Communication device, communication method, and program

Abstract

To achieve both accuracy and speed in spatial sensing.SOLUTION: A communication device functions as a first communication device in a spatial sensing system including the first communication device and a second communication device. The communication device performs: transmitting a control signal to the second communication device in a first frequency band for controlling both spatial sensing using a first measurement signal and spatial sensing using a second measurement signal; transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal to or from the second communication device in the first frequency band; and transmitting or receiving the second measurement signal to or from the second communication device in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to spatial sensing. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology for sensing space using radio signals in the gigahertz band is being studied (for example, Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Jianyuan Yu,et al.,Multi-Band Wi-Fi Sensing With Matched Feature Granularity,IEEE Internet of Things Journal,Volume.9 Issue.23,February 7, 2022 [Non-patent document 2] IEEE 802.11bf (WLAN SENSING), [online], February 20, 2020, URL: https: / / www.ieee802.org / 11 / Reports / tgbf_update.htm Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to achieve both accuracy and speed in spatial sensing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is A communication device that functions as the first communication device in a spatial sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device, the communication device having a control unit that performs the following operations: transmitting a control signal to the second communication device in a first frequency band for controlling both spatial sensing using a first measurement signal and spatial sensing using a second measurement signal; transmitting the first measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving it from the second communication device in the first frequency band; and transmitting the second measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving it from the second communication device in a second frequency band that is higher than the first frequency band.

[0006] One aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure is A communication method executed by a first communication device in a spatial sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device, the communication method including: transmitting a control signal to the second communication device in a first frequency band for controlling both spatial sensing using a first measurement signal and spatial sensing using a second measurement signal; transmitting the first measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving it from the second communication device in the first frequency band; and transmitting the second measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving it from the second communication device in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0007] Other aspects include a method executed by the above-described device, a program for causing a computer to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium non-transitoryly storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to achieve both accuracy and speed in spatial sensing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating spatial sensing using wireless signals. [Figure 2A]FIG. 1 is a first diagram illustrating the relationship between an initiator and a responder. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a second diagram illustrating the relationship between an initiator and a responder. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of an initiator according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a software configuration diagram of a responder according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the phases executed by each device. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of data in the detection phase. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of data in the measurement setup phase. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of data in the measurement phase. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of data in the measurement end phase. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In recent years, research has been conducted into technologies for sensing in space using license-free gigahertz radio waves. In spatial sensing, a transmitter transmits a measurement signal in a specific frequency band, which is then received by a receiver. The receiver analyzes the signal and generates information indicating the propagation characteristics of the wireless signal. By analyzing this information, the position and movement of objects in the space can be estimated.

[0011] Frequency bands used for spatial sensing may include, for example, microwave frequency bands such as the 5 GHz band and millimeter wave frequency bands such as the 60 GHz band. Each frequency band has its own characteristics and is selected according to the purpose of sensing. For example, low-frequency radio waves have low directivity and are therefore suitable for wide-area sensing. On the other hand, low-frequency radio waves have relatively long wavelengths and are therefore not suitable for detecting the presence or movement of small objects. High-frequency radio waves have short wavelengths and can detect the presence and movement of even smaller objects. However, high-frequency radio waves have high directivity and require processing such as sector scanning, making it difficult to measure a wide area in a short time.

[0012] To overcome these advantages and disadvantages, it is possible to perform spatial sensing using multiple frequency bands in combination. However, known standards such as IEEE802.11bf do not take into account the use of multiple frequency bands in spatial sensing. The communication device in the present disclosure solves this problem.

[0013] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication device that functions as the first communication device in a spatial sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device, and has a control unit that performs the following operations: transmitting a control signal to the second communication device in a first frequency band for controlling both spatial sensing using a first measurement signal and spatial sensing using a second measurement signal; transmitting the first measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving it from the second communication device in the first frequency band; and transmitting the second measurement signal to the second communication device or receiving it from the second communication device in a second frequency band that is higher than the first frequency band.

[0014] In spatial sensing, a communication device (transmitter) that transmits a measurement signal and a communication device (receiver) that receives the measurement signal are used. The first communication device may be either the transmitter or the receiver.

