Access point and method

Abstract

To make it possible to promote the performance improvement of a part or the whole of a system and responses for new service forms.SOLUTION: In a communication system (BS) that includes an access point (B101), a repeater #1(B102_1), and a repeater #2(B102_2) and wirelessly communicates with a terminal (B103), the access point (B101) wirelessly communicates with the repeater #1(B102_1) on at least a first channel included in a first frequency band and wirelessly communicates with the repeater #2(B102_2) on at least a second channel included in a second frequency band different than the first frequency band, the repeater #1(B102_1) wirelessly communicates with the terminal(B103) on at least a third channel included in the second frequency band, and the repeater #2(B102_2) wirelessly communicates with the terminal (B103) on at least a fourth channel included in the first frequency band.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 84

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an access point and a method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a communication method using multiple antennas is known, for example, as a communication method called MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Out). In multi-antenna communication typified by MIMO, one or more streams of transmission data are modulated, and the generated one or more modulated signals are simultaneously transmitted using the same frequency (common frequency) using multiple antennas. Multi-antenna communication promotes improvement in data reception quality and / or improvement in data communication speed (per unit time). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication system in which a transmitting device transmits modulated signals using multiple antennas having a quasi-omni pattern with an antenna gain that is approximately constant across a wide range of directions in space.

[0003] On the other hand, in communication systems, there is a demand not only for improvements in reception quality and communication speed between specific communication devices, but also for improvements in the performance of part or the entire system and support for new service formats in communication systems that use, for example, multicast / broadcast communication or relay communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 055536 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A communication system, a communication device, a communication method, and a control method are provided that can improve the performance of a part of or the entire system and promote adaptation to new service formats in a network including relay communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a signal processing unit that generates a first frame and a second frame, and a communication unit that transmits the first frame to a first communication device on a first channel and transmits the second frame to a second communication device on a second channel, wherein the first frame includes information specifying that the first communication device should use the second channel when performing relay communication with a terminal, and wherein a reception period during which the first communication device receives a signal from the access point and a transmission period during which the first communication device transmits a signal to the terminal overlap in time.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in a network including relay communication, it is possible to improve the performance of a part or the entire system and promote support for new service formats. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a base station. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an antenna unit of a base station. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a base station. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an antenna unit of a terminal. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between multiple streams. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol configuration. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between a plurality of modulated signals. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol configuration. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the relationship between a plurality of modulated signals. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of symbols transmitted by a base station and a terminal. [Figure 25]FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of symbols transmitted by a base station. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of symbols transmitted by a base station. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of symbols transmitted by a base station. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of symbols transmitted by a base station. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of symbols transmitted by a base station. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a base station. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of allocation of symbol areas to terminals. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of allocation of symbol areas to terminals. [Figure 44]FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a base station. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection between a network and a gateway. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor network. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor network. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor network. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a diagram showing an example of operation timing. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor network. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor network. [Figure 57] FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor network. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor gateway. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission and reception. [Figure 61] FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an indoor gateway. [Figure 63] FIG. 63 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 64] FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 65] FIG. 65 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 67] FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 68] FIG. 68 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the device. [Figure 69] FIG. 69 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a terminal. [Figure 70] FIG. 70 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the system. [Figure 71] FIG. 71 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the system. [Figure 72] FIG. 72 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the system. [Figure 73] FIG. 73 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the system. [Figure 74] FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an example of transmission information and reception information. [Figure 75] FIG. 75 is a diagram showing an example of transmission information and reception information. [Figure 76] FIG. 76 is a diagram showing an example of transmission information and reception information. [Figure 77] FIG. 77 illustrates an example of the configuration of a gateway. [Figure 78] FIG. 78 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal, the server, and the device. [Figure 79] FIG. 79 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server. [Figure 80] FIG. 80 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration. [Figure 81] FIG. 81 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration. [Figure 82] FIG. 82 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a server. [Figure 83] FIG. 83 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network configuration. [Figure 84] FIG. 84 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 85] FIG. 85 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 86] FIG. 86 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 87] FIG. 87 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 88] FIG. 88 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 89] FIG. 89 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 90] FIG. 90 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 91] FIG. 91 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an access point. [Figure 92] FIG. 92 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a repeater. [Figure 93] FIG. 93 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a repeater. [Figure 94] FIG. 94 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a repeater. [Figure 95] FIG. 95 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 96] FIG. 96 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 97] FIG. 97 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 98] FIG. 98 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 99] FIG. 99 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 100] FIG. 100 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 101] FIG. 101 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 102] FIG. 102 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an access point. [Figure 103] FIG. 103 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an access point. [Figure 104] FIG. 104 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 105] FIG. 105 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 106] FIG. 106 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 107] FIG. 107 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 108A] FIG. 108A is a diagram showing an example of information transmission time. [Figure 108B] FIG. 108B is a diagram showing an example of information transmission time. [Figure 109A] FIG. 109A is a diagram showing an example of information transmission time. [Figure 109B] FIG. 109B is a diagram showing an example of information transmission time. [Figure 110A] FIG. 110A is a diagram showing an example of information transmission time. [Figure 110B] FIG. 110B is a diagram showing an example of information transmission time. [Figure 111] FIG. 111 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 112A] FIG. 112A is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 112B] FIG. 112B is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 113A] FIG. 113A is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 113B] FIG. 113B is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 114] FIG. 114 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control method for a communication system. [Figure 115] FIG. 115 is a diagram showing an example of a method for controlling a terminal. [Figure 116] FIG. 116 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 117] FIG. 117 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 118] FIG. 118 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 119] FIG. 119 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 120] FIG. 120 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times and frequencies. [Figure 121] FIG. 121 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 122] FIG. 122 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 123] FIG. 123 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 124] FIG. 124 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 125] FIG. 125 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 126] FIG. 126 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 127] FIG. 127 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 128] FIG. 128 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 129] FIG. 129 is a diagram showing an example of frame transmission times. [Figure 130] FIG. 130 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 131] FIG. 131 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 132A] FIG. 132A is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 132B] FIG. 132B is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 132C] FIG. 132C is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration. [Figure 133] FIG. 133 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a repeater. [Figure 134] FIG. 134 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 135]FIG. 135 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 136] FIG. 136 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 137] FIG. 137 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 138] FIG. 138 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 139] FIG. 139 is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 140] FIG. 140 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 141] FIG. 141 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of a repeater. [Figure 142] FIG. 142 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a beacon frame. [Figure 143] FIG. 143 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a probe request frame. [Figure 144] FIG. 144 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a probe response frame. [Figure 145] FIG. 145 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an association request frame. [Figure 146] FIG. 146 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an association response frame. [Figure 147] FIG. 147 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an RTS frame. [Figure 148] FIG. 148 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a CTS frame. [Figure 149] FIG. 149 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an ACK frame. [Figure 150] FIG. 150 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a data frame. [Figure 151A] FIG. 151A is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 151B] FIG. 151B is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An access point according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a signal processing unit that generates a first frame and a second frame, and a communication unit that transmits the first frame to a first communication device on a first channel and transmits the second frame to a second communication device on a second channel, wherein the first frame includes information specifying that the first communication device should use the second channel when performing relay communication with a terminal, and wherein a reception period during which the first communication device receives a signal from the access point and a transmission period during which the first communication device transmits a signal to the terminal overlap in time.

[0011] A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method implemented by an access point, which generates a first frame and a second frame, transmits the first frame to a first communication device on a first channel, and transmits the second frame to a second communication device on a second channel, wherein the first frame includes information specifying that the first communication device should use the second channel when performing relay communication with a terminal, and wherein a reception period during which the first communication device receives a signal from the access point and a transmission period during which the first communication device transmits a signal to the terminal overlap in time.

[0012] A communication system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an access point, a first communication device, and a second communication device, and communicates wirelessly with a terminal, wherein the access point communicates wirelessly with the first communication device on at least a first channel included in a first frequency band, and communicates wirelessly with the second communication device on at least a second channel included in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, the first communication device communicates wirelessly with the terminal on at least a third channel included in the second frequency band, and the second communication device communicates wirelessly with the terminal on at least a fourth channel included in the first frequency band.

[0013] According to the above aspect, in the communication system, the frequency band of radio waves transmitted from the access point to the first communication device (first frequency band) is different from the frequency band of radio waves transmitted from the first communication device to the terminal (second frequency band), thereby avoiding interference between these radio waves and suppressing a decrease in data transmission efficiency. Similarly, the frequency band of radio waves transmitted from the access point to the second communication device (second frequency band) is different from the frequency band of radio waves transmitted from the second communication device to the terminal (first frequency band), thereby avoiding interference between these radio waves and suppressing a decrease in data transmission efficiency. Furthermore, the communication system uses the same frequency band (first frequency band) for communication between the access point and the first communication device and between the second communication device and the terminal, and the same frequency band (second frequency band) for communication between the access point and the second communication device and between the first communication device and the terminal. Therefore, the number of frequency bands used by the entire communication system can be reduced compared to when separate frequency bands are used for each communication. Therefore, the communication system can improve the performance of the communication system by reducing the number of frequency bands used and suppressing a decrease in data transmission efficiency.

[0014] For example, the third channel may be the same channel as the second channel, and the fourth channel may be the same channel as the first channel.

[0015] According to the above aspect, the communication system uses the same channel for communication between the access point and the first communication device and for communication between the second communication device and the terminal, and the same channel is used for communication between the access point and the second communication device and for communication between the first communication device and the terminal, so that the number of channels used in the entire communication system can be reduced compared to when separate channels are used for each. Thus, the communication system can improve the performance of the communication system while using fewer channels.

[0016] For example, the first communication device and the second communication device may be arranged in a single housing.

[0017] According to the above aspect, in the communication system, the first communication device and the second communication device can be treated as a single device, thereby improving the performance of the communication system while simplifying the system configuration.

[0018] For example, the access point may communicate with the first communication device and the second communication device using multiple access by Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA).

[0019] According to the above aspect, the communication system can improve the performance of the communication system while improving channel utilization efficiency by using multiple access by OFDMA between the access point and the communication device.

[0020] For example, the terminal may include a plurality of terminals, and at least one of the first communication device and the second communication device may communicate with the plurality of terminals using multiple access by OFDMA.

[0021] According to the above aspect, the communication system can improve the performance of the communication system while improving channel utilization efficiency by using multiple access by OFDMA between the communication device and the terminal.

[0022] For example, the access point may transmit a single piece of data to each of the first communication device and the second communication device, and when the first communication device receives the single piece of data, it may transmit the received single piece of data to the terminal, and when the second communication device receives the single piece of data, it may transmit the received single piece of data to the terminal.

[0023] According to the above aspect, the communication system transmits one piece of data from an access point to a terminal via a first communication device, and also transmits the same data from the access point to the terminal via a second communication device, thereby improving the data reception rate at the terminal and thereby improving the performance of the communication system.

[0024] Furthermore, a terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a terminal that communicates wirelessly with a communication system, the communication system including an access point, a first communication device, and a second communication device, wherein the access point communicates wirelessly with the first communication device on at least a first channel included in a first frequency band, and communicates wirelessly with the second communication device on at least a second channel included in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and the terminal communicates wirelessly with the first communication device on at least a third channel included in the second frequency band, and communicates wirelessly with the second communication device on at least a fourth channel included in the first frequency band.

[0025] According to the above aspect, the same effects as those of the above communication system are achieved.

[0026] Furthermore, a control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for a communication system that includes an access point, a first communication device, and a second communication device, and that communicates wirelessly with a terminal, wherein the access point communicates wirelessly with the first communication device on at least a first channel included in a first frequency band, and communicates wirelessly with the second communication device on at least a second channel included in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, the first communication device communicates wirelessly with the terminal on at least a third channel included in the second frequency band, and the second communication device communicates wirelessly with the terminal on at least a fourth channel included in the first frequency band.

[0027] According to the above aspect, the same effects as those of the above communication system are achieved.

[0028] Furthermore, a control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for a terminal that communicates wirelessly with a communication system, the communication system including an access point, a first communication device, and a second communication device, the access point communicating wirelessly with the first communication device on at least a first channel included in a first frequency band, and communicating wirelessly with the second communication device on at least a second channel included in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, and the control method communicating wirelessly with the first communication device on at least a third channel included in the second frequency band, and communicating wirelessly with the second communication device on at least a fourth channel included in the first frequency band.

[0029] According to the above aspect, the same effects as those of the above terminal are achieved.

[0030] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium.

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concepts are described as optional components.

[0033] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a base station (or an access point or the like) in this embodiment.

[0034] 101-1 indicates #1 information, 101-2 indicates #2 information, ..., 101-M indicates #M information. 101-i indicates #i information. i is an integer between 1 and M. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. It is not necessary for all of the information from #1 to #M to be present.

[0035] Signal processing unit 102 receives as input #1 information 101-1, #2 information 101-2, ..., #M information 101-M, and control signal 159. Signal processing unit 102 performs signal processing based on information included in control signal 159, such as "information on the error correction coding method (coding rate, code length (block length))," "information on the modulation method," "information on precoding," "transmission method (multiplexing method)," "whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission (multicast transmission and unicast transmission may be performed simultaneously)," "number of transmission streams when performing multicast," and "transmission method when transmitting a multicast modulated signal (this point will be explained in detail later)," and outputs signal-processed signal 103-1, signal-processed signal 103-2, ..., signal-processed signal 103-M, i.e., signal-processed signal 103-i. Note that it is not necessary for all of signal-processed signals #1 to #M to be present. At this time, the #i information 101-i is subjected to error correction coding, and then mapping is performed using the set modulation method, thereby obtaining a baseband signal.

[0036] Then, baseband signals corresponding to each piece of information are collected and pre-coded. Alternatively, for example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) may be applied.

[0037] Radio section 104-1 receives processed signal 103-1 and control signal 159 as input, performs processing such as band limitation, frequency conversion, and amplification based on control signal 159, and outputs transmission signal 105-1. Transmission signal 105-1 is then output as a radio wave from antenna section 106-1.

[0038] Similarly, radio unit 104-2 receives processed signal 103-2 and control signal 159 as input, performs processing such as band limitation, frequency conversion, and amplification based on control signal 159, and outputs transmission signal 105-2. Transmission signal 105-2 is then output as a radio wave from antenna unit 106-2. Description of radio units 104-3 to 104-(M-1) will be omitted.

[0039] Radio unit 104-M receives processed signal 103-M and control signal 159 as input, performs band limiting, frequency conversion, amplification, and other processing based on control signal 159, and outputs transmission signal 105-M. Transmission signal 105-M is then output as a radio wave from antenna unit 106-M.

[0040] If there is no signal after signal processing, each radio unit does not need to perform the above processing.

[0041] The radio section group 153 receives the received signals 152 received by the receiving antenna group 151 as input, performs processing such as frequency conversion, and outputs a baseband signal group 154 ​​.

[0042] Signal processing unit 155 receives baseband signal group 154 ​​and performs demodulation and error correction decoding, i.e., also performs processing such as time synchronization, frequency synchronization, and channel estimation. At this time, signal processing unit 155 receives and processes modulated signals transmitted from one or more terminals, thereby obtaining data transmitted from each terminal and control information transmitted from each terminal. Therefore, signal processing unit 155 outputs data group 156 corresponding to one or more terminals and control information group 157 corresponding to one or more terminals.

[0043] The setting unit 158 ​​receives the control information group 157 and the setting signal 160 as input, and determines, based on the control information group 157, the "error correction coding method (coding rate, code length (block length))", "modulation method", "precoding method", "transmission method", "antenna settings", "whether to perform multicast transmission / unicast transmission (multicast and unicast transmission may be realized simultaneously)", "number of transmission streams when performing multicast", "transmission method when transmitting a modulated signal for multicast", etc., and outputs a control signal 159 including this determined information.

[0044] Antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M receive control signal 159. The operation at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

[0045] Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M. Each antenna unit has multiple antennas as shown in Fig. 2. Although four antennas are depicted in Fig. 2, each antenna unit may have multiple antennas. The number of antennas is not limited to four.

[0046] 2 shows the configuration of the antenna unit 106-i, where i is an integer between 1 and M inclusive.

[0047] The divider 202 receives a transmission signal 201 (corresponding to the transmission signal 105-i in FIG. 1) as input, divides the transmission signal 201, and outputs signals 203-1, 203-2, 203-3, and 203-4.

[0048] Multiplication unit 204-1 receives signal 203-1 and control signal 200 (corresponding to control signal 159 in FIG. 1) as input, multiplies signal 203-1 by coefficient W1 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 200, and outputs multiplied signal 205-1. Coefficient W1 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W1 can also be a real number. Therefore, if signal 203-1 is v1(t), then multiplied signal 205-1 can be expressed as W1 × v1(t) (t is time). Multiplied signal 205-1 is then output as a radio wave from antenna 206-1.

[0049] Similarly, multiplication unit 204-2 receives signal 203-2 and control signal 200 as input, multiplies signal 203-2 by coefficient W2 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 200, and outputs multiplied signal 205-2. Coefficient W2 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W2 can also be a real number. Therefore, if signal 203-2 is v2(t), multiplied signal 205-2 can be expressed as W2 × v2(t) (t is time). Multiplied signal 205-2 is then output as a radio wave from antenna 206-2.

[0050] Multiplication unit 204-3 receives signal 203-3 and control signal 200 as input, multiplies signal 203-3 by coefficient W3 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 200, and outputs multiplied signal 205-3. Coefficient W3 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W3 can also be a real number. Therefore, if signal 203-3 is v3(t), multiplied signal 205-3 can be expressed as W3 × v3(t) (t is time). Multiplied signal 205-3 is then output as a radio wave from antenna 206-3.

[0051] Multiplication unit 204-4 receives signal 203-4 and control signal 200 as input, multiplies signal 203-4 by coefficient W4 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 200, and outputs multiplied signal 205-4. Coefficient W4 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W4 can also be a real number. Therefore, if signal 203-4 is v4(t), multiplied signal 205-4 can be expressed as W4 × v4(t) (t is time). Multiplied signal 205-4 is then output as a radio wave from antenna 206-4.

[0052] The absolute values ​​of W1, W2, W3, and W4 may be equal to each other.

[0053] Figure 3 shows a configuration of a base station in this embodiment that is different from the configuration of the base station in Figure 1. In Figure 3, elements that operate in the same way as in Figure 1 are given the same numbers, and their explanation will be omitted below.

[0054] Weighting combination section 301 receives modulated signal 105-1, modulated signal 105-2, ..., modulated signal 105-M, and control signal 159 as input. Weighting combination section 301 then performs weighting combination on modulated signal 105-1, modulated signal 105-2, ..., modulated signal 105-M based on information regarding weighting combination included in control signal 159, and outputs weighted-combined signals 302-1, 302-2, ..., 302-K, where K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Weighted-combined signal 302-1 is output as a radio wave from antenna 303-1, weighted-combined signal 302-2 is output as a radio wave from antenna 303-2, ..., weighted-combined signal 302-K is output as a radio wave from antenna 303-K.

[0055] The weighted and combined signal yi(t) 302-i (i is an integer between 1 and K) is expressed as follows (t is time):

[0056]

number

[0057] In equation (1), Aij is a value that can be defined as a complex number, and therefore Aij can also be a real number, and xj(t) is modulated signal 105-j, where j is an integer between 1 and M.

[0058] 4 shows an example of the configuration of a terminal. Antenna units 401-1, 401-2, . . . , 401-N receive control signal 410 as input, where N is an integer of 1 or greater.

[0059] Radio section 403-1 receives received signal 402-1 received by antenna section 401-1 and control signal 410 as input, and performs processing such as frequency conversion on received signal 402-1 based on control signal 410, and outputs baseband signal 404-1.

[0060] Similarly, radio section 403-2 receives received signal 402-2 received by antenna section 401-2 and control signal 410 as input, performs processing such as frequency conversion on received signal 402-2 based on control signal 410, and outputs baseband signal 404-2. Note that a description of radio sections 403-3 to 403-(N-1) will be omitted.

[0061] The radio unit 403-N receives the received signal 402-N received by the antenna unit 401-N and the control signal 410 as input, and performs processing such as frequency conversion on the received signal 402-N based on the control signal, and outputs a baseband signal 404-N.

[0062] However, all of the radio units 403-1, 403-2, ..., 403-N do not necessarily have to operate, and therefore all of the baseband signals 404-1, 404-2, ..., 404-N do not necessarily exist.

[0063] Signal processing unit 405 receives baseband signals 404-1, 404-2, . . . , 404-N and control signal 410 as input, performs demodulation and error correction decoding based on control signal 410, and outputs data 406, transmission control information 407, and control information 408. In other words, signal processing unit 405 also performs processes such as time synchronization, frequency synchronization, and channel estimation.

[0064] Setting section 409 receives control information 408 as input, performs settings related to the reception method, and outputs control signal 410 .

[0065] Signal processing unit 452 receives information 451 and transmission control information 407 as input, performs error correction coding, mapping according to a set modulation method, and other processing, and outputs baseband signal group 453 .

[0066] The radio unit group 454 receives the baseband signal group 453 as input, performs processing such as band limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification, and outputs a transmission signal group 455, which is output as radio waves from a transmission antenna group 456.

[0067] Fig. 5 shows an example of the configuration of antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N. Each antenna unit has multiple antennas as shown in Fig. 5. Although four antennas are depicted in Fig. 5, each antenna unit may have multiple antennas. The number of antennas in an antenna unit is not limited to four.

[0068] 5 shows the configuration of antenna unit 401-i, where i is an integer between 1 and N inclusive.

[0069] Multiplication unit 503-1 receives received signal 502-1 received by antenna 501-1 and control signal 500 (corresponding to control signal 410 in FIG. 4) as input, multiplies received signal 502-1 by coefficient D1 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 500, and outputs multiplied signal 504-1. Note that coefficient D1 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D1 can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 502-1 is e1(t), multiplied signal 504-1 can be expressed as D1×e1(t) (t is time).

[0070] Similarly, multiplication unit 503-2 receives received signal 502-2 received by antenna 501-2 and control signal 500 as input, multiplies received signal 502-2 by coefficient D2 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 500, and outputs multiplied signal 504-2. Note that coefficient D2 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D2 can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 502-2 is e2(t), multiplied signal 504-2 can be expressed as D2×e2(t) (t is time).

