Processing apparatus, processing method, and program

Abstract

To execute cooperative transmission via a desired access point.SOLUTION: The wireless communication terminal starts setup of cooperative transmission in order to cause the plurality of wireless communication devices to execute cooperative transmission. The present technology can be applied to a wireless communication system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a wireless communication terminal and method, and more particularly to a wireless communication terminal and method that are capable of executing cooperative transmission via a desired access point. [Background technology]

[0002] In the case of distributing content data existing on the Internet in a conventional wireless LAN system, it has been common to connect to the Internet via an access point (hereinafter referred to as AP) with which a user's communication terminal has associated, and via a service provider connected to that AP. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a mobile phone to a wireless LAN.

[0003] Therefore, the user's communication terminal has no choice but to obtain content data via the only AP with which it has associated, making it difficult to enjoy satisfactory content in an environment where the connection to this AP is unstable.

[0004] In response to this, technology is now being put into practical use that enables wireless communication by coordinating multiple APs to extend the signal transmission range, for example, within a home or office space.

[0005] For example, when transmitting content data to a communication terminal located in a location where the signal from the AP is weak, by transmitting signals cooperatively from multiple APs, the destination communication terminal can receive the content data more reliably. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-217045 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in practically used cooperative transmission, it was only possible to perform it using APs owned by the same person or multiple APs intended by the installer. Therefore, in conventional wireless LAN systems, it was difficult to perform cooperative transmission via any APs located around a communication terminal.

[0008] The present technology has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to execute cooperative transmission via a desired access point. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A wireless communication terminal according to one aspect of the present technology includes a communication control unit that initiates setup of cooperative transmission in order to cause a plurality of wireless communication devices to perform the cooperative transmission.

[0010] In one aspect of the present technology, a setup of a cooperative transmission is initiated to cause a plurality of wireless communication devices to execute the cooperative transmission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an AP route setting screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a communication sequence of the present technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an Association AP setting screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen of a data server. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a request-to-coordinated transmission frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cooperative transmission control information element. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application control information element. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cooperative transmission indication frame. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cooperative transmission confirmation frame. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a network control information element. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cooperative transmission response frame. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application request frame. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application response frame. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a data frame transmitted in a coordinated manner. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a Block ACK frame. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the AP route setting screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a communication sequence according to the present technology. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a path setting request frame. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a path setting response frame. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a basic configuration of a communication device. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication module when it is a user terminal. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a communication setting process of a user terminal. [Figure 24] 24 is a flowchart illustrating the communication setting process of the user terminal, following FIG. 23. [Figure 25] 10 is a flowchart illustrating cooperative reception processing of user terminals. [Figure 26] 26 is a flowchart illustrating the cooperative reception process of the user terminals, following FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described in the following order. 1. First embodiment (cooperative transmission by APs connected to the same provider) 2. Second embodiment (cooperative transmission by APs connected to different providers) 3. Configuration of each communication device 4. User device operation 5.Other

[0013] <<1. First Embodiment (Cooperative Transmission by APs Connected to the Same Provider)>> <Wireless communication system configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to a first embodiment of the present technology.

[0014] The wireless communication system in FIG. 1 includes a user terminal 11, APs 1 to 3, Provider 1 and Provider 2, and a data server 12.

[0015] The user terminal 11 is configured by a terminal capable of wireless communication such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a portable terminal, a personal computer, etc. The user terminal 11 is located in a position where it can connect to AP1 to AP3 by wireless communication.

[0016] The data server 12 is a server that stores content data, and is connected to the Provider 1 and the Provider 2 via the Internet 13.

[0017] AP1 to AP3 are access points to which the user terminal 11 can connect, and are composed of the wireless communication devices 14-1 to 14-3. AP1 and AP2 are connected to Provider1 by wireless communication or wired communication. AP3 is connected to Provider2 by wireless communication or wired communication. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the wireless communication devices 14-1 to 14-3, they are referred to as the wireless communication device 14.

[0018] Provider1 and Provider2 are service providers for the user terminal 11 to connect to the Internet 13. Provider1 and Provider2 are composed of the communication devices 15-1 and 15-2. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the communication devices 15-1 and 15-2, they are referred to as the communication device 15.

[0019] In the wireless communication system of FIG. 1, cooperative transmission by a plurality of APs from the data server 12 to the user terminal 11 is possible.

[0020] The user terminal 11 can receive the content data stored in the data server 12 by cooperative transmission via a plurality of APs by connecting to at least two APs among AP1 or AP2 connected to Provider1 or AP3 connected to Provider2.

[0021] At that time, the user terminal 11 starts the setup of cooperative transmission in order to execute cooperative transmission by a plurality of APs. The setup of cooperative transmission refers to a process of exchanging information for setting which AP will execute cooperative transmission as a preparation before executing cooperative transmission. The setup of cooperative transmission is started when a setup request for cooperative transmission is made.

[0022] <Example of AP·Route Setting Screen> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an AP·Route Setting Screen in the user terminal 11.

[0023] 2 shows the display unit 31 of the user terminal 11. The display unit 31 displays an AP / route setting screen in the wireless communication system of FIG.

[0024] The AP / route setting screen is configured to allow the user to select the AP that will perform cooperative transmission and the route from the data server 12 to the user terminal 11 in order to deliver content data from the data server 12 to the user terminal 11.

[0025] The AP route setting screen displays icons M11, M12, M14-1 to M14-3, and M15-1 and M15-2 as information indicating the devices that make up the wireless communication system of Fig. 1. Icon M11 is an icon indicating the user terminal 11. Icon M12 is an icon indicating the data server 12. Icons M14-1 to M14-3 are icons indicating AP1 to AP3, respectively. Icons M15-1 and M15-2 are icons indicating Provider1 and Provider2, respectively.

[0026] Furthermore, a path L1 representing the data transmission path is shown by a solid line between the icon M11 of the user terminal 11 and the icon M14-1 of AP1. A path L2 is shown by a solid line between the icon M14-1 of AP1 and the icon M15-1 of Provider 1. A path L5 is shown by a solid line between the icon M15-1 of Provider 1 and the icon M12 of the data server 12. The paths shown by solid lines are the currently connected paths.

[0027] Furthermore, a path L3 is indicated by a dashed line between the icon M11 of the user terminal 11 and the icon M14-2 of AP2. A path L4 is indicated by a dashed line between the icon M14-2 of AP2 and the icon M15-1 of Provider1. Figure 2 shows the AP path setting screen in which AP2 and Provider1 have been selected by user instruction, and the path indicated by the dashed line indicates the path that will be selected when AP2 is selected as an AP capable of cooperative transmission with AP1.

[0028] That is, when connecting to the data server 12, the AP route setting screen displays AP1, which is currently connected to the user terminal 11, as well as AP2, which is capable of cooperative transmission, selected at the user's instruction.

[0029] The number (384Mbps) in the lower right corner of the AP / Route Setting screen indicates the estimated maximum throughput speed when using the currently connected route as well as the route selected by AP selection. Note that the estimated speed may be displayed as at least one of the estimated speeds for the route selected by AP selection and the estimated speed for the currently connected route. Other information such as the communication status and related information may also be displayed.

[0030] In addition to the above-mentioned routes, cooperative transmission using a route connecting via AP3 and Provider2 is also possible, and so that this route can also be selected, the AP route setting screen shows an icon M14-3 representing AP3 and an icon M15-2 representing Provider2. However, because AP3 and Provider2 are connected via a different service provider than AP1, with which the user terminal 11 is connected, or because they exist in a different extended service set (ESS), icons M14-3 and M15-2 are shown in a different color (hatched in the figure) from the devices that exist in the same ESS as AP1.

[0031] As described above, multiple APs capable of cooperative transmission, and the route and communication status selected by selecting an AP are displayed one after another. Therefore, the user can select multiple APs that will perform cooperative transmission and the route to the data server 12 according to the communication status.

