Communication control apparatus and communication control method

Abstract

To more suitably transmit the same signal.SOLUTION: By providing the communication device including the control unit configured to perform control to transmit and receive the first signal regarding the setting of the same signal to and from the first other communication device and transmit the same signal to the second other communication device on the basis of the first signal, it is possible to more suitably transmit the same signal. The present technology can be applied to, for example, a wireless LAN system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a communication device, and more particularly to a communication device that is capable of more preferably transmitting the same signal. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of wireless devices, congestion in wireless communication networks and the resulting communication interference have become problems. As a solution to this problem, there is an increasing need for AP cooperation technology, which allows multiple base stations (APs: Access Points) to operate in cooperation with each other.

[0003] This AP cooperation technology is a method in which multiple base stations cooperate to transmit signals to a single terminal (STA: Station), which then combines and receives those signals. This AP cooperation technology not only enables communications with reduced interference to other terminals, but is also expected to improve throughput and expand communication range by improving the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0004] Meanwhile, a method for achieving AP cooperation transmit diversity among multiple base stations has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The method disclosed in Patent Document 1 enables simultaneous reception of signals at a single terminal (STA) by transmitting a trigger frame that takes into account the propagation time difference. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-22459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when using AP cooperation technology, signals transmitted from multiple base stations contain information specific to each base station, and the final signal generated differs for each base station. Therefore, there has been a demand for technology that can generate and transmit the same signal to a single terminal between multiple base stations while including information specific to each base station.

[0007] Furthermore, the method disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not disclose a method for generating identical signals, and it is difficult to say that it realizes a form for obtaining diversity when using AP cooperation technology.

[0008] The present technology has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to transmit the same signal more preferably. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A communication device according to one aspect of the present technology is a communication device that transmits and receives a first signal related to the setting of an identical signal between a first other communication device and the first other communication device, and that includes a control unit that controls the transmission of the same signal to a second other communication device based on the first signal.

[0010] A communication method according to one aspect of the present technology is a communication method in which a communication device transmits and receives a first signal related to the setting of an identical signal to a first other communication device, and controls the transmission of the same signal to a second other communication device based on the first signal.

[0011] In a communication device and a communication method according to one aspect of the present technology, a first signal relating to the setting of an identical signal is transmitted and received between a first other communication device, and the identical signal is transmitted to a second other communication device based on the first signal.

[0012] A communication device according to one aspect of the present technology is a communication device that includes a control unit that receives multiple identical signals transmitted from multiple other communication devices with which it has exchanged first signals related to the setting of the same signal, and controls the decoding of the multiple identical signals into a single signal.

[0013] A communication method according to one aspect of the present technology is a communication method in which a communication device receives multiple identical signals transmitted from multiple other communication devices with which the communication device has exchanged first signals related to the setting of the same signal, and controls the multiple identical signals to be decoded as a single signal.

[0014] In a communication device and a communication method according to one aspect of the present technology, multiple identical signals transmitted from multiple other communication devices that have exchanged first signals related to the setting of the same signal are received, and the multiple identical signals are decoded as a single signal.

[0015] It should be noted that the communication device according to one aspect of the present technology may be an independent device or an internal block constituting a single device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a communication device to which the present technology is applied. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram when a channel information measurement signal is transmitted. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format used by an Initiation signal. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format used by an NDPA Trigger signal. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a physical format used by a JT NDPA signal. [Figure 7] A diagram showing a detailed example of a frame format used by the JT NDPA signal. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format used by an NDP Trigger signal. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a transmission sequence of a channel information measurement result request signal. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format used by a BFRP Trigger signal. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a frame format used by JT BFRP signals. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a data signal transmission process. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format used by the JT Trigger signal. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame format used by the JT DATA signal. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a transmission of a data reception result request signal. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format used by a BAR Trigger signal. [Figure 17] A diagram showing an example of a frame format used by the JT BAR signal. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame format used by an independent signal that stores Original Info. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the base station AP1. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the base station AP1. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the base station AP2. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of the base station AP2. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operations of a terminal STA. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a transmission of a channel information measurement signal in a constraint-type configuration. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a channel information measurement result request signal transmission in a constraint-type configuration. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a data signal transmission sequence in a restricted configuration. [Figure 27]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a transmission of a data reception result request signal in a constraint type configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in the following order.

[0018] 1. Embodiments of the present technology 2. Variations

[0019] <1. Embodiments of the present technology>

[0020] (Example of wireless communication system configuration) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied.

[0021] The wireless communication system in Figure 1 is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) system consisting of a base station (AP: Access Point) and multiple networks (BSS: Basic Service Set) consisting of subordinate terminals (STA: Station) connected to the base station.

[0022] 1A, the wireless communication system is configured by terminals STAs connected to at least one of base stations AP1 and AP2. This configuration is called an unconstrained configuration.

[0023] 1B, the wireless communication system is configured to include a base station AP3 that is connected to both the base station AP1 and the base station AP2. This configuration is called a constrained configuration.

[0024] That is, in the uncommitted configuration and the restricted configuration, the terminal STA is in a positional relationship where it can communicate with the base station AP1 and the base station AP2, and the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 are in a positional relationship where they can communicate with each other. However, in the restricted configuration, the base stations AP1 and AP2 are connected to the base station AP3 that controls multiple base stations AP.

[0025] (Example of communication device configuration) FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a communication device (wireless communication device) to which the present technology is applied.

[0026] The communication device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a base station AP or a terminal STA subordinate thereto in the wireless communication system of FIG.

[0027] 2, communication device 10 includes a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, and a power supply unit 103. Furthermore, communication unit 102 includes a radio control unit 111, a data processing unit 112, a modulation / demodulation unit 113, a signal processing unit 114, a channel estimation unit 115, radio interface units 116-1 to 116-N (N: an integer equal to or greater than 1), and amplifier units 117-1 to 117-N (N: an integer equal to or greater than 1).

[0028] Furthermore, in the communication device 10, antennas 118-1 to 118-N (N: an integer equal to or greater than 1) are provided for the communication unit 102 (the amplifier units 117-1 to 117-N thereof).

[0029] The control unit 101 and the wireless control unit 111 are configured as control devices such as a processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor, and control the operation of each unit. The control unit 101 and the communication unit 102 may be configured as one block, that is, for example, as one integrated circuit (LSI: Large Scale Integration).

[0030] The control unit 101 and the wireless control unit 111 exchange information (data) between the respective blocks. The communication unit 102 performs processing related to wireless communication under the control of the control unit 101 and the wireless control unit 111.

[0031] That is, control unit 101 and wireless control unit 111 perform packet scheduling in data processing unit 112 and parameter setting in modulation / demodulation unit 113 and signal processing unit 114 of communication unit 102. Furthermore, control unit 101 and wireless control unit 111 perform parameter setting and transmission power control for wireless interface units 116-1 to 116-N and amplifier units 117-1 to 117-N.

[0032] In particular, in the communication device 10 (base station AP), at least one of the control unit 101 and the radio control unit 111 controls the sequence for sharing and unifying information by exchanging signals (Initiation signals and Trigger signals described below) related to the setting of the same signals (JT NDPA signal, JT NDP signal, JT BFRP signal, JT DATA signal, JT BAR signal described below) with the first other communication device 10 (other base station AP).

[0033] Then, based on the exchanged signals (such as the Initiation signal described below), at least one of the control unit 101 and the radio control unit 111 controls the operation of each unit to transmit the same signals (such as the JT NDPA signal, JT NDP signal, JT BFRP signal, JT DATA signal, and JT BAR signal described below) to a second other communication device 10 (terminal STA) using a signal format for storing shared and unified information.

[0034] On the other hand, in the second other communication device 10 (terminal STA), at least one of the control unit 101 and the radio control unit 111 receives multiple identical signals transmitted from multiple other communication devices (multiple base stations AP) with which signals related to the setting of the same signal (such as the Initiation signal described below) are exchanged, and controls the operation of each unit so as to decode the multiple identical signals (the JT NDPA signal, JT NDP signal, JT BFRP signal, JT DATA signal, and JT BAR signal described below) as a single signal.

[0035] When data is input from a higher layer of the protocol during transmission, the data processing unit 112 generates a packet for wireless communication from the input data, performs processing such as adding a header for media access control (MAC) and an error detection code, and outputs the resulting processed data to the modem unit 113.

