Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

To provide a system capable of suppressing traffic transmission obstacles in wireless LAN communications.SOLUTION: A wireless communication device includes: a transmission unit that transmits a request frame indicating a traffic information request; a receiving unit that receives a response frame storing the traffic information; and a control unit that controls transmission of a trigger frame pertaining to transmission permission directed to a first wireless communication device to be connected by a multi-access connection identified on the basis of the traffic information stored in the received response frame. The traffic information includes information indicating the presence / absence or amount of traffic that corresponds to an access category as traffic information in accordance with a specific priority. The trigger frame stores designated traffic information indicating traffic to be transmitted to the first wireless communication device and communication parameter information used in the multi-access connection. A plurality of the access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, wireless LANs (Local Area Networks), such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11, have become increasingly popular. In addition, the number of wireless LAN-compatible products (hereinafter also referred to as wireless communication devices) has also increased. However, there is a limit to the wireless communication resources available for communication. Therefore, it is desirable to improve the efficiency of communication between wireless communication devices.

[0003] One example of a technology for improving communication efficiency is a multiple access communication technology. For example, the multiple access communication technology includes OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) or SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access) using MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output). SDMA using MIMO is called multi-user MIMO (hereinafter, also referred to as MU (Multi User)-MIMO). In these multiple access communication technologies, traffic transmission may be scheduled.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a method for grouping user terminals, scheduling for user terminal groups, allocating OFDM resources to the user terminal groups, allocating MU-MIMO transmission codes to the user terminal groups, and performing MU-MIMO transmission using the allocated MU-MIMO transmission codes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2015-502709 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in wireless communication (e.g., wireless LAN communication) using a conventional random access method not using scheduling, when an access method using scheduling is used in addition, there is a risk of traffic that interferes with transmission. For example, in a random access method, traffic to be transmitted is determined independently by each transmission source, and the determined traffic is transmitted at a transmission opportunity acquired autonomously and distributedly. On the other hand, in an access method using scheduling, traffic is transmitted based on a transmission permission, but the transmission permission for a transmission source is determined regardless of the characteristics of the traffic that the transmission source is about to transmit. As a result, for example, a transmission permission is not given to a transmission source having traffic with higher urgency than traffic that another transmission source is planning to transmit, and the transmission of the urgent traffic may fail.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a mechanism capable of suppressing disruptions to traffic transmission in wireless LAN communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless communication device comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; a receiving unit that receives a response frame in which the traffic information is stored; and a control unit that controls transmission of a frame related to transmission permission addressed to a first wireless communication device to be multiple-accessed, which is identified based on the traffic information stored in the received response frame, wherein the traffic information includes information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category as traffic information according to a specific priority, the trigger frame stores designated traffic information indicating the traffic to be transmitted by the first wireless communication device and communication parameter information used in the multiple access, and the multiple access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE.

[0009] Also, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless communication device comprising: a receiving unit that receives a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; a transmitting unit that transmits a response frame in which the traffic information is stored in response to the received request frame; and a control unit that controls transmission of the frame related to the traffic information based on designated traffic information indicating traffic and communication parameter information related to multiple access, the designated traffic information being stored in a trigger frame related to transmission permission received after transmission of the response frame, wherein the frame related to the traffic information stores traffic indicated by the designated traffic information, the traffic information includes information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category as traffic information according to a specific priority, and the multiple access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE.

[0010] In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless communication method including: using a processor, transmitting a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; receiving a response frame in which the traffic information is stored; and controlling transmission of a trigger frame relating to transmission permission addressed to a first wireless communication device to be multiple-accessed, which is identified based on the traffic information stored in the received response frame, wherein the traffic information includes information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category as traffic information according to a specific priority, the trigger frame stores designated traffic information indicating the traffic to be transmitted by the first wireless communication device and communication parameter information used in the multiple access, and the multiple access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE.

[0011] Also, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a wireless communication method including: using a processor, receiving a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; transmitting a response frame in which the traffic information is stored in response to the received request frame; and controlling transmission of the frame related to the traffic information based on designated traffic information indicating traffic and communication parameter information related to multiple access, which are stored in a trigger frame related to transmission permission received after transmission of the response frame, wherein the frame related to the traffic information stores traffic indicated by the designated traffic information, and the traffic information includes information indicating the presence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category as traffic information according to a specific priority, and the multiple access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE. Effect of the Invention

[0012] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism capable of suppressing the disruption of traffic transmission in wireless LAN communication. Note that the above effects are not necessarily limited, and any of the effects shown in this specification or other effects that can be understood from this specification may be achieved together with or instead of the above effects. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an STA and an AP according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 2 is a diagram showing an example of information elements that are components of a traffic information request frame according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3B] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element that is a component of a traffic information request frame according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3C] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element that is a component of a traffic information request frame according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3D] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element that is a component of a traffic information request frame according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4A] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element that is a component of a traffic information response frame according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4B] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element that is a component of a traffic information response frame according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4C] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element that is a component of a traffic information response frame according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4D] 11 is a diagram showing an example of an information element that is a component of a traffic information response frame according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 10 is a sequence diagram conceptually illustrating an example of processing of the wireless communication system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of the entire process of an AP according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a transmission process of a traffic information request frame in an AP according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a request process for urgent traffic information in an AP according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a process for determining a target to which multiple access communication is permitted in an AP according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of the overall processing of the STA according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a transmission process of a traffic information response frame in a STA according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a frame transmission process based on designated traffic in a STA according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram conceptually illustrating an example of processing of a wireless communication system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 11 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of the entire process of an AP according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless access point. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0015] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple elements having substantially the same function may be distinguished by adding different numbers after the same reference symbol. For example, multiple elements having substantially the same function may be distinguished as STA100A and STA100B, etc., as necessary. However, when there is no need to distinguish between elements having substantially the same function, only the same reference symbol is added. For example, when there is no need to distinguish between STA100A and STA100B, they are simply referred to as STA100.

[0016] For ease of explanation, the STAs 100 according to the first and second embodiments will be distinguished by adding a number corresponding to the embodiment at the end, such as STA100-1 and STA100-2.

[0017] The explanation will be given in the following order. 1. Introduction 2. System and Equipment Configuration 3. First embodiment 3.1. Function of the device 3.2.Processing flow 3.3. Summary of the First Embodiment 4. Second embodiment 4.1. Function of the device 4.2.Processing flow 4.3. Summary of the second embodiment 5. Application Examples 6. Conclusion

[0018] <1. Introduction> First, a technology related to a wireless communication device according to each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The technology in question is the multiple access communication technology described above. The multiple access communication technology includes downlink (hereinafter also referred to as DL (Down Link)) multiple access communication in which signals are simultaneously transmitted from an AP (Access Point) to multiple STAs (Stations), and uplink multiple access communication in which signals are simultaneously transmitted from multiple STAs to an AP. Here, downlink MU-MIMO communication, which is downlink multiple access communication, has already been specified in the communication standard (IEEE802.11ac). On the other hand, uplink multiple access communication is still under consideration in the communication standard and has not been specified. This is because wireless LAN communication is a communication system of a random access method, while uplink multiple access communication has a nature similar to that of a control access method in which specific multiple STAs communicate simultaneously. At the study stage, it is considered to realize uplink multiple access communication by using a trigger frame for specifying the STAs to be permitted and the communication period.

[0019] Here, in multiple access communication, STAs that communicate simultaneously are grouped. Furthermore, it is desirable to select a group of STAs so that the reception characteristics can be maintained at a target value. For example, it is considered that the AP selects STAs that can set the transmission power or transmission time so that the reception power density at the AP falls within a predetermined range as members of the same group.

[0020] However, even in multiple access communication where grouping is performed as described above, traffic that interferes with transmission may occur. For example, the formation of multiple access communication groups is not based on the characteristics of the traffic to be transmitted, but on communication parameters such as the transmission power or transmission time of the STA. Therefore, for example, a STA that has traffic that is more urgent than the traffic that another STA is scheduled to transmit may not be given permission to transmit. As a result, the transmission of the urgent traffic may fail.

[0021] In addition, existing communication standards specify frames for communicating information related to traffic. For example, communication of frames that store information elements such as TSPEC (Traffic Specification) or TCLAS (Traffic Classification) having information indicating the priority of traffic is specified. However, since the frame is notified from the STA when communication starts, it is difficult to use the traffic information indicated by the frame to form a multiple access communication group by the AP. In addition, since the traffic information indicated by the frame is one per frame, sharing multiple pieces of traffic information between the STA and the AP requires a huge communication overhead.

[0022] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a wireless communication system capable of suppressing interruptions in traffic transmission in wireless LAN communication, and a wireless communication device for realizing the wireless communication system.

