Transmitter and transmission method

Abstract

To provide a transmitter capable of further performance improvement.SOLUTION: A transmitter comprising a plurality of transmission antennas includes: a signal processing part for generating a first baseband signal by modulating first stream data; and a transmission part for generating a plurality of first transmission signals with respectively different directivity from the first baseband signal, and transmitting the plurality of first transmission signals, each of the plurality of first transmission signals include information notifying of the number of the first transmission signals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transmission method, a transmission device, a reception method, and a reception device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a communication method using multiple antennas, there is, for example, a communication method called MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Out). In multi-antenna communication typified by MIMO, transmission data of multiple streams is modulated, and each modulated signal is transmitted simultaneously from different antennas using the same frequency (a common frequency), thereby improving the reception quality of data and / or increasing the communication speed of data (per unit time).

[0003] Also, in multi-antenna communication, when performing multicast / broadcast communication, a pseudo-omni pattern antenna having a substantially constant antenna gain over a wide direction in space may be used by a transmission device. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that a transmission device transmits a modulated signal using a pseudo-omni pattern antenna.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Regarding communication methods using multiple antennas, further performance improvement is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The transmission device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission device including a plurality of transmission antennas, and includes a signal processing unit that modulates data of a first stream to generate a first baseband signal, and a transmission unit that generates a plurality of first transmission signals having different directivities from the first baseband signal and transmits the plurality of first transmission signals. Each of the plurality of first transmission signals includes information notifying the number of the first transmission signals.

[0007] A transmission system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first base station and a second base station. The first base station generates a first transmission signal including first data and transmits the first transmission signal to a first terminal. The second base station generates a second transmission signal including the first data and transmits the second transmission signal to the first terminal. Transmission of the second transmission signal overlaps with transmission of the first transmission signal in a time domain or a frequency domain. The first base station further includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit. The first transmission signal is transmitted from the first antenna unit, and a third transmission signal including the first data is transmitted from the second antenna unit to a second terminal. The third transmission signal is transmitted when a notification that the first data cannot be received is received from the second terminal after receiving a request signal designating the first data from the second terminal and notifying the second terminal that the first data is being transmitted.

[0008] A transmission device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission device including a plurality of transmission antennas, and includes a signal processing unit that generates a first modulated signal sequence by modulating a first data stream, and a first signal that carries the first modulated signal sequence is transmitted from a first antenna unit, and a second signal that carries the first modulated signal sequence is transmitted from a second antenna unit. The first signal and the second signal are transmitted at the same time using frequency resources included in an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) frame. The first antenna unit is selected by a first terminal device, and the second antenna unit is selected by a second terminal device different from the first terminal device. The second signal receives a request signal specifying the first data stream from the second terminal device, and when notified by the second terminal device that the first data stream is being transmitted and then receiving a notification from the second terminal device that the first data stream cannot be received, transmission is started.

[0009] Also, a transmission device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission device including a plurality of transmission antennas, and includes a signal processing unit that modulates data of a first stream to generate a first baseband signal and modulates data of a second stream to generate a second baseband signal, and a transmission unit that generates a plurality of first transmission signals with different directivities from the first baseband signal, generates a plurality of second transmission signals with different directivities from the second baseband signal, and transmits the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals at the same time.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, there is a possibility of improving the performance in a communication method using a plurality of antennas.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a base station (or an access point, etc.) in the present embodiment.

[0013] 101-1 indicates #1 information, 101-2 indicates #2 information, ···, 101-M indicates information #M. 101-i indicates #i information. Let i be an integer from 1 to M. Note that M is an integer of 2 or more. Note that it is not necessary for all of #1 information to #M information to exist.

[0014] The signal processing unit 102 takes as inputs the #1 information 101-1, the #2 information (101-2), ···, the #M information 101-M, and the control signal 159. Based on the information included in the control signal 159, such as "information regarding the method of error correction coding (coding rate, code length (block length))", "information regarding the modulation method", "information regarding precoding", "transmission method (multiplexing method)", "whether to perform multicast transmission / unicast transmission (it is also possible to simultaneously realize multicast transmission and unicast transmission)", "number of transmission streams when performing multicast", "transmission method when transmitting a modulated signal for multicast (this will be described in detail later)", etc., the signal processing unit 102 performs signal processing and outputs the signal 103-1 after signal processing, the signal 103-2 after signal processing, ···, the signal 103-M after signal processing, that is, the signal 103-i after signal processing. Note that it is not necessary for all of the signals from the signal 103-1 after signal processing to the signal 103-M after signal processing to exist.

[0015] At this time, error correction coding is performed on the #i information 101-i, and then mapping is performed according to the set modulation method. Thereby, a baseband signal is obtained.

[0016] Then, the baseband signals corresponding to each piece of information are collected and precoding is performed. Also, for example, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) may be applied.

[0017] The radio unit 104-1 takes as inputs the signal 103-1 after signal processing and the control signal 159, and based on the control signal 159, performs processing such as band limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification, and outputs a transmission signal 105-1. Then, the transmission signal 105-1 is output as radio waves from the antenna unit 106-1.

[0018] Similarly, the radio unit 104-2 takes the signal 103-2 after signal processing and the control signal 159 as inputs, and based on the control signal 159, performs processes such as band limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification, and outputs the transmission signal 105-2. Then, the transmission signal 105-2 is output as radio waves from the antenna unit 106-2. The description from the radio unit 104-3 to the radio unit 104-M-1 is omitted.

[0019] The radio unit 104-M takes the signal 103-M after signal processing and the control signal 159 as inputs, and based on the control signal 159, performs processes such as band limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification, and outputs the transmission signal 105-M. Then, the transmission signal 105-M is output as radio waves from the antenna unit 106-M.

[0020] Note that each radio unit does not need to perform the above processes if there is no signal after signal processing.

[0021] The radio unit group 153 takes the received signal group 152 received by the receiving antenna group 151 as an input, performs processes such as frequency conversion, and outputs the baseband signal group 154.

[0022] The signal processing unit 155 takes the baseband signal group 154 as an input, performs demodulation and error correction decoding, that is, also performs processes such as time synchronization, frequency synchronization, and channel estimation. At this time, since the signal processing unit 155 receives the modulated signals transmitted by one or more terminals and performs processing, it obtains the data transmitted by each terminal and the control information transmitted by each terminal. Therefore, the signal processing unit 155 outputs the data group 156 corresponding to one or more terminals and the control information group 157 corresponding to one or more terminals.

[0023] The setting unit 158 takes the control information group 157 and the setting signal 160 as inputs. Based on the control information group 157, it determines "the method of error correction coding (coding rate, code length (block length))", "modulation method", "precoding method", "transmission method", "antenna setting", "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission (multicast and unicast transmissions may be realized simultaneously)", "number of transmission streams when performing multicast", "transmission method when transmitting a modulated signal for multicast", etc., and outputs a control signal 159 including the determined information.

[0024] The antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ···, 106-M take the control signal 159 as an input. The operation at this time will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ···, 106-M. Each antenna unit includes a plurality of antennas as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, four antennas are drawn, but each antenna unit only needs to include a plurality of antennas. Note that the number of antennas is not limited to four.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the antenna unit 106-i. i is an integer from 1 to M.

[0027] The distribution unit 202 takes the transmission signal 201 (corresponding to the transmission signal 105-i in FIG. 1) as an input, distributes the transmission signal 201, and outputs signals 203-1, 203-2, 203-3, 203-4.

[0028] The multiplier 204-1 takes the signal 203-1 and the control signal 200 (corresponding to the control signal 159 in FIG. 1) as inputs, multiplies the signal 203-1 by the coefficient W1 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 200, and outputs the multiplied signal 205-1. Note that the coefficient W1 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W1 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the signal 203-1 is v1(t), the multiplied signal 205-1 can be expressed as W1×v1(t) (t is time). Then, the multiplied signal 205-1 is output as radio waves from the antenna 206-1.

[0029] Similarly, the multiplier 204-2 takes the signal 203-2 and the control signal 200 as inputs, multiplies the signal 203-2 by the coefficient W2 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 200, and outputs the multiplied signal 205-2. Note that the coefficient W2 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W2 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the signal 203-2 is v2(t), the multiplied signal 205-2 can be expressed as W2×v2(t) (t is time). Then, the multiplied signal 205-2 is output as radio waves from the antenna 206-2.

[0030] The multiplier 204-3 takes the signal 203-3 and the control signal 200 as inputs, multiplies the signal 203-3 by the coefficient W3 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 200, and outputs the multiplied signal 205-3. Note that the coefficient W3 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W3 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the signal 203-3 is v3(t), the multiplied signal 205-3 can be expressed as W3×v3(t) (t is time). Then, the multiplied signal 205-3 is output as radio waves from the antenna 206-3.

[0031] The multiplier 204-4 takes the signal 203-4 and the control signal 200 as inputs, multiplies the signal 203-4 by the coefficient W4 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 200, and outputs the multiplied signal 205-4. Note that the coefficient W4 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W4 can also take real values. Therefore, if the signal 203-4 is v4(t), the multiplied signal 205-4 can be expressed as W4×v4(t) (t is time). Then, the multiplied signal 205-4 is output as radio waves from the antenna 206-4.

[0032] Note that the absolute values of W1, W2, W3, and W4 may be equal.

[0033] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a base station different from that of the base station in FIG. 1 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, those that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 1 are given the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted below.

[0034] The weighted synthesis unit 301 takes the modulation signals 105-1, 105-2, ···, 105-M, and the control signal 159 as inputs. Then, the weighted synthesis unit 301 performs weighted synthesis on the modulation signals 105-1, 105-2, ···, 105-M based on the information regarding weighted synthesis included in the control signal 159, and outputs the weighted synthesized signals 302-1, 302-2, ···, 302-K. Let K be an integer of 1 or more. Then, the weighted synthesized signal 302-1 is output as radio waves from the antenna 303-1, the weighted synthesized signal 302-2 is output as radio waves from the antenna 303-2, ···, and the weighted synthesized signal 302-K is output as radio waves from the antenna 303-K.

[0035] The weighted synthesized signal y i (t)302-i (i is an integer from 1 to K) is expressed as follows (t is time).

[0036]

Equation

[0037] In the formula (1), A ij is a value that can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, A ij can also take real values, and x j (t) becomes the modulation signal 105 - j. j is an integer from 1 to M inclusive.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the terminal. The antenna units 401 - 1, 401 - 2, ···, 401 - N take the control signal 410 as an input. N is an integer of 1 or more.

[0039] The radio unit 403 - 1 takes the received signal 402 - 1 received by the antenna unit 401 - 1 and the control signal 410 as inputs, and based on the control signal 410, performs processing such as frequency conversion on the received signal 402 - 1, and outputs the baseband signal 404 - 1.

[0040] Similarly, the radio unit 403 - 2 takes the received signal 402 - 2 received by the antenna unit 401 - 2 and the control signal 410 as inputs, and based on the control signal 410, performs processing such as frequency conversion on the received signal 402 - 2, and outputs the baseband signal 404 - 2. Note that the description from the radio unit 403 - 3 to the radio unit 403 - N - 1 is omitted.

[0041] The radio unit 403 - N takes the received signal 402 - N received by the antenna unit 401 - N and the control signal 410 as inputs, and based on the control signal, performs processing such as frequency conversion on the received signal 402 - N, and outputs the baseband signal 404 - N.

[0042] However, not all of the radio units 403 - 1, 403 - 2, ···, 403 - N need to operate. Therefore, the baseband signals 404 - 1, 404 - 2, ···, 404 - N do not necessarily all exist.

[0043] The signal processing unit 405 takes as inputs the baseband signals 404-1, 404-2, ···, 404-N, and the control signal 410, and based on the control signal 410, performs demodulation and error correction decoding processes, and outputs data 406, transmission control information 407, and control information 408. That is, the signal processing unit 405 also performs processes such as time synchronization, frequency synchronization, and channel estimation.

[0044] The setting unit 409 takes the control information 408 as an input, makes settings related to the reception method, and outputs the control signal 410.

[0045] The signal processing unit 452 takes the information 451 and the transmission control information 407 as inputs, performs processes such as error correction coding and mapping according to the set modulation method, and outputs a baseband signal group 453.

[0046] The radio unit group 454 takes the baseband signal group 453 as an input, performs processes such as band limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification, and outputs a transmission signal group 455. The transmission signal group 455 is output as radio waves from the transmission antenna group 456.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ···, 401-N. Each antenna unit includes a plurality of antennas as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, four antennas are drawn, but each antenna unit only needs to include a plurality of antennas. Note that the number of antennas in the antenna unit is not limited to four.

[0048] FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the antenna unit 401-i. i is an integer from 1 to N.

[0049] The multiplier 503-1 takes the received signal 502-1 received by the antenna 501-1 and the control signal 500 (corresponding to the control signal 410 in FIG. 4) as inputs, and multiplies the received signal 502-1 by the coefficient D1 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 500, and outputs the multiplied signal 504-1. Note that the coefficient D1 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D1 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 502-1 is e1(t), the multiplied signal 504-1 can be expressed as D1×e1(t) (t is time).

[0050] Similarly, the multiplier 503-2 takes the received signal 502-2 received by the antenna 501-2 and the control signal 500 as inputs, and multiplies the received signal 502-2 by the coefficient D2 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 500, and outputs the multiplied signal 504-2. Note that the coefficient D2 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D2 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 502-2 is e2(t), the multiplied signal 504-2 can be expressed as D2×e2(t) (t is time).