[0071] Multiplication unit 503-3 receives received signal 502-3 received by antenna 501-3 and control signal 500 as input, multiplies received signal 502-3 by coefficient D3 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 500, and outputs multiplied signal 504-3. Coefficient D3 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D3 can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 502-3 is e3(t), multiplied signal 504-3 can be expressed as D3×e3(t) (t is time).

[0072] Multiplication unit 503-4 receives received signal 502-4 received by antenna 501-4 and control signal 500 as input, multiplies received signal 502-4 by coefficient D4 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 500, and outputs multiplied signal 504-4. Note that coefficient D4 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D4 ​​can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 502-4 is e4(t), multiplied signal 504-4 can be expressed as D4×e4(t) (t is time).

[0073] Combining section 505 receives multiplied signals 504-1, 504-2, 504-3, and 504-4 as input, adds multiplied signals 504-1, 504-2, 504-3, and 504-4, and outputs combined signal 506 (corresponding to received signal 402-i in FIG. 4). Therefore, combined signal 506 is expressed as D1×e1(t)+D2×e2(t)+D3×e3(t)+D4×e4(t).

[0074] Figure 6 shows the configuration of a terminal in this embodiment that is different from the configuration of the terminal in Figure 4, and in Figure 6, components that operate in the same way as in Figure 4 are given the same numbers and will not be described below.

[0075] Multiplication unit 603-1 receives received signal 602-1 received by antenna 601-1 and control signal 410 as input, multiplies received signal 602-1 by coefficient G1 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 410, and outputs multiplied signal 604-1. Note that coefficient G1 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, G1 can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 602-1 is c1(t), multiplied signal 604-1 can be expressed as G1 × c1(t) (t is time).

[0076] Similarly, multiplication unit 603-2 receives received signal 602-2 received by antenna 601-2 and control signal 410 as input, multiplies received signal 602-2 by coefficient G2 based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 410, and outputs multiplied signal 604-2. Note that coefficient G2 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, G2 can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 602-2 is c2(t), then multiplied signal 604-2 can be expressed as G2 × c2(t) (t is time). Description of multiplication units 603-3 to 603-(L-1) will be omitted.

[0077] Multiplication unit 603-L receives received signal 602-L received by antenna 601-L and control signal 410 as input, multiplies received signal 602-L by coefficient GL based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 410, and outputs multiplied signal 604-L. Note that coefficient GL can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, GL can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 602-L is cL(t), multiplied signal 604-L can be expressed as GL × cL(t) (t is time).

[0078] Therefore, multiplication unit 603-i receives received signal 602-i received by antenna 601-i and control signal 410 as input, multiplies received signal 602-i by coefficient Gi based on the multiplication coefficient information included in control signal 410, and outputs multiplied signal 604-i. Note that coefficient Gi can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, Gi can also be a real number. Therefore, if received signal 602-i is ci(t), then multiplied signal 604-i can be expressed as Gi × ci(t) (t is time). Note that i is an integer between 1 and L, inclusive, and L is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0079] Processing unit 605 receives multiplied signal 604-1, multiplied signal 604-2, ..., multiplied signal 604-L, and control signal 410 as input, performs signal processing based on control signal 410, and outputs processed signals 606-1, 606-2, ..., 606-N. N is an integer of 2 or more. In this case, multiplied signal 604-i is represented as pi(t), where i is an integer of 1 or more and L or less. Then, processed signal 606-j (rj(t)) is represented as follows (j is an integer of 1 or more and N or less):

[0080]

number

[0081] In addition, in equation (2), Bji is a value that can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, Bji can also take a real number.

[0082] Figure 7 shows an example of the communication state between a base station and a terminal. Note that a base station may also be called an access point or a broadcasting station.

[0083] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from a transmission antenna 701. In this case, the base station 700 is configured as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighting synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighting synthesis unit 301).

[0084] FIG. 7 also shows transmit beam 702-1 for transmitting data for stream 1, transmit beam 702-2 for transmitting data for stream 1, and transmit beam 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1.

[0085] FIG. 7 shows transmit beam 703-1 for transmitting data for stream 2, transmit beam 703-2 for transmitting data for stream 2, and transmit beam 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2.

[0086] In Figure 7, the number of transmission beams for transmitting data for stream 1 is set to 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting data for stream 2 is set to 3, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if there are multiple transmission beams for transmitting data for stream 1 and multiple transmission beams for transmitting data for stream 2.

[0087] FIG. 7 includes terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5, which have the same configuration as the terminals shown in, for example, FIGS.

[0088] For example, terminal 704-1 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 705-1 and 706-1. Reception directivity 705-1 enables terminal 704-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1, and reception directivity 706-1 enables terminal 704-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2.

[0089] Similarly, terminal 704-2 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 705-2 and 706-2. Reception directivity 705-2 enables terminal 704-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1, and reception directivity 706-2 enables terminal 704-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2.

[0090] Terminal 704-3 performs directivity control during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivity 705-3 and reception directivity 706-3.

[0091] Receiving directivity 705-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate transmitting beam 702-2 for transmitting data for stream 1, and receiving directivity 706-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate transmitting beam 703-2 for transmitting data for stream 2.

[0092] Terminal 704-4 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 705-4 and 706-4. Reception directivity 705-4 enables terminal 704-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1, and reception directivity 706-4 enables terminal 704-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data of stream 2.

[0093] Terminal 704-5 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 705-5 and 706-5. Reception directivity 705-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1, and reception directivity 706-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2.

[0094] In Figure 7, the terminal selects at least one of the transmit beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 based on its spatial location and directs its receiving directionality to obtain the data of stream 1 with high quality, and the terminal selects at least one of the transmit beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 based on its spatial location and directs its receiving directionality to obtain the data of stream 2 with high quality.

[0095] Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 then transmits transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 also transmits transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0096] Furthermore, transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0097] The operation of the setting unit 158 ​​of the base station in FIGS. 1 and 3 will be described.

[0098] Setting unit 158 ​​receives setting signal 160 as input. Setting signal 160 includes information on whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission, and when the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 7, the information that "multicast transmission will be performed" is input to setting unit 158 ​​by setting signal 160.

[0099] Setting signal 160 includes information on the "number of transmission streams when multicasting." When the base station transmits as shown in FIG. 7, setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmission streams is 2" to setting unit 158.

[0100] Furthermore, setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each stream." When the base station performs transmission as shown in Fig. 7, setting signal 160 inputs information to setting unit 158 ​​that "the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 2 is 3."

[0101] 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols including information such as whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, the number of transmission streams when multicasting, and how many transmission beams each stream should be transmitted over. This allows the terminal to receive the data appropriately. The configuration of the control information symbols will be described in detail later.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the #i information 101-i in FIGS. 1 and 3 and "stream 1" and "stream 2" described with reference to FIG. 7. For example, #1 information 101-1 is subjected to processing such as error correction coding to obtain data after error correction coding. This data after error correction coding is called #1 transmission data. Then, mapping is performed on the #1 transmission data to obtain data symbols, which are then allocated to stream 1 and stream 2 to obtain data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 1 and data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 2. The stream 1 symbol group includes the stream 1 data symbols (data symbol groups), and the stream 1 symbol group is transmitted from the base station in FIGS. 1 and 3. The stream 2 symbol group includes the stream 2 data symbols (data symbol groups), and the stream 2 symbol group is transmitted from the base station in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0103] FIG. 9 shows an example of a frame configuration when the horizontal axis represents time.

[0104] Stream 1 #1 symbol group 901-1 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of transmit beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1 in FIG.

[0105] Stream 1 #2 symbol group 901-2 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of transmit beam 702-2 for transmitting stream 1 data in FIG.

[0106] Stream 1 #3 symbol group 901-3 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of transmit beam 702-3 for transmitting stream 1 data in FIG.

[0107] Stream 2 #1 symbol group 902-1 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of transmit beam 703-1 for transmitting stream 2 data in FIG.

[0108] Stream 2 #2 symbol group 902-2 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of transmit beam 703-2 for transmitting stream 2 data in FIG.

[0109] Stream 2 #3 symbol group 902-3 in FIG. 9 is a symbol group of transmit beam 703-3 for transmitting stream 2 data in FIG.

[0110] Then, #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 exist in time interval 1, for example.

[0111] Also, as described earlier, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 and the #2 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1 and the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band).

[0112] For example, "data symbol group A of stream 1" and "data symbol group A of stream 2" are generated from information using the procedure in Fig. 8. Then, symbol groups "data symbol group A-1 of stream 1" composed of the same symbols as those constituting "data symbol group A of stream 1," "data symbol group A-2 of stream 1" composed of the same symbols as those constituting "data symbol group A of stream 1," and "data symbol group A-3 of stream 1" composed of the same symbols as those constituting "data symbol group A of stream 1" are prepared.

[0113] That is, the symbols constituting "data symbol group A-1 of stream 1," "data symbol group A-2 of stream 1," and "data symbol group A-3 of stream 1" are the same.

[0114] In this case, #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in Fig. 9 includes "data symbol group A-1 of stream 1," #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1 in Fig. 9 includes "data symbol group A-2 of stream 1," and #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 in Fig. 9 includes "data symbol group A-3 of stream 1." In other words, #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, and #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 include the same data symbol group.

[0115] In addition, symbol groups "Stream 2 data symbol group A-1" composed of the same symbols as those constituting "Stream 2 data symbol group A," "Stream 2 data symbol group A-2" composed of the same symbols as those constituting "Stream 2 data symbol group A," and "Stream 2 data symbol group A-3" composed of the same symbols as those constituting "Stream 2 data symbol group A" are prepared.

[0116] That is, the symbols constituting "data symbol group A-1 of stream 2," "data symbol group A-2 of stream 2," and "data symbol group A-3 of stream 2" are the same.

[0117] In this case, #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2 in Fig. 9 includes “data symbol group A-1 of stream 2,” #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2 in Fig. 9 includes “data symbol group A-2 of stream 2,” and #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in Fig. 9 includes “data symbol group A-3 of stream 2.” In other words, #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 include the same data symbol group.

[0118] Fig. 10 shows an example of the frame structure of "stream X symbol group #Y" (X=1, 2; Y=1, 2, 3) explained in Fig. 9. In Fig. 10, the horizontal axis represents time, 1001 represents control information symbols, and 1002 represents stream data symbol groups. In this case, stream data symbol group 1002 is a symbol for transmitting "stream 1 data symbol group A" or "stream 2 data symbol group A" explained using Fig. 9.

[0119] In the frame configuration of Fig. 10, a multi-carrier method such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) may be used, in which case symbols may exist in the frequency axis direction. Each symbol may include a reference symbol for time and frequency synchronization by the receiving device, a reference symbol for signal detection by the receiving device, and a reference symbol for channel estimation by the receiving device. The frame configuration is not limited to that shown in Fig. 10, and the control information symbols 1001 and stream data symbol group 1002 may be arranged in any manner. Reference symbols may also be called preambles or pilot symbols.

[0120] Next, the configuration of the control information symbol 1001 will be described.

[0121] Fig. 11 shows an example of the structure of symbols transmitted as the control information symbols of Fig. 10, with the horizontal axis representing time. In Fig. 11, the terminal receives "training symbols for terminal to control reception directivity" 1101, and thereby determines the signal processing method for directivity control during reception to be performed by "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605".

[0122] By receiving the "symbol for notifying the number of streams to be transmitted when multicasting" 1102, the terminal knows the number of streams it needs to obtain.

[0123] By receiving the "symbol for notifying which stream the data symbol belongs to" 1103, the terminal can know which stream it is receiving among the streams transmitted by the base station.

[0124] An example of the above will be explained.

[0125] A case will be described in which the base station transmits streams and transmission beams as in Fig. 7. Next, specific information of the control information symbols in #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in Fig. 9 will be described.

[0126] In the case of Figure 7, the base station is transmitting "Stream 1" and "Stream 2", so the information in "Symbol for notifying the number of transmitted streams when multicasting" 1102 is "2".

[0127] Also, since #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in Figure 9 transmits data symbols of stream 1, the information of ``symbol for notifying which stream the data symbol belongs to'' 1103 is ``stream 1''.

[0128] For example, let us consider a case where a terminal receives #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1 in Fig. 9. At this time, the terminal recognizes that it has received "2 transmission streams" from "symbol for notifying the number of transmission streams when multicasting" 1102, and "data symbols of stream 1" from "symbol for notifying which stream the data symbol group of a stream belongs to" 1103.

[0129] The terminal then recognizes that the "number of transmission streams is 2" and the data symbols it is obtaining are "data symbols of stream 1," and therefore recognizes that it needs to obtain "data symbols of stream 2." Therefore, the terminal can begin searching for a symbol group of stream 2. For example, the terminal searches for a transmission beam of any of stream 2 #1 symbol group 902-1, stream 2 #2 symbol group 902-2, or stream 2 #3 symbol group 902-3 in FIG. 9.

[0130] The terminal then obtains the data symbols of both stream 1 and stream 2 by obtaining a transmission beam of either stream 2 #1 symbol group 902-1, stream 2 #2 symbol group 902-2, or stream 2 #3 symbol group 902-3.

[0131] By configuring the control information symbols in this way, the terminal can obtain the effect of accurately obtaining data symbols.

[0132] As described above, in multicast transmission and broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives a beam of good quality from the multiple transmission beams. As a result, the modulated signal transmitted by the base station is subjected to transmission directivity control and reception directivity control, thereby achieving the effect of expanding the area where high data reception quality can be obtained.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above explanation, it has been explained that the terminal controls the reception directivity, but it is possible for the terminal to obtain the above-mentioned effects even if it does not control the reception directivity.

[0134] 10 may be any modulation scheme, and the mapping method of the modulation scheme of the "data symbol group of stream" 1002 may be switched for each symbol. In other words, after mapping, the phase of the constellation on the in-phase I-quadrature Q plane may be switched for each symbol.

[0135] Fig. 12 shows an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal that is different from that shown in Fig. 7. In Fig. 12, the same numbers are used to denote components that operate in the same way as in Fig. 7.

[0136] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from a transmission antenna 701. In this case, the base station 700 is configured as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighting synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighting synthesis unit 301).

[0137] FIG. 12 also shows transmit beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1", transmit beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1", and transmit beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1".

[0138] FIG. 12 shows transmit beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2", transmit beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2", and transmit beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2".

[0139] 12, the number of transmission beams for transmitting "modulated signal 1" is three, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting "modulated signal 2" is three, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if there are multiple transmission beams for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and multiple transmission beams for transmitting "modulated signal 2." "Modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2" will be explained in detail later.

[0140] FIG. 12 includes terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5, which have the same configuration as the terminals in, for example, FIGS.

[0141] For example, terminal 704-1 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 705-1 and 706-1. Reception directivity 705-1 enables terminal 704-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1," and reception directivity 706-1 enables terminal 704-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2."

[0142] Similarly, terminal 704-2 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 705-2 and 706-2. Reception directivity 705-2 enables terminal 704-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1," and reception directivity 706-2 enables terminal 704-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2."

[0143] Terminal 704-3 performs directivity control during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivity 705-3 and reception directivity 706-3.

[0144] Then, receiving directivity 705-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1," and receiving directivity 706-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2."

[0145] Terminal 704-4 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 705-4 and 706-4. Reception directivity 705-4 enables terminal 704-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1," and reception directivity 706-4 enables terminal 704-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2."

[0146] Terminal 704-5 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 705-5 and 706-5. Reception directivity 705-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1," and reception directivity 706-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2."

[0147] A distinctive feature of Figure 12 is that the terminal can obtain "modulated signal 1" with high quality by selecting at least one of the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" based on its spatial position and directing the receiving directionality, and the terminal can obtain "modulated signal 2" with high quality by selecting at least one of the transmission beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" based on its spatial position and directing the receiving directionality.

[0148] Note that base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 then transmits transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 also transmits transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0149] Furthermore, transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Transmission beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0150] The operation of the setting unit 158 ​​of the base station in FIGS. 1 and 3 will be described.

[0151] Setting unit 158 ​​receives setting signal 160 as input. Setting signal 160 includes information on whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission, and when the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 12 , the information that "multicast transmission will be performed" is input to setting unit 158 ​​by setting signal 160.

[0152] The setting signal 160 includes information on the "number of modulation signals to be transmitted when multicasting is performed." When the base station transmits as shown in FIG. 12, the setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of modulation signals to be transmitted is 2" to the setting unit 158.

[0153] Furthermore, setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each modulated signal." When the base station performs transmission as shown in Fig. 12, setting signal 160 inputs information to setting unit 158 ​​that "the number of transmission beams to transmit modulated signal 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams to transmit modulated signal 2 is 3."

[0154] 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols including information such as whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, the number of modulation signals to be transmitted when multicasting, and the number of transmission beams to be used to transmit each modulation signal. This allows the terminal to receive the data appropriately. The configuration of the control information symbols will be described in detail later.

[0155] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the #i information 101-i in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the "modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2" explained with reference to FIG.

[0156] For example, #1 information 101-1 is subjected to processing such as error correction coding to obtain data after error correction coding. This data after error correction coding is called #1 transmission data. Then, #1 transmission data is mapped to obtain data symbols, which are then allocated to stream 1 and stream 2 to obtain data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 1 and data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 2. In this case, the data symbols for stream 1 at symbol number i are designated s1(i), and the data symbols for stream 2 are designated s2(i). Then, "modulated signal 1" tx1(i) at symbol number i is expressed, for example, as follows:

[0157]

number

[0158] Then, "modulated signal 2" tx2(i) at symbol number i is expressed, for example, as follows:

[0159]

number

[0160] In equations (3) and (4), α(i) can be defined by a complex number (and therefore may be a real number), β(i) can be defined by a complex number (and therefore may be a real number), γ(i) can be defined by a complex number (and therefore may be a real number), and δ(i) can be defined by a complex number (and therefore may be a real number). α(i) is not necessarily a function of symbol number i (and may be a fixed value), β(i) is not necessarily a function of symbol number i (and may be a fixed value), γ(i) is not necessarily a function of symbol number i (and may be a fixed value), and δ(i) is not necessarily a function of symbol number i (and may be a fixed value).

[0161] Then, a "symbol group of modulated signal 1" including a "signal in the data transmission region of modulated signal 1" made up of data symbols is transmitted from the base station in Figures 1 and 3. Also, a "symbol group of modulated signal 2" including a "signal in the data transmission region of modulated signal 2" made up of data symbols is transmitted from the base station in Figures 1 and 3.

[0162] Note that signal processing such as phase change and CDD (Cyclic Delay Diversity) may be performed on "modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2." However, the signal processing method is not limited to this.

[0163] FIG. 14 shows an example of a frame configuration when the horizontal axis represents time.

[0164] The #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1 in FIG. 14 is a symbol group of transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting the data of modulated signal 1 in FIG.

[0165] The #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1 in FIG. 14 is a symbol group of transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting the data of modulated signal 1 in FIG.

[0166] The #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 in FIG. 14 is a symbol group of transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting the data of modulated signal 1 in FIG.

[0167] The #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 14 is a symbol group of transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting the data of modulated signal 2 in FIG.

[0168] The #2 symbol group (1402-2) of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 14 is a symbol group of transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting the data of modulated signal 2 in FIG.

[0169] The #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 14 is a symbol group of transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting the data of modulated signal 2 in FIG.

[0170] Then, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1, the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1, the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1, the #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2, the #2 symbol group (1402-2) of modulated signal 2, and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 exist in time interval 1, for example.

[0171] Also, as described earlier, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1 and the #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1 and the #2 symbol group (1402-2) of modulated signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band).

[0172] For example, in the procedure of FIG. 13, "signal A in the data transmission region of modulated signal 1" and "signal A in the data transmission region of modulated signal 2" are generated from the information.

[0173] Then, the following signals are prepared: "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1" composed of signals equivalent to the signals that make up "signal A in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1"; "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1" composed of signals equivalent to the signals that make up "signal A in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1"; and "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1" composed of signals equivalent to the signals that make up "signal group A-1 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1" (in other words, the signals that make up "signal group A-1 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1", the signals that make up "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1", and the signals that make up "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1" are the same).

[0174] In this case, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-1 in the data transmission region of modulated signal 1," the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-2 in the data transmission region of modulated signal 1," and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-3 in the data transmission region of modulated signal 1." In other words, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1, the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1, and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 contain equivalent signals.

[0175] In addition, the following signals are prepared: "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2" composed of signals equivalent to the signals that make up "signal A in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2"; "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2" composed of signals equivalent to the signals that make up "signal A in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2"; and "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2" composed of signals equivalent to the signals that make up "signal A-1 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2" (in other words, the signals that make up "signal A-2 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2" and the signals that make up "signal A-3 in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2" are the same).

[0176] In this case, #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-1 in the data transmission region of modulated signal 2," #2 symbol group (1402-2) of stream 2 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-2 in the data transmission region of modulated signal 2," and #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-3 in the data transmission region of modulated signal 2." In other words, #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2, #2 symbol group (1402-2) of modulated signal 2, and #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 contain equivalent signals.

[0177] Fig. 15 shows an example of a frame configuration of "symbol group #Y of modulated signal X" (X=1, 2; Y=1, 2, 3) explained in Fig. 14. In Fig. 15, the horizontal axis represents time, 1501 represents control information symbols, and 1502 represents a modulated signal transmission region for data transmission. In this case, modulated signal transmission region 1502 for data transmission contains symbols for transmitting "signal A in the data transmission region of modulated signal 1" or "signal A in the data transmission region of modulated signal 2" explained using Fig. 14.

[0178] In the frame configuration of Fig. 15, a multi-carrier method such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) may be used, in which case symbols may exist in the frequency axis direction. Each symbol may include a reference symbol for time and frequency synchronization by the receiving device, a reference symbol for signal detection by the receiving device, and a reference symbol for channel estimation by the receiving device. The frame configuration is not limited to that of Fig. 15, and the control information symbols 1501 and the modulated signal transmission region 1502 for data transmission may be arranged in any manner. The reference symbols may be called, for example, preambles or pilot symbols.

