Communication equipment and communication methods

Abstract

To provide a communication device that suppresses interference with radio waves in other wireless networks. [Solution] The communication device includes: an intensity calculation unit that identifies the wireless method of a radio interference source based on the appearance pattern of radio waves and calculates the interference intensity of radio interference due to the wireless method; an influence calculation unit that calculates the degree of influence of radio interference by radio interference sources that can share the frequency of a channel, based on the interference intensity of radio interference sources that can share the frequency of a channel, for each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device; and a selection unit that selects a channel to be used for wireless communication of the communication device based on the degree of influence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a communication method.

Background Art

[0002] One of the wireless communication methods is the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) method. In the DECT method, communication is performed using one or more of a plurality of resources. For example, a DECT handset scans the channel states of a plurality of resources and selects the best communication channel (the best channel) with the best channel state to communicate with the base station. As a result, the DECT handset and the base station can perform communication with good communication quality.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The radio frequencies used in the DECT method may overlap with the radio frequencies of other radio systems such as PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) and LTE (Long Term Evolution). Therefore, a wireless network using the DECT method may interfere with the radio waves of other wireless networks using radio systems such as PHS and LTE.

[0005] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device and a communication method capable of suppressing interference with radio waves in other wireless networks.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an intensity calculation unit that identifies the wireless method of a radio interference source based on the appearance pattern of radio waves and calculates the interference intensity of radio interference due to the wireless method; an influence calculation unit that calculates the degree of influence of radio interference by radio interference sources that can share the frequency of a channel, based on the interference intensity of radio interference sources that can share the frequency of a channel, for each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device; and a selection unit that selects a channel to be used for wireless communication of the communication device based on the degree of influence.

[0007] A communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication method for a communication device, which involves identifying the radio system of a radio interference source based on the appearance pattern of radio waves, calculating the interference intensity of radio interference due to the radio system, calculating the degree of influence of radio interference by radio interference sources that can share the frequency of the channel for each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device based on the interference intensity of radio interference sources that can share the frequency of the channel, and selecting a channel to be used for wireless communication of the communication device based on the degree of influence.

[0008] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media, or as any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, interference with radio waves in other wireless networks can be suppressed.

[0010] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Configuration diagram of a wireless network according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 2] Diagram illustrating frequency allocation for PHS, DECT, and TD-LTE. [Figure 3] Diagram explaining frequency sharing [Figure 4] Diagram showing the frame configurations of PHS, DECT, and TD-LTE. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the radio wave appearance patterns in PHS, DECT, and TD-LTE. [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the interference impact for each DECT channel. [Figure 7] Block diagram of the communication device [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of interference type determination processing. [Figure 9] A flowchart illustrating an example of channel and slot selection processing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0013] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable a person skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] <Wireless Network Configuration> Figure 1 is a diagram of the configuration of a wireless network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the wireless network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication device 1 and a communication device 2. Communication devices 1 and 2 perform wireless communication based on the DECT scheme.

[0015] The wireless network shown in FIG. 1 may be applied to, for example, a mobile phone system or an intercom system.

[0016] When the wireless network shown in FIG. 1 is applied to an intercom system, communication device 1 may be a handset of the intercom system. Communication device 2 may be a master unit of the intercom system.

[0017] When the wireless network shown in FIG. 1 is applied to an intercom system, communication device 1 (handset) may be installed in front of each household in an apartment house and connected to a monitor device (intercom master unit) installed inside each household. Communication device 2 (master unit) may be installed on the passage wall of each floor of the apartment house and connected to a calling device installed in the lobby of the apartment house. Communication devices 1 and 2 may relay communication between the monitor device installed inside the household and the calling device installed in the lobby. For example, communication devices 1 and 2 may relay voice data and image data. Communication device 2 may perform wireless communication with a plurality of communication devices 1. Communication device 1 may include a call button.