[0032] <Example of communication sequence> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a communication sequence of the present technology.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the flow of signals exchanged among user terminal 11, AP1 to AP3, Provider 1, Provider 2, and data server 12 in the wireless communication system of Figure 1. In this communication sequence, the passage of time is shown from top to bottom. Therefore, hereinafter, the communication sequence of Figure 3 will be explained in order from top to bottom along the passage of time.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows an example in which cooperative transmission is performed by AP1 and AP2 connected to the same Provider1.

[0035] Provider 1 notifies AP 1 in advance of information such as predetermined communication parameters at an arbitrary time t81.

[0036] At time t21, AP1 acquires the communication parameters transmitted from Provider1, and at time t22, transmits a predetermined Beacon.

[0037] At an arbitrary time t82, Provider 1 notifies AP 2 in advance of information such as predetermined communication parameters.

[0038] At time t41, AP2 acquires the communication parameters transmitted from Provider1, and at time t42, transmits a predetermined Beacon.

[0039] Provider 2 notifies AP 3 in advance of information such as predetermined communication parameters at an arbitrary time t111.

[0040] At time t61, AP3 acquires the communication parameters transmitted from Provider2, and at time t62, transmits a predetermined Beacon.

[0041] The user terminal 11 receives predetermined Beacons transmitted from AP1 to AP3 at times t1 to t3.

[0042] The user terminal 11 can grasp the status of APs present in the vicinity by receiving predetermined Beacons from AP1, AP2, and AP3.

[0043] For example, the Beacon may include information elements containing the following communication parameter information: For example, the information elements may include information about the service provider to which each AP connects to the Internet 13, or information indicating the route to the data server 12 that uses a specific application. The information elements may also include information indicating communication costs, information about service quality, information indicating stability, or information indicating communication congestion.

[0044] At time t4, the user terminal 11 sets an AP to associate with based on the information in these Beacons. That is, the user terminal 11 selects an appropriate AP (e.g., AP1) and the service provider corresponding to that AP based on information such as the SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers) of surrounding APs and the connection status of the service providers.

[0045] At time t5, the user terminal 11 transmits an association request (Req) to a desired AP (e.g., AP1) in order to connect to the AP. The association request may include an information element that stores information about the data server 12 used by a predetermined application in the user terminal 11.

[0046] At time t23, AP1 receives an Association Req sent from the user terminal 11. At time t24, AP1 sends an Association Req to Provider1.

[0047] At time t83, Provider 1 receives Association Req sent from AP 1. At time t84, Provider 1 sends an Association Response (Resp) to AP 1 as a response to Association Req.

[0048] At time t25, AP1 receives an Association Resp sent from Provider 1. At time t26, AP1 transmits an Association Resp to user terminal 11.

[0049] At time t6, the user terminal 11 receives an Association Resp transmitted from AP1. At an arbitrary time t7, the user operates the user terminal 11 to launch a distribution application that distributes content data. After the distribution application is launched, for example, a request to receive desired content data is input to the user terminal 11 in response to an instruction from the user. This request to receive content data may be configured to include an information element that stores information about the data server 12 used by a predetermined application in the user terminal 11.

[0050] At time t8, user terminal 11 transmits an application request (Application Req) to data server 12 via Provider 1 in order to check the path to data server 12 storing the content data desired by the user via the connected service provider. Although not shown in Fig. 3, Application Req is actually transmitted from user terminal 11 to Provider 1 via AP 1. The configuration of the Application Request frame will be described later with reference to Fig. 13.

[0051] At time t85, Provider 1 receives the Application Req sent from the user terminal 11. At time t86, Provider 1 sends the Application Req to the data server 12.

[0052] At time t131, the data server 12 receives the Application Req sent from Provider 1. At time t132, the data server 12 sends an application response (Application Resp) that is a response to the Application Req to Provider 1. The configuration of the Application Response frame will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0053] At time t87, Provider 1 receives the Application Resp transmitted from the data server 12. At time t88, Provider 1 transmits the Application Resp to the user terminal 11. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the Application Resp is actually transmitted from Provider 1 to the user terminal 11 via AP 1.

[0054] Here, the setting of the AP that performs the association at t4 and the launch of the distribution application at t7 may be performed consecutively. In this case, for example, an Association Req and an Application Req are transmitted and received consecutively between the user terminal 11 and Provider 1 via AP 1. Then, an Application Req and an Application Resp are transmitted and received between Provider 1 and the data server 12, and after this transmission and reception, an Application Resp and an Association Resp are transmitted and received consecutively between the user terminal 11 and Provider 1 via AP 1.

[0055] Furthermore, the method and timing of starting the distribution application are not limited to the above-described method and timing, and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the distribution application may be set to start automatically when the power is turned on and access a predetermined data server, or the user may be allowed to input the address of the data server on the screen of the distribution application when viewing the screen.

[0056] At time t10, the user terminal 11 makes a Coordinate Decision, that is, a decision as to whether or not coordinated transmission is necessary.

[0057] Here, if it is determined that coordinated transmission is necessary, the multiple APs that will perform coordinated transmission may be automatically determined by the user terminal 11 by collecting and analyzing Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information. Alternatively, the multiple APs that will perform coordinated transmission may be determined by a user's selection by displaying the AP route setting screen of Fig. 2 that is generated based on the Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information.

[0058] For example, when coordinated transmission between AP1 and AP2 is necessary, user terminal 11 starts the setup of coordinated transmission. That is, at time t11, user terminal 11 transmits a coordinated transmission request (Coordinate Req) to AP2 as a coordinated transmission setup request. The configuration of the Coordinate Request frame will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0059] At time t43, AP2 receives Coordinate Req transmitted from user terminal 11. At time t44, AP2 transmits a coordinated transmission indication (Coordinate Indication (Indi)) to Provider1 to notify it of a request to set up coordinated transmission. The structure of the Coordinate Indication frame will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0060] At time t89, Provider 1 receives Coordinate Indi transmitted from AP 2. At time t90, Provider 1 notifies the database 12 of a request to set up cooperative transmission by transmitting Application Req to the database 12, as necessary. Note that the notification of the cooperative transmission request to the database 12 is not necessarily required, since it is a notification from Provider 1, the same provider with which AP 1 has associated.

[0061] At time t133, the data server 12 receives an Application Req sent from Provider 1. At time t134, the data server 12 sends an Application Resp to Provider 1.

[0062] At time t91, Provider 1 receives an Application Resp sent from data server 12. This confirms the connection with data server 12, and Provider 1 then sends a coordinated transmission confirmation (Coordinate Confirmation (Conf)) to AP 2 at time t92. The structure of the Coordinate Confirmation frame will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0063] At time t45, AP2 receives the Coordinate Conf transmitted from Provider 1. At time t46, AP2 transmits a coordinated transmission response (Coordinate Resp), which is a response to the Coordinate Conf, to the user terminal 11. The configuration of the Coordinate Response frame will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0064] At time t12, the user terminal 11 receives a Coordinate Resp transmitted from AP 2. At time t13, the user terminal 11 transmits a Coordinate Req to AP 1.

[0065] Meanwhile, at time t27, AP1 receives a Coordinate Req transmitted from the user terminal 11. At time t28, AP1 transmits a Coordinate Indi to Provider1, notifying it of a request to set up cooperative transmission.

[0066] At time t93, Provider 1 receives Coordinate Indi transmitted from AP 1. Since Provider 1 has already confirmed connection with data server 12 at time t87, Provider 1 notifies the start of cooperative transmission at time t94. As the notification, an Application Req may be transmitted, as in the case of AP 2.

[0067] The data server 12 receives the notification sent from Provider 1 at time t135, and sends a response to the notification to Provider 1 at time t136.

[0068] Provider 1 receives the response sent from the data server 12 at time t95, and sends a Coordinate Conf to AP1 at time t96.

[0069] At time t29, AP1 receives Coordinate Conf transmitted from Provider 1. At time t30, AP1 transmits a Coordinate Resp in response to the Coordinate Conf to user terminal 11.

[0070] At time t14, the user terminal 11 receives the Coordinate Resp transmitted from AP 1. After receiving the Coordinate Resp, reception settings are made in the user terminal 11 in response to coordinated transmission being carried out from each AP.