[0179] Next, the configuration of the control information symbol 1501 will be described.

[0180] Fig. 16 shows an example of the configuration of symbols transmitted as the control information symbols of Fig. 15, with the horizontal axis representing time. In Fig. 16, 1601 denotes "training symbols for a terminal to control reception directivity," and by receiving "training symbols for a terminal to control reception directivity" 1601, the terminal determines a signal processing method for directivity control during reception to be implemented in "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605."

[0181] 1602 is a "symbol for notifying the number of modulated signals to be transmitted when multicasting is performed," and by receiving "symbol for notifying the number of modulated signals to be transmitted when multicasting is performed" 1602, the terminal knows the number of modulated signals that it needs to obtain.

[0182] 1603 is a "symbol for notifying which modulated signal transmission area for data transmission of a modulated signal is the modulated signal transmission area for data transmission of which modulated signal," and by receiving 1603, "a symbol for notifying which modulated signal transmission area for data transmission of a modulated signal is the modulated signal transmission area for data transmission of which modulated signal," the terminal can know which modulated signal it is receiving out of the modulated signals transmitted by the base station.

[0183] An example of the above will be explained.

[0184] Consider a case where a base station transmits a "modulated signal" and a transmission beam as shown in Fig. 12. Specific information of the control information symbols in #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1 in Fig. 14 will now be described.

[0185] In the case of Figure 12, the base station is transmitting "modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2", so the information in "symbol for notifying the number of modulated signals to be transmitted when multicasting" 1602 is "2".

[0186] Furthermore, since the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 transmits a signal in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1, the information in "symbol for notifying which modulated signal transmission area for data transmission of which modulated signal" 1603 is the information "modulated signal 1."

[0187] For example, suppose a terminal receives #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1 in Fig. 14. At this time, the terminal recognizes that it has received "modulated signal number 2" from "symbol for notifying the number of modulated signals to be transmitted when multicasting" 1602, and "modulated signal 1" from "symbol for notifying which modulated signal transmission region for data transmission of which modulated signal" 1603.

[0188] The terminal then recognizes that there are two modulated signals and that the modulated signal it is receiving is modulated signal 1, and therefore recognizes that it needs to receive modulated signal 2. The terminal can then begin searching for modulated signal 2. For example, the terminal searches for a transmission beam for either "modulated signal 2 #1 symbol group" 1402-1, "modulated signal 2 #2 symbol group" 1402-2, or "modulated signal 2 #3 symbol group" 1402-3 in FIG. 14.

[0189] Then, by obtaining either the transmission beam of "#1 symbol group of modulated signal 2" 1402-1, "#2 symbol group of modulated signal 2" 1402-2, or "#3 symbol group of modulated signal 2" 1402-3, the terminal can obtain both "modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2", and can obtain data symbols of stream 1 and data symbols of stream 2 with high quality.

[0190] By configuring the control information symbols in this way, it is possible to obtain the effect that the terminal can accurately obtain data symbols.

[0191] As described above, in multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission, a base station transmits data symbols using multiple transmission beams, and a terminal selectively receives a beam with good quality from the multiple transmission beams. This has the effect of widening the area where high data reception quality can be obtained for the modulated signal transmitted by the base station. This is because the base station controls the transmission directivity and reception directivity.

[0192] Furthermore, in the above explanation, it has been explained that the terminal controls the reception directivity, but it is possible for the terminal to obtain the above-mentioned effects even if it does not control the reception directivity.

[0193] 7 illustrates a case where each terminal receives both the modulated signal of stream 1 and the modulated signal of stream 2, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. For example, there may be a terminal that desires to receive the modulated signal of stream 1, a terminal that desires to receive the modulated signal of stream 2, and a terminal that desires to receive both the modulated signal of stream 1 and the modulated signal of stream 2, and so on.

[0194] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, a method in which a base station transmits data symbols using multiple transmission beams in multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission has been described. In the present embodiment, as a modification of the first embodiment, a case in which a base station performs multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission as well as unicast data transmission will be described.

[0195] FIG. 17 shows an example of the communication state between a base station (or an access point, etc.) and a terminal, and the same numbers are used to designate elements that operate in the same way as in FIG. 7, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0196] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from a transmission antenna 701. In this case, the base station 700 is configured as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighting synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighting synthesis unit 301).

[0197] The transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0198] Furthermore, the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 and the reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0199] 17 is characterized in that the base station performs multicast as explained in FIG. 7, and the base station 700 and the terminal (for example, 1702) perform unicast communication.

[0200] In addition to multicast transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3, in Fig. 17, base station 700 generates unicast transmission beam 1701 and transmits dedicated data to terminal 1702. Note that Fig. 17 shows an example in which base station 700 transmits one transmission beam 1701 to terminal 1702, but the number of transmission beams is not limited to one, and base station 700 may transmit multiple transmission beams (or multiple modulated signals) to terminal 1702.

[0201] Then, terminal 1702 performs directivity control during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and signal processing unit 605," to form reception directivity 1703. This enables terminal 1702 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1701.

[0202] In addition, in order to generate transmission beams including transmission beam 1701, the base station performs precoding (weighting synthesis) in, for example, the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighting synthesis unit 301) in the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0203] Conversely, when terminal 1702 transmits a modulated signal to base station 700, terminal 1702 performs precoding (or weighted combining) and transmits transmission beam 1703, and base station 700 performs directivity control during reception to form reception directivity 1701. This enables base station 700 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1703.

[0204] Note that base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0205] Furthermore, transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0206] The unicast transmission beam 1701 may be a beam of the same frequency (same frequency band) as the transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3, or may be a beam of a different frequency (different frequency band).

[0207] Also, in FIG. 17, the description has been given assuming that there is one terminal performing unicast communication, but the number of terminals performing unicast communication with the base station may be plural.

[0208] At this time, the operation of the setting unit 158 ​​in the base station configuration diagrams 1 and 3 will be described.

[0209] Setting unit 158 ​​receives setting signal 160 as input. Setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission," and when the base station performs transmission as shown in Fig. 17, setting signal 160 inputs information that "both multicast transmission and unicast transmission will be performed" to setting unit 158.

[0210] In addition, setting signal 160 includes information on the "number of transmission streams when multicasting." When the base station transmits as shown in FIG. 17, setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmission streams is 2" to setting unit 158.

[0211] Furthermore, setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each stream." When the base station performs transmission as shown in Fig. 17, setting signal 160 inputs information to setting unit 158 ​​that "the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 2 is 3."

[0212] 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols including information on whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, information on the number of transmission streams when multicasting, information on how many transmission beams each stream should be transmitted with, etc. This allows the terminal to receive the data appropriately.

[0213] Furthermore, the base station may transmit, to a terminal performing unicast communication, control information symbols for training the base station to perform directivity control and control information symbols for training the terminal to perform directivity control.

[0214] FIG. 18 shows an example of the communication state between a base station (or an access point, etc.) and a terminal, and the same numbers are used for elements that operate in the same way as in FIG. 7 and FIG. 12, and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0215] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from a transmission antenna 701. In this case, the base station 700 is configured as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighting synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighting synthesis unit 301).

[0216] The transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 12, and therefore will not be described again.

[0217] Furthermore, the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 and the reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 12, and therefore will not be described again.

[0218] 18 is characterized in that the base station performs multicast as explained in FIG. 12, and the base station 700 and the terminal (for example, 1702) perform unicast communication.

[0219] In addition to multicast transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, in Fig. 18, base station 700 generates unicast transmission beam 1701 and transmits dedicated data to terminal 1702. Note that Fig. 18 shows an example in which base station 700 transmits one transmission beam 1701 to terminal 1702, but the number of transmission beams is not limited to one, and base station 700 may transmit multiple transmission beams (or multiple modulated signals) to terminal 1702.

[0220] Then, terminal 1702 performs directivity control during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and signal processing unit 605," to form reception directivity 1703. This enables terminal 1702 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1701.

[0221] In addition, in order to generate transmission beams including transmission beam 1701, the base station performs precoding (weighting synthesis) in, for example, the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighting synthesis unit 301) in the configurations shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0222] Conversely, when terminal 1702 transmits a modulated signal to base station 700, terminal 1702 performs precoding (or weighted combining) and transmits transmission beam 1703, and base station 700 performs directivity control during reception to form reception directivity 1701. This enables base station 700 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1703.

[0223] Note that base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0224] Furthermore, transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Transmission beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0225] The unicast transmission beam 1701 may be a beam of the same frequency (same frequency band) as the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, or may be a beam of a different frequency (different frequency band).

[0226] Also, in FIG. 18, the description has been given assuming that there is one terminal performing unicast communication, but the number of terminals performing unicast communication with the base station may be plural.

[0227] At this time, the operation of the setting unit 158 ​​in the base station configuration diagrams 1 and 3 will be described.

[0228] Setting unit 158 ​​receives setting signal 160. Setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission," and when the base station performs transmission as shown in Fig. 18, setting signal 160 inputs information that "both multicast transmission and unicast transmission will be performed" to setting unit 158.

[0229] In addition, setting signal 160 includes information on the "number of transmission streams when multicasting." When the base station transmits as shown in FIG. 18, setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmission streams is 2" to setting unit 158.

[0230] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each stream." When the base station performs transmission as shown in Fig. 18, the setting signal 160 inputs information to the setting unit 158 ​​that "the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 2 is 3."

[0231] 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols including information on whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, information on the number of transmission streams when multicasting, information on how many transmission beams each stream should be transmitted with, etc. This allows the terminal to receive the data appropriately.

[0232] Furthermore, the base station may transmit, to a terminal performing unicast communication, control information symbols for training the base station to perform directivity control and control information symbols for training the terminal to perform directivity control.

[0233] Next, as a modification of the first embodiment, a case where a base station transmits a plurality of multicast data transmissions will be described.

[0234] FIG. 19 shows an example of the communication state between a base station (or an access point, etc.) and a terminal, and the same reference numerals are used to designate elements that operate in the same manner as in FIG. 7, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0235] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from a transmission antenna 701. In this case, the base station 700 is configured as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighting synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighting synthesis unit 301).

[0236] The transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0237] Furthermore, the terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 and the reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 7, and therefore will not be described again.

[0238] Base station 700 transmits transmit beams 1901-1, 1901-2, 1902-1, and 1902-2 in addition to transmit beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3.

[0239] A transmission beam 1901-1 is a transmission beam for transmitting data of stream 3. A transmission beam 1901-2 is also a transmission beam for transmitting data of stream 3.

[0240] A transmit beam 1902-1 is a transmit beam for transmitting data of stream 4. A transmit beam 1902-2 is also a transmit beam for transmitting data of stream 4.

[0241] 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, 1903-1, 1903-2, and 1903-3 are terminals, and are configured, for example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The operations of terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 are as explained using Figure 7.

[0242] Terminal 1903-1 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 1904-1 and 1905-1. Reception directivity 1904-1 enables terminal 1903-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting data of stream 3, and reception directivity 1905-1 enables terminal 1903-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1902-2 for transmitting data of stream 4.

[0243] Terminal 1903-2 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 1904-2 and 1905-2. Reception directivity 1904-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting data of stream 4, and reception directivity 1905-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting data of stream 3.

[0244] Terminal 1903-3 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 1904-3 and 1905-3. Reception directivity 1904-3 enables terminal 1903-3 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting data of stream 3, and reception directivity 1905-3 enables terminal 1903-3 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting data of stream 4.

[0245] Terminal 1903-4 controls directivity during reception using signal processing unit 405, and / or antennas 401-1 to 401-N, and / or multipliers 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605, to form reception directivities 1904-4 and 1905-4. Reception directivity 1904-4 enables terminal 1903-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2, and reception directivity 1905-4 enables terminal 1903-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting data of stream 3.

[0246] A characteristic feature of Figure 19 is that a base station transmits multiple streams containing data for multicast, each stream being transmitted using multiple transmission beams, and each terminal selectively receives the transmission beam of one or more of the multiple streams.

[0247] Note that base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 and transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0248] Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting data of stream 3 and transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting data of stream 4 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 also transmits transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting data of stream 3 and transmission beam 1902-2 for transmitting data of stream 4 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0249] Furthermore, transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0250] Transmission beams 1901-1 and 1901-2 for transmitting data of stream 3 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Transmission beams 1902-1 and 1902-2 for transmitting data of stream 4 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0251] 1, data symbols for stream 1 may be generated, or data symbols for stream 2 may be generated, and data symbols for stream 3 and stream 4 may be generated from #2 information 101-2. Note that #1 information 101-1 and #2 information 101-2 may each be subjected to error correction coding before generating data symbols.

[0252] Also, it is possible to generate data symbols for stream 1 from #1 information 101-1 in Fig. 1, generate data symbols for stream 2 from #2 information 101-2 in Fig. 1, generate data symbols for stream 3 from #3 information 101-3 in Fig. 1, and generate data symbols for stream 4 from #4 information 101-4 in Fig. 1. Note that #1 information 101-1, #2 information 101-2, #3 information 101-3, and #4 information 101-4 may each be subjected to error correction coding before generating data symbols.

[0253] That is, the data symbols of each stream may be generated from any of the information in Fig. 1. This provides the advantage that the terminal can selectively obtain a multicast stream.

[0254] At this time, the operation of setting unit 158 ​​in the base station configuration diagrams 1 and 3 will be described. Setting unit 158 ​​receives setting signal 160 as input. Setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission", and when the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 19, the information "to perform multicast transmission" is input to setting unit 158 ​​by setting signal 160.

[0255] Setting signal 160 includes information on the "number of transmission streams when multicasting." When the base station transmits as shown in FIG. 19, setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmission streams is 4" to setting unit 158.

[0256] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each stream." When the base station performs transmission as shown in Fig. 19, the setting signal 160 inputs information to the setting unit 158 ​​that "the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 1 is 3, the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 2 is 3, the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 3 is 2, and the number of transmission beams to transmit stream 4 is 2."

[0257] 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols including information on whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, information on the number of transmission streams when multicasting, information on how many transmission beams each stream should be transmitted with, etc. This allows the terminal to receive the data appropriately.

[0258] Next, as a modification of the first embodiment, a case where a base station transmits a plurality of multicast data transmissions will be described.

[0259] Figure 20 shows an example of the communication state between a base station (or an access point, etc.) and a terminal, and parts that operate in the same way as in Figures 7, 12, and 19 are given the same numbers and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0260] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from a transmission antenna 701. In this case, the base station 700 is configured as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 3, and performs transmission beamforming (directivity control) by performing precoding (weighting synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighting synthesis unit 301).

[0261] The explanation of the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 overlaps with the explanation of FIG. 12, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0262] 12. Also, the explanation of terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 and reception directivities 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 will be omitted as they overlap with the explanation of FIG.

[0263] Base station 700 transmits transmit beams 2001-1, 2001-2, 2002-1, and 2002-2 in addition to transmit beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3.

[0264] The transmission beam 2001-1 is a transmission beam for transmitting "modulated signal 3." The transmission beam 2001-2 is also a transmission beam for transmitting "modulated signal 3."

[0265] The transmission beam 2002-1 is a transmission beam for transmitting "modulated signal 4." The transmission beam 2002-2 is also a transmission beam for transmitting "modulated signal 4."

[0266] Terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, 1903-1, 1903-2, and 1903-3 have the same configuration as, for example, those shown in Figures 4 and 5. The operations of terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 are the same as those described with reference to Figure 7.

[0267] Terminal 1903-1 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 1904-1 and 1905-1. Reception directivity 1904-1 enables terminal 1903-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3," and reception directivity 1905-1 enables terminal 1903-1 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2002-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 4."

[0268] Terminal 1903-2 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 1904-2 and 1905-2. Reception directivity 1904-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4," and reception directivity 1905-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3."

[0269] Terminal 1903-3 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 1904-3 and 1905-3. Reception directivity 1904-3 enables terminal 1903-3 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 3," and reception directivity 1905-3 enables terminal 1903-3 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4."

[0270] Terminal 1903-4 controls directivity during reception using "signal processing unit 405," and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N," and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605," to form reception directivities 1904-4 and 1905-4. Reception directivity 1904-4 enables terminal 1903-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 3," and reception directivity 1905-4 enables terminal 1903-4 to receive and demodulate transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4."

[0271] In Figure 20, a base station transmits multiple modulated signals containing data for multicast, each modulated signal being transmitted using multiple transmission beams, and each terminal selectively receives the transmission beam of one or more streams from the multiple modulated signals.

[0272] Note that base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 then transmits transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 also transmits transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0273] Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 3" and transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time. Base station 700 then transmits transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3" and transmission beam 2002-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 4" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and the same time.

[0274] Furthermore, transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Transmission beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data of stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0275] Transmission beams 2001-1 and 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Furthermore, transmission beams 2002-1 and 2002-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 4" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0276] At this time, the operation of setting unit 158 ​​in the base station configuration diagrams 1 and 3 will be described. Setting unit 158 ​​receives setting signal 160 as input. Setting signal 160 includes information on "whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission", and when the base station performs the transmission shown in Fig. 19, the information "to perform multicast transmission" is input to setting unit 158 ​​by setting signal 160.

[0277] The setting signal 160 includes information on the "number of modulation signals to be transmitted when multicasting is performed." When the base station performs the transmission shown in FIG. 20, the setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of modulation signals to be transmitted is 4" to the setting unit 158.

[0278] Furthermore, setting signal 160 may include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each modulated signal." When the base station performs the transmission shown in Fig. 20, setting signal 160 inputs the following information to setting unit 158: "the number of transmission beams to transmit modulated signal 1 is 3, the number of transmission beams to transmit modulated signal 2 is 3, the number of transmission beams to transmit modulated signal 3 is 2, and the number of transmission beams to transmit modulated signal 4 is 2."

[0279] 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols including information on whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, information on the number of transmission streams when multicasting, information on how many transmission beams each stream should be transmitted with, etc. This allows the terminal to receive the data appropriately.

[0280] In FIG. 20, when the terminal receives both the transmission beam of "modulated signal 1" and the transmission beam of "modulated signal 2", it can obtain the data of stream 1 and the data of stream 2 with high reception quality.

[0281] Similarly, when the terminal receives both the transmission beam of "modulated signal 3" and the transmission beam of "modulated signal 4", it can obtain the data of stream 3 and the data of stream 4 with high reception quality.

[0282] 20 illustrates an example in which the base station transmits "modulated signal 1," "modulated signal 2," "modulated signal 3," and "modulated signal 4," but the base station may transmit "modulated signal 5" and "modulated signal 6" that transmit data for stream 5 and data for stream 6, or may transmit more modulated signals to transmit more streams. Each modulated signal is transmitted using one or more transmission beams.

[0283] Furthermore, as described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, there may be one or more transmission beams (or reception directivity control) for unicast.

[0284] The relationship between "modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2" is omitted here because it overlaps with the explanation of Fig. 13. Here, the relationship between "modulated signal 3" and "modulated signal 4" will be explained using Fig. 21.

[0285] For example, #2 information 101-2 is subjected to processing such as error correction coding to obtain data after error correction coding. This data after error correction coding is called #2 transmission data. Then, #2 transmission data is mapped to obtain data symbols, which are then allocated to stream 3 and stream 4 to obtain data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 3 and data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 4. In this case, the data symbols for stream 3 at symbol number i are designated s3(i), and the data symbols for stream 4 are designated s4(i). Then, "modulated signal 3" tx3(i) at symbol number i is expressed, for example, as follows:

[0286]

number

[0287] Then, "modulated signal 4" tx4(i) at symbol number i is expressed, for example, as follows:

[0288]

number

[0289] In addition, in equations (5) and (6), e(i), f(i), g(i), and h(i) can each be defined as a complex number, and therefore may also be a real number.

[0290] Also, although e(i), f(i), g(i), and h(i) are described, they do not have to be functions of the symbol number i and may be fixed values.

[0291] Then, a "symbol group of modulated signal 3" including a "signal in the data transmission region of modulated signal 3" made up of data symbols is transmitted from the base station in Figures 1 and 3. Also, a "symbol group of modulated signal 4" including a "signal in the data transmission region of modulated signal 4" made up of data symbols is transmitted from the base station in Figures 1 and 3.

[0292] (supplement) Naturally, the embodiments and other contents described in this specification may be combined and implemented.

[0293] Furthermore, each embodiment and other contents are merely examples, and for example, 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.

[0294] 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), PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation), PSK (Phase Shift Keying), and QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) may be applied, and uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping may be used for each modulation method. Examples of APSK include 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, and 4096APSK; examples of PAM include 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, and 4096PAM; examples of PSK include BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, and 4096PSK; and examples of QAM include 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 1024QAM, and 4096QAM.

[0295] Furthermore, the method of arranging 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points on the IQ 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.

[0296] The "base station" described in this specification may be, for example, a broadcast station, a base station, an access point, a terminal, a mobile phone, etc. The "terminal" described in this specification may be, for example, a television, a radio, a terminal, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, a base station, etc. Furthermore, the "base station" and "terminal" in this disclosure may be devices having communication functions, and may be configured to be connectable via some kind of interface to devices for executing applications, such as televisions, radios, personal computers, and mobile phones. Furthermore, in this embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, such as pilot symbols and symbols for control information, may be arranged in any manner in a frame.

[0297] The pilot symbols and control information symbols may be named in any way. For example, they may be known symbols modulated using PSK modulation in the transmitter and receiver, or may be synchronized so that the receiver can know the symbols transmitted by the transmitter. 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. The pilot symbols may also be called preambles, unique words, postambles, reference symbols, etc.

[0298] 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.).

[0299] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, in the embodiments, the case where the communication method is performed as a communication device is described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and the communication method can also be implemented as software.

[0300] For example, a program for executing the above-described communication method may be stored in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the program may be run by a CPU (Central Processor Unit).

[0301] In addition, a program for executing the above-mentioned communication method may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the program stored in the storage medium may be recorded in the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory), causing the computer to operate in accordance with the program.

