Base station and communication method

Abstract

This communication device has: a reception unit that receives a beacon signal through a first channel; a control unit that generates a sensing signal on the basis of information included in an extended area of the beacon signal; and a transmission unit that transmits the sensing signal through a second channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose the use of pulse signals for object sensing. Non-Patent Document 3 discloses object sensing based on frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) and phase modulated continuous wave (PMCW) systems. Non-Patent Document 4 discloses the use of OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) signals for object sensing. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] S. Schuster, S. Scheiblhofer, R. Feger, and A. Stelzer, “Signal model and statistical analysis for the sequential sampling pulse radar technique,” ​​in Proc. IEEE Radar Conf, 2008, pp. 1-6, 2008 [Non-patent document 2] D. Cao, T. Li, P. Kang, H. Liu, S. Zhou, H. Su, “Single-Pulse Multi-Beams Operation of Phased Array Radar”, 2016 CIE International Conference on Radar (RADAR), pp. 1-4, 2016 [Non-patent document 3] A. Bourdoux, K. Parashar, and M. Bauduin, “Phenomenology of mutual interference of FMCW and PMCW automotive radars,” in 2017 IEEE Radar Conference (Radar Conf.), pp. 1709-1714, 2017 [Non-patent document 4] J. Fink, FK Jondral, “Comparison of OFDM radar and chirp sequence radar,” in 2015 16th International Radar Symposium (IRS), pp. 315-320, 2015 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is currently discussing object sensing in wireless local area networks (LANs).

[0005] However, specific specifications for performing object sensing have not been established.

[0006] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device and a communication method capable of performing object sensing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives a beacon signal on a first channel, a control unit that generates a sensing signal based on information included in an extension field of the beacon signal, and a transmitting unit that transmits the sensing signal on a second channel.

[0008] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that sets information regarding sensing using a first channel in an extension region of a beacon signal, and a transmission unit that transmits the beacon signal on a second channel.

[0009] In a communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device receives a beacon signal on a first channel, generates a sensing signal based on information contained in an extension field of the beacon signal, and transmits the sensing signal on a second channel.

[0010] In a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device sets information related to sensing using a first channel in an extension field of a beacon signal and transmits the beacon signal on a second channel.

[0011] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication device can perform object sensing.

[0013] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an apparatus according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the structure of a data transmission frame [Figure 6A] A diagram showing an example of the sensing frame configuration [Figure 6B] A diagram showing an example of the sensing frame configuration [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame state on the time axis of a certain frequency band. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a frame state on the time axis of a certain frequency band. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of time and frequency usage in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 10] A diagram showing an example of time and frequency usage in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of time and frequency usage in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 12] A diagram showing an example of time and frequency usage in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of time and frequency usage in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 14] A diagram showing an example of time and frequency usage in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of time and frequency usage in a wireless LAN system. [Figure 16] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beacon [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel aggregation. [Figure 25] A diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel bonding. [Figure 26] A diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel bonding. [Figure 27] A diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel bonding. [Figure 28] A diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel bonding. [Figure 29] A diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel bonding. [Figure 30] A diagram showing an example of a frame configuration in channel bonding. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 39]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 51] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration according to a second embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 61] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 62A] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 62B] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 63A] FIG. 62A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal and AP. [Figure 63B] FIG. 62B is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal and AP. [Figure 64] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 65] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 66A] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 66B] FIG. 60 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the communication system of FIG. 59. [Figure 67A] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 67B] A diagram showing an example of resource allocation on the time-frequency axis for signals transmitted by a terminal. [Figure 68] An example of sensing [Figure 69] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device having a communication function and a sensing function according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 70] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a terminal transmission status and an AP transmission status. [Figure 71] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a device having a dual-purpose antenna; [Figure 72A] A diagram showing an example of a frame structure in which a midamble is arranged. [Figure 72B] A diagram showing an example of a frame structure in which a midamble is arranged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0016] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0017] Hereinafter, sensing may include estimating the position of an object, detecting an object, grasping the outline of an object, estimating the movement of an object, and estimating the gesture of an object. The object to be sensed may be referred to as a target object. Furthermore, the object to be sensed may be a living thing such as a person or an animal. Naturally, the object to be sensed does not have to be a living thing.

[0018] The main purpose of object position estimation is to estimate the position of an object. Object position estimation may include both object detection and object movement estimation. The object position may be estimated using triangulation using radio waves, light, ultrasound, etc. The object movement may be detected using Doppler frequency. Furthermore, the object gesture may be estimated. Note that the above description is an example and is not limited to this.

[0019] The main purpose of object detection is to detect an object. Object detection may also include identifying the object. Objects may be detected using reflection or reflected wave detection of radio waves, light, ultrasound, etc. Object detection may or may not include object position estimation. Note that the above description is an example and is not limited to this.

[0020] The main purpose of recognizing the outline of an object is to detect the outline of the object. Recognizing the outline of an object may include, for example, identifying the object. Recognizing the outline of an object may also include, for example, a change in the outline or movement of the object. The outline of an object may be recognized using a pulse spread spectrum signal or a signal having a certain band. Recognizing the outline of an object may or may not include estimating the position of the object. Furthermore, a gesture of the object may be estimated. Note that the above description is an example and is not limited to this.

[0021] In the present disclosure, coexistence is realized between an AP (Access Point) and at least two terminals belonging to any of a terminal with a communication function, a terminal with an object sensing function, and a terminal with both a communication function and an object sensing function. The AP may or may not have the object sensing function. The AP has at least the function of communicating with the terminal. The terminal may be referred to as a device or a communication device.

[0022] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of a device that performs sensing, and a device that performs communication and sensing will be described. Note that in a device having a sensing function, such as a device that performs sensing, or a device that performs communication and sensing, the sensing method may be, for example, any of the methods described in this specification.

[0023] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of device X100 that transmits a sensing signal, receives the sensing signal that has been reflected off surrounding objects, and performs sensing. Device X100 transmits a sensing signal, receives the sensing signal that has been reflected off surrounding objects, and performs sensing of the objects.

[0024] The transmitting device X101 generates transmission signals X102_1 to X102_M. The transmission signals X102_1 to X102_M are signals for sensing. The transmitting device X101 transmits the generated transmission signals X102_1 to X102_M from antennas X103_1 to X103_M, respectively. Here, the number of antennas used for transmission is M, and M is an integer equal to or greater than 1 or an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0025] The transmitting device X101 may perform directivity control for the sensing signals, for example, by multiplying the same sensing signal by a coefficient determined for each antenna to generate transmission signals X102_1 to X102_M and transmitting the transmission signals from antennas X103_1 to X103_M. Alternatively, the transmitting device X101 may perform directivity control for each sensing signal by multiplying each of a plurality of sensing signals by a coefficient determined for each sensing signal and each antenna, combining the signals, and transmitting the transmission signals from antennas X103_1 to X103_M. This allows directivity control for each sensing signal.

[0026] The coefficients determined for each antenna or for each sensing signal and each antenna are expressed as complex numbers or real numbers. The amplitude and / or phase of the sensing signal transmitted from each antenna is changed according to the value of this coefficient. However, the coefficient may be 1. In this case, the sensing signal generated by the transmitting device X101 is transmitted as is from the antenna with a coefficient value of 1.

[0027] The transmitting device X101 may transmit a transmission signal without performing directivity control. For example, the transmitting device X101 may output each of the multiple sensing signals as a transmission signal for the corresponding antenna and transmit the signals from the antennas X103_1 to X103_M.

[0028] In the above description, the case where there are a plurality of sensing signals and a plurality of antennas has been described, but the number of sensing signals generated by the transmitting device X101 and the number of antennas that transmit the sensing signals may be one.

[0029] The sensing signals transmitted from antennas X103_1 to X103_M are reflected by object #1 (X110_1) or object #2 (X110_2). The reflected sensing signals are received by antennas X104_1 to X104_N provided in device X100. Here, the number of antennas receiving the sensing signals is N, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1 or an integer equal to or greater than 2. The number M of antennas used for transmission may be the same as or different from the number N of antennas used for reception.

[0030] Received signals X105_1 to X105_N received by antennas X104_1 to X104_N are input to the receiving device X106. The receiving device X106 performs, for example, filtering on the received signals X105_1 to X105_N to extract only components of the frequency band or channels within the frequency band through which the sensing signals are transmitted, frequency conversion processing to convert from a radio frequency band to an intermediate frequency band (IF) and / or the frequency band of a baseband signal, and weighting and combining processing on the N received signals, and outputs an estimated signal X107.

[0031] The coefficients used in the weighting and combining process for the N received signals may be set for each of the received signals X105_1 to X105_N. By changing the values ​​of the coefficients, the device X100 can control the reception directionality. The coefficients may be estimated in advance, or the received signals X105_1 to X105_N may be used to estimate a coefficient that results in a larger amplitude or signal-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the sensing signal components after weighting and combining than when other coefficients are used, or that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0032] Furthermore, the receiving device X106 may use a plurality of N coefficient sets corresponding to the received signals X105_1 to X105_N to simultaneously acquire directional signals corresponding to the respective coefficient sets. Note that the receiving device X106 does not need to perform weighted synthesis processing.

[0033] The estimation unit X108 performs sensing, that is, estimation processing related to the surrounding environment, using the estimation signal X107. Details of the estimation processing performed by the estimation unit X108 will be described later.

[0034] The control signal X109 is a control signal input to the transmitting device X101, the receiving device X106, and the estimation unit X108, and instructs the transmitting device X101, the receiving device X106, and the estimation unit X108 to perform sensing, instructs the sensing range, and controls the sensing timing.

[0035] The above is a description of an example of the configuration of the device X100.

[0036] Note that, in FIG. 1, an example is described in which signals generated by device X100 are transmitted by M antennas, and signals received by N antennas are processed by receiving device X106; however, the configuration of a device that implements the sensing method described in the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0037] For example, multiple transmitting antenna units that transmit signals may each be configured with multiple antenna units including multiple antennas. Here, the multiple antenna units may have the same directivity and directivity control function, or the range over which the directivity can be controlled may differ between the antenna units. In this case, one transmitting device X101 may select an antenna unit to use for transmitting a sensing signal from the multiple antenna units, or may simultaneously transmit the same sensing signal from the multiple antenna units.

[0038] Furthermore, the transmitting device X101 may switch between transmitting one sensing signal from one antenna unit or simultaneously transmitting one sensing signal from multiple antenna units. Furthermore, the device X100 may include multiple transmitting devices X101, or may include a transmitting device X101 for each antenna unit.

[0039] Similarly, the multiple receiving antenna units that receive signals may each be composed of multiple antenna units including multiple antennas. Here, the multiple antenna units may have the same directivity control capabilities, such as the directivity control range and directivity control accuracy, or the directivity control capabilities may differ between the antenna units. Furthermore, the multiple antenna units may have the same directivity control capabilities, such as the directivity control range and directivity control accuracy, but may be installed so that the spatial regions in which the directivity can be controlled are different. In this case, one receiving device X106 may select an antenna unit from among the multiple antenna units to acquire a received signal, or may simultaneously process signals received from the multiple antenna units.

[0040] Furthermore, the receiving device X106 may switch between processing only the received signal received from one antenna unit and processing the received signals received from multiple antenna units simultaneously. Furthermore, the device X100 may include multiple receiving devices X106, or may include a receiving device X106 for each antenna unit.