[0051] The multiplier 503-3 takes the received signal 502-3 received by the antenna 501-3 and the control signal 500 as inputs, and multiplies the received signal 502-3 by the coefficient D3 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 500, and outputs the multiplied signal 504-3. Note that the coefficient D3 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D3 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 502-3 is e3(t), the multiplied signal 504-3 can be expressed as D3×e3(t) (t is time).

[0052] The multiplication unit 503-4 takes the received signal 502-4 received by the antenna 501-4 and the control signal 500 as inputs, and multiplies the received signal 502-4 by the coefficient D4 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 500, and outputs the multiplied signal 504-4. Note that the coefficient D4 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D4 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 502-4 is e4(t), the multiplied signal 504-4 can be expressed as D4×e4(t) (t is time).

[0053] The combining unit 505 takes the multiplied signals 504-1, 504-2, 504-3, and 504-4 as inputs, adds the multiplied signals 504-1, 504-2, 504-3, and 504-4, and outputs the combined signal 506 (corresponding to the received signal 402-i in FIG. 4). Therefore, the combined signal 506 can be expressed as D1×e1(t)+D2×e2(t)+D3×e3(t)+D4×e4(t).

[0054] FIG. 6 shows the configuration of a terminal different from that of the terminal in FIG. 4 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 6, those that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 4 are given the same numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted below.

[0055] The multiplication unit 603-1 takes the received signal 602-1 received by the antenna 601-1 and the control signal 410 as inputs, and multiplies the received signal 602-1 by the coefficient G1 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 410, and outputs the multiplied signal 604-1. Note that the coefficient G1 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, G1 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 602-1 is c1(t), the multiplied signal 604-1 can be expressed as G1×c1(t) (t is time).

[0056] Similarly, the multiplication unit 603-2 takes as inputs the received signal 602-2 received by the antenna 601-2 and the control signal 410, and multiplies the received signal 602-2 by the coefficient G2 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 410, and outputs the multiplied signal 604-2. Note that the coefficient G2 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, G2 can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 602-2 is denoted as c2(t), the multiplied signal 604-2 can be expressed as G2×c2(t) (where t is time). The description from the multiplication unit 603-3 to the multiplication unit 603-L-1 is omitted.

[0057] The multiplication unit 603-L takes as inputs the received signal 602-L received by the antenna 601-L and the control signal 410, and multiplies the received signal 602-L by the coefficient GL based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 410, and outputs the multiplied signal 604-L. Note that the coefficient GL can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, GL can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 602-L is denoted as cL(t), the multiplied signal 604-L can be expressed as GL×cL(t) (where t is time).

[0058] Therefore, the multiplication unit 603-i takes as inputs the received signal 602-i received by the antenna 601-i and the control signal 410, and multiplies the received signal 602-i by the coefficient Gi based on the multiplication coefficient information included in the control signal 410, and outputs the multiplied signal 604-i. Note that the coefficient Gi can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, Gi can also take a real number. Therefore, if the received signal 602-i is denoted as ci(t), the multiplied signal 604-i can be expressed as Gi×ci(t) (where t is time). Note that i is an integer from 1 to L, and L is an integer of 2 or more.

[0059] The processing unit 605 takes as inputs the multiplied signals 604-1, 604-2, ···, 604-L, and the control signal 410, performs signal processing based on the control signal 410, and outputs the processed signals 606-1, 606-2, ···, 606-N. Let N be an integer of 2 or more. At this time, the multiplied signal 604-i is p iIt is represented by (t). Let i be an integer from 1 to L inclusive.

[0060] Then, the processed signal 606 - j(r j (t)) is represented as follows (j is an integer from 1 to N inclusive).

[0061] [Number]

[0062] In addition, in Equation (2), B ji is a value that can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, B ji can also take real values.

[0063] Figure 7 shows an example of the communication state between the base station and the terminal. Note that the base station may sometimes be referred to as an access point, a broadcasting station, etc.

[0064] The base station 700 is equipped with a plurality of antennas and transmits a plurality of transmission signals from the transmission antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 has a configuration as shown in, for example, Figures 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0065] And Figure 7 shows the transmission beam 702 - 1 for transmitting the data of stream 1, the transmission beam 702 - 2 for transmitting the data of stream 1, and the transmission beam 702 - 3 for transmitting the data of stream 1.

[0066] Figure 7 shows the transmission beam 703 - 1 for transmitting the data of stream 2, the transmission beam 703 - 2 for transmitting the data of stream 2, and the transmission beam 703 - 3 for transmitting the data of stream 2.

[0067] Note that in Fig. 7, the number of transmission beams for transmitting the data of stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting the data of stream 2 is 3. However, this is not restrictive, and it is sufficient that there are a plurality of transmission beams for transmitting the data of stream 1 and a plurality of transmission beams for transmitting the data of stream 2.

[0068] Fig. 7 includes terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, and has the same configuration as the terminals shown in Figs. 4 and 5, for example.

[0069] For example, terminal 704-1 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", to form reception directivity 705-1 and reception directivity 706-1. Then, with reception directivity 705-1, terminal 704-1 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting the data of stream 1, and with reception directivity 706-1, terminal 704-1 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting the data of stream 2.

[0070] Similarly, terminal 704-2 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", to form reception directivity 705-2 and reception directivity 706-2. Then, with reception directivity 705-2, terminal 704-2 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting the data of stream 1, and with reception directivity 706-2, terminal 704-2 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting the data of stream 2.

[0071] The terminal 704-3 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 705-3 and a reception directivity 706-3.

[0072] Then, due to the reception directivity 705-3, the terminal 704-3 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting the data of stream 1, and due to the reception directivity 706-3, the terminal 704-3 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting the data of stream 2.

[0073] The terminal 704-4 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 705-4 and a reception directivity 706-4. Then, due to the reception directivity 705-4, the terminal 704-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1, and due to the reception directivity 706-4, the terminal 704-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting the data of stream 2.

[0074] The terminal 704-5 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 705-5 and a reception directivity 706-5. Then, due to the reception directivity 705-5, the terminal 704-5 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1, and due to the reception directivity 706-5, the terminal 704-5 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2.

[0075] In FIG. 7, the terminal selects at least one transmission beam from among transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 according to the spatial position, and by directing the reception directivity, the data of stream 1 can be obtained with high quality. Also, the terminal selects at least one transmission beam from among transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 according to the spatial position, and by directing the reception directivity, the data of stream 2 can be obtained with high quality.

[0076] Note that the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting the data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. And the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting the data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Also, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0077] Also, the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively. The transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively.

[0078] The operation of the setting unit 158 of the base station in FIGS. 1 and 3 will be described.

[0079] The setting unit 158 takes the setting signal 160 as an input. The setting signal 160 contains information on "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 7, information indicating "perform multicast transmission" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0080] The setting signal 160 contains information on "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 7, information indicating "the number of transmission streams is 2" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0081] Also, the setting signal 160 may contain information on "how many transmission beams to use for each stream". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 7, information indicating "the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 2 is 3" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0082] Note that the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3 may transmit a control information symbol including information such as "whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission / unicast transmission", "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast", and "how many transmission beams to use for each stream". Thereby, the terminal can perform appropriate reception. Details of the configuration of the control information symbol will be described later.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between the #i information 101-i in FIGS. 1 and 3 and "Stream 1" and "Stream 2" described with reference to FIG. 7. For example, for the #1 information 101-1, processing such as error correction coding is performed to obtain the data after error correction coding. This data after error correction coding is named the #1 transmission data. Then, mapping is performed on the #1 transmission data to obtain data symbols, and these data symbols are allocated for Stream 1 and Stream 2, respectively, to obtain the data symbols (data symbol groups) of Stream 1 and the data symbols (data symbol groups) of Stream 2. The symbol group of Stream 1 includes the data symbols (data symbol groups) of Stream 1, and the symbol group of Stream 1 is transmitted from the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3. Also, the symbol group of Stream 2 includes the data symbols (data symbol groups) of Stream 2, and the symbol group of Stream 2 is transmitted from the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows an example of a frame configuration when the horizontal axis represents time.

[0085] The #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1 in FIG. 9 is the symbol group of the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting the data of Stream 1 in FIG. 7.

[0086] The #2 symbol group 901-2 of Stream 1 in FIG. 9 is the symbol group of the transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting the data of Stream 1 in FIG. 7.

[0087] The #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1 in FIG. 9 is the symbol group of the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting the data of Stream 1 in FIG. 7.

[0088] The #1 symbol group 902-1 of Stream 2 in FIG. 9 is the symbol group of the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting the data of Stream 2 in FIG. 7.

[0089] The #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting the data of stream 2 in FIG. 7.

[0090] The #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 in FIG. 7.

[0091] And the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 exist, for example, in time interval 1.

[0092] Also, as described above, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 and the #2 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (the same frequency band), the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1 and the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (the same frequency band), and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (the same frequency band).

[0093] For example, in the procedure of FIG. 8, the "data symbol group A of stream 1" and the "data symbol group A of stream 2" are generated from the information. Then, symbol groups "data symbol group A-1 of stream 1", "data symbol group A-2 of stream 1", and "data symbol group A-3 of stream 1" composed of the same symbols as those constituting the "data symbol group A of stream 1" are prepared.

[0094] That is, the symbols constituting the "data symbol group A-1 of stream 1", the symbols constituting the "data symbol group A-2 of stream 1", and the symbols constituting the "data symbol group A-3 of stream 1" are the same.

[0095] At this time, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 includes the "data symbol group A-1 of stream 1", the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 includes the "data symbol group A-2 of stream 1", and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 includes the "data symbol group A-3 of stream 1". That is, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 include the same data symbol group.

[0096] Also, prepare symbol groups "data symbol group A-1 of stream 2", "data symbol group A-2 of stream 2", and "data symbol group A-3 of stream 2" that are composed of the same symbols as the symbols constituting the "data symbol group A of stream 2".

[0097] That is, the symbols constituting the "data symbol group A-1 of stream 2", the symbols constituting the "data symbol group A-2 of stream 2", and the symbols constituting the "data symbol group A-3 of stream 2" are the same.

[0098] At this time, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 includes the "data symbol group A-1 of stream 2", the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 includes the "data symbol group A-2 of stream 2", and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 includes the "data symbol group A-3 of stream 2". That is, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 include the same data symbol group.

[0099] FIG. 10 shows an example of the frame configuration of the "symbol group #Y of stream X" (X = 1, 2; Y = 1, 2, 3) described in FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis is time, 1001 is a control information symbol, and 1002 is a data symbol group of the stream. At this time, the data symbol group 1002 of the stream is a symbol for transmitting the "data symbol group A of stream 1" or the "data symbol group A of stream 2" described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0100] In addition, in the frame configuration of FIG. 10, a multi-carrier method such as the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method may be used. In this case, symbols may exist in the frequency axis direction. Further, each symbol may include a reference symbol for the receiving device to perform time and frequency synchronization, a reference symbol for the receiving device to detect a signal, a reference symbol for the receiving device to perform channel estimation, and the like. And the frame configuration is not limited to FIG. 10, and the control information symbol 1001 and the data symbol group 1002 of the stream may be arranged in any manner. Note that the reference symbol may also be called a preamble or a pilot symbol.

[0101] Next, the configuration of the control information symbol 1001 will be described.

[0102] FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of symbols transmitted as the control information symbols in FIG. 10, where the horizontal axis represents time. In FIG. 11, the terminal determines a signal processing method for directivity control during reception, which is performed by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", by receiving the "training symbol for the terminal to perform reception directivity control" 1101.

[0103] The terminal knows the number of streams that need to be obtained by receiving the "symbol for notifying the number of transmission streams when multicasting" 1102.

[0104] The terminal can know which stream among the streams transmitted by the base station it can receive by receiving the "symbol for notifying which stream the data symbol of the stream is" 1103.

[0105] An example of the above will be described.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 7, the case where the base station transmits a stream and a transmission beam will be described. Then, the specific information of the control information symbol in the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 will be described.

[0107] In the case of FIG. 7, since the base station is transmitting "stream 1" and "stream 2", the information of the "symbol for notifying the number of transmission streams when multicasting" 1102 is the information "2".

[0108] Also, since the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 is transmitting the data symbol of stream 1, the information of the "symbol for notifying which stream the data symbol of the stream is" 1103 is the information "stream 1".

[0109] For example, a case where the terminal receives the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 will be described. At this time, the terminal obtains from the "symbol for notifying the number of transmission streams when multicasting" 1102 that "the number of transmission streams is 2", and from the "symbol for notifying which stream's data symbol the data symbol group of the stream is" 1103 that "the data symbol of stream 1", and recognizes this.

[0110] After that, since the terminal recognizes that "the number of transmission streams is 2" and the obtained data symbol is "the data symbol of stream 1", it recognizes that it is necessary to obtain "the data symbol of stream 2". Therefore, the terminal can start the operation of searching for the symbol group of stream 2. For example, the terminal searches for the transmission beam of any one of the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in FIG. 9.

[0111] Then, by obtaining the transmission beam of any one of the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2, the terminal obtains the data symbols of both the data symbol of stream 1 and the data symbol of stream 2.

[0112] In this way, by configuring the control information symbol, the terminal obtains the effect that it can accurately obtain the data symbol.

[0113] As described above, in multicast transmission and broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols using a plurality of transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives a beam with good quality from the plurality of transmission beams. Therefore, since the modulation signal transmitted by the base station performs transmission directivity control and reception directivity control, the effect that an area with high data reception quality can be widened can be obtained.

[0114] In the above description, it has been described that the terminal performs reception directivity control. However, the terminal can obtain the above-described effects even without performing reception directivity control.