[0018] Around the wireless network shown in FIG. 1, there may exist wireless networks of wireless systems such as PHS and LTE. Therefore, the radio waves of the wireless network shown in FIG. 1 may interfere with the radio waves of other wireless networks.

[0019] Communication devices 1 and 2 suppress interference with the radio waves used by other wireless networks as described below. Hereinafter, the functions, operations, and configurations of communication device 1 will be described, but the functions, operations, and configurations of communication device 1 may also be applied to communication device 2.

[0020] <Frequency> FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the frequency allocation of PHS, DECT, and TD (Time Division)-LTE. Frequency may be read as frequency band, frequency channel, or channel.

[0021] PHS has control channels (CCH) and traffic channels (TCH). As shown in Figure 2, "Private PHS," there are four CCH channels: ch12, ch18, ch35, and ch37. The remaining channels are TCH channels.

[0022] The DECT system has two frequency sets: Frequency Set 1 and Frequency Set 2. Frequency Set 1 uses 10 frequencies out of 12 frequencies, F7-F9, Fa, Fb, and F1-F6, as shown in "DECT (Frequency Set 1)" in Figure 2. Frequency Set 2 uses 10 frequencies out of 12 frequencies, F7-F9, Fa, Fb, and F1-F6, as shown in "DECT (Frequency Set 2)" in Figure 2, specifically F7-F9, Fa, Fb, and F1-F4.

[0023] TD-LTE has 1.4MHz, 5MHz, and 10MHz systems. In the 1.4MHz system, as shown in Figure 2, “TD-LTE (1.4MHz system)”, three frequencies, #1, #2, and #3, are used. In the 5MHz system, as shown in Figure 2, “TD-LTE (5MHz system)”, four frequencies, F1, F0, F3, and F2, are used. In the 10MHz system, as shown in Figure 2, “TD-LTE (10MHz system)”, one frequency, F21, is used.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the radio frequencies of DECT, PHS, and TD-LTE can overlap. Therefore, the radio waves of communication device 1 (the radio network in Figure 1) may interfere with the radio waves of other radio networks, as explained in Figure 3.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating frequency sharing. The top row of Figure 3 shows the DECT channel numbers F7-F9, Fa, Fb, and F1-F6 that can be used by communication device 1. Figure 3 shows the frequency sharing status of the DECT channels of communication device 1 with DECT frequency set 1, DECT frequency set 2, PHS CCH, PHS TCH, and TD-LTE.

[0026] For example, if communication device 1 uses DECT frequency set 2, the frequency of channel F0 may be shared between PHS TCH and TD-LTE, as shown in the column indicated by arrow A3a in Figure 3. Therefore, the radio waves of communication device 1 using DECT frequency set 2 may interfere with the radio waves of the PHS wireless network and the TD-LTE wireless network at the frequency of channel F0.

[0027] For example, if communication device 1 uses DECT frequency set 1 or frequency set 2, the frequency of channel F3 may be shared by PHS CCH, PHS TCH, and TD-LTE, as shown in the column indicated by arrow A3b in Figure 3. Therefore, the radio waves of communication device 1 using DECT frequency set 1 or frequency set 2 may interfere with the radio waves of the PHS wireless network and the TD-LTE wireless network at the frequency of channel F3.

[0028] <Framework> Figure 4 shows the frame configurations for PHS, DECT, and TD-LTE. As shown in Figure 4, PHS contains 8 slots per frame. The length of one frame is 5 ms.

[0029] In the DECT system, each frame contains 24 slots. The length of one frame is 10 ms. The first 12 slots of a frame are used, for example, for downlink, and the latter 12 slots are used, for example, for uplink. The slot configuration is not limited to the above configuration.

[0030] TD-LTE contains 10 subframes per frame. The length of one frame is 10ms.

[0031] <Patterns of radio wave appearance> Figure 5 illustrates the radio wave occurrence patterns in PHS, DECT, and TD-LTE. The five time axes shown in Figure 5 have different scales from each other.