[0036] In addition, when data is received from the modem unit 113, the data processing unit 112 performs processing on the input data, such as analyzing the MAC header, detecting packet errors, and reordering, and outputs the resulting processed data to the upper protocol layer.

[0037] During transmission, the modem unit 113 performs processing such as encoding, interleaving, and modulation on the input data received from the data processing unit 112 based on the coding and modulation method set by the control unit 101, etc., and outputs the resulting data symbol stream to the signal processing unit 114.

[0038] Furthermore, during reception, the modem unit 113 performs the opposite processing to that performed during transmission on the data symbol stream input from the signal processing unit 114, i.e., performs processing such as demodulation, deinterleaving, and decoding based on the coding and demodulation method set by the control unit 101, etc., and outputs the resulting processed data to the radio control unit 111 or the data processing unit 112.

[0039] During transmission, the signal processing unit 114 performs signal processing such as spatial separation on the data symbol stream input from the modem unit 113 as necessary, and outputs one or more resulting transmission symbol streams to the radio interface units 116-1 to 116-N, respectively.

[0040] Furthermore, during reception, the signal processing unit 114 performs signal processing such as spatial decomposition of the received symbol streams input from each of the wireless interface units 116-1 to 116-N as necessary, and outputs the resulting data symbol streams to the modem unit 113.

[0041] The channel estimation unit 115 calculates complex channel gain information of the propagation path from the preamble portion and the training signal portion of the input signal from each of the radio interface units 116-1 to 116-N. The complex channel gain information calculated by the channel estimation unit 115 is used for demodulation processing in the modem unit 113 and spatial processing in the signal processing unit 114 via the radio control unit 111.

[0042] During transmission, the wireless interface unit 116-1 converts the transmission symbol stream input from the signal processing unit 114 into an analog signal, performs processing such as filtering and up-conversion to a carrier frequency, and outputs (sends) the resulting transmission signal to the amplifier unit 117-1 or the antenna 118-1.

[0043] Furthermore, during reception, the wireless interface unit 116-1 performs processing opposite to that performed during transmission, such as down-conversion, on the received signal input from the amplifier unit 117-1 or the antenna 118-1, and outputs the resulting received symbol stream to the signal processing unit 114.

[0044] During transmission, amplifier 117-1 amplifies a transmission signal (analog signal) input from wireless interface unit 116-1 to a predetermined power level and sends the signal to antenna 118-1. During reception, amplifier 117-1 amplifies a reception signal (analog signal) input from antenna 118-1 to a predetermined power level and outputs the signal to wireless interface unit 116-1.

[0045] It should be noted that the wireless interface units 116-2 to 116-N are configured in the same manner as the wireless interface unit 116-1, the amplifier units 117-2 to 117-N are configured in the same manner as the amplifier unit 117-1, and the antennas 118-2 to 118-N are configured in the same manner as the antenna 118-1, and therefore their explanations are omitted here.

[0046] Furthermore, the amplifier units 117 (117-1 to 117-N) may have at least one of their functions (at least a part of them) for transmission and reception included in the wireless interface units 116 (116-1 to 116-N). Furthermore, the amplifier units 117 (117-1 to 117-N) may have at least one of their functions (at least a part of them) for transmission and reception as an external component of the communication unit 102.

[0047] Furthermore, each of the elements of the wireless interface units 116-1 to 116-N, the amplifier units 117-1 to 117-N, and the antennas 118-1 to 118-N may be considered as a set (for example, one or more wireless interface units 116, one or more amplifier units 117, and one or more antennas 118 may be considered as a set), and one or more sets may be included as components.

[0048] The power supply unit 103 is configured by a battery power supply or a fixed power supply, and supplies power to each unit of the communication device 10 .

[0049] The communication device 10 is configured as described above.

[0050] Hereinafter, details of a wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0051] Specifically, when a wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied is configured as an unconstrained configuration, operations will be described in four cases: (1) when a channel information measurement signal is transmitted, (2) when a channel information measurement result request signal is transmitted, (3) when a data signal is transmitted, and (4) when a data reception result request signal is transmitted. Also, operations in the constrained configuration will be described as differences from operations in the unconstrained configuration.

[0052] (1) When transmitting a channel information measurement signal

[0053] (Sequence diagram) FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram when a channel information measurement signal is transmitted.

[0054] The sequence in FIG. 3 shows the operations of a plurality of base stations (AP1, AP2) and a terminal (STA) connected to at least one of the base stations.

[0055] In the following description of the non-constrained configuration, the base station AP1 and the terminal STA are connected, and the base station AP1 is the starting point for starting the sequence. In the sequence diagrams such as Figure 3, time progresses from the left to the right in the diagram.

[0056] The base station AP1 transmits an Initiation signal to the base station AP2 (S11). In response to this Initiation signal, the base station AP2 transmits an Initiation signal to the base station AP1 (S12).

[0057] The Initiation signal includes information about the terminal that sent the Initiation signal (the base station AP that sent it), common information used by a plurality of base stations AP, and information about the terminal STA that is the destination of the plurality of base stations AP.

[0058] By transmitting and receiving the initiation signal, the base stations AP1 and AP2 share and unify information. The information may be shared and unified after transmitting and receiving the initiation signal multiple times.

[0059] The base station AP1 that has shared and unified a plurality of pieces of information may notify the terminal STA of information indicating that the sharing and unification has been carried out, and at least part of the information that has been shared and unified. Furthermore, the base stations AP1, AP2, and the terminal STA may confirm whether they are compatible with this sequence before starting the sequence or by transmitting and receiving an Initiation signal.

[0060] After sharing and unifying information by transmitting and receiving the Initiation signal, the base station AP1 transmits a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) Trigger signal to the base station AP2 (S13). The Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) Trigger signal may also be referred to as a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) Slave Trigger signal or a Null Data Packet Announcement (NDPA) variant of a Slave Trigger signal.

[0061] This NDPA Trigger signal is a signal that induces base station AP2 to transmit a notification signal at the same timing as base station AP1. This notification signal is a signal that notifies that a measurement signal for measuring channel information will be transmitted.

[0062] These broadcast signals and measurement signals will be described later. The NDPA Trigger signal includes information on communication parameters used between multiple base stations AP, and information on JT NDPA signals that are simultaneously transmitted by multiple base stations AP.

[0063] The base station AP1 that transmitted the NDPA Trigger signal and the base station AP2 that received the NDPA Trigger signal transmit a Joint Transmission Null Data Packet Announcement (JT NDPA) signal, which is a broadcast signal, to the terminal STA (S14).

[0064] This JT NDPA signal is generated based on the shared and unified information and is transmitted using the same timing, frequency, modulation coding scheme, and other communication parameters based on the shared and unified or information contained in the NDPA Trigger.

[0065] The JT NDPA signal includes information regarding an identifier of the transmitting terminal used between multiple base stations AP, an identifier related to measurements of channel information performed between multiple base stations AP and terminal STAs, and an identifier of the terminal STA that is the destination of multiple base stations APs.

[0066] The terminal STA that receives the JT NDPA signal receives and decodes the JT NDPA signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a portion of the JT NDPA signal (e.g., the physical header) as a single signal. The terminal STA and other communication terminals (not shown) that receive the JT NDPA signal operate to suppress transmission during the period specified in the JT NDPA signal.

[0067] The base station AP1 that transmitted the JT NDPA signal transmits a Null Data Packet (NDP) Trigger signal to the base station AP2 (S15).

[0068] This NDP Trigger signal is a signal that induces the base station AP2 to transmit a measurement signal at the same timing as the base station AP1. The NDP Trigger signal includes information about communication parameters used between multiple base stations AP.

[0069] The base station AP1 that transmitted the NDP Trigger signal and the base station AP2 that received it transmit a Joint Transmission Null Data Packet (JT NDP) signal, which is a measurement signal, to the terminal STA (S16).

[0070] This JT NDP signal is generated based on the shared and unified information and is transmitted using the same timing, frequency, modulation coding scheme, and other communication parameters based on the shared and unified information or information contained in the NDP Trigger.

[0071] The terminal STA that receives the JT NDP signal receives and decodes the JT NDP signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT NDP signal (e.g., the physical header) as a single signal.

[0072] The above sequence enables the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 to share and unify information and to generate and transmit the same signal between the base station AP1 and the base station AP2.