[0115] Note that the modulation method of the "data symbol group of the stream" 1002 in FIG. 10 may be any modulation method, and the mapping method of the modulation method of the "data symbol group of the stream" 1002 may be switched symbol by symbol. That is, on the in-phase I - quadrature Q plane after mapping, the phase of the constellation may be switched symbol by symbol.

[0116] FIG. 12 shows an example different from FIG. 7 of the communication state between the base station and the terminal. In FIG. 12, the same numbers are assigned to those that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 7.

[0117] The base station 700 includes a plurality of antennas and transmits a plurality of transmission signals from the transmission antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured, for example, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0118] And FIG. 12 shows a transmission beam 1202 - 1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1", a transmission beam 1202 - 2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1", and a transmission beam 1202 - 3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1".

[0119] FIG. 12 shows a transmission beam 1203 - 1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2", a transmission beam 1203 - 2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2", and a transmission beam 1203 - 3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2".

[0120] Note that in FIG. 12, the number of transmission beams for transmitting "modulation signal 1" is 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting "modulation signal 2" is 3. However, this is not the only case. As long as there are multiple transmission beams for transmitting "modulation signal 1" and multiple transmission beams for transmitting "modulation signal 2", it is acceptable. And "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2" will be described in detail later.

[0121] FIG. 12 includes terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5 and has the same configuration as the terminals in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example.

[0122] For example, terminal 704-1 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", to form reception directivity 705-1 and reception directivity 706-1. Then, due to reception directivity 705-1, terminal 704-1 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulation signal 1", and due to reception directivity 706-1, terminal 704-1 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulation signal 2".

[0123] Similarly, terminal 704-2 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", to form reception directivity 705-2 and reception directivity 706-2. Then, due to reception directivity 705-2, terminal 704-2 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulation signal 1", and due to reception directivity 706-2, terminal 704-2 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulation signal 2".

[0124] The terminal 704-3 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 705-3 and a reception directivity 706-3.

[0125] Then, due to the reception directivity 705-3, the terminal 704-3 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1", and due to the reception directivity 706-3, the terminal 704-3 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2".

[0126] The terminal 704-4 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 705-4 and a reception directivity 706-4. Then, due to the reception directivity 705-4, the terminal 704-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1", and due to the reception directivity 706-4, the terminal 704-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2".

[0127] The terminal 704-5 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 705-5 and a reception directivity 706-5. Then, due to the reception directivity 705-5, the terminal 704-5 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1", and due to the reception directivity 706-5, the terminal 704-5 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2".

[0128] The characteristic point in Fig. 7 is that the terminal can select at least one transmission beam from the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 1" according to the spatial position, and direct the reception directivity to obtain "modulation signal 1" with high quality. Also, the terminal can select at least one transmission beam from the transmission beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 2" according to the spatial position, and direct the reception directivity to obtain "modulation signal 2" with high quality.

[0129] Note that the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. And the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Also, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same moment.

[0130] Also, the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 1" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively. The transmission beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 2" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively.

[0131] The operation of the setting unit 158 of the base station in Figs. 1 and 3 will be described.

[0132] The setting unit 158 takes the setting signal 160 as an input. The setting signal 160 contains information on "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 7, information indicating "perform multicast transmission" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0133] The setting signal 160 contains information on "the number of transmission modulation signals when performing multicast". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 12, information indicating "the number of transmission modulation signals is 2" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0134] Also, the setting signal 160 may contain information on "how many transmission beams each modulation signal is transmitted with". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 12, information indicating "the number of transmission beams for transmitting modulation signal 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting modulation signal 2 is 3" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0135] Note that the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3 may transmit a control information symbol including information on "whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission / unicast transmission", information on "the number of transmission modulation signals when performing multicast", information on "how many transmission beams each modulation signal is transmitted with", etc. Thereby, the terminal can perform appropriate reception. Details of the configuration of the control information symbol will be described later.

[0136] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between the #i information 101-i in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2" described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0137] For example, for #1 information 101-1, perform processing such as error correction coding to obtain data after error correction coding. Name the data after error correction coding as #1 transmission data. Then, perform mapping on the #1 transmission data to obtain data symbols, and distribute the data symbols for stream 1 and stream 2 to obtain the data symbols (data symbol groups) of stream 1 and the data symbols (data symbol groups) of stream 2. At this time, let the data symbol of stream 1 at symbol number i be s1(i) and the data symbol of stream 2 be s2(i). Then, the "modulation signal 1" tx1(i) at symbol number i can be expressed as follows, for example.

[0138] [Number]

[0139] And the "modulation signal 2" tx2(i) at symbol number i can be expressed as follows, for example.

[0140] [Number]

[0141] Note that in Equation (3) and Equation (4), α(i) can be defined as a complex number (therefore, it may also be a real number), β(i) can be defined as a complex number (therefore, it may also be a real number), γ(i) can be defined as a complex number (therefore, it may also be a real number), and δ(i) can be defined as a complex number (therefore, it may also be a real number). Also, although it is described as α(i), it does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value), although it is described as β(i), it does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value), although it is described as γ(i), it does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value), and although it is described as δ(i), it does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value).

[0142] Then, the "symbol group of modulation signal 1" including the "signal in the data transmission area of modulation signal 1" composed of data symbols is transmitted from the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3. Also, the "symbol group of modulation signal 2" including the "signal in the data transmission area of modulation signal 2" composed of data symbols is transmitted from the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0143] Note that signal processing such as phase change or CDD (Cyclic Delay Diversity) may be performed on "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2". However, the signal processing method is not limited to this.

[0144] FIG. 14 shows an example of the frame configuration when the horizontal axis is time.

[0145] The #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 is the symbol group of transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting the data of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 12.

[0146] The #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 is the symbol group of transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting the data of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 12.

[0147] The #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 is the symbol group of transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting the data of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 12.

[0148] The #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 is the symbol group of transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting the data of modulation signal 2 in FIG. 12.

[0149] The #2 symbol group (1402-2) of modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 is the symbol group of transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting the data of modulation signal 2 in FIG. 12.

[0150] The #3 symbol group (1402-3) of the modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 is the symbol group of the transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting the data of the modulation signal 2 in FIG. 12.

[0151] And the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of the modulation signal 1, the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of the modulation signal 1, the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of the modulation signal 1, the #1 symbol group (1402-1) of the modulation signal 2, the #2 symbol group (1402-2) of the modulation signal 2, and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of the modulation signal 2 exist, for example, in time interval 1.

[0152] Also, as described above, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of the modulation signal 1 and the #1 symbol group (1402-1) of the modulation signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (the same frequency band), the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of the modulation signal 1 and the #2 symbol group (1402-2) of the modulation signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (the same frequency band), and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of the modulation signal 1 and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of the modulation signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (the same frequency band).

[0153] For example, in the procedure of FIG. 13, the signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1 and the signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2 were generated from the information.

[0154] Then, a signal "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1" composed of signals equivalent to the signals constituting the "signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1", a signal "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1" composed of signals equivalent to the signals constituting the "signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1", and a signal "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1" composed of signals equivalent to the signals constituting the "signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1" are prepared (that is, the signals constituting the "signal group A-1 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1", the signals constituting the "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1", and the signals constituting the "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1" are the same).

[0155] At this time, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of the modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 includes "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1", the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of the modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 includes "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1", and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of the modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 includes "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1". That is, the #1 symbol group (1401-1), the #2 symbol group (1401-2), and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of the modulation signal 1 include equivalent signals.

[0156] Also, signals "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", and "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", which are composed of signals equivalent to the signals constituting "signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", are prepared (that is, the signals constituting "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", the signals constituting "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", and the signals constituting "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2" are the same).

[0157] At this time, the #1 symbol group (1402-1) of the modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 includes "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", the #2 symbol group (1402-2) of the stream 2 in FIG. 14 includes "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2", and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of the modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 includes "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2". That is, the #1 symbol group (1402-1), the #2 symbol group (1402-2), and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of the modulation signal 2 include equivalent signals.

[0158] FIG. 15 shows an example of the frame configuration of the "symbol group #Y of the modulation signal X" (X = 1, 2; Y = 1, 2, 3) described in FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, the horizontal axis is time, 1501 is a control information symbol, and 1502 is a modulation signal transmission area for data transmission. At this time, the modulation signal transmission area 1502 for data transmission is a symbol for transmitting the "signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 1" or the "signal A in the data transmission area of the modulation signal 2" described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0159] Note that in the frame configuration of FIG. 15, a multi-carrier method such as the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method may be used. In this case, symbols may exist in the frequency axis direction. Further, each symbol may include a reference symbol for the receiving device to perform time and frequency synchronization, a reference symbol for the receiving device to detect a signal, a reference symbol for the receiving device to perform channel estimation, and the like. And the frame configuration is not limited to FIG. 15, and the control information symbol 1501 and the modulation signal transmission area 1502 for data transmission may be arranged in any manner. The reference symbol may be called, for example, a preamble or a pilot symbol.

[0160] Next, the configuration of the control information symbol 1501 will be described.

[0161] FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration of the symbol transmitted as the control information symbol of FIG. 15, and the horizontal axis is time. In FIG. 16, 1601 is a "training symbol for the terminal to perform reception directivity control". By receiving the "training symbol for the terminal to perform reception directivity control" 1601, the terminal determines a signal processing method for directivity control at the time of reception performed by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605".

[0162] 1602 is a "symbol for notifying the number of transmission modulation signals when multicasting". By receiving the "symbol for notifying the number of transmission modulation signals when multicasting" 1602, the terminal knows the number of modulation signals it needs to obtain.

[0163] 1603 is a "symbol for notifying which modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of the modulation signal is the modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of which modulation signal". By receiving the "symbol for notifying which modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of the modulation signal is the modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of which modulation signal" 1603, the terminal can know which of the modulation signals transmitted by the base station it can receive.

[0164] An example of the above will be described.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 12, consider the case where the base station is transmitting a "modulation signal" and a transmission beam. Then, the specific information of the control information symbol in the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 will be described.

[0166] In the case of FIG. 12, since the base station is transmitting "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2", the information of the "symbol for notifying the number of transmission modulation signals when multicasting" 1602 is the information "2".

[0167] Also, since the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 is transmitting the signal in the data transmission area of modulation signal 1, the information of the "symbol for notifying which modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of the modulation signal is the modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of which modulation signal" 1603 is the information "modulation signal 1".

[0168] For example, assume that the terminal has received the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of the modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14. At this time, the terminal obtains "the number of transmission modulation signals when multicasting" from the symbol 1602 and "modulation signal 2", and obtains "the modulation signal 1" from the symbol 1603 for notifying which modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of the modulation signal is. The terminal recognizes this.

[0169] Then, since the terminal recognizes that there are "two modulation signals" and the obtained modulation signal is "modulation signal 1", the terminal recognizes that it is necessary to obtain "modulation signal 2". Therefore, the terminal can start the operation of searching for "modulation signal 2". For example, the terminal searches for any one of the transmission beams of the "#1 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-1, "#2 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-2, and "#3 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-3 in FIG. 14.

[0170] And by obtaining any one of the transmission beams of the "#1 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-1, "#2 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-2, and "#3 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-3, the terminal can obtain both "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2", and can obtain the data symbols of stream 1 and the data symbols of stream 2 with high quality.

[0171] In this way, by configuring the control information symbol, the terminal can obtain the effect of accurately obtaining the data symbol.

[0172] As described above, in multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols using a plurality of transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives a beam with good quality from the plurality of transmission beams, so that the modulation signal transmitted by the base station can obtain the effect of widening the area where high data reception quality can be obtained. This is because the base station is performing transmission directivity control and reception directivity control.

[0173] In the above description, it has been described that the terminal performs reception directivity control. However, the terminal can obtain the above-described effects even without performing reception directivity control.

[0174] In addition, in FIG. 7, the case where each terminal obtains both the modulation signal of stream 1 and the modulation signal of stream 2 has been described. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such an embodiment. For example, embodiments may be made in which the modulation signals to be obtained differ depending on the terminal, such as a terminal that wants to obtain the modulation signal of stream 1, a terminal that wants to obtain the modulation signal of stream 2, and a terminal that wants to obtain both the modulation signal of stream 1 and the modulation signal of stream 2.

[0175] (Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, in multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission, a method in which a base station transmits data symbols using a plurality of transmission beams has been described. In the present embodiment, as a modification of Embodiment 1, a case where a base station performs multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission and also performs unicast data transmission will be described.

[0176] FIG. 17 shows an example of the communication state between a base station (or an access point, etc.) and a terminal. Those that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 7 are given the same numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0177] The base station 700 includes a plurality of antennas and transmits a plurality of transmission signals from the transmission antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0178] The description of the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, 703-3 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 7, and thus the description is omitted.

[0179] Also, regarding the description of terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5 and reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, 706-5, since it has been described with reference to FIG. 7, the description will be omitted.

[0180] In FIG. 17, the characteristic point is that the base station performs multicast as described in FIG. 7, and the base station 700 and the terminal (e.g., 1702) perform unicast communication.

[0181] In addition to the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, 703-3 for multicast, in FIG. 17, the base station 700 generates a transmission beam 1701 for unicast and transmits individual data to the terminal 1702. In FIG. 17, an example is shown in which the base station 700 transmits one of the transmission beams 1702 to the terminal 1702, but the number of transmission beams is not limited to one, and the base station 700 may transmit a plurality of transmission beams to the terminal 1702 (or may transmit a plurality of modulated signals).

[0182] Then, the terminal 1702 forms a reception directivity 1703 that performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the signal processing unit 605". As a result, the terminal 1702 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1701.