[0041] Furthermore, device X100 may be provided with multiple antennas that can be used for both transmitting and receiving signals, rather than having multiple antennas for transmitting and receiving separately. In this case, device X100 may select and switch between using each antenna for transmission or reception, or may switch over time between using multiple antennas for transmission and reception.

[0042] Furthermore, device X100 may include a transmitting / receiving antenna unit that can be used in common for transmitting and receiving signals. Here, the transmitting / receiving antenna unit includes multiple antenna units, and each antenna unit can be switched between being used for transmission and being used for reception. Device X100 may include a selection unit that selects and switches between the antenna unit used for transmitting signals generated by transmitting device X101 and the antenna unit used for receiving signals that are signal-processed by receiving device X106.

[0043] When multiple antenna units are used to simultaneously transmit sensing signals, the directivity of the signals transmitted from each antenna unit may be the same or different. If device X100 transmits sensing signals from multiple antenna units with the same directivity, it may be possible to increase the reach of the sensing signals or the distance to the reflection position where the reflected sensing signals can be received.

[0044] The number of antennas constituting the antenna units described above does not need to be the same between the antenna units, and the number of antennas may differ between the antenna units.

[0045] Next, the estimation process performed by the estimation unit X108 will be described using an example.

[0046] The estimation unit X108 estimates, for example, the distance between the device X100 and the object that reflected the sensing signal. The distance between the device X100 and the object that reflected the sensing signal can be estimated by, for example, detecting the delay time between the transmission time of the sensing signal and the reception time, and multiplying the delay time by the propagation speed of the electromagnetic wave.

[0047] The estimation unit X108 may estimate the direction of arrival of the received signal, i.e., the direction of the object that reflected the sensing signal, using a direction of arrival estimation method such as the MUSIC (Multiple Signal Classification) method. The estimation unit X108 can estimate the position of the object that reflected the transmitted signal by estimating the direction in addition to the distance between the device X100 and the object.

[0048] The estimation unit X108 can estimate the position of an object by performing triangulation using, for example, direction of arrival estimation such as the MUSIC method, the position of the transmitting antenna, the position of the receiving antenna, information on the direction of transmission directivity control, etc. The estimation unit X108 may detect the detection of an object, the movement of the object, the material of the object, etc. using the received signal. Furthermore, the estimation unit X108 may estimate the detection of an object, the position of the object, the movement of the object, etc. using an estimation method other than triangulation. Note that, as an example of the sensing method, the methods described in this specification can be cited.

[0049] The position of the object may be expressed in a polar coordinate system or a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, the origin of which may be any position within the device X100, and the coordinate axes of the coordinate system may be oriented in any direction.

[0050] If the equipment including the device X100 includes, in addition to the device X100, multiple wireless sensors or other distance sensors having the same or different configurations as the device X100, the origin and coordinate axes of the coordinate systems of the data acquired by each sensor may be common to the sensors or may be unique to each sensor. The estimation unit X108 may output the location information expressed in the unique coordinate system as is, or may convert it into a coordinate system common within the equipment and output it. The converted coordinate system may be a coordinate system unique to the equipment, or may be a coordinate system common to other equipment, such as the same coordinate system as the 3D map data used by the equipment.

[0051] The estimation unit X108 may also estimate the distance to the object that reflected the signal in each of multiple directions and acquire the three-dimensional coordinates of the estimated multiple reflection positions as a point cloud. Note that the format of the data of the multiple distance measurement results acquired by the estimation unit X108 does not have to be a point cloud format having three-dimensional coordinate values, and may be, for example, a range image or other format. When a range image format is used, the position (coordinates) in a two-dimensional plane of the range image corresponds to the direction of arrival of the received signal as seen from the device X100, and the distance to the object in the direction corresponding to the pixel position of each image is stored as a pixel sample value.

[0052] Furthermore, the estimation unit X108 may perform recognition processing such as estimating the shape of an object using the point cloud data or range image data. For example, the estimation unit X108 may extract "one or more points located close to each other within a predetermined distance range," or multiple points or image areas, assuming that they are the same object, and estimate the shape of the object based on the positional relationship of the one or multiple points or the shape of the image area. The estimation unit X108 may also perform recognition processing such as identifying the sensed object using the result of the object shape estimation. In this case, the estimation unit X108 may, for example, identify whether the object in the sensing range is a person or an animal, or identify the type of object.

[0053] Note that the recognition processing performed by the estimation unit X108 may be other than object identification. For example, the estimation unit X108 may detect the number of people or vehicles within the sensing range as recognition processing, or may estimate the position and posture of the detected person's face. The estimation unit X108 may also perform a recognition processing other than the above-mentioned recognition processing, such as face recognition, which determines whether the shape of the detected person's face matches a pre-registered person, and which person it is.

[0054] Furthermore, the estimation unit X108 may measure the distance between the device X100 and the object multiple times at different times to acquire a change over time in the distance between the device X100 and the object or the position of a detected point. In this case, the estimation unit X108 may estimate the speed, acceleration, etc. of a moving object as a recognition process using the change over time in the distance between the device X100 and the object or the position of a point. For example, the estimation unit X108 may estimate the speed, direction of movement, etc. of a vehicle traveling within the sensing range.

[0055] Note that the recognition process performed by the estimation unit X108 using the change over time in distance or point position may be other than the estimation of the speed or acceleration of an object. For example, the estimation unit X108 may detect whether a person has performed a specific action based on a detected change in the person's posture, and the device X100 may be used as a gesture input device for electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0056] The speed of the moving object described above may be estimated by comparing the frequency of the transmitted sensing signal with the frequency of the received reflected signal and estimating the change in frequency due to the Doppler effect experienced by the reflected signal.

[0057] Next, an example of the sensing signal used in the transmitting device X101 and the receiving device X106 will be described.

[0058] Device X100 may transmit, as the sensing signal, a pulse signal disclosed in, for example, Non-Patent Document 1 or Non-Patent Document 2. Device X100 transmits the pulse signal in the frequency band used for sensing, and measures the distance to the object that reflected the sensing signal based on the delay time between the transmission time of the pulse signal and the reception time of the reflected signal.

[0059] As a different example of a sensing signal, the device X100 may use an FMCW or PMCW signal as described in Non-Patent Document 3. The FMCW signal is a signal obtained by converting a chirp signal, the frequency of which is changed over time, into a radio frequency. As an estimation process using the FMCW signal, the estimation unit X108 superimposes the signal transmitted from the transmitting device X101 and the signal received by the receiving device X106 using a mixer. As a result, the superimposed signal becomes an intermediate frequency signal with a frequency corresponding to the time of flight of the received signal, and the distance to the object that reflected the FMCW signal is measured by detecting the frequency components contained in the superimposed signal.

[0060] As a different example of the sensing signal, the device X100 may use a signal obtained by frequency-converting a modulated signal of a predetermined frequency into a signal in a frequency band used for sensing. In this case, the estimation unit X108 can estimate the distance to the object that reflected the sensing signal, for example, based on the difference between the phase of the modulated component of the signal transmitted from the transmitting device X101 and the phase of the modulated component of the signal received by the receiving device X106.

[0061] The estimation unit X108 may also compare the frequency of the transmitted modulated signal with the frequency of the received modulated signal to detect frequency fluctuations caused by the Doppler effect until the sensing signal is reflected and received, and estimate the moving speed and direction of the moving object. Note that the modulated signal may contain multiple frequency components, and for example, multicarrier transmission including multiple frequency components as the modulated signal described in Non-Patent Document 4, such as an OFDM signal, may be used.

[0062] Examples of the sensing signal are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be a signal modulated by a modulation method, an unmodulated carrier, or any other signal.

[0063] As described above, device X100 may use multiple antennas to simultaneously transmit multiple sensing signals, or may use multiple antenna units each including multiple antennas to simultaneously transmit multiple sensing signals.

[0064] In the first embodiment, the estimation process performed by the estimation unit X108 is described as measuring the distance from the difference between the transmission time of the sensing signal and the reception time of the reflected signal. However, the estimation process performed by the estimation unit X108 is not limited to the above.

[0065] For example, the estimation unit X108 may estimate the state of the transmission path from the received reflected signal, and perform recognition processing based on a comparison of the estimated transmission path state with changes over time and average values ​​or feature quantities of transmission path states estimated in the past, thereby determining whether an object is present in the sensing range or detecting whether the object is moving. The estimation unit X108 may also detect whether it is raining or not from the attenuation state of the received signal.

[0066] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the reflected wave of a transmitted sensing signal is used for sensing. However, sensing using a sensing signal is not limited to the device that transmitted the sensing signal.

[0067] For example, the receiving device X106 of the device X100 may receive a sensing signal transmitted from another device, and the estimation unit X108 may determine whether the other device is within the range of the sensing signal based on the received signal, estimate the direction of the other device, or estimate the distance to the other device based on the signal strength of the received sensing signal.

[0068] Furthermore, the receiving device X106 of the device X100 may transmit a sensing signal so that other devices can use it for sensing. The sensing signal transmitted at this time may be a sensing signal transmitted by the device X100 for sensing using reflected waves, or a sensing signal may be periodically transmitted for sensing in other devices. Furthermore, when the device X100 receives a sensing signal transmitted from another device, the device X100 may transmit the sensing signal using the transmitting device X101 in the direction from which the received signal was received. Note that the sensing signal transmitted to other devices may be transmitted without controlling the directionality. Furthermore, the sensing signal may be generated using the method described in this specification.

[0069] Also, while Figure 1 shows an example in which sensing device X100 receives signals reflected by objects #1 and #2, signals obtained by reflection from objects #1 and #2 and then from other objects or substances may be used to detect objects and estimate the distance and position of the objects.

[0070] Next, an example of a sensing method using radio waves different from that shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0071] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of device X200 that performs sensing using radio waves. Of the configuration shown in Fig. 2, components having the same functions as those shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description of those components will be omitted.

[0072] Device X200 differs from device X100 in that it performs sensing using a modulated signal for sensing and / or a modulated signal for communication. Here, for example, device X200 transmits a signal, and a terminal, which is the communication partner, estimates the position, size, and distance to an object (e.g., object #1 in FIG. 2) by detecting changes in the signal transmitted by device X200. Note that when device X200 transmits a modulated signal for communication, data communication with the terminal is also possible. The following describes the case where sensing is performed using a modulated signal for communication.

[0073] The transmitting device X201 receives the control signal X109 and the transmission data X210, and performs error correction coding, modulation, precoding, multiplexing, etc. to generate transmission signals X202_1 to X202_M for communication. The device X200 transmits the transmission signals X202_1 to X202_M from the antennas X103_1 to X103_M, respectively.

[0074] The number of transmission signals and antennas used for transmission is the same as in the description regarding FIG. 1, and may be two or more, or may be one. Compared to the description regarding FIG. 1, the transmission signal in FIG. 2 differs in that the transmission signal in the description regarding FIG. 1 includes a sensing signal component, whereas the transmission signal in FIG. 2 includes a signal component obtained by modulating transmission data. However, like transmitting device X101, transmitting device X201 can perform directivity control using coefficients used in weighted synthesis processing to generate transmission signals. Also, like device X100, device X200 may include only one antenna unit equipped with multiple antennas, or may include multiple antenna units.