[0073] It also enables the base stations AP1 and AP2 to transmit beacons that notify the transmission of measurement signals at the same timing, and enables the terminal STA to receive the beacons transmitted at the same timing by the base stations AP1 and AP2 as a single signal.

[0074] Furthermore, it enables the base stations AP1 and AP2 to transmit measurement signals at the same timing, and also enables the terminal STA to receive the measurement signals transmitted at the same timing by the base stations AP1 and AP2 as a single signal.

[0075] It also enables multiple base stations (APs) to simultaneously transmit signals for measuring channel information, reducing overhead, which in turn improves overall system throughput and reduces latency.

[0076] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0077] (Initiation signal format) FIG. 4 shows an example of a frame format used by an initiation signal in a sequence when a channel information measurement signal is transmitted.

[0078] The Signal Type contains information indicating that this frame is an Initiation signal. The Length contains information about the length of this frame.

[0079] My Info includes information about the terminal that transmitted the Initiation signal (the base station AP that transmitted it). This information about the terminal may include an identifier of the terminal. For example, the identifier of the terminal may be a MAC address or an address that the terminal uses for communication at a certain frequency.

[0080] The information about the source terminal may also include an identifier of a network configured by the source terminal. For example, the identifier of the network configured by the source terminal may be an SSID (Service Set Identifier), BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), or BSS Color (Basic Service Set Color) defined by IEEE802.11.

[0081] Common Info includes common information used by a plurality of base stations AP. This common information may include an identifier of a source terminal (source base station AP) used among a plurality of base stations AP.

[0082] For example, the identifier of the source terminal used among multiple base stations AP may be a MAC address, an address used by the source terminal in communication at a certain frequency, or information indicating the use of a predetermined address. Also, the identifier of the source terminal may be the identifier of the source terminal itself that transmitted the Initiation signal.

[0083] The information used among a plurality of base stations AP may include an identifier of a network formed by the source terminal and used among the plurality of base stations AP.

[0084] For example, the identifier of the network configured by the source terminal used among a plurality of base stations AP may be an SSID, BSSID, or BSS Color defined in IEEE 802.11, or may be information indicating the use of a predetermined SSID, BSSID, or BSS Color. The identifier of the network configured by the source terminal may be the identifier of a network configured by the source terminal itself that transmitted the Initiation signal.

[0085] The common information may include information about communication parameters used among multiple base stations APs, such as a center frequency and frequency bandwidth, a modulation and coding scheme, spatial streams, and signal length.

[0086] The Common User Info includes information about terminal STAs that are destinations of multiple base stations AP. This information about the destination terminal STAs may include identifier information of the terminal STAs.

[0087] For example, the identifier of the terminal STA may be an identifier of the terminal STA assigned by the base station AP1, may be an Association ID (AID) defined in IEEE802.11, or may be information indicating the use of a predetermined identifier.

[0088] The information about the destination terminal STA may include an identifier related to measurements of channel information performed between a plurality of base stations AP and the terminal STA.

[0089] For example, the identifier related to the channel information measurement may be a Sounding Dialog Token Number defined in IEEE 802.11. The information related to the destination terminal STA may include information related to communication parameters when the terminal STA transmits the result of the channel information measurement. The communication parameters may be information related to the center frequency and frequency bandwidth, the modulation and coding scheme, the spatial stream, and the length of the signal.

[0090] The Agreement may include information on whether or not to use unified information based on the information included in the received Initiation signal.

[0091] The information regarding whether or not to agree to the specified unification includes information indicating agreement (agreement information) if the specified unification is agreed to, and information indicating no agreement (disagreement information) if the specified unification is not agreed to.

[0092] In addition, information regarding whether or not to proceed may be transmitted only by a base station AP that has received an Initiation signal from another base station AP, such as base station AP2, and in this case, an Initiation signal may be transmitted that does not include all or at least part of My Info, Common Info, and Common User info.

[0093] Furthermore, when the base station AP1 notifies the terminal STA of the shared and unified information, it may transmit an Initiation signal that does not include all or at least a part of My Info and Agreement.

[0094] (NDPA Trigger signal format) FIG. 5 shows an example of a frame format used by the NDPA Trigger signal in the sequence when transmitting the channel information measurement signal.

[0095] Frame Control contains information about the NDPA Trigger signal settings. Duration contains information about the length of this frame.

[0096] The RA includes information about the address of the destination base station AP of the NDPA Trigger signal, and the TA includes information about the address of the source base station AP of the NDPA Trigger signal.

[0097] JT TX Info includes information about communication parameters used between multiple base stations APs, which may include information about center frequency and frequency bandwidth, modulation and coding scheme, spatial stream, and signal length.

[0098] The information on the communication parameters may be information for synchronizing or interpolating frequency and phase between multiple base stations AP, or information on the timing at which multiple base stations AP simultaneously transmit.

[0099] JT NDPA Info includes information about JT NDPA signals that are simultaneously transmitted by multiple base stations AP.

[0100] For example, the information about the JT NDPA signal may be information about the settings of the JT NDPA signal, or may be information about the settings of Frame Control defined in IEEE 802.11.The information about the JT NDPA signal may be information stored in the JT NDPA signal, which will be described later.

[0101] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0102] (JT NDPA signal format) FIG. 6 shows an example of a physical format used by a JT NDPA signal in a sequence when a channel information measurement signal is transmitted.

[0103] This format consists of a Phy Header followed by a Payload. The Phy Header contains a JT-SIG. The JT-SIG may also be called an EHT-SIG.

[0104] Since a CRC is added to the end of the Phy Header, other communication terminals (not shown) can receive the JT-SIG information from only the Phy Header without receiving the entire JT NDPA signal, which allows the other communication terminals to perform operations based on the JT-SIG information.

[0105] The JT-SIG may include Common Info Used, which is information indicating that shared and unified information is included. The JT-SIG may also include Common BSS Color, which is a network identifier unified by transmitting and receiving an Initiation signal.

[0106] The network identifier may be a BSS Color defined in IEEE 802.11, which allows other communication terminals to perform operations such as reception termination, transmission power control, detection threshold control, or spatial reuse based on the Common BSS Color.

[0107] The payload stores a frame format shown in detail in Fig. 7. The payload may also include an area in the middle or at the end that contains at least part of the information contained in the Phy Header.

[0108] FIG. 7 shows a detailed example of a frame format used by the JT NDPA signal in a sequence when transmitting a channel information measurement signal.

[0109] The Frame Control includes information about the settings of the JT NDPA signal, which may be determined based on information included in the JT NDPA Info of the NDPA Trigger signal.

[0110] Duration contains information about the length of this frame. RA contains information about the address of the terminal STA to which this frame is addressed.

[0111] The Common TA includes an identifier of a source terminal used among a plurality of base stations AP. The identifier of the source terminal used among a plurality of base stations AP may be determined based on information included in Common Info of the Initiation signal.

[0112] The Original Info includes information about each base station AP before unification. For example, the information about each base station AP before unification may be the identifier of each base station AP (AP1 ID, AP2 ID). Also, the information about each base station AP before unification may be the identifier of the network that each base station AP configures (AP1 Network ID, AP2 Network ID).

[0113] The information about each base station AP before unification may be shown by listing the identifiers of multiple base stations AP or the identifier of a network made up of multiple base stations AP. Also, the information about each base station AP before unification may be listed in ascending or descending order, and the information about the base station AP1 that transmitted the NDPA Trigger signal may be listed first.

[0114] The Common User Info includes identifiers of terminal STAs (AP1 STA ID, AP2 STA ID) that are destinations of multiple base stations AP. The identifiers of the terminal STAs may be determined based on information included in the Common User Info of the Initiation signal.

[0115] The Common User Info also includes identifiers (AP1 Sounding ID, AP2 Sounding ID) related to the measurement of channel information performed between multiple base stations AP and terminals STA. The identifiers related to the measurement of channel information may be determined based on information included in the Common User Info of the Initiation signal.

[0116] Furthermore, Common User Info may be repeated as many times as the number of base stations APs transmitting the JT NDPA signal. When Common User Info is repeated, Common User Info corresponding to each base station AP may be listed in the order corresponding to the order of the identifiers of the base stations APs listed in Original Info.

[0117] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0118] (NDP Trigger signal format) FIG. 8 shows an example of a frame format used by the NDP Trigger signal in the sequence when transmitting the channel information measurement signal.