[0023] <2. System and device configuration> Next, a configuration of a wireless communication system according to each embodiment of the present disclosure and a wireless communication device for realizing the wireless communication system will be described. First, the configuration of the wireless communication system will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] 1, the wireless communication system includes, as wireless communication devices, an AP 200 and a plurality of STAs 100. For example, the AP 200 and each of the STAs 100A to 100E can communicate with each other, and communicate after establishing a communication connection.

[0025] Next, the functional configuration and basic functions of the STA100 and the AP200 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the STA100 and the AP200 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. Note that the functional configurations of the STA100 and the AP200 are substantially the same, so only the STA100 will be described here.

[0026] 2, the STA 100 includes a data processing unit 110, a wireless communication unit 120, and a control unit 130. Although not shown, the STA 100 is provided with a power supply unit that supplies power to each function. The power supply unit is realized by a fixed power supply or a battery.

[0027] (Data Processing Unit) The data processing unit 110 performs processing for transmitting and receiving data. Specifically, the data processing unit 110 generates frames (or packets) based on data from a higher communication layer. The data processing unit 110 generates frames from data and provides the generated frames to a signal processing unit 121, which will be described later. For example, the data processing unit 110 generates frames from data and performs processing such as adding a MAC header for media access control (MAC) and an error detection code to the generated frames. The data processing unit 110 also extracts data from received frames and provides the extracted data to a higher communication layer. For example, the data processing unit 110 acquires data by analyzing MAC headers, detecting and correcting code errors, and performing reordering processing on received frames.

[0028] (Radio Communication Division) As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless communication unit 120 includes a signal processing unit 121, a channel estimation unit 122, a wireless interface unit 123, and an amplification unit .

[0029] The signal processing unit 121 performs modulation processing on the frames. Specifically, the signal processing unit 121 generates a symbol stream by performing encoding, interleaving, and modulation on the frames provided from the data processing unit 110 according to the coding and modulation method set by the control unit 130. The signal processing unit 121 also acquires frames by performing demodulation and decoding on the symbol stream obtained by spatial processing, and provides the acquired frames to the data processing unit 110 or the control unit 130.

[0030] Furthermore, the signal processing unit 121 performs processing related to space division multiplexing communication. Specifically, the signal processing unit 121 performs signal processing related to spatial separation on the generated symbol stream, and provides each of the symbol streams obtained by the processing to the wireless interface unit 123. Furthermore, the signal processing unit 121 performs spatial processing on the symbol stream related to the signal obtained from the wireless interface unit 123, such as symbol stream separation processing.

[0031] Furthermore, the signal processing unit 121 may perform processing related to other multiplex communication. For example, the signal processing unit 121 may perform processing related to frequency division multiplex communication, orthogonal frequency division multiplex communication, or code division multiplex communication.

[0032] The channel estimation unit 122 estimates a channel gain. Specifically, the channel estimation unit 122 calculates complex channel gain information from a preamble portion or a training signal portion of a signal related to a symbol stream obtained from the radio interface unit 123. The calculated complex channel gain information is provided to the signal processing unit 121 via the control unit 130 or directly, and is used for modulation processing, spatial separation processing, and the like.

[0033] The wireless interface unit 123 generates signals to be transmitted and received via an antenna. Specifically, the wireless interface unit 123 converts the signal related to the symbol stream provided from the signal processing unit 121 into an analog signal, filters it, and frequency up-converts it. Then, the wireless interface unit 123 provides the obtained signal to the amplifier unit 124. In addition, the wireless interface unit 123 performs processing on the signal provided from the amplifier unit 124 that is the reverse of that in the case of signal transmission, such as frequency down-conversion and digital signal conversion, and provides the signal obtained by the processing to the channel estimation unit 122 and the signal processing unit 121.

[0034] The amplifier 124 amplifies the signal. Specifically, the amplifier 124 amplifies the analog signal provided from the wireless interface unit 123 to a predetermined power and transmits the amplified signal via an antenna. The amplifier 124 also amplifies a signal related to radio waves received via an antenna to a predetermined power and transmits the amplified signal via the wireless interface unit 123. The amplifier 124 provides the received radio wave with an amplification function to the wireless interface unit 123. For example, the amplifier 124 is realized by a power amplifier module or the like. Note that either or both of the amplifier 124's function for amplifying the transmitted radio wave and the function for amplifying the received radio wave may be included in the wireless interface unit 123.

[0035] In addition, in FIG. 2, an example of a configuration in which STA 100 is equipped with two antennas (wireless interface units 123A, 123B and amplifier units 124A, 124B) has been described, but the number of antennas equipped may be three or more, or may be one.

[0036] (Control unit) The control unit 130 controls the overall operation of the STA 100. Specifically, the control unit 130 performs processes such as passing information between the various functions, setting communication parameters, and scheduling frames in the data processing unit 110. In particular, the control unit 130 controls responses to traffic information requests, transmission of traffic designated by the AP 200, and the like. In addition, when the wireless communication device operates as the AP 200, the control unit 230 controls requests for traffic information, designation of STAs 100 and traffic that are permitted to transmit based on traffic information, and the like.

[0037] 3. First embodiment Next, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, the AP 200-1 requests traffic information from the STA 100-1 (first wireless communication device), and the STA 100-1 notifies the traffic information in response to the request from the AP 200-1. Then, the AP 200-1 forms a multiple access communication group based on the notified traffic information.

[0038] <3.1. Function of the device> First, the functions of the STA 100-1 and the AP 200-1 as wireless communication devices according to this embodiment will be described.

[0039] (Request for traffic information) The AP 200-1 requests traffic information from the STA 100-1. Specifically, the control unit 230 controls the transmission of a frame indicating a request for traffic information (hereinafter also referred to as a traffic information request frame). For example, when performing multiple access communication, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a traffic information request frame in which information indicating the traffic requested to be transmitted (hereinafter also referred to as requested traffic information) is stored, and the generated traffic information request frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 220. The traffic information request frame may be transmitted individually to the STA 100-1, or may be transmitted using broadcast, multicast, or multiple access communication.

[0040] The requested traffic information includes information indicating the presence or absence of traffic or the amount of traffic. Specifically, the traffic information is information related to traffic according to a specific priority, information related to the total amount of traffic, or information related to traffic related to the urgency of transmission. The components of the traffic information request frame will be described with reference to Figs. 3A to 3D. Figs. 3A to 3D are diagrams respectively showing examples of information elements that are components of the traffic information request frame.

[0041] The information related to traffic according to a specific priority level includes information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category. Furthermore, the access category includes a first access category and a second access category. For example, bit information indicating a request for the presence or absence of traffic belonging to an access category whose use is mandatory (hereinafter also referred to as mandatory AC (Access Category)) is stored as requested traffic information in a field such as AC Buffer Request of an information element as shown in FIG. 3A. Also, bit information indicating a request for the presence or absence of traffic belonging to an access category whose use is optional (hereinafter also referred to as optional AC) is stored in a field such as Alternative AC Buffer Request of an information element as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0042] Also, the information related to the total amount of traffic is information indicating the total amount of all or part of the traffic held by the STA 100-1. For example, bit information indicating a request for the total amount of traffic held by the STA 100-1 is stored as requested traffic information in a field such as Cumulative Buffer Request of an information element as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0043] Moreover, the information related to the urgency traffic includes information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic whose time until discard is equal to or less than a threshold, traffic whose allowable delay is equal to or less than a threshold, traffic related to communication control, or traffic specified by the traffic generator. For example, bit information indicating a request for all or part of the information related to the urgency traffic is stored as requested traffic information in a field such as Urgent Buffer Request of an information element as shown in FIG. 3C. The information stored in the field may indicate which type of information is requested among the above-mentioned information related to the urgency traffic. For example, a combination of multiple bit information may be stored in the field, and the type of information related to the urgency traffic may be identified by the value indicated by the combination of the multiple bit information.

[0044] In addition, when a request for multiple types of traffic information is determined, information indicating the request for multiple types of traffic information may be stored in the traffic information request frame. For example, as shown in Fig. 3D, an information element obtained by combining at least two of the multiple information elements described above may be used.

[0045] (Traffic information response) The STA 100-1 notifies the AP 200-1 of traffic information in response to a request from the AP 200-1. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the transmission of a frame in which traffic information is stored (hereinafter, also referred to as a traffic information response frame) in response to a received traffic information request frame. For example, when the traffic information request frame is received, the control unit 130 determines whether the traffic requested by the traffic information request frame is held in a transmission buffer or the like. When it is determined that the requested traffic is held, the control unit 130 generates traffic information indicating the presence or absence or the amount of held traffic. Then, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a traffic information response frame in which the generated traffic information is stored, and the generated traffic information response frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 120.