[0075] When performing directivity control, transmitting device X101 in Fig. 1 controls the directivity of transmission in the direction in which sensing is desired, while transmitting device X201 in Fig. 2 controls the directivity of transmission so as to improve the quality of communication with a terminal that is the communication partner. However, transmitting device X201 may control the directivity of a transmission signal in the direction in which sensing is desired, or the terminal that is the communication partner may control the directivity so as to obtain desirable sensing results when performing sensing using a signal transmitted by device X200.

[0076] When transmitting device X201 performs directivity control for sensing in a terminal, transmitting device X201 transmits a signal using a coefficient specified by the terminal. The signal transmitted here may or may not include a signal component modulated using transmission data. A signal that does not include a signal component modulated using transmission data is, for example, a signal modulated with a value known on the terminal side, such as a preamble or a reference signal. Furthermore, transmitting device X201 may perform different directivity control when transmitting a signal that includes a signal component modulated using transmission data and a signal that does not include a signal component modulated using transmission data.

[0077] The terminal receives the modulated signal transmitted by device X200, thereby obtaining data (performing communication) and also performing sensing.

[0078] Furthermore, when a terminal transmits a signal, device X200, the communication partner, may detect changes in the signal transmitted by the terminal and thereby estimate the position, size, distance to the object (e.g., object #1 in FIG. 2), type, material, etc. of the object (e.g., object #1 in FIG. 2). Note that when the terminal transmits a modulated signal for communication, data communication with device X200 is also possible.

[0079] For example, device X200 receives modulated signals transmitted from terminals using antennas X104_1 to X104_N. Receiving device X206 receives control signal X109 and received signals X205_1 to X205_N as input, and performs demodulation processing, error correction decoding processing, and the like to acquire received data. Receiving device X206 also outputs the transmission path characteristics and the like obtained by the receiving processing as estimated signal X207.

[0080] The coefficients used in the weighting and combining process for the N received signals can be set for each of the received signals X205_1 to X205_N, and the reception directionality can be controlled by changing the coefficient values. The coefficients may be estimated in advance, or a coefficient may be estimated using the received signals X205_1 to X205_N such that the amplitude or signal-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the sensing signal component after weighting and combining is greater than when other coefficients are used, or exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the receiving device X206 may use multiple sets of N coefficients corresponding to the received signals X205_1 to X205_N to simultaneously acquire directional signals corresponding to each set of coefficients.

[0081] The estimation unit X208 receives the control signal X109 and the estimation signal X207 as input, and performs estimation processing using the estimation signal X207. The estimation unit X208 estimates the surrounding environment, such as whether or not an object is present in the vicinity, based on, for example, the transmission path characteristics included in the estimation signal X207. The estimation unit X208 may also detect the movement or approach of an object based on changes over time in the transmission path characteristics.

[0082] The estimation unit X208 may estimate the direction of arrival of the received signal, i.e., the direction of the object that reflected the sensing signal, using, for example, a direction of arrival estimation method such as the MUSIC algorithm. The estimation unit X208 may estimate the position of the object by triangulation using, for example, direction of arrival estimation such as the MUSIC algorithm, antenna positions (e.g., positions of the transmitting device and receiving device), information on the direction of transmission directivity control, etc. The estimation unit X208 may also detect the object, the object's movement, the object's material, etc., using the received signal.

[0083] The estimation unit X208 performs the above-mentioned estimation processing on the estimated signal X207, for example, signal processing according to an event to be detected, such as the presence or absence of the above-mentioned object or the presence or absence of movement of the object. At this time, the estimation processing is performed based on, for example, a determination result of whether or not the feature amount extracted by the signal processing exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0084] The estimation unit X208 may perform estimation processing based on signal processing other than the above examples. For example, the estimation processing may be performed using a model created by machine learning using a multi-layered neural network. When using a model created by machine learning using a multi-layered neural network for the estimation processing, the estimation unit X208 may perform predetermined preprocessing on the estimated signal X207 and then input the preprocessed data to the model created by machine learning using the multi-layered neural network.

[0085] The estimation unit X208 may also use information such as the frequency band used for communication or a channel number within the frequency band. The estimation unit X208 may also use the address of a communication device that transmitted a received communication signal or the address of a communication device that is the destination of the signal. By using information about the received communication signal, such as the frequency band or the address of the communication device, it is possible to compare communication signals that have the same or similar conditions, such as the location of the communication device that transmitted the signal or the directivity used when transmitting the signal, which may improve estimation accuracy.

[0086] In the above description, sensing is performed using a communication signal transmitted by a communication partner. In Fig. 2, device X200 is shown as having different configurations, including transmitting device X201 and antennas X103_1 to X103_M, which are components for performing transmission processing, and receiving device X206 and antennas X104_1 to X104_N, which are components for performing reception processing. However, the configuration of device X200 is not limited to this.

[0087] For example, transmitting device X201 and receiving device X206 may be realized as a single component, or multiple antennas may be shared for transmission and reception. Furthermore, as in the description of FIG. 1, the multiple transmitting antennas in device X200 may be configured as multiple antenna units, and the multiple receiving antennas may be configured as multiple antenna units. Furthermore, the multiple transmitting antennas and the multiple receiving antennas in device X200 may be configured as a common transmitting / receiving antenna unit.

[0088] Furthermore, a sensing signal may be used instead of a communication signal. That is, the first device may use a sensing signal transmitted by another device to estimate the position, size, distance to the object (e.g., object #1 in FIG. 2), type, material, etc. of the object (e.g., object #1 in FIG. 2).

[0089] The sensing method using a communication signal can also be used for the same purpose as the example of transmitting a sensing signal to another device described with reference to Fig. 1. That is, device X200 may use a communication signal transmitted from another device such as a terminal not to sense the surrounding environment based on the transmission path characteristics of the signal, but to determine whether the other device is within the reach of the communication signal or to estimate the direction of the other device.

[0090] It should be noted that when device X200 receives a modulated signal for communication transmitted by a communication partner, for example, a terminal, it may perform only a demodulation operation without performing a sensing operation.

[0091] Next, a device that performs communication and sensing will be described.

[0092] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication and sensing device X300. Of the components shown in Fig. 3, components having the same functions as the components shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components will be omitted.

[0093] Device X300 performs both sensing using a modulated signal for sensing and sensing using a modulated signal for communication.

[0094] That is, the transmitting device X301 of the device X300 has a function of transmitting a sensing signal similar to the transmitting device X101, and a function of transmitting a communication signal to another communication device similar to the transmitting device X201.

[0095] Furthermore, the receiving device X306 of the device X300 has a function of receiving a sensing signal, similar to the receiving device X106, and a function of receiving a communication signal transmitted by another communication device, similar to the receiving device X206.

[0096] Furthermore, the estimation unit X308 executes both estimation processing using sensing signals, similar to the estimation unit X108, and estimation processing using communication signals, similar to the estimation unit X208.

[0097] In the processing performed by each component of device X300, the processing for transmitting and receiving sensing signals is the same as that of device X100 in Figure 1, and the processing for transmitting and receiving communication signals is the same as that of device X200 in Figure 2, so explanations are omitted.

[0098] 3, the device X300 is shown with different configurations for the transmitting device X301 that performs the transmitting process, the antennas X103_1 to X103_M, and the receiving device X306 that performs the receiving process, the antennas X104_1 to X104_N, but the configuration of the device X300 is not limited to this. For example, the transmitting device X301 and the receiving device X306 may be realized as a single component, or one or more antennas may be used in common for transmitting and receiving.

[0099] Device X300 may include a transmitter for sensing in addition to a transmitter for communication. In this case, the transmitter for communication and the transmitter for sensing may use the same one or more antennas by switching between them, or may include one or more antennas or multiple antennas that are different for communication and sensing.

[0100] The communication and sensing signal transmitter X301 may switch between transmitting a sensing signal and transmitting a modulated signal for communication based on mode information included in the control signal X309, and transmit the signal from the antenna. That is, there may be a mode for transmitting a sensing signal and a mode for transmitting a modulated signal for communication. The communication and sensing transmitter X301 may also transmit a signal that combines a sensing signal and a modulated signal for communication.

[0101] Device X300 may include a receiving device for sensing separate from a receiving device for communication. In this case, the receiving device for communication and the receiving device for sensing may use the same one or more antennas by switching between them, or may include one or more different antennas for communication and sensing.

[0102] Furthermore, device X300 may separately include a transmitter for communication, a transmitter for sensing, a receiver for communication, and a receiver for sensing. Furthermore, device X300 may include a transmitter / receiver for communication and a transmitter / receiver for sensing. Furthermore, device X300 may include a transmitter / receiver for communication, a transmitter for sensing, and a receiver for sensing.

[0103] 3, similarly to the descriptions of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, one or more transmitting antennas may be configured with one or more antenna units, and one or more receiving antennas may be configured with one or more antenna units. Furthermore, one or more transmitting antennas and one or more receiving antennas may be configured with a common transmitting / receiving antenna unit.

[0104] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system according to the first embodiment. As an example, an AP and a terminal communicate with each other. The AP has at least a communication function. Therefore, the AP has the configuration of device X200 in FIG. 2 or device X300 in FIG. 3.

[0105] A terminal may or may not have a communication function. For example, terminal #4 in FIG. 4 may have a function for sensing an object but may not have a communication function. Therefore, terminals with a communication function (terminals #1, #2, and #3 in FIG. 3) have the configuration of device X200 in FIG. 2 or device X300 in FIG. 3. A terminal without a communication function (terminal #4 in FIG. 3) has the configuration of device X100 in FIG. 1.

[0106] In the following, an embodiment will be described in which the modulated signal for communication and the signal for sensing exist in the same frequency band.

[0107] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a data transmission frame transmitted by an AP and a terminal equipped with a communication function. The preamble shown in Fig. 5 is a symbol for the communication partner to perform signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, channel estimation, frequency offset estimation, etc.

[0108] The control information symbols are symbols for transmitting information such as a data size, a data symbol transmission method (for example, the number of transmission streams, an MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) such as an error correction coding method, etc.).

[0109] A data symbol is a symbol for transmitting data, and may include other symbols (for example, a reference symbol, a pilot symbol, a pilot carrier, etc.).

[0110] The frame structure of the data transmission frame is not limited to this example, and the data transmission frame may include symbols other than those shown in FIG.

[0111] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing example configurations of sensing frames transmitted by an AP and a terminal equipped with a sensing function. Fig. 6A shows a first example of the sensing frame, and Fig. 6B shows a second example of the sensing frame.

[0112] The sensing frame in the first example of Fig. 6A is configured with a sensing reference symbol, although other symbols may also be included in the sensing frame.

[0113] The AP and terminal perform sensing processing using the sensing reference symbols in FIG. 6A. The AP and terminal may transmit the sensing reference symbols continuously over time. Note that although the sensing reference symbols are described, they may be signals such as unmodulated signals or carrier waves. This also applies to FIG. 6B.

[0114] The sensing frame in the second example of Fig. 6B is composed of, for example, a preamble, a control information symbol, and a sensing reference symbol, although other symbols may also be included in the sensing frame.

[0115] Using the sensing reference symbols in FIG. 6B, the AP and the terminal will perform sensing processing.