[0119] In Figure 8, the explanation of Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, JT TX Info, and FCS in the NDP Trigger signal is the same as the explanation of the NDPA Trigger signal in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0120] (JT NDP signal format) In the sequence for transmitting the channel information measurement signal, the JT NDP signal can use the physical format used by the JT NDPA signal in Fig. 6. When using the physical format in Fig. 6 for the JT NDP signal, the signal may contain nothing in the payload.

[0121] (2) When transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal

[0122] (Sequence diagram) FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram when a channel information measurement result request signal is transmitted.

[0123] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 9, base station AP1 and base station AP2 share and unify information by transmitting and receiving an initiation signal before this sequence. Note that the initiation signal and the information to be shared and unified are the same as those explained in the sequence diagram of Fig. 3 (S11, S12) above.

[0124] The base station AP1 transmits a Beam Forming Report Poll (BFRP) Trigger signal to the base station AP2 (S21). Note that the Beam Forming Report Poll (BFRP) Trigger signal may also be referred to as a Beam Forming Report Poll (BFRP) Slave Trigger signal or a Beam Forming Report Poll (BFRP) variant of a Slave Trigger signal.

[0125] The BFRP Trigger signal is a signal that induces the base station AP2 to transmit a Joint Transmission Beam Forming Report Poll (JT BFRP) signal, which is a measurement result request signal, at the same timing as the base station AP1. The JT BFRP signal will be described later.

[0126] The BFRP Trigger signal includes information on communication parameters used between multiple base stations AP, and information on the JT BFRP signal that multiple base stations AP transmit simultaneously.

[0127] The base station AP1 that transmitted the BFRP Trigger signal and the base station AP2 that received the BFRP Trigger signal transmit a JT BFRP signal to the terminal STA (S22).

[0128] JT BFRP signals are generated based on the shared and unified information and are transmitted using the same timing, frequency, modulation coding scheme, and other communication parameters based on the shared and unified information or information contained in the BFRP Trigger.

[0129] The JT BFRP signal includes information regarding an identifier of the source terminal (source base station AP) used between multiple base stations APs, an identifier related to the measurement of channel information performed between multiple base stations APs and terminal STAs, and an identifier of the terminal STA that is the destination of multiple base stations APs.

[0130] A terminal STA that receives a JT BFRP signal receives and decodes the JT BFRP signals transmitted from base stations AP1 and AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT BFRP signal (e.g., a physical header) as a single signal.

[0131] In addition, the terminal STA acquires identifiers related to the measurement of channel information of the base stations AP1 and AP2, which are the senders, and base stations AP1 and AP2, from the information contained in the JT BFRP signal, and transmits the measurement results of the specified channel information to base stations AP1 and AP2 as a Beam Forming Report (BFR) signal (S23).

[0132] The above sequence enables the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 to transmit the measurement result request signal at the same timing.

[0133] It also enables the terminal STA to receive, as a single signal, measurement result request signals transmitted at the same time by the base stations AP1 and AP2, and to transmit measurement results to the base stations AP1 and AP2 while receiving the measurement result request signal as a single signal.

[0134] It also enables multiple base stations APs to simultaneously transmit measurement result request signals, reducing overhead, which in turn improves overall system throughput and reduces latency.

[0135] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0136] (BFRP Trigger signal format) FIG. 10 shows an example of a frame format used by a BFRP trigger signal in a sequence when a channel information measurement result request signal is transmitted.

[0137] In Figure 10, the explanation of Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, and JT TX Info in the BFRP Trigger signal is the same as the explanation of the NDPA Trigger signal in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0138] JT BFRP Info includes information about JT BFRP signals that are simultaneously transmitted by multiple base stations AP.

[0139] This information about the JT BFRP signal may be information about the settings of the JT BFRP signal, or may be information about the settings of Frame Control defined in IEEE 802.11.The information about the JT BFRP signal may be information stored in the JT BFRP signal, which will be described later.

[0140] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0141] (JT BFRP signal format) FIG. 11 shows an example of a frame format used by a JT BFRP signal in a sequence for transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal.

[0142] The Frame Control includes information about the settings of the JT BFRP signal, which may be determined based on information included in the JT BFRP Info of the BFRP Trigger signal.

[0143] Duration contains information about the length of this frame. RA contains information about the address of the destination terminal of this frame.

[0144] The explanation of Common TA and Original Info is the same as that of the JT NDPA signal in FIG. 7, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0145] The Common User Info includes identifiers of terminal STAs (AP1 STA ID, AP2 STA ID) that are destinations of multiple base stations AP. The identifiers of the terminal STAs may be determined based on information included in the Common User Info of the Initiation signal.

[0146] The Common User Info also includes identifiers (AP1 Sounding ID, AP2 Sounding ID) related to the measurement of channel information performed between multiple base stations AP and terminals STA. The identifiers related to the measurement of channel information may be determined based on information included in the Common User Info of the Initiation signal.

[0147] Furthermore, the Common User Info may include information (AP1 Resource, AP2 Resource) about frequency resources used when the terminal STA transmits the measurement results of channel information to each base station AP. This information about frequency resources may be determined based on information included in the Common User Info of the Initiation signal.

[0148] Furthermore, Common User Info may be repeated as many times as the number of base stations AP transmitting the JT BFRP signal. When Common User Info is repeated, Common User Info corresponding to each base station AP may be listed in the order corresponding to the order of the identifiers of the base stations AP listed in Original Info.

[0149] If the frequency resource used by the terminal STA when transmitting the measurement result of the channel information to each base station AP is common to a plurality of base stations AP, there may be only one piece of information about the frequency resource.

[0150] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0151] The JT BFRP signal may be transmitted stored in the payload of the physical format used by the JT NDPA signal of FIG.

[0152] (BFR signal format) In the sequence for transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal, the BFR signal may be transmitted to a broadcast address or may be transmitted to the Common TA of the JT BFRP signal in Fig. 11. Furthermore, the BFR signal may be transmitted using the Beamforming Report field defined in IEEE802.11.

[0153] (3) When transmitting a data signal

[0154] (Sequence diagram) FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram when transmitting a data signal.

[0155] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 12, base station AP1 and base station AP2 share and unify information by transmitting and receiving an initiation signal before this sequence. Note that the initiation signal and the information to be shared and unified are the same as those explained in the sequence diagram of Fig. 3 (S11, S12) above.

[0156] The base station AP1 transmits a Joint Transmission (JT) Trigger signal to the base station AP2 (S31). Note that the Joint Transmission (JT) Trigger signal may also be referred to as a Joint Transmission (JT) Slave Trigger signal or a Joint Transmission (JT) variant of a Slave Trigger signal.

[0157] The JT Trigger signal is a signal that induces the base station AP2 to transmit a Joint Transmission DATA (JT DATA) signal, which is a data signal, at the same timing as the base station AP1. The JT DATA signal will be described later.

[0158] The JT Trigger signal includes information about communication parameters used between multiple base stations AP and information about JT DATA signals that are simultaneously transmitted by multiple base stations AP. Base station AP1 may transmit the JT Trigger signal together with data stored in the JT DATA signal transmitted by base station AP2.

[0159] The base station AP1 that transmitted the JT Trigger signal and the base station AP2 that received the JT Trigger signal transmit a JT DATA signal to the terminal STA (S32).

[0160] The JT DATA signal is generated based on the shared and unified information and is transmitted using the same timing, frequency, modulation coding scheme, and other communication parameters based on the shared and unified information or information contained in the DATA Trigger.

[0161] The JT DATA signal includes information regarding the identifier of a source terminal used between a plurality of base stations AP and the identifier of a terminal STA that is the destination of the plurality of base stations AP.

[0162] The terminal STA that receives the JT DATA signal receives and decodes the JT DATA signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT DATA signal (e.g., a physical header) as a single signal.

[0163] The above sequence enables the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 to transmit data signals at the same timing.

[0164] It also enables the terminal STA to receive data signals transmitted at the same timing from the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 as a single signal.

[0165] It also enables multiple base stations (APs) to transmit data signals simultaneously, reducing overhead, which in turn improves overall system throughput and reduces latency.

[0166] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0167] (JT Trigger signal format) FIG. 13 shows an example of a frame format used by the JT Trigger signal in a sequence when transmitting a data signal.