[0046] Here, the traffic information response frame is a frame used for another purpose. Specifically, the traffic information is stored as an information element in a part of the frame used for another purpose. The traffic information response frame may be a dedicated frame for responding to the traffic information. The traffic information response frame may be transmitted to the AP 200-1 individually for each STA 100-1, or may be transmitted to the AP 200-1 simultaneously using multiple access communication. Furthermore, components of the traffic information response frame will be described with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D. Figs. 4A to 4D are diagrams respectively showing examples of information elements that are components of the traffic information response frame.

[0047] When information on traffic according to a specific priority is requested, the control unit 130 determines the presence or amount of traffic corresponding to the specific priority. The control unit 130 determines the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to the first or second access category. Then, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to store information indicating the determined presence or absence or amount of traffic in a specific information element of the traffic information response frame. For example, bit information indicating a request for the presence or absence of traffic belonging to a required AC is stored in information elements such as AC_BK, AC_BE, AC_VI, and AC_VO as shown in FIG. 4A. Also, bit information indicating a request for the presence or absence of traffic belonging to an optional AC is stored in fields such as AC_A_VI and AC_A_VO of information elements as shown in FIG. 4A. Note that, instead of bit information, information indicating the amount of traffic corresponding to each access category may be stored.

[0048] Furthermore, when information related to the total amount of traffic is requested, the control unit 130 calculates the total amount of traffic related to the request. Then, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to store information indicating the calculated total amount of traffic in a specific information element of the traffic information response frame. For example, information indicating the total amount of traffic held by the STA 100-1 is stored in a field such as a Cumulative Buffer of an information element as shown in FIG. 4B.

[0049] Furthermore, when information on traffic related to the urgency of transmission is requested, the control unit 130 judges the presence or absence and amount of traffic related to the urgency. Specifically, the control unit 130 judges the presence or absence and amount of traffic related to communication control, the traffic whose time until it is discarded is equal to or less than a threshold, the traffic whose allowable delay is equal to or less than a threshold, or the traffic. Then, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to store information indicating the presence or absence and amount of the determined traffic in a specific information element of the traffic information response frame. For example, information indicating an identification ID (e.g., TID: Traffic Identifier) ​​of the determined traffic related to the urgency is stored in a field such as Urgent TID of an information element as shown in FIG. 4C. Furthermore, information indicating the amount of the traffic is stored in a field such as Urgent Buffer of an information element as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0050] In addition, when multiple types of traffic information are requested, multiple pieces of traffic information may be stored in the traffic information request frame. For example, as shown in Fig. 4D, an information element obtained by combining at least two of the multiple information elements described above may be used.

[0051] (Determination of permitted transmission targets) The AP 200-1 identifies the STA 100-1 to be multiple-accessed based on the traffic information. Specifically, the control unit 230 determines the traffic to be permitted to transmit based on the traffic information notified from the STA 100-1. Then, the control unit 230 determines the STA 100-1 having the traffic to be permitted to transmit as a member of the multiple access communication group. For example, the control unit 230 determines the STA 100-1 having a predetermined traffic using the traffic information as described below, and determines the determined STA 100-1 as a member of the multiple access communication (e.g., space division multiple access communication) group.

[0052] When the traffic information is information related to traffic according to a specific priority, the control unit 230 judges whether the STA 100-1 that notified the traffic information has traffic according to the specific priority. For example, the control unit 230 judges whether the traffic information indicates the presence of traffic belonging to a predetermined category (e.g., AC_VO, which has the highest priority among the required ACs) among the first or second access category.

[0053] In addition, when the traffic information is information related to the total amount of traffic, the control unit 230 determines whether the traffic amount of the STA 100-1 that notified the traffic information is equal to or larger than a threshold. For example, the control unit 230 determines whether the total amount of traffic indicated by the traffic information is equal to or greater than a threshold. Note that a relative comparison with other STAs 100-1 may be used instead of a threshold. For example, the group of STAs 100-1 may be divided into a top group and a bottom group in the ranking of the total amount of traffic, and it may be determined to which group STA 100-1 belongs.

[0054] In addition, when the traffic information is information related to traffic related to urgency of transmission, the control unit 230 judges whether the STA 100-1 that notified the traffic information has traffic related to the urgency. For example, the control unit 230 judges whether the traffic information is a value indicating the presence of traffic related to urgency. Also, the control unit 230 judges whether the amount of traffic related to urgency indicated by the traffic information is equal to or greater than a threshold. Note that a relative comparison with other STAs 100-1 may be used instead of a threshold.

[0055] (Notification of permission to send) The AP 200-1 transmits a frame related to a transmission permission to the identified STA 100-1. Specifically, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a transmission permission frame addressed to the STA 100-1, which is a member of the multiple access communication group. Then, the generated transmission permission frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 220. For example, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a trigger frame addressed to the STA 100-1, which is determined as a member of the multiple access communication group. Then, the wireless communication unit 220 transmits the generated trigger frame.

[0056] The clear-to-send frame stores information that specifies the traffic that is permitted to be transmitted (hereinafter, also referred to as designated traffic information). Specifically, as described above, the designated traffic information that indicates the traffic that is permitted to be transmitted is stored in the trigger frame. For example, the TID of the traffic that is permitted to be transmitted is stored as the designated traffic information. The clear-to-send frame also stores communication parameter information used in multiple access communication.

[0057] In the above, an example has been described in which the multiple access communication group is notified to the STA 100-1 by transmitting a clear-to-send frame, but the multiple access communication group may be notified using a frame other than the clear-to-send frame. For example, a frame dedicated to notifying the multiple access communication group or a part of a field of a frame used for other purposes may be used. In addition, designated traffic information may be notified together with the notification of the multiple access communication group.

[0058] (Multiple Access Communication) The STA100-1 controls the transmission of frames based on a frame related to the transmission permission. Specifically, the control unit 130 controls the transmission of frames related to traffic information based on communication parameters stored in the received transmission permission frame. For example, when the data processing unit 110 receives a trigger frame, it determines whether the target of the transmission permission indicated by the information stored in the trigger frame is its own STA100-1. When it is determined that the target of the transmission permission is its own STA100-1, the data processing unit 110 acquires the communication parameter information and the designated traffic information stored in the trigger frame, and the control unit 130 sets communication parameters such as transmission power and MCS (Modulation and Coding Set) based on the acquired communication parameter information. Then, when the transmission period indicated by the acquired communication parameter information arrives, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a frame in which the traffic designated by the designated traffic information is stored, and the generated frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 120. Such processing is similarly performed in other STA100-1s that are targets of the transmission permission. As a result, frames transmitted from each STA 100-1 are multiplexed, achieving multiple access communication.

[0059] The AP 200-1 receives multiplexed frames transmitted from the multiple STAs 100-1 after transmitting the trigger frame. Specifically, the wireless communication unit 220 separates each frame from the multiplexed frame received after transmitting the trigger frame, and the data processing unit 210 performs reception processing on the separated frames. Then, data obtained by the reception processing is provided to the upper communication layer or the control unit 230, etc.

[0060] <3.2. Processing flow> Next, a flow of processing in the wireless communication system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram conceptually showing an example of processing in the wireless communication system according to this embodiment.

[0061] The AP 200-1 transmits a traffic information request frame (step S301). The STAs 100-1A to 100-1E that have received the traffic information request frame transmit traffic information response frames to the AP 200-1 (step S302). The AP 200-1 that has received the traffic information response frame determines the traffic and the STA 100-1 that are to be permitted for multiple access communication (step S303). The AP 200-1 then transmits a transmission clear frame to the determined STA 100-1 (step S304). The STAs 100-1A to 100-1E that have received the transmission clear frame each transmit a frame according to a communication parameter, thereby multiplexing the frame (step S305). The AP 200-1 that has received the multiplexed frame transmits a delivery confirmation frame to the STAs 100-1A to 100-1E (step S306).

[0062] Next, the processes of the STA 100-1 and the AP 200-1 according to this embodiment will be described individually.

[0063] (AP processing) First, the overall process of the AP 200-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of the overall process of the AP 200-1 according to this embodiment.

[0064] The AP 200-1 determines whether to request traffic information (step S401). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether traffic information is available. For example, if traffic information has been acquired in the past, the control unit 230 may determine not to request traffic information. Even if traffic information has been acquired in the past, it may be determined to request traffic information if a predetermined time has passed since the acquisition.

[0065] When it is determined that traffic information is requested (step S401 / YES), the AP 200-1 transmits a traffic information request frame (step S402). Specifically, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a traffic information request frame in which the requested traffic information is stored, and the generated traffic information request frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 220. Details will be described later.