[0116] The preamble in FIG. 6B is a symbol that allows a communication partner to perform signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, channel estimation, frequency offset estimation, etc. Note that APs and terminals equipped with communication functions are also assumed to be able to detect this preamble. For example, the configuration of the preamble may be the same as the preamble in FIG. 5 (although it does not have to be the same).

[0117] By doing this, the AP and terminals with communication capabilities can become aware of the presence of sensing frames, which has the effect of reducing interference between sensing frames and communication frames.

[0118] 6B is a symbol that includes information about the sensing reference symbol. The control information symbol may include other information.

[0119] The information about the sensing reference symbols includes, for example, the following: The type of sensing reference signal. For example, it is possible to specify from multiple signal types. The frequency band of the sensing reference signal. For example, it can be specified from multiple frequency bands. The time domain of the sensing reference signal, which can be specified from multiple time intervals, for example.

[0120] APs and terminals equipped with sensing functionality can set the desired sensing accuracy by specifying information about the sensing reference symbol in the control information symbol. However, the information in the control information symbol is not limited to this.

[0121] The AP and the terminal perform sensing processing using the sensing reference symbols in Fig. 6B. The AP and the terminal may transmit the sensing reference symbols continuously in time.

[0122] The configuration of the sensing frame is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 6A and 6B, and the sensing frame may include symbols other than those shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0123] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a frame state on a time axis of a certain frequency band. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, an AP may switch between transmitting a data transmission frame and a sensing frame. A terminal may switch between transmitting a data transmission frame and a sensing frame.

[0124] It is desirable that the AP and the terminal transmit frames so that the frames do not overlap at a certain frequency, that is, so that the frames do not interfere with each other, as shown in Fig. 7. The first embodiment relates to a transmission method for suppressing frame interference, and this point will be explained below.

[0125] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example of frame states on the time axis of a certain frequency band. As shown in Fig. 8, for example, an AP may switch between transmitting a data transmission frame, a sensing frame, and a frame containing a data transmission symbol and a sensing signal. A terminal may switch between transmitting a data transmission frame, a sensing frame, and a frame containing a data transmission symbol and a sensing signal.

[0126] It is desirable that the AP and the terminal transmit frames so that the frames do not overlap at a certain frequency, that is, so that the frames do not interfere with each other, as shown in Fig. 8. The first embodiment relates to a transmission method for suppressing frame interference, and this point will be explained below.

[0127] The frame structure of the "frame containing the data transmission symbol and the sensing signal" will be explained later.

[0128] Figures 9 to 15 are diagrams showing examples of how time and frequency are used in a wireless LAN system. In Figures 9 to 15, "...(AP)" indicates that the AP is transmitting a signal (frame). Also, "...(terminal)" indicates that the terminal is transmitting a signal.

[0129] 9 to 15, there are primary and secondary channels, both of which may be, for example, 20 MHz bands.

[0130] The AP transmits beacons on the primary channel. The AP does not transmit beacons on the secondary channel. Here, the channels are referred to as the primary channel and the secondary channel, but the names are not limited to these. For example, the primary channel may be referred to as the first channel, and the secondary channel may be referred to as the second channel.

[0131] 9 to 15, the AP and the terminal transmit frames using one or more of the four channels consisting of the primary channel and the secondary channel. At this time, the AP and the terminal can communicate as follows:

[0132] Case 1: Transmit a frame using one channel consisting of 20 MHz. (Example: "Data transmission frame #1 (AP)" in Figure 9) Case 2: A frame is transmitted by bundling multiple channels consisting of consecutive 20 MHz. (Example: "Data transmission frame #3 (AP)" in Figure 9) (hereafter referred to as channel bonding).

[0133] In addition, the AP and the terminal are capable of the following communications. Case 3: Multiple "frames configured in Case 1" or "frames configured in Case 2" are transmitted using a common time interval. (As shown in Figure 9, the AP transmits "data transmission frame #2" and "data transmission frame #4" using a common time interval.) (Hereinafter, this will be referred to as channel aggregation.)

[0134] In FIGS. 9 to 15, the AP and the terminal transmit sensing frames using the secondary channel out of the primary channel and secondary channel determined by the AP.

[0135] This process prevents the beacon transmitted by the AP from being interfered with by other signals, and communication between the AP and the terminal is performed well. Also, communication between the AP and the terminal via the primary channel can be performed frequently.

[0136] Although examples of arranging primary channels as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12 and examples of arranging primary channels as shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 are shown, the method of arranging primary channels is not limited to these.

[0137] 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a beacon. The extension field of the beacon (for example, the optional portion in FIG. 16) may include, for example, the following information:

[0138] -Information on whether the frequency range is compatible with sensing - Secondary channel information corresponding to sensing

[0139] This allows the coexistence of sensing signals and communication modulated signals.

[0140] Alternatively: The standard may specify that a sensing signal is transmitted on a secondary channel without the existence of "secondary channel information corresponding to sensing."

[0141] Note that the beacon may be used for sensing an object. For example, the extended region of the beacon may include information indicating that the beacon is used for sensing an object.

[0142] Furthermore, when used for sensing an object, the time length of the beacon (beacon frame length) may be increased. This has the effect of improving the estimation accuracy of the sensing. In this case, the beacon may include information indicating the beacon frame length.

[0143] Note that the portion used for object sensing is not limited to the beacon. For example, in a data frame, a preamble before a data symbol may be used for object sensing. In this case, the temporal length of the preamble may be set to be longer in order to improve the estimation accuracy of sensing. Therefore, the temporal length of the preamble transmitted only for communication may be different from the length of the preamble transmitted when sensing is performed, or the temporal length of the preamble may be set depending on the situation, such as whether communication only is performed or sensing is performed. Note that information about the length of the preamble may be transmitted in one of the frames.

[0144] The configuration of a frame transmitted by an AP or a terminal using multiple channels with a bandwidth of 20 MHz will be explained.

[0145] 17 to 24 are diagrams showing examples of frame configurations of signals transmitted by an AP or a terminal in channel aggregation. In Fig. 17 to 24, a frame including a data symbol is a data transmission frame. A frame including a sensing reference symbol is a sensing frame. A sensing frame including a sensing symbol exists in a secondary channel.

[0146] The data transmission frame may be placed on the primary channel, on one or more secondary channels, or on both the primary channel and the secondary channel.

[0147] The sensing frame may be arranged on one or more secondary channels, and one of channel bonding and channel aggregation may be applied to the sensing frame.

[0148] 17 to 24 are merely examples. In channel aggregation, the method of arranging data transmission frames and sensing frames is not limited to the examples in FIGS.

[0149] In the examples of FIGS. 17, 18, 21, and 22, the sensing frame includes the preamble and control information symbols shown in FIG. 6B in addition to the sensing reference symbols.

[0150] In the examples of FIGS. 19, 20, 23, and 24, the sensing frame includes a sensing reference symbol, but does not include the preamble and control information symbols shown in FIG. 6B.

[0151] Although examples of arranging primary channels as shown in Figures 17 to 20 and examples of arranging primary channels as shown in Figures 21 to 24 are shown, the method of arranging primary channels is not limited to these.

[0152] 17 to 24, a guard interval may or may not exist. For example, if a frame does not have a guard interval, the frame may be configured so that a sensing reference symbol exists for a long period of time.

[0153] When a frame has a guard interval, for example, "directivity in precoding or beamforming used to transmit sensing reference symbols present before the guard interval" and "directivity in precoding or beamforming used to transmit sensing reference symbols present after the guard interval" may be set to be different, thereby enabling wide-area sensing.

[0154] Furthermore, when a frame has a guard interval, the "antenna used to transmit the sensing reference symbols existing before the guard interval" and the "antenna used to transmit the sensing reference symbols existing after the guard interval" may be set to be different, thereby enabling wide-area sensing.

[0155] Furthermore, in a frame, a sensing reference symbol may be placed after a guard interval, and then a guard interval and a sensing reference signal may be repeatedly placed, such as a guard interval, a sensing reference signal, a guard interval, a sensing reference signal, ... In this case, the directivity in the precoding or beamforming to be used may be set for each sensing reference symbol, or the antenna to be used may be switched for each sensing reference symbol.

[0156] It should be noted that, for example, a guard interval is a time interval in which no signal or no symbol exists.

[0157] The configuration of a frame transmitted by an AP or a terminal using multiple 20 MHz channels will be explained below.

[0158] 25 to 30 are diagrams showing examples of frame structures of signals transmitted by an AP or a terminal in channel bonding. In the examples of FIGS. 25 to 30, data symbols and sensing reference symbols coexist during channel bonding. Furthermore, sensing symbols are allocated to secondary channels. Data symbols may be allocated to either primary channels or secondary channels. Furthermore, data symbols may be allocated to both primary and secondary channels.

[0159] Figures 25 to 30 are examples. When channel bonding is performed, the method of arranging data symbols and sensing reference symbols is not limited to the examples in Figures 25 to 30. Also, although examples of arranging primary channels as shown in Figures 25 to 27 and examples of arranging primary channels as shown in Figures 28 to 30 are shown, the method of arranging primary channels is not limited to these.

[0160] 25 to 30, a guard interval may or may not exist after the sensing reference symbol. For example, if a frame does not have a guard interval, the sensing reference symbol may be configured to exist for a long period of time.

[0161] When a frame has a guard interval, for example, "directivity in precoding or beamforming used to transmit sensing reference symbols present before the guard interval" and "directivity in precoding or beamforming used to transmit sensing reference symbols present after the guard interval" may be set to be different, thereby enabling wide-area sensing.

[0162] Furthermore, when a frame has a guard interval, the "antenna used to transmit the sensing reference symbols existing before the guard interval" and the "antenna used to transmit the sensing reference symbols existing after the guard interval" may be set to be different, thereby enabling wide-area sensing. When a frame has a guard interval, data symbols may be placed after the guard interval.

[0163] Furthermore, in a frame, a sensing reference symbol may be placed after a guard interval, and then a guard interval and a sensing reference signal may be repeatedly placed, such as a guard interval, a sensing reference signal, a guard interval, a sensing reference signal, ... In this case, the directivity in the precoding or beamforming to be used may be set for each sensing reference symbol, or the antenna to be used may be switched for each sensing reference symbol.

[0164] It should be noted that, for example, a guard interval is a time interval in which no signal or no symbol exists.

[0165] The above configuration enables the coexistence of sensing signals and communication modulated signals, thereby reducing interference between the sensing signals and communication modulated signals. Furthermore, communication devices such as APs and terminals can perform sensing processing and communication processing in parallel. Furthermore, when the communication modulated signal of the primary channel is preferentially assigned, adverse effects on the terminals performing communication can be reduced.

[0166] Although the description has been given of a preamble, control information symbols, data symbols, and sensing reference symbols in each frame of the first embodiment, other symbols or signals may also be present.

[0167] Furthermore, the area described as data symbols may include symbols other than data symbols, such as reference symbols (reference signals), pilot symbols (pilot signals), or midambles.

[0168] Furthermore, although beacons, data transmission frames, and sensing frames have been described, communication devices such as APs and terminals may also transmit other frames, such as MAC (Medium Access Control) management frames and MAC control frames.

[0169] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, an example of a frame configuration in which data symbols are also transmitted at a frequency (frequency band) for transmitting a reference signal for sensing will be described.