[0032] As shown in the “Private PHS Control Channel” in Figure 5, PHS radio waves appear once at intervals of 125ms to 300ms.

[0033] As shown in the “Private PHS Call Channel” in Figure 5, PHS radio waves appear once at intervals of 5 ms.

[0034] As shown in the “DECT control channel communication channel” in Figure 5, the DECT radio waves appear once at 10ms intervals.

[0035] As shown in the “TD-LTE control channel” in Figure 5, TD-LTE radio waves appear multiple times at 5ms intervals.

[0036] As shown in the “TD-LTE Call Channel” in Figure 5, TD-LTE radio waves appear once every 10ms.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the radio wave appearance patterns differ depending on the wireless system. Therefore, the communication device 1 can identify the wireless system of the wireless network causing radio interference based on the appearance pattern (timing) of the intercepted radio waves.

[0038] For example, if communication device 1 intercepts one radio wave at a 5ms interval, it can identify PHS (PHS-CCH) as the radio system of the wireless network causing the radio interference.

[0039] For example, if communication device 1 intercepts multiple radio waves at 5ms intervals and intercepts one radio wave at 10ms intervals, it can identify TD-LTE as the wireless method of the wireless network causing the radio interference.

[0040] Note that the communication device 1 can measure the strength of interference of a wireless network causing radio wave interference by measuring interference power such as the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the intercepted radio wave. In other words, the communication device 1 can measure the interference strength by the radio wave interference source.

[0041] <Interference influence degree for each DECT channel> FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the interference influence degree for each DECT channel. In FIG. 6, it is assumed that around the communication device 1 using the DECT frequency set 1, there are PHS (PHS-CCH, PHS-TCH) and TD-LTE wireless networks (radio systems) as radio wave interference sources for the communication device 1, and the interference influence degree is explained. The column of the DECT frequency set 1 in FIG. 6 shows the channels that can be used by the communication device 1 using the frequency set 1.

[0042] As described in the above <Radio wave appearance pattern>, the communication device 1 determines the radio system of the radio wave interference source based on the appearance pattern of the intercepted radio wave. For example, according to the above assumption, the communication device 1 identifies the radio systems of PHS and TD-LTE as the radio wave interference sources for the communication device 1. Note that the circles shown in FIG. 6 indicate the sharing relationship between the channels that can be used by the communication device 1 and the frequencies of the radio systems identified by the communication device 1.

[0043] The communication device 1 measures the interference strength of the interference radio wave by the radio wave interference source. For example, as the interference strength in PHS and TD-LTE identified as the radio wave interference sources, the communication device 1 measures "1", "1", and "2" as shown in the "Interference strength" column of FIG. 6.

[0044] Note that the interference strength may be an average value over all channels F7 to F9, Fa, and F1 to F6 (all frequencies) that can be used by the communication device 1. For example, the communication device 1 can measure the interference strength at each channel while switching channels and calculate the average of the interference strength over all channels.

[0045] The number of interference types shown in the left column of Figure 6 indicates the number of radio interference sources that may share the same frequency. For example, channel F9 may interfere with the TF-LTE frequency, so the number of radio interference sources is "1".

[0046] The interference impact shown in the bottom column of Figure 6 indicates the degree of interference from other wireless networks to the DECT channels that communication device 1 can use. The interference impact is calculated by summing the "interference strength" of other wireless networks for each DECT channel that communication device 1 can use.

[0047] For example, as shown by arrow A6a in Figure 6, the frequency of channel F3 of communication device 1 may be shared with PHS-CCH, PHS-TCH, and TD-LTE. Therefore, the interference impact on channel F3 of communication device 1 is the sum of the interference strengths of PHS-CCH ("1"), PHS-TCH ("1"), and TD-LTE ("2"), resulting in a value of "4".

[0048] For example, as shown by arrow A6b in Figure 6, the frequency of channel F9 of communication device 1 may be shared with TD-LTE. Therefore, the interference impact on channel F9 of communication device 1 will be the same as the interference intensity of TD-LTE, "2".