[0066] Next, the AP 200-1 determines whether a traffic information response frame has been received (step S403). Specifically, the data processing unit 210 determines whether a traffic information response frame has been received by the wireless communication unit 220 as a response to the traffic information request frame.

[0067] When it is determined that the traffic information response frame has been received (step S403 / YES), the AP 200-1 notifies the STA1 having the traffic for which multiple access communication is permitted. 00-1 (step S404). Specifically, the data processing unit 210 acquires traffic information from the received traffic information response frame, and the control unit 230 determines the traffic and STAs for which multiple access communication is permitted based on the acquired traffic information. Details will be described later.

[0068] Next, the AP 200-1 transmits a transmission permission frame in which the designated traffic information is stored to the selected STA 100-1 (step S405). Specifically, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a trigger frame in which the designated traffic information indicating the traffic permitted to be transmitted in the multiple access communication is stored, and the wireless communication unit 220 transmits the generated trigger frame.

[0069] Thereafter, the AP 200-1 determines whether the multiplexed frame has been received (step S406). Specifically, after transmitting the trigger frame, the control unit 230 determines whether the multiplexed frame has been received during the transmission period notified by the trigger frame.

[0070] When it is determined that the multiplexed frames have been received (step S406 / YES), the AP 200-1 transmits a delivery confirmation frame to the source of the multiplexed frames (step S407). Specifically, the wireless communication unit 220 receives the multiplexed frames and separates each of the frames. The data processing unit 210 then performs reception processing on each of the frames obtained by the separation, and provides the data obtained by the reception processing to the upper communication layer or the control unit 230. Furthermore, when the wireless communication unit 220 receives a frame, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate an ACK (Acknowledgement) frame addressed to the source of the received frame, and causes the wireless communication unit 220 to transmit the generated ACK frame.

[0071] Next, a transmission process of a traffic information request frame in the AP 200-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a transmission process of a traffic information request frame in the AP 200-1 according to this embodiment.

[0072] The AP 200-1 determines whether to request traffic information of the first access category (step S411). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request information indicating the presence or absence or the amount of traffic belonging to the required AC.

[0073] When it is determined that the traffic information of the first access category is requested (step S411 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines whether to request the traffic information of the second access category (step S412). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request the information indicating the presence or absence or the amount of the traffic belonging to the arbitrary AC.

[0074] When it is determined that the traffic information of the second access category is requested (step S412 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines the request for the traffic information of the first and second access categories (step S413). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating the presence or absence or the amount of traffic belonging to either the mandatory AC or the optional AC.

[0075] On the other hand, when it is determined that the traffic information of the second access category is not requested (step S412 / NO), the AP 200-1 determines to request only the traffic information of the first access category (step S414). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating a request for information indicating the presence or absence or the amount of traffic belonging to the required AC.

[0076] Furthermore, the AP 200-1 determines whether to request the total amount of traffic (step S415). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request the total amount of traffic that is being held.

[0077] When it is determined that the total amount of traffic is requested (step S415 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines the request for the total amount of traffic (step S416). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating the request for the total amount of traffic held.

[0078] In addition, the AP 200-1 determines whether to request urgent traffic information (step S417). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request information indicating the presence or absence and the amount of traffic related to the urgency of transmission. Details will be described later.

[0079] When it is determined that the traffic information with high urgency is requested (step S417 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines the request for the traffic information with high urgency (step S418). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating a request for information indicating the presence or absence and the amount of traffic related to urgency.

[0080] Then, the AP 200-1 transmits a traffic information request frame based on the determined request (step S419). Specifically, the control unit 230 causes the data processing unit 210 to generate a traffic information request frame having the generated requested traffic information as an information element, and the generated traffic information request frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 220.

[0081] Furthermore, a request process for urgent traffic information in the AP 200-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a request process for urgent traffic information in the AP 200-1 according to this embodiment.

[0082] The AP 200-1 determines whether to request traffic information for which the time until discard is equal to or less than a threshold (step S421). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request information indicating the presence or absence and the amount of traffic for which the time until discard is equal to or less than a threshold, which is set in the buffered traffic.

[0083] When it is determined that traffic information whose time until discard is equal to or less than the threshold is requested (step S421 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines a request for traffic information whose time until discard is equal to or less than the threshold (step S422). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating a request for information indicating the presence or absence and amount of traffic whose time until discard is equal to or less than the threshold. Note that the requested traffic information may store information indicating the threshold of the time until discard.

[0084] In addition, the AP 200-1 determines whether to request traffic information about traffic with an allowable delay time equal to or less than a threshold (step S423). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request information indicating the presence or absence and the amount of traffic with an allowable delay time equal to or less than a threshold set for the buffered traffic.

[0085] When it is determined that traffic information with an allowable delay time equal to or less than the threshold is requested (step S423 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines a request for traffic information with an allowable delay time equal to or less than the threshold (step S424). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating a request for information indicating the presence or absence and the amount of traffic with an allowable delay time equal to or less than the threshold. The request traffic information may include information indicating a threshold value of an allowable delay time.

[0086] In addition, the AP 200-1 determines whether to request traffic information related to communication control (step S425). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request information indicating the presence and amount of traffic such as a time notification, a delivery confirmation request, a delivery confirmation, a connection request, and a connection permission.

[0087] When it is determined that traffic information related to communication control is requested (step S425 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines the request for traffic information related to communication control (step S426). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating a request for information indicating the presence or absence and amount of traffic related to communication control. Note that the requested traffic information may store information indicating the type of traffic related to communication control.

[0088] In addition, the AP 200-1 determines whether traffic information has been specified from a higher communication layer (step S427). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether to request information indicating the presence or absence and amount of traffic specified by an application as being urgent traffic. For example, the traffic specified by an application may be traffic regarding data generated in an application related to an emergency call or communication with a high-speed moving object. Note that the traffic may not be explicitly specified, but may be indirectly specified. For example, the specified traffic may be traffic input from a specific application.

[0089] When it is determined that the traffic information is specified from the upper communication layer (step S427 / YES), the AP 200-1 determines a request for the traffic information specified from the upper communication layer (step S428). Specifically, the control unit 230 generates requested traffic information indicating a request for information indicating the presence and amount of traffic specified by the application.

[0090] Next, a process of determining a permitted target for multiple access communication in the AP 200-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a process of determining a permitted target for multiple access communication in the AP 200-1 according to this embodiment.

[0091] The AP 200-1 determines the STAs 100-1 that have traffic of the access category related to the request (step S431). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines, for each of the STAs 100-1 that have responded with traffic information, whether the STAs have traffic that belongs to the access category requested to the STA 100-1.

[0092] In addition, the AP 200-1 determines the STA 100-1 with a large total traffic volume (step S432). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines, for each of the STAs 100-1 that have responded with traffic information, whether the total traffic volume is equal to or larger than a threshold value or is larger than that of other STAs 100-1.

[0093] In addition, the AP 200-1 determines the STA 100-1 having urgent traffic (step S433). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines, for each of the STAs 100-1 that have responded with the traffic information, whether the STAs have urgent traffic, or whether the traffic is equal to or greater than a threshold or is greater than other STAs 100-1.

[0094] Then, the AP 200-1 selects the determined STA 100-1 as a permitted target for multiple access communication (step S434). 00-1 is selected as a member of the multiple access communication group.

[0095] (STA processing) Next, the overall process of the STA 100-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of the overall process of the STA 100-1 according to this embodiment.

[0096] The STA 100-1 determines whether a traffic information request frame has been received (step S501). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 determines whether the wireless communication unit 120 has received the traffic information request frame.

[0097] When it is determined that the traffic information request frame has been received (step S501 / YES), the STA 100-1 transmits a traffic information response frame in which traffic information is stored based on the request (step S502). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 acquires the requested traffic information from the traffic information request frame received by the wireless communication unit 120, and the control unit 130 generates traffic information based on the acquired requested traffic information. Then, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a traffic information response frame in which the generated traffic information is stored, and the generated traffic information response frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 120. Details will be described later.

[0098] Thereafter, the STA 100-1 determines whether a transmission permission frame has been received (step S503). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 determines whether a trigger frame for which the STA 100-1 itself is permitted to transmit has been received by the wireless communication unit 120.

[0099] When it is determined that the transmission permission frame is received (step S503 / YES), the STA 100-1 transmits a frame based on the designated traffic (step S504). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 acquires the designated traffic information and the designated communication parameter information from the received trigger frame for which the STA 100-1 is the transmission permission target, and the control unit 130 transmits the frame using the acquired designated traffic information and the designated communication parameter information. Details will be described later.