[0170] Figures 31 to 38 are diagrams showing examples of frame configurations transmitted by an AP or a terminal. Figures 31 to 38 show examples of frame configurations in channel aggregation. Figures 31 to 38 also show examples of frame configurations in which sensing reference symbols are inserted in the time axis direction. The sensing reference symbols are allocated to a secondary channel.

[0171] A guard interval is present immediately after the sensing reference symbol. In this case, the "directivity in precoding or beamforming performed on the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "precoding or beamforming performed on the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, or appropriate control may be performed on each symbol.

[0172] In addition, the "antenna used for the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "antenna used for the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, and appropriate control may be performed for each symbol.

[0173] This increases the likelihood that each symbol will have good reception quality.

[0174] It should be noted that, for example, a guard interval is a time interval in which no signal or no symbol exists.

[0175] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned control is not performed, the guard interval does not need to exist.

[0176] The arrangement of sensing reference symbols is not limited to the examples in Figures 31 to 38. For example, sensing reference symbols may be arranged, then data symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction, and then sensing reference symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction again. In other words, multiple sensing reference symbols may be arranged while data symbols and the like are arranged in the time axis direction.

[0177] A guard interval may be present before the sensing reference symbol. The frame configuration is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 31 to 38. The allocation of primary channels is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 31 to 38.

[0178] Figures 39 to 45 are diagrams showing examples of frame configurations transmitted by an AP or a terminal. Figures 39 to 45 show examples of frame configurations in channel aggregation. Figures 39 to 45 also show examples of frame configurations in which sensing reference symbols are inserted in the frequency axis direction. The sensing reference symbols are allocated to secondary channels.

[0179] A guard interval is present immediately after the sensing reference signal. In this case, the "directivity in precoding or beamforming performed on the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "precoding or beamforming performed on the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, or appropriate control may be performed on each symbol.

[0180] In addition, the "antenna used for the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "antenna used for the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, and appropriate control may be performed for each symbol.

[0181] This increases the likelihood that each symbol will have good reception quality.

[0182] It should be noted that, for example, a guard interval is a time interval in which no signal or no symbol exists.

[0183] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned control is not performed, the guard interval does not need to exist.

[0184] The arrangement of sensing reference symbols is not limited to the examples in Figures 39 to 45. For example, sensing reference symbols may be arranged, then data symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction, and then sensing reference symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction again. In other words, multiple sensing reference symbols may be arranged while data symbols and the like are arranged in the time axis direction.

[0185] Furthermore, multiple sensing reference symbols may be arranged in the frequency direction. A guard interval may exist before a sensing reference symbol. The frame configuration is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 39 to 45. The arrangement of primary channels is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 39 to 45.

[0186] Figures 46 to 52 show examples of frame configurations transmitted by an AP or a terminal. Figures 46 to 52 show examples of frame configurations in channel bonding. Figures 46 to 52 also show examples of frame configurations in which sensing reference symbols are inserted in the time axis direction. The sensing reference symbols are allocated to a secondary channel.

[0187] A guard interval is present immediately after the sensing reference signal. In this case, the "directivity in precoding or beamforming performed on the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "precoding or beamforming performed on the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, or appropriate control may be performed on each symbol.

[0188] In addition, the "antenna used for the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "antenna used for the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, and appropriate control may be performed for each symbol.

[0189] This increases the likelihood that each symbol will have good reception quality.

[0190] It should be noted that, for example, a guard interval is a time interval in which no signal or no symbol exists.

[0191] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned control is not performed, the guard interval does not need to exist.

[0192] The arrangement of sensing reference symbols is not limited to the examples in Figures 46 to 52. For example, sensing reference symbols may be arranged, then data symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction, and then sensing reference symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction again. In other words, multiple sensing reference symbols may be arranged while data symbols and the like are arranged in the time axis direction.

[0193] Furthermore, multiple sensing reference symbols may be arranged in the frequency direction. A guard interval may exist before a sensing reference symbol. The frame configuration is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 46 to 52. The arrangement of primary channels is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 46 to 52.

[0194] Figures 53 to 58 are diagrams showing examples of frame configurations transmitted by an AP or a terminal. Figures 53 to 58 show examples of frame configurations in channel bonding. Figures 53 to 58 also show examples of frame configurations in which sensing reference symbols are inserted in the frequency axis direction. The sensing reference symbols are allocated to the secondary channel.

[0195] A guard interval is present immediately after the sensing reference signal. In this case, the "directivity in precoding or beamforming performed on the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "precoding or beamforming performed on the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, or appropriate control may be performed on each symbol.

[0196] In addition, the "antenna used for the sensing reference symbol before the guard interval" and the "antenna used for the data symbol after the guard interval" may be set to be different, and appropriate control may be performed for each symbol.

[0197] This increases the likelihood that each symbol will have good reception quality.

[0198] It should be noted that, for example, a guard interval is a time interval in which no signal or no symbol exists.

[0199] Furthermore, if the above-mentioned control is not performed, the guard interval does not need to exist.

[0200] The arrangement of sensing reference symbols is not limited to the examples in Figures 53 to 58. For example, sensing reference symbols may be arranged, then data symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction, and then sensing reference symbols may be arranged in the time axis direction again. In other words, multiple sensing reference symbols may be arranged while data symbols and the like are arranged in the time axis direction.

[0201] Furthermore, multiple sensing reference symbols may be arranged in the frequency direction. A guard interval may exist before a sensing reference symbol. The frame configuration is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 53 to 58. The arrangement of primary channels is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 53 to 58.

[0202] With the above configuration, communication devices such as APs and terminals can transmit sensing-related signals and communication modulated signals, for example, in one frame, thereby enabling communication and sensing to be performed in parallel. Furthermore, coexistence of sensing signals and communication modulated signals is possible, thereby reducing interference between the sensing signals and communication modulated signals. Furthermore, communication devices such as APs and terminals can perform sensing processing and communication processing in parallel. Furthermore, when the communication modulated signal of the primary channel is preferentially assigned, it is possible to obtain the effect of reducing adverse effects on the terminals performing communication.

[0203] In the second embodiment, the preamble, control information symbols, data symbols, and sensing reference symbols have been described, but other symbols or signals may also be present.

[0204] Furthermore, the area described as data symbols may include symbols other than data symbols, such as reference symbols (reference signals), pilot symbols (pilot signals), or midambles.

[0205] In addition, communication devices such as APs and terminals may transmit frames other than those described in the second embodiment, such as MAC (Medium Access Control) management frames, MAC control frames, data frames, and sensing frames.

[0206] In the second embodiment, an example in which the sensing reference symbol exists in the secondary channel has been described, but implementation is also possible even if it exists in the primary channel.

[0207] (Third embodiment) 59 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the third embodiment. The communication system according to the third embodiment is assumed to be, for example, a wireless LAN system. Of course, the communication system may be another system, for example, a cellular system.

[0208] As shown in Fig. 59, an AP communicates wirelessly with terminal #1, terminal #2, and terminal #3. In the case of the communication system shown in Fig. 59, for example, it is assumed that the AP is fixedly installed and the terminals are mobile. In this case, when the terminals perform sensing, there is a possibility that the estimation accuracy of the sensing will decrease. In the third embodiment, a system for alleviating this problem will be described.

[0209] Figures 60, 61, 62A, and 62B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the communication system of Figure 59. For example, terminal #1 transmits a modulated signal including data containing information on an "instruction to perform sensing" to the AP. The AP receives and demodulates the modulated signal transmitted by terminal #1, and receives a notification of the "instruction to perform sensing."

[0210] When the AP receives the notification of "instruction to perform sensing," it transmits a sensing signal (for example, a signal including the sensing reference symbol described in the first or second embodiment) and performs sensing of the surrounding area, as shown in Fig. 61. An example of the sensing method is described in the first embodiment.

[0211] The AP may transmit a modulated signal including information on the results obtained by sensing to terminal #1 that has made a sensing request, as shown in Fig. 62A. Alternatively, the AP may transmit a modulated signal including information on the results obtained by sensing to terminals #1 to #3, including terminal #1 that has made a sensing request, by multicast, broadcast, or groupcast, as shown in Fig. 62B.

[0212] Multicast, broadcast, and groupcast all transmit information to one or more terminals. Groupcast imposes restrictions on the terminals that can cast. This restriction limits the terminals that can cast.

[0213] Fig. 63A is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminals and AP in Fig. 62A. As shown in Fig. 63A, the AP transmits a beacon (S1). Terminals #1 to #3 receive the beacon transmitted from the AP (S2a to S2c).

[0214] The extension field of the beacon contains information indicating that the AP is capable of sensing. Terminals #1 to #3 can ascertain (recognize) that the AP is capable of sensing by receiving the beacon.

[0215] Of terminals #1 to #3 that have received the beacon, terminal #1 transmits information instructing the AP to perform sensing (S3). The AP receives the information instructing the AP to perform sensing transmitted from terminal #1 (S4).

[0216] The AP performs sensing, acquires the sensing result (S5), and transmits the sensing result to terminal #1 (S6). Terminal #1 receives the sensing result transmitted in S6 (S7).

[0217] Figure 63B is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminals and AP in Figure 62B. As shown in Figure 63B, the AP transmits a beacon (S11). Terminals #1 to #3 receive the beacon transmitted from the AP (S12a to S12c).

[0218] The extension field of the beacon contains information indicating that the AP is capable of sensing. Terminals #1 to #3 can ascertain (recognize) that the AP is capable of sensing by receiving the beacon.

[0219] Of terminals #1 to #3 that have received the beacon, terminal #1 transmits information to the AP instructing it to perform sensing (S13). The AP receives the information instructing it to perform sensing transmitted from terminal #1 (S14).

[0220] The AP performs sensing, acquires the sensing results (S15), and transmits the sensing results to terminals #1 to #3 (S16). Terminals #1 to #3 receive the sensing results transmitted in S16 (S17a to S17c).

[0221] Figures 64, 65, 66A, and 66B are diagrams illustrating another example of the operation of the communication system of Figure 59. For example, terminal #1 transmits a modulated signal including data containing information on an "instruction to perform sensing" to the AP using the first frequency band. The AP receives and demodulates the modulated signal transmitted by terminal #1, and receives a notification of the "instruction to perform sensing."

[0222] When the AP receives the notification of "instruction to perform sensing," it transmits a sensing signal (for example, a signal including the sensing reference symbol described in the first or second embodiment) and performs sensing of the surrounding area, as shown in Fig. 65. An example of the sensing method is described in the first embodiment.

[0223] The AP transmits at least one sensing signal in a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band. For example, the AP may transmit a sensing signal in any one of the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band. For example, the AP may transmit three sensing signals in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0224] The AP may perform sensing using light such as visible light and infrared light, or may perform sensing using images using an image sensor, etc. The AP may also combine sensing using radio waves, sensing using light, and sensing using images.

[0225] The AP may transmit a modulated signal including information on the results obtained by sensing to terminal #1 that has made a sensing request, as shown in Fig. 66A. Alternatively, the AP may transmit a modulated signal including information on the results obtained by sensing to terminals #1 to #3, including terminal #1 that has made a sensing request, by multicast, broadcast, or groupcast, as shown in Fig. 66B.