[0168] In Figure 13, the explanation of Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, and JT TX Info in the JT Trigger signal is the same as the explanation of the NDPA Trigger signal in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0169] JT DATA Info includes information about JT DATA signals that are simultaneously transmitted by multiple base stations AP.

[0170] This information about the JT DATA signal may be information about the settings of the JT DATA signal, or may be information about the settings of Frame Control defined in IEEE 802.11.The information about the JT DATA signal may be information for identifying data or information about the order of data, or may be the Starting Sequence Number and Sequence Number defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0171] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0172] (JT DATA signal format) FIG. 14 shows an example of a frame format used by the JT DATA signal in a sequence when transmitting a data signal.

[0173] The Frame Control contains information about the settings of the JT DATA signal, which may be determined based on information contained in the JT DATA Info of the JT Trigger signal.

[0174] Duration contains information about the length of this frame. RA contains information about the address of the destination terminal of this frame.

[0175] The explanation of Common TA and Original Info is the same as that of the JT NDPA signal in FIG. 7, and therefore will be omitted.

[0176] DATA includes data addressed to the terminal STA. If the base station AP1 transmits data in conjunction with the JT Trigger signal, the DATA may also include the data.

[0177] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0178] The JT DATA signal may be transmitted stored in the payload of the physical format used by the JT NDPA signal of FIG.

[0179] (4) When sending a data reception result request signal

[0180] (Sequence diagram) FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram when a data reception result request signal is transmitted.

[0181] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 15, base station AP1 and base station AP2 share and unify information by transmitting and receiving an initiation signal before this sequence. Note that the initiation signal and the information to be shared and unified are the same as those explained in the sequence diagram of Fig. 3 (S11, S12) above.

[0182] The base station AP1 transmits a Block Ack Request (BAR) Trigger signal to the base station AP2 (S41). Note that the Block Ack Request (BAR) Trigger signal may also be referred to as a Block Ack Request (BAR) Slave Trigger signal or a variant of the Block Ack Request (BAR) Trigger Slave Trigger signal.

[0183] The BAR Trigger signal is a signal that induces the base station AP2 to transmit a Joint Transmission Block Ack Request (JT BAR) signal, which is a data reception result request signal, at the same timing as the base station AP1. The JT BAR signal will be described later.

[0184] The BAR Trigger signal includes information about communication parameters used between a plurality of base stations AP, and information about JT BAR signals that are simultaneously transmitted by a plurality of base stations AP.

[0185] The base station AP1 that transmitted the BAR Trigger signal and the base station AP2 that received the BAR Trigger signal transmit a JT BAR signal to the terminal STA (S42).

[0186] The JT BAR signal is generated based on the shared and unified information and is transmitted using the same timing, frequency, modulation coding scheme, and other communication parameters based on the shared and unified information or information contained in the BAR Trigger.

[0187] The JT BAR signal includes information about an identifier of a source terminal used between multiple base stations AP, an identifier of a terminal STA that is the destination of the multiple base stations AP, and an identifier of data for which a reception result is requested. The information about the data identifier may be information about the order of the data, or may be the Starting Sequence Number and Sequence Number specified in IEEE802.11.

[0188] The terminal STA that receives the JT BAR signal receives and decodes the JT BAR signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT BAR signal (e.g., a physical header) as a single signal.

[0189] In addition, the terminal STA acquires the identifiers of the base stations AP1 and AP2 that are the senders and the data for which the reception result is requested from the information contained in the JT BAR signal, and transmits the reception result of the specified data (data signal) to the base stations AP1 and AP2 as a Block Ack (BA) signal (S43).

[0190] The above sequence enables the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 to transmit data reception result request signals at the same timing.

[0191] It also enables the terminal STA to receive, as a single signal, data reception result request signals transmitted at the same time by base station AP1 and base station AP2, and to transmit data reception results to base station AP1 and base station AP2 while receiving the data reception result request signal as a single signal.

[0192] It also enables multiple base stations APs to simultaneously transmit data reception result request signals, reducing overhead, which in turn improves the throughput of the entire system and reduces delay time.

[0193] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0194] (BAR Trigger signal format) FIG. 16 shows an example of a frame format used by the BAR Trigger signal in the sequence when transmitting a data reception result request signal.

[0195] In Figure 16, the explanation of Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, and JT TX Info in the BAR Trigger signal is the same as the explanation of the NDPA Trigger signal in Figure 5, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0196] JT BAR Info includes information about JT BAR signals that are simultaneously transmitted by multiple base stations AP.

[0197] This information about the JT BAR signal may be information about the settings of the JT BAR signal, or may be information about the settings of Frame Control defined in IEEE 802.11.The information about the JT BAR signal may be information for identifying data for which a reception result is requested or information about the order of data, or may be the Starting Sequence Number and Sequence Number defined in IEEE 802.11.

[0198] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0199] (JT BAR signal format) FIG. 17 shows an example of a frame format used by the JT BAR signal in the sequence when transmitting a data reception result request signal.

[0200] The Frame Control includes information about the settings of the JT BAR signal, which may be determined based on information included in the JT BAR Info of the BAR Trigger signal.

[0201] Duration contains information about the length of this frame. RA contains information about the address of the destination terminal of this frame.

[0202] The explanation of Common TA and Original Info is the same as that of the JT NDPA signal in FIG. 7, and therefore will be omitted.

[0203] The Common User Info includes identifiers of terminal STAs (AP1 STA ID, AP2 STA ID) that are destinations of multiple base stations AP. The identifiers of the terminal STAs may be determined based on information included in the Common User Info of the Initiation signal.

[0204] The Common User Info also includes an identifier (AP1 DATA ID, AP2 DATA ID) of the data for which the reception result is requested, or information about the data order. This information about the data order may be the Starting Sequence Number and Sequence Number specified in IEEE802.11.

[0205] Furthermore, the Common User Info may include information (AP1 Resource, AP2 Resource) about frequency resources used when the terminal STA transmits data reception results to each base station AP. This information about frequency resources may be determined based on information included in the Common User Info of the Initiation signal.

[0206] Furthermore, Common User Info may be repeated as many times as the number of base stations AP transmitting the JT BAR signal. When Common User Info is repeated, Common User Info corresponding to each base station AP may be listed in the order corresponding to the order of the identifiers of the base stations AP listed in Original Info.

[0207] In addition, if the data that the terminal STA transmits as a reception result to each base station AP, or the frequency resources that the terminal STA uses when transmitting data reception results to each base station AP, are common to multiple base stations AP, there may be only one piece of information regarding the data identifier or frequency resource.

[0208] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0209] The JT BAR signal may be transmitted stored in the payload of the physical format used by the JT NDPA signal of FIG.

[0210] (BA signal format) In the sequence for transmitting a data reception result request signal, the BA signal may be transmitted to a broadcast address or may be transmitted to the Common TA of the JT BAR signal in Fig. 17. The BA signal may also be transmitted using the BlockAck frame format defined in IEEE802.11.

[0211] (Other configurations of Original Info) In the four cases described above, namely (1) when transmitting a channel information measurement signal, (2) when transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal, (3) when transmitting a data signal, and (4) when transmitting a data reception result request signal, the formats used by the JT NDPA signal, JT BFRP signal, JT DATA signal, and JT BAR signal simultaneously transmitted by base station AP1 and base station AP2 may not include Original Info, but may be concatenated with an independent signal that stores Original Info.

[0212] FIG. 18 shows an example of a frame format used by an independent signal that stores Original Info.

[0213] Frame Control contains information about the settings of independent signals. Duration contains information about the length of this frame. RA contains information about the address of the destination terminal of this frame.

[0214] Original Info includes information about each base station AP before unification, similar to the JT NDPA signal in FIG.

[0215] For example, the information about each base station AP before unification may be the identifier of each base station AP (AP1 ID, AP2 ID), or the identifier of the network that each base station AP configures (AP1 Network ID, AP2 Network ID).

[0216] The FCS contains information about error correction.

[0217] (Base station AP that starts transmission) In the above description of the sequence diagram, the case where the base station AP that starts transmission is the base station AP1 among the plurality of base stations AP has been described.