[0100] Thereafter, if the STA 100-1 determines that the receipt confirmation frame has been received (step S505 / YES), it stops retransmitting the frame. On the other hand, if the STA 100-1 determines that the receipt confirmation frame has not been received (step S505 / NO), the process returns to step S504 to retransmit the frame.

[0101] Next, a transmission process of a traffic information response frame in the STA 100-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart conceptually showing an example of a transmission process of a traffic information response frame in the STA 100-1 according to this embodiment.

[0102] The STA 100-1 determines whether traffic information of the first or second access category is requested (step S511). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines from the requested traffic information whether traffic information is requested for both the mandatory AC and the optional AC, or only for the mandatory AC.

[0103] When it is determined that the traffic information of the first or second access category is requested (step S511 / YES), the STA 100-1 determines a response of the traffic information of the first or second access category (step S512). Specifically, the control unit 130 searches for traffic belonging to the mandatory AC or the optional AC, and detects the traffic. The method generates traffic information indicating the presence or amount of

[0104] Furthermore, the STA 100-1 determines whether the total amount of traffic has been requested (step S513). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines whether the total amount of traffic has been requested based on the requested traffic information.

[0105] When it is determined that the total amount of traffic is requested (step S513 / YES), the STA 100-1 determines a response of the total amount of traffic (step S514). Specifically, the control unit 130 calculates the total amount of traffic and generates traffic information indicating the calculated value.

[0106] In addition, the STA 100-1 determines whether urgent traffic information has been requested (step S515). Specifically, the control unit 130 determines from the requested traffic information whether traffic information is requested for traffic whose time until discard is equal to or less than a threshold, traffic whose allowable delay time is equal to or less than a threshold, traffic related to communication control, or traffic specified by a higher communication layer.

[0107] When it is determined that urgent traffic information is requested (step S515 / YES), the STA 100-1 determines whether urgent traffic is held (step S516). Specifically, the control unit 130 searches for traffic that meets the above-mentioned conditions.

[0108] If it is determined that urgent traffic is held (step S516 / YES), the STA 100-1 determines a response of urgent traffic information (step S517). On the other hand, if it is determined that urgent traffic is not held (step S516 / NO), the STA 100-1 determines a response of traffic information indicating that urgent traffic does not exist (step S518). Specifically, when traffic that meets the conditions is found by the search, the control unit 130 calculates the amount of the traffic and generates traffic information indicating the presence and amount of urgent traffic. On the other hand, when traffic that meets the conditions is not found by the search, the control unit 130 generates traffic information in which, for example, all bits are 0, as information indicating that the requested traffic does not exist.

[0109] Then, the STA 100-1 transmits a traffic information response frame based on the determined response (step S519). Specifically, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a traffic information response frame having the generated traffic information as an information element, and the generated traffic information response frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 120.

[0110] Next, a process of transmitting a frame based on the designated traffic in the STA 100-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of a process of transmitting a frame based on the designated traffic in the STA 100-1 according to this embodiment.

[0111] The STA 100-1 acquires the designated traffic information and the designated communication parameter information stored in the clear-to-send frame (step S521). Specifically, the data processing unit 110 acquires the designated traffic information and the designated communication parameter information from the received trigger frame.

[0112] Next, STA100-1 checks whether the traffic indicated by the specified traffic information is being held. Specifically, the control unit 130 searches for the traffic indicated by the designated traffic information, and determines whether the traffic is buffered (step S522).

[0113] When it is determined that the traffic indicated by the designated traffic information is held (step S522 / YES), the STA 100-1 transmits a frame in which the designated traffic is stored, using the designated communication parameter information (step S523). Specifically, the control unit 130 causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a frame in which the traffic found by the search is stored. The control unit 130 also sets communication parameters such as transmission power and MCS based on the acquired designated communication parameter information. Then, the wireless communication unit 120 transmits the frame generated with the set communication parameters. Note that traffic other than the designated traffic may be stored in the frame.

[0114] <3.3. Summary of the first embodiment> Thus, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 200-1 transmits a request frame indicating a request for traffic information and receives a response frame in which the traffic information is stored. The AP 200-1 then controls the transmission of a frame related to a transmission permission addressed to the STA 100-1 to be multiple-accessed, which is specified based on the traffic information stored in the received response frame. The STA 100-1 also receives the request frame and transmits a response frame in response to the received request frame. The STA 100-1 then controls the transmission of a frame related to traffic information, based on a communication parameter related to multiple access stored in a frame related to a transmission permission received after the transmission of the response frame.

[0115] In the past, in multiple access communications, groups were formed to which transmission was permitted without considering the characteristics of the traffic, which resulted in traffic with higher priority or urgency not being transmitted, resulting in delays in transmission of the traffic or the traffic being discarded.

[0116] In contrast, according to the present embodiment, when multiple access communication is performed, a multiple access communication group can be formed based on collected traffic information. That is, a multiple access communication group is formed taking into consideration traffic. Therefore, it is possible to ensure fairness in terms of traffic characteristics such as priority or urgency. Therefore, it is possible to suppress interruptions in traffic transmission in wireless LAN communication.

[0117] Moreover, the traffic information includes information indicating the presence or absence of a specific traffic. Therefore, the size of the traffic information can be suppressed. Furthermore, by suppressing the size of the traffic information, the traffic information can be stored in an empty field of an existing frame. Therefore, the number and size of frames can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the communication volume related to the traffic information.

[0118] In addition, the specific traffic includes traffic according to a specific priority. Therefore, the traffic permitted to be transmitted can be determined according to the priority. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress problems such as traffic delays.

[0119] The specific traffic includes traffic related to the urgency of transmission. Therefore, the traffic with a higher urgency than other traffic can be preferentially transmitted by multiple access communication. This makes it possible to avoid fatal interruptions to traffic transmission.

[0120] In addition, the traffic related to the above urgency is traffic that is discarded within a threshold. The traffic includes traffic that is discarded. If the traffic is retransmitted, overhead is incurred for the retransmission. If the traffic is not retransmitted, processing using the traffic is hindered. Therefore, the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment prioritizes the traffic that is discarded for a shorter time to be transmitted by multiple access communication. This makes it possible to suppress overhead for transmitting the traffic or failure to transmit the traffic.

[0121] Moreover, the above-mentioned traffic related to urgency includes traffic with a tolerable delay equal to or less than a threshold. Here, even if the traffic is not discarded, if a delay of more than the tolerable time occurs, the traffic may not be used for processing. As a result, the same problem as when the traffic is discarded may occur. Therefore, in the wireless communication system according to the present embodiment, the traffic with a shorter tolerable delay time is preferentially transmitted by multiple access communication. This makes it possible to suppress the risk of the traffic being wasted.

[0122] Moreover, the traffic related to the urgency includes traffic related to communication control. Therefore, by smoothly transmitting traffic related to communication control, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wasteful communication processing. Therefore, communication such as data traffic can be performed without delay, and it is possible to suppress the decrease in communication efficiency.

[0123] The above-mentioned traffic related to urgency includes traffic designated by the traffic generator. Therefore, traffic with urgency that is difficult to determine based on the communication standard or attribute can be preferentially transmitted by multiple access communication. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the possibility of stopping the operation of the upper communication layer such as an application.

[0124] Moreover, the traffic information includes information indicating the amount of the specific traffic. Therefore, when there are multiple types of specific traffic, it is possible to determine which specific traffic should be given priority for transmission in multiple access communication. Therefore, it is possible to suppress traffic congestion and ensure fairness in traffic transmission.

[0125] The traffic information includes information indicating the total amount of traffic held by the STA 100-1. This makes it possible to prevent traffic from being overly stagnant when a large amount of traffic with a lower priority or urgency than other traffic is buffered. This makes it possible to suppress bias in traffic transmission opportunities.

[0126] In addition, the STA100-1 identified based on the traffic information includes the STA100-1 that holds the traffic identified from the traffic information. Therefore, it is possible to allow multiple access communication to the STA100-1 having traffic that is desired to be transmitted with priority. Therefore, it is possible to transmit more of the traffic at once than when the traffic is transmitted by single access communication.

[0127] In addition, the frame related to the transmission permission stores designated traffic information indicating the traffic to be transmitted by the STA 100-1, and the STA 100-1 controls the transmission of the frame related to the traffic information in which the traffic indicated by the designated traffic information is stored. This makes it possible to more reliably transmit the traffic to be preferentially transmitted to the STA 100-1.

[0128] The response frame includes a frame communicated for a purpose other than the communication of the traffic information, which reduces the amount of communication traffic compared to a case where a frame dedicated to the communication of the traffic information is prepared.