[0302] Furthermore, each configuration of the above-described embodiments may be implemented as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), which is typically an integrated circuit having input and output terminals. These may be integrated individually on a single chip, or a single chip may include all or part of the configuration of each embodiment. While the term "LSI" is used here, it may also be referred to as an IC (Integrated Circuit), system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the level of integration. Furthermore, the integration method is not limited to LSI; dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors may also be used. Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within an LSI, may also be used. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, that technology may naturally be used to integrate functional blocks. Adaptation of biotechnology, etc., is also a possibility.

[0303] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, a multicast communication method when beamforming different from that in the first and second embodiments is applied will be described.

[0304] The configuration of the base station is the same as that described in embodiment 1 using Figures 1 to 3, so a description of parts that operate in the same way as in embodiment 1 will be omitted. Also, the configuration of the terminal that communicates with the base station is the same as that described in embodiment 1 using Figures 4 to 6, so a description of parts that operate in the same way as in embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0305] An example of the operation of the base station and the terminal in this embodiment will be described below.

[0306] FIG. 22 shows a case where a base station transmits a multicast transmission stream to one terminal.

[0307] In FIG. 22, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 2201-1 of "(multicast) stream 1-1 (first beam of stream 1)" from the transmitting antenna to terminal 2202-1, and terminal 2202-1 generates receiving directivity 2203-1 by performing directivity control and receives transmission beam 2201-1 of "stream 1-1."

[0308] FIG. 23 explains the "procedure for performing communication between a base station and a terminal" that is performed for the communication state between the base station and the terminal as shown in FIG.

[0309] [23-1] First, the terminal makes a request to the base station for multicast transmission of stream 1.

[0310] [23-2] The base station receives [23-1] and recognizes that "multicast transmission of stream 1 is not being performed." Therefore, the base station transmits training symbols for transmission directivity control and reception directivity control to the terminal in order to perform multicast transmission of stream 1.

[0311] [23-3] The terminal receives the training symbols for transmitting directivity control and the training symbols for receiving directivity control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station so that the base station can control the transmitting directivity and the terminal can control the receiving directivity.

[0312] [23-4] Based on the feedback information sent by the terminal, the base station determines the method of transmission directivity control (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control), performs transmission directivity control, and transmits the data symbols of stream 1.

[0313] [23-5] The terminal determines the reception directivity control method (determines the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control, etc.) and starts receiving the data symbols of stream 1 transmitted by the base station.

[0314] Note that the "procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal" in Figure 23 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to that in Figure 23, and the procedure can be carried out in the same way even if the order of transmission of each piece of information is changed. Also, Figure 23 describes an example in which the terminal controls the reception directivity, but the terminal may not control the reception directivity. In this case, in Figure 23, the base station does not need to transmit training symbols for reception directivity control, and the terminal does not decide on a reception directivity control method.

[0315] Furthermore, when the base station controls transmission directivity, if the base station has the configuration shown in Fig. 1, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, and 204-4 in Fig. 2, and if the base station has the configuration shown in Fig. 3, for example, a weighting coefficient is set in weighting synthesis unit 301. Note that the number of streams to be transmitted is set to "1" in Fig. 22, but this is not limited to this.

[0316] When the terminal performs reception directivity control, if the terminal has the configuration of FIG. 4, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, and 503-4 in FIG. 5, and if the terminal has the configuration of FIG. 6, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ..., 603-L.

[0317] Figure 24 is a diagram showing, on the time axis, an example of symbols transmitted by the base station and symbols transmitted by the terminal when the base station in Figure 23 transmits transmission directivity control symbols, reception directivity control symbols, and data symbols. (a) in Figure 24 is a diagram showing, on the time axis, an example of symbols transmitted by the base station, and (b) in Figure 24 is a diagram showing, on the time axis, an example of symbols transmitted by the terminal, and in both cases, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0318] When communication is performed between a base station and a terminal as shown in Fig. 23, the base station first transmits a "base station transmission directivity control training symbol" 2401 as shown in Fig. 24. For example, the "base station transmission directivity control training symbol" 2401 is composed of a control information symbol and a known PSK symbol.

[0319] Then, the terminal receives the "base station transmission directivity control training symbol" 2401 transmitted by the base station, and transmits, for example, information on the antenna used by the base station for transmission and information on the multiplication coefficient (or weighting coefficient) used for directivity control as feedback information symbol 2402.

[0320] The base station receives "feedback information symbols" 2402 transmitted by the terminal, and determines the antenna to be used for transmission from the feedback information symbols 2402, and also determines the coefficients to be used for transmission directivity control from the feedback information symbols 2402. The base station then transmits "terminal reception directivity control training symbols" 2403. For example, "terminal reception directivity control training symbols" 2403 are composed of control information symbols and known PSK symbols.

[0321] The terminal then receives the "terminal reception directivity control training symbol" 2403 transmitted by the base station and determines, for example, the antenna that the terminal will use for reception and the multiplication coefficient that the terminal will use for reception directivity control.The terminal then transmits a feedback information symbol 2404 indicating that it is ready to receive data symbols.

[0322] The base station then receives the “feedback information symbol” 2404 transmitted by the terminal, and outputs a data symbol 2405 based on the feedback information symbol 2404 .

[0323] 24 is an example, and the order of symbol transmission and the order of base station transmission and terminal transmission are not limited to this. Furthermore, each of "base station transmission directivity control training symbols" 2401, "feedback information symbols" 2402, "terminal reception directivity control training symbols" 2403, "feedback information symbols" 2404, and "data symbols" 2405 may include a preamble, reference symbol, pilot symbol, or symbol for transmitting control information for signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, frequency offset estimation, and channel estimation.

[0324] FIG. 25 shows an example of symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits data symbols of stream 1 after communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 23 is completed, with the horizontal axis representing time.

[0325] 25, the base station transmits the first data symbol of transmission beam 1 of stream 1 as "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (1)" 2501-1-1. After that, interval 2502-1 in which data symbols can be transmitted is arranged.

[0326] Thereafter, the base station transmits the second data symbol of transmission beam 1 of (multicast) stream 1 as “(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (2)” 2501-1-2. After that, interval 2502-2 in which data symbols can be transmitted is arranged.

[0327] Thereafter, the base station transmits the third data symbol of transmission beam 1 of (multicast) stream 1 as “(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (3)” 2501-1-3.

[0328] In this way, the base station transmits the data symbols of "(multicast) stream 1-1" 2201-1 shown in Fig. 22. Note that in Fig. 25, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (1)" 2501-1-1, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (2)" 2501-1-2, "(multicast) data symbol 1-1 data symbol (3)" 2501-1-3, etc. may include, in addition to data symbols, preambles, reference symbols, pilot symbols for signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, frequency offset estimation, and channel estimation, as well as symbols for transmitting control information.

[0329] In FIG. 25, interval 2502-1 in which data symbols can be transmitted includes unicast transmission interval 2503-1, and interval 2502-2 in which data symbols can be transmitted includes unicast transmission interval 2503-2.

[0330] In Fig. 25, the frame includes unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2. For example, in Fig. 25, the base station may transmit multicast symbols in intervals 2502-1 in which data symbols can be transmitted, excluding unicast transmission interval 2503-1, and in intervals 2502-2 in which data symbols can be transmitted, excluding unicast transmission interval 2503-2. This point will be explained later using an example.

[0331] In this way, providing a unicast transmission interval in a frame is a useful configuration requirement for stable operation of a wireless communication system. An example of this point will be explained later. Note that the unicast transmission interval does not have to be positioned in time as shown in Figure 25, and may be arranged in any time position. Note that in the unicast transmission interval, the base station may transmit symbols, or the terminal may transmit symbols.

[0332] Alternatively, the base station may be configured to directly set the unicast transmission interval, or alternatively, the base station may set the maximum transmission data rate for transmitting multicast symbols.

[0333] For example, if the data transmission speed that a base station can transmit is 2 Gbps (bps: bits per second) and the maximum data transmission speed that the base station can allocate to transmit multicast symbols is 1.5 Gbps, a unicast transmission section equivalent to 500 Mbps can be set.

[0334] In this way, the unicast transmission interval may be indirectly set in the base station. Another specific example will be described later.

[0335] In accordance with the state of Fig. 22, Fig. 25 shows a frame configuration in which "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (1)" 2501-1-1, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (2)" 2501-1-2, and "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (3)" 2501-1-3 exist, but this is not limited to this. For example, data symbols of multicast streams other than stream 1 (stream 1-1) may exist, or a data symbol of stream 1-2, which is the second transmission beam of stream 1, and a data stream of stream 1-3, which is the third transmission beam of stream 1, may exist. This point will be explained later.

[0336] Figure 26 shows the state when a new terminal is added to the state in which the base station in Figure 22 is transmitting a multicast transmission stream to one terminal, and parts that operate in the same way as in Figure 22 are given the same numbers.

[0337] 26, the newly added terminal is 2202-2. Terminal 2202-2 performs directivity control to generate reception directivity 2203-2 and receives transmission beam 2201-1 of "(multicast) stream 1-1."

[0338] Next, FIG. 26 will be described.

[0339] In the following explanation, it is assumed that terminal 2202-2 newly participates in the multicast communication while base station 700 and terminal 2202-1 are performing multicast communication in Fig. 26. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 27, the base station transmits "terminal reception directivity control training symbol" 2701 and "data symbol" 2702, but does not transmit the "base station transmission training symbol" shown in Fig. 24. In Fig. 27, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0340] FIG. 28 shows an example of the operations performed to bring about a state in which the base station is transmitting multicast transmission beams to two terminals as shown in FIG.

[0341] [28-1] Terminal 2202-2 makes a request to the base station for multicast transmission of stream 1. Note that the request for multicast transmission of stream 1 is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG.

[0342] [28-2] In response to [28-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-2 that "multicast stream 1 is being transmitted." The notification that "multicast stream 1 is being transmitted" is transmitted during the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 25.

[0343] [28-3] In response to [28-2], terminal 2202-2 performs reception directivity control to start receiving multicast stream 1. Then, terminal 2202-2 performs reception directivity control and notifies the base station that it has been able to receive "multicast stream 1."

[0344] [28-4] The base station receives [28-3] and confirms that the terminal has received “multicast stream 1.”

[0345] [28-5] The terminal 2202-2 performs reception directivity control and starts receiving "stream 1 for multicast."

[0346] Figure 29 shows the state when a new terminal is added to the state in which the base station in Figure 22 is transmitting a multicast transmission stream to one terminal, and parts that operate in the same way as in Figure 22 are given the same numbers.

[0347] In Fig. 29, the newly added terminal is 2202-2. At this time, the difference from Fig. 26 is that base station 700 newly transmits transmission beam 2201-2 of "(multicast) stream 1-2 (second of stream 1)", and terminal 2202-2 performs directivity control to generate reception directivity 2203-2 and receive transmission beam 2201-2 of "(multicast) stream 1-2".

[0348] Next, the control performed for the state shown in FIG. 29 will be described.

[0349] In the following explanation, in FIG. 29, the base station 700 and terminal 2202-1 are performing multicast communication, and terminal 2202-2 is now newly participating in the multicast communication.

[0350] FIG. 30 shows an example of the operations performed to bring about a state in which the base station is transmitting multicast transmission beams to two terminals as shown in FIG.

[0351] [30-1] Terminal 2202-2 makes a request to the base station for multicast transmission of stream 1. Note that the request for multicast transmission of stream 1 is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG.

[0352] [30-2] The base station receives [30-1] and notifies terminal 2202-2 that "multicast stream 1 is being transmitted." Note that the notification that "multicast stream 1 is being transmitted" is transmitted during the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 25.

[0353] [30-3] Terminal 2202-2 receives [30-2] and notifies the base station that it is not receiving multicast stream 1. Note that the notification that it is not receiving multicast stream 1 is sent in the unicast transmission section in FIG.

[0354] [30-4] The base station receives [30-3] and decides to transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1 (i.e., transmission beam 2201-2 in FIG. 29). Note that although it is decided here to transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1, it may also decide not to transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1. This point will be explained later.

[0355] Therefore, the base station transmits training symbols for controlling transmission directivity and training symbols for controlling reception directivity to terminal 2202-2 in order to perform multicast transmission of stream 1. In addition to transmitting these symbols, the base station also transmits the transmission beam for stream 1-1 in Fig. 29. This point will be explained later.

[0356] [30-5] Terminal 2202-2 receives the training symbols for transmitting directivity control and the training symbols for receiving directivity control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station so that the base station can control the transmitting directivity and terminal 2202-2 can control the receiving directivity.

[0357] [30-6] Based on the feedback information transmitted by terminal 2202-2, the base station determines the method of transmission directivity control (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control) and transmits the data symbol of stream 1 (transmission beam 2201-2 of stream 1-2 in FIG. 29).

[0358] [30-7] Terminal 2202-2 determines the reception directivity control method (such as determining the weighting coefficient to be used when performing directivity control) and begins receiving the data symbols of stream 1 transmitted by the base station (transmission beam 2201-2 of stream 1-2 in Figure 29).

[0359] Note that the "procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal" in Figure 30 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to that in Figure 30, and the same procedure can be carried out even if the order of transmission of each piece of information is reversed.

[0360] Also, while Fig. 30 illustrates an example in which the terminal controls the reception directivity, the terminal may not control the reception directivity. In this case, in Fig. 30, the base station does not need to transmit training symbols for reception directivity control, and the terminal does not need to determine the reception directivity control method.

[0361] Furthermore, when the base station performs transmission directivity control, if the base station has the configuration of Fig. 1, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, and 204-4 in Fig. 2, and if the base station has the configuration of Fig. 3, for example, a weighting coefficient is set in weighting synthesis unit 301. Note that the number of streams to be transmitted is set to "2" in Fig. 29, but this is not limited to this.

[0362] When terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2 perform reception directivity control, if the terminal configuration is that of FIG. 4, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, and 503-4 in FIG. 5, and if the terminal configuration is that of FIG. 6, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ..., 603-L.

[0363] FIG. 31 shows an example of symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits data symbols of stream 1 after communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 30 is completed, with the horizontal axis representing time.

[0364] In Figure 31, since "stream 1-1" of Figure 29 exists, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2 exist, just like in Figure 25. Note that although "(M), (M+1), (M+2)" are written, this is because (multicast) stream 1-1 existed before (multicast) stream 1-2 existed. Therefore, in Figure 31, M is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0365] As shown in FIG. 31, in sections other than unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2, there are “(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (1)” 3101-1, “(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (2)” 3101-2, and “(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (3)” 3101-3.

[0366] As explained above, it has the following features:

[0367] "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) (for multicast)" 2501-1-M, "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+1), "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+2), "Stream 1-2 data symbol (1) (for multicast)" 3101-1, "Stream 1-2 data symbol (2) (for multicast)" 3101-2, and "Stream 1-2 data symbol (3) (for multicast)" 3101-3 are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1."

[0368] The terminal can obtain "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-1 data symbols." Also, the terminal can obtain "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-2 data symbols."

[0369] The directivity of the transmission beam of "(multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2) is different from the directivity of the transmission beam of "(multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (3)" 3101-3. Therefore, the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station transmitting device used to generate the transmission beams of ``(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M)'' 2501-1-M, ``(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)'' 2501-1-(M+1), and ``(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)'' 2501-1-(M+2) is different from the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station transmitting device used to generate the transmission beams of ``(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (1)'' 3101-1, ``(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (2)'' 3101-2, and ``(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (3)'' 3101-3.

[0370] As a result, two terminals can receive the multicast stream sent from the base station. Because directivity control is performed during transmission and reception, the area in which the multicast stream can be received can be expanded. Furthermore, because additional streams and transmission beams are added only when necessary, the frequency, time, and space resources used for transmitting data can be used more efficiently.

[0371] The control described below may be performed. The details of the control are as follows.

[0372] Figure 32 is an example of symbols transmitted by a base station when the base station transmits data symbols (for stream 1) after the communication between the base station and the terminal in Figure 30 is completed, which is different from Figure 31, and the horizontal axis represents time. Note that in Figure 32, the same numbers are used for elements that operate in the same way as in Figures 25 and 31.

[0373] FIG. 32 differs from FIG. 31 in that the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2 are set to be longer in time, so the base station does not add any more multicast symbols for transmission.

[0374] Fig. 33 shows an example of operation when a new terminal 2202-3 requests the base station to add a transmission beam, in addition to the base station transmitting multicast transmission beams to two terminals (terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2) as shown in Fig. 29. The frame of the modulated signal being transmitted by the base station is shown in Fig. 32.

[0375] [33-1] Terminal 2202-3 makes a request to the base station for multicast transmission of stream 1. Note that the request for multicast transmission of stream 1 is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG.

[0376] [33-2] In response to [33-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that it is transmitting multicast stream 1. Note that the notification that it is transmitting multicast stream 1 is transmitted during the unicast transmission interval in FIG.

[0377] [33-3] In response to [33-2], terminal 2202-3 notifies the base station that it has not received multicast stream 1. Note that the notification that it has not received multicast stream 1 is sent during the unicast transmission interval in FIG.

[0378] [33-4] The base station receives [33-3] and determines whether it is possible to transmit a transmission beam for multicast stream 1 that is different from the transmission beam for stream 1-1 and the transmission beam for stream 1-2. At this time, taking into account that this is the frame shown in FIG. 32, the base station determines not to transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1. Therefore, the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that "another transmission beam for multicast stream 1 will not be transmitted." Note that the "notification that another transmission beam for multicast stream 1 will not be transmitted" is transmitted in the unicast transmission section in FIG. 32.

[0379] [33-5] The terminal 2202-3 receives the "notification that another transmission beam for multicast stream 1 will not be transmitted."

[0380] Note that the "procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal" in Figure 33 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to that in Figure 33, and the same implementation is possible even if the order of each piece of transmission is reversed. In this way, if there are insufficient communication resources for multicast transmission, it is not necessary to add a multicast transmission beam.

[0381] Fig. 34 shows an example of an operation in which the base station shown in Fig. 29 is transmitting multicast transmission beams to two terminals (terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2), and a new terminal 2202-3 requests the base station to add a transmission beam for another multicast stream (stream 2). Note that the frame of the modulated signal being transmitted by the base station is in the state shown in Fig. 31.

[0382] [34-1] Terminal 2202-3 makes a request to the base station for multicast transmission of stream 2. Note that the request for multicast transmission of stream 2 is transmitted in unicast transmission interval 2503 in FIG.

[0383] [34-2] In response to [34-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that "transmission of multicast stream 2 is not in progress." The base station also determines whether the base station can add and transmit a transmission beam for multicast stream 2. At this time, taking into account the frame state shown in Figure 31, the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that "transmission of a transmission beam for multicast stream 2 is supported." The "notification that transmission of multicast stream 2 is not in progress" and the "notification that a transmission beam for multicast stream 2 can be transmitted" are transmitted in unicast transmission section 2503 in Figure 31.

[0384] [34-3] Terminal 2203-3 receives [34-2] and notifies the base station that it is “ready to receive multicast stream 2.” The notification that it is “ready to receive multicast stream 2” is transmitted in unicast transmission phase 2503 in FIG.

[0385] [34-4] The base station receives [34-3] and decides to transmit a transmission beam for multicast stream 2. Therefore, the base station transmits training symbols for transmission directivity control and reception directivity control to terminal 2202-3 in order to perform multicast transmission of stream 2. In addition to transmitting these symbols, the base station also transmits transmission beams for stream 1-1 and stream 1-2, as shown in FIG. 31. This point will be explained later.

[0386] [34-5] Terminal 2202-3 receives the training symbols for transmitting directivity control and the training symbols for receiving directivity control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station so that the base station can control the transmitting directivity and terminal 2202-3 can control the receiving directivity.

[0387] [34-6] Based on the feedback information transmitted by terminal 2202-3, the base station determines the method of transmission directivity control (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control) and transmits the data symbols of stream 2.

[0388] [34-7] Terminal 2202-3 determines the reception directivity control method (determines the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control, etc.) and starts receiving data symbols of stream 2 transmitted by the base station.

[0389] Note that the "procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal" in Figure 34 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to that in Figure 34, and the same procedure can be carried out even if the order of transmission of each piece of information is changed. Also, Figure 34 explains an example in which the terminal controls the reception directivity, but the terminal may not control the reception directivity. In this case, in Figure 34, the base station does not need to transmit training symbols for reception directivity control, and the terminal does not decide on a reception directivity control method.

[0390] Furthermore, when the base station performs transmission directivity control, if the base station has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication sections 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, and 204-4 shown in FIG.

[0391] When terminals 2202-1, 2202-2, and 2202-3 perform reception directivity control, if the terminal has the configuration of FIG. 4, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, and 503-4 in FIG. 5, and if the terminal has the configuration of FIG. 6, for example, multiplication coefficients are set in multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ..., 603-L.

[0392] FIG. 35 shows an example of symbols transmitted by the base station when the base station transmits data symbols for stream 1 and stream 2 after communication between the base station and the terminal in FIG. 34 is completed, with the horizontal axis representing time.

[0393] 31 exist, there are also "stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), "stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2), and there are also "stream 1-2 data symbol (N)" 3101-N, "stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1)" 3101-(N+1), and "stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2)" 3101-(N+2). Note that N and M are integers of 2 or greater.

[0394] As shown in FIG. 35, in sections other than the unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2, there are “(multicast) stream 2-1 data symbol (1)” 3501-1, “(multicast) stream 2-1 data symbol (2)” 3501-2, and “(multicast) stream 2-1 data symbol (3)” 3501-3.

[0395] As explained above, this has the following features:

[0396] "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) (for multicast)" 2501-1-M, "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+1), "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+2), "Stream 1-2 data symbol (N) (for multicast)" 3101-N, "Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) (for multicast)" 3101-(N+1), and "Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) (for multicast)" 3101-(N+2) are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1."

[0397] The terminal obtains "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-1 data symbols." The terminal also obtains "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-2 data symbols."