[0218] Here, in the four cases of (1) transmitting a channel information measurement signal, (2) transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal, (3) transmitting a data signal, and (4) transmitting a data reception result request signal, the base station AP that starts the sequence or starts transmitting an Initiation signal can be determined, for example, under the following conditions:

[0219] That is, it may be any of the base station APs that detects the most other base station APs, the base station AP that is most central among the surrounding base station APs, the base station AP that supports the most wireless communication functions among the surrounding base station APs, the base station AP with the highest signal processing capabilities among the surrounding base station APs, the base station AP that is determined to be able to improve throughput by transmitting simultaneously with other base station APs, the base station AP that is determined to be able to reduce delay time by transmitting simultaneously with other base station APs, the base station AP that is determined to be able to expand the communication range by transmitting simultaneously with other base station APs, or a base station AP set by the user taking the above into consideration.

[0220] Next, the flow of communication processing carried out by the base station AP and the terminal STA as the communication device 10 constituting the wireless communication system will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0221] However, the communication processing performed by the base station AP or the terminal STA only needs to be performed by at least one of the control unit 101 and the radio control unit 111, and the following explanation will exemplify the case where control is performed by the control unit 101.

[0222] (Operation of base station AP1) Next, the flow of operations based on the control by the control unit 101 of the base station AP1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0223] In step S101, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to measure channel information.

[0224] If it is determined in the determination process of step S101 that the channel information measurement is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S102. In steps S102 to S108, processes related to the transmission of the channel information measurement signal are performed.

[0225] In step S102, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit an Initiation signal to the base station AP2.

[0226] This Initiation signal includes an identifier of the transmitting terminal, an identifier of the network, communication parameters used by the base station AP, an identifier of the data, an identifier of the terminal STA, an identifier of the measurement of channel information, and communication parameters used by the terminal STA. The details of the format of the Initiation signal are as shown in Figure 4.

[0227] In step S103, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the Initiation signal transmitted from the base station AP2.

[0228] In step S104, the control unit 101 determines information to be shared and unified with the base station AP2 based on the transmitted and received Initiation signal.

[0229] In step S105, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit an NDPA Trigger signal to the base station AP2.

[0230] In step S106, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT NDPA signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP2.

[0231] In step S107, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit an NDP Trigger signal to the base station AP2.

[0232] In step S108, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT NDP signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP2.

[0233] When the processing related to the transmission of the channel information measurement signal is completed, the process proceeds to step S 109. In steps S109 to S111, processing related to the transmission of the channel information measurement result request signal is performed.

[0234] In step S109, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a BFRP Trigger signal to the base station AP2.

[0235] In step S110, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT BFRP signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP2.

[0236] In step S111, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive a BFR signal transmitted from the terminal STA.

[0237] When the process for transmitting the channel information measurement result request signal is completed, the process proceeds to step S115 in FIG.

[0238] If it is determined in the determination process of step S101 that measurement of channel information is not to be performed, the process proceeds to step S112 in FIG. 20, and the processes of steps S112 to S114 are performed.

[0239] In step S112, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit an Initiation signal to the base station AP2.

[0240] This Initiation signal includes an identifier of the source terminal, an identifier of the network, communication parameters used by the base station AP, an identifier of the data, an identifier of the terminal STA, and communication parameters used by the terminal STA. The details of the format of the Initiation signal are as shown in Figure 4.

[0241] In step S113, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the Initiation signal transmitted from the base station AP2.

[0242] In step S114, the control unit 101 determines information to be shared and unified with the base station AP2 based on the transmitted and received Initiation signal.

[0243] When the process of step S114 ends, the process proceeds to step S115. That is, when the channel information is not measured, the base stations AP1 and AP2 exchange initiation signals before transmitting a data signal, and determine information to be shared and unified.

[0244] When the process of step S111 or S114 ends, the process proceeds to step S115. In steps S115 to S116, processes related to the transmission of a data signal are carried out.

[0245] In step S115, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT Trigger signal to the base station AP2.

[0246] In step S116, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT DATA signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP2.

[0247] When the processing related to the transmission of the data signal is completed, the process proceeds to step S 117. In steps S117 to S119, processing related to the transmission of the data reception result request signal is carried out.

[0248] In step S117, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a BAR Trigger signal to the base station AP2.

[0249] In step S118, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT BAR signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP2.

[0250] In step S119, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the BA signal transmitted from the terminal STA.

[0251] When the processing related to the transmission of the data reception result request signal is completed, the processing ends.

[0252] The operation of the base station AP1 has been described above.

[0253] (Operation of base station AP2) Next, the flow of operations based on the control by the control unit 101 of the base station AP2 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0254] In step S131, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive an Initiation signal transmitted from the base station AP1.

[0255] In step S132, the control unit 101 determines whether or not to agree with the unification specified in the received Initiation signal.

[0256] If it is determined in the determination process of step S132 that the unification is agreed upon, the process proceeds to step S133.

[0257] In step S133, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit an Initiation signal including agreement information (Agreement) to the base station AP1.

[0258] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S132 that the unification is not agreed upon, the process proceeds to step S134.

[0259] In step S134, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit an Initiation signal including information indicating disagreement to the base station AP1.

[0260] When the process of step S133 or S134 ends, the process proceeds to step S135.

[0261] In step S135, the control unit 101 determines information to be shared and unified with the base station AP1 based on the transmitted and received Initiation signal.

[0262] In step S136, the control unit 101 determines whether or not an NDPA Trigger signal transmitted from the base station AP1 has been received.

[0263] If it is determined in the determination process of step S136 that an NDPA Trigger signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S137. In steps S136 to S139, processes related to the transmission of a channel information measurement signal are carried out.

[0264] In step S137, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT NDPA signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP1.

[0265] In step S138, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the NDP Trigger signal transmitted from the base station AP1.

[0266] In step S139, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT NDP signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP1.

[0267] When the processing related to the transmission of the channel information measurement signal is completed, the process proceeds to step S 140. In steps S140 to S142, processing related to the transmission of the channel information measurement result request signal is carried out.

[0268] In step S140, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the BFRP Trigger signal transmitted from the base station AP1.

[0269] In step S141, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT BFRP signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP1.

[0270] In step S142, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the BFR signal transmitted from the terminal STA.

[0271] When the process for transmitting the channel information measurement result request signal is completed, the process proceeds to step S143 in Fig. 22. Also, if it is determined in the determination process of step S136 that the NDPA Trigger signal has not been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S143 in Fig. 22.

[0272] In steps S143 and S144, processing related to the transmission of a data signal is carried out.

[0273] In step S143, the control unit 101 determines whether or not a JT Trigger signal transmitted from the base station AP1 has been received.

[0274] If it is determined in the determination process of step S143 that a JT Trigger signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S144.

[0275] In step S144, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT DATA signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP1.

[0276] When the processing related to the transmission of the data signal is completed, the process proceeds to step S 145. In steps S145 to S147, processing related to the transmission of the data reception result request signal is carried out.

[0277] In step S145, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the BAR Trigger signal transmitted from the base station AP1.

[0278] In step S146, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a JT BAR signal to the terminal STA at the same timing as the base station AP1.

[0279] In step S147, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the BA signal transmitted from the terminal STA.

[0280] When the process for transmitting the data reception result request signal is completed, or when it is determined in the determination process of step S143 that the JT Trigger signal has not been received, the process is terminated.

[0281] The operation of the base station AP2 has been described above.

[0282] (Operation of terminal STA) Next, the flow of operations based on the control by the control unit 101 of the terminal STA will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0283] In step S161, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive initiation signals transmitted from the base stations AP1 and AP2. Note that the initiation signals do not necessarily need to be notified to the terminal STA.

[0284] In step S162, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the JT NDPA signals transmitted from the base stations AP1 and AP2 have been received.

[0285] If it is determined in the determination process of step S162 that a JT NDPA signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S163. In steps S162 to S165, processes related to the transmission of a channel information measurement signal are carried out.

[0286] In step S163, the control unit 101 controls so as to suppress transmission for the period designated by the JT NDPA signal.

[0287] In step S164, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the JT NDP signals from the base stations AP1 and AP2.

[0288] In step S165, the control unit 101 measures the channel information based on the received JT NDP signal.

[0289] When the processing related to the transmission of the channel information measurement signal is completed, the process proceeds to step S 166. In steps S166 to S167, processing related to the transmission of the channel information measurement result request signal is carried out.

[0290] In step S166, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the JT BFRP signals transmitted from the base station AP1 and the base station AP2.

[0291] In step S167, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a BFR signal to the base station AP1 and the base station AP2.