[0071] As a result, preparations for cooperative transmission by multiple APs are complete. Note that, although an example in which a cooperative transmission request is made from AP2 has been described in Fig. 3, a cooperative transmission request may also be made from AP1.

[0072] Thereafter, the data server 12 transmits the content data (Download Data) to Provider 1 at time t137.

[0073] At time t97, Provider1 receives the content data transmitted from the data server 12 and generates distribution data to be distributed to AP1 and AP2.

[0074] Provider 1 transmits the distribution data to AP1 at time t98, and transmits the distribution data to AP2 at time t99.

[0075] At time t31, AP1 receives the distribution data transmitted from Provider 1. At time t47, AP2 receives the distribution data transmitted from Provider 1.

[0076] At time t32, AP1 transmits a coordinate trigger for coordinated transmission.

[0077] At time t48, AP2 receives the Coordinate trigger transmitted from AP1. At time t48, user terminal 11 receives the Coordinate trigger transmitted from AP1.

[0078] Based on the Coordinate trigger, AP1 and AP2 transmit Distribution Data to the user terminal 11 as coordinated transmission data (Coordinate Data) at time t33 and time t49 (the same timing).

[0079] At time t16, the user terminal 11 receives the Coordinate Data transmitted from AP1 and the Coordinate Data transmitted from AP2. If all data has been received correctly, the user terminal 11 returns an acknowledgment (Block ACK) to AP1 at time t17. Note that the AP to which the user terminal 11 returns the Block ACK is the AP that performs retransmission control, and if AP2 is performing retransmission control, it may be AP2.

[0080] At time t34, AP1 receives a Block ACK sent from the user terminal 11. If AP1 determines based on the Block ACK that all data has been correctly received by the user terminal 11, at time t35, AP1 sends a Distribution Resp, which is a response to the Distribution Data, to Provider 1 as necessary.

[0081] Provider 1 receives a Distribution Resp sent from AP 1 at time t100, and then completes the cooperative transmission of the content data (download data) sent at time t137.

[0082] In addition, when setting the AP to be associated at time t4 in FIG. 3, an example in which the user terminal 11 automatically selects an AP was described. However, by displaying the setting screen for the associated AP, the user can be allowed to select a desired AP. Also, when starting the distribution application at time t7 in FIG. 3, an example in which the user terminal 11 automatically selects a data server was described. However, by displaying the setting screen for the distribution application, the user may be allowed to select the data server.

[0083] <Example of the setting screen for the associated AP> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen for the associated AP in the user terminal 11.

[0084] On the display unit 31 of the user terminal 11 shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen for the associated AP in the wireless communication system of FIG. 1 is displayed.

[0085] When connecting to the data server 12, the setting screen for the associated AP includes information on connectable APs located around the user terminal 11, and is configured such that the user can select an optimal AP using the setting screen for the associated AP.

[0086] At the upper part of the setting screen for the associated AP, information (such as SSID and connection information of the service provider) on the APs AP1 to AP3 connectable to the user terminal 11 in the wireless communication system of FIG. 1 is shown so that it can be selected by the user using a cursor.

[0087] At the bottom of the Association AP setting screen, an icon M11 for the user terminal 11, icons M14-1 to M14-3 representing AP1 to AP3, and icons M15-1 and M15-2 representing Provider 1 and Provider 2 are displayed. A path L1 between the user terminal 11 and AP1 selected with the cursor is indicated by a solid line between the icon M11 for the user terminal 11 and the icon M14-1 for AP1. A path L2 that is expected to be established when the user terminal 11 connects to AP1 is indicated by a dashed line between the icon M14-1 for AP1 and the icon M15-1 for Provider 1.

[0088] The user can select the AP with which he / she wishes to associate by viewing the Association AP setting screen and, for example, clicking on the icon of the desired AP.

[0089] <Example of data server setting screen> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for a data server on the user terminal 11. As shown in FIG.

[0090] The display unit 31 of the user terminal 11 shown in Fig. 5 displays a setting screen for the data server in the wireless communication system of Fig. 1. This setting screen for the data server is displayed, for example, after the distribution application is started.

[0091] The upper part of the data server setting screen is configured so that a data server can be selected by inputting the URL of a data server that can distribute content data of a distribution application.

[0092] Also displayed at the bottom of the data server setting screen are an icon M11 for the user terminal 11, icons M14-1 to M14-3 representing AP1 to AP3, icons M15-1 and M15-2 representing Provider1 and Provider2, and an icon M12 for the data server 12. Also, paths L1 and L2 indicating the current connections are shown by solid lines between the icon M11 for the user terminal 11, the icon M14-1 for AP1, and the icon M15-1 for Provider1. Also, path L5, which is about to be connected, is shown by a dashed line between the icon M15-1 for Provider1 and the data server 12.

[0093] The user can select a data server from which to acquire content data by viewing the data server setting screen and inputting, for example, the URL of the desired data server.

[0094] <Example of cooperative transmission request frame configuration> FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a coordinate transmission request frame.

[0095] The cooperative transmission request frame in FIG. 6 is transmitted from the user terminal 11 to the AP in order to set up cooperative transmission.

[0096] The cooperative transmission request frame includes a MAC header, followed by a coordinate control information element (Coordinate Control IE) and an application control information element (Application Control IE), and an FCS (Frame Check Sequence) is added to the end of the frame. Details of the coordinate transmission control information element and the application control information element will be described later with reference to Figures 7 and 8, respectively.

[0097] The MAC header of the cooperative transmission request frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0098] Frame Control indicates the frame format. Duration indicates the duration of the frame. Destination Address is an address that identifies the destination device. Source Address is an address that identifies the sending device. Receive Address is an address that identifies the receiving device. Transmit Address is an address that identifies the sending device. Sequence Control is information that indicates sequence control. FCS is an error detection code for the frame.

[0099] <Example of the structure of the cooperative transmission control information element> FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a cooperative transmission control information element.

[0100] The cooperative transmission control information element in FIG. 7 is composed of an IE Type that identifies a specific information element, a Length that indicates the length of the information, and parameters required for setting up cooperative transmission.

[0101] The parameters required to set up cooperative transmission consist of Terminal Address, Coordinate AP Address, Operator Info, Provider Info, Database Address, and Application Type.

[0102] Terminal Address is the address of the user terminal. Coordinate AP Address is the address of multiple APs that perform coordinated transmission. Operator Info is information that identifies a communications carrier, if necessary. Provider Info is information that identifies a service provider. Database Address is the address of a data server. Application Type is information that indicates the format of the distribution application.

[0103] <Example of application control information element configuration> FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application control information element.

[0104] The application control information element in FIG. 8 is composed of an IE Type that identifies a specific information element, a Length that indicates the length of the information, and parameters required for setting up the application.

[0105] The parameters required to set up an application include Terminal Address, Database Address, Application Type, Service Type, Contents Directory, Contents Filename, File Type, and File Size.

[0106] The Terminal Address is the address of the user terminal. The Database Address is the address of the data server. The Terminal Address and Database Address identify an end-to-end connection.

[0107] Application Type is information indicating the format of the distribution application. Service Type is information identifying the service of the distribution application being operated. Contents Directory is information on the directory of content stored in the data server. Contents Filename is information indicating the file name of the content. File Type is information indicating the file format of the content. File Size is information indicating the file size of the content.

[0108] <Example of cooperative transmission indication frame configuration> FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a coordinate indication frame.

[0109] Note that explanations that overlap with those of Fig. 6 will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to the subsequent figures.

[0110] The cooperative transmission indication frame in FIG. 9 is transmitted from the AP to the service provider to set up cooperative transmission.

[0111] The cooperative transmission indication frame is configured as follows: a MAC header, followed by the cooperative transmission control information element shown in FIG. 7 and the application control information element shown in FIG. 8, with an FCS added to the end of the frame.

[0112] The MAC header of the cooperative transmission indication frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0113] <Example of cooperative transmission confirmation frame configuration> FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a coordinate transmission confirmation frame.