[0398] The directivity of the transmission beam of "(multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2) is different from the directivity of the transmission beam of "(multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0399] Therefore, the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station transmitting device used to generate the transmission beams of ``(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M)'' 2501-1-M, ``(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)'' 2501-1-(M+1), and ``(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)'' 2501-1-(M+2) is different from the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) of the base station transmitting device used to generate the transmission beams of ``(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (1)'' 3101-1, ``(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (2)'' 3101-2, and ``(multicast) stream 1-2 data symbol (3)'' 3101-3.

[0400] "Stream 2-1 data symbol (1) (for multicast)" 3501-1, "Stream 2-1 data symbol (2) (for multicast)" 3501-2, and "Stream 2-1 data symbol (3) (for multicast)" 3501-3 are data symbols for transmitting "Stream 2".

[0401] The terminal obtains the data for "Stream 2" by obtaining the "data symbol of Stream 2-1." As a result, the terminal can receive multiple multicast streams (Stream 1 and Stream 2) transmitted by the base station. In this case, directivity control is performed for transmission and reception, which has the effect of expanding the area in which multicast streams can be received. In addition, because additional streams and transmission beams are added only when necessary, the frequency, time, and space resources used to transmit data can be used effectively.

[0402] It should be noted that the control described below may also be performed. The details of the control are as follows.

[0403] Figure 32 is an example of symbols transmitted by a base station when the base station transmits data symbols (of stream 1), which is different from Figure 35, and the horizontal axis represents time. Note that in Figure 32, the same numbers are used for elements that operate in the same way as in Figures 25 and 31.

[0404] The difference between Figure 32 and Figure 35 is that the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2 are set to be longer in time, so the base station does not add any more multicast symbols, for example, symbols of a new stream, and transmit them.

[0405] Figure 36 shows an example of an operation in which a new terminal 2202-3 requests the base station to add a transmission beam for another multicast stream (stream 2) in addition to the base station transmitting multicast transmission beams to two terminals (terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2) as shown in Figure 29. The frame of the modulated signal transmitted by the base station is shown in Figure 32.

[0406] [36-1] Terminal 2202-3 makes a request to the base station for multicast transmission of stream 2. Note that the request for multicast transmission of stream 2 is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG.

[0407] [36-2] In response to [36-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that "multicast stream 2 is not being transmitted." Note that "multicast stream 2 is not being transmitted" is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 32. The base station also determines whether it is possible to transmit the transmission beam for multicast stream 2. The base station takes into account the frame shown in FIG. 32 and determines not to transmit the transmission beam for multicast stream 2. Therefore, the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that "the transmission beam for multicast stream 2 will not be transmitted." Note that "the notification that the transmission beam for multicast stream 2 will not be transmitted" is transmitted in the unicast transmission interval in FIG. 32.

[0408] [36-3] The terminal 2202-3 receives the "notification that the transmission beam of the multicast stream 2 will not be transmitted."

[0409] Note that the "procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal" in Figure 36 is an example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to that in Figure 36, and the procedure for each piece of transmission can be interchanged and still be implemented in the same way. In this way, when there are insufficient communication resources for multicast transmission, it is not necessary to add a stream or a multicast transmission beam.

[0410] A supplementary explanation will be given below regarding the method of setting the unicast transmission intervals 2503-1 and 2503-2 shown in FIG.

[0411] For example, in FIG. 35, the maximum number of transmission beams for multicast is determined or set in advance.

[0412] Then, upon receiving a request from each terminal, the base station transmits a multicast transmission beam that is equal to or less than the maximum number of multicast transmission beams. For example, in the case of Figure 35, the number of multicast transmission beams is 3. The base station then transmits multiple multicast transmission beams, and defines the free time after transmitting these as the unicast transmission interval.

[0413] The unicast transmission period may be determined as described above.

[0414] (Supplementary Note 1) Supplementary Note 1 explains the case where a base station is performing unicast communication, that is, individual communication, with multiple terminals.

[0415] 9 may be a broadcast channel, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to a plurality of terminals in order to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals. Note that the control information is, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0416] Also, for example, #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, and #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1 in Fig. 9 may be a common search space. Note that the common search space is control information for performing cell control. The common search space is control information broadcast to multiple terminals.

[0417] Similarly, for example, #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in Figure 9 may be a broadcast channel, i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals.

[0418] Also, for example, #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in FIG. 9 may be a common search space.

[0419] The characteristics of #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0420] For example, the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, and the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 may be a broadcast channel, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals.

[0421] Also, for example, #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, and #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1 in FIG. 14 may be a common search space.

[0422] For example, the #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulated signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 14 may be a broadcast channel, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with the multiple terminals.

[0423] Also, for example, #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulated signal 2, #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 14 may be a common search space.

[0424] Note that #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, and #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments explained so far, and #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulated signal 2, #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0425] For example, stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 may be a broadcast channel, i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals.

[0426] Also, stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 may be a common search space.

[0427] Stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0428] For example, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 may be a broadcast channel, i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals.

[0429] Furthermore, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 may be a common search space.

[0430] Note that stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0431] For example, in FIG. 35, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2) may be a broadcast channel, i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals.

[0432] Also, in FIG. 35, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2) may be a common search space.

[0433] For example, stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in Figure 35 may be control information that is broadcast to a broadcast channel, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals.

[0434] Also, stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in FIG. 35 may be a common search space.

[0435] In Figure 35, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2) are as described in the embodiments described so far, and stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in Figure 35 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0436] 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Also, the time positions of the data symbols are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0437] 25, 31, 32, and 35, the horizontal axis is used to represent time, but the same implementation is possible even if the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier). When the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier), the base station transmits each data symbol using one or more carriers or subcarriers.

[0438] (Supplementary Note 2) Supplementary Note 2 explains the case where a base station is performing unicast communication, i.e., individual communication, with multiple terminals.

[0439] 9, #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 may be data addressed to a base station or data addressed to one of multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0440] Note that the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0441] 14, #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, #1 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 2, #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 may be data addressed to a base station or data addressed to any one of multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0442] In addition, the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0443] For example, stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in Fig. 25 may be data addressed to a base station or data addressed to one of multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0444] Stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3 in FIG. 25 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0445] 31 and 32, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3 may be data addressed to a base station or data addressed to one of multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0446] Note that stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0447] 35 , stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2) may be data addressed to a base station or data addressed to one of multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0448] For example, stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 in Fig. 35 may be data addressed to a base station or data addressed to one of multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0449] In Figure 35, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2), stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0450] 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Also, the time positions of the data symbols are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0451] 25, 31, 32, and 35, the horizontal axis is used to represent time, but the same implementation is possible even if the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier). When the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier), the base station transmits each data symbol using one or more carriers or subcarriers.

[0452] (Supplementary Note 3) During the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1 #1 symbol group 901-1, stream 1 #2 symbol group 901-2, stream 1 #3 symbol group 901-3, stream 2 #1 symbol group 902-1, stream 2 #2 symbol group 902-2, and stream 2 #3 symbol group 902-3 as shown in the frame configuration of Figure 9, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam of stream 1 #1 symbol group 901-1, stream 1 #2 symbol group 901-2, stream 1 #3 symbol group 901-3, stream 2 #1 symbol group 902-1, stream 2 #2 symbol group 902-2, and stream 2 #3 symbol group 902-3."

[0453] In addition, the base station in Figure 3 may generate a transmission beam for the above-mentioned ``another symbol group'' by ``signal processing by signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by weighting synthesis unit 301'' or ``signal processing by signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by weighting synthesis unit 301.''

[0454] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulated signal 2, #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2, as in the frame configuration of Figure 14, the base station may transmit another symbol group using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam of #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, transmission beam of #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, transmission beam of #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, transmission beam of #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulated signal 2, transmission beam of #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and transmission beam of #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2."

[0455] In this case, the "other symbol group" may be a symbol group including data symbols addressed to a certain terminal, a symbol group including control information symbols as described elsewhere in this disclosure, or a symbol group including data symbols for another multicast.

[0456] In addition, the base station in Figure 3 may generate a transmission beam for the above-mentioned ``another symbol group'' by ``signal processing by signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by weighting synthesis unit 301'' or ``signal processing by signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by weighting synthesis unit 301.''

[0457] (Supplementary Note 4) During the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3, as in the frame configuration of Figure 25, the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3."

[0458] Note that in Figure 25, the same applies when the horizontal axis is frequency, and during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3, the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3."

[0459] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), as in the frame configurations of Figures 31 and 32, the base station may transmit another group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2)."

[0460] 31 and 32, the same applies when the horizontal axis represents frequency; during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2)."

[0461] Then, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3, as in the frame configurations of Figures 31 and 32, the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3."

[0462] In addition, in Figures 31 and 32, the same applies when the horizontal axis is frequency, and during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3, the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the ``transmission beam transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3.''

[0463] During the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-(M+2) as in the frame configuration of Figure 35, the base station may transmit another group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-(M+2)."

[0464] Note that in Figure 35, the same applies when the horizontal axis is frequency, and during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-(M+2), the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-(M+2)."

[0465] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2) as in the frame configuration of Figure 35, the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2)."

[0466] In addition, in Figure 35, the same applies when the horizontal axis is frequency, and during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2), the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2)."

[0467] Then, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3, as in the frame configuration of Figure 35, the base station may transmit another group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the "transmission beam transmitting stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3."

[0468] In addition, in Figure 35, the same applies when the horizontal axis is frequency, and during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3, the base station may transmit a different group of symbols using a transmission beam other than the ``transmission beam transmitting stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3.''

[0469] In the above, "another symbol group" may be a symbol group containing data symbols addressed to a certain terminal, a symbol group containing control information symbols as described elsewhere in this specification, or a symbol group containing data symbols for another multicast.

[0470] In this case, the base station in Figure 1 may generate a transmission beam for the above-mentioned "different symbol group" through signal processing by signal processing unit 102, or the base station in Figure 1 may generate a transmission beam for the above-mentioned "different symbol group" by selecting antennas from antenna unit 106-1 to antenna unit 106-M.

[0471] In addition, the base station in Figure 3 may generate a transmission beam for the above-mentioned ``another symbol group'' by ``signal processing by signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by weighting synthesis unit 301'' or ``signal processing by signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by weighting synthesis unit 301.''

[0472] In addition, it is not necessary to set the unicast transmission periods 2503-1 and 2503-2 as shown in FIGS.

[0473] (Supplementary Note 5) The following is written in the explanation of Figures 31 and 32:

[0474] "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) (for multicast)" 2501-1-M, "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+1), "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+2), "Stream 1-2 data symbol (1) (for multicast)" 3101-1, "Stream 1-2 data symbol (2) (for multicast)" 3101-2, and "Stream 1-2 data symbol (3) (for multicast)" 3101-3 are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1."

[0475] The terminal can obtain "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-1 data symbols." Also, the terminal can obtain "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-2 data symbols."

[0476] In addition, the following is written in the explanation regarding Figure 35.

[0477] "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) (for multicast)" 2501-1-M, "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+1), "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) (for multicast)" 2501-1-(M+2), "Stream 1-2 data symbol (N) (for multicast)" 3101-N, "Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) (for multicast)" 3101-(N+1), and "Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) (for multicast)" 3101-(N+2) are all data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1."

[0478] The terminal can obtain "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-1 data symbols." Also, the terminal can obtain "stream 1 data" by obtaining "stream 1-2 data symbols."

[0479] The following provides a supplementary explanation of the above. For example, in Fig. 35, the above can be realized by the following <Method 1-1>, <Method 1-2>, <Method 2-1>, or <Method 2-2>.

[0480] <Method 1-1> Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M and stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N contain the same data.

[0481] Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1) and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1) contain the same data.

[0482] Stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2) and stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2) 3101-(N+2) contain the same data.

[0483] <Method 1-2> There exists a stream 1-2 data symbol (L) 3101-L that contains the same data as the data contained in the stream 1-1 data symbol (K) 2501-1-K, where K and L are integers.

[0484] <Method 2-1> Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M and stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N contain some of the same data.

[0485] Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1) and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1) contain some of the same data.

[0486] Stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2) and stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2) 3101-(N+2) contain some of the same data.

[0487] <Method 2-2> There exists a stream 1-2 data symbol (L) 3101-L that contains part of the data contained in the stream 1-1 data symbol (K) 2501-1-K, where K and L are integers.

[0488] That is, the first base station or the first transmission system generates a first packet group including data of a first stream and a second packet group including data of the first stream, transmits the packets included in the first packet group during a first period using a first transmission beam, and transmits the packets included in the second packet group during a second period using a second transmission beam different from the first transmission beam, and the first period and the second period do not overlap with each other.

[0489] Here, the second packet group may include a second packet containing the same data as the data contained in the first packet included in the first packet group. Alternatively, as a configuration different from the above, the second packet group may include a third packet containing the same data as part of the data contained in the first packet included in the first packet group.

[0490] Furthermore, the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam may be transmission beams having different directivities that are transmitted using the same antenna unit, or may be transmission beams that are transmitted using different antenna units.

[0491] In addition to the configuration of the first base station or the first transmission system, the second base station or the second transmission system further generates a third packet group including data of the first stream, and transmits the packets included in the third packet group using a third transmission beam different from the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam during a third period, and the third period does not overlap with the first period and the second period.

[0492] Here, the second base station or the second transmission system may set the first period, the second period, and the third period repeatedly in a predetermined order.

[0493] In addition, the third base station or the third transmission system, in addition to the configuration of the first base station or the first transmission system, further generates a third packet group including data of the first stream, and transmits the packets included in the third packet group using a third transmission beam different from the first transmission beam and the second transmission beam during a third period, at least a portion of which overlaps with the first period.

[0494] Here, the third base station or the third transmission system may repeatedly set the first period, the second period, and the third period, and at least a portion of any of the repeatedly set third periods may overlap with the first period, or at least any one of the repeatedly set third periods may not overlap with the first period.

[0495] In addition, the fourth base station or fourth transmission system, in addition to the configuration of the first base station or first transmission system, further generates a fourth packet including data of the second stream, and transmits the fourth packet during a fourth period using a fourth transmission beam different from the first transmission beam, at least a portion of which overlaps with the first period.

[0496] In the above explanation, it has been explained that the first period and the second period do not overlap with each other, but the first period and the second period may partially overlap with each other, the entire first period may overlap with the second period, or the entire first period may overlap with the entire second period.

[0497] In addition, the fifth base station or the fifth transmission system may generate one or more packet groups containing data of the first stream, transmit each packet group using a different transmission beam, and increase or decrease the number of packet groups generated based on the signal transmitted from the terminal.

[0498] In the above description, the term "stream" is used, but as described elsewhere in this specification, it refers to "stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3" in Figures 31 and 32, and "stream 1-1 data symbol ( Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2) may be symbols containing data symbols addressed to a certain terminal, may be symbols containing control information symbols, or may be symbols containing data symbols for multicast.

[0499] (Fourth embodiment) In this embodiment, a specific example of the communication systems described in the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0500] The communication system in this embodiment is assumed to be configured with (multiple) base stations and multiple terminals. For example, consider a communication system configured with base station 700 and terminals 704-1, 704-2, etc., as shown in Figures 7, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, and 29.

[0501] FIG. 37 shows an example of the configuration of the base station (700).

[0502] Logical channel generation unit 3703 receives data 3701 and control data 3702 as input, and outputs logical channel signal 3704. Logical channel signal 3704 is assumed to be composed of, for example, logical channels for control such as "BCCH (Broadcast Control Channel), PCCH (Paging Control Channel), CCCH (Common Control Channel), MCCH (Multicast Control Channel), and DCCH (Dedicated Control Channel)," and logical channels for data such as "DTCH (Dedicated Traffic Channel) and MTCH (Multicast Traffic Channel)."

[0503] In addition, "BCCH is a downlink broadcast channel for system control information", "PCCH is a downlink channel for paging information", "CCCH is a downlink common control channel used when there is no RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection", "MCCH is a downlink channel for multicast channel scheduling and control for one-to-many MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service)", "DCCH is a downlink dedicated control channel used for terminals with RRC connection", "DTCH is a downlink dedicated traffic channel to one terminal UE (User Equipment), a channel dedicated to user data", and "MTCH is a downlink channel for one-to-many MBMS user data".

[0504] The transport channel generation unit 3705 receives the logical channel signal 3704 as input, and generates and outputs the transport channel signal 3706. The transport channel signal 3706 is assumed to be composed of, for example, a BCH (Broadcast Channel), a DL-SCH (Downlink Shared Channel), a PCH (Paging Channel), an MCH (Multicast Channel), and the like.

[0505] The BCH is a channel for system information broadcast throughout the cell, the DL-SCH is a channel for user data, control information and system information, the PCH is a channel for paging information broadcast throughout the cell, and the MCH is a channel for MBMS traffic and control broadcast throughout the cell.

[0506] The physical channel generation unit 3707 receives the transport channel signal 3706 as input, and generates and outputs the physical channel signal 3708. The physical channel signal 3708 is assumed to be configured with, for example, a PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel), a PMCH (Physical Multicast Channel), a PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), a PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), and the like.

[0507] Note that "PBCH is for transmitting the BCH transport channel," "PMCH is for transmitting the MCH transport channel," "PDSCH is for transmitting the DL-SCH and transport channels," and "PDCCH is for transmitting downlink L1 (Layer 1) / L2 (Layer 2) control signals."

[0508] Modulation signal generation section 3709 receives physical channel signal 3708 as input, generates and outputs modulated signal 3710 based on physical channel signal 3708. Base station 700 then transmits modulated signal 3710 as radio waves.

[0509] First, consider the case where a base station is performing unicast communication, that is, individual communication, with a plurality of terminals.

[0510] In this case, for example, symbol group #1 of stream 1 of 901-1, symbol group #2 of stream 1 of 901-2, and symbol group #3 of stream 1 of 901-3 in Fig. 9 may be a broadcast channel (i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to a plurality of terminals in order for the base station to perform data communication with the plurality of terminals). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0511] Here, the broadcast channel will be explained. The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0512] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0513] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0514] Similarly, for example, symbol group #1 of stream 2 of 902-1, symbol group #2 of stream 2 of 902-2, and symbol group #3 of stream 2 of 902-3 in Fig. 9 may be a broadcast channel (i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with the multiple terminals). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and the terminals to realize data communication.

[0515] The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0516] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0517] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0518] In this case, the characteristics of symbol group #1 of stream 1 of 901-1, symbol group #2 of stream 1 of 901-2, and symbol group #3 of stream 1 of 901-3 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments described so far, and the characteristics of symbol group #1 of stream 2 of 902-1, symbol group #2 of stream 2 of 902-2, and symbol group #3 of stream 2 of 902-3 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0519] Note that there may be cases where stream 2 is not transmitted, such as stream 2 symbol group #1 (902-1), stream 2 symbol group #2 (902-2), and stream 2 symbol group #3 (902-3) in Fig. 9. In particular, when transmitting a broadcast channel signal, the base station may not transmit stream 2 symbol groups (in this case, for example, in Fig. 7, base station 701 does not transmit 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3).

[0520] For example, the symbol group #1 of modulated signal 1 of 1401-1, the symbol group #2 of modulated signal 1 of 1401-2, and the symbol group #3 of modulated signal 1 of 1401-3 in Fig. 14 may be a broadcast channel (i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to a plurality of terminals in order to perform data communication with the base station). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0521] The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0522] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0523] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0524] For example, the symbol group #1 of modulated signal 2 of 1402-1, the symbol group #2 of modulated signal 2 of 1402-2, and the symbol group #3 of modulated signal 2 of 1402-3 in Fig. 14 may be a broadcast channel (i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to a plurality of terminals in order to perform data communication with the base station). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0525] The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0526] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0527] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0528] The characteristics of symbol group #1 of modulated signal 1 at 1401-1, symbol group #2 of modulated signal 1 at 1401-2, and symbol group #3 of modulated signal 1 at 1401-3 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments described so far, and the characteristics of symbol group #1 of modulated signal 2 at 1402-1, symbol group #2 of modulated signal 2 at 1402-2, and symbol group #3 of modulated signal 2 at 1402-3 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0529] For example, stream 1-1 data symbol (1) of 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) of 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) of 2501-1-3 in Fig. 25 may be a broadcast channel (i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with the multiple terminals). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0530] The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0531] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0532] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0533] The characteristics of stream 1-1 data symbol (1) of 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) of 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) of 2501-1-3 in Figure 25 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0534] For example, in Figures 31 and 32, stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (1) of 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) of 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) of 3101-3 may be a broadcast channel (that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0535] The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0536] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0537] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0538] The characteristics of stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2) in Figures 31 and 32, stream 1-2 data symbol (1) of 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) of 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) of 3101-3 are as described in the embodiments explained so far.

[0539] For example, in Figure 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2), the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) of 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) of 3101-(N+1), and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) of 3101-(N+2) may be a broadcast channel (i.e., control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with multiple terminals). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0540] The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0541] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0542] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0543] For example, stream 2-1 data symbol (1) of 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) of 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) of 3501-3 in Fig. 35 may be a broadcast channel (that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to perform data communication with the multiple terminals). Note that the control information is assumed to be, for example, control information required for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0544] The broadcast channel corresponds to the "PBCH", "PMCH", and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channel (physical channel signal 3708).

[0545] Furthermore, the broadcast channel corresponds to "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0546] The broadcast channel corresponds to "BCCH", "CCCH", "MCCH", "part of DTCH", and "MTCH" in the logical channels (logical channel signal 3704).

[0547] In Figure 35, the characteristics of stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbol (N) of 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) of 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) of 3101-(N+2) are as described in the embodiments previously explained, and the characteristics of stream 2-1 data symbol (1) of 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) of 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) of 3501-3 in Figure 35 are as described in the embodiments previously explained.

[0548] 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Also, the time positions of the data symbols are not limited to those shown in FIGS. 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0549] 25, 31, 32, and 35, the horizontal axis is used to represent time, but the same implementation is possible even if the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier). When the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier), the base station transmits each data symbol using one or more carriers or subcarriers.

[0550] Note that the symbol group of stream 1 in Fig. 9 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted individually to terminals. Similarly, the symbol group of stream 2 in Fig. 9 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted individually to terminals.