[0183] Note that in order to generate the transmission beam including the transmission beam 1701, the base station performs precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301) in the configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example.

[0184] Conversely, when the terminal 1702 transmits a modulation signal to the base station 700, the terminal 1703 performs precoding (or weighted synthesis), transmits the transmission beam 1703, and the base station 700 performs directivity control during reception to form the reception directivity 1701. Thereby, the base station 700 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1703.

[0185] Note that the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting the data of stream 2 are transmitted by the base station 700 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. And the transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting the data of stream 2 are transmitted by the base station 700 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Also, the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 are transmitted by the base station 700 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0186] Also, the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively. The transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively.

[0187] And the unicast transmission beam 1701 may be a beam of the same frequency (same frequency band) as the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, 703-3, or may be a beam of a different frequency (different frequency band).

[0188] Also, in FIG. 17, the description has been advanced assuming one terminal performing unicast communication, but the number of terminals performing unicast communication with the base station may be plural.

[0189] At this time, the operation of the setting unit 158 in the configuration diagrams 1 and 3 of the base station will be described.

[0190] The setting unit 158 takes the setting signal 160 as an input. The setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 17, information on "performing both multicast transmission and unicast transmission" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0191] In addition, the setting signal 160 includes information on "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 17, information on "the number of transmission streams is 2" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0192] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams each stream is transmitted with". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 17, information on "the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 2 is 3" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0193] Note that the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3 may transmit a control information symbol including information such as information on "whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission / for unicast transmission", information on "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast", and "how many transmission beams each stream is transmitted with". Thereby, the terminal can perform appropriate reception.

[0194] Furthermore, the base station may transmit a training control information symbol for the base station to perform directivity control and a training control information symbol for the terminal to perform directivity control to the terminal performing unicast communication.

[0195] FIG. 18 shows an example of the communication state between a base station (or an access point, etc.) and a terminal. For those that operate in the same manner as FIGS. 7 and 12, the same reference numerals are used and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0196] The base station 700 includes a plurality of antennas and transmits a plurality of transmission signals from the transmission antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301) to perform transmission beamforming (directivity control).

[0197] Regarding the description of the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, 1203-3, since it is as described with reference to FIG. 12, the description is omitted.

[0198] Regarding the description of the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5 and the reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, 706-5, since it is as described with reference to FIG. 12, the description is omitted.

[0199] In FIG. 18, the characteristic point is that the base station performs multicast as described in FIG. 12, and the base station 700 and the terminal (for example, 1702) perform unicast communication.

[0200] In addition to the multicast transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, 1203-3, the base station 700 generates a unicast transmission beam 1701 in FIG. 18 and transmits individual data to the terminal 1702. In FIG. 18, an example is shown in which the base station 700 transmits one of the transmission beams 1702 to the terminal 1702, but the number of transmission beams is not limited to one, and the base station 700 may transmit a plurality of transmission beams to the terminal 1702 (or transmit a plurality of modulation signals).

[0201] Then, the terminal 1702 forms a reception directivity 1703 that performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the signal processing unit 605". As a result, the terminal 1702 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1701.

[0202] Note that in order to generate a transmission beam including the transmission beam 1701, the base station performs precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301) in the configurations as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example.

[0203] Conversely, when the terminal 1702 transmits a modulation signal to the base station 700, the terminal 1703 performs precoding (or weighted synthesis), transmits the transmission beam 1703, and the base station 700 forms a reception directivity 1701 that performs directivity control during reception. As a result, the base station 700 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1703.

[0204] Note that the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Also, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Further, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0205] Also, the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 1" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands), respectively. The transmission beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulation signal 2" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands), respectively.

[0206] And the unicast transmission beam 1701 may be a beam of the same frequency (same frequency band) as the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, or may be a beam of a different frequency (different frequency band).

[0207] Also, in FIG. 18, the description has been advanced assuming one terminal for performing unicast communication, but the number of terminals for performing unicast communication with the base station may be a plurality.

[0208] At this time, the operation of the setting unit 158 in the configuration diagrams 1 and 3 of the base station will be described.

[0209] The setting unit 158 takes the setting signal 160 as an input. The setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 18, information indicating "performing both multicast transmission and unicast transmission" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0210] In addition, the setting signal 160 includes information on "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 18, information indicating "the number of transmission streams is 2" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0211] Further, the setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams each stream is to be transmitted with". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 18, information such as "the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 2 is 3" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0212] Note that the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3 may transmit a control information symbol including information such as "whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission / unicast transmission", "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast", and "how many transmission beams each stream is to be transmitted with". Thereby, the terminal can perform appropriate reception.

[0213] Furthermore, the base station may transmit a training control information symbol for the base station to perform directivity control and a training control information symbol for the terminal to perform directivity control to a terminal performing unicast communication.

[0214] Next, as a modification of Embodiment 1, a case where the base station transmits a plurality of multicast data transmissions will be described.

[0215] FIG. 19 shows an example of the communication state between the base station (or access point, etc.) and the terminal. Those that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 7 are given the same numbers, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0216] The base station 700 includes a plurality of antennas and transmits a plurality of transmission signals from the transmission antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured, for example, in the same configuration as in FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0217] Since the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, 703-3 have been described as shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0218] Also, since the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5 and the reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, 706-5 have been described as shown in FIG. 7, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0219] In addition to the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, 703-3, the base station 700 transmits transmission beams 1901-1, 1901-2, 1902-1, 1902-2.

[0220] The transmission beam 1901-1 is a transmission beam for transmitting the data of stream 3. Also, the transmission beam 1901-2 is also a transmission beam for transmitting the data of stream 3.

[0221] The transmission beam 1902-1 is a transmission beam for transmitting the data of stream 4. Also, the transmission beam 1902-2 is also a transmission beam for transmitting the data of stream 4.

[0222] 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, 1903-1, 1903-2, 1903-3 are terminals and are configured, for example, in the configurations shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Note that the operations of the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5 have been described as shown in FIG. 7.

[0223] Terminal 1903-1 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms reception directivity 1904-1 and reception directivity 1905-1. Then, due to reception directivity 1904-1, terminal 1903-1 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting the data of stream 3, and due to reception directivity 1905-1, terminal 1903-1 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1902-2 for transmitting the data of stream 4.

[0224] Terminal 1903-2 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms reception directivity 1904-2 and reception directivity 1905-2. Then, due to reception directivity 1904-2, terminal 1903-2 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting the data of stream 4, and due to reception directivity 1905-2, terminal 1903-2 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting the data of stream 3.

[0225] Terminal 1903-3 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms reception directivity 1904-3 and reception directivity 1905-3. Then, due to reception directivity 1904-3, terminal 1903-3 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting the data of stream 3, and due to reception directivity 1905-3, terminal 1903-3 can receive and demodulate transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting the data of stream 4.

[0226] The terminal 1903-4 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 1904-4 and a reception directivity 1905-4. Then, with the reception directivity 1904-4, the terminal 1903-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting the data of stream 2, and with the reception directivity 1905-4, the terminal 1903-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting the data of stream 3.

[0227] In FIG. 19, the characteristic point is that the base station transmits a plurality of streams including data for multicast, each stream is transmitted by a plurality of transmission beams, and each terminal selectively receives the transmission beams of one or more of the plurality of streams.

[0228] Note that the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting the data of stream 2 using the same frequency (the same frequency band) and the same time. And the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting the data of stream 2 using the same frequency (the same frequency band) and the same time. Also, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 using the same frequency (the same frequency band) and the same moment.

[0229] The base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting the data of stream 3 and the transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting the data of stream 4 using the same frequency (the same frequency band) and the same time. And the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting the data of stream 3 and the transmission beam 1902-2 for transmitting the data of stream 4 using the same frequency (the same frequency band) and the same time.

[0230] Also, the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands), respectively. The transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands), respectively.

[0231] The transmission beams 1901-1 and 1901-2 for transmitting the data of stream 3 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands), respectively. Also, the transmission beams 1902-1 and 1902-2 for transmitting the data of stream 4 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands), respectively.

[0232] And, data symbols of stream 1 may be generated from the #1 information 101-1 in FIG. 1, or data symbols of stream 2 may be generated, and data symbols of stream 3 and data symbols of stream 4 may be generated from the #2 information 101-2. Note that the #1 information 101-1 and the #2 information 101-2 may each perform error correction coding and then generate data symbols.

[0233] Also, it may be assumed that data symbols of stream 1 are generated from the #1 information 101-1 in FIG. 1, data symbols of stream 2 are generated from the #2 information 101-2 in FIG. 1, data symbols of stream 3 are generated from the #3 information 101-3 in FIG. 1, and data symbols of stream 4 are generated from the #4 information 101-4 in FIG. 1. Note that the #1 information 101-1, the #2 information 101-2, the #3 information 101-3, and the #4 information 101-4 may each perform error correction coding and then generate data symbols.

[0234] That is, the data symbols of each stream may be generated from any of the information in FIG. 1. Therefore, the terminal can selectively obtain the streams for multicast, achieving the effect of being able to selectively obtain the streams for multicast.

[0235] At this time, the operation of the setting unit 158 in the configuration diagrams of the base station in FIGS. 1 and 3 will be described.

[0236] The setting unit 158 takes the setting signal 160 as an input. The setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 19, the information "perform multicast transmission" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0237] The setting signal 160 includes information on "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 19, the information "the number of transmission streams is 4" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0238] Further, the setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams to use for each stream". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 19, the information "the number of transmission beams for stream 1 is 3, the number of transmission beams for stream 2 is 3, the number of transmission beams for stream 3 is 2, and the number of transmission beams for stream 4 is 2" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0239] Note that the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols including information such as "whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission / unicast transmission", "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast", and "how many transmission beams to use for each stream". Thereby, the terminal can perform appropriate reception.

[0240] Next, as a modification of Embodiment 1, the case where the base station transmits multiple multicast data transmissions will be described.

[0241] FIG. 20 shows an example of the communication state between a base station (or an access point, etc.) and a terminal. For those that operate in the same manner as FIGS. 7, 12, and 19, the same numbers are assigned, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0242] The base station 700 includes a plurality of antennas and transmits a plurality of transmission signals from the transmission antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured, for example, as in FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0243] Regarding the descriptions of the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, since they overlap with the description of FIG. 12, the description is omitted.

[0244] Regarding the descriptions of the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5 and the reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, 706-5, since they overlap with the description of FIG. 12, the description is omitted.

[0245] In addition to the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, the base station 700 transmits transmission beams 2001-1, 2001-2, 2002-1, and 2002-2.

[0246] The transmission beam 2001-1 is a transmission beam for transmitting "modulation signal 3". Also, the transmission beam 2001-2 is also a transmission beam for transmitting "modulation signal 3".

[0247] The transmission beam 2002-1 is a transmission beam for transmitting "modulation signal 4". Also, the transmission beam 2002-2 is also a transmission beam for transmitting "modulation signal 4".

[0248] The terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, 1903-1, 1903-2, and 1903-3 have the same configuration as that in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example. Note that the operations of the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 are the same as the description in FIG. 7.

[0249] The terminal 1903-1 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605", and forms reception directivities 1904-1 and 1905-1. Then, due to the reception directivity 1904-1, the terminal 1903-1 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 3", and due to the reception directivity 1905-1, the terminal 1903-1 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2002-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 4".

[0250] The terminal 1903-2 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605", and forms reception directivities 1904-2 and 1905-2. Then, due to the reception directivity 1904-2, the terminal 1903-2 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 4", and due to the reception directivity 1905-2, the terminal 1903-2 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 3".

[0251] The terminal 1903-3 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 1904-3 and a reception directivity 1905-3. Then, due to the reception directivity 1904-3, the terminal 1903-3 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 3", and due to the reception directivity 1905-3, the terminal 1903-3 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 4".

[0252] The terminal 1903-4 performs directivity control during reception by the "signal processing unit 405", and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N", and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605", and forms a reception directivity 1904-4 and a reception directivity 1905-4. Then, due to the reception directivity 1904-4, the terminal 1903-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 3", and due to the reception directivity 1905-4, the terminal 1903-4 can receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 4".

[0253] In FIG. 20, the base station transmits a plurality of modulation signals including data for multicast, each modulation signal is transmitted by a plurality of transmission beams, and each terminal selectively receives the transmission beams of one or more streams among the plurality of modulation signals.

[0254] Note that the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Then, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Also, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting the "modulation signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same moment.

[0255] The base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 3" and the transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting the "modulation signal 4" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Then, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 3" and the transmission beam 2002-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 4" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0256] Also, the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3 for transmitting the data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively. The transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, 703-3 for transmitting the data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively.

[0257] The transmission beams 2001-1, 2001-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 3" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively. Also, the transmission beams 2002-1, 2002-2 for transmitting the "modulation signal 4" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands) respectively.

[0258] At this time, the operation of the setting unit 158 in the configuration diagrams 1 and 3 of the base station will be described.

[0259] The setting unit 158 takes the setting signal 160 as an input. The setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission". When the base station performs the transmission shown in FIG. 19, the information "perform multicast transmission" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0260] The setting signal 160 includes information on "the number of transmission modulation signals when performing multicast". When the base station performs the transmission shown in FIG. 20, the information "the number of transmission modulation signals is 4" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0261] Further, the setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams each modulation signal is transmitted with". When the base station performs the transmission shown in FIG. 20, the information "the number of transmission beams for transmitting modulation signal 1 is 3, the number of transmission beams for transmitting modulation signal 2 is 3, the number of transmission beams for transmitting modulation signal 3 is 2, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting modulation signal 4 is 2" is input to the setting unit 158 by the setting signal 160.