[0114] The cooperative transmission confirmation frame in FIG. 10 is transmitted from the service provider to the AP to set up cooperative transmission.

[0115] The MAC header of the cooperative transmission confirmation frame consists of the MAC header, followed by the cooperative transmission control information element in Figure 7, the application control information element in Figure 8, and the network control information element (Network Control IE) in Figure 11, which will be described later, and an FCS is added to the end of the frame.

[0116] The MAC header of the cooperative transmission confirm frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, and Transmit Address.

[0117] <Example of network control information element configuration> FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a network control information element.

[0118] The network control information element in Figure 11 consists of an IE Type that identifies the specified information element, a Length that indicates the length of the information, and parameters required to select the AP that will perform (start) cooperative transmission and to set up communication path settings.

[0119] The parameters required for setting up the communication path for selecting the AP that will execute (start) cooperative transmission include Support Protocol, Version, Attribute, Throughput, Cost, Speed, Latency, Delay, and Congestion.

[0120] Application Type is information indicating the supported protocol. Version is version information of the network. Attribute is information indicating the attributes of the network. Throughput is information indicating the throughput capacity of the network. Cost is information indicating the cost of the network. Speed ​​is information indicating the communication speed of the network. Latency is information indicating the latency of the network. Delay is information indicating the amount of delay in the network. Congestion is information indicating the congestion status of the network.

[0121] <Example of cooperative transmission response frame configuration> FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a coordinate transmission response frame.

[0122] The cooperative transmission response frame in FIG. 12 is transmitted from the AP to the user terminal 11 in order to set up cooperative transmission.

[0123] The cooperative transmission response frame is configured as follows: a MAC header, followed by the cooperative transmission control information element in FIG. 7, the application control information element in FIG. 8, and the network control information element in FIG. 11, with an FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0124] The MAC header of the cooperative transmission response frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, and Transmit Address.

[0125] <Example of application request frame configuration> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an application request frame.

[0126] The application request frame of FIG. 13 is sent from the service provider to the data server 12 to set up an application.

[0127] The application request frame is configured as follows: a MAC header, followed by the application control information element shown in FIG. 8, and an FCS is added to the end of the frame.

[0128] The MAC header of the application request frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, Sequence Control, and QoS Control.

[0129] QoS Control is quality of service control information.

[0130] <Example of application response frame configuration> FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an application response frame.

[0131] The application response frame of FIG. 14 is sent from the data server 12 to the service provider for application setup.

[0132] The application response frame is configured as follows: a MAC header, followed by the application control information element in FIG. 8 and the network control information element in FIG. 11, with an FCS added to the end of the frame.

[0133] In addition, the MAC header of the application response frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0134] <Configuration example of the data frame to be transmitted cooperatively> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the data frame to be transmitted cooperatively.

[0135] The data frame in FIG. 15 is a general A-MPDU (Aggregation MAC protocol data unit) frame, which is composed of a plurality of A-MPDU sub-frames with Padding (Pad) added to the end as necessary.

[0136] The A-MPDU sub-frame is composed of a MPDU containing a delimiter and actual data, with Padding added to the end as necessary.

[0137] <Configuration example of the Block ACK frame> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the Block ACK frame.

[0138] The Block ACK frame in FIG. 16 is composed of Frame Control, Duration, Receive address (RA), Transmit Address (TA), BA Control, BA Information, and FCS, etc.

[0139] Frame Control is information indicating frame control. Duration is information indicating the frame duration. Receive address is the destination address. Transmit Address is the source address. BA Control is information indicating Block ACK control. BA Information is information related to Block ACK.

[0140] In this technology, in order to return the destination of Block ACK to the AP that transmits the trigger frame for cooperative transmission, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the Trigger AP Address is specified instead of the Receive address.

[0141] <<2. Second Embodiment (Cooperative Transmission by APs Connected to Different Providers)>> <Another Example of the AP·Route Setting Screen> FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the AP·route setting screen in the user terminal 11.

[0142] Note that descriptions overlapping with those in the description of FIG. 2 are omitted as appropriate.

[0143] In the AP·route setting screen of FIG. 17, an example in which cooperative transmission by AP1 connected to Provider1 and AP3 connected to Provider2 different from Provider1 is selected is shown.

[0144] Similar to the case of FIG. 2, the currently connected routes L1, L2, and L5 are shown by solid lines.

[0145] Unlike the case of Fig. 2, in Fig. 17, the route L11 shown between icon M11 and icon M14-3, the route L12 shown between icon M14-3 and icon M15-2, and the route L13 shown between icon M15-2 and icon M12 are shown with dashed lines. Fig. 17 shows the AP route setting screen in which AP3 and Provider2 have been selected by user instruction, and the routes shown with dashed lines indicate the routes that will be connected when AP3 is selected as an AP capable of cooperative transmission with AP1.

[0146] That is, when connecting to the data server 12, the AP route setting screen displays AP1, which is currently connected to the user terminal 11, as well as AP3, which is connected to Provider 2, which is different from Provider 1, selected at the user's instruction.

[0147] In the case of Figure 17, the estimated maximum throughput speed when using the route selected by AP selection is displayed in the lower right corner of the AP / route setting screen in addition to the currently connected route. Regarding the estimated speed, at least one of the estimated speed for the route selected by AP selection and the estimated speed for the currently connected route may be displayed. Furthermore, other communication status and information related to the communication status may also be displayed.

[0148] As described above, the routes selected by the AP selection are displayed sequentially, including routes with different service providers, so that the user can select multiple APs to perform cooperative transmission and the route to the data server 12 according to the communication conditions.

[0149] <Another example of a communication sequence> FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example of the communication sequence of the present technology.

[0150] Fig. 18 shows the flow of signals exchanged among user terminal 11, AP1 to AP3, Provider 1, Provider 2, and data server 12 in the wireless communication system of Fig. 1. This communication sequence is shown with the passage of time from top to bottom. Therefore, hereinafter, the communication sequence will be explained in order from top to bottom along with the passage of time.

[0151] FIG. 18 shows an example in which cooperative transmission is performed by AP1 connected to Provider1 and AP3 connected to Provider2, which is different from Provider1.

[0152] Note that, since the processes at times t201 to t209, t221 to t226, and steps t241 and t242 in FIG. 18 are similar to those at times t1 to t9, t21 to t26, t41, and t42 in FIG. 3, their explanations will be omitted.

[0153] Furthermore, at times t281 to t288, t311, t331, and t332 in FIG. 18, the same processes as at times t81 to t88, t111, t131, and t132 in FIG. 3 are performed, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0154] At time t210, the user terminal 11 determines whether or not coordinated transmission is necessary.

[0155] Here, if it is determined that coordinated transmission is necessary, the multiple APs that will perform coordinated transmission may be automatically determined by the user terminal 11 by collecting and analyzing Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information, as in the case of Fig. 3. Alternatively, the multiple APs that will perform coordinated transmission may be determined by the user through selection by displaying the AP route setting screen of Fig. 17, which is generated based on Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information.

[0156] For example, if coordinated transmission between AP1 and AP3 is required, the user terminal 11 transmits a Coordinate Req to AP1 at time t211.

[0157] At time t227, AP1 receives Coordinate Req transmitted from user terminal 11. At time t228, AP1 transmits Coordinate Indi to Provider1 to notify it of a request to set up coordinated transmission.

[0158] At time t289, Provider 1 receives an Application Req sent from AP 2. At time t290, Provider 1 notifies the data server 12 of a request to set up cooperative transmission by sending an Application Req to the data server 12 as necessary.

[0159] At time t333, the data server 12 receives an Application Req sent from Provider 1. At time t334, the data server 12 sends an Application Resp to Provider 1.

[0160] At time t291, Provider 1 receives an Application Resp sent from the data server 12. This confirms the connection with the data server 12, and Provider 1 then sends a Coordinate Conf to AP1 at time t292.

[0161] At time t229, AP1 receives the Coordinate Conf sent from Provider 1. At time t230, AP1 sends a Coordinate Resp in response to the Coordinate Conf to the user terminal 11.

