[0197] Antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in wireless communication interface 933 (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication schemes, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0198] Antenna 935 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used to transmit and receive wireless signals through wireless communication interface 933.

[0199] It should be noted that the vehicle-mounted device 920 is not limited to... Figure 17Examples can be provided, and multiple antennas can be included (e.g., antennas for wireless LANs, antennas for short-range wireless communication systems, antennas for cellular communication systems, etc.). In this case, the antenna switch 934 can be omitted from the configuration of the vehicle-mounted device 920.

[0200] Battery 938 is connected to the power supply line, which is partially indicated by the dashed line in the diagram. Figure 17 Each block of the on-board device 920 shown is powered. Furthermore, the battery 938 can accumulate power supplied from the vehicle side. Additionally, the on-board device 920 can use power supplied from the vehicle side via a voltage regulator or capacitor without being equipped with a battery.

[0201] exist Figure 17 In the vehicle-mounted device 920 shown, for example, Figure 12 The control module 13 and wireless communication module 15 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. For example, with Figure 14 The corresponding processing program for the flowchart can be executed in the wireless communication interface 933. Furthermore, at least some of these functions can be implemented on the processor 921.

[0202] In addition, the wireless communication interface 933 can be used as the above. Figure 12 The wireless communication device 10 operates and provides wireless connectivity to user-owned terminals within the vehicle. For example, the wireless communication interface 933 can connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices, and the in-vehicle device 920 can use CarPlay (registered trademark) or Android Auto (registered trademark). Note that the wireless communication interface 933 can connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices via short-range wireless communication schemes, infrastructure modes, or wireless LAN schemes via Wi-FiDirect.

[0203] Note that the vehicle-mounted device 920 can function as a wireless AP (software AP) by executing AP functions at the application level through the processor 921. Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 can also have wireless AP functionality. Additionally, the processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 has network sharing capabilities using both wireless LAN and cellular communication schemes, and can transmit payload data received via the cellular communication scheme via the wireless LAN scheme, or vice versa. The network sharing function of the vehicle-mounted device 920 can be enabled via user input.

[0204] Furthermore, this technology can be implemented as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the aforementioned in-vehicle device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 can generate vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed information, engine speed information, information about the vehicle-side battery, or fault information, and output the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941. The processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 can control any function in the above embodiments based on the vehicle-side data obtained via the in-vehicle network 941.

[0205] <Wireless AP Configuration Example>

[0206] Figure 18 This is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a wireless AP 950 that applies this technology. Figure 18 The example configuration of the wireless AP 950 is shown, but it is not limited to this, and can be a configuration example of various devices and functions mentioned above.

[0207] The wireless AP 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. Note that the wireless AP 950 may include all of the above, or may include some of the above.

[0208] The controller 951 can be, for example, a CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP), and operates various functions of the wireless AP 950 at the Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers (e.g., access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, log management, etc.).

[0209] The memory 952 includes RAM and ROM, and stores programs to be executed by the controller 951 as well as various control information (e.g., terminal list, routing table, encryption key, security settings, logs, etc.).

[0210] Input device 954 includes, for example, buttons, switches, etc., and receives operations from the user. For example, input device 954 can input confirmation or response to information output from display device 955. Furthermore, in response to user operations, input device 954 can receive input for turning wireless function on / off and input for switching router / access point functions.

[0211] The display device 955 includes LEDs and displays the operating status of the wireless AP 950. The display device 955 can display information about the technology, such as information about the surrounding communication conditions.

[0212] Network interface 957 is a wired communication interface used to connect wireless AP 950 to wired communication network 958. Network interface 957 may have multiple connection terminals. Network interface 957 can output payload data included in the wireless signal input from wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal, can receive payload data output as a wireless signal from wireless communication interface 963 as an input as a wired signal, or can operate in parallel with or independently of the input and output of the wireless signal of wireless communication interface 963 to input and output wired signals. Wired communication network 958 may be a local area network (LAN), such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or it may be a wide area network (WAN).

[0213] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn and their successors, and acts as an access point (AP) to provide wireless connectivity to nearby terminals. Note that when the wireless AP 950 is installed on a base station or femtocell in a cellular communication scheme, in addition to wireless LAN schemes, the wireless communication interface 963 can also support other types of wireless communication schemes, such as 3GPP cellular communication schemes like 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and 6G. The wireless communication interface 963 can be a single-chip module supporting multiple wireless communication schemes, or it can be a combination of modules supporting several wireless communication schemes.

[0214] The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, power amplifier, etc.

[0215] The wireless communication interface 963 can be a single-chip module that integrates a memory storing a communication control program, a processor executing the program, or related circuitry.

[0216] Antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of antenna 965 among multiple circuits included in wireless communication interface 963 (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication schemes, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0217] Antenna 965 has one or more antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements forming a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna, or multiple antenna elements forming an array antenna) and is used to transmit and receive wireless signals through wireless communication interface 963.

[0218] exist Figure 18 In the wireless AP 950 shown, for example, Figure 12 The control module 13 and wireless communication module 15 can be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. For example, with Figure 14The corresponding processing program in the flowchart can be executed in the wireless communication interface 963. Furthermore, at least some of these functions can be implemented on the controller 951.