[0262] Note that the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3 may transmit a control information symbol including information on "whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission / for unicast transmission", "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast", "how many transmission beams each stream is transmitted with", etc. Thereby, the terminal can perform appropriate reception.

[0263] Note that in FIG. 20, when the terminal receives both the transmission beam of "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam of "modulation signal 2", it can obtain the data of stream 1 and the data of stream 2 with high reception quality.

[0264] Similarly, when the terminal receives both the transmission beam of "modulation signal 3" and the transmission beam of "modulation signal 4", it can obtain the data of stream 3 and the data of stream 4 with high reception quality.

[0265] And in FIG. 20, an example in which the base station transmits "modulation signal 1", "modulation signal 2", "modulation signal 3", and "modulation signal 4" is described. However, the base station may transmit "modulation signal 5" and "modulation signal 6" for transmitting the data of stream 5 and the data of stream 6, or may transmit more modulation signals to transmit more streams. Each of the modulation signals is transmitted using one or more transmission beams.

[0266] Furthermore, as described in FIGS. 17 and 18, there may be one or more unicast transmission beams (or reception directivity controls).

[0267] The relationship between "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2" is omitted because it overlaps with the description of FIG. 13. Here, the relationship between "modulation signal 3" and "modulation signal 4" will be described with reference to FIG. 21.

[0268] For example, for #2 information 101-2, processing such as error correction coding is performed to obtain the data after error correction coding. This data after error correction coding is named #2 transmission data. Then, mapping is performed on the #2 transmission data to obtain data symbols. These data symbols are allocated for stream 3 and stream 4 to obtain the data symbols (data symbol groups) of stream 3 and the data symbols (data symbol groups) of stream 4. At this time, let the data symbol of stream 3 at symbol number i be s3(i) and the data symbol of stream 4 be s4(i). Then, the "modulation signal 3" tx3(i) at symbol number i can be expressed as follows, for example.

[0269]

Equation

[0270] And the "modulation signal 4" tx4(i) at symbol number i can be expressed, for example, as follows.

[0271] [Number]

[0272] Note that in Expressions (5) and (6), e(i), f(i), g(i), and h(i) can each be defined as complex numbers and, therefore, may also be real numbers.

[0273] Also, although e(i), f(i), g(i), and h(i) are each described as such, they do not have to be functions of symbol number i and may be fixed values.

[0274] And the "symbol group of modulation signal 3" including the "signal in the data transmission region of modulation signal 3" composed of data symbols is transmitted from the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3. Also, the "symbol group of modulation signal 4" including the "signal in the data transmission region of modulation signal 4" composed of data symbols is transmitted from the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0275] (Supplementary) Naturally, it is also possible to implement by combining a plurality of the embodiments and other contents described in this specification.

[0276] Also, each embodiment and other contents are merely examples. For example, even if "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." are exemplified, the same configuration can be implemented even when another "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." is applied.

[0277] Regarding the modulation method, even if a modulation method other than the modulation methods described in this specification is used, it is possible to implement the embodiments and other contents described in this specification. For example, APSK (Amplitude Phase Shift Keying), PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation), PSK (Phase Shift Keying), QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) may be applied, and in each modulation method, uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping may be used. APSK includes, for example, 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, 4096APSK, PAM includes, for example, 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, 4096PAM, PSK includes, for example, BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, 4096PSK, and QAM includes, for example, 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 1024QAM, 4096QAM.

[0278] Also, the arrangement method of 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points in the I-Q plane (modulation methods having 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points) is not limited to the signal point arrangement method of the modulation methods shown in this specification.

[0279] The "base station" described in this specification may be, for example, a broadcasting station, a base station, an access point, a terminal, a mobile phone, etc. And the "terminal" described in this specification may be a television, a radio, a terminal, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, a base station, etc. Further, the "base station" and "terminal" in this disclosure are devices having a communication function, and the device may be configured to be able to be connected by resolving some interface to a device for executing applications such as a television, a radio, a personal computer, a mobile phone, etc. Also, in this embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, for example, pilot symbols, symbols for control information, etc. may be arranged in any manner in the frame.

[0280] And the pilot symbol and the symbol for control information may be named in any way. For example, in a transceiver, it may be a known symbol modulated using PSK modulation, or the receiver may be able to know the symbol transmitted by the transmitter by synchronizing. The receiver uses this symbol to perform frequency synchronization, time synchronization, channel estimation of each modulation signal (estimation of CSI (Channel State Information)), signal detection, etc. Note that the pilot symbol may be called a preamble, a unique word, a postamble, a reference symbol, etc.

[0281] Also, the symbol for control information is a symbol for transmitting information (for example, the modulation method used in communication, the error correction coding method, the coding rate of the error correction coding method, setting information at the upper layer, etc.) that needs to be transmitted to the communication partner to realize communication other than data (data such as applications).

[0282] Note that this disclosure is not limited to each embodiment, and various modifications can be made and implemented. For example, in each embodiment, the case of performing as a communication device is described, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to perform this communication method as software.

[0283] For example, a program for executing the above communication method may be stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) in advance, and the program may be operated by a CPU (Central Processor Unit).

[0284] Also, a program for executing the above communication method may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, the program stored in the storage medium may be recorded in a RAM (Random Access Memory) of a computer, and the computer may be operated according to the program.

[0285] And each configuration such as the above-described embodiments may typically be realized as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is an integrated circuit having input terminals and output terminals. These may be individually integrated into one chip, or may be integrated into one chip so as to include all or some of the configurations of each embodiment. Here, although LSI is mentioned, depending on the degree of integration, it may also be referred to as an IC (Integrated Circuit), a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI. Also, the method of integrating into an integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, and it may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. After manufacturing the LSI, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if a technology for integrating into an integrated circuit that replaces the LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology or a derived other technology, of course, the integration of functional blocks may be performed using that technology. The application of biotechnology or the like may be possible.

[0286] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, a multicast communication method when applying beamforming different from that in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0287] The configuration of the base station is as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 of Embodiment 1, and thus the description of the parts that operate in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 is omitted. Also, the configuration of the terminal that communicates with the base station is as described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 of Embodiment 1, and thus the description of the parts that operate in the same manner as in Embodiment 1 is omitted.

[0288] Hereinafter, an example of the operations of the base station and the terminal in this embodiment will be described.

[0289] FIG. 22 shows a case where the base station transmits a multicast transmission stream to one terminal.

[0290] In FIG. 22, the base station 700 transmits a transmission beam 2201-1 of “(multicast) stream 1-1 (the first beam of stream 1)” from the transmission antenna to the terminal 2202-1. The terminal 2202-1 generates a reception directivity 2203-1 by performing directivity control and receives the transmission beam 2201-1 of “stream 1-1”.

[0291] FIG. 23 explains the “procedure for performing communication between the base station and the terminal” for the communication state between the base station and the terminal as shown in FIG. 22.

[0292] [23-1] First, the terminal makes a “request for multicast transmission of stream 1” to the base station.

[0293] [23-2] Upon receiving [23-1], the base station recognizes that “multicast transmission of stream 1 is not being performed”. Therefore, the base station transmits a training symbol for transmission directivity control and a training symbol for reception directivity control to the terminal in order to perform multicast transmission of stream 1.

[0294] [23-3] The terminal receives the training symbols for transmission directivity control and the training symbols for reception directivity control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station in order for the base station to perform transmission directivity control and the terminal to perform reception directivity control. [23-4] The base station determines a method of transmission directivity control (such as determining a weighting coefficient used when performing directivity control) based on the feedback information transmitted by the terminal, performs transmission directivity control, and transmits the data symbols of Stream 1.

[0295] [23-5] The terminal determines a method of reception directivity control (such as determining a weighting coefficient used when performing directivity control), and starts receiving the data symbols of Stream 1 transmitted by the base station.

[0296] Note that the "procedure for communicating between the base station and the terminal" in FIG. 23 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to that in FIG. 23, and the same can be implemented even if the order of transmission of each piece of information is switched. Also, in FIG. 23, the case where the terminal performs reception directivity control is described as an example, but the case where the terminal does not perform reception directivity control may also be applicable. At this time, in FIG. 23, the base station may not transmit the training symbols for reception directivity control, and the terminal does not determine the method of reception directivity control.

[0297] Also, when the base station performs transmission directivity control, if the base station has the configuration of FIG. 1, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, 204-4 in FIG. 2 are set, and if the base station has the configuration of FIG. 3, for example, the weighting coefficient is set in the weighting synthesis unit 301. Note that the number of streams to be transmitted is "1" in the case of FIG. 22, but this is not limiting.

[0298] Then, when the terminal performs reception directivity control, if the terminal has the configuration of FIG. 4, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, 503-4 in FIG. 5 are set, and if the terminal has the configuration of FIG. 6, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ···, 603-L are set.

[0299] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of symbols transmitted by a base station and symbols transmitted by a terminal on a time axis when the base station in FIG. 23 transmits a transmission directivity control symbol, a reception directivity control symbol, and a data symbol. (a) in FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of symbols transmitted by the base station on a time axis, and (b) in FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of symbols transmitted by the terminal on a time axis. In both cases, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0300] When communication between the base station and the terminal is performed as shown in FIG. 23, as shown in FIG. 24, first, the base station transmits a "base station transmission directivity control training symbol" 2401. For example, the "base station transmission directivity control training symbol" 2401 is composed of a control information symbol and a known PSK symbol.

[0301] Then, the terminal receives the "base station transmission directivity control training symbol" 2401 transmitted by the base station, and transmits, for example, information on the antenna used for transmission by the base station and information on the multiplication coefficient (or weighting coefficient) used for directivity control as a feedback information symbol 2402.

[0302] The base station receives the "feedback information symbol" 2402 transmitted by the terminal, determines the antenna to be used for transmission from the feedback information symbol 2402, and also determines the coefficient to be used for transmission directivity control from the feedback information symbol 2402. Thereafter, the base station transmits a "terminal reception directivity control training symbol" 2403. For example, the "terminal reception directivity control training symbol" 2403 is composed of a control information symbol and a known PSK symbol.

[0303] Then, the terminal receives the "Terminal Reception Directivity Control Training Symbol" 2403 transmitted by the base station, and determines, for example, the antenna used by the terminal for reception and the multiplication coefficient used by the terminal for reception directivity control. Then, the terminal transmits, as feedback information symbol 2404, that it has completed the preparation for receiving data symbols.

[0304] Then, the base station receives the "Feedback Information Symbol" 2404 transmitted by the terminal, and outputs a data symbol 2405 based on the feedback information symbol 2404.

[0305] Note that the communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 24 is an example, and the order of symbol transmission and the order of transmission between the base station and the terminal are not limited to this. Also, each of the "Base Station Transmission Directivity Control Training Symbol" 2401, "Feedback Information Symbol" 2402, "Terminal Reception Directivity Control Training Symbol" 2403, "Feedback Information Symbol" 2404, and "Data Symbol" 2405 may include a preamble, a reference symbol, a pilot symbol, and a symbol for transmitting control information for signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, frequency offset estimation, and channel estimation.

[0306] FIG. 25 is an example of the symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits the data symbols of stream 1 after the communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 23 is completed, with the horizontal axis being time.

[0307] In FIG. 25, the base station transmits the first data symbol of transmission beam 1 of stream 1 as "(Multicast Use) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (1)" 2501-1-1. Then, a data symbol transmission available section 2502-1 is arranged.

[0308] Thereafter, the base station transmits the second data symbol of transmission beam 1 of (multicast) stream 1 as "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (2)" 2501-1-2. Thereafter, a data symbol transmissible section 2502-2 is arranged.

[0309] Thereafter, the base station transmits the third data symbol of transmission beam 1 of (multicast) stream 1 as "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (3)" 2501-1-3.

[0310] In this way, the base station transmits the data symbols of "(multicast) stream 1-1" 2201-1 shown in FIG. 22. Note that in FIG. 25, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (1)" 2501-1-1, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (2)" 2501-1-2, "(multicast) data symbol 1-1 data symbol (3)" 2501-1-3,... may include, in addition to data symbols, preambles, reference symbols, pilot symbols for signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, frequency offset estimation, channel estimation, and symbols for transmitting control information.

[0311] Note that in FIG. 25, the data symbol transmissible section 2502-1 includes the unicast transmission section 2503-1, and the data symbol transmissible section 2502-2 includes the unicast transmission section 2503-2.

[0312] In FIG. 25, the frame includes the unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2. For example, in FIG. 25, the base station may transmit multicast symbols in the sections excluding the unicast transmission section 2503-1 of the data symbol transmissible section 2502-1 and the sections excluding the unicast transmission section 2503-2 of the data symbol transmissible section 2502-2. This will be described later with examples.

[0313] Thus, providing a unicast transmission period in a frame is a useful component for operating a wireless communication system stably. This will be explained by way of example later. Note that the unicast transmission period does not have to be at a temporal position as shown in FIG. 25, and it may be arranged temporally in any manner. Note that in the unicast transmission period, the base station may transmit symbols, or the terminal may transmit symbols.

[0314] Also, the configuration may be such that the base station can directly set the unicast transmission period. As another method, the base station may set the maximum transmission data transfer rate for transmitting multicast symbols.

[0315] For example, if the transmission rate of data that the base station can transmit is 2 Gbps (bps: bits per second), and the maximum transmission rate of data that can be allocated for transmitting multicast symbols at the base station is 1.5 Gbps, a unicast transmission period corresponding to 500 Mbps can be set.

[0316] Thus, the configuration may be such that the unicast transmission period can be indirectly set at the base station. Another specific example will be described later.