[0551] The symbol group of stream 1 in Fig. 14 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted to individual terminals. Similarly, the symbol group of stream 2 in Fig. 14 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted to individual terminals.

[0552] Furthermore, the symbols of stream 1-1 in Fig. 25 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted individually to terminals. The symbols of stream 1-1 and stream 1-2 in Fig. 31 and Fig. 32 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted individually to terminals.

[0553] The PBCH may be configured to be used to transmit, for example, the minimum information that a UE should read first after a cell search (such as the system bandwidth, the system frame number, and the number of transmit antennas).

[0554] The PMCH may be configured to be "used for operating a Multicast-broadcast single-frequency network (MBSFN)", for example.

[0555] The PDSCH may be configured as, for example, "a shared data channel for transmitting downlink user data, which aggregates and transmits all data regardless of the C (control)-plane / U (user)-plane."

[0556] The PDCCH may be configured to be used, for example, to notify users selected by an eNodeB (gNodeB) (base station) through scheduling of radio resource allocation information.

[0557] By implementing the above, in multicast / broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols and control information symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives a beam with good quality from the multiple transmission beams.Based on this, the terminal receives data symbols, thereby achieving the effect of the terminal being able to obtain high data reception quality.

[0558] (Embodiment 5) In this embodiment, a supplementary explanation will be given on the configuration of the symbol groups of stream 1 and stream 2 in FIG. 9 transmitted by the base station (700).

[0559] Figure 38 shows an example of the frame structure of stream 1 transmitted by the base station (700), where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency, showing the frame structure from time 1 to time 10 and carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 38 shows the frame structure of a multicarrier transmission method such as the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method.

[0560] It is assumed that symbol area 3801_1 of stream 1 in FIG. 38 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 9.

[0561] It is assumed that symbol group #i (3800_i) of stream 1 exists from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. It is assumed that symbol group #i (3800_i) of stream 1 corresponds to symbol group #i (901-i) of stream 1 in FIG.

[0562] It is assumed that symbol area 3801_2 of stream 1 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0563] In this case, for example, as described in embodiment 4, when a base station transmits (unicasts) individual data to one or more terminals, it can use symbol areas 3801_1 and 3801_2 of stream 1 in Figure 38.

[0564] Symbol group #i (3800_i) of stream 1 in FIG. 38 is used by the base station to transmit multicast data, as explained in the first and fourth embodiments.

[0565] Figure 39 shows an example of the frame structure of stream 2 transmitted by the base station (700), and in the frame structure in Figure 39, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency, showing the frame structure from time 1 to time 10 and carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 39 is a frame of a multicarrier transmission method such as the OFDM method.

[0566] It is assumed that symbol area 3901_1 of stream 2 in FIG. 39 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 9.

[0567] It is assumed that symbol group #i (3900_i) of stream 2 exists from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. It is assumed that symbol group #i (3900_i) of stream 2 corresponds to symbol group #i (902-i) of stream 2 in FIG.

[0568] It is assumed that symbol area 3901_2 of stream 2 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0569] In this case, for example, as described in embodiment 4, when a base station transmits (unicasts) individual data to one or more terminals, it can use symbol areas 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in Figure 39.

[0570] Symbol group #i (3900_i) of stream 2 in FIG. 39 is used by the base station to transmit multicast data, as explained in the first and fourth embodiments.

[0571] The base station will transmit the symbols at time X (in FIG. 38, X is an integer between 1 and 10) and carrier Y (in FIG. 38, Y is an integer between 1 and 40) in FIG. 38 and the symbols at time X and carrier Y in FIG. 39 using the same frequency and at the same time.

[0572] The characteristics of symbol group #1 of stream 1 901-1, symbol group #2 of stream 1 901-2, and symbol group #3 of stream 1 901-3 in Fig. 9 are as described in the embodiments described so far. That is, the characteristics of symbol group #i of stream 1 in Fig. 38 are the same as the symbol group of stream 1 in Fig. 9, and are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0573] Furthermore, the characteristics of stream 2 symbol group #1 of 902-1, stream 2 symbol group #2 of 902-2, and stream 2 symbol group #3 of 902-3 in Fig. 9 are as described in the embodiments described so far. That is, the characteristics of stream 2 symbol group #i in Fig. 39 are the same as those of stream 2 symbol group #1 of Fig. 9, and are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0574] If a symbol exists after time 11 on carrier 10 to carrier 20 in the frame configurations of Figures 38 and 39, it may be used for multicast transmission or individual data transmission (unicast transmission).

[0575] Furthermore, when the base station transmits a frame as shown in FIG. 9 using the frame configurations of FIGS. 38 and 39, the implementation described in the first and fourth embodiments may be carried out in the same manner.

[0576] By implementing the above, in multicast / broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols and control information symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives a beam with good quality from the multiple transmission beams.Based on this, the terminal receives data symbols, thereby achieving the effect of the terminal being able to obtain high data reception quality.

[0577] (Sixth embodiment) In this embodiment, a supplementary explanation will be given on the configuration of the symbol group of modulated signal 1 and the symbol group of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 14 transmitted by the base station (700).

[0578] Figure 40 shows an example of the frame structure of modulated signal 1 transmitted by base station (700), where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency, showing the frame structure from time 1 to time 10 and carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 40 shows the frame structure of a multicarrier transmission method such as the OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method.

[0579] It is assumed that symbol area 4001_1 of modulated signal 1 in FIG. 40 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 9.

[0580] It is assumed that symbol group #i(4000_i) of modulated signal 1 exists from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. It is assumed that symbol group #i(4000_i) of modulated signal 1 corresponds to symbol group #i(1401-i) of modulated signal 1 in FIG.

[0581] It is assumed that symbol area 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0582] In this case, for example, as described in embodiment 4, when a base station transmits (unicasts) individual data to one or more terminals, it can use symbol areas 4001_1 and 4001_2 of stream 1 in Figure 40.

[0583] Symbol group #i (4000_i) of modulated signal 1 in FIG. 40 is used by the base station to transmit multicast data, as explained in the first and fourth embodiments.

[0584] Figure 41 shows an example of the frame structure of modulated signal 2 transmitted by base station (700), and in the frame structure in Figure 41, the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is frequency, showing the frame structure from time 1 to time 10 and carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 41 is a frame of a multicarrier transmission method such as the OFDM method.

[0585] It is assumed that symbol area 4101_1 of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 41 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 9.

[0586] It is assumed that symbol group #i (4100_i) of modulated signal 2 exists from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. It is assumed that symbol group #i (4100_i) of modulated signal 2 corresponds to symbol group #i (1402-i) of modulated signal 2 in FIG.

[0587] It is assumed that symbol area 4101_2 of modulated signal 2 exists from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0588] In this case, for example, as described in embodiment 4, when a base station transmits (unicasts) individual data to one or more terminals, it can use symbol areas 4101_1 and 4101_2 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 41.

[0589] Symbol group #i (4100_i) of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 41 is used by the base station to transmit multicast data, as explained in the first and fourth embodiments.

[0590] The base station will transmit the symbol at time X (in FIG. 40, X is an integer between 1 and 10) and carrier Y (in FIG. 40, Y is an integer between 1 and 40) in FIG. 40 and the symbol at time X and carrier Y in FIG. 41 using the same frequency and at the same time.

[0591] The characteristics of symbol group #1 of stream 1 1401_1, symbol group #2 of modulated signal 1 1401_2, and symbol group #3 of modulated signal 1 1401_3 in Fig. 14 are as described in the embodiments described so far. That is, the characteristics of symbol group #i of modulated signal 1 in Fig. 40 are the same as the symbol group of modulated signal 1 in Fig. 14, and are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0592] Furthermore, the characteristics of symbol group #1 of modulated signal 2 of 1402_1, symbol group #2 of modulated signal 2 of 1402_2, and symbol group #3 of modulated signal 2 of 1402_3 in Fig. 14 are as described in the embodiments described so far. That is, the characteristics of symbol group #i of modulated signal 2 in Fig. 41 are the same as the symbol group of modulated signal 2 in Fig. 14, and are as described in the embodiments described so far.

[0593] If a symbol exists after time 11 on carrier 10 to carrier 20 in the frame configurations of Figures 40 and 41, it may be used for multicast transmission or individual data transmission (unicast transmission).

[0594] Furthermore, when the base station transmits a frame as shown in FIG. 14 using the frame configurations of FIGS. 40 and 41, the implementation described in the first and fourth embodiments may be carried out in the same manner.

[0595] An example of how to use symbol areas 3801_1 and 3801_2 of stream 1 in FIG. 38, symbol areas 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in FIG. 39, symbol areas 4001_1 and 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 in FIG. 40, and symbol areas 4101_1 and 4102_2 of modulated signal 2 in FIG. 41 will be described below.

[0596] Figure 42 shows an example of allocation of "symbol areas 3801_1 and 3801_2 of stream 1 in Figure 38, symbol areas 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in Figure 39, symbol areas 4001_1 and 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 40, and symbol areas 4101_1 and 4102_2 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 41" to terminals. In Figure 42, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency (carrier).

[0597] As shown in Fig. 42, for example, "symbol areas 3801_1 and 3801_2 of stream 1 in Fig. 38, symbol areas 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in Fig. 39, symbol areas 4001_1 and 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 in Fig. 40, and symbol areas 4101_1 and 4102_2 of modulated signal 2 in Fig. 41" are frequency-divided and assigned to terminals. Then, 4201_1 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #1, 4201_2 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #2, and 4201_3 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #3.

[0598] For example, a base station (700) is communicating with terminals #1, #2, and #3, and when the base station transmits data to terminal #1, the base station transmits the data to terminal #1 using "symbol group 4201_1 allocated to terminal #1" in Figure 42. When the base station transmits data to terminal #2, the base station transmits the data to terminal #2 using "symbol group 4201_2 allocated to terminal #2" in Figure 42. When the base station transmits data to terminal #3, the base station transmits the data to terminal #3 using "symbol group 4201_3 allocated to terminal #3" in Figure 42.

[0599] The method of allocation to terminals is not limited to that shown in Figure 42, and the frequency band (number of carriers) may change over time, and may be set in any way. Furthermore, the method of allocation to terminals may be changed over time.

[0600] Figure 43 is an example different from that of Figure 42 of allocation to terminals of "symbol areas 3801_1 and 3801_2 of stream 1 in Figure 38, symbol areas 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in Figure 39, symbol areas 4001_1 and 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 40, and symbol areas 4101_1 and 4102_2 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 41." In Figure 43, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency (carrier).

[0601] As shown in Fig. 43, for example, "symbol areas 3801_1 and 3801_2 of stream 1 in Fig. 38, symbol areas 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in Fig. 39, symbol areas 4001_1 and 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 in Fig. 40, and symbol areas 4101_1 and 4102_2 of modulated signal 2 in Fig. 41" are divided into time and frequency regions and assigned to terminals. Then, 4301_1 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #1, 4301_2 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #2, 4301_3 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #3, 4301_4 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #4, 4301_5 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #5, and 4301_6 is a symbol group assigned to terminal #6.

[0602] For example, a base station (700) is communicating with terminals #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6. When the base station transmits data to terminal #1, it transmits the data to terminal #1 using "symbol group 4301_1 allocated for terminal #1" in FIG. 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #2, it transmits the data to terminal #2 using "symbol group 4301_2 allocated for terminal #2" in FIG. 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #3, it transmits the data to terminal #3 using "symbol group 4301_3 allocated for terminal #3" in FIG. 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #4, it transmits the data to terminal #4 using "symbol group 4301_4 allocated for terminal #4" in FIG. 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #5, it will transmit the data to terminal #5 using "symbol group 4301_5 allocated for terminal #5" in Fig. 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #6, it will transmit the data to terminal #6 using "symbol group 4301_6 allocated for terminal #6" in Fig. 43.

[0603] The allocation method to terminals is not limited to that shown in Figure 43, and the frequency band (number of carriers) and time width may be changed and may be set in any way. Furthermore, the allocation method to terminals may be changed over time.

[0604] Furthermore, in the symbol areas of stream 1, stream 2, modulated signal 1, and modulated signal 2 in Figures 38, 39, 40, and 41, different weighting methods may be performed for each carrier, or the weighting method may be determined for multiple carriers. Furthermore, weighting parameters may be set for each assigned terminal, as in Figures 43 and 44. The setting of the weighting method for each carrier is not limited to these examples.

[0605] By implementing the above, in multicast / broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols and control information symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives a beam with good quality from the multiple transmission beams.Based on this, the terminal receives data symbols, thereby achieving the effect of the terminal being able to obtain high data reception quality.

[0606] (Embodiment 7) In this specification, the base station 700 in Figures 7, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 22, and the base station described in other embodiments, may have a configuration as shown in Figure 44.

[0607] The following describes the operation of the base station in Fig. 44. In Fig. 44, components that operate in the same way as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 are given the same numbers, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0608] Weighting synthesis section 301 receives processed signals 103_1, 103_2, . . . , 103_M and control signal 159 as input, performs weighting synthesis based on control signal 159, and outputs weighted synthesis signals 4401_1, 4401_2, . . . , 4401_K, where M is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and K is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0609] For example, if the signal 103_i (where i is an integer between 1 and M) after signal processing is represented as ui(t) (t is time) and the signal 4401_g (where g is an integer between 1 and K) after weighted synthesis is represented as vg(t), then vg(t) can be expressed by the following equation:

[0610]

number

[0611] Radio section 104_g receives weighted and combined signal 4401_g and control signal 159 as input, performs predetermined processing based on control signal 159, and generates and outputs transmission signal 105_g, which is then transmitted from antenna 303_1.

[0612] The transmission method supported by the base station may be a multi-carrier method such as OFDM, or a single-carrier method. The base station may also 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. 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."

[0613] Although equation (7) is written as a function of time, in the case of a multicarrier system such as OFDM, it may be a function of frequency in addition to time.

[0614] For example, in the OFDM system, different weighting methods may be used for each carrier, or a weighting method may be determined for each group of carriers. The setting of the weighting method for each carrier is not limited to these examples.

[0615] (Supplement 6) Naturally, the embodiments and other contents such as supplements described in this specification may be combined and implemented.

[0616] Furthermore, the configuration of the base station is not limited to those shown in Figures 1 and 3, but the present disclosure can be implemented as long as the base station has multiple transmitting antennas and generates and transmits multiple transmitting beams (transmitting directional beams).

[0617] Furthermore, 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.

[0618] 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 (e.g., 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, 4096APSK, etc.), PAM (e.g., 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, 4096PAM, etc.), PSK (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, 4096PSK, etc.), QAM (e.g., 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 1024QAM, 4096QAM, etc.), etc. may be applied, and uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping may be used for each modulation scheme. Furthermore, the method of arranging 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, 1024, etc. signal points on the IQ 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.

[0619] In this specification, the transmitting device may be, for example, communication / broadcasting equipment such as a broadcast station, a base station, an access point, a terminal, or a mobile phone, and the receiving device may be, for example, communication equipment such as a television, a radio, a terminal, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, or a base station. The transmitting device and receiving device in this disclosure may be devices having a communication function, and may be configured to be connectable to a device for executing an application, such as a television, a radio, a personal computer, or a mobile phone, via some kind of interface. In this embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, such as pilot symbols (preambles, unique words, postambles, reference symbols, etc.), symbols for control information, etc., may be arranged in any manner in a frame. Here, the symbols are called pilot symbols and symbols for control information, but any naming method may be used; what is important is the function itself.

[0620] 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.

[0621] 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.).

[0622] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, in the embodiments, the case where the communication method is performed as a communication device is described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and the communication method can also be implemented as software.

[0623] 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.

[0624] 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.

[0625] Furthermore, each configuration of the above-described embodiments may be implemented as an LSI, which is typically an integrated circuit having input and output terminals. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or a single chip may contain all or part of the configuration 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 may also be 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.

[0626] Various frame configurations have been described herein. A modulated signal having the frame configuration described herein is transmitted by, for example, a base station (AP) equipped with the transmitting device of Fig. 1 using a multi-carrier system such as OFDM. In this case, when a terminal (user) communicating with the base station (AP) transmits a modulated signal, it is possible to consider an application method in which the modulated signal transmitted by the terminal is a single-carrier system (by using the OFDM system, the base station (AP) can simultaneously transmit data symbol groups to multiple terminals, and by using the single-carrier system, the terminal can reduce power consumption).

[0627] Alternatively, a TDD (Time Division Duplex) system may be applied in which the terminal transmits modulation signals using part of the frequency band used by the modulated signals transmitted by the base station (AP).

[0628] 1 is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. For example, antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M do not have to be configured with multiple antennas, and antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M do not have to receive signal 159 as input.

[0629] The configuration of antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N in Fig. 4 is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. For example, antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N do not have to be configured with multiple antennas, and antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N do not have to receive signal 410 as input.

[0630] The transmission method supported by the base station and the terminal may be a multi-carrier method such as OFDM, or a single-carrier method. The base station may also 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. 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."

[0631] 1, 3, and 44, at least multicast (broadcast) data is present in information #1 (101_1), information #2 (101_2), ..., information #M (101_M). For example, in FIG. 1, if information #1 (101_1) is multicast data, multiple streams or modulated signals including this data are generated by the signal processing unit 102 and output from the antenna.

[0632] In FIG. 3, if information #1 (101_1) is data for multicast, multiple streams or modulated signals containing this data are generated by the signal processing unit 102 and / or the weighting synthesis unit 301 and output from the antenna.

[0633] In FIG. 44, if information #1 (101_1) is data for multicast, multiple streams or modulated signals containing this data are generated by the signal processing unit 102 and / or the weighting synthesis unit 301 and output from the antenna.

[0634] The state of the multiple streams or modulated signals is as explained using FIGS. 7, 9, 12, 14, 17, 18, and 19.

[0635] Furthermore, data addressed to individual terminals may be included in information #1 (101_1), information #2 (101_2), ..., information #M (101_M) in Figures 1, 3, and 44. This point is as explained in the embodiment of this specification.

[0636] 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 method 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.

[0637] In this case, the device having at least one of the FPGA and the CPU may be connected to the communication modem wirelessly or via a wire, and the communication method described in this disclosure may be realized by this device and the communication modem.

[0638] For example, a communication device such as a base station, AP, or terminal described herein may include at least one of an FPGA and a CPU, and may have an interface for externally obtaining software for operating at least one of the FPGA and the CPU. Furthermore, the communication device may have a storage 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.

[0639] (Embodiment A1) In this embodiment, a method for constructing a network using a communication system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0640] 45 is a diagram showing an example of a connection between a network and a gateway. The communication system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0641] As shown in FIG. 45, the communication system includes an outdoor gateway 4501, an indoor gateway 4502, an outdoor network 4503, and an indoor network 4504.

[0642] The outdoor gateway 4501 is a gateway device communicatively connected to the outdoor network 4503. The outdoor gateway 4501 includes a communication IF (interface) 4501a, a communication IF 4501b, and a wireless power receiving unit 4501c. The outdoor gateway 4501 can be realized by, for example, a computer. However, it does not have to be configured by a computer. The outdoor gateway 4501 corresponds to a first communication device. The outdoor gateway 4501 may be one node constituting the outdoor network 4503.

[0643] The communication IF 4501a is a communication interface device that is communicatively connected to the outdoor network 4503.

[0644] The communication IF 4501b is a communication interface device that is communicatively connected to the indoor gateway 4502.

[0645] The wireless power receiving unit 4501c is a power receiving device that receives power wirelessly from the indoor gateway 4502. Power can be supplied by a method using electromagnetic induction, a wireless power transmission method, or a wireless power feeding method, and more specifically, the Qi standard, for example, can be adopted. However, applicable power transmission methods are not limited to these.

[0646] The outdoor gateway 4501 receives communication frames from surrounding communication devices through the communication IFs 4501a and 4501b and transmits them to other appropriate communication devices. The outdoor gateway 4501 also controls which frame is to be transmitted through which communication IF by exchanging route information with surrounding communication devices through the communication IFs 4501a and 4501b.

[0647] The indoor gateway 4502 is a gateway device communicatively connected to the indoor network 4504. The indoor gateway 4502 includes a communication IF 4502a, a communication IF 4502b, a power receiving unit 4502c, and a wireless power supply unit (wireless power transmitting unit) 4502d. The indoor gateway 4502 can be realized by, for example, a computer. However, it does not have to be configured by a computer. The indoor gateway 4502 corresponds to a second communication device. Note that the indoor gateway 4502 may be one node constituting the indoor network 4504.

[0648] The communication IF 4502a is a communication interface device that is communicatively connected to the indoor network 4504.

[0649] The communication IF 4502b is a communication interface device that is communicatively connected to the outdoor gateway 4501.

[0650] The power receiving unit 4502c is a power receiving unit that receives power for driving the indoor gateway 4502 from a power supply terminal arranged indoors, such as an outlet or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector. The power receiving unit 4502c is connected to an outlet by a power cord and receives power of, for example, AC 100 V, or is connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector and receives power.

[0651] The wireless power supply unit (wireless power transmission unit) 4502d is a power supply device (power transmission device) that wirelessly supplies power to the outdoor gateway 4501. The power supplied by the wireless power supply unit 4502d is a portion of the power received by the power receiving unit 4502c from the outlet. Power is supplied in the same manner as the wireless power receiving unit 4501c.

[0652] The indoor gateway 4502 receives communication frames from surrounding communication devices via the communication IFs 4502a and 4502b and transmits them to other appropriate communication devices. The indoor gateway 4502 also controls which frames are to be transmitted via which communication IFs by exchanging route information with surrounding communication devices via the communication IFs 4502a and 4502b.

[0653] The outdoor network 4503 is, for example, a network installed in an outdoor space (also referred to as a first space). The outdoor network 4503 is a wireless network (also referred to as a first network), and specifically, for example, a network conforming to communication standards such as IEEE 802.11ad and IEEE 802.11ay. However, this network may use a communication method other than these standards (for example, the IEEE 802.11a standard, the IEEE 802.11g standard, the IEEE 802.11n standard, the IEEE 802.11ac standard, the IEEE 802.11ax standard, or a cellular standard may be used).