[0162] At time t212, the user terminal 11 receives a Coordinate Resp sent from AP 1. Furthermore, at time t213, the user terminal 11 sends a Coordinate Req to AP 3.

[0163] At time t263, AP3 receives Coordinate Req transmitted from user terminal 11. At time t264, AP3 transmits Coordinate Indi to Provider2, notifying it of a request to set up cooperative transmission.

[0164] Provider 2 transmits a route setting request (Route Req) at time t312 because the connection with data server 12 has not yet been confirmed. The configuration of the Route Request frame will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0165] At time t335, the data server 12 receives the Route Req sent from Provider 2, and at time t336, sends a route setting response (Route Resp) that is a response to the Route Req to Provider 2. The configuration of the Route Response frame will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0166] Provider 2 receives a Route Resp sent from data server 12 at time t314, and sends a Coordinate Conf to AP 3 at time t315.

[0167] At time t265, AP3 receives Coordinate Conf transmitted from Provider 2. At time t266, AP3 transmits a Coordinate Resp in response to the Coordinate Conf to user terminal 11.

[0168] At time t214, the user terminal 11 receives the Coordinate Resp transmitted from AP 3. After receiving the Coordinate Resp, reception settings are made in the user terminal 11 in response to coordinated transmission being carried out from each AP.

[0169] As a result, preparations for cooperative transmission by multiple APs, including AP1 and AP3, are complete.

[0170] Thereafter, the data server 12 transmits the content data (Download Data) to Provider 1 at time t337.

[0171] At time t293, Provider 1 receives Download Data transmitted from data server 12 and generates Distribution Data to distribute to AP 1. At time t294, Provider 1 transmits the Distribution Data to AP 1. At time t231, AP 1 receives the Distribution Data.

[0172] Furthermore, the data server 12 transmits the Download Data to Provider2 at time t338.

[0173] At time t316, Provider 2 receives the Download Data transmitted from data server 12 and generates Distribution Data to be distributed to AP 3. At time t317, Provider 2 transmits the Distribution Data to AP 3.

[0174] AP3 receives the Distribution Data transmitted from Provider2 at time t267.

[0175] At time t232, AP1 transmits a coordinate trigger for coordinated transmission.

[0176] At time t268, AP3 receives the Coordinate trigger transmitted from AP1. At time t215, the user terminal 11 receives the Coordinate trigger transmitted from AP1.

[0177] AP1 and AP3 transmit Distribution Data to the user terminal 11 as coordinate data at time t233 and time t269 (the same timing).

[0178] At time t216, the user terminal 11 receives the Coordinate Data transmitted from AP1 and the Coordinate Data transmitted from AP2. If all data has been received correctly, the user terminal 11 returns a Block ACK to AP1 at time t217. Note that the AP to which the user terminal 11 returns the Block ACK is the AP that performs retransmission control, and if AP3 is performing retransmission control, it may be AP3.

[0179] At time t234, AP1 receives a Block ACK sent from the user terminal 11. If AP1 determines based on the Block ACK that all data has correctly arrived at the user terminal 11, at time t235, AP1 sends a Distribution Resp to Provider 1 as necessary.

[0180] Provider 1 receives a Distribution Resp sent from AP 1 at time t295, and then the cooperative transmission of the content data (download data) sent at times t337 and t338 is completed.

[0181] <Example of the configuration of a route setting request frame> FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a path setting request frame.

[0182] The route setting request frame in FIG. 19 is used when it is sent from the service provider to the data server 12 in order to set up a transmission route for content data, and is described as a Route Request frame.

[0183] The MAC header of the path setting request frame is configured such that, following the MAC header, the cooperative transmission control information element of FIG. 7 and the application control information element of FIG. 8 are included, and an FCS is added to the end of the frame.

[0184] The MAC header of the path setting request frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0185] <Example of route setting response frame configuration> FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a route setting response frame.

[0186] The path setup response frame of FIG. 20 is sent from the data server 12 to the service provider to set up a transmission path.

[0187] The configuration of the path setting response frame includes a MAC header followed by the cooperative transmission control information element in FIG. 7, the application control information element in FIG. 8, and the network control information element in FIG. 11, with an FCS added to the end of the frame.

[0188] The MAC header of the path setting response frame also includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, and Transmit Address.

[0189] <<3. Configuration of each communication device>> <Configuration of each communication device> FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the basic configuration of each communication device such as the user terminal 11, the data server 12, the wireless communication device 14, or the communication device 15. As shown in FIG.

[0190] The communication device in FIG. 21 is composed of a network connection module 51, an information input module 52, a device control module 53, an information output module 54, and a wireless communication module 55.

[0191] The user terminal 11, the data server 12, the wireless communication device 14, and the communication device 15 are each configured with the necessary modules of the communication device shown in Figure 21, or are configured with unnecessary parts of the communication device shown in Figure 21 simplified or not incorporated.

[0192] When the network connection module 51 operates as the data server 12, the wireless communication device 14, or the communication device 15 under the control of the device control module 53, the network connection module 51 is configured to implement functions such as a communication modem for connecting to the Internet 13. The network connection module 51 establishes a connection to the Internet 13 via a public communication line and an Internet service provider.

[0193] The information input module 52 outputs information conveying instructions input by the user to the device control module 53. The information input module 52 is composed of push buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like.

[0194] The device control module 53 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The device control module 53 executes programs stored in the ROM, etc., runs applications at higher layers, and controls each unit of the communication device to operate as each communication device. The device control module 53 also has memory 53A, and stores information necessary for processing in memory 53A.

[0195] The information output module 54 outputs information relating to the operating status of the communication device supplied from the device control module 53, or information obtained via the Internet 13. The information output module 54 is composed of a display device such as an LED, a liquid crystal panel, or an organic display (for example, the display unit 31 in FIG. 3), or a speaker that outputs voice or music. The information output module 54 displays or notifies the user of required information.

[0196] The wireless communication module 55 transmits data supplied from the device control module 53 to other communication devices by performing wireless communication. The wireless communication module 55 receives data transmitted from other communication devices by performing wireless communication, and outputs the received data to the device control module 53.

[0197] <Wireless communication module configuration> FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the wireless communication module 55 in the case of the user terminal 11. As shown in FIG.

[0198] The wireless communication module 55 includes an interface 101, a transmission buffer 102, a transmission sequence management unit 103, a transmission frame construction unit 104, a cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105, and a timing control unit 106. The wireless communication module 55 also includes transmission signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2, a transmission / reception antenna unit 108, reception signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2, a reception frame analysis unit 110, a reception sequence management unit 111, and a reception buffer 112.

[0199] The interface 101 functions as an interface for exchanging information input by a user from the device control module 53, data supplied from the Internet 13, or information provided to a user in a predetermined signal format.

[0200] The interface 101 outputs data supplied from the device control module 53 to the transmission buffer 102. The interface 101 outputs content data stored in the reception buffer 112 to the device control module 53.

[0201] When the transmission buffer 102 receives information input by a user or data to be transmitted wirelessly via the interface 101, the transmission buffer 102 temporarily stores the received data.

[0202] The transmission sequence management unit 103 manages the transmission sequence for data to be transmitted. The transmission sequence management unit 103 also acquires data from the transmission buffer 102 and outputs the data to the transmission frame construction unit 104 based on the transmission sequence.

[0203] The transmission frame constructing section 104 outputs the data supplied from the transmission sequence managing section 103 to the transmission signal processing section 107-1 in accordance with the transmission timing supplied from the timing control section .

[0204] In the case of cooperative transmission or when transmitting data simultaneously to multiple destinations using spatial multiplexing technology, the transmission frame construction unit 104 converts the data supplied from the transmission sequence management unit 103 into a predetermined frame format as first data and second data to be cooperatively transmitted in accordance with instructions from the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105. The transmission frame construction unit 104 outputs the frames of the first data and the second data to be cooperatively transmitted to the transmission signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2, respectively, in accordance with the transmission timing supplied from the timing control unit 106.