[0292] When the process for transmitting the channel information measurement result request signal is completed or when it is determined in the determination process of step S162 that the JT NDPA signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S168. In step S168, the process for transmitting the data signal is performed.

[0293] In step S168, the control unit 101 determines whether or not the JT DATA signals transmitted from the base stations AP1 and AP2 have been received.

[0294] If it is determined in the determination process of step S168 that the JT DATA signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S169. In steps S169 to S170, processes related to the transmission of a data reception result request signal are carried out.

[0295] In step S169, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to receive the JT BAR signals transmitted from the base stations AP1 and AP2.

[0296] In step S170, the control unit 101 controls the communication unit 102 to transmit a BA signal to the base station AP1 and the base station AP2.

[0297] When the process for transmitting the data reception result request signal is completed, or when it is determined in the determination process of step S168 that the JT DATA signal has not been received, the process is terminated.

[0298] The operation of the terminal STA has been described above.

[0299] (constrained configuration) In the above description, a case has been shown in which the wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied is configured as an unconstrained configuration (A in FIG. 1), but it may also be configured as a constrained configuration (B in FIG. 1).

[0300] Below are shown sequence diagrams for (1) transmitting a channel information measurement signal, (2) transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal, (3) transmitting a data signal, and (4) transmitting a data reception result request signal when a wireless communication system to which this technology is applied is configured as a constraint-type configuration.

[0301] These sequence diagrams show the operations of a plurality of base stations AP1 and AP2, a terminal STA connected to at least one of the base stations AP, and a base station AP3 connected to the plurality of base stations AP1 and AP2.

[0302] (When transmitting channel information measurement signal) FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram of transmission of a channel information measurement signal in a constraint type configuration.

[0303] The base station AP3 transmits an Initiation signal to the base station AP1 (S51). In response to this transmission, the base station AP1 transmits an Initiation signal to the base station AP3 (S52).

[0304] Similarly, the base station AP3 and the base station AP2 transmit and receive initiation signals (S53, S54).

[0305] The Initiation signal includes common information used by a plurality of base stations AP and information about terminals that are destinations of the plurality of base stations AP.

[0306] By transmitting and receiving the Initiation signal, the base stations AP1, AP2, and AP3 share and unify information. Furthermore, the base stations AP1, AP2, and AP3 and the terminal STA may check whether they support this sequence before starting the sequence or by transmitting and receiving the Initiation signal.

[0307] The frame format used by the Initiation signal may be the same as the frame format in the unrestricted configuration (FIG. 4), or may be a frame format that does not include My Info.

[0308] After sharing and unifying information through the transmission and reception of the Initiation signal, base station AP3 transmits an NDPA Trigger signal to base stations AP1 and AP2 (S55). The frame format used by the NDPA Trigger signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 5).

[0309] Upon receiving the NDPA Trigger signal, the base stations AP1 and AP2 transmit a JT NDPA signal to the terminal STA (S56). The frame format used by the JT NDPA signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 7).

[0310] The terminal STA that receives the JT NDPA signal receives and decodes the JT NDPA signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT NDPA signal (e.g., a physical header) as a single signal.

[0311] After base station AP1 and base station AP2 transmit the JT NDPA signal, base station AP3 transmits an NDP Trigger signal to base station AP1 and base station AP2 (S57). The frame format used by the NDP Trigger signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 8).

[0312] Upon receiving the NDP Trigger signal, base station AP1 and base station AP2 transmit a JT NDP signal (S58). The frame format used by the JT NDP signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration.

[0313] The terminal STA that receives the JT NDP signal receives and decodes the JT NDP signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT NDP signal (e.g., the physical header) as a single signal.

[0314] The above sequence enables information to be shared and unified among base stations AP1, AP2, and AP3, and also enables the base stations AP1 and AP2 to generate and transmit the same signal.

[0315] In addition, the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 can transmit the notification signals for notifying the transmission of the measurement signals at the same timing, and the terminal STA can receive the notification signals transmitted at the same timing by the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 as a single signal.

[0316] This also enables the base stations AP1 and AP2 to transmit measurement signals at the same timing, and enables the terminal STA to receive the measurement signals transmitted at the same timing by the base stations AP1 and AP2 as a single signal.

[0317] It also enables multiple base stations (APs) to simultaneously transmit signals for measuring channel information, reducing overhead, which in turn improves overall system throughput and reduces latency.

[0318] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0319] (When transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal) FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram of transmission of a channel information measurement result request signal in a constraint type configuration.

[0320] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 25, base stations AP1, AP2, and AP3 share and unify information by transmitting and receiving an initiation signal before this sequence. Note that the initiation signal and the information to be shared and unified are the same as those explained in the sequence diagram of Fig. 24 (S51 to S54) above.

[0321] The base station AP3 transmits a BFRP Trigger signal to the base stations AP1 and AP2 (S61). The frame format used by the BFRP Trigger signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 10).

[0322] Upon receiving the BFRP Trigger signal, the base stations AP1 and AP2 transmit a JT BFRP signal to the terminal STA (S62). The frame format used by the JT BFRP signal is the same as the frame format in the unrestricted configuration (FIG. 11).

[0323] A terminal STA that receives a JT BFRP signal receives and decodes the JT BFRP signals transmitted from base stations AP1 and AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT BFRP signal (e.g., a physical header) as a single signal.

[0324] In addition, the terminal STA acquires identifiers related to the measurement of channel information of the base stations AP1 and AP2, which are the senders, and base stations AP1 and AP2, from the information contained in the JT BFRP signal, and transmits the measurement results of the specified channel information to base stations AP1 and AP2 as a BFR signal (S63).

[0325] The above sequence enables the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 to transmit the measurement result request signal at the same timing.

[0326] It also enables the terminal STA to receive, as a single signal, measurement result request signals transmitted at the same time by the base stations AP1 and AP2, and to transmit measurement results to the base stations AP1 and AP2 while receiving the measurement result request signal as a single signal.

[0327] It also enables multiple base stations APs to simultaneously transmit measurement result request signals, reducing overhead, which in turn improves overall system throughput and reduces latency.

[0328] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0329] (When transmitting data signals) FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram of a data signal transmission in a constraint type configuration.

[0330] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 26, base stations AP1, AP2, and AP3 share and unify information by transmitting and receiving an initiation signal before this sequence. Note that the initiation signal and the information to be shared and unified are the same as those explained in the sequence diagram of Fig. 24 (S51 to S54) above.

[0331] The base station AP3 transmits a JT Trigger signal to the base stations AP1 and AP2 (S71). The frame format used by the JT Trigger signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 13).

[0332] Upon receiving the JT Trigger signal, the base stations AP1 and AP2 transmit a JT DATA signal to the terminal STA (S72). The frame format used by the JT DATA signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 14).

[0333] The terminal STA that receives the JT DATA signal receives and decodes the JT DATA signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT DATA signal (e.g., a physical header) as a single signal.

[0334] The above sequence enables the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 to transmit data signals at the same timing.

[0335] It also enables the terminal STA to receive data signals transmitted at the same timing from the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 as a single signal.

[0336] It also enables multiple base stations (APs) to transmit data signals simultaneously, reducing overhead, which in turn improves overall system throughput and reduces latency.

[0337] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0338] (When sending a data reception result request signal) FIG. 27 is a sequence diagram showing the transmission of a data reception result request signal in the constraint type configuration.

[0339] In the sequence diagram of Fig. 27, base stations AP1, AP2, and AP3 share and unify information by transmitting and receiving an initiation signal before this sequence. Note that the initiation signal and the information to be shared and unified are the same as those explained in the sequence diagram of Fig. 24 (S51 to S54) above.

[0340] The base station AP3 transmits a BAR Trigger signal to the base stations AP1 and AP2 (S81). The frame format used by the BAR Trigger signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 16).

[0341] Upon receiving the BAR Trigger signal, the base stations AP1 and AP2 transmit a JT BAR signal to the terminal STA (S82). The frame format used by the JT BAR signal is the same as the frame format in the unconstrained configuration (FIG. 17).

[0342] The terminal STA that receives the JT BAR signal receives and decodes the JT BAR signals transmitted from base station AP1 and base station AP2 as a single signal. The terminal STA may also receive and decode at least a part of the JT BAR signal (e.g., a physical header) as a single signal.