[0129] In addition, the multiple access includes space division multiple access. Therefore, it is possible to improve the fairness of traffic transmission while improving communication efficiency. In addition, the multiple access may be frequency division multiple access, orthogonal frequency division multiple access, or code division multiple access.

[0130] <4. Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the second embodiment, the AP 200-1 changes the multiple access communication group based on the result of the multiple access communication based on the traffic information.

[0131] <4.1. Function of the device> First, the functions of the STA 100-2 and AP 200-2 as wireless communication devices according to this embodiment will be described. Note that descriptions of functions that are substantially the same as those according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0132] (Changes to permitted sending targets) When a frame containing traffic different from the designated traffic is received in multiple access communication, the AP 200-2 removes the source of the frame from the transmission permission targets. Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether the traffic contained in the frame received in multiple access communication is the traffic indicated by the designated traffic information notified using the trigger frame. If the traffic contained in the received frame is different from the designated traffic, the control unit 230 removes the STA 100-2 (hereinafter also referred to as a foreign STA) which is the source of the frame from the multiple access communication group. Therefore, if the traffic owned only by the removed STA 100-2 is specified in the designated traffic information, the traffic is removed from the designated traffic information. The changed transmission permission target is notified to the STA 100-1 which is a member of the multiple access communication group using a transmission permission frame.

[0133] The AP 200-2 may not request traffic information from the foreign STA 100-2. For example, the control unit 230 may exclude the foreign STA 100-2 from the destination of the traffic information request frame. The AP 200-2 may transmit a frame indicating that traffic different from the designated traffic has been transmitted to the foreign STA 100-2. For example, a delivery confirmation frame may be transmitted in which information indicating that traffic different from the designated traffic has been transmitted is stored.

[0134] <4.2. Processing flow> Next, a flow of processing in the wireless communication system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram conceptually showing an example of processing in the wireless communication system according to this embodiment.

[0135] The AP 200-2 receives a traffic information notification frame from the STAs 100-2A to 100-2E using a traffic information request frame (step S601). Note that the traffic information may be collected using an existing method defined in a communication standard. Next, the AP 200-2 determines the traffic and the STAs 100-2 that are to be permitted to perform multiple access communication based on the traffic information (step S602), and transmits a clear to send frame to the STAs 100-2A to 100-2E (step S603). The STAs 100-2A to 100-2E that have received the clear to send frame transmit the frames based on the communication parameters notified in the clear to send frame, thereby multiplexing the frames (step S604).

[0136] The AP 200-2 that receives the multiplexed frame detects traffic that is not permitted for multiple access communication (step S605). Next, the AP 200-2 transmits a receipt confirmation frame to the STAs 100-2A to 100-2E that are the transmission sources of the multiplexed frame (step S606).

[0137] When the next multiple access communication is to be performed, the AP 200-2 transmits a traffic information request frame to the STAs 100-2A to 100-2E (step S607). The STAs 100-2A to 100-2E that have received the traffic information request frame transmit a traffic information response frame to the AP 200-2 (step S608). The AP 200-2 then determines the traffic and the STAs 100-2 that are to be permitted for multiple access communication, excluding the STA 100-2E that has transmitted traffic that is not to be permitted for multiple access communication (step S609). The AP 200-2 then transmits a transmission clear frame to the determined permitted STAs 100-2A to 100-2D (step S610).

[0138] (AP processing) Next, the overall process of the AP 200-2 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart conceptually illustrating an example of the overall process of the AP 200-2 according to this embodiment. Note that a description of the process that is substantially the same as the process according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0139] When it is determined that the traffic information is to be requested (step S701 / YES), the AP 200-2 transmits a traffic information request frame (step S702).

[0140] Thereafter, when the AP 200-2 receives a traffic information response frame (step S703 / YES), the AP 200-2 determines whether a frame in which traffic not subject to the permission of multiple access communication is stored has been received in the past (step S704). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines whether traffic not specified by the specified traffic information has been stored in a previously received frame. The control unit 230 may determine whether the result of the determination has been recorded.

[0141] If it is determined that a frame containing traffic that is not subject to permission for multiple access communication has not been received in the past (step S704 / NO), AP200-2 selects STA100-2 having traffic that is subject to permission for multiple access communication from among all STA100-1 that responded with traffic information (step S705).

[0142] On the other hand, if it is determined that a frame containing traffic that is not a target for multiple access communication has been received in the past (step S704 / YES), the AP 200-2 selects STAs having traffic that is a target for multiple access communication, excluding the sender of the frame containing traffic that is not a target for multiple access communication (step S706). Specifically, the control unit 230 determines the members of the multiple access communication group based on the notified traffic information, excluding the foreign STA 100-2.

[0143] Next, the AP 200-2 transmits a clear-to-send frame in which the designated traffic information is stored to the selected STA 100-2 (step S707). Then, when the multiplexed frame is received (step S708 / YES), the AP 200-2 transmits a delivery confirmation frame to the source of the multiplexed frame (step S709).

[0144] <4.3. Summary of the second embodiment> Thus, according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 200-2 The sender of a frame containing traffic different from the traffic indicated by the information is excluded from the targets of transmission permission. Therefore, traffic of other STAs 100-2 different from the foreign element STA 100-2 can be transmitted with priority. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the interference with multiple access communication based on the characteristics of the traffic.

[0145] In addition, if the AP 200-2 does not receive a frame from the STA 100-2 in response to the clear-to-send frame, the AP 200-2 may similarly exclude the STA 100-2 from the list of permitted targets for multiple access communication.

[0146] <5. Application Examples> The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various products. For example, the STA100 may be realized as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet PC (Personal Computer), a notebook PC, a portable game terminal, or a digital camera, a fixed terminal such as a television receiver, a printer, a digital scanner, or a network storage, or an in-vehicle terminal such as a car navigation device. The STA100 may also be realized as a terminal (also called a Machine Type Communication (MTC) terminal) that performs M2M (Machine To Machine) communication, such as a smart meter, a vending machine, a remote monitoring device, or a Point Of Sale (POS) terminal. Furthermore, the STA100 may be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured on one die) mounted on these terminals.

[0147] On the other hand, for example, the AP 200 may be realized as a wireless LAN access point (also called a wireless base station) with or without a router function. The AP 200 may also be realized as a mobile wireless LAN router. Furthermore, the AP 200 may be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured on a single die) mounted on these devices.

[0148] [5-1. First application example] 15 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone 900 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, a memory 902, a storage 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, a display device 910, a speaker 911, a wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919.

[0149] The processor 901 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a system on chip (SoC), and controls the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900. The memory 902 includes a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM), and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901. The storage 903 may include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting an external device such as a memory card or a universal serial bus (USB) device to the smartphone 900.

[0150] The camera 906 has an imaging element such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and generates a captured image. The sensor 907 may include a group of sensors such as a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The microphone 908 converts a voice input to the smartphone 900 into an audio signal. The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 910, a keypad, a keyboard, a button, or a switch, and accepts an operation or information input from a user. The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and displays an output image of the smartphone 900. The speaker 911 converts an audio signal output from the smartphone 900 into audio.

[0151] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and performs wireless communication. In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 913 can communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point. In ad-hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark), the wireless communication interface 913 can directly communicate with other devices. Note that in Wi-Fi Direct, unlike the ad-hoc mode, one of two terminals operates as an access point, but communication is performed directly between the terminals. The wireless communication interface 913 can typically include a baseband processor, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits. In addition to the wireless LAN system, the wireless communication interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication systems such as a short-distance wireless communication system, a close-proximity wireless communication system, or a cellular communication system. The antenna switch 914 switches the connection destination of the antenna 915 between multiple circuits (e.g., circuits for different wireless communication methods) included in the wireless communication interface 913. The antenna 915 has a single or multiple antenna elements (e.g., multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals by the wireless communication interface 913.

[0152] 15, the smartphone 900 may include multiple antennas (for example, an antenna for a wireless LAN and an antenna for a close-proximity wireless communication system, etc.). In that case, the antenna switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0153] The bus 917 connects the processor 901, the memory 902, the storage 903, the external connection interface 904, the camera 906, the sensor 907, the microphone 908, the input device 909, the display device 910, the speaker 911, the wireless communication interface 913, and the auxiliary controller 919 to one another. The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 15 via a power supply line partially indicated by a dashed line in the figure. The auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900, for example, in a sleep mode.

[0154] In the smartphone 900 shown in FIG. 15, the data processing unit 110, the wireless communication unit 120, and the control unit 130 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. In addition, at least a part of these functions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919. For example, when the control unit 130 receives a traffic information request frame, it causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a traffic information response frame in which the requested traffic information is stored. Then, the generated traffic information response frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 120. This allows multiple access communication based on the traffic information to be performed between the smartphone 900 and the wireless communication device communicating with it. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a disruption of traffic transmission in the wireless LAN communication of the smartphone 900.