[0015] When the first communication device is a transmitter, the second communication device is a receiver. When the first communication device is a transmitter, the control unit transmits a first measurement signal in a first frequency band. , to a second communication device, and transmit a second measurement signal to the second communication device in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band. When the first communication device is a receiver, the second communication device is a transmitter. When the first communication device is a receiver, the control unit receives a first measurement signal from the second communication device in a first frequency band and receives a second measurement signal from the second communication device in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit transmits a control signal to the second communication device in the first frequency band for controlling both spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and spatial sensing using the second measurement signal. That is, a communication device according to the present disclosure transmits or receives measurement signals using each of a plurality of frequency bands, while transmitting a control signal for controlling measurement using a lower frequency band (first frequency band).

[0017] The control signal is typically a signal that transmits both parameters related to spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters related to spatial sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device. The control signal may also be a signal used, for example, to discover a partner communication device, transmit measurement results, etc. The control signal may be transmitted to the second communication device prior to transmitting or receiving the first and second measurement signals.

[0018] Although it is possible to transmit the control signals in each frequency band, the control signals do not require high bit rates or high directivity. Therefore, by transmitting the two types of control signals together in the first frequency band, it is possible to increase the reliability of communication and shorten the time required for spatial sensing.

[0019] The first frequency band may be a frequency band below 10 GHz, and the second frequency band may be a frequency band equal to or higher than 10 GHz. The control signal may be a signal conforming to IEEE802.11bf.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit may establish a session with the second communication device using the control signal prior to transmitting or receiving the first and second measurement signals.

[0021] In addition, when a session with the second communication device is established, the control unit may use the control signal to transmit both parameters related to spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters related to spatial sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device.

[0022] In addition, when the control unit transmits the first and second measurement signals to the second communication device, it may receive measurement results obtained by the first and second measurement signals from the second communication device using the control signal.

[0023] Furthermore, after receiving the measurement result, the control unit may use the control signal to terminate the session with the second communication device.

[0024] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the hardware configuration, module configuration, functional configuration, etc. described in each embodiment are not intended to limit the technical scope of the disclosure to those configurations.

[0025] (First embodiment) [System Overview] An overview of a spatial sensing system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The spatial sensing system according to this embodiment includes an initiator and a responder installed indoors. The spatial sensing system according to this embodiment is a system that performs spatial sensing according to the procedure defined by IEEE802.11bf. Spatial sensing defined by this standard is a method of acquiring the position, movement, shape, etc. of an object in a target space (for example, an indoor room) using a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) wireless signal. In this standard, spatial sensing is performed by four types of communication devices: initiator, responder, transmitter, and receiver. The initiator is the device that starts the measurement procedure and ultimately obtains the measurement result, the transmitter is the device that actually sends the measurement signal, the responder is the device that participates in the measurement according to instructions from the initiator, and the receiver is the device that actually receives the measurement signal.

[0026] The initiator and transmitter may be the same device, and the responder and receiver may be the same device. In this case, as shown in Figure 1, (1) a measurement signal is transmitted from the initiator and received by the responder. (2) The responder generates channel information based on the received measurement signal. (3) The responder then transmits the generated channel information to the initiator, and (4) the initiator generates the spatial sensing result based on the channel information.

[0027] It is also possible for the initiator to be the receiver and the responder to be the transmitter, in which case the responder sends measurement signals according to the initiator's instructions, and the initiator generates measurement results. In the following embodiment, a configuration in which the initiator is a transmitter and the responder is a receiver will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the description of the embodiment, the former will be referred to as the initiator 10 and the latter as the responder 20. The initiator 10 is an example of a "first communication device," and the responder 20 is an example of a "second communication device."

[0028] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating the propagation path of a wireless signal between the initiator 10 and the responder 20. As shown in the figure, a measurement signal transmitted by the initiator 10 is reflected by obstacles, walls, etc., and reaches the responder 20. The responder 20 measures the attenuation, delay, frequency shift, multipath effect, etc. of the propagation path using a known channel analysis method, and generates channel information. The channel information is called CSI (Channel State Information) information. The initiator 10 receives the CSI information from the responder 20 and generates a spatial sensing result based on the CSI information.