[0049] In other words, communication device 1 identifies the radio system causing the radio interference (radio interference source) from the pattern of radio wave appearance. Communication device 1 measures the interference intensity of the identified radio interference source. Then, communication device 1 adds up the interference intensities of radio interference sources that can share frequencies in each channel that communication device 1 can use, calculates the degree of radio interference impact caused by the radio interference source, and creates (generates) a table as shown in Figure 6. The table is stored in the memory unit.

[0050] The interference impact level can be considered to represent the communication quality on each channel of communication device 1. The greater the interference impact level, the more interference the channel receives from other wireless networks, and the lower the communication quality.

[0051] For example, in FIG. 6, the communication quality of DECT channels F3 and F4 is the lowest, and the communication quality of DECT channels F7 and F8 is the highest. Therefore, when the communication device 1 selects, for example, DECT channels F7 and F8, high-quality communication becomes possible.

[0052] <Channel and Slot Selection> As described in the above <Interference Influence Degree for Each DECT Channel>, after calculating the interference influence degree of each channel (for example, generating the table shown in FIG. 6), the communication device 1 selects (determines) the channel and slot to be used for wireless communication.

[0053] For example, the communication device 1 selects the channel with the lowest interference influence degree. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the communication device 1 selects one of channels F7 and F8 with the lowest interference influence degree (number). As shown in FIG. 6, when there are multiple channels with the same interference influence degree, the communication device 1 may select channel F7 with the (smallest) channel number, or may select channel F8 with the (largest) channel number.

[0054] After selecting the channel, the communication device 1 selects the slot. For example, the communication device 1 measures the reception intensity such as RSSI of each slot while changing the slot, and selects the slot whose reception intensity is below the threshold value. The reception intensity may be the time average value within one slot.

[0055] For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the communication device 1 selects channel F7. After selecting channel F7, the communication device 1 selects the slots in ascending order from slot number 1, measures the reception intensity, and selects the slot whose reception intensity is below the threshold value. Then, the communication device 1 performs wireless communication with the communication device 2 using the selected channel F7 and the selected slot.

[0056] If there are no slots in the selected channel (for example, all downlink slots) where the received signal strength is below a threshold, the communication device 1 selects another channel. The communication device 1 selects slots in order of increasing interference influence.

[0057] For example, if there are no slots in channel F7 where the received signal strength is below the threshold, communication device 1 selects channel F8. If there are no slots in channel F8 where the received signal strength is below the threshold, communication device 1 selects channel F1. Communication device 1 selects other channels in order of increasing interference influence until it finds a slot where the received signal strength is below the threshold.

[0058] <Block diagram> Figure 7 is a block diagram of the communication device 1. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 1 includes an antenna 11, a switch 12, a transmit / receive setting unit 13, a receive unit 14, a received data processing unit 15, an interference processing unit 16, a channel monitor unit 17, a communication channel selection unit 18, a data processing unit 19, a transmitted data processing unit 20, and a transmit unit 21.

[0059] Switch 12 switches between the connection between the antenna 11 and the receiving unit 14, and the connection between the antenna 11 and the transmitting unit 21, under the control of the transmit / receive setting unit 13.

[0060] The transmit / receive setting unit 13 includes a timing control unit 13a and a frequency control unit 13b. The timing control unit 13a switches the switch 12 based on the timing at which the receiver unit 14 receives a signal and the timing at which the transmitter unit 21 transmits a signal.

[0061] The frequency control unit 13b controls the frequency (channel) of the signal received by the receiving unit 14 and the frequency (channel) of the signal transmitted by the transmitting unit 21, based on the received signal strength monitored by the channel monitor unit 17 and the frequency selected by the communication channel selection unit 18.

[0062] The receiving unit 14 downconverts the frequency of the signal received by the antenna 11 and outputs it to the received data processing unit 15 and the channel monitor unit 17. The receiving unit 14 also outputs the interference power and received strength of the signal received by the antenna 11 to the channel monitor unit 17.