[0654] The outdoor network 4503 may be connected to a wired network configured using optical fiber or the like. In this case, the outdoor network 4503 serves to connect the indoor network 4504 and the wired network. Note that the outdoor network 4503 may be a closed network that is not connected to the wired network.

[0655] The indoor network 4504 is a network installed in an indoor space (also referred to as a second space). The indoor network 4504 is a wireless network (also referred to as a second network), and specifically, for example, is a network conforming to communication standards such as IEEE 802.11ad and IEEE 802.11ay. However, this network may use a communication method other than these standards (for example, the IEEE 802.11a standard, the IEEE 802.11g standard, the IEEE 802.11n standard, the IEEE 802.11ac standard, the IEEE 802.11ax standard, or a cellular standard may be used).

[0656] The outdoor gateway 4501 or the indoor gateway 4502 has, for example, the configuration of Fig. 1 (or Fig. 3 or Fig. 44). The operations of the parts in Fig. 1 (or Fig. 3 or Fig. 44) and Fig. 4 have already been explained, so explanations will be omitted.

[0657] The indoor space and the outdoor space are separated by a board or the like. In this case, the communication IF 4501b and the communication IF 4502b are connected by wireless communication using radio waves via the board. The board is, for example, an exterior wall (for example, an exterior wall of a building or a house) or a glass plate (for example, a glass plate installed in an opening of a building or a house).

[0658] If the outdoor network 4503 is a wireless network, the communication IF 4501a is a wireless communication interface. If the indoor network 4504 is a wireless network, the communication IF 4502a is a wireless communication interface.

[0659] The communication IF 4501a communicates using, for example, a time division multiple access (TDMA) system. The communication IF 4502a communicates using, for example, a carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) system. However, the communication IF 4501a may communicate using a system other than TDMA, and the communication IF 4502a may communicate using a system other than CSMA.

[0660] The outdoor network 4503 and the indoor network 4504 may each be a wireless multi-hop network (wireless mesh network). In this case, the communication IF 4501a is connected to the outdoor network 4503 which is a wireless multi-hop network (wireless mesh network), and the communication IF 4502a is connected to the indoor network 4504 which is also a wireless multi-hop network (wireless mesh network).

[0661] In addition, the control method of the communication system includes a step of connecting to an outdoor network 4503 by an outdoor gateway 4501, a step of performing wireless communication by the outdoor gateway 4501, a step of connecting to an indoor network 4504 by an indoor gateway 4502, and a step of connecting to the outdoor gateway 4501 by wireless communication by the indoor gateway 4502.

[0662] Fig. 46 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system. More specifically, Fig. 46 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mesh network, which is an outdoor network 4503 using wireless signal repeaters (also simply called "repeaters").

[0663] A plurality of repeaters are respectively placed at a plurality of points in a predetermined area to form a mesh-type wireless backhaul. For example, a repeater 4800B transmits a signal received from a repeater 4800A to a repeater 4800C. The repeater 4800B also transmits a signal received from the repeater 4800A to an edge node (or node) 4810 connected to the repeater 4800B. The edge node (or node) 4810 is a gateway device installed in a home. The repeater 4800B also transmits a signal received from the edge node (or node) 4810 connected to the repeater 4800B to another repeater 4800C.

[0664] This type of wireless connection from the repeater 4800B to the home is called WTTH (Wireless To The Home), although the term is not limited to this.

[0665] The edge node (or node) may be a gateway device installed in a network within a building. This type of wireless connection from a repeater to a building is called WTTB (Wireless To The Building). However, the terminology is not limited to this.

[0666] The edge node (or node) may also be, for example, a Wi-Fi access point.

[0667] In this way, use cases in which edge nodes (or nodes) are wirelessly connected in the outdoor network 4503 are collectively called WTTX (Wireless to the X).

[0668] FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the indoor network 4504.

[0669] The indoor network 4504 shown in FIG. 47 constitutes a mesh network (multi-hop network) and includes MPs (Mesh Points) *1, MP *2, MP *3, MP *4, MP *5, MP *6, MP *7, and MP *8 (also referred to as "MP *1, etc.") and MAPs (Mesh Access Points) #1, MAP #2, MAP #3, and MAP #4 (also referred to as "MAP #1, etc."). Note that here, the indoor gateway 4502 will be described as one node constituting the mesh network. Note that the MPs *1, etc. or MAP #1, etc. have the configuration of, for example, FIG. 1 (or FIG. 3, or FIG. 44). Note that the operations of the components in FIG. 1 (or FIG. 3, or FIG. 44) and FIG. 4 have already been described, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0670] In addition, a "dashed line" connecting an MP or MAP means that the MPs or MAPs connected by the dashed line can communicate with each other, and a "solid line" connecting an MP or MAP means that the communication link connecting them has been selected as the communication path in the mesh network.

[0671] For example, the indoor gateway 4502 and MP*1, which are connected by a solid line, are in a state where communication is possible, and the communication link connecting the indoor gateway 4502 and MP*1 is selected as the communication path. Also, MP*3 and MP*4, which are connected by a dashed line, are in a state where communication is possible, but the communication link connecting MP*3 and MP*4 is not selected as the communication path. Also, MP*3 and MAP#3, which are not connected by either a solid line or a dashed line, are in a state where communication is impossible.

[0672] Each of the MPs*1, etc. is a node that makes up the mesh network. Each of the MPs*1, etc. has a routing table and transmits packets according to the routing table, enabling communication between terminals connected to the mesh network and other communication devices. The routing table may be statically set (static routing table), or it may be dynamically set (dynamic routing table) by the MPs*1, etc. exchanging information with each other using a routing protocol.

[0673] Each of MAP#1, etc. is, for example, a node constituting a mesh network, and further has the function of a base station (access point) that provides wireless access to terminals present indoors. The function of each of MAP#1, etc. constituting a mesh network is the same as that of MP*1, etc. Furthermore, the function of each of MAP#1, etc. as a base station is the same as that of a general base station. MAP#1, etc. has the function of a base station (access point) for a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) in the 2.4 GHz band, 5 GHz band, 60 GHz band, etc.

[0674] MP*1 etc. and MAP#1 etc. perform (1) initial operations to configure a mesh network, (2) operations to configure the mesh network (specifically, processing to determine communication paths, etc.), and (3) packet forwarding operations between MP*1 etc. and MAP#1 etc., thereby enabling terminals connected to MAP#1 etc. to communicate with the indoor gateway 4502 via the mesh network.

[0675] The operations (1) to (3) above will be described in detail below.

[0676] (1) Initial operation for configuring a mesh network Each of the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., MAP#1, etc. searches for adjacent nodes. Note that a node is any of the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., MAP#1, etc. As a result, for example, MP*3 learns that it can communicate with MP*1, MP*2, MP*4, and MP*6. At this time, for example, MP*3 may also perform beamforming training.

[0677] The indoor gateway does not search for devices installed outdoors (for example, an outdoor gateway, an outdoor MP, or an outdoor MAP, none of which are shown).

[0678] Specifically, the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., MAP#1, etc. each notify surrounding nodes that they belong to the indoor network by transmitting frames. Similarly, the outdoor gateway 4501, outdoor MP, and outdoor MAP each notify surrounding nodes that they belong to the outdoor network by transmitting frames.

[0679] Therefore, information about the network to which each node belongs is included in the transmission frame. Also, the transmission frame includes control information indicating whether the information included in the frame is "broadcast (multicast) information" or "unicast information." Furthermore, the transmission frame includes information indicating whether each source node is a gateway (specifically, the indoor gateway 4502 or the outdoor gateway 4501), an MP (specifically, the indoor MP*1 or the like or the outdoor MP), or a MAP (specifically, the indoor MAP#1 or the outdoor MAP).

[0680] Next, each node shares connection information. Here, the connection information is broadcast (multicast) to the surrounding area. The indoor gateway 4502, MP#1, MAP*1, etc. obtain the connection information of the surrounding nodes.

[0681] For example, MP*3 recognizes that it can communicate with MP*1. Then, MP*3 transmits the information that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1" to other nodes (indoor gateway 4502, indoor MP#1, and indoor MAP*1).

[0682] Therefore, for example, MP*3 will transmit information that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1" to MP*1, MP*2, MP*4, MP*6, and MAP#4. MP*6 will transmit information that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1" to MP*7, MP*5, and MAP#2. MP*1, MP*2, MP*4, and MAP#4 will also each transmit information that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1."

[0683] Here, each node of the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1 needs a function to not broadcast (multicast) (not transmit) data when it receives the same data as data received in the past.

[0684] For example, MAP#4 first receives information from MP*3 that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1." Then, MAP#4 transmits the information that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1" to MP*1, etc. and MAP#1, etc. Next, MAP#4 receives information that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1" from MAP#4. At this time, MAP#4 does not transmit the information that "MP*3 can communicate with MP*1" to MP*1, etc. and MAP#1, etc. However, broadcasting (multicast) is only performed on the indoor network.

[0685] During the above operation, each node transmits a frame including, for example, "symbols for beamforming," "control information symbols," "data symbols," etc. An example of this frame is shown in FIG. 48. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing the configuration of the above frame, with the horizontal axis representing time. Below, a case where a first node transmits a frame with the configuration shown in FIG. 48 will be described as an example.

[0686] The symbols for beamforming are symbols for determining a signal processing method for transmit beamforming and a signal processing method for receive beamforming when a first node communicates with a communication partner node. Note that the communication partner node may be multiple nodes.

[0687] The control information symbols include at least one of a "network attribute information symbol," a "node information symbol," and a "device identification information symbol."

[0688] The network attribute information symbol is information about the network to which the first node belongs. The network attribute information symbol is a symbol for notifying, for example, that "the first node belongs to an indoor network" or "the first node belongs to an outdoor network."

[0689] The node information symbol is information about the node to which the first node belongs, such as a symbol for notifying that "the first node is a gateway," "the first node is an MP," or "the first node is a MAP."

[0690] The device identification information symbol is a symbol for notifying other nodes of the unique number for device identification of the first node.

[0691] The initial operation for configuring a mesh network will be described with reference to Figures 49 and 50. Figure 49 is a diagram showing the flow of communication with other nodes after the first node transmits a frame during operation (1).

[0692] As shown in Figure 49, first, the first node transmits a frame in operation (1) to each of the second node and the third node. This frame transmission may be performed one or more times. Then, in response to receiving the frame, each of the second node and the third node transmits a frame in response to the first node.

[0693] 50 is a diagram showing the frame structure of a frame used by a first node to transmit connection information to other nodes, in which the horizontal axis represents time.

[0694] As shown in FIG. 50, this frame includes a preamble, control information symbols, and data symbols.

[0695] The preamble is a symbol that the first node uses to perform time synchronization, frame synchronization, frequency synchronization, etc. with the communication partner. For example, the control information symbol includes a "data destination information symbol" and a "transmission method information symbol."

[0696] The data destination information symbol is information about the destination of the frame transmitted by the first node. For example, if the first node transmits this frame to the second node, the data destination information symbol is information that "this is a frame being transmitted to the second node."

[0697] The transmission method information symbol is a symbol for transmitting information about the transmission method of the frame transmitted by the first node. Since this frame is a frame for broadcast (multicast), the transmission method information symbol contains information that "it is a multicast frame." If the frame to be transmitted is a unicast frame, the transmission method information symbol may contain information that "it is a unicast frame." It may also contain information about the transmission method, such as the error correction code method and modulation method used to generate the data symbol, and the number of streams to be transmitted.

[0698] A data symbol is a symbol that contains the data carried by this frame. For example, the data symbol contains a "connection information symbol."

[0699] The connection information symbol is a symbol for transmitting information about the nodes to which the first node is connected. For example, since the first node is connected to the second node and the third node, the "connection information symbol" includes information such as "the first node is connected to the second node" and "the first node is connected to the third node." Note that this symbol may also include the identification unique information of the first node, the identification unique information of the second node, and the identification unique information of the third node.

[0700] In the above example, an example of a frame for broadcast (multicast) is described. Therefore, the second node that receives this frame will transmit a connection information symbol to the other nodes. In addition, the third node will also transmit a connection information symbol to the other nodes.

[0701] In other words, a node that receives a connection information symbol will transmit a frame including the connection information symbol. However, as described above, if a node that has received a connection information symbol once and transmitted a frame including the connection information symbol receives the connection information symbol again, it will not transmit a frame including the connection information symbol.

[0702] In this way, each node can learn the configuration of the mesh network.

[0703] (2) Processing for configuring a mesh network Two methods for configuring a mesh network will be described. The first method is a method in which the indoor gateway 4502 creates a route map for each MAP. The second method is a method in which the indoor gateway 4502 creates a route map for each MAP, but does not share the maps. These methods will be described in detail.

[0704] (2-1) First method In the first method, the indoor gateway 4502 creates a route map for each MAP. As a result of creating the route map, a mesh network is formed, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0705] The indoor gateway 4502 creates a route map for MAP#1. This route map indicates, for example, (a) that the indoor gateway 4502 transmits data to MP*4, MP*4 transmits data to MP*5, MP*5 transmits data to MP*6, MP*6 transmits data to MP*7, and MP*7 transmits data to MAP#1, thereby enabling the indoor gateway 4502 to transmit data to MAP#1. Furthermore, (b) that MAP#1 transmits data to MP*7, MP*7 transmits data to MP*6, MP*6 transmits data to MP*5, MP*5 transmits data to MP*4, and MP*4 transmits data to the indoor gateway 4502, thereby enabling MAP#1 to transmit data to the indoor gateway 4502.

[0706] Then, the indoor gateway 4502 transmits a frame including this route map information to MAP#1 in order to share this route map with MAP#1. The frame including the route map information contains information regarding node routing as control information. Each node transmitting this frame can refer to this control information included in the frame to know the destination of the frame.

[0707] (3) Packet transmission operation Thereafter, when the indoor gateway 4502 transmits information to MAP#1, the data is transmitted based on this route map. That is, the indoor gateway 4502 transmits control information regarding node routing based on the route map. Each node transmits frames sequentially based on the transmitted control information.

[0708] Furthermore, when MAP#1 transmits information to the indoor gateway 4502, the data is transmitted based on this route map. That is, MAP#1 transmits control information regarding node routing based on the route map. Each node transmits frames sequentially based on the transmitted control information.

[0709] Fig. 52 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration. Fig. 52 shows an example of a frame configuration when, for example, indoor gateway 4502 transmits information to MAP#1. In Fig. 52, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0710] For example, the indoor gateway 4502 transmits a preamble. The preamble is a symbol for performing, for example, time synchronization, frame synchronization, and frequency synchronization when the MP*4 receives the modulated signal of this frame (it may also be used for signal detection).

[0711] The control information symbols include “node routing information symbols” and “transmission method information symbols.” The data symbols are symbols containing data to be transmitted by the indoor gateway 4502 to MAP#1.

[0712] The node routing information symbol is a symbol for transmitting information regarding the "route map when the indoor gateway 4502 transmits this frame to MP*4."

[0713] The transmission method information symbol is a symbol for transmitting information about the transmission method of a frame transmitted by the indoor gateway 4502. The transmission method information symbol may include, for example, information about whether the data is broadcast or unicast, information about the error correction coding method and modulation scheme used to generate the modulated signal of the data symbol, and information about the transmission method such as the number of streams to be transmitted.

[0714] The data symbol is a symbol containing data for transmission from the indoor gateway to MAP#1, and is also a symbol that the indoor gateway sends to MP*4.

[0715] By using a similar frame structure when MP*4 sends a modulated signal to MP*5, when MP*5 sends a modulated signal to MP*6, when MP*6 sends a modulated signal to MP*7, and when MP*7 sends a modulated signal to MAP#1, the data sent by the indoor gateway 4502 can be transmitted to MAP#1.

[0716] This frame configuration may be considered as a frame when MAP#1 transmits information to the indoor gateway 4502.

[0717] For example, MAP#1 transmits a preamble, which is a symbol used by MP*7 for time synchronization, frame synchronization, frequency synchronization, etc. when receiving the modulated signal of this frame (it may also be used for signal detection).

[0718] The control information symbols include “node routing information symbols” and “transmission method information symbols.” The data symbols are symbols containing data to be transmitted by MAP#1 to the indoor gateway 4502.

[0719] The node routing information symbol is a symbol for transmitting information regarding "the route map when MAP#1 transmits this frame to MP*7."

[0720] The transmission method information symbol is a symbol for transmitting information about the transmission method of the frame transmitted by MAP#1. The transmission method information symbol may include, for example, information about whether the data is broadcast or unicast, information about the error correction coding method and modulation scheme used to generate the modulated signal of the data symbol, and information about the transmission method such as the number of streams to be transmitted.

[0721] The data symbol is a symbol containing data for MAP#1 to transmit to the indoor gateway 4502, and is also a symbol that MAP#1 transmits to MP*7.

[0722] By using a similar frame structure when MP*7 sends a modulated signal to MP*6, when MP*6 sends a modulated signal to MP*5, when MP*5 sends a modulated signal to MP*4, and when MP*4 sends a modulated signal to the indoor gateway, the data sent by MAP#1 can be transmitted to the indoor gateway 4502.

[0723] (2-2) Second method In the second method, the indoor gateway 4502 creates a route map for each MAP, but does not share the maps.

[0724] Fig. 53 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an indoor network. Note that the mesh network formed as a result of creating a route map is, for example, as shown in Fig. 53.

[0725] The indoor gateway 4502 creates a route map for MAP#1. This route map indicates, for example, (a) that the indoor gateway 4502 transmits data to MP*4, MP*4 transmits data to MP*5, MP*5 transmits data to MP*6, MP*6 transmits data to MP*7, and MP*7 transmits data to MAP#1, thereby enabling the indoor gateway 4502 to transmit data to MAP#1. Furthermore, (b) that MAP#1 transmits data to MP*7, MP*7 transmits data to MP*6, MP*6 transmits data to MP*5, MP*5 transmits data to MP*4, and MP*4 transmits data to the indoor gateway, thereby enabling MAP#1 to transmit data to the indoor gateway 4502.

[0726] (3) Packet transmission operation The indoor gateway 4502 transmits information based on the information in this route map. When transmitting this information, the indoor gateway 4502 also transmits control information including information regarding the route through the nodes. Therefore, each node knows the destination to which to transmit the frame based on the transmitted control information.

[0727] Similarly, MAP#1 creates a route map for the indoor gateway 4502. MAP#1 then transmits information based on the information in this route map. When transmitting this information, MAP#1 also transmits control information including information about passing through nodes. Therefore, each node knows the destination to which to transmit a frame based on the transmitted control information.

[0728] The frame structure and operation example are the same as those explained in FIG.

[0729] As described above, communication from the indoor gateway 4502 to the terminal can be realized wirelessly, which has the effect of providing an environment with fewer wiring for data transmission indoors. Also, connection between an indoor network and an outdoor network can be realized by wireless data communication, which has the effect of providing an environment with fewer wiring for data transmission.

[0730] Next, two cases, specifically Case 1 and Case 2, regarding the timing of executing the operation (1) above will be explained (see FIG. 54). Case 1 is a case where the operations (1) and (2) are executed at a certain time interval. Case 2 is a case where the operation (1) is executed again when adding an MP or MAP to the indoor network.

[0731] Case 1 has already been explained. Case 2 will now be explained.

[0732] Here, we consider a case where the network configuration shown in Fig. 55 changes to the network configuration shown in Fig. 56. The network configuration in Fig. 55 has already been explained, so its explanation will be omitted. The network configuration shown in Fig. 56 is obtained by adding MP*100 to the network configuration shown in Fig. 55. Moreover, the configuration of indoor network 4504 after MP*100 has been added is shown in Fig. 57.

[0733] The process when MP*100 is added to the indoor network 4504 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0734] First, the MP*100 notifies the nodes in the indoor network 4504 that it will join the indoor network 4504. At this time, a "notification of joining the indoor network" is broadcast (multicast).

[0735] In reality, the above notification is only notified to the adjacent nodes of MP* 100. As shown in Figure 57, the adjacent nodes of MP* 100 are the indoor gateway and MP* 6, so the above notification is received by the indoor gateway 4502 and MP* 6.

[0736] At the same time, MP*100 broadcasts (multicasts) a “request to reset indoor network configuration.” The “request to reset indoor network configuration” is received by the indoor gateway and MP*6, as described above.

[0737] Next, the indoor gateway 4502 and MP*6 broadcast (multicast) a "notification to join the indoor network" and a "request to reset the indoor network configuration." After that, other nodes will also broadcast (multicast) a "notification to join the indoor network" and a "request to reset the indoor network configuration," but examples of the rules for broadcast (multicast) transmission are as already explained.

[0738] In the above example, an example in which an MP is added to the indoor network 4504 has been described, but a MAP may also be added. In this case, the above description of the operation of the MP can be replaced with the operation of the MAP, and the same implementation can be achieved.

[0739] Then, operations (1) and (2) are performed, and operation (3) becomes possible.

[0740] As described above, the indoor communication environment can be improved by configuring a network in which a new MP or MAP can be added to the indoor network 4504. This provides the effects of improving the data transmission quality and the data transmission speed.

[0741] Although the above description refers to an "indoor network," the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1, etc. may be installed outdoors. In other words, the installation locations of the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1, etc. are not limited to indoors.

[0742] Furthermore, the MP*1 etc. have a relay function (data transfer function), but may also have a function of an access point for the MP*1 etc. to communicate with the terminal. Similarly, the indoor gateway 4502 may have a function of an access point for communicating with the terminal.

[0743] Furthermore, the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1, etc. may be equipped with a device that generates data from a camera, a sensor, etc. Furthermore, the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1, etc. may be equipped with an interface that connects to a device that generates data from a camera, a sensor, etc., and the relay function (data transfer function) described in this embodiment may be used to transmit the data generated by these devices to the terminal or the indoor gateway 4502.

[0744] (Supplementary A1) 45, the indoor gateway 4502 receives power from an AC (Alternating Current) power supply or a DC (Direct Current) power supply via a power receiving unit 4502c, for example, via a wire. This provides the advantage of more stable power supply to the indoor gateway 4502.