[0219] It should be noted that the above embodiments illustrate examples of the present technology, and there is a correspondence between the matters in the embodiments and the matters defining the invention in the claims. Similarly, there is a correspondence between the matters defining the invention in the claims and the matters in embodiments of the present technology having the same name. However, the present technology is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made to embody the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present technology.

[0220] Furthermore, some or all of the information processing device described in the above embodiments can be implemented as, for example, a semiconductor chip (integrated circuit (IC)) with wireless communication control functions. Additionally, some or all of the information processing device can be implemented by a single semiconductor chip (such as a system-on-a-chip (SoC)) with multiple functions, or by combining multiple semiconductor chips with a single function (such as a processor). Furthermore, some or all of the information processing device can be implemented by combining multiple SoCs, or by combining a semiconductor chip with a single function and an SoC. Furthermore, some or all of the information processing device can be implemented by a semiconductor chip such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) dedicated to implementing each unit, or by a combination of a general-purpose processor, software, firmware, etc., or a semiconductor chip such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0221] Furthermore, the processes described in the above embodiments can be considered as a method that includes a series of such processes, and can also be considered as a program that causes a computer to perform a series of processes or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0222] As a recording medium, for example, a compact disc (CD), a mini disc (MD), a digital multifunction disc (DVD), a memory card, or a Blu-ray disc (registered trademark) can be used.

[0223] It should be noted that in this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), and it is not important whether all components are housed in the same enclosure. Therefore, multiple devices housed in a single enclosure and connected via a network, as well as a single device containing multiple modules, are both systems.

[0224] For example, this technology can be configured as follows: a cloud computing system in which a function is shared and collaboratively processed by multiple devices via a network.

[0225] In addition, each step described in the flowchart above can be performed by a single device, or it can be shared and performed by multiple devices.

[0226] Furthermore, in cases where a step includes multiple processing steps, the multiple processing steps included in that step can be executed by one device, or can be executed by multiple devices in a shared manner.

[0227] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to be limiting, and other effects can also be achieved.

[0228] In addition, this disclosure may have the following configurations.

[0229] (1) A wireless communication device, comprising: Control unit, which performs control to: When the wireless communication device operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically between the wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device at predetermined time intervals, it receives a first signal, including information about the surrounding communication status, transmitted from other wireless communication devices including the first wireless communication device. Based on information included in the first signal, determine whether to allow the second wireless communication device to perform spatial reuse communication; and If spatial reuse communication is permitted, a first time period is set for the second wireless communication device to allow spatial reuse communication during the specified time interval.

[0230] (2) The wireless communication device according to (1), wherein the control unit sets a second time period for prohibiting spatial reuse communication during the time interval based on information included in the first signal to the second wireless communication device.

[0231] (3) The wireless communication device according to (1) or (2), wherein, in the case of allowing space reuse of communication, the control unit sets the first time period to be longer than the duration of the transmission opportunity.

[0232] (4) The wireless communication device according to (2), wherein, in the case of prohibiting spatial reuse communication, the control unit sets the second time period to a time period shorter than the duration of the transmission opportunity.

[0233] (5) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit allows spatial reuse of communication in the presence of an overlapping set of basic services around the wireless communication device based on information included in the first signal.

[0234] (6) The wireless communication device according to (5), wherein the control unit allows spatial reuse of communication based on the number of overlapping basic service sets around the wireless communication device.

[0235] (7) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit allows spatial reuse of communication based on the number of other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device, connected to the basic service set.

[0236] (8) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit allows spatial reuse of communication according to the type of application used in the basic service set.

[0237] (9) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit allows spatial reuse communication to continue for a period of time beyond the first time period.

[0238] (10) The wireless communication device according to (2), wherein, The control unit sets the first ratio, which is a predetermined time interval ratio within a time interval, as the first time interval, and... Set the second ratio, which is less than the first ratio, as the second time period.

[0239] (11) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit performs data transmission with the first wireless communication device.

[0240] (12) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein, The control unit transmits a second signal requesting the first signal to other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device, and... The first signal is received from other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device, as a response to the second signal.

[0241] (13) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein, The second wireless communication device connects to an overlapping set of basic services around the second wireless communication device, and also connects to the set of basic services connected to other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device.

[0242] (14) A wireless communication method, comprising: By wireless communication equipment, When the wireless communication device operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically between the wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device at predetermined time intervals, it receives a first signal, including information about the surrounding communication status, transmitted from other wireless communication devices including the first wireless communication device. Based on information included in the first signal, determine whether to allow the second wireless communication device to perform spatial reuse communication; and If spatial reuse communication is permitted, a first time period is set for the second wireless communication device to allow spatial reuse communication during the specified time interval.

[0243] (15) A wireless communication device, comprising: Control unit, which performs control to: A first time period allowing spatial reuse communication within a predetermined time interval is detected, established by a first wireless communication device that operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals; and Data transmission is performed with a second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication during the first time period.