[0205] Furthermore, the transmission frame construction unit 104 generates control frames such as an association request, an application request, a cooperative transmission request, a route setting request, and BlockACK in accordance with instructions from the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105. The transmission frame construction unit 104 outputs the generated control frames to the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 in accordance with the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0206] The cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission and reception of frames based on information input by the user and supplied via the interface 101, and header information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110. The cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission and reception of control frames, the implementation of cooperative transmission, and the implementation of simultaneous reception of cooperatively transmitted data by controlling the transmission frame construction unit 104 and the timing control unit 106.

[0207] The cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 also has a memory 105A. The cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 stores information related to cooperative transmission and the like in the memory 105A and generates information required for display based on information input by the user and header information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, which are supplied via the interface 101. The information related to cooperative transmission and the information required for display are output to the device control module 53 via the interface 101.

[0208] Based on instructions from the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105, the timing control unit 106 controls the transmission timing of the transmission frame construction unit 104, the transmission signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2, and the transmission / reception antenna unit 108. Based on header information and the like supplied from the reception frame analysis unit 110, the timing control unit 106 controls the reception timing of the reception signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2, and the transmission / reception antenna unit 108.

[0209] The transmission signal processing unit 107-1 outputs the control frame and the frame of the first data to be cooperatively transmitted, which are supplied from the transmission frame construction unit 104, to the transmission / reception antenna unit 108 in accordance with the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0210] The transmission signal processing unit 107-2 outputs the frame of second data to be cooperatively transmitted, which is supplied from the transmission frame construction unit 104, to the transmission / reception antenna unit 108 in accordance with the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0211] In addition, when cooperative transmission is not performed, transmission signal processing unit 107-1 is active. Furthermore, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between transmission signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2, they will be referred to as transmission signal processing unit 107.

[0212] The transmitting and receiving antenna unit 108 cooperatively transmits the first data frame and the second data frame supplied from the transmitting signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2 in accordance with the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0213] The transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108 receives the first data frame and the second data frame that are cooperatively transmitted in accordance with the reception timing controlled by the timing control unit 106. The transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108 outputs the received first data frame and the second data frame to the receiving signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2, respectively.

[0214] The transmitting and receiving antenna unit 108 transmits the control frame supplied from the transmitting signal processing unit 107-1 in accordance with the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106. The transmitting and receiving antenna unit 108 outputs the received control frame to the receiving signal processing unit 109-1.

[0215] The received signal processing unit 109-1 processes the cooperatively transmitted first data frame and control frame supplied from the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108 in accordance with the reception timing controlled by the timing control unit 106. The received signal processing unit 109-1 outputs the processed first data frame and control frame to the received frame analysis unit 110.

[0216] The received signal processing unit 109-2 processes the cooperatively transmitted second data frame supplied from the transmitting and receiving antenna unit 108, based on the reception timing supplied from the timing control unit 106. The received signal processing unit 109-2 outputs the processed second data frame to the received frame analysis unit 110.

[0217] When coordinated transmission is not performed, reception signal processing unit 109-1 is active. Furthermore, hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between reception signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2, they will be referred to as reception signal processing unit 109.

[0218] The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts necessary header information and data. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the extracted header information and the like to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the extracted data to the reception sequence management unit 111.

[0219] The receive sequence management unit 111 manages the receive sequence of the data supplied from the receive frame analysis unit 110. The receive sequence management unit 111 stores the data in the receive buffer 112 based on the receive sequence.

[0220] The receiving buffer 112 temporarily stores the data. When the data is collected in the receiving buffer 112, the collected data is configured as content data and output to the interface 101.

[0221] <<4. User Device Operation>> <User terminal communication setting process> 23 and 24 are flowcharts illustrating the communication setting process of the user terminal 11. This process is started, for example, after the power is turned on.

[0222] At times t22, t42, and t62 in FIG. 3, AP1 to AP3 transmit Beacons, respectively.

[0223] After power-on, the received signal processing unit 109-1 receives a Beacon and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t1 to t3 in FIG. 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts communication parameter information included in the Beacon. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the communication parameter information to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0224] In step S101, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not a Beacon has been received. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S101 that a Beacon has been received based on the communication parameter information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0225] The communication parameter information includes provider information about the provider through which each AP connects to the Internet 13, and the like.

[0226] In step S102, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 acquires information about the provider to be connected from the communication parameter information, and stores the information in the memory 105A. The communication parameter information may also be stored.

[0227] If it is determined in step S101 that a Beacon has not been received, the process of step S102 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S103.

[0228] In step S103, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not an AP to perform association has been set based on the status of surrounding APs obtained by Beacon. If it is determined in step S103 that an AP to perform association has been set (t4 in FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0229] In step S104, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame constructing unit 104 to transmit an Association Req to a desired AP (for example, AP1) (t5 in FIG. 3).

[0230] Specifically, transmission frame constructing section 104 generates an Association Req frame and causes transmission signal processing section 107-1 to transmit the Association Req frame.

[0231] Upon receiving the Association Req, the AP1 transmits the Association Req to the Provider 1 (t24 in FIG. 3). The AP1 also receives an Association Resp in response to the Association request from the Provider 1 and transmits it to the user terminal 11 (t26 in FIG. 3).

[0232] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the Association Resp and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t6 in FIG. 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the received frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts header information and each parameter of the information element. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the header information and each parameter of the necessary information element to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0233] In step S105, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not an Association Resp has been received. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S105 that an Association Resp has been received based on the parameters of the header information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0234] In step S106, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 acquires association AP information, which is information about the associated AP, from among the parameters of the header information, and stores it in memory 105A.

[0235] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that an Association Resp has not been received, the process returns to step S103, another AP to associate with is selected, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0236] In step S107, the cooperative transmission and reception control unit 105 determines whether or not a predetermined distribution application has been launched by the user. If it is determined in step S107 that the distribution application has been launched, the process proceeds to step S108. After the distribution application is launched, for example, information on desired content data is input to the user terminal 11 in response to an instruction from the user. That is, the information on the desired content data is supplied to the cooperative transmission and reception control unit 105 via the information input module 52, the device control module 53, and the interface 101.

[0237] In step S108, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 reads and acquires the provider information to be connected from the memory 105A.

[0238] In step S109, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame construction unit 104 to send an Application Request to Provider 1, which is connected to the data server 12 where the desired content data is stored, based on the Provider information (t8 in Figure 3).

[0239] Specifically, transmission frame constructing section 104 generates an Application Req frame and causes transmission signal processing section 107-1 to transmit the Application Req frame. The Application Req is transmitted to Provider 1 via associated AP 1.

[0240] When Provider 1 receives the Application Req, it transmits an Application Resp in response to the Application Req (t88 in FIG. 3). The Application Resp is transmitted to the user terminal 11 via the associated AP 1.

[0241] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the Application Resp and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t9 in FIG. 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the received frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts header information and each parameter of the information element. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the header information and each parameter of the necessary information element to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0242] In step S110, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not an Application Resp has been received. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S110 that an Application Resp has been received based on the parameters of the header information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S111 in FIG.

[0243] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that an Application Resp has not been received, the process returns to step S101, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0244] Also, if it is determined in step S103 that the AP to perform the association has not been set, or if it is determined in step S107 that the distribution application has not been started, the process returns to step S101 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0245] In step S111 of FIG. 24, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 acquires parameters relating to the application and parameters relating to the communication path from among the parameters of the header information and information elements, and stores them in memory 105A.

[0246] In step S112, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not to set coordinated transmission. If it is determined in step S112 that coordinated transmission is set, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0247] In step S113, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 reads and acquires information about surrounding APs from the memory 105A or the like. The acquired information about surrounding APs includes communication parameter information, parameters about applications, parameters about communication paths, etc. The information about surrounding APs is output to the device control module 53 via the interface 101.

[0248] In step S114, the device control module 53 displays a list of APs capable of cooperative transmission (for example, the AP route setting screen in FIG. 2) on the information output module 54 based on information about surrounding APs. That is, a list of APs capable of cooperative transmission that are connected to the data server 12 via a service provider in response to an instruction from a distribution application supported by the data server 12 is displayed.