[0029] The example in Figure 2A shows an example of omnidirectional transmission, but when using a high-frequency measurement signal, sector scanning may also be performed. For example, as shown in Figure 2B, the initiator 10 performs beamforming and transmits measurement signals multiple times while changing the beam transmission direction. By combining the multiple pieces of CSI information obtained in this way, it is possible to estimate the presence, movement, and shape of objects in space.

[0030] [Hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of each device that constitutes the system will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a communication device 30 (information processing device) that can operate as the initiator 10 and the responder 20. As shown in FIG.

[0031] The communication device 30 includes a processor (CPU, GPU, etc.), a main memory device (RAM, ROM, etc.), The computer may be configured as a computer having an auxiliary storage device (EPROM, hard disk drive, removable media, etc.). The auxiliary storage device stores an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, etc., and by executing the programs stored therein, various functions (software modules) that meet specific purposes, as described below, can be realized. However, some or all of the functions may be realized as hardware modules using hardware circuits such as ASICs and FPGAs.

[0032] The communication device 30 includes a control unit 301 , a storage unit 302 , and a wireless communication unit 303 .

[0033] The control unit 301 is a computing unit that executes predetermined programs to realize various functions of the communication device 30. The control unit 301 can be realized by a hardware processor such as a CPU. The control unit 301 may also be configured to include RAM, ROM (Read Only Memory), cache memory, etc.

[0034] The storage unit 302 is a means for storing information, and is configured with storage media such as RAM, a magnetic disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 302 stores programs executed by the control unit 301, data used by the programs, etc.

[0035] The wireless communication unit 303 is a wireless communication interface for transmitting and receiving measurement signals for performing spatial sensing and control signals for controlling spatial sensing. The wireless communication unit 303 is configured to be able to transmit and receive wireless signals that comply with standards such as wireless LAN. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 303 can transmit and receive these wireless signals in two different frequency bands. In this embodiment, the wireless communication unit 303 can transmit and receive wireless signals in two frequency bands: the 5 GHz band (first frequency band) and the 60 GHz band (second frequency band).

[0036] [Software configuration] Next, the software configuration of each device constituting the system will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the software configuration of the initiator 10 according to this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the initiator 10 is as shown in Fig. 3.

[0037] In this embodiment, the initiator 10 has a logical control unit 100 that operates on a control unit 301. The control unit 100 is configured to have three software modules: a measurement control unit 101, a measurement signal transmission unit 102, and a sensing unit 103. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in a storage unit 302. Note that the information processing executed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing executed by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.).

[0038] The measurement control unit 101 manages the transmission and reception of control signals for performing spatial sensing. Specifically, the measurement control unit 101 performs processes such as detecting and negotiating with the responder 20, exchanging parameters required for measurement with the responder 20, and terminating the session after measurement is completed. The measurement control unit 101 transmits and receives wireless signals required for these processes using only the first frequency band.

[0039] The measurement signal transmitter 102 manages the transmission of a measurement signal for performing spatial sensing. Specifically, the measurement signal transmitter 102 transmits a measurement signal to the responder 20 at the timing when negotiation between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 is completed and measurement preparation is completed. The measurement signal may not have user data stored in the payload. That is, the measurement signal may be an encoded packet consisting of only a header. The measurement signal transmitter 102 transmits measurement signals in both a first frequency band (5 GHz band) and a second frequency band (60 GHz band). Hereinafter, the measurement signal transmitted in the first frequency band will be referred to as the first measurement signal, and the measurement signal transmitted in the second frequency band will be referred to as the second measurement signal. The first measurement signal is an omnidirectional signal as shown in Figure 2A, but the second measurement signal is a high-frequency signal, so it is transmitted multiple times while changing the beam direction as shown in Figure 2B.

[0040] The measurement signals transmitted by the measurement signal transmitting unit 102 are received and analyzed by the responder 20. The responder 20 performs an analysis on each of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal. The measurement signal transmitter 102 also receives, from the responder 20, an analysis result (report) generated by the responder 20. The report includes CSI information generated by analyzing the measurement signals. The CSI information is also generated for each of the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal.