[0063] The received data processing unit 15 demodulates and decodes the signal output from the receiving unit 14 and outputs it to the data processing unit 19.

[0064] The interference processing unit 16 includes an interference intensity calculation unit 16a and an interference impact calculation unit 16b. The interference intensity calculation unit 16a identifies the radio system of the radio interference source based on the appearance pattern of interference power output from the channel monitor unit 17 (in other words, the appearance pattern of intercepted radio waves) and calculates the interference intensity of the radio interference caused by the identified radio system.

[0065] The interference impact calculation unit 16b calculates the degree of interference caused by radio interference sources for each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device 1, based on the interference intensity of radio interference sources that can share the channel frequency. For example, the interference impact calculation unit 16b calculates the degree of interference caused by radio interference sources by adding up the interference intensities of radio interference sources that can share the channel frequency for each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device 1.

[0066] The channel monitor unit 17 monitors the interference power and received signal strength output from the receiver unit 14 and outputs them to the communication channel selection unit 18 and the transmit / receive setting unit 13.

[0067] The communication channel selection unit 18 selects a channel and slot to be used for wireless communication based on the interference impact calculated by the interference processing unit 16 and the received signal strength monitored by the channel monitor unit 17.

[0068] The data processing unit 19 processes the signal output from the receiving data processing unit 15, for example, according to the application. The data processing unit 19 outputs the transmission data from the application to the transmitting data processing unit 20.

[0069] The transmission data processing unit 20 encodes and modulates the transmission data output from the data processing unit 19 and outputs it to the transmission unit 21.

[0070] The transmitting unit 21 upconverts the signal output from the transmission data processing unit 20 and outputs it to the switch 12.

[0071] The transmit / receive setting unit 13, the received data processing unit 15, the interference processing unit 16, the channel monitor unit 17, the communication channel selection unit 18, the data processing unit 19, and the transmitted data processing unit 20 may be configured by a control unit. The control unit may be configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit may, for example, execute a program stored in a memory unit to realize the functions of each unit.

[0072] <Operation Flow> • Interference type determination process Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of interference type determination processing. Communication device 1 is configured (stored) with the appearance patterns of radio waves from wireless networks that may be sources of radio interference (see <Radio Wave Appearance Patterns> above). For example, before starting wireless communication, communication device 1 executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8 generates, for example, the table shown in Figure 6.

[0073] Communication device 1 compares the reception (appearance) pattern of the received signal with a set appearance pattern to identify (determine) the wireless system causing the radio interference (S1). For example, communication device 1 identifies PHS (PHS-CCH, PHS-TCH) and TD-LTE, as shown in the leftmost column of Figure 6, as wireless systems.

[0074] Communication device 1 calculates the interference intensity of the wireless system determined in S1 (S2). For example, communication device 1 calculates the interference intensity shown in the far right column of Figure 6.

[0075] Communication device 1 identifies the wireless systems that can share the frequency among the wireless systems determined in S1 for each channel (frequency) that communication device 1 can use (S3). For example, in channel F3 shown by arrow A6a in Figure 6, communication device 1 identifies PHS (PHS-CCH, PHS-TCH) and TD-LTE. For example, in channel F9 shown by arrow A6b in Figure 6, communication device 1 identifies TD-LTE.

[0076] Communication device 1 calculates the interference impact by adding the interference strengths of the wireless systems identified in S3 for each channel that communication device 1 can use (S4). For example, in channel F3 shown by arrow A6a in Figure 6, communication device 1 adds the interference strength of PHS (PHS-CCH) "1", the interference strength of PHS (PHS-TCH) "1", and the interference strength of TD-LTE "2" to calculate the interference impact "4". For example, in channel F9 shown by arrow A6b in Figure 6, communication device 1 uses the interference strength of TD-LTE "2" as the interference impact "2".