[0343] In addition, the terminal STA acquires the identifiers of the base stations AP1 and AP2 that are the senders and the data for which the reception result is requested from the information contained in the JT BAR signal, and transmits the reception result of the specified data (data signal) to the base stations AP1 and AP2 as a BA signal (S83).

[0344] The above sequence enables the base station AP1 and the base station AP2 to transmit data reception result request signals at the same timing.

[0345] It also enables the terminal STA to receive, as a single signal, data reception result request signals transmitted at the same time by base station AP1 and base station AP2, and to transmit data reception results to base station AP1 and base station AP2 while receiving the data reception result request signal as a single signal.

[0346] It also enables multiple base stations APs to simultaneously transmit data reception result request signals, reducing overhead, which in turn improves the throughput of the entire system and reduces delay time.

[0347] Furthermore, it allows a terminal STA to combine multiple signals to obtain a combined gain, thereby enabling an extension of the communication range and an improvement in the reliability of communication.

[0348] As described above, in each case (such as measuring channel information or transmitting a data signal) in which the same signal (JT NDPA signal, JT NDP signal, JT BFRP signal, JT DATA signal, or JT BAR signal) is generated and transmitted between the communication device 10 (base station AP) and a first other communication device 10 (other base station AP), signals (Initiation signal or Trigger signal) related to the configuration of the same signal are exchanged, thereby controlling the sequence for sharing information (such as sharing information stored in the same signal) and unifying it (such as using a predetermined address or one of the addresses).

[0349] Then, in the communication device 10 (base station AP), based on the exchanged signals (Initiation signal, etc.), the operation of each part is controlled using a signal format for storing shared and unified information so that the same signals (JT NDPA signal, JT NDP signal, JT BFRP signal, JT DATA signal, JT BAR signal) are transmitted to a second other communication device 10 (terminal STA).

[0350] As a result, when using the AP cooperation technique, the same signal can be transmitted more preferably between a plurality of communication devices 10 (base stations AP) when transmitting the same signal to a single communication device 10 (terminal STA).

[0351] In other words, in the past, when using AP cooperation technology, the signals transmitted by multiple base stations (APs) contained information specific to each base station, and the final signal generated was different for each base station AP. Therefore, there was a need for technology that could generate and transmit the same signal between multiple base stations (APs) to a single terminal STA while including information specific to each base station, and this technology can meet that need.

[0352] This also enables a single communication device 10 (terminal STA) to combine multiple identical signals to obtain a combined gain. This also enables multiple communication devices 10 (base stations AP) to operate in coordination, enabling reduced communication interference. This also enables improved throughput and reduced delay time for the entire system. This also makes it possible to expand the communication range.

[0353] In addition, the method disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not disclose a method for generating the same signal, and it is difficult to say that it realizes a form for obtaining diversity when using AP cooperation technology.

[0354] Furthermore, LTE-Advance, which was established as the fourth generation mobile communication system (4G: 4th Generation), defines Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP), a joint transmission method in which the same signal is transmitted from multiple base stations. However, in LTE-Advance, information specific to the transmitting base station is transmitted via a control channel. Therefore, LTE-Advance CoMP cannot be applied to communication methods that do not have a control channel.

[0355] <2. Modifications>

[0356] (Examples of other configurations) In the above explanation, in the communication device 10 (Figure 2), it has been explained that the control unit 101 (Figure 2) performs processing related to (1) transmitting a channel information measurement signal, (2) transmitting a channel information measurement result request signal, (3) transmitting a data signal, and (4) transmitting a data reception result request signal, but these functions may also be possessed by the communication unit 102 (wireless control unit 111) configured as a communication module (communication device), etc.

[0357] Furthermore, the configuration of the communication device 10 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and new components may be added or components may be deleted.

[0358] 2, a data processing unit 112 provided outside (not inside) the communication unit 102 may exchange data with the modulation / demodulation unit 113 under control of the control unit 101. Alternatively, the communication unit 102 may not have a wireless control unit 111 inside, and the communication unit 102 may perform wireless communication under control of the control unit 101. On the other hand, the control unit 101 provided inside (not outside) the communication unit 102 may control wireless communication instead of the wireless control unit 111. Furthermore, for example, the communication device 10 may include, in addition to the communication unit 102, another communication unit for communicating with another base station AP as a component.

[0359] In addition, the terminal STA as the communication device 10 can be configured as an electronic device (wireless device) having wireless communication functions, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, digital camera, portable music player, game console, television receiver, wearable terminal, speaker device, mobile phone, or personal computer.

[0360] The communication device 10 may also be configured as part of a device (for example, a communication module or a communication chip) that configures a base station AP or a terminal STA. That is, the communication device 10 is not limited to electronic devices, but also includes communication modules, chips, etc. (In this case, the communication device 10 does not include the antenna 118).

[0361] In the above explanation, "the same signal" not only refers to a completely identical signal, but may also include, for example, signal waveforms that have the same frequency and phase but different amplitudes when viewed in the time direction of the waveform of the transmitted radio wave.

[0362] In the above-described embodiments, a "system" refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, etc.). Furthermore, in this specification, "measurement" may be read as "observation." Other names may be used for the above-described signals, and even if the names of the signals are changed, this is merely a formal change in the names of the signals, and does not change the actual content (format, etc.) of the signals.

[0363] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology.

[0364] The present technology can also be configured as follows.

[0365] (1) Transmitting and receiving a first signal relating to the same signal setting to and from a first other communication device; transmitting the same signal to a second other communication device based on the first signal; Equipped with a control unit that controls Communication equipment. (2) The first signal includes a signal for sharing and unifying information with the first other communication device. The communication device according to (1) above. (3) The communication device according to (2), wherein the control unit unifies the signal to be transmitted and the transmission method based on the first signal. (4) When agreeing to unification in response to the first signal transmitted from the first other communication device, the control unit transmits the first signal including information indicating the agreement to the first other communication device. The communication device according to (3) above. (5) The first signal includes a second signal for transmitting the same signal at the same timing. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The control unit transmitting or receiving the second signal; Based on the second signal, the same signal is transmitted at the same timing as the first other communication device. The communication device according to (5) above. (7) The same signal contains shared and unified information The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) The second signal includes a signal inducing transmission of a notification signal informing transmission of a measurement signal for measuring channel information. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (9) The second signal includes a signal that induces a measurement signal for measuring channel information. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (10) The second signal includes a signal inducing transmission of a measurement result of channel information. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (11) The second signal includes a signal that induces transmission of a data signal. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (12) The second signal includes a signal that induces transmission of a result of receiving the data signal. The communication device according to any one of (1) to (6). (13) The control unit transmits the second signal by linking it with a data signal that is transmitted at the same timing. The communication device according to (5) above. (14) The communication device Transmitting and receiving a first signal relating to the same signal setting to and from a first other communication device; transmitting the same signal to a second other communication device based on the first signal; Take control Communication method. (15) receiving a plurality of identical signals transmitted from a plurality of other communication devices with which the first signal relating to the setting of the same signal has been exchanged; Decoding the plurality of identical signals as a single signal Equipped with a control unit that controls Communication equipment. (16) The control unit identifies the plurality of other communication devices based on information included in the single signal. The communication device according to (15) above. (17) The control unit identifies a frequency resource to be used when transmitting a third signal to the plurality of other communication devices based on information included in the single signal. The communication device according to (15) or (16). (18) The third signal includes a measurement result of channel information. The communication device according to (17) above. (19) The third signal includes a result of receiving the data signal. The communication device according to (17) above. (20) The communication device receiving a plurality of identical signals transmitted from a plurality of other communication devices with which the first signal relating to the setting of the same signal has been exchanged; Decoding the plurality of identical signals as a single signal Take control Communication method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0366] 10 communication device, 101 control unit, 102 communication unit, 103 power supply unit, 111 wireless control unit, 112 data processing unit, 113 modulation / demodulation unit, 114 signal processing unit, 115 channel estimation unit, 116, 116-1 to 116-N wireless interface unit, 117, 117-1 to 117-N amplifier unit, 118, 118-1 to 118-N antenna, AP base station, STA terminal

Claims

[Claim 1] Transmitting and receiving a first signal relating to the same signal setting with a first other communication device; transmitting the same signal to a second other communication device based on the first signal; Equipped with a control unit that controls Communication equipment.

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