[0155] The smartphone 900 may operate as a wireless access point (software AP) by the processor 901 executing an access point function at an application level. It may have.

[0156] [5-2. Second application example] 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device 920 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The car navigation device 920 includes a processor 921, a memory 922, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module 924, a sensor 925, a data interface 926, a content player 927, a storage medium interface 928, an input device 929, a display device 930, a speaker 931, a wireless communication interface 933, an antenna switch 934, an antenna 935, and a battery 938.

[0157] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or an SoC, and controls the navigation function and other functions of the car navigation device 920. The memory 922 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs executed by the processor 921 and data.

[0158] The GPS module 924 measures the position (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the car navigation device 920 using GPS signals received from GPS satellites. The sensor 925 may include a group of sensors such as a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and an air pressure sensor. The data interface 926 is connected to the in-vehicle network 941 via a terminal (not shown), for example, and acquires data generated on the vehicle side, such as vehicle speed data.

[0159] The content player 927 plays content stored on a storage medium (e.g., a CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928. The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor, a button, or a switch that detects a touch on the screen of the display device 930, and accepts operations or information input from the user. The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD or OLED display, and displays images of the navigation function or the content to be played. The speaker 931 outputs the sound of the navigation function or the content to be played.

[0160] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and performs wireless communication. In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 933 may communicate with other devices via a wireless LAN access point. In ad-hoc mode or a direct communication mode such as Wi-Fi Direct, the wireless communication interface 933 may directly communicate with other devices. The wireless communication interface 933 may typically include a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits. In addition to the wireless LAN system, the wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication systems such as a short-distance wireless communication system, a close-proximity wireless communication system, or a cellular communication system. The antenna switch 934 switches the connection destination of the antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933. The antenna 935 may have a single or multiple antenna elements and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 933 .

[0161] 16, the car navigation device 920 may include a plurality of antennas. In that case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the configuration of the car navigation device 920.

[0162] The battery 938 is connected to the power supply line shown in FIG. The battery 938 also supplies power to each block of the car navigation device 920. The battery 938 also stores power supplied from the vehicle side.

[0163] In the car navigation device 920 shown in FIG. 16, the data processing unit 110, the wireless communication unit 120, and the control unit 130 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. At least a part of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921. For example, when the control unit 130 receives a traffic information request frame, it causes the data processing unit 110 to generate a traffic information response frame in which the requested traffic information is stored. Then, the generated traffic information response frame is transmitted by the wireless communication unit 120. This allows multiple access communication based on traffic information to be performed between the car navigation device 920 and the wireless communication device communicating with it. Therefore, it is possible to suppress interference with traffic transmission in the wireless LAN communication of the car navigation device 920.

[0164] Also, the wireless communication interface 933 may operate as the above-mentioned AP 200 and provide a wireless connection to a terminal owned by a user who is in a vehicle. In this case, for example, the control unit 230 transmits a traffic information request frame to the terminal owned by the user via the data processing unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 220. Then, based on the traffic information stored in the traffic information response frame received as a response to the traffic information request frame, it is determined whether to permit multiple access communication for the terminal owned by the user. This makes it possible to perform multiple access communication taking into account the traffic characteristics of the terminal owned by the user. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the interruption of traffic transmission in the wireless LAN communication of the terminal communicating with the car navigation device 920.

[0165] Furthermore, the technology according to the present disclosure may be realized as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the above-mentioned car navigation device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 generates vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed, engine RPM, or failure information, and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941.

[0166] [5-3.Third application example] 17 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless access point 950 to which the technology according to the present disclosure can be applied. The wireless access point 950 includes a controller 951, a memory 952, an input device 954, a display device 955, a network interface 957, a wireless communication interface 963, an antenna switch 964, and an antenna 965.

[0167] The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and operates various functions (e.g., access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, log management, etc.) of the IP (Internet Protocol) layer and higher layers of the wireless access point 950. The memory 952 includes a RAM and a ROM, and stores programs executed by the controller 951 and various control data (e.g., a terminal list, a routing table, an encryption key, security settings, logs, etc.).

[0168] The input device 954 includes, for example, a button or a switch, and receives operations from a user. The display device 955 includes, for example, an LED lamp, and displays the operation status of the wireless access point 950.

[0169] The network interface 957 is a wired communication interface for connecting the wireless access point 950 to a wired communication network 958. The network interface 957 may have a plurality of connection terminals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or may be a Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0170] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more of wireless LAN standards such as IEEE802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, and 11ad, and provides wireless connection to nearby terminals as an access point. The wireless communication interface 963 may typically include a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communication interface 963 may be a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and related circuits. The antenna switch 964 switches the connection destination of the antenna 965 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963. The antenna 965 has a single or multiple antenna elements and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals by the wireless communication interface 963.

[0171] In the wireless access point 950 shown in FIG. 17, the data processing unit 210, the wireless communication unit 220, and the control unit 230 described with reference to FIG. 2 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. At least some of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951. For example, the control unit 230 transmits a traffic information request frame to a terminal owned by a user via the data processing unit 210 and the wireless communication unit 220. Then, the control unit 230 determines permission for multiple access communication for the terminal owned by the user based on traffic information stored in a traffic information response frame received as a response to the traffic information request frame. This makes it possible to perform multiple access communication taking into account the traffic characteristics of the terminal owned by the user. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a disruption in traffic transmission in wireless LAN communication of a terminal communicating with the car navigation device 920.

[0172] <6. Conclusion> As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, when multiple access communication is performed, a multiple access communication group can be formed based on collected traffic information. That is, a multiple access communication group is formed taking traffic into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to ensure fairness in terms of traffic characteristics such as priority or urgency. Therefore, it is possible to suppress interruptions in traffic transmission in wireless LAN communication.

[0173] According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the traffic of the STA 100-2 other than the foreign element STA 100-2 can be preferentially transmitted. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the multiple access communication based on the characteristics of the traffic being hindered.

[0174] Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive of various modified or amended examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0175] For example, in the above embodiment, the AP 200 and the STA 100 perform multiple access communication, but the present technology is not limited to such an example. For example, the STA 100 having a direct link with multiple STAs 100 may perform multiple access communication with the multiple STAs 100. In this case, the above DL communication may be read as "simultaneous communication from one device to multiple devices" and the above UL communication may be read as "simultaneous communication from multiple devices to one device."

[0176] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the designated traffic information is stored in the transmission clear frame. However, the present technology is not limited to such an example. For example, the designated traffic information may not be notified to the STA 100, and the STA 100 may transmit a frame having traffic related to the traffic information in response to the request when the transmission clearing frame is received.

[0177] The traffic information may be information indicating the residence time of a particular traffic, for example, the traffic information may be information indicating the residence time of traffic belonging to a required AC.

[0178] In addition, the information indicating the characteristics of the traffic, such as the priority or volume of the traffic, may be information indicating the value related to the characteristic itself, or may be quantum information from which the value related to the characteristic can be identified.

[0179] In addition, the effects described in this specification are merely descriptive or exemplary and are not limiting. In other words, the technology according to the present disclosure may achieve other effects that are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the description of this specification, in addition to or in place of the above effects.

[0180] The steps shown in the flowcharts of the above embodiments include not only processes performed in chronological order according to the order described, but also processes that are not necessarily performed in chronological order but are performed in parallel or individually. It goes without saying that even for steps that are performed in chronological order, the order can be changed as appropriate in some cases.

[0181] It is also possible to create a computer program for causing the hardware built into the wireless communication devices 100 and 200 to perform functions equivalent to the functional configurations of the wireless communication devices 100 and 200 described above. Also provided is a storage medium on which the computer program is stored.