[0041] The sensing unit 103 senses objects present in a space based on the CSI information received from the responder 20. Sensing may be, for example, a process of detecting the presence of an unknown object in a space. For example, if an intruder or the like is detected in a space to be guarded, the CSI information transmitted from the responder 20 changes. Therefore, for example, by having the sensing unit 103 learn CSI information corresponding to an unmanned space, it becomes possible to detect an intruder or the like present in the space.

[0042] Sensing may also be a process of estimating the shape of an object present in a space. For example, by analyzing CSI information, the sensing unit 103 can estimate the shape of an object present in the target space. Note that when the second frequency band is used for measurement, it is possible to estimate the shape more precisely than when the first frequency band is used. In this case, multiple pieces of CSI information corresponding to measurement signals transmitted multiple times while changing the beam direction may be received from the responder 20, and analyzed to estimate the shape of the object.

[0043] Sensing may also refer to the act of estimating the movement of an object in a space. For example, the movement of an object in a space can be estimated by transmitting measurement signals multiple times over time and receiving and analyzing the corresponding CSI information.

[0044] The sensing results generated by the sensing unit 103 are transmitted to the outside or stored in a storage means and used for a predetermined purpose.

[0045] Next, we will explain the software configuration of the responder 20. Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the software configuration of the responder 20 according to this embodiment. The hardware configuration of the responder 20 is as shown in Fig. 3.

[0046] In this embodiment, the responder 20 has a logical control unit 200 that operates on a control unit 301. The control unit 200 is configured to have three software modules: a measurement control unit 201, a measurement signal receiving unit 202, and a report generating unit 203. Each software module may be realized by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.) executing a program stored in a storage unit 302. Note that the information processing executed by the software module is synonymous with the information processing executed by the control unit 301 (CPU, etc.).

[0047] The measurement control unit 201 manages the transmission and reception of control signals for performing spatial sensing. Specifically, the measurement control unit 201 performs processes such as performing negotiation in response to a request from the initiator 10, exchanging parameters required for measurement with the initiator 10, and terminating the session after the measurement is completed. The measurement control unit 201 transmits and receives radio signals required for these processes using only the first frequency band.

[0048] The measurement signal receiving unit 202 manages the reception of measurement signals for performing spatial sensing. Specifically, the measurement signal receiving unit 202 receives measurement signals transmitted by the initiator 10. The measurement signal receiving unit 202 receives measurement signals in both the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band).

[0049] The report generator 203 analyzes the measurement signal transmitted from the initiator 10 and generates CSI information, which is information representing the characteristics of the transmission path. The CSI information represents the state of the wireless channel and includes, for example, information regarding attenuation of the wireless signal, phase shifts caused by reflection of the wireless signal, multipath characteristics, etc. The report generator 203 transmits the generated CSI information to the initiator 10 as a report for the measurement signal. After receiving the measurement signal, the report generator 203 may unconditionally transmit the CSI information to the initiator 10, or may transmit the CSI information to the initiator 10 only when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, if the sensing target is the movement of an object, the CSI information may be transmitted to the initiator 10 when a predetermined value indicated by the CSI information fluctuates beyond a predetermined threshold. As described above, the CSI information is generated for each of the first and second measurement signals.

[0050] [Processing flowchart] Next, the process flow in spatial sensing will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the phases of the process executed by the initiator 10 and the responder 20 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, spatial sensing is performed in four phases.

[0051] The first phase (P1) is a phase (detection phase) in which the initiator 10 and the responder 20 recognize each other's existence and negotiate. In the detection phase, the initiator 10 transmits a request frame to detect the responder 20. The responder 20 determines whether or not it can respond to the request transmitted from the initiator 10, and returns a response frame. Only the first frequency band is used for transmitting and receiving frames during the sensing phase.

[0052] The next phase (P2) is a phase (measurement setup phase) in which the initiator 10 and the responder 20 exchange information necessary for spatial sensing. In the measurement setup phase, information regarding the parameters to be used for measurement, the type of measurement, the measurement period, etc. is sent and received, and the initiator 10 and the responder 20 share this information. In addition, IDs for uniquely identifying sessions and measurements are exchanged and shared. Only the first frequency band is used for transmitting and receiving frames during the measurement setup phase.

[0053] When the measurement setup phase is completed, the measurement phase (P3) begins. In the measurement phase, the initiator 10 transmits measurement signals to the responder 20 in both the first and second frequency bands. The responder 20 generates a report (CSI information) based on the received measurement signals. The responder 20 then transmits the generated CSI information to the initiator 10.