[0249] After viewing the displayed list of APs capable of cooperative transmission, the user uses the information input module 52 to select a desired AP from among the APs capable of cooperative transmission. In response to a user instruction, the information input module 52 outputs AP selection information to the device control module 53. The device control module 53 outputs the AP selection information to the wireless communication module 55. The AP selection information is supplied to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 via the interface 101.

[0250] In step S115, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not an AP that will perform cooperative transmission has been selected. If it is determined in step S115 that an AP that will perform cooperative transmission has been selected, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0251] In step S116, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 provisionally sets cooperative transmission parameters in the communication terminal that is the data receiving side, in order to set up cooperative transmission, based on the selection information of the AP.

[0252] In step S117, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame construction unit 104 to transmit a Coordinate Req to AP2, which performs cooperative transmission, in this embodiment (t11 in FIG. 3).

[0253] Specifically, transmission frame constructing section 104 generates a Coordinate Req frame and causes transmission signal processing section 107-1 to transmit the Coordinate Req frame.

[0254] Upon receiving the Coordinate Req, AP2 sends a response to the Coordinate Req (Coordinate Resp) (t46 in FIG. 3).

[0255] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the Coordinate Resp and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t12 in FIG. 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts each parameter of the header information. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs each parameter of the header information to the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0256] In step S118, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not a Coordinate Resp has been received. If it is determined in step S118 that a Coordinate Resp has not been received, the process returns to step S112, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0257] Also, if it is determined in step S115 that no AP is selected to perform coordinated transmission, the process returns to step S112 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0258] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S118 that a Coordinate Resp has been received, the process proceeds to step S119.

[0259] In step S119, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not another AP that performs cooperative transmission has been selected. If it is determined in step S119 that another AP that performs cooperative transmission has been selected, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0260] In step S120, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame construction unit 104 to transmit a Coordinate Req to, for example, another AP1 that is to perform cooperative transmission, in the same manner as in step S117 in this embodiment (t13 in Figure 3).

[0261] Upon receiving the Coordinate Req, AP1 sends a response to the Coordinate Req (Coordinate Resp) (t30 in FIG. 3).

[0262] In step S121, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not a Coordinate Resp has been received, similarly to step S118. If it is determined in step S121 that a Coordinate Resp has not been received, the process returns to step S119, where another AP is selected as the AP that will perform cooperative transmission, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0263] If it is determined in step S121 that a Coordinate Resp has been received, the process proceeds to step S122. As a result, coordinated transmission is permitted by multiple APs.

[0264] In step S122, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the timing control unit 106 to cause the reception signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2 to perform reception settings for receiving data cooperatively transmitted from each AP. Thereafter, the communication setting process ends.

[0265] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 that coordinated transmission is not to be set, or if it is determined in step S119 that a Coordinate Resp has not been received, the communication setting process also ends.

[0266] <Cooperative reception processing in user terminals> 25 and 26 are flowcharts illustrating the cooperative reception process of the user terminal 11. In FIG.

[0267] 25 and 26 show the process of receiving data cooperatively transmitted from a plurality of APs that have been preset by the communication setting process of FIGS. 23 and 24. In FIG.

[0268] A trigger frame is sent from one of the APs (e.g., AP1) (t32 in Figure 3).

[0269] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the trigger frame and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t15 in FIG. 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the trigger frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts the parameters of the trigger frame. The parameters of the trigger frame include the timing of data reception, information specifying cooperative transmission, and transmission setting information for each AP. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the parameters of the trigger frame to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0270] In step S201, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 waits until a trigger frame is received. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S201 that a trigger frame has been received based on the parameters of the trigger frame supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0271] In step S202, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 acquires parameters necessary for coordinated transmission from the parameters of the Trigger frame.

[0272] In step S203, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether coordinated transmission is set or not based on the acquired parameters, etc. If it is determined in step S203 that coordinated transmission is not set, the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0273] Also, in step S203, if cooperative transmission has been set by the communication setting process of FIGS. 23 and 24, it is determined that cooperative transmission has been set, and the process proceeds to step S204.

[0274] In step S204, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not there is an AP for which coordinated transmission is set. If it is determined in step S204 that there is no AP for which coordinated transmission is set, the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0275] If it is determined in step S204 that there is an AP for which cooperative transmission is set, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0276] In step S205, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the timing control unit 106 to cause the received signal processing unit 109-1 to perform reception settings for the first coordinated transmission data.

[0277] In step S206, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not there is another AP for which coordinated transmission is set. If it is determined in step S206 that there is another AP for which coordinated transmission is set, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0278] In step S207, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the timing control unit 106 to cause the reception signal processing unit 109-2 to perform reception settings for the second cooperative transmission data. Thereafter, the process returns to step S206, and the subsequent processes are repeated. That is, if cooperative transmission settings are configured from even more APs, for example, three or more APs, the user terminal 11 may be configured to appropriately perform reception settings for those APs.

[0279] If it is determined in step S206 that there is no other AP for which cooperative transmission is set, the process proceeds to step S208 in FIG.

[0280] AP1 and AP2 transmit cooperative transmission data at the timings specified in the Trigger frame (t33 and t49 in FIG. 3).

[0281] In step S208 in FIG. 26, reception signal processors 109-1 and 109-2 receive the coordinated transmission data (t16 in FIG. 3).

[0282] The received signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2 receive the cooperative transmission data and supply it to the received frame analysis unit 110. The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes each frame of the cooperative transmission data supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts data of a predetermined data unit (A-MPDU subframe unit in FIG. 15 ) and parameters of the header information. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the data of the predetermined data unit to the reception sequence management unit 111 and outputs the parameters to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0283] In step S209, the reception sequence management unit 111 determines whether data of a predetermined data unit has been successfully collected from the received data. If it is determined that data of the predetermined data unit has been successfully collected, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0284] In step S210, the receive sequence management unit 111 acquires data of a predetermined data unit that has been successfully collected, and stores the data in the receive buffer 112.

[0285] If it is determined in step S209 that data of the predetermined data unit has not been collected normally, step S210 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S211.

[0286] In step S211, the reception sequence management unit 111 determines whether the end of the reception data (A-MPDU frame in FIG. 15) has arrived. If it is determined that the end of the reception data has not arrived, the process returns to step S208, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

[0287] If it is determined in step S211 that the end of the received data has arrived, the process proceeds to step S212. In this embodiment, for example, the first cooperative transmission data is received in the received signal processing unit 109-1, and the second cooperative transmission data is simultaneously received in the received signal processing unit 109-2, and processing is performed on each of them.

[0288] In step S212, the reception sequence management unit 111 determines whether or not there is data of a predetermined data unit that has been successfully collected. If it is determined in step S212 that there is data of a predetermined data unit that has been successfully collected, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0289] In step S213, the reception sequence management unit 111 collects data of a predetermined data unit from the reception results of the first cooperative transmission data and the second cooperative transmission data from the reception buffer 112, etc., constructs reception data (A-MPDU frame), and stores it in the reception buffer 112.

[0290] If it is determined in step S212 that there is no data of the predetermined data unit that has been successfully collected, step S213 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S214.

[0291] In step S214, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 creates Block ACK information, which is a receipt confirmation in the reception sequence management unit 111.

[0292] In step S215, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 identifies an AP for which retransmission control is to be performed.

[0293] In step S216, the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame construction unit 104 to cause the AP that performs retransmission control to transmit a Block ACK frame (FIG. 16) (t17 in FIG. 3).

[0294] In step S217, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether all the data has been received. If it is determined in step S217 that not all the data has been received, the process returns to step S201, and the subsequent processes are repeated. In other words, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 waits again for data to be cooperatively transmitted.

[0295] If it is determined in step S217 that all the data has been received, the process proceeds to step S218. Note that if retransmission is no longer performed due to a timeout or the like before all the data is received, the process also proceeds to step S218.

[0296] In step S218, the reception sequence management unit 111 outputs the data stored in the reception buffer 112 to the device control module 53 (application) via the interface 101.