[0182] Note that the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) a transmission unit that transmits a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; a receiving unit for receiving a response frame in which the traffic information is stored; a control unit that controls transmission of a frame related to a transmission permission addressed to a first wireless communication device to be multiple-accessed, the frame being specified based on the traffic information stored in the received response frame; A wireless communication device comprising: (2) The traffic information includes information indicating the presence or absence of a specific traffic. The wireless communication device according to (1). (3) The particular traffic includes traffic according to a particular priority. The wireless communication device according to (2). (4) The specific traffic includes traffic related to urgency of transmission. The wireless communication device according to (2) or (3). (5) The urgency-related traffic includes traffic that has a time until it is discarded that is equal to or less than a threshold. The wireless communication device according to (4). (6) The urgency-related traffic includes traffic with an allowable delay equal to or less than a threshold. The wireless communication device according to (4) or (5). (7) The traffic related to the urgency includes traffic related to communication control. The wireless communication device according to any one of (4) to (6). (8) The urgency-related traffic includes traffic designated by a traffic generator. The wireless communication device according to any one of (4) to (7). (9) The traffic information includes information indicating the amount of the specific traffic. The wireless communication device according to any one of (2) to (8). (10) The traffic information includes information indicating a total amount of traffic held by the first wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) The first wireless communication device identified based on the traffic information includes a first wireless communication device that holds a traffic identified from the traffic information. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (9). (12) The frame related to the transmission permission stores designated traffic information indicating a traffic to be transmitted by the first wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) the control unit excludes a source of a frame in which a traffic different from a traffic indicated by the designated traffic information is stored from the targets of the transmission permission. The wireless communication device according to (12). (14) The multiple access includes orthogonal frequency division multiple access or space division multiple access. The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (13). (15) a receiving unit for receiving a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; a transmitting unit that transmits a response frame in which the traffic information is stored in response to the received request frame; a control unit that controls transmission of the frame related to the traffic information based on a communication parameter related to multiple access stored in a frame related to a transmission permission received after the transmission of the response frame; A wireless communication device comprising: (16) The frame related to the transmission permission stores designated traffic information indicating a traffic. The frame relating to the traffic information stores the traffic indicated by the designated traffic information. The wireless communication device according to (15). (17) The response frame includes a frame communicated for a purpose other than the communication of the traffic information. The wireless communication device according to (15) or (16). (18) Using a processor, transmitting a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; receiving a response frame in which the traffic information is stored; Controlling transmission of a frame related to a transmission permission addressed to a first wireless communication device to be multiple-accessed, the first wireless communication device being specified based on the traffic information stored in the received response frame; A wireless communication method comprising: (19) Using a processor, receiving a request frame indicating a request for traffic information; transmitting a response frame in which the traffic information is stored in response to the received request frame; controlling transmission of the frame related to the traffic information based on communication parameters related to multiple access stored in a frame related to a transmission authorization received after the transmission of the response frame; A wireless communication method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 100 STA 200 AP 110, 210 Data processing unit 120, 220 Wireless communication section 130, 230 Control unit

Claims

1. a wireless communication interface unit that supports a wireless LAN communication system and a cellular communication system; An antenna portion; A power supply unit; Equipped with the wireless communication interface unit receives a request frame indicating a traffic request, the request frame being transmitted by multicast through the antenna unit by using the wireless LAN communication method; the wireless communication interface unit transmits a response frame, in which traffic information is stored, via the antenna unit by a first multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method in response to the received request frame; the wireless communication interface unit receives, via the antenna unit by using the wireless LAN communication method, a trigger frame related to a transmission permission, in which designated traffic information indicating a traffic and communication parameter information related to a second multiple access are stored; the wireless communication interface unit transmits a frame related to the trigger frame through the second multiple access by using the wireless LAN communication method via the antenna unit based on the specified traffic information and the communication parameter information; the power supply unit supplies power to the wireless communication interface unit; The frame related to the trigger frame stores a traffic indicated by the designated traffic information, The traffic information includes, as traffic information according to a specific priority, information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category; The plurality of access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE; Wireless communication device.

2. the wireless communication interface unit is a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the communication control program, and circuits related to the wireless LAN communication method and the cellular communication method; The wireless communication device of claim 1 .

3. The traffic information includes information indicating a total amount of traffic.

3. A wireless communication device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second multiple access includes an orthogonal frequency division multiple access or a spatial division multiple access. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the response frame includes a dedicated frame for the traffic information; A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a wireless communication interface unit that supports a wireless LAN communication system and a cellular communication system; An antenna portion; A power supply unit; Equipped with the wireless communication interface unit multicasts a request frame indicating a request for traffic information via the antenna unit using the wireless LAN communication method; the wireless communication interface unit receives a response frame in which the traffic information is stored, via the antenna unit, by a first multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method; the wireless communication interface unit transmits a trigger frame related to a transmission permission addressed to a first wireless communication device to be multiple-accessed via the antenna unit by using the wireless LAN communication method; the wireless communication interface unit receives a frame related to the trigger frame through a second multiple access by using the wireless LAN communication method via the antenna unit; the power supply unit supplies power to the wireless communication interface unit; The traffic information includes, as traffic information according to a specific priority, information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category; The trigger frame stores designated traffic information indicating a traffic to be transmitted by the first wireless communication device and communication parameter information used in the second multiple access, The plurality of access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE; Wireless communication device.

7. the wireless communication interface unit is a one-chip module that integrates a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the communication control program, and circuits related to the wireless LAN communication method and the cellular communication method; 7. The wireless communication device according to claim 6.

8. The traffic information includes information indicating a total amount of traffic.

8. A wireless communication device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The second multiple access or the fourth multiple access includes an orthogonal frequency division multiple access or a space division multiple access; 9. A wireless communication device according to claim 6.

10. the response frame includes a dedicated frame for the traffic information; 10. A wireless communication device according to claim 6.

11. A wireless communication interface unit; An antenna portion; A wired communication interface unit; A display device unit; A control unit; Equipped with the wireless communication interface unit multicasts a request frame indicating a request for traffic information via the antenna unit using a wireless LAN communication method; the wireless communication interface unit receives a response frame in which the traffic information is stored, via the antenna unit, by a first multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method; the wireless communication interface unit transmits a trigger frame related to a transmission permission addressed to another wireless communication device to be multiple-connected via the antenna unit by using the wireless LAN communication method; the wireless communication interface unit receives a frame related to the trigger frame through a second multiple access by using the wireless LAN communication method via the antenna unit; The wired communication interface unit is connected to a wired communication network, the control unit is connected to the wireless communication interface unit and the wired communication interface unit, the display device unit displays an operation status; The traffic information includes, as traffic information according to a specific priority, information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category; The trigger frame stores designated traffic information indicating a traffic to be transmitted by the other wireless communication device and communication parameter information used in the second multiple access, The plurality of access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE; Wireless communication device.

12. the wireless communication interface unit is a one-chip module that integrates the control unit, a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the communication control program, and a circuit related to the wireless LAN communication method; 12. The wireless communication device of claim 11.

13. The traffic information includes information indicating a total amount of traffic.

13. A wireless communication device according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The second multiple access includes an orthogonal frequency division multiple access or a spatial division multiple access. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. the response frame includes a dedicated frame for the traffic information; 15. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. A wireless communication method executed by a wireless communication device, comprising: Supporting wireless LAN and cellular communication methods; receiving a request frame, which indicates a request for traffic information and is transmitted by multicast using the wireless LAN communication method; transmitting a response frame, in which the traffic information is stored, by a first multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method in response to the received request frame; receiving a trigger frame related to a transmission permission, the trigger frame including designated traffic information indicating a traffic and communication parameter information related to a second multiple access, by using the wireless LAN communication method; transmitting a frame related to the trigger frame by the second multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method based on the specified traffic information and the communication parameter information; Including, The frame related to the trigger frame stores a traffic indicated by the designated traffic information, The traffic information includes, as traffic information according to a specific priority, information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category; The plurality of access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE; A wireless communication method.

17. A wireless communication method executed by a wireless communication device, comprising: Supporting wireless LAN and cellular communication methods; multicasting a request frame indicating a request for traffic information using the wireless LAN communication method; receiving a response frame in which the traffic information is stored by a first multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method; Transmitting a trigger frame related to a transmission permission addressed to a first wireless communication device to be multiple-accessed by using the wireless LAN communication method; receiving a frame related to the trigger frame through a second multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method; Including, The traffic information includes, as traffic information according to a specific priority, information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category; The trigger frame stores designated traffic information indicating a traffic to be transmitted by the first wireless communication device and communication parameter information used in the second multiple access, The wireless communication method, wherein the plurality of access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE.

18. A wireless communication method executed by a wireless communication device, comprising: Supporting wireless LAN and wired communication methods; multicasting a request frame indicating a request for traffic information using the wireless LAN communication method; receiving a response frame in which the traffic information is stored by a first multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method; Transmitting a trigger frame related to a transmission permission addressed to a first wireless communication device to be multiple-accessed by using the wireless LAN communication method; receiving a frame related to the trigger frame through a second multiple access using the wireless LAN communication method; connecting to a wired communication network using the wired communication method; Displaying an operational status; Including, The traffic information includes, as traffic information according to a specific priority, information indicating the presence or absence or amount of traffic corresponding to an access category; The trigger frame stores designated traffic information indicating traffic to be transmitted by other wireless communication devices and communication parameter information used in the second multiple access, The wireless communication method, wherein the plurality of access categories include AC_VO, AC_VI, AC_BK, or AC_BE.

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