[0054] When the measurement phase is completed, the measurement termination phase (P4) begins. This phase is for terminating the measurement set up in the measurement setup phase (P2). In this phase, the initiator 10 and the responder 20 transmit an ID for uniquely identifying the measurement and terminate the corresponding measurement. Note that if multiple measurements are to be performed consecutively, the process may transition to the measurement setup phase again to start a new measurement.

[0055] Next, the processing executed by each device in each of the above-mentioned phases will be specifically described. 7 is a sequence diagram of data exchanged between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 in the detection phase. The illustrated process starts at the timing when spatial sensing starts.

[0056] First, in step S11, the initiator 10 (measurement control unit 101) generates a start request frame. The start request frame is a frame for starting negotiation with the responder 20. If the responder 20 is known, the start request frame may include the address of the responder 20 as the destination. If the responder 20 is unknown, the start request frame may be broadcast. The start request frame may include information specifying requirements that the responder must meet (eg, supported frequency bands, etc.). The generated start request frame is transmitted to the responder 20 by a radio signal in the first frequency band (5 GHz band) (step S12).

[0057] When the responder 20 receives the start request frame, the responder 20 (measurement control unit 201) determines whether or not the responder 20 itself is capable of responding to the initiator 10 (step S13). For example, if a frequency band or the like is specified by the start request frame, the responder 20 may determine whether or not the responder 20 itself satisfies the requirements (for example, whether or not the frequency band is supported). The responder 20 may also determine whether or not the specified frequency band is currently available. If the responder 20 determines that it is able to respond to the initiator 10, it transmits a response frame to the initiator 10 (step S14). The response frame is also transmitted to the initiator 10 by a wireless signal in the first frequency band (5 GHz band). The initiator 10 that receives the response frame can recognize the responder 20 that has responded.

[0058] 8 is a sequence diagram of data exchanged between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 during the measurement setup phase. The illustrated process begins when the detection phase is completed, that is, when the initiator 10 and the responder 20 recognize each other's presence.

[0059] The initiator 10 (measurement control unit 101) generates parameters (measurement parameters) to be used for measurement (step S21). The measurement parameters may include data specifying various values ​​to be used for measurement, as well as data specifying the type of measurement, the type of report to be requested as a result of the measurement, the measurement period, etc. The initiator 10 sends a measurement setup request (MSRQ: Measurement Setup Request) including the measurement parameters. The frame is transmitted to the responder 20 (step S22).

[0060] Upon receiving the measurement setup request frame, the responder 20 generates measurement parameters to be used by itself in response to the measurement parameters received from the initiator 10 (step S23). For example, if the initiator 10 presents a plurality of usable measurement parameters, the responder 20 may select the measurement parameters to be actually used from among them and respond. The responder 20 sends a measurement setup response including the measurement parameters generated by the responder 20. An (MSRP: Measurement Setup Response) frame is transmitted to the initiator 10 (step S24). MSRQ and MSRP are examples of "control signals" in this disclosure.

[0061] The measurement parameters are generated for each of the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band). That is, both measurement parameters are generated when measurement is performed using a first measurement signal in the first frequency band and when measurement is performed using a second measurement signal in the second frequency band. The measurement setup request frame and the measurement setup response frame containing these measurement parameters are transmitted and received by radio signals in the first frequency band (5 GHz band).

[0062] When the exchange of measurement parameters is completed, the initiator 10 generates measurement setup information (step S25). The measurement setup information includes information for uniquely identifying the measurement set up by the processing of steps S21 to S24 (referred to as measurement setup ID) and information for uniquely identifying the measurement instance (referred to as measurement instance ID). The measurement setup information is transmitted from the initiator 10 to the responder 20 by a measurement setup frame (step S26). The responder 20 stores the received measurement setup information (step S27) and transmits an acknowledgement (step S28).

[0063] The above-mentioned measurement setup information is also generated for each of the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band). The above-mentioned measurement setup frame and acknowledgment are transmitted and received by radio signals in the first frequency band (5 GHz band).