[0317] Note that accompanying the state of FIG. 22, FIG. 25 describes a frame configuration in which there are "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (1)" 2501-1-1, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (2)" 2501-1-2, and "(multicast) data symbol 1-1 data symbol (3)" 2501-1-3, but this is not restrictive. For example, data symbols of multicast streams other than stream 1 (stream 1-1) may exist, or data symbols of stream 1-2, which is the second transmission beam of stream 1, and data streams of stream 1-3, which is the third transmission beam of stream 1, may exist. This will be explained later.

[0318] FIG. 26 shows a state where a new terminal is added to the state in which the base station in FIG. 22 is transmitting a multicast transmission stream to one terminal, and the same numbers are assigned to those that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 22.

[0319] In FIG. 26, the newly added terminal is 2202-2. The terminal 2202-2 generates a reception directivity 2203-2 by performing directivity control, and receives a transmission beam 2201-1 of “(for multicast) Stream 1-1”.

[0320] Next, FIG. 26 will be described.

[0321] In the following description, in FIG. 26, a new terminal 2202-2 participates in multicast communication with respect to the state in which the base station 700 and the terminal 2202-1 are performing multicast communication. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, the base station transmits a “terminal reception directivity control training symbol” 2701 and a “data symbol” 2702, and does not transmit the “base station transmission training symbol” shown in FIG. 24. In FIG. 27, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0322] FIG. 28 shows an example of an operation performed to enter a state where the base station transmits a multicast transmission beam to two terminals as in FIG. 26.

[0323] [28-1] The terminal 2202-2 requests the base station to “multicast transmission of Stream 1”. The “request for multicast transmission of Stream 1” is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 25.

[0324] [28-2] Upon receiving [28-1], the base station notifies the terminal 2202-2 that “multicast transmission of Stream 1 is being performed”. The notification of “multicast transmission of Stream 1 is being performed” is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 25.

[0325] [28 - 3] The terminal 2202 - 2 receives [28 - 2] and performs reception directivity control to start receiving the multicast stream 1. Then, the terminal 2202 - 2 performs reception directivity control and notifies the base station that it has been able to receive the "multicast stream 1".

[0326] [28 - 4] The base station receives [28 - 3] and confirms that the terminal has been able to receive the "multicast stream 1".

[0327] [28 - 5] The terminal 2202 - 2 performs reception directivity control and starts receiving the "multicast stream 1".

[0328] FIG. 29 shows a state when a new terminal is added to the state where the base station in FIG. 22 is transmitting a multicast transmission stream to one terminal. The same numbers are assigned to those that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 22.

[0329] In FIG. 29, the newly added terminal is 2202 - 2. At this time, the difference from FIG. 26 is that the base station 700 newly transmits the transmission beam 2201 - 2 of the "(multicast) stream 1 - 2 (the second of stream 1)", and the terminal 2202 - 2 generates the reception directivity 2203 - 2 by performing directivity control and receives the transmission beam 2201 - 2 of the "(multicast) stream 1 - 2".

[0330] Next, the control performed for the state as shown in FIG. 29 will be described.

[0331] In the following description, in FIG. 29, a new terminal 2202 - 2 participates in the multicast communication with respect to the state where the base station 700 and the terminal 2202 - 1 are performing multicast communication.

[0332] FIG. 30 shows an example of operations performed to enable a base station to transmit a multicast transmission beam to two terminals as shown in FIG. 29.

[0333] [30-1] Terminal 2202-2 requests the base station to perform "multicast transmission of stream 1". Note that the request for "multicast transmission of stream 1" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 25.

[0334] [30-2] Upon receiving [30-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-2 that it "is performing multicast transmission of stream 1". Note that the notification of "performing multicast transmission of stream 1" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 25.

[0335] [30-3] Upon receiving [30-2], terminal 2202-2 notifies the base station that it "is not receiving multicast stream 1". Note that the notification of "not receiving multicast stream 1" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 25.

[0336] [30-4] Upon receiving [30-3], the base station decides to transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1 (i.e., transmission beam 2201-2 in FIG. 29). Note that here, it is determined to transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1, but it may also be determined not to transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1. This will be explained later.

[0337] Therefore, the base station transmits a training symbol for transmission directivity control and a training symbol for reception directivity control to terminal 2202-2 to perform multicast transmission of stream 1. Note that separately from the transmission of these symbols, the base station is transmitting the transmission beam of stream 1-1 in FIG. 29. This will be explained later.

[0338] [30-5] The terminal 2202-2 receives the training symbols for transmission directivity control and the training symbols for reception directivity control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station in order for the base station to perform transmission directivity control and for the terminal 2202-2 to perform reception directivity control.

[0339] [30-6] Based on the feedback information transmitted by the terminal 2202-2, the base station determines the method of transmission directivity control (such as determining the weighting factor used when performing directivity control), and transmits the data symbols of stream 1 (the transmission beam 2201-2 of stream 1-2 in Fig. 29).

[0340] [30-7] The terminal 2202-2 determines the method of reception directivity control (such as determining the weighting factor used when performing directivity control), and starts receiving the data symbols of stream 1 (the transmission beam 2201-2 of stream 1-2 in Fig. 29) transmitted by the base station.

[0341] Note that the "procedure for communicating between the base station and the terminal" in Fig. 30 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to Fig. 30, and the same can be implemented even if the order of transmission of each piece of information is switched.

[0342] Also, in Fig. 30, the case where the terminal performs reception directivity control is described as an example, but the case where the terminal does not perform reception directivity control may also be possible. At this time, in Fig. 30, the base station may not transmit the training symbols for reception directivity control, and the terminal may not determine the method of reception directivity control.

[0343] Also, when the base station performs transmission directivity control, if the configuration of the base station is the configuration of Fig. 1, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, 204-4 in Fig. 2 are set, and if the configuration of the base station is the configuration of Fig. 3, for example, in the weighting synthesis unit 301, the weighting factor is set. Note that the number of streams to be transmitted is "2" in the case of Fig. 29, but it is not limited to this.

[0344] When the terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2 perform reception directivity control, if the configuration of the terminal is the configuration shown in FIG. 4, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, and 503-4 in FIG. 5 are set. Also, if the configuration of the terminal is the configuration shown in FIG. 6, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ···, 603-L are set.

[0345] FIG. 31 is an example of the symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits the data symbols of stream 1 after the communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 30 is completed, with the horizontal axis representing time.

[0346] In FIG. 31, since "stream 1-1" in FIG. 29 exists, similar to FIG. 25, there are "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 1)" 2501-1-M+1, and "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 2)" 2501-1-M+2. Note that although it is described as "(M), (M + 1), (M + 2)", it is because (multicast) stream 1-1 has existed before (multicast) stream 1-2 exists. Therefore, in FIG. 31, M is an integer of 2 or more.

[0347] And as shown in FIG. 31, in the intervals other than the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2, there are "(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0348] As described above, it has the following features.

[0349] · "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-M+1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3 are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1".

[0350] · By obtaining the "Data Symbol of Stream 1-1", the terminal can obtain the "Data of Stream 1". Also, by obtaining the "Data Symbol of Stream 1-2", the terminal can obtain the "Data of Stream 1".

[0351] · The directivities of the transmission beams of 「(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)」 2501-1-M, 「(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)」 2501-1-M+1, and 「(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)」 2501-1-M+2 are different from those of the transmission beams of 「(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)」 3101-1, 「(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)」 3101-2, and 「(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)」 3101-3. Therefore, the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station's transmission device used to generate the transmission beams of 「(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)」 2501-1-M, 「(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)」 2501-1-M+1, and 「(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)」 2501-1-M+2 is different from the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station's transmission device used to generate the transmission beams of 「(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)」 3101-1, 「(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)」 3101-2, and 「(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)」 3101-3.

[0352] From the above, two terminals can receive the multicast stream transmitted by the base station. At this time, since directivity control is performed during transmission and reception, an effect can be obtained in which the area capable of receiving the multicast stream can be expanded. In addition, since the addition of streams and the addition of transmission beams are performed only when necessary, an effect can be obtained in which the frequency, time, and space resources for data transmission can be effectively utilized.

[0353] Note that the following control may be performed. The details of the control are as follows.

[0354] FIG. 32 is an example of symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits data symbols (of stream 1) after the communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 30 is completed, with the horizontal axis representing time. In FIG. 32, components that operate in the same manner as in FIGS. 25 and 31 are given the same reference numerals.

[0355] In FIG. 32, the difference from FIG. 31 is that the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2 are set to be longer in time, so the base station does not add and transmit any more symbols for multicast.

[0356] FIG. 33 shows an example of the operation when, in addition to the base station transmitting multicast transmission beams to two terminals (terminal 2202-1 and 2202-2) as in FIG. 29, a new terminal 2202-3 makes a request for an additional transmission beam to the base station. The frame of the modulation signal transmitted by the base station is shown in FIG. 32.

[0357] [33-1] Terminal 2202-3 makes a request for "multicast transmission of stream 1" to the base station. The request for "multicast transmission of stream 1" is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 32.

[0358] [33-2] Upon receiving [33-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that "multicast transmission of stream 1 is being performed". The notification that "multicast transmission of stream 1 is being performed" is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 32.

[0359] [33-3] Upon receiving [33-2], terminal 2202-3 notifies the base station that "it is not receiving multicast stream 1". The notification that "it is not receiving multicast stream 1" is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 32.

[0360] [33-4] The base station receives [33-3] and determines whether it can transmit a transmission beam different from the transmission beam of stream 1-1 and the transmission beam of stream 1-2 as the transmission beam of multicast stream 1. At this time, considering that it is the frame shown in FIG. 32, the base station determines not to transmit a different transmission beam of multicast stream 1. Therefore, the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 of "not transmitting a different transmission beam of multicast stream 1". Note that the "notification of not transmitting a different transmission beam of multicast stream 1" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 32.

[0361] [33-5] Terminal 2202-3 receives the "notification of not transmitting a different transmission beam of multicast stream 1".

[0362] Note that the "communication procedure between the base station and the terminal" in FIG. 33 is an example, and the transmission order of each piece of information is not limited to FIG. 33, and the same can be implemented even if the transmission order of each transmission is interchanged. In this way, when communication resources for multicast transmission are insufficient, it is not necessary to add a multicast transmission beam.

[0363] FIG. 34 shows an example of an operation in which, in addition to the base station shown in FIG. 29 transmitting a transmission beam for multicast to two terminals (terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2), a new terminal 2202-3 requests the addition of a transmission beam for another multicast stream (stream 2) to the base station. Note that the frame of the modulation signal transmitted by the base station is in the state as shown in FIG. 31.

[0364] [34-1] Terminal 2202-3 makes a "request for multicast transmission of stream 2" to the base station. Note that the "request for multicast transmission of stream 2" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section 2503 in FIG. 31.

[0365] [34-2] The base station receives [34-1] and notifies terminal 2202-3 that "it is not transmitting stream 2 for multicast". Also, the base station determines whether it can add and transmit the transmission beam of stream 2 for multicast. At this time, considering the frame state as shown in FIG. 31, it notifies terminal 2202-3 that "it is corresponding to the transmission of the transmission beam of stream 2 for multicast". Note that the notification of "not transmitting stream 2 for multicast" and the notification of "the transmission beam of stream 2 for multicast can be transmitted" are transmitted in the unicast transmission section 2503 in FIG. 31.

[0366] [34-3] Terminal 2203-3 receives [34-2] and notifies the base station that "the reception preparation for stream 2 for multicast is completed". Note that the notification of "the reception preparation for stream 2 for multicast is completed" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section 2503 in FIG. 31.

[0367] [34-4] The base station receives [34-3] and decides to transmit the transmission beam of stream 2 for multicast. Therefore, the base station transmits a training symbol for transmission directivity control and a training symbol for reception directivity control to terminal 2202-3 for multicast transmission of stream 2. Note that separately from the transmission of these symbols, the base station is transmitting the transmission beam of stream 1-1 and the transmission beam of stream 1-2 as shown in FIG. 31. This will be explained later.

[0368] [34-5] Terminal 2202-3 receives the training symbol for transmission directivity control and the training symbol for reception directivity control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station for the base station to perform transmission directivity control and terminal 2202-3 to perform reception directivity control.

[0369] [34 - 6] The base station determines a transmission directivity control method (such as determining the weighting factor used when performing directivity control) based on the feedback information transmitted by the terminal 2202 - 3, and transmits the data symbols of stream 2.

[0370] [34 - 7] The terminal 2202 - 3 determines a reception directivity control method (such as determining the weighting factor used when performing directivity control), and starts receiving the data symbols of stream 2 transmitted by the base station.

[0371] Note that the "procedure for communicating between the base station and the terminal" in FIG. 34 is an example, and the order of transmitting each piece of information is not limited to FIG. 34, and it can be similarly implemented even if the order of transmitting each piece of information is swapped. Also, in FIG. 34, the case of performing reception directivity control of the terminal is used as an example for explanation, but the case where reception directivity control of the terminal is not performed may also be applicable. At this time, in FIG. 34, the base station may not transmit the training symbols for reception directivity control, and the terminal does not determine the reception directivity control method.

[0372] Also, when the base station performs transmission directivity control, if the base station has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 204 - 1, 204 - 2, 204 - 3, 204 - 4 in FIG. 2 are set.

[0373] And when the terminals 2202 - 1, 2202 - 2, 2202 - 3 perform reception directivity control, if the terminal has the configuration shown in FIG. 4, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 503 - 1, 503 - 2, 503 - 3, 503 - 4 in FIG. 5 are set. Also, if the configuration of the terminal is the configuration shown in FIG. 6, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 603 - 1, 603 - 2, ···, 603 - L are set.