[0077] After completing the process in S4, communication device 1 terminates the process in the flowchart.

[0078] Through the above process, for example, the table shown in Figure 6 is generated.

[0079] • Channel and slot selection process Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the channel and slot selection process. After executing the flowchart shown in Figure 8 (for example, after generating the table shown in Figure 6), communication device 1 executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 9 before starting communication. Communication device 1 then uses the channel and slot selected by the process shown in Figure 9 to communicate wirelessly with communication device 2.

[0080] Communication device 1 assigns the initial value x0 to the variable "X" (S11).

[0081] Communication device 1 assigns channel number F7 to the variable "ch number" (S12).

[0082] The communication device 1 determines whether the interference influence α in the channel of the channel number assigned to the variable "ch number" is less than the value (threshold) assigned to the variable "X" (S13).

[0083] If the interference influence α in the channel of the channel number assigned to the variable "ch number" is not less than the value assigned to the variable "X" (No. in S13), the communication device 1 assigns the next channel number to the variable "ch number" (S14). For example, the communication device 1 assigns the next channel number to the variable "ch number" in the order of F8, F9, Fa, Fb, and F1 to F6.

[0084] Communication device 1 determines whether or not the determination process in S13 has been executed for all channel numbers (S15).

[0085] If communication device 1 has not performed the determination process in S13 for any channel number (No. in S15), it proceeds to S13. That is, communication device 1 performs the determination process in S13 for the next channel number.

[0086] On the other hand, if communication device 1 is executing the process in S13 for all channel numbers (Yes in S15), it moves the process to S21. That is, communication device 1 moves the process to S21, which will be described later, and changes the value of the variable "X (threshold)" in the determination process in S13.

[0087] In S13, if the interference influence α in the channel of the channel number assigned to the variable "ch number" is smaller than the value assigned to the variable "X" (Yes in S13), the communication device 1 assigns "1" to the variable "slot number" (S16). If the slot number of the downlink slot starts from 0, "1" is assigned to the variable "slot number".

[0088] Communication device 1 determines whether the received signal strength of the slot specified by the variable "slot number" is less than the threshold Y (S17).

[0089] If the received signal strength of the slot specified by the variable "slot number" is less than the threshold Y (Yes in S17), the communication device 1 selects the channel specified by the variable "ch number" and the slot specified by the variable "slot number" as the channel and slot to be used for wireless communication (S18). Then, the communication device 1 terminates the processing of the flowchart.

[0090] On the other hand, if the received signal strength of the slot of the variable "slot number" is not less than the threshold Y (No in S17), the communication device 1 adds 1 to the variable "slot number" (S19).

[0091] Communication device 1 determines whether the value of the variable "slot number" is greater than 13 (S20). If the slot number of the downlink slot starts from 0, communication device 1 determines whether the value of the variable "slot number" is greater than 12 (because the number of downlink slots is 12).

[0092] If the value of the variable “slot number” is not greater than 13 (No. in S20), communication device 1 proceeds to S17. That is, communication device 1 executes the determination process of S17 for the next slot number.

[0093] On the other hand, if the communication device 1 determines that the value of the variable "slot number" is greater than 13 (Yes in S20), it adds Δ to the variable "X" (S21). In other words, the communication device 1 increases the value of the variable "X (threshold)" in the determination process of S13.

[0094] Communication device 1 determines whether the value of variable "X" has exceeded the maximum value (S22).

[0095] If the value of variable "X" does not exceed the maximum value (No. in S22), communication device 1 proceeds to S12. That is, communication device 1 increases the value of variable "X (threshold)" and executes the determination process in S13 again, starting from the initial channel number F7.

[0096] On the other hand, if the value of variable "X" exceeds the maximum value (Yes in S22), communication device 1 determines that channel and slot selection has failed (S23). Then, communication device 1 terminates the processing of the flowchart.