[0064] 9 is a sequence diagram of data transmitted and received between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 during the measurement phase. The illustrated process starts when the measurement setup phase is completed, that is, when the initiator 10 and the responder 20 have exchanged measurement parameters and completed sharing of measurement setup information.

[0065] First, in step S31, the initiator 10 (measurement signal transmitter 102) generates an initial frame. The initial frame is a frame including data specifying a measurement instance ID and an instance period. An instance period is the period required for one measurement. For example, when performing measurement in a first frequency band, a measurement frame is transmitted once, but when performing measurement in a second frequency band, a measurement frame must be transmitted multiple times to perform a sector scan. By specifying an instance period, the responder 20 can identify the measurement period for each measurement frame.

[0066] The initial frame is transmitted from the initiator 10 to the responder 20 in each of the first frequency band and the second frequency band (step S32).

[0067] Next, the initiator 10 (measurement signal transmitter 102) generates a measurement frame (step S33). In this embodiment, the measurement frame is a frame in which user data is not stored in the payload. In other words, the measurement frame is a frame consisting of only a header. The measurement frames are generated for each of the first frequency band (5 GHz band) and the second frequency band (60 GHz band).

[0068] Once the measurement frame is generated, the initiator 10 (measurement signal transmitter 102) transmits the generated measurement frame to the responder 20 (step S34). As described above, the measurement frame is transmitted once in the first frequency band, and multiple times in the second frequency band. For example, when transmitting a beam over a 180-degree range and scanning two degrees at a time, the measurement frame is transmitted 90 times.

[0069] The measurement frame is received by the responder 20 (measurement signal receiving unit 202). After the specified instance period has elapsed, the responder 20 (report generating unit 203) starts analyzing the received measurement frame and generates a report (CSI information) (step S35). Note that for the second frequency band in which sector scanning is performed, CSI information is generated for each sector. The generated report (CSI information) is transmitted from the responder 20 to the initiator 10 (step S36).

[0070] 10 is a sequence diagram of data exchanged between the initiator 10 and the responder 20 during the measurement completion phase. The illustrated process starts when the measurement phase is completed, that is, when the responder 20 has completed sending a report to the initiator 10.

[0071] First, in step S41, the initiator 10 (measurement control unit 101) generates a measurement setup terminate request (MSTR) frame. The measurement end request frame is a request to end a specific measurement, and includes the measurement setup ID to be ended. The measurement end request frame is transmitted from the initiator 10 to the responder 20 (step S42).

[0072] Upon receiving the measurement end request frame, the responder 20 prepares to end the requested measurement and transmits an acknowledgement to the initiator 10 (step S43).

[0073] Upon receiving the acknowledgement, the initiator 10 generates a frame (session end request frame) for ending the session with the responder 20, and transmits it to the responder 20 (step S44). Upon receiving the session end request frame, the responder 20 releases the resources of both the first and second frequency bands (step S45) and transmits an acknowledgement to the initiator 10 (step S46). Upon receiving the acknowledgment, the initiator 10 releases the resources of both the first frequency band and the second frequency band (step S47).

[0074] The initiator 10, having acquired the CSI information from the responder 20, performs a predetermined process using the CSI information. The predetermined process may be, for example, a process for detecting the presence of an object, a process for detecting the movement of an object, or a process for estimating the shape of an object. If an application that performs such a process is running on an external device, the initiator 10 may transmit the acquired CSI information or data generated based on the CSI information to the external device.

[0075] As described above, in the spatial sensing system according to this embodiment, the initiator 10 transmits measurement frames using both the first frequency band and the second frequency band, and the responder 20 generates CSI information based on the measurement frames. This enables spatial sensing that takes advantage of the advantages of both frequency bands.

[0076] Furthermore, in the spatial sensing system according to this embodiment, measurements are made using two frequency bands. Two types of control signals for this purpose are transmitted and received using only the first frequency band. Generally, control signals do not require high bit rates or high directivity. Therefore, by transmitting the two types of control signals together in the first frequency band, which is easier to connect, the reliability of communication can be increased and the time required for spatial sensing can be shortened.

[0077] (Variation) The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure can be implemented by appropriately modifying it within the scope that does not deviate from the gist thereof. For example, the processes and means described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs.