[0374] FIG. 35 is an example of the symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits the data symbols of stream 1 and stream 2 after the communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 34 is completed, with the horizontal axis representing time.

[0375] In FIG. 35, since the "Stream 1-1" and "Stream 1-2" shown in FIG. 31 exist, there are "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-M+1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2, and also "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N)" 3101-N, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+1)" 3101-N+1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+2)" 3101-N+2. Here, N and M are integers of 2 or more.

[0376] And as shown in FIG. 35, in the intervals other than the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2, there are "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (1)" 3501-1, "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (2)" 3501-2, "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (3)" 3501-3.

[0377] As described so far, at this time, it has the following features.

[0378] · "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-M+1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N)" 3101-N, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+1)" 3101-N+1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+2)" 3101-N+2 are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1".

[0379] · The terminal obtains the "data of Stream 1" by obtaining the "data symbol of Stream 1-1". Also, the terminal obtains the "data of Stream 1" by obtaining the "data symbol of Stream 1-2".

[0380] · The directivities of the transmission beams of "(for multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(for multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-M+1, "(for multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2 are different from those of the transmission beams of "(for multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(for multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (2)" 3101-2, "(for multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0381] Therefore, the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station's transmission device used to generate the transmission beams of "(for multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(for multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-M+1, "(for multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2 is different from the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station's transmission device used to generate the transmission beams of "(for multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(for multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (2)" 3101-2, "(for multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0382] · "(for multicast) Stream 2-1 data symbol (1)" 3501-1, "(for multicast) Stream 2-1 data symbol (2)" 3501-2, "(for multicast) Stream 2-1 data symbol (3)" 3501-3 are data symbols for transmitting "Stream 2".

[0383] · The terminal obtains the data of "Stream 2" by obtaining the "data symbol of Stream 2-1". From the above, the terminal can receive a plurality of multicast streams (Stream 1 and Stream 2) transmitted by the base station. At this time, since directional control is performed in transmission and reception, the effect of expanding the area where the multicast stream can be received can be obtained. In addition, since the addition of streams and the addition of transmission beams are performed only when necessary, the effect of effectively utilizing the frequency, time, and space resources for data transmission can be obtained.

[0384] Note that the control as described below may be performed. The details of the control are as follows.

[0385] FIG. 32 is an example of symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits (the data symbols of) Stream 1, with the horizontal axis being time. In FIG. 32, those that operate in the same manner as FIGS. 25 and 31 are given the same numbers.

[0386] In FIG. 32, the difference from FIG. 35 is that the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2 are set to be longer in time, so the base station does not add and transmit more multicast symbols, for example, symbols of a new stream.

[0387] FIG. 36 shows an example of an operation in which, in addition to the base station transmitting multicast transmission beams to two terminals (Terminal 2202-1 and 2202-2) as in FIG. 29, a new terminal 2202-3 requests the addition of a transmission beam for another multicast stream (Stream 2) to the base station. The frame of the modulation signal transmitted by the base station is shown in FIG. 32.

[0388] [36-1] Terminal 2202-3 requests the base station for "multicast transmission of Stream 2". Note that the "request for multicast transmission of Stream 2" is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 32.

[0389] [36-2] The base station receives [36-1] and notifies terminal 2202-3 that "the transmission of multicast stream 2 is not being performed". Note that "the transmission of multicast stream 2 is not being performed" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 32. Also, the base station determines whether it can transmit the transmission beam for multicast stream 2. Considering the frame shown in FIG. 32, the base station determines not to transmit the transmission beam for multicast stream 2. Therefore, the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that "the transmission beam for multicast stream 2 is not being transmitted". Note that the "notification that the transmission beam for multicast stream 2 is not being transmitted" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 32.

[0390] [36-3] Terminal 2202-3 receives the "notification that the transmission beam for multicast stream 2 is not being transmitted".

[0391] Note that the "communication procedure between the base station and the terminal" in FIG. 36 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to FIG. 36, and the same can be implemented even if the order of each transmission procedure is changed. Thus, when communication resources for multicast transmission are insufficient, it is not necessary to add a stream or add a multicast transmission beam.

[0392] A supplementary explanation will be given regarding the setting method of the unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2 shown in FIG. 35 and the like.

[0393] For example, in FIG. 35, the maximum value of the number of transmission beams for multicast is determined or set in advance.

[0394] Upon receiving the requests from each terminal, the base station transmits transmission beams for multicast that are equal to or less than the maximum number of transmission beams for multicast. For example, in the case of FIG. 35, the number of transmission beams for multicast is 3. Then, the base station transmits a plurality of transmission beams for multicast, and defines the time idle time after transmitting these as the unicast transmission period.

[0395] As described above, the unicast transmission period may be defined.

[0396] (Supplementary Note 1) In Supplementary Note 1, the case where the base station performs unicast communication, that is, individual communication, with a plurality of terminals will be described.

[0397] At this time, for example, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 may be control information for broadcast transmission that the base station performs for a plurality of terminals in order to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals on the broadcast channel. Note that the control information is, for example, control information necessary for the base station and the terminal to realize data communication.

[0398] Also, for example, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 in FIG. 9 may be a common search space. Note that the common search space is control information for performing cell control. And the common search space is control information that is broadcast to a plurality of terminals.

[0399] Similarly, for example, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 may be control information for broadcast transmission that the base station performs for a plurality of terminals in order to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals on the broadcast channel.

[0400] Further, for example, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 may be a common search space.

[0401] Note that the features of the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0402] For example, the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulation signal 1, and the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 may be broadcast channels, that is, control information for the base station to perform broadcast transmission to a plurality of terminals in order for the base station to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals.

[0403] Further, for example, the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulation signal 1, and the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 may be a common search space.

[0404] For example, the #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulation signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulation signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 may be broadcast channels, that is, control information for the base station to perform broadcast transmission to a plurality of terminals in order for the base station to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals.

[0405] Further, for example, the #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulation signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulation signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 may be a common search space.

[0406] Note that the #1 symbol group 1401-1, #2 symbol group 1401-2, and #3 symbol group 1401-3 of the modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14 are as described in the embodiments described so far, and the #1 symbol group 1402-1, #2 symbol group 1402-2, and #3 symbol group 1402-3 of the modulation signal 2 in FIG. 14 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0407] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 may be control information for broadcast channels, that is, broadcast transmission by a base station to a plurality of terminals for the base station to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals.

[0408] Also, the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 may be a common search space.

[0409] Note that the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0410] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3 in FIGS. 31 and 32 may be control information for broadcast channels, that is, control information for broadcast transmission by a base station to a plurality of terminals for the base station to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals.

[0411] Also, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3 in FIGS. 31 and 32 may be a common search space.

[0412] Note that the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1_M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1_M+1, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1_M+2, stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101_1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101_2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101_3 in FIGS. 31 and 32 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0413] For example, in FIG. 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2 may be control information for a broadcast channel, that is, broadcast transmission performed by a base station to a plurality of terminals for the base station to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals.

[0414] Also, in FIG. 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2 may be a common search space.

[0415] For example, the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in FIG. 35 may be control information for a broadcast channel, that is, broadcast transmission performed by a base station to a plurality of terminals for the base station to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals.

[0416] Also, the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in FIG. 35 may be a common search space.

[0417] In addition, in FIG. 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2 are as described in the embodiments described so far. The stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in FIG. 35 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0418] In FIGS. 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method may be used, or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Also, the temporal position of the data symbol is not limited to FIGS. 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0419] In FIGS. 25, 31, 32, and 35, the horizontal axis is described as time, but it is also possible to implement the same when the horizontal axis is frequency (carrier). When the horizontal axis is frequency (carrier), the base station transmits each data symbol using one or more carriers or sub-carriers.

[0420] (Supplementary Explanation 2) Supplementary Explanation 2 explains the case where the base station is performing unicast communication, that is, individual communication, with a plurality of terminals.

[0421] At this time, for example, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in FIG. 9, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 may be data addressed to the base station or data addressed to any one of a plurality of terminals performing communication. At this time, the data may include control information.

[0422] Note that the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in FIG. 9, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0423] For example, the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulation signal 1, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulation signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulation signal 2 may be data addressed to the base station or data addressed to any one of a plurality of terminals performing communication. At this time, the data may include control information.

[0424] Note that the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulation signal 1, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulation signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulation signal 2 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0425] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and the stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 may be data addressed to the base station or data addressed to any one of a plurality of terminals performing communication. At this time, the data may include control information.

[0426] Note that the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and the stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0427] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 1) 2501-1-M + 1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 2) 2501-1-M + 2, the stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, the stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3 in FIGS. 31 and 32 may be data addressed to the base station or data addressed to any one of a plurality of terminals performing communication. At this time, the data may include control information.

[0428] Note that the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 1) 2501-1-M + 1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 2) 2501-1-M + 2, the stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, the stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3 in FIGS. 31 and 32 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0429] For example, in FIG. 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2 may be data addressed to the base station or data addressed to any one of a plurality of terminals performing communication. At this time, the data may include control information.

[0430] For example, the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in FIG. 35 may be data addressed to the base station or data addressed to any one of a plurality of terminals performing communication. At this time, the data may include control information.

[0431] Note that in FIG. 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2, the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0432] In FIGS. 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method may be used, or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Also, the temporal position of the data symbol is not limited to FIGS. 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0433] In addition, in FIGS. 25, 31, 32, and 35, the horizontal axis is described as time, but it is also possible to implement the same with the horizontal axis as frequency (carrier). Note that when the horizontal axis is frequency (carrier), the base station transmits each data symbol using one or more carriers or sub-carriers.

[0434] (Supplementary Note 3) During the time period when the base station is transmitting the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 as in the frame configuration of FIG. 9, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam of the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the transmission beam of the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the transmission beam of the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the transmission beam of the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the transmission beam of the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, the transmission beam of the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2".

[0435] Also, the base station in FIG. 3 may generate a transmission beam for the above-mentioned "another symbol group" by "signal processing in the signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by the weighting and combining unit 301" or "signal processing in the signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by the weighting and combining unit 301".

[0436] Also, when the base station is transmitting the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulation signal 1, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulation signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulation signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulation signal 2 as shown in the frame configuration of FIG. 14, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beams of the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulation signal 1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulation signal 1, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulation signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulation signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulation signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulation signal 2".

[0437] At this time, the "another symbol group" may be a symbol group including data symbols addressed to a certain terminal, or a symbol group including a control information symbol group as described in other parts of the present disclosure, or a symbol group including other multicast data symbols.

[0438] Also, the base station shown in FIG. 3 may generate a transmission beam for the above "another symbol group" by "signal processing of the signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by the weighting and combining unit 301", or by "signal processing of the signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by the weighting and combining unit 301".

[0439] (Supplementary Note 4) When the base station is transmitting the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and the stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 as shown in the frame configuration of FIG. 25, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, the stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and the stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3".

[0440] Note that the same applies even when the horizontal axis represents frequency in Fig. 25. The base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, Stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3" during the time period when it is transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, Stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3.

[0441] Also, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 1) 2501-1M+1, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 2) 2501-1-M+2" during the time period when it is transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 1) 2501-1M+1, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 2) 2501-1-M+2 as in the frame configurations of Figs. 31 and 32.

[0442] Note that the same applies even when the horizontal axis represents frequency in Figs. 31 and 32. The base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 1) 2501-1M+1, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 2) 2501-1-M+2" during the time period when it is transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 1) 2501-1M+1, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M + 2) 2501-1-M+2.

[0443] And when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3 as in the frame configurations of FIGS. 31 and 32, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3".

[0444] Note that the same applies even when the horizontal axis represents frequency in FIGS. 31 and 32. When the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3".

[0445] When the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M + 1) 2501-M+1, and stream 1-1 data symbols (M + 2) 2501-M+2 as in the frame configuration of FIG. 35, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M + 1) 2501-M+1, and stream 1-1 data symbols (M + 2) 2501-M+2".

[0446] Note that the same applies even when the horizontal axis is frequency in FIG. 35. The base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-M+1, and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-M+2" during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-M+1, and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-M+2.

[0447] Also, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2" during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2 as in the frame configuration of FIG. 35.

[0448] Note that the same applies even when the horizontal axis is frequency in FIG. 35. The base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2" during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2.

[0449] Then, when the base station is transmitting the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 as in the frame configuration of FIG. 35, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3".

[0450] Note that the same applies when the horizontal axis in FIG. 35 is frequency. When the base station is transmitting the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam different from the "transmission beam for transmitting the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3".

[0451] In the above, the "another symbol group" may be a symbol group including data symbols for a certain terminal, or a symbol group including control information symbols as described in other parts of this specification, or a symbol group including other multicast data symbols.

[0452] At this time, the base station in FIG. 1 may generate a transmission beam for the above "another symbol group" by signal processing of the signal processing unit 102, or the base station in FIG. 1 may generate a transmission beam for the above "another symbol group" by selecting antennas from the antenna unit 106-1 to the antenna unit 106-M.

[0453] Further, the base station in FIG. 3 may generate a transmission beam for the above-mentioned "another symbol group" by "signal processing in the signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301", or "signal processing in the signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301".

[0454] And it may not be necessary to set the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2 as described in FIGS. 25, 31, and 32.

[0455] (Supplementary Note 5) The following descriptions are made in the explanations regarding FIGS. 31 and 32.

[0456] · "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-M+1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3 are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1".

[0457] · The terminal can obtain the "data of Stream 1" by obtaining the "data symbol of Stream 1-1". Also, the terminal can obtain the "data of Stream 1" by obtaining the "data symbol of Stream 1-2".