[0226] 66A and 66B, the AP transmits a modulated signal including information on the results obtained by sensing using the first frequency band. This is because the request made to the AP by terminal #1 uses the first frequency band. However, the AP may transmit a modulated signal including information on the results obtained by sensing using another frequency band.

[0227] This process enables the AP to perform sensing with higher accuracy, and the terminal to obtain sensing results with higher accuracy.

[0228] (Fourth embodiment) The above communication system can be applied to a cellular system. A terminal requests frequency resources for sensing from a base station. The base station transmits information about the frequency resources that the terminal may use to the terminal.

[0229] Fig. 67A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 67A shows a terminal 151 and a base station 152. The terminal 151 may be, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. The base station 152 may be referred to as, for example, a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), or a gNodeB (gNB).

[0230] Terminal 151 requests frequency resources (and time resources) for sensing from base station 152. For example, terminal 151 requests frequency resources (and time resources) for sensing from base station 152 using a PUCCH (Physical Uplink Control CHannel).

[0231] When base station 152 receives a request for frequency resources for sensing from terminal 151, base station 152 transmits information about the frequency resources (and time resources) that are permitted to be used for sensing to terminal 151. For example, base station 152 transmits information about the frequency resources (and time resources) that are permitted to be used for sensing to terminal 151 using a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control CHannel).

[0232] Figure 67B shows an example of resource allocation on the time-frequency axis for signals transmitted by a terminal. As mentioned above, the resource allocation in Figure 67B is performed by base station 152, which notifies each terminal of resource allocation information. In Figure 67B, it is composed of resources 6701 and 6703 for terminals performing communication, and resource 6702 for a terminal performing sensing.

[0233] For example, resource 6702 for a terminal performing sensing shown in Fig. 67B is allocated to terminal 151 for sensing. Carrier aggregation may be applied to the allocation of frequency resources. Furthermore, resource 6702 for a terminal performing sensing shown in Fig. 67B may include data symbols for communication, as described in other embodiments.

[0234] In addition, there is an area (for example, PUCCH may be used) for notifying base station 152 of information such as the frequency band of the sensing symbol, the time length of the sensing symbol, and the type of signal of the sensing symbol present in resource 6702 of the terminal performing sensing, and terminal 151 may transmit a modulated signal including this area to base station 152.

[0235] As another method, base station 152 may transmit to terminal 151 the frequency band of the sensing symbols present in resource 6702 of the terminal performing sensing, the time length of the sensing symbols, the type of signal of the sensing symbols, etc. In this case, base station 152 may transmit this information to terminal 151 using, for example, the PDCCH. Note that the base station may transmit this information to terminal 151 using a region other than the PDCCH.

[0236] With the above configuration, the sensing of the present disclosure can be applied to cellular systems as well.

[0237] (Fifth embodiment) First, the problem in this embodiment will be described.

[0238] 68 is a diagram showing an example of sensing. It is assumed that there is no one in a home Y100. On the other hand, it is assumed that there is one person in an office Y101.

[0239] It is assumed that outside X150 there are, for example, people X151 and X152 who hold devices capable of performing at least sensing.

[0240] At this time, it is assumed that person X 151 is able to sense office Y 101 using a device, and is able to know that there is one person in office Y 101.

[0241] Furthermore, suppose that person X 152 is able to sense the house Y 100 using a device, and is able to know that there is no one in the house Y 100.

[0242] It is assumed that a person in office Y101 can use a device to sense home Y100, and can then know that there is no one in home Y100.

[0243] If sensing devices were to carry out sensing without any restrictions, it would become possible for people's private information to be easily obtained. For this reason, it is desirable to introduce technology to protect privacy.

[0244] In the fifth embodiment, a method for protecting people's privacy is disclosed.

[0245] Below, we will explain examples of low frequency bands such as the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band (note that the frequency band is not limited to these examples), and examples of high frequency bands such as the 60 GHz band (note that the frequency band is not limited to these examples).

[0246] Examples of high frequency bands such as the 60 GHz band: FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a device having a communication function and a sensing function according to the fifth embodiment.

[0247] The transmitter / receiver X202 receives data X201 and a control signal X200a as input. If the control signal X200a indicates that communication is to be performed, the transmitter / receiver X202 performs error correction coding, modulation, and other processing on the data X201, and outputs a modulated signal X203. If the control signal X200a indicates that sensing is to be performed, the transmitter / receiver X202 does not operate.

[0248] The sensing unit X204 receives the control signal X200a as input, and when the control signal X200a indicates that "sensing is to be performed," the sensing unit X204 outputs a sensing signal X205. Note that when the control signal X200a indicates that "communication is to be performed," the sensing unit X204, for example, does not operate.

[0249] The transmission signal selection unit X206 receives the control signal X200a, the modulated signal X203, and the sensing signal X205 as inputs. If the control signal X200a indicates that communication is to be performed, the transmission signal selection unit X206 outputs the modulated signal X203 as the selected signal X207.

[0250] Furthermore, when the control signal X200a indicates that "sensing is to be performed," the transmission signal selector X206 outputs the sensing signal X205 as the selected signal X207.

[0251] The power adjustment unit X208 receives the selected signal X207 and the control signal X200a as inputs. If the control signal X200a indicates that communication is to be performed, the power adjustment unit X208 performs communication power adjustment on the selected signal X207 (for example, the coefficient by which the selected signal X207 is multiplied is α) and outputs a transmission signal X209.

[0252] Furthermore, if the control signal X200a indicates that "sensing is to be performed," the selected signal X207 is subjected to power adjustment for communication (for example, the coefficient by which the selected signal X207 is multiplied is set to β), and the transmission signal X209 is output.

[0253] For example, α and β are assumed to be real numbers equal to or greater than 0. In this case, α>β (α is greater than β). By doing so, it is possible to reduce the transmission power during sensing, which makes it difficult to sense through walls, etc., increasing the possibility of ensuring privacy, and also achieving the effect of obtaining high data reception quality during communication.

[0254] Furthermore, α and β may be complex numbers. In this case, |α|>|β| is assumed. In this case, the transmission power during sensing can be reduced, which makes it difficult to sense through walls, etc., increases the likelihood of ensuring privacy, and provides the effect of achieving high data reception quality during communication. The transmission signal X209 is then output as a radio wave from the transmission / reception antenna unit X210.

[0255] The transmitting / receiving antenna unit X210 outputs a receiving signal X211. The receiving signal selection unit X212 receives the control signal X200a and the receiving signal X211 as input. If the control signal X200a indicates that "communication is to be performed," the receiving signal selection unit X212 outputs the receiving signal X211 as the signal X213.

[0256] Furthermore, when the control signal X200a indicates that "sensing is to be performed," the reception signal selection unit X212 outputs the reception signal X211 as the signal X214.

[0257] The transmitter / receiver X202 receives the control signal X200a and the signal X213 as input. If the control signal X200a indicates that communication is to be performed, the transmitter / receiver X202 performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decoding on the signal X213, and outputs received data X215.

[0258] The sensing unit X204 receives the control signal X200a and the signal X214 as input. When the control signal X200a indicates that sensing is to be performed, the sensing unit X204 performs sensing using the signal X214 and the like, and outputs the sensing result X216. The control unit X251 generates and outputs the control signal X200a based on the external signal X250, received data X215, and the like.

[0259] This has the effect of enabling sensing to be carried out while taking people's privacy into consideration.

[0260] Examples of lower frequency bands such as 2.4GHz and 5GHz: As explained using Figure 69, even if a device having both communication and sensing functions changes the transmission power during communication and during sensing, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained; however, because the frequency is low, radio waves do not attenuate sufficiently over distance, and people's privacy may not be adequately protected.

[0261] For example, assume that an AP is installed in house Y100 in FIG.

[0262] At this time, the AP transmits a beacon as described in the other embodiments. An example of the configuration of a beacon is shown in FIG.

[0263] It is assumed that a "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is provided in the extended area of ​​the beacon in Fig. 16. For example, the "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is set to Z0. If sensing is permitted, Z0 is set to "1," and if sensing is prohibited, Z0 is set to "0."

[0264] Assume that an AP installed in home Y100 in Figure 68 transmits a beacon with Z0 set to "0." At this time, it is assumed that a terminal held by person X152 receives this beacon. It is assumed that the configuration of the terminal held by person X152 is as shown in Figure 69.

[0265] 69 demodulates the beacon and obtains that Z0 is "0." Based on the information that Z0 is "0" contained in the received data X215, the control unit X251 outputs a control signal X200a that includes information that sensing is not possible.

[0266] The sensing unit X204 stops transmission and reception operations related to sensing based on the information indicating that sensing is disabled in the control signal X200a.

[0267] This has the effect of ensuring privacy within the home Y100.

[0268] An AP installed in home 100 in Fig. 68 may be set to enable sensing in a terminal. For example, assume that the AP installed in home 100 in Fig. 68 transmits a beacon in which Z0 is set to "1." At this time, assume that a terminal held by person X 152 receives this beacon.

[0269] 69, the transceiver X202 demodulates the beacon and obtains that Z0 is "1." The transceiver X202 then outputs received data X215 containing this information. Based on the information that Z0 is "1" contained in the received data X215, the control unit X251 outputs a control signal X200a containing information that sensing is possible.

[0270] The sensing unit X204 is enabled to perform transmission and reception operations related to sensing based on the sensing enabled information in the control signal X200a.

[0271] As another state, assume that no AP is installed in the home 100 in Fig. 68. In this case, the terminal held by the person X 152 cannot receive the beacon.

[0272] At this time, the control unit X251 cannot obtain information about Z0, so one of the following cases will be implemented.

[0273] Case 1: If the control unit X251 cannot obtain information about Z0, it outputs a control signal X200a that includes information indicating that sensing is possible. Therefore, the sensing unit X204 is ready to perform transmission and reception operations related to sensing based on the information indicating that sensing is possible in the control signal X200a.

[0274] Case 2: If the control unit X251 cannot obtain information about Z0, it outputs a control signal X200a that includes information indicating that sensing is not possible. Therefore, the sensing unit X204 stops transmission and reception operations related to sensing based on the information indicating that sensing is not possible in the control signal X200a.

[0275] Although the above description has been given using a beacon as an example, the frame in which the AP transmits the "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) Z0 is not limited to a beacon.

[0276] Next, another embodiment will be described. For example, in Fig. 68, a first AP is located in a home Y100, a second AP and a third AP are located in an office Y101, and a fourth AP is also located therein. A terminal owned by a person X152 can receive beacons from these four APs. The beacon transmitted by the first AP is called the first beacon, the beacon transmitted by the second AP is called the second beacon, the beacon transmitted by the third AP is called the third beacon, and the beacon transmitted by the fourth AP is called the fourth beacon.

[0277] At this time, the first AP transmits a beacon as described in other embodiments. An area (field) for "sensing permitted / prohibited" is set in the extended area of ​​the beacon in Fig. 16. For example, the area (field) for "sensing permitted / prohibited" is set to Z10. When sensing is permitted, Z10 is set to "1," and when sensing is prohibited, Z10 is set to "0."

[0278] The second AP transmits a beacon as described in other embodiments. It is assumed that a "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is provided in the extended area of ​​the beacon in Fig. 16. For example, it is assumed that the "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is Z20. If sensing is permitted, Z20 is set to "1," and if sensing is prohibited, Z20 is set to "0."