[0078] In the embodiment, the initiator is a transmitter and the responder is a receiver, but the initiator may be a receiver and the responder may be a transmitter. In this case, the responder may transmit a measurement frame and generate a report (CSI information) according to the initiator's instructions.

[0079] In addition, in the embodiment, the initiator 10 is exemplified as an example of a "first communication device" and the responder 20 is exemplified as an example of a "second communication device", but the initiator 10 may be the "second communication device" and the responder 20 may be the "second communication device".

[0080] In the embodiment, the first frequency band is the 5 GHz band and the second frequency band is the 60 GHz band, but other frequency bands may be used. Preferably, the first frequency band is a frequency band below 10 GHz, and the second frequency band is a frequency band of 10 GHz or higher.

[0081] Furthermore, in the embodiment, data that is transmitted and received between devices is compliant with IEEE802.11bf, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0082] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by one device may be shared and executed by multiple devices. Alternatively, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is realized can be flexibly changed.

[0083] The present disclosure can also be realized by providing a computer program implementing the functions described in the above embodiments to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer via a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium connectable to the computer's system bus or via a network. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media include, for example, any type of disk, such as a magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.), an optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD disk, a Blu-ray disk), a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an EPROM, an EEPROM, a magnetic card, a flash memory, an optical card, or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10. Initiator 20···Responder 30. Communication equipment 100, 200, 301... Control unit 302...Storage section 303···Communications Department

Claims

1. A communication device that functions as a first communication device in a spatial sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device, transmitting a control signal to the second communication device in a first frequency band for controlling both spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and spatial sensing using the second measurement signal; transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal to or from the second communication device in the first frequency band; transmitting the second measurement signal to or receiving the second measurement signal from the second communication device in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band; A communication device having a control unit that executes the above.

2. the first frequency band is a frequency band below 10 GHz, The second frequency band is a frequency band of 10 GHz or higher. The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit transmits the control signal to the second communication device prior to transmitting or receiving the first and second measurement signals; The communication device according to claim 1 .

4. the control signal is a signal that transmits to the second communication device both a parameter related to spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and a parameter related to spatial sensing using the second measurement signal. The communication device according to claim 3 .

5. The control signal is a signal conforming to IEEE 802.11bf. The communication device according to claim 1 .

6. the control unit establishes a session with the second communication device using the control signal prior to transmitting or receiving the first and second measurement signals; The communication device according to claim 1 .

7. When a session with the second communication device is established, the control unit uses the control signal to transmit to the second communication device both parameters related to spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and parameters related to spatial sensing using the second measurement signal. The communication device according to claim 6.

8. When the control unit transmits the first and second measurement signals to the second communication device, the control unit receives, from the second communication device, measurement results obtained by the first and second measurement signals, using the control signal. The communication device according to claim 7.

9. After receiving the measurement result, the control unit uses the control signal to terminate the session with the second communication device. The communication device according to claim 8.

10. A communication method executed by a first communication device in a spatial sensing system including a first communication device and a second communication device, comprising: transmitting a control signal to the second communication device in a first frequency band for controlling both spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and spatial sensing using the second measurement signal; transmitting or receiving the first measurement signal to or from the second communication device in the first frequency band; transmitting the second measurement signal to or receiving the second measurement signal from the second communication device in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band; A communication method, including:

11. the first frequency band is a frequency band below 10 GHz, The second frequency band is a frequency band of 10 GHz or higher. The communication method according to claim 10.

12. transmitting the control signal to the second communication device prior to transmitting or receiving the first and second measurement signals; The communication method according to claim 10.

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

14. The control signal is a signal conforming to IEEE 802.11bf. The communication method according to claim 10.

15. establishing a session with the second communication device using the control signal prior to transmitting or receiving the first and second measurement signals; The communication method according to claim 10.

16. When a session with the second communication device is established, transmitting both a parameter related to spatial sensing using the first measurement signal and a parameter related to spatial sensing using the second measurement signal to the second communication device using the control signal. The communication method according to claim 15.

17. receiving, from the second communication device, a measurement result obtained by the first and second measurement signals using the control signal when the first and second measurement signals are transmitted to the second communication device; 17. The communication method of claim 16.

18. after receiving the measurement results, terminating the session with the second communication device using the control signal; 18. The communication method of claim 17.

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

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