[0458] Also, the following descriptions are made in the explanations regarding FIG. 35.

[0459] · "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-M+1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N)" 3101-N, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+1)" 3101-N+1, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+2)" 3101-N+2 are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1".

[0460] · By obtaining the "Data Symbol of Stream 1-1", the terminal can obtain the "Data of Stream 1". Also, by obtaining the "Data Symbol of Stream 1-2", the terminal can obtain the "Data of Stream 1".

[0461] The following provides supplementary explanations for the above. For example, in FIG. 35, the above can be realized by the following <Method 1-1>, or <Method 1-2>, or <Method 2-1>, or <Method 2-2>.

[0462] <Method 1-1> · The Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M) 2501-1-M and the Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N) 3101-N contain the same data.

[0463] And the Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1 and the Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1 contain the same data.

[0464] The Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2 and the Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2 contain the same data.

[0465] <Method 1-2> · There exists a stream 1-2 data symbol (L) 3101-L that contains the same data as the data contained in the stream 1-1 data symbol (K) 2501-1-K. Note that K and L are integers.

[0466] <Method 2-1> · The stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N contain some identical data.

[0467] And, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1 and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1 contain some identical data.

[0468] The stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2 and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2 contain some identical data.

[0469] <Method 2-2> · There exists a stream 1-2 data symbol (L) 3101-L that contains a part of the data contained in the stream 1-1 data symbol (K) 2501-1-K. Note that K and L are integers.

[0470] That is, the first base station or the first transmission system generates a first packet group containing the data of the first stream and a second packet group containing the data of the first stream, transmits the packets contained in the first packet group using the first transmission beam in the first period, transmits the packets contained in the second packet group using a second transmission beam different from the first transmission beam in the second period, and the first period and the second period do not overlap with each other.

[0471] Here, the second packet group may include second packets containing the same data as the data contained in the first packets included in the first packet group. As another configuration different from the above, the second packet group may include third packets containing the same data as a part of the data contained in the first packets included in the first packet group.

[0472] Also, the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam may be transmission beams having different directivities transmitted using the same antenna unit, or may be transmission beams transmitted using different antenna units.

[0473] Further, the second base station or the second transmission system further generates a third packet group including the data of the first stream in addition to the configuration of the first base station or the first transmission system, and transmits the packets included in the third packet group using a third transmission beam different from the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam in a third period, and the third period does not overlap with the first period and the second period.

[0474] Here, the second base station or the second transmission system may repeatedly set the first period, the second period, and the third period in a predetermined order.

[0475] Further, the third base station or the third transmission system further generates a third packet group including the data of the first stream in addition to the configuration of the first base station or the first transmission system, and transmits the packets included in the third packet group using a third transmission beam different from the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam in a third period, and at least a part of the third period overlaps with the first period.

[0476] Here, the third base station or the third transmission system may repeatedly set the first period, the second period, and the third period, and at least a part of any of the repeatedly set third periods may overlap with the first period, or at least any one of the repeatedly set third periods may not overlap with the first period.

[0477] In addition, the fourth base station or the fourth transmission system further generates a fourth packet including data of the second stream in addition to the configuration of the first base station or the first transmission system, and transmits the fourth packet in a fourth period using a fourth transmission beam different from the first transmission beam, and at least a part of the fourth period overlaps with the first period.

[0478] In the above description, it was explained that the first period and the second period do not overlap with each other, but a part of the first period and the second period may overlap with each other, or all of the first period may overlap with the second period, or all of the first period may overlap with all of the second period.

[0479] In addition, the fifth base station or the fifth transmission system generates one or more groups of packets including data of the first stream, transmits each group of packets using a different transmission beam from each other, and may increase or decrease the number of groups of packets generated based on the signal transmitted from the terminal.

[0480] In the above description, although it is described as a "stream", as described in other parts of this specification, the "stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, and stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3" in FIGS. 31 and 32, and the "stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-M+1, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-M+2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-N+1, and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-N+2" in FIG. 35 may be symbols including data symbols addressed to a certain terminal, or symbols including control information symbols, or symbols including data symbols for multicast.

[0481] (Supplementary Note 6) Naturally, it is also possible to implement by combining multiple other contents such as the embodiments and supplementary explanations described in this specification.

[0482] And as a configuration of the base station, for example, it is not limited to FIGS. 1 and 3. As long as it is a base station having a plurality of transmission antennas, generating and transmitting a plurality of transmission beams (transmission directive beams), the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0483] Also, each embodiment is merely an example. For example, even if "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." are exemplified, it is also possible to implement with a similar configuration when applying another "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc.".

[0484] Regarding the modulation method, even if a modulation method other than the modulation methods described in this specification is used, it is possible to implement the embodiments and other contents described in this specification. For example, APSK (e.g., 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, 4096APSK, etc.), PAM (e.g., 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, 4096PAM, etc.), PSK (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, 4096PSK, etc.), QAM (e.g., 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 1024QAM, 4096QAM, etc.) may be applied, and in each modulation method, it may be uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping. Also, the arrangement method of 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points in the I-Q plane (modulation methods having 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points) is not limited to the signal point arrangement method of the modulation methods shown in this specification.

[0485] In this specification, for example, a communication or broadcasting device such as a broadcasting station, a base station, an access point, a terminal, or a mobile phone may be equipped with a transmission device. At this time, a communication device such as a television, a radio, a terminal, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, or a base station may be equipped with a reception device. Further, the transmission device and the reception device in the present disclosure are devices having a communication function, and it is also conceivable that the device can be connected by disconnecting some interface to a device for executing applications such as a television, a radio, a personal computer, or a mobile phone. Further, in the present embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, for example, pilot symbols (preamble, unique word, postamble, reference symbol, etc.), symbols for control information, etc. may be arranged in the frame in any manner. Here, although they are named pilot symbols and symbols for control information, any naming method may be used, and the function itself is important.

[0486] The pilot symbol may be, for example, a known symbol modulated using PSK modulation in a transceiver. The receiver uses this symbol to perform frequency synchronization, time synchronization, channel estimation of each modulation signal (estimation of CSI (Channel State Information)), signal detection, etc. Alternatively, the pilot symbol may be such that when the receiver synchronizes, the receiver can know the symbol transmitted by the transmitter.

[0487] Further, the symbol for control information is a symbol for transmitting information (for example, modulation method used for communication, error correction coding method, coding rate of the error correction coding method, setting information at the upper layer, etc.) that needs to be transmitted to a communication partner to realize communication other than data (data such as an application).

[0488] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to each embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in each embodiment, the case of performing as a communication device is described, but it is not limited thereto, and this communication method can also be performed as software.

[0489] Note that, for example, a program for executing the above communication method may be stored in a ROM in advance, and the program may be operated by a CPU.

[0490] Also, a program for executing the above communication method may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, the program stored in the storage medium may be recorded in a RAM of the computer, and the computer may be operated according to the program.

[0491] And each configuration such as the above embodiments may typically be realized as an LSI which is an integrated circuit having an input terminal and an output terminal. These may be individually formed into one chip, or may be formed into one chip so as to include all or part of the configurations of each embodiment. Here, although it is an LSI, depending on the degree of integration, it may also be called an IC, a system LSI, a super LSI, or an ultra LSI. Also, the method of integrating into an integrated circuit is not limited to an LSI, and it may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. After manufacturing the LSI, an FPGA that can be programmed, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connection and setting of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that replaces the LSI appears due to the progress of semiconductor technology or another derived technology, naturally, the integration of functional blocks may be performed using that technology. The application of biotechnology etc. may be possible.

[0492] In this specification, various frame configurations have been described. The modulation signal of the frame configuration described in this specification is transmitted by, for example, a base station (AP) equipped with the transmission device of FIG. 1 using a multi-carrier method such as the OFDM method. At this time, when a terminal (user) communicating with the base station (AP) transmits a modulation signal, an application method can be considered in which the modulation signal transmitted by the terminal is in a single-carrier format (by using the OFDM method, the base station (AP) can transmit a data symbol group to a plurality of terminals simultaneously, and the terminal can reduce power consumption by using the single-carrier method).

[0493] Also, the terminal may apply a TDD (Time Division Duplex) method in which the modulation method is transmitted using a part of the frequency band used by the modulation signal transmitted by the base station (AP).

[0494] The configurations of the antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ···, 106-M in FIG. 1 are not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, the antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ···, 106-M may not be composed of a plurality of antennas, and the antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ···, 106-M may not take the signal 159 as an input.

[0495] The configurations of the antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ···, 401-N in FIG. 4 are not limited to the configurations described in the embodiments. For example, the antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ···, 401-N may not be composed of a plurality of antennas, and the antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ···, 401-N may not take the signal 410 as an input.

[0496] (Supplementary Explanation) Hereinafter, supplementary explanations will be given for the transmission device, reception device, transmission method, and reception method of the present disclosure.

[0497] A transmission device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission device including a plurality of transmission antennas, and includes a signal processing unit that modulates data of a first stream to generate a first baseband signal and modulates data of a second stream to generate a second baseband signal, and a transmission unit that generates a plurality of first transmission signals having different directivities from the first baseband signal respectively, generates a plurality of second transmission signals having different directivities from the second baseband signal respectively, and transmits the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals at the same time.

[0498] Each of the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals may include a control signal for notifying whether the transmission signal is a signal for transmitting data of either the first stream or the second stream.

[0499] Each of the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals may include a training signal for the receiving device to perform directivity control.

[0500] A receiving device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a receiving device including a plurality of receiving antennas, and includes a receiving unit that selects at least one first signal and at least one second signal from among a plurality of first signals having different directivities respectively for transmitting data of a first stream and a plurality of second signals having different directivities respectively for transmitting data of a second stream that are transmitted by the transmission device at the same time, and performs directivity control for receiving the selected plurality of signals to receive the signals, and a signal processing unit that demodulates the received signals and outputs the data of the first stream and the data of the second stream.

[0501] The receiving unit may select the at least one first signal and the at least one second signal based on a control signal included in each of the plurality of received signals for notifying whether the signal is a signal for transmitting data of either the first stream or the second stream.

[0502] The receiving unit may perform directivity control using the training signals included in each of the plurality of received signals.

[0503] A transmission method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a transmission method executed by a transmission device including a plurality of transmission antennas, the method including: modulating data of a first stream to generate a first baseband signal, and modulating data of a second stream to generate a second baseband signal; generating a plurality of first transmission signals having different directivities from the first baseband signal, and generating a plurality of second transmission signals having different directivities from the second baseband signal; and transmitting the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals at the same time.

[0504] A reception method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a reception method executed by a reception device including a plurality of reception antennas, the method including: selecting at least one first signal and at least one second signal from among a plurality of first signals having different directivities for transmitting data of a first stream and a plurality of second signals having different directivities for transmitting data of a second stream that are transmitted by a transmission device at the same time, and performing directivity control for receiving the selected plurality of signals to receive the signals; and demodulating the received signals to output the data of the first stream and the data of the second stream.

[0505] According to the present disclosure, there is a possibility of expanding the communication distance in multi-cast / broadcast communication of a plurality of streams as compared with the case of using an antenna with a pseudo-omnipattern.

Industrial Applicability

[0506] The present disclosure is useful in communication using a plurality of antennas.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0507] 700 Base station 701 Antenna 702, 703 Transmission beam 704 Terminal 705, 706 Reception directivity

Claims

1. A transmitting device having a plurality of transmitting antennas, a signal processing unit that modulates a first stream of data to generate a first baseband signal; a transmitter that generates a plurality of first transmission signals each having a different directivity from the first baseband signal and transmits the plurality of first transmission signals; Equipped with Each of the plurality of first transmission signals includes information informing the number of the first transmission signals. Transmitting device.

2. A transmitting device having a plurality of transmitting antennas and transmitting a plurality of streams by multicast, a signal processing unit that modulates data of a first stream included in the multiple streams to generate a first baseband signal, and modulates data of a second stream included in the multiple streams to generate a second baseband signal; a transmitter that generates a plurality of first transmission signals each having a different directivity from the first baseband signal, generates a plurality of second transmission signals each having a different directivity from the second baseband signal, and transmits the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals; Equipped with Each of the first transmission signals and the second transmission signals includes Information indicating the number of the multiple streams to be transmitted by multicast; Information indicating the number of the plurality of first transmission signals generated from the first baseband signal; and information indicating the number of the plurality of second transmission signals generated from the second baseband signal. Transmitting device.

3. Each of the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals includes a training signal for a receiving device to perform directivity control.

3. The transmitting device according to claim 2.

4. A transmission method implemented by a transmitting device having a plurality of transmitting antennas, comprising: modulating a first stream of data to generate a first baseband signal; generating a plurality of first transmission signals each having a different directivity from the first baseband signal, and transmitting the plurality of first transmission signals; the plurality of first transmission signals includes information informing the number of the first transmission signals; Transmission method.

5. A transmission method implemented by a transmission device having a plurality of transmission antennas and transmitting a plurality of streams by multicast, comprising: modulating data of a first stream included in the plurality of streams to generate a first baseband signal; modulating data of a second stream included in the plurality of streams to generate a second baseband signal; generating a plurality of first transmission signals each having a different directivity from the first baseband signal, generating a plurality of second transmission signals each having a different directivity from the second baseband signal, and transmitting the plurality of first transmission signals and the plurality of second transmission signals; Each of the first transmission signals and the second transmission signals includes Information indicating the number of the multiple streams to be transmitted by multicast; Information indicating the number of the plurality of first transmission signals generated from the first baseband signal; and information indicating the number of the plurality of second transmission signals generated from the second baseband signal. Transmission method.

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