[0279] The third AP transmits a beacon as described in other embodiments. It is assumed that a "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is provided in the extended area of ​​the beacon in Fig. 16. For example, it is assumed that the "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is Z30. If sensing is permitted, Z30 is set to "1," and if sensing is prohibited, Z30 is set to "0."

[0280] The fourth AP transmits a beacon as described in other embodiments. It is assumed that a "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is provided in the extended area of ​​the beacon in Fig. 16. For example, it is assumed that the "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is Z40. If sensing is permitted, Z40 is set to "1," and if sensing is prohibited, Z40 is set to "0."

[0281] Then, the transceiver X202 of the terminal having the configuration of FIG. 69 receives the first beacon, second beacon, third beacon, and fourth beacon. For example, the transceiver X202 demodulates the first beacon and obtains Z10 as "1." The transceiver X202 then demodulates the second beacon and obtains Z20 as "1." The transceiver X202 demodulates the third beacon and obtains Z30 as "1." The transceiver X202 then demodulates the fourth beacon and obtains Z40 as "1." The transceiver X202 then outputs received data X215 including this information.

[0282] The control unit X251 determines that sensing is possible based on the information that "Z10 is '1'," "Z20 is '1'," "Z30 is '1'," and "Z40 is '1'" contained in the received data X215, and outputs a control signal X200a that includes the information that sensing is possible.

[0283] The sensing unit X204 is enabled to perform transmission and reception operations related to sensing based on the sensing enabled information in the control signal X200a.

[0284] The control unit X251 operates, for example, as follows: When multiple beacons are received from multiple APs, if all the beacons permit sensing, the control unit X200a outputs a control signal X200a including information that sensing is possible.

[0285] However, the method for determining whether sensing is possible is not limited to the above example. For example, a threshold may be set for the received field strength (e.g., Received Signal Strength Indicator (RRSI)), and only beacon information that is above the threshold may be determined to be valid, and then sensing control may be determined.

[0286] Furthermore, the terminal may control the transmission power of the sensing signal (change the transmission power) according to the received field strength (for example, RSSI).

[0287] Although the above description has been given using a beacon as an example, the frame in which the AP transmits the "sensing permitted / prohibited" area (field) is not limited to a beacon.

[0288] This has the effect of enabling sensing to be carried out while taking people's privacy into consideration.

[0289] Next, another embodiment will be described. For example, in Fig. 68, a first AP is located in a home Y100, a second AP and a third AP are located in an office Y101, and a fourth AP is located therein. A terminal owned by a person X152 can receive beacons from these four APs. The beacon transmitted by the first AP is called the first beacon, the beacon transmitted by the second AP is called the second beacon, the beacon transmitted by the third AP is called the third beacon, and the beacon transmitted by the fourth AP is called the fourth beacon.

[0290] At this time, it is assumed that the terminal having the configuration of FIG. 69 has received any one of the first beacon, second beacon, third beacon, and fourth beacon.

[0291] The control unit X251 outputs a control signal X200a including information indicating that sensing is not possible, based on information about any of the beacons in the received data X215.

[0292] Then, the sensing unit X204 stops transmission and reception operations related to sensing based on the information that sensing is not possible in the control signal X200a.

[0293] On the other hand, it is assumed that the terminal having the configuration of FIG. 69 does not receive the first beacon, the second beacon, the third beacon, or the fourth beacon.

[0294] At this time, the control unit X251 outputs a control signal X200a including information that sensing is possible.

[0295] Then, based on the information that sensing is possible in the control signal X200a, the sensing unit X204 is in a state where it can perform transmission and reception operations related to sensing.

[0296] Note that the operation example is not limited to the above. For example, a threshold may be set for the received field strength (e.g., RRSI), and when a beacon equal to or greater than the threshold is received, the control unit X251 may output a control signal X200a including information that sensing is not possible. Also, when a beacon below the threshold (or equal to or less than the threshold) is received, the control unit X251 may output a control signal X200a including information that sensing is possible.

[0297] Furthermore, the terminal may control the transmission power of the sensing signal (change the transmission power) according to the received field strength (for example, RSSI).

[0298] This has the effect of enabling sensing to be carried out while taking people's privacy into consideration.

[0299] Another embodiment will now be described. 70 is a diagram showing an example of the transmission status of a terminal and the transmission status of an AP, where the horizontal axis represents time.

[0300] First, a terminal with the configuration in Fig. 69 transmits a sensing request X401 to ask "whether or not sensing may be performed." The AP that receives this signal transmits a sensing response X402 that includes information on whether sensing is possible or not.

[0301] The terminal then receives the sensing response X402 from the AP. The control unit X251 of the terminal determines whether sensing is possible or not based on the information contained in the sensing response X402 included in the received data X215.

[0302] If it is determined that sensing is not possible, the control unit X251 outputs a control signal X200a including information that sensing is not possible. Then, based on the information that sensing is not possible in the control signal X200a, the sensing unit X204 stops transmission and reception operations related to sensing.

[0303] If it is determined that sensing is possible, the control unit X251 outputs a control signal X200a including information that sensing is possible. Then, based on the information that sensing is possible in the control signal X200a, the sensing unit X204 enters a state in which transmission and reception operations related to sensing are possible.

[0304] A terminal having the configuration shown in FIG. 69 may send a sensing request X401 but may not receive a response from the AP.

[0305] In this case, the terminal may determine that sensing is possible or that sensing is not possible. The sensing unit X 204 controls the transmission and reception operations based on the determination.

[0306] The sensing request X401 may include destination information (for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address of the destination AP) and terminal information (for example, the MAC address of the terminal (itself)), or may further include other information. Furthermore, the sensing request X401 may include a pilot symbol, pilot signal, reference symbol, reference signal, preamble, etc. for demodulation, or may include other signals and symbols.

[0307] The sensing response X402 may include destination information (for example, the MAC address of the destination terminal), AP information (for example, the MAC address of the AP (itself), the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​of the AP (itself), etc.), or may further include other information. Furthermore, the sensing response X402 may include a pilot symbol, pilot signal, reference symbol, reference signal, preamble, etc. for demodulation, or may include other signals and symbols.

[0308] For example, the sensing response X402 may include information about the transmission power of the sensing signal transmitted by the terminal. In this case, the power control unit X208 of the terminal controls the transmission power of the sensing signal based on the information in the sensing response X402.

[0309] The sensing response X402 may also include information about the time interval at which the sensing signal may be transmitted. As shown in Figure 70, assume that the terminal and AP communicate and the terminal starts sensing. If the terminal continues sensing at this time, there is a possibility that the terminal may transmit a wireless signal even in a location where privacy issues may arise.

[0310] It is assumed that the sensing response X402 includes "information on the time interval during which a sensing signal may be transmitted." The control unit X251 of the terminal having the configuration of FIG. 69 obtains the information included in the sensing response X402 included in the received data X215, thereby obtaining "information on the time interval during which a sensing signal may be transmitted." Based on this information, the control unit X251 outputs a control signal X200a including information on the time interval during which the sensing operation will be performed. The sensing unit X204 receives the control signal X200a as input, and controls the times for transmitting and receiving processes for sensing based on the information on the time during which the sensing operation will be performed included in the control signal X200a.

[0311] As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect of performing sensing that takes people's privacy into consideration.

[0312] Although the sensing unit X204 is referred to as a sensing unit in Figure 69, it is a part that generates signals for sensing to be transmitted and performs processing to generate sensing results, and can be thought of as a signal processing unit for sensing.

[0313] Although the embodiments have been described above, the embodiments may be combined with each other. In addition, the supplementary features described below may also be combined with each other.

[0314] The configurations of the AP and terminal are not limited to those shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3. The AP and terminal may have one or more or multiple transmitting antennas in each frequency band, and may generate and transmit one or more or multiple modulated signals and sensing signals in each frequency band, or may have one or more or multiple receiving antennas in each frequency band, and may receive signals in each frequency band. The transmitting antenna and receiving antenna may be shared.

[0315] 71 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a device having a transmission / reception shared antenna, such as an AP or a terminal. Transmitting / receiving unit 162 outputs a transmission signal to selecting unit 164. Transmitting / receiving unit 162 inputs a reception signal output from selecting unit 165.

[0316] The sensing unit 163 outputs the sensing signal to the selection unit 164. The sensing unit 163 receives the sensing reception signal (for example, a signal of a reflected wave) output from the selection unit 165. The sensing unit 163 has a function of an estimation unit, and may sense an object from the sensing reception signal.

[0317] The selection unit 164 outputs the transmission signal output from the transmission / reception unit 162 to the transmission / reception antenna unit 166 in accordance with the control of the control unit 161. The selection unit 164 also outputs the sensing signal output from the sensing unit 163 to the transmission / reception antenna unit 166 in accordance with the control of the control unit 161.

[0318] In response to control by the control unit 161, the selection unit 165 outputs the reception signal output from the selection unit 165 to the transmission / reception unit 162. In addition, in response to control by the control unit 161, the selection unit 165 outputs the sensing reception signal output from the selection unit 165 to the sensing unit 163.

[0319] The control unit 161 controls the selection units 164 and 165 based on the transmission timing of the transmission signal and the sensing signal and the reception timing of the reception signal and the sensing reception signal. The control unit 161 switches over time whether the antenna of the transmission / reception antenna unit 166 is used for transmission or reception. The transmission / reception antenna unit 166 has one or two or more antennas.

[0320] Each embodiment is merely an example, and even if a "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code to be used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." is exemplified, it is possible to implement the same configuration even if a different "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code to be used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." is applied.

[0321] Regarding the modulation method, even if a modulation method other than the modulation methods described in this specification is used, it is possible to implement the embodiments and other contents described in this specification. For example, APSK (Amplitude Phase Shift Keying) (e.g., 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, 4096APSK, etc.), PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) (e.g., 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, 4096PAM, etc.), PSK (Phase Shift Keying) (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, 4096PSK, etc.), QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) (e.g., 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, For each modulation method, uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping may be used.

[0322] Furthermore, the method of arranging 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points on the I (in-phase)-Q (quadrature) plane (modulation method having 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points) is not limited to the signal point arrangement method of the modulation method shown in this specification.

[0323] In this specification, devices that are equipped with transmitting devices, receiving devices, communication devices, sensing devices, and devices having sensing and communication functions may include, for example, communication and broadcasting equipment such as broadcasting stations, base stations, access points, terminals, and mobile phones, televisions, radios, personal computers, eNBs (e Node B), gNBs (g Node B), repeaters, servers, home appliances, smartphones, tablets, vehicles, cars, ships, airplanes, drones, satellites, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric kick scooters, electric kick scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, kick scooters, and other devices. Therefore, in this specification, the parts described as APs can be applied to "equipment such as broadcasting stations, base stations, access points, terminals, communication and broadcasting equipment such as mobile phones, televisions, radios, personal computers, eNBs (e Node B), gNBs (g Node B), repeaters, servers, home appliances, smartphones, tablets, vehicles, cars, ships, airplanes, drones, satellites, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric kick scooters, electric kick scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, motorcycles, kick scooters, kick scooters, etc." Furthermore, the parts described as terminals can be applied to "equipment such as broadcasting stations, base stations, access points, terminals, communication and broadcasting equipment such as mobile phones, televisions, radios, personal computers, eNBs (e Node B), gNBs (g Node B), repeaters, servers, home appliances, smartphones, tablets, vehicles, cars, ships, airplanes, drones, satellites, electric bicycles, electric motorcycles, electric kick scooters, electric kick scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, motorcycles, kick scooters, kick scooters, etc."