[0297] <<5. Other>> <Effects> As described above, according to the present technology, the APs that will perform cooperative transmission can be set from the user terminal and setup can be started, so that cooperative transmission can be performed by any AP.

[0298] That is, when cooperative transmission is performed, it is possible to reuse existing APs without introducing new APs.

[0299] Furthermore, if APs equipped with a cooperative transmission function are used, cooperative transmission can be performed even if APs from different manufacturers are used.

[0300] Since the AP can be specified at any time, the optimal AP can be set as needed, such as when a user is running an application that the user requires, and cooperative transmission setup can be performed.

[0301] By displaying the presence of APs that are capable of cooperative transmission among the surrounding APs, the user can select the most suitable AP.

[0302] That is, since a user terminal is equipped with a display function such as a display, the user can easily display the presence of APs in the vicinity that are compatible with cooperative transmission.

[0303] Furthermore, since a user terminal is provided with an interface for inputting user instructions, the user can easily specify any AP that will perform cooperative transmission.

[0304] By collecting information on the existence of data servers according to the application and the service providers that execute Internet access, the user can select the AP that is most suitable for the user.

[0305] <Computer configuration example> The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0306] FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the above-described series of processes using a program.

[0307] A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302 , and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 are interconnected by a bus 304 .

[0308] An input / output interface 305 is also connected to the bus 304. An input unit 306 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and an output unit 307 including a display, a speaker, etc. are connected to the input / output interface 305. In addition, a storage unit 308 including a hard disk, a nonvolatile memory, etc., a communication unit 309 including a network interface, etc., and a drive 310 that drives removable media 311 are also connected to the input / output interface 305.

[0309] In the computer configured as above, the CPU 301 loads a program stored in the storage unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input / output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executes the program, thereby performing the above-described series of processes.

[0310] The program executed by the CPU 301 is installed in the storage unit 308 by being recorded on a removable medium 311, or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting.

[0311] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0312] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (components), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are contained in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device housed in a single housing with multiple modules, are both systems.

[0313] Furthermore, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

[0314] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

[0315] For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0316] Furthermore, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0317] Furthermore, when one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device or can be shared and executed by multiple devices.

[0318] <Configuration combination example> The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) A communication control unit that starts setup of cooperative transmission in order to cause a plurality of wireless communication devices to perform the cooperative transmission. A wireless communication terminal comprising: (2) The communication control unit transmits a setup request for the cooperative transmission to a desired wireless communication device, and receives a response to the setup request from the wireless communication device. The wireless communication terminal according to (1) above. (3) When the communication control unit receives responses to the setup request from the plurality of wireless communication devices to which the setup request has been transmitted, the communication control unit performs reception settings for the cooperative transmission to be executed in the plurality of wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal according to (2) above. (4) The communication control unit controls the wireless communication device that performs retransmission control for the cooperative transmission to return a receipt confirmation for the cooperative transmission. The wireless communication terminal according to (2) or (3). (5) a display control unit that controls display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device that can perform the cooperative transmission; The wireless communication terminal according to any one of (2) to (4). (6) further comprising an operation input unit for inputting a user's instruction; The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device in response to an instruction from the user. The wireless communication terminal according to (5) above. (7) the display control unit controls display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device and information corresponding to a service provider connected to a network; The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device and the desired service provider in response to an instruction from the user. The wireless communication terminal according to (6) above. (8) The display control unit controls display of information for each path between the wireless communication device and the service provider. The wireless communication terminal according to (7) above. (9) The display control unit controls display of a communication status calculated for each path between the wireless communication device and the service provider. The wireless communication terminal according to (7) above. (10) The communication control unit selects a service provider to connect to the wireless communication device and a network. The wireless communication terminal according to (2) above. (11) The communication control unit controls the wireless communication device to receive content data for a predetermined application from a server connected to a network via the wireless communication device. The wireless communication terminal according to (2) above. (12) The communication control unit transmits a setup request for the cooperative transmission to the plurality of wireless communication devices, and when receiving responses to the setup request from the plurality of wireless communication devices, performs reception setting for the cooperative transmission to be executed in the plurality of wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal according to (1) above. (13) A setup request for causing the wireless communication devices to execute the cooperative transmission includes address information of the associated wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal according to (1) above. (14) a response to the setup request including a network control information element required to select the wireless communication device that is to execute the cooperative transmission from among the plurality of wireless communication devices; The wireless communication terminal according to (13) above. (15) The communication control unit transmits a setup request for the cooperative transmission to a desired wireless communication device connected to the data server via a service provider in response to an instruction from an application supported by the data server. The wireless communication terminal according to (1) above. (16) When the plurality of desired wireless communication devices are connected via different service providers, the communication control unit transmits the setup request to each of the plurality of desired wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal according to (15) above. (17) The wireless communication terminal Initiating a setup for cooperative transmission in order to execute cooperative transmission among a plurality of wireless communication devices. Wireless communication method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0319] 11 User terminal, 12 Data server, 13 Internet, 14, 14-1 to 14-3 Communication device, 15, 15-1, 15-2 Communication device, 51 Network connection module, 52 Information input module, 53 Device control module, 53A Memory, 54 Information output module, 55 Wireless communication module, 101 Interface, 102 Transmission buffer, 103 Transmission sequence management unit, 104 Transmission frame construction unit, 105 Coordination, transmission, reception control unit, 105A Memory, 106 Timing control unit, 107, 107-1, 107-2 Transmission signal processing unit, 108 Transmitting and receiving antenna unit, 109, 109-1, 109-2 Reception signal processing unit, 110 Received frame analysis unit, 111 Received sequence management unit, 112 Received buffer

Claims

1. A communication control unit that starts setup of cooperative transmission in order to cause a plurality of wireless communication devices to perform the cooperative transmission. A wireless communication terminal comprising:

2. The communication control unit transmits a setup request for the cooperative transmission to a desired wireless communication device, and receives a response to the setup request from the wireless communication device.

2. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

3. When the communication control unit receives responses to the setup request from the plurality of wireless communication devices to which the setup request has been transmitted, the communication control unit performs reception settings for the cooperative transmission to be executed in the plurality of wireless communication devices.

3. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 2.

4. The communication control unit controls the wireless communication device that performs retransmission control for the cooperative transmission to return a receipt confirmation for the cooperative transmission.

4. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 3.

5. a display control unit that controls display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device that can perform the cooperative transmission; 3. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 2.

6. further comprising an operation input unit for inputting a user's instruction; The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device in response to an instruction from the user.

6. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 5.

7. the display control unit controls display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device and information corresponding to a service provider connected to a network; The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device and the desired service provider in response to an instruction from the user.

7. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 6.

8. The display control unit controls display of information for each path between the wireless communication device and the service provider.

8. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 7.

9. The display control unit controls display of a communication status calculated for each path between the wireless communication device and the service provider.

8. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 7.

10. The communication control unit selects a service provider to connect to the wireless communication device and a network.

3. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 2.

11. The communication control unit controls the wireless communication device to receive content data for a predetermined application from a server connected to a network via the wireless communication device.

3. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 2.

12. The communication control unit transmits a setup request for the cooperative transmission to the plurality of wireless communication devices, and when receiving responses to the setup request from the plurality of wireless communication devices, performs reception setting for the cooperative transmission to be executed in the plurality of wireless communication devices.

2. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

13. A setup request for causing the wireless communication devices to execute the cooperative transmission includes address information of the associated wireless communication devices.

2. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

14. a response to the setup request including a network control information element required to select the wireless communication device that is to execute the cooperative transmission from among the plurality of wireless communication devices; 14. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 13.

15. The communication control unit transmits a setup request for the cooperative transmission to a desired wireless communication device connected to the data server via a service provider in response to an instruction from an application supported by the data server.

2. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

16. When the plurality of desired wireless communication devices are connected via different service providers, the communication control unit transmits the setup request to each of the plurality of desired wireless communication devices.

16. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 15.

17. The wireless communication terminal Initiating a setup for cooperative transmission in order to execute cooperative transmission among a plurality of wireless communication devices. Wireless communication method.

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