[0097] <Summary of Embodiments> As explained above, communication device 1 identifies the radio system of the radio interference source based on the radio wave appearance pattern and calculates the interference intensity of the radio interference due to the radio system. For each channel that can be used for wireless communication of communication device 1, communication device 1 calculates the degree of influence of radio interference from radio interference sources that can share the channel frequency, based on the interference intensity of radio interference sources that can share the channel frequency. Based on the calculated degree of influence, communication device 1 selects the channel to be used for wireless communication of communication device 1. In this way, communication device 1 selects a channel with a small degree of influence of radio interference from other wireless networks, thereby suppressing interference with radio waves from other wireless networks.

[0098] While embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims. Such modifications or alterations are also understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the notation "...part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "...circuitry", "...assembly", "...device", "...unit", or "...module".

[0100] This disclosure can be implemented in software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be implemented in part or in whole as an integrated circuit (LSI), and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled in part or in whole by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI may consist of individual chips, or it may consist of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the degree of integration, LSIs may be referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs.

[0101] The method of integration is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors that allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used. This disclosure may be implemented as digital or analog processing.

[0102] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, it would be possible to use those technologies to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possibility.

[0103] This disclosure is applicable to all types of devices, systems, and equipment having communication capabilities (collectively referred to as communication equipment). Communication equipment may include a radio transceiver and a processing / control circuit. A radio transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both as functions. A radio transceiver (transmitter, receiver) may include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or similar. Non-exclusive examples of communication devices include telephones (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, notebooks, etc.), cameras (digital still / video cameras, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, vehicles or mobile transport with communication capabilities (cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above-mentioned devices.

[0104] Communication devices are not limited to portable or movable devices, but also include all kinds of non-portable or fixed devices, devices, and systems, such as smart home devices (appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or measuring instruments, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0105] Communication equipment also includes devices such as controllers and sensors that are connected to or linked to communication devices that perform the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, this includes controllers and sensors that generate control signals and data signals used by communication devices that perform the communication functions of the communication equipment.

[0106] Furthermore, communication equipment includes infrastructure facilities such as base stations, access points, and any other devices, devices, and systems that communicate with or control the aforementioned non-limited types of equipment. [Industrial applicability]

[0107] This disclosure is useful for communication systems such as mobile phone systems or intercom systems that use the DECT protocol. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0108] 1,2 Communication equipment 11 Antennas 12 switches 13. Transmit / Receive Settings Section 14 Receiving Unit 15. Received data processing unit 16 Interference Processing Unit 17 Channel Monitor Section 18 Communication channel selection unit 19 Data Processing Unit 20. Data transmission processing unit 21 Transmitter

Claims

1. A communication device, An intensity calculation unit that identifies the wireless system of the radio interference source based on the radio wave appearance pattern and calculates the interference intensity of the radio wave interference caused by the said wireless system, For each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device, an influence calculation unit calculates the degree of influence of radio interference by radio interference sources that can share the frequency of the channel, based on the interference intensity of radio interference sources that can share the frequency of the channel. A selection unit that selects the channel to be used for wireless communication of the communication device based on the aforementioned degree of influence, A communication device having the following features.

2. The impact calculation unit calculates the degree of impact of radio interference caused by radio interference sources that can share the frequency of a channel, for each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The selection unit selects the channel with the smallest impact. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The selection unit selects a slot from among multiple slots of the selected channel in which the received signal strength is less than a threshold. The communication device according to claim 3.

5. If there are no slots with a received signal strength lower than the threshold, the selection unit then selects the channel with the smallest influence. The communication device according to claim 4.

6. A communication method for communication devices, Based on the radio wave appearance pattern, the wireless system of the radio wave interference source is identified, and the interference intensity of the radio wave interference caused by the said wireless system is calculated. For each channel that can be used for wireless communication of the communication device, the degree of influence of radio interference by radio interference sources that can share the frequency of the channel is calculated based on the interference intensity of those sources. Based on the aforementioned impact, select the channel to be used for wireless communication of the communication device. Communication method.

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