[0324] In addition, the transmitting device and receiving device in the present disclosure may be devices having sensing and / or communication functions, and may be configured in a manner that allows them to be connected via some kind of interface to devices for executing applications, such as televisions, radios, personal computers, and mobile phones.

[0325] In addition, in this embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, for example, pilot symbols (preamble, unique word, postamble, reference symbol, midamble, etc.), control information symbols, null symbols, etc. may be arranged in any manner in a frame. Here, they are named pilot symbols and control information symbols, but any naming method may be used, and the function itself is one of the important aspects.

[0326] Figures 72A and 72B are diagrams showing an example of a frame configuration in which a midamble is arranged. A midamble may be arranged in a frame as shown in Figures 72A and 72B. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 72B, a guard interval may be provided before and / or after the midamble in the time axis direction. Furthermore, the midamble may be used as a signal for sensing.

[0327] Although the term "sensing reference symbol" is used above, it may be called, for example, a "sensing beacon" or any other name. The function is important. The beacon may also be called a beacon signal.

[0328] The pilot symbols may be known symbols modulated by PSK modulation in the transmitter and receiver, and the receiver uses these symbols to perform frequency synchronization, time synchronization, channel estimation of each modulated signal (estimation of CSI (Channel State Information)), signal detection, etc. Alternatively, the pilot symbols may allow the receiver to know the symbols transmitted by the transmitter by synchronizing with the receiver.

[0329] In addition, the control information symbols are used to transmit information that needs to be transmitted to the communication partner in order to realize communication other than data (application data, etc.) (for example, the modulation method used for communication, the error correction coding method, the coding rate of the error correction coding method, setting information at the upper layer, etc.).

[0330] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, in the embodiments, a device is described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and the communication method of the device can be implemented as software.

[0331] For example, a program for executing the above-described communication method may be stored in advance in a ROM, and the program may be run by a CPU.

[0332] Furthermore, a program for executing the above-described communication method may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the program stored in the storage medium may be recorded in the RAM of a computer, causing the computer to operate in accordance with the program.

[0333] Each of the configurations of the above embodiments may be implemented as an LSI, which is typically an integrated circuit having input and output terminals. These may be individually integrated into single chips, or a single chip may contain all or part of the configurations of each embodiment. While the term "LSI" is used here, it may also be referred to as an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the level of integration. Furthermore, the integration method is not limited to LSI; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. It is also possible to use FPGAs, which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within an LSI to be reconfigured. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc., is also a possibility.

[0334] The transmission method supported by base stations, APs, terminals, etc. may be a multi-carrier method such as OFDM, or a single-carrier method. Furthermore, base stations, terminals, and access points may support both the multi-carrier method and the single-carrier method. There are multiple methods for generating a modulated signal for the single-carrier method, and any of these methods can be implemented. For example, examples of single-carrier methods include "Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT)-Spread Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)," "Trajectory Constrained DFT-Spread OFDM," "OFDM-based Single Carrier (SC)," "Single Carrier (SC)-FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)," and "Guard interval DFT-Spread OFDM."

[0335] At least one of the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and the CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be configured to download all or part of the software required to realize the communication and sensing methods described in the present disclosure via wireless or wired communication. Furthermore, all or part of the software for updates may be downloaded via wireless or wired communication. The downloaded software may then be stored in a storage unit, and at least one of the FPGA and the CPU may be operated based on the stored software to perform the digital signal processing described in the present disclosure.

[0336] In this case, the device having at least one of an FPGA and a CPU may be connected to a communication modem wirelessly or via a wire, and the communication and sensing methods described in this disclosure may be realized by this device and the communication modem.

[0337] For example, a communication or sensing device such as a base station, AP, or terminal described herein may include at least one of an FPGA and a CPU, and may include an interface for externally obtaining software for operating at least one of the FPGA and the CPU. Furthermore, the communication or sensing device may include a memory unit for storing the software obtained from the outside, and may operate the FPGA and CPU based on the stored software to realize the signal processing described in the present disclosure.

[0338] When an AP or a terminal transmits data symbols or the like, it may use a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission method in which multiple modulated signals are transmitted from multiple antennas.

[0339] In this specification, the parts and operations described with respect to an AP may also be parts and operations of communication devices such as a base station, terminal, mobile phone, television, radio, personal computer, eNB, gNB, repeater, server, home appliance, smartphone, tablet, vehicle, car, boat, airplane, drone, satellite, electric bicycle, electric motorcycle, electric kick scooter, electric kick scooter, bicycle, motorcycle, motorcycle, kick scooter, kick scooter, etc. Furthermore, in this specification, the parts and operations described with respect to a terminal may also be parts and operations of communication devices such as a base station, access point, mobile phone, television, radio, personal computer, eNB, gNB, repeater, server, home appliance, smartphone, tablet, vehicle, car, boat, airplane, drone, satellite, electric bicycle, electric motorcycle, electric kick scooter, electric kick scooter, bicycle, motorcycle, motorcycle, kick scooter, kick scooter, etc.

[0340] Communication between an AP and a terminal may be, for example, Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA), Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA / CA), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), or Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM). Communication between a gNB and a terminal may be, for example, TDD, TDM, FDD, or FDM.

[0341] In the above, for example, the AP may transmit a communication signal in the 5 GHz band and a sensing signal in the 6 GHz band. The terminal may transmit a communication signal in the 5 GHz band and a sensing signal in the 6 GHz band. In other words, the 5 GHz band may be considered to correspond to the primary channel described in this specification, and the 6 GHz band may be considered to correspond to the secondary channel. Broadly interpreted, the first frequency band may be considered to correspond to the primary channel described in this specification, and the second frequency band may be considered to correspond to the secondary channel. Note that the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different frequency bands.

[0342] For example, a terminal that communicates with an AP includes a receiver that receives a beacon signal transmitted from the AP on a first channel.

[0343] The terminal includes a control unit that generates a sensing signal based on information included in the extension field of the beacon signal, and also generates a data signal.

[0344] The information included in the extension region is, for example, the information described in Fig. 16. For example, the control unit of the terminal may generate a sensing signal to be transmitted on the second channel based on information on a channel corresponding to sensing (information indicating the second channel) included in the extension region of the beacon signal.

[0345] The terminal includes a transmitting unit that transmits the sensing signal generated by the control unit over the second channel, and the transmitting unit transmits the data signal generated by the control unit over both or one of the first and second channels.

[0346] The receiving unit of the terminal may correspond to, for example, receiving devices X106, X206, and X308 shown in Figures 1 to 3. The control unit of the terminal may correspond to, for example, transmitting devices X101, X201, and X301 shown in Figures 1 to 3. The transmitting unit of the terminal may correspond to, for example, transmitting devices X101, X201, and X301 shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0347] Also, for example, an AP that communicates with a terminal includes a control unit that sets information related to object sensing using the second channel in the extension field of the beacon signal.

[0348] The control unit of the AP may set the information described in FIG. 16 in the extension field of the beacon signal, for example. For example, the control unit may set information of a channel corresponding to sensing (information indicating a second channel different from the first channel on which the beacon signal is transmitted) in the extension field of the beacon signal. The control unit may also generate a data signal. The control unit may also generate a sensing signal to be transmitted in the second channel and perform object sensing.

[0349] The AP includes a transmitter. The transmitter transmits a beacon signal on a first channel. The transmitter also transmits a data signal generated by the controller on both or one of the first and second channels. The transmitter may also transmit a sensing signal generated by the controller on the second channel.

[0350] The control unit of the AP may correspond to, for example, the transmitting devices X101, X201, and X301 shown in Figures 1 to 3. The transmitting unit may correspond to, for example, the transmitting devices X101, X201, and X301 shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0351] The beacon signal, the sensing signal (sensing reference symbol), and the data signal (data symbol) are arranged, for example, as in the frame configuration examples described in each embodiment (shown in the drawings). The first channel may be a primary channel, and the second channel may be a secondary channel.

[0352] The above configuration enables the terminal to perform object sensing, and the communication system allows sensing signals and data signals to coexist.

[0353] In each of the above-described embodiments, the notation "... part" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0354] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0355] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software linked to hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0356] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0357] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

[0358] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system (collectively referred to as a communications apparatus) that has a communications function. The communications apparatus may include a wireless transceiver and processing / control circuitry. The wireless transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both functions. The wireless transceiver (transmitter and receiver) may include a radio frequency (RF) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or the like. Non-limiting examples of communication devices include telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communication-enabled vehicles or mobile transportation (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and combinations of the above devices.

[0359] Communications equipment is not limited to portable or mobile equipment, but also includes non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, and systems of any kind, such as smart home devices (such as appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or metering devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0360] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communications satellite systems, etc., as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0361] A communications apparatus also includes devices such as controllers and sensors connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0362] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these.

[0363] Summary of the Disclosure A communication device according to the present disclosure includes a receiving unit that receives a beacon signal on a first channel, a control unit that generates a sensing signal based on information included in an extension field of the beacon signal, and a transmitting unit that transmits the sensing signal on a second channel.

[0364] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the transmitter may transmit the sensing signal using channel aggregation.

[0365] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the transmitter may transmit the sensing signal using channel bonding.

[0366] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the transmitter may transmit a data signal through both or one of the first channel and the second channel.

[0367] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the transmitter may transmit the data signal using channel aggregation.

[0368] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the transmitter may transmit the data signal using channel bonding.

[0369] In the communication device according to the present disclosure, the first channel may be a primary channel, and the second channel may be a secondary channel.

[0370] A communication device according to the present disclosure includes a control unit that sets information related to sensing using a first channel in an extension region of a beacon signal, and a transmission unit that transmits the beacon signal on a second channel.

[0371] In a communication method according to the present disclosure, a communication device receives a beacon signal on a first channel, generates a sensing signal based on information included in an extension field of the beacon signal, and transmits the sensing signal on a second channel.

[0372] In a communication method according to the present disclosure, a communication device sets information related to sensing using a first channel in an extension field of a beacon signal, and transmits the beacon signal on a second channel.

[0373] The disclosures of the specification, drawings and abstract contained in Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-197463, filed on October 30, 2019, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Industrial Applicability]

[0374] The present disclosure is useful for sensing objects in communication systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0375] X100,X200,X300 equipment X101, X201, X301 transmitter X103_1~X103_M, X104_1~X104_M Antenna X106, X206, X306 receiving device X108,X208,X308 estimation part 151 devices 152 Base Station

Claims

1. a circuit for performing direction of arrival estimation using the reference signal; a transmitter that transmits broadcast information based on the result of the direction of arrival estimation; the circuit receives resource information from another communication device and performs direction of arrival estimation using the reference signal in the resource; Base station.

2. The resource used for the reference signal is selected from a plurality of resources allocated to the reference signal. The base station of claim 1.

3. The reference signal is repeatedly arranged in one frame. The base station of claim 1.

4. A base station, performing direction of arrival estimation using the reference signal; transmitting broadcast information based on the result of the direction of arrival estimation; receiving information about a resource from another communication device, and performing direction-of-arrival estimation using the reference signal in the resource; Communication method.

Images