[0244] (16) The wireless communication device according to (15), wherein the control unit performs data transmission with the second wireless communication device through spatial reuse communication so as not to affect the wireless communication of the first wireless communication device.

[0245] (17) The wireless communication device according to (15) or (16), wherein, in the case of a second period of spatial reuse communication under a prohibited time interval set by the first wireless communication device, the control unit does not perform spatial reuse communication in the second period.

[0246] (18) The wireless communication device according to any one of (15) to (17), wherein, when a first time period is set, the control unit performs data transmission via spatial reuse communication according to the format of the data to be transmitted. (19)

[0248] The wireless communication device according to any one of (15) to (18), wherein, The first wireless communication device is connected to an overlapping set of basic services around the first wireless communication device, and is also connected to the set of basic services to which the second wireless communication device is connected.

[0249] (20) A wireless communication method, comprising: By wireless communication equipment, A first time period allowing spatial reuse communication within a predetermined time interval is detected, established by a first wireless communication device that operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals; and Data transmission is performed with a second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication during the first time period.

[0250] (List of reference numerals in the attached image)

[0251] 10. Wireless communication equipment

[0252] 11 Network Module

[0253] 12 Input Modules

[0254] 13 Control Module

[0255] 14 Output Module

[0256] 15. Wireless communication module

[0257] 101 Interface

[0258] 102 Transmission Buffer

[0259] 103 Application Management Unit

[0260] 104 frame construction units

[0261] 105 R-TWT Control Unit

[0262] 106 Service Period Control Unit

[0263] 107 Space Reuse Control Unit

[0264] 108 Transmission Signal Processing Unit

[0265] 109 Access Control Unit

[0266] 110 antenna elements

[0267] 111 Received Signal Detection Unit

[0268] 112 Frame Analysis Unit

[0269] 113 Receive Buffer

Claims

1. A wireless communication device, comprising: Control unit, which performs control to: When the wireless communication device operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically between the wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device at predetermined time intervals, it receives a first signal, including information about the surrounding communication status, transmitted from other wireless communication devices including the first wireless communication device. Based on the information included in the first signal, determine whether to allow the second wireless communication device to perform spatial reuse communication; as well as If spatial reuse communication is permitted, a first time period is set for the second wireless communication device to allow spatial reuse communication during the specified time interval.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit sets a second time period for the second wireless communication device, based on information included in the first signal, that prohibits spatial reuse communication during the time interval.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, In cases where space reuse of communication is permitted, the control unit sets the first time period to be longer than the duration of the transmission opportunity.

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein, In cases where space reuse communication is prohibited, the control unit sets the second time period to be shorter than the duration of the transmission opportunity.

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit allows spatial reuse of communication in the presence of overlapping basic service sets around the wireless communication device, based on information included in the first signal.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit allows spatial reuse of communication based on the amount of overlapping basic service sets around the wireless communication device.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit allows spatial reuse of communication based on the number of other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device, connected to the basic service set.

8. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit allows spatial reuse of communication based on the type of application used in the basic service set.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit allows space reuse communication to continue beyond the first time period.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein, The control unit sets the first ratio, which is a predetermined time interval ratio within a time interval, as the first time interval, and... Set the second ratio, which is less than the first ratio, as the second time period.

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit performs data transmission with the first wireless communication device.

12. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit transmits a second signal requesting the first signal to other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device, and... The first signal is received from other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device, as a response to the second signal.

13. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The second wireless communication device connects to an overlapping set of basic services around the second wireless communication device, and also connects to the set of basic services connected to other wireless communication devices, including the first wireless communication device.

14. A wireless communication method, comprising: By wireless communication equipment, When the wireless communication device operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically between the wireless communication device and the first wireless communication device at predetermined time intervals, it receives a first signal, including information about the surrounding communication status, transmitted from other wireless communication devices including the first wireless communication device. Based on the information included in the first signal, determine whether to allow the second wireless communication device to perform spatial reuse communication; as well as If spatial reuse communication is permitted, a first time period is set for the second wireless communication device to allow spatial reuse communication during the specified time interval.

15. A wireless communication device, comprising: Control unit, which performs control to: A first time period allowing spatial reuse communication within a predetermined time interval is detected by a first wireless communication device that operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals; as well as Data transmission is performed with a second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication during the first time period.

16. The wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein, The control unit performs data transmission with the second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication so as not to affect the wireless communication of the first wireless communication device.

17. The wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein, In the case of a second period in which spatial reuse communication is prohibited by a time interval set by the first wireless communication device, the control unit does not perform spatial reuse communication in the second period.

18. The wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein, When the first time period is set, the control unit performs data transmission via spatial reuse communication according to the format of the data to be transmitted.

19. The wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein, The first wireless communication device is connected to an overlapping set of basic services around the first wireless communication device, and is also connected to the set of basic services to which the second wireless communication device is connected.

20. A wireless communication method, comprising: By wireless communication equipment, A first time period allowing spatial reuse communication within a predetermined time interval is detected by a first wireless communication device that operates by acquiring transmission opportunities that arrive periodically at predetermined time intervals; as well as Data transmission is performed with a second wireless communication device via spatial reuse communication during the first time period.

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