[0745] On the other hand, the outdoor gateway 4501 may not have a power receiving unit that receives power from an AC power source or a DC power source via a wired connection, but may instead receive power wirelessly from the indoor gateway 4502, as shown in the drawing. More specifically, power is wirelessly fed (transmitted) from the wireless power feeding unit 4502d of the indoor gateway 4502 to the wireless power receiving unit 4501c of the outdoor gateway 4501. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a short circuit in the "power receiving unit that receives power via a wired connection from an AC power source or a DC power source" due to rainfall or snowfall, thereby achieving the effect of facilitating waterproofing and drip-proofing.

[0746] The indoor gateway 4502 and the outdoor gateway 4501 in Figure 45, Figure 46 or Figure 47, the Wi-Fi AP and repeater in Figure 46, and the MP and MAP in Figure 47 may have wireless communication capabilities in one frequency band, or may have wireless communication capabilities in two or more frequency bands.

[0747] Here, "having a wireless communication function in one frequency band" may mean, for example, "having only a wireless communication function in the 60 GHz band."

[0748] Furthermore, "having wireless communication functions in two or more frequency bands" may mean, for example, "having wireless communication functions in the 2.4 GHz band and wireless communication functions in the 60 GHz band," or "having wireless communication functions in the 5 GHz band and wireless communication functions in the 60 GHz band," or "having wireless communication functions in the 2.4 GHz band, wireless communication functions in the 5 GHz band and wireless communication functions in the 60 GHz band."

[0749] Note that "having wireless communication capabilities in two or more frequency bands" is not limited to the above. For example, it may mean "having wireless communication capabilities in frequency band A (Hz: Hertz) and wireless communication capabilities in frequency band B (Hz), where A is a real number greater than or equal to 0, B is a real number greater than or equal to 0, and A≠B holds."

[0750] Alternatively, it may be that "it has a wireless communication function in a frequency band of A (Hz), a wireless communication function in a frequency band of B (Hz), and a wireless communication function in a frequency band of C (Hz), where A is a real number greater than or equal to 0, B is a real number greater than or equal to 0, and C is a real number greater than or equal to 0, and A≠B, A≠C, and B≠C hold."

[0751] The indoor gateway 4502 and the outdoor gateway 4501 in Fig. 45, Fig. 46, or Fig. 47, the Wi-Fi AP and the repeater in Fig. 46, and the MP and MAP in Fig. 47 may have an optical communication function, and can configure the mesh network (multi-hop network) described in this specification by optical communication to relay frames. This method can also achieve the same effects as those described above.

[0752] Furthermore, when there is a light-transmitting object such as a glass window (e.g., a glass plate) between the indoor gateway 4502 and the outdoor gateway 4501 in Figure 45, optical communication can be used for communication between the indoor gateway 4502 and the outdoor gateway 4501.

[0753] For example, a WTTH network formed using an outdoor gateway 4501 is formed by radio wave wireless communication, and an indoor network 4504 formed using an indoor gateway 4502 is also formed by radio wave wireless communication. In this case, communication between the indoor gateway 4502 and the outdoor gateway 4501 may be optical communication, radio wave wireless communication, or communication that switches between optical communication and radio wave wireless communication depending on the communication situation, etc. Furthermore, communication that switches between optical communication and radio wave wireless communication depending on the material between the indoor gateway and the outdoor gateway may also be possible.

[0754] (Embodiment A2) Fig. 59 shows an example of the configuration of the nodes (i.e., the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1, etc.) in Fig. 47. The configuration shown in Fig. 59 shows the functions related to sending and receiving frames among the functions possessed by the nodes.

[0755] The first transmission / reception device 1505 is a transmission / reception device for a first wireless communication method in a frequency band of A (Hz). The second transmission / reception device 1514 is a transmission / reception device for a second wireless communication method in a frequency band of B (Hz). Here, A is a real number greater than or equal to 0, and B is a real number greater than or equal to 0, with A>B. For example, the first wireless communication method uses a frequency band of 60 GHz (A=60G), and the second wireless communication method uses a frequency band of 2.4 GHz (B=2.4G).

[0756] Although Figure 59 shows an example of a node configuration using two frequency bands, a node may use three or more frequency bands. In this case, the node is equipped with a transmitting / receiving device necessary for communication in three or more frequency bands.

[0757] A first transmitting / receiving device 1505 receives a received signal 1502 via an antenna 1501 as input, performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, and outputs received data 1506. The received signal 1502 is a signal of the first wireless communication method in the frequency band of A (Hz).

[0758] The first transmitting / receiving device 1505 receives the received signal 1502 , estimates the communication environment, and outputs a reception state signal 1599 .

[0759] The first transmitting / receiving device 1505 receives transmission data 1507 as input, performs processes such as error correction coding, mapping, and frequency conversion, and generates and outputs a transmission signal 1504. The antenna 1503 then outputs the transmission signal 1504 as a radio wave. The transmission signal 1504 is a signal of the first wireless communication method in the frequency band of A (Hz).

[0760] Shared information generator 1508 receives received data 1506 and reception status signal 1599, generates and outputs information to be shared 1509. This will be explained later.

[0761] The second transmission / reception device 1514 receives a received signal 1511 via an antenna 1510 as input, performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, and outputs received data 1515. The received signal 1511 is a signal of the second wireless communication method in the frequency band of B (Hz).

[0762] The second transmission / reception device 1514 receives transmission data 1516 and information to be shared 1509 as input, performs processes such as error correction coding, mapping, and frequency conversion, and generates and outputs a transmission signal 1513. The antenna 1512 then outputs the transmission signal 1513 as a radio wave. The transmission signal 1513 is a signal of the second wireless communication method in the frequency band of B (Hz).

[0763] Fig. 60 shows an example of communication between MP*3 and MP*4 in Fig. 47. Note that MP*3 and MP*4 are assumed to be devices having the configuration shown in Fig. 59.

[0764] In Figure 60, graph 1651 shows the communication flow of the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*3. Graph 1652 shows the communication flow of the second transmission / reception device 1514 of MP*3. Graph 1661 shows the communication flow of the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4. Graph 1662 shows the communication flow of the second transmission / reception device 1514 of MP*4. In graphs 1651, 1652, 1661, and 1662, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0765] As shown in Fig. 60, first, the first transmitting / receiving device 1505 of MP*3 transmits a frame 1601. An example of the configuration of the frame 1601 is as shown in Fig. 48. The frame 1601 is a frame of the "first wireless communication method in the frequency band of A (Hz)."

[0766] Then, for example, the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4 receives frame 1601. After receiving frame 1601, the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4 estimates the reception state when the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*3 transmitted the modulated signal. Furthermore, the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4 obtains device identification information from the device identification information symbol, thereby knowing that it is MP*3 that transmitted the modulated signal.

[0767] Then, the second transmission / reception device 1514 of MP*4 transmits a frame 1602. Note that the frame 1602 is a frame of the "second wireless communication method in the frequency band of B (Hz)."

[0768] An example of the structure of frame 1602 is shown in Figure 61. The horizontal axis represents time. For example, frame 1602 is assumed to be configured to include a preamble, control information symbols, and data symbols.

[0769] The preamble in Figure 61 is a symbol that the communication partner performs, for example, time synchronization and frequency synchronization (signal detection may also be performed). In the description here, the communication partner is assumed to be one or more devices, or two or more devices. Here, the devices are the indoor gateway 4502, MP#1, MAP*1, etc.

[0770] The control information symbols in Figure 61 include transmission method information symbols. The transmission method information symbols include information indicating whether frame 1602 is a frame for broadcast (multicast) or a frame for unicast. Note that frame 1602 is a frame for broadcast (multicast). The transmission method information symbols may also include information on the transmission method, such as the error correction code method and modulation scheme used to generate the data symbols, and the number of streams to be transmitted.

[0771] The data symbols in Fig. 61 include information symbols to be shared. When communication as shown in Fig. 60 is being performed, the information symbols to be shared include information on "estimation of the reception state when the first transceiver 1505 of MP*3 transmitted a modulated signal" and information on "the fact that the modulated signal was transmitted by MP*3."

[0772] Then, one or more, or two or more devices receive the frame 1602 transmitted by the second transceiver device 1514 of MP*4, and these devices obtain information on "an estimate of the reception state when the first transceiver device 1505 of MP*3 transmitted the modulated signal" and information on "the fact that the modulated signal was transmitted by MP*3." Note that in FIG. 47, the frame 1602 is received by the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, MP*2, MP*3, MP*5, MP*6, MP*7, MP*8, MAP#1, MAP#2, MAP#3, and MAP#4.

[0773] This is easily achieved when A>B, because the communication distance of relatively low frequency radio waves is longer.

[0774] This has the effect of allowing one or more devices to easily keep track of the communication status between MP*3 and MP*4, which makes it easy to understand the mesh network configuration of each node and also makes it easy to create a route map for the mesh network.

[0775] Note that the explanation here has been given on how to share the communication status between MP*3 and MP*4 with a device, but it is also possible to share communication status between devices other than the "communication status between MP*3 and MP*4" with a device in the same way.

[0776] Alternatively, for example, the first wireless communication method may use a frequency band of 60 GHz (A=60G) and the second wireless communication method may use a frequency band of 5 GHz (B=5G), but this is not a limiting example.

[0777] In addition, although the present description has been given using an indoor example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the indoor gateway 4502 in Fig. 47 is replaced with the outdoor gateway 4501, the above description can be implemented in the same manner and the same effects can be obtained.

[0778] The information to be shared included in the information symbol to be shared is not limited to the example described in this embodiment. For example, a configuration is possible in which the information symbol to be shared includes information that needs to be shared in configuring a mesh network (multi-hop network).

[0779] (Embodiment A3) Fig. 62 shows an example of the configuration of the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1, etc. in Fig. 47. The first transceiver 1505 is a transceiver for a first wireless communication method for optical communication, and the second transceiver 1514 is a transceiver for a second wireless communication method in a frequency band of B (Hz), where B is a real number equal to or greater than 0. Note that Fig. 62 shows an example in which two transceivers are provided, but a configuration in which three or more transceivers are provided may also be used.

[0780] The first transmitting / receiving device 1505 receives the received signal 1502 received by the light receiving unit 1801 as input, performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, and outputs received data 1506. The light receiving unit 1801 can be realized by, for example, a photodiode, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, an organic CMOS image sensor, or the like.

[0781] The first transmitting / receiving device 1505 receives the received signal 1502 , estimates the communication environment, and outputs a reception state signal 1599 .

[0782] The first transmitting / receiving device 1505 receives transmission data 1507 as input, performs processes such as error correction coding, mapping, and frequency conversion, and generates and outputs a transmission signal 1504. Then, a light emitting unit 1803 outputs the transmission signal 1504 as a radio wave. The light emitting unit 1803 can be realized by, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0783] Shared information generator 1508 receives received data 1506 and reception status signal 1599, generates and outputs information to be shared 1509. This will be explained later.

[0784] The second transmission / reception device 1514 receives a received signal 1511 via an antenna 1510 as input, performs processing such as demodulation and error correction decoding, and outputs received data 1515. The received signal 1511 is a signal of the second wireless communication method in the frequency band of B (Hz).

[0785] The second transmission / reception device 1514 receives transmission data 1516 and information to be shared 1509 as input, performs processes such as error correction coding, mapping, and frequency conversion, and generates and outputs a transmission signal 1513. The antenna 1512 then outputs the transmission signal 1513 as a radio wave. The transmission signal 1513 is a signal of the second wireless communication method in the frequency band of B (Hz).

[0786] Fig. 60 shows an example of communication between MP*3 and MP*4 in Fig. 47. It is assumed that MP*3 and MP*4 are devices with the configuration shown in Fig. 62.

[0787] In Figure 60, graph 1651 shows the communication flow of the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*3. Graph 1652 shows the communication flow of the second transmission / reception device 1514 of MP*3. Graph 1661 shows the communication flow of the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4. Graph 1662 shows the communication flow of the second transmission / reception device 1514 of MP*4. In graphs 1651, 1652, 1661, and 1662, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0788] As shown in Fig. 60, first, the first transmitting / receiving device 1505 of MP*3 transmits a frame 1601. An example of the configuration of the frame 1601 is as shown in Fig. 48. The frame 1601 is an optical communication frame.

[0789] Then, for example, the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4 receives frame 1601. After receiving frame 1601, the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4 performs "estimation of the reception state when the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*3 transmitted the modulated signal." Furthermore, the first transmission / reception device 1505 of MP*4 obtains device identification information from the device identification information symbol, thereby knowing that it is MP*3 that transmitted the modulated signal.

[0790] Then, the second transmitting / receiving device 1514 of MP*4 transmits a frame 1602. Note that the frame 1602 is a frame of the "second wireless communication method in the frequency band of B (Hz)."

[0791] An example of the structure of frame 1602 is shown in Figure 61. The horizontal axis represents time. For example, frame 1602 is assumed to be configured to include a preamble, control information symbols, and data symbols.

[0792] The preamble in Figure 61 is a symbol that the communication partner performs time synchronization, frequency synchronization, etc. In the description here, it is assumed that the communication partner is one or more devices, or two or more devices. In this case, the devices are the indoor gateway 4502, MP#1, MAP*1, etc.

[0793] The control information symbols in Figure 61 include transmission method information symbols. The transmission method information symbols include information indicating whether frame 1602 is a frame for broadcast (multicast) or a frame for unicast. Note that frame 1602 is a frame for broadcast (multicast). The transmission method information symbols may also include information on the transmission method, such as the error correction code method and modulation scheme used to generate the data symbols, and the number of streams to be transmitted.

[0794] The data symbols in Fig. 61 include information symbols to be shared. When communication as shown in Fig. 60 is being performed, the information symbols to be shared include information on "estimation of the reception state when the first transceiver 1505 of MP*3 transmitted a modulated signal" and information on "the fact that the modulated signal was transmitted by MP*3."

[0795] Then, one or more, or two or more devices receive the frame 1602 transmitted by the second transceiver device 1514 of MP*4, and these devices obtain information on "an estimate of the reception state when the first transceiver device 1505 of MP*3 transmitted the modulated signal" and information on "the fact that the modulated signal was transmitted by MP*3." Note that in FIG. 47, the frame 1602 is received by the indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, MP*2, MP*3, MP*5, MP*6, MP*7, MP*8, MAP#1, MAP#2, MAP#3, and MAP#4.

[0796] In this case, if the "second wireless communication method in the B (Hz) frequency band" is a wireless communication method using radio waves, it will be easier to realize this, because the range in which optical communication can be performed is limited due to the straightness of light.

[0797] This has the effect of allowing one or more devices to easily keep track of the communication status between MP*3 and MP*4, which makes it easy to understand the mesh network configuration of each node and also makes it easy to create a route map in the mesh network (multi-hop network).

[0798] Note that the explanation here has been given on how to share the communication status between MP*3 and MP*4 with a device, but it is also possible to share communication status between devices other than the "communication status between MP*3 and MP*4" with a device in the same way.

[0799] In addition, although the present description has been given using an indoor example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the indoor gateway 4502 in Fig. 47 is replaced with the outdoor gateway 4501, the above description can be implemented in the same manner and the same effects can be obtained.

[0800] The information to be shared included in the information symbol to be shared is not limited to the example described in this embodiment. For example, a configuration is possible in which the information symbol to be shared includes information that needs to be shared in configuring a mesh network (multi-hop network).

[0801] (Embodiment A4) In embodiment A2, Figure 59 shows the configuration of the nodes in Figure 47 (i.e., indoor gateway 4502, MP*1, etc., and MAP#1, etc.), where the first transceiver 1505 is a transceiver for a first wireless communication method in a frequency band of A (Hz), and the second transceiver 1514 is a transceiver for a second wireless communication method in a frequency band of B (Hz), where A is a real number greater than or equal to 0, B is a real number greater than or equal to 0, and A>B.

[0802] At this time, the communication method of the first transmitting / receiving device 1505 and the communication method of the second transmitting / receiving device 1514 will be explained.

[0803] Examples of multiplexing methods include time division multiplexing (TDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), carrier sense multiple access (CSMA), and carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA).

[0804] Figure 63 shows an example of time resource allocation when TDM is being performed. In Figure 63, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0805] As shown in Figure 63, at a first time, a first communication device transmits a modulated signal 1901. At a second time, a second communication device transmits a modulated signal 1902. At a third time, a third communication device transmits a modulated signal 1903. At a fourth time, a first communication device transmits a modulated signal 1904.

[0806] In this way, the sender of the modulated signal (frame) is switched depending on the time slot. In particular, the method of communicating with multiple communication devices by changing the time is called TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access).

[0807] Figure 64 shows an example of frequency resource allocation when FDM is implemented. In Figure 64, the horizontal axis represents frequency.

[0808] As shown in Fig. 64, in a first frequency band, a first communication device transmits a modulated signal 2001. In a second frequency band, a second communication device transmits a modulated signal 2002. At a third time, a third communication device transmits a modulated signal 2003. At a fourth time, the first communication device transmits a modulated signal 2004.

[0809] In this way, the modulation signal (frame) is switched depending on the frequency slot. In particular, the method of communicating with multiple communication devices by changing the frequency is called FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access).

[0810] Figure 65 shows an example of a frame on the time axis when CSMA is implemented. In Figure 65, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0811] As shown in Fig. 65, it is assumed that there is a section where no radio waves are present. The first communication device checks this section where no radio waves are present and transmits a modulated signal (2101).

[0812] In this way, a communication device that is about to start communication checks whether surrounding communication devices are emitting radio waves before starting communication. In particular, CSMA with a collision avoidance function is called CSMA / CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), and in order to avoid collisions, if a surrounding communication device is emitting radio waves, it waits for a certain period of time, and if the surrounding communication devices are not emitting radio waves again, it transmits radio waves after a certain random period of time.

[0813] As described in embodiment A2, MP*4 transmits frame 1602 shown in FIG. 54 to multiple communication devices. In such a case, frame 1602 may be a CSMA or CSMA / CA frame. This is because, considering that frame 1602 is not transmitted periodically and that frame 1602 is a broadcast (multicast) frame, transmitting frame 1602 by CSMA or CSMA / CA has the effect of enabling multiple communication devices to accurately receive frame 1602. In addition, it has the effect of eliminating the need for a communication device for controlling FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA.

[0814] On the other hand, communications via a mesh network (multi-hop network) may be performed using any of the following methods: FDM or FDMA, TDM or TDMA, CSMA, or CSMA / CA. Using FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA, in communications via a mesh network, can provide the advantage of enabling intermittent data transmission. For example, these methods are suitable for relaying modulated signals intermittently.

[0815] When CSMA or CSMA / CA is used in communications over a mesh network (multi-hop network), each communication device can achieve the effect of reducing power consumption, because it only needs to transmit modulated signals when data transmission is required.

[0816] Therefore, for example, in the mesh network of Figure 47, the above effect can be obtained by using FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA, as the first wireless communication method, and using CSMA or CSMA / CA as the second wireless communication method (i.e., transmitting frame 1602 using the CSMA or CSMA / CA method).

[0817] As another method, for example, in the mesh network of FIG. 47, both the first wireless communication method and the second wireless communication method may be CSMA or CSMA / CA.

[0818] Furthermore, for example, in the mesh network (multi-hop network) of Fig. 47, a suitable one of "FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA" and "CSMA or CSMA / CA" is selected and used as the first wireless communication scheme depending on the communication situation, propagation environment, communication mode, etc., and CSMA or CSMA / CA is used as the second wireless communication scheme (i.e., frame 1602 is transmitted using the CSMA or CSMA / CA scheme), thereby achieving the above-mentioned effect. In particular, by selecting and using a suitable one of "FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA" and "CSMA or CSMA / CA" as the first wireless communication scheme depending on the communication situation, propagation environment, communication mode, etc., it is possible to achieve the effect of constructing a suitable mesh network (multi-hop network) depending on the communication environment.

[0819] In addition, when transmitting frame 1602 in FIG. 60, if a communication device for controlling FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA, exists, transmission may be performed using FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA.

[0820] In addition, although the present description has been given using an indoor example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the indoor gateway 4502 in Fig. 47 is replaced with the outdoor gateway 4501, the above description can be implemented in the same manner and the same effects can be obtained.

[0821] (Embodiment A5) As in the embodiment A3, the first wireless communication method may be an optical communication method, and the second wireless communication method may be a communication method using radio waves in the frequency band of B (Hz).

[0822] In this case, in the mesh network (multi-hop network) of Figure 47, by using CSMA or CSMA / CA in the second wireless communication method (i.e., transmitting frame 1602 using the CSMA or CSMA / CA method), each communication device can achieve the effect of reducing power consumption.

[0823] In addition, when transmitting frame 1602 in FIG. 60, if a communication device for controlling FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA, exists, transmission may be performed using FDM or FDMA, or TDM or TDMA.

[0824] In addition, although the present description has been given using an indoor example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the indoor gateway 4502 in Fig. 47 is replaced with the outdoor gateway 4501, the above description can be implemented in the same manner and the same effects can be obtained.

[0825] (Supplement A2) In this specification, particularly when wireless communication is performed using radio waves, the anten...

Claims

1. an access point, a signal processing unit that generates a first frame and a second frame; a communication unit that transmits a first frame to a first communication device through a first channel and transmits a second frame to a second communication device through a second channel; the first communication device that has received the first frame transmits a first relay frame including data included in the first frame to a terminal via the second channel; the second communication device that has received the second frame transmits a second relay frame including data included in the second frame to a terminal via the first channel; the first frame includes information indicating a channel to be used when the first communication device transmits to the terminal; A reception period during which the first communication device receives the signal of the first frame from the access point and a transmission period during which the first communication device transmits the signal of the first relay frame to the terminal overlap in time. Access point.

2. 1. A method implemented by an access point, comprising: generating a first frame and a second frame; transmitting a first frame to a first communication device over a first channel and a second frame to a second communication device over a second channel; the first communication device that has received the first frame transmits a first relay frame including data included in the first frame to a terminal via the second channel; the second communication device that has received the second frame transmits a second relay frame including data included in the second frame to a terminal via the first channel; the first frame includes information indicating a channel to be used when the first communication device transmits to the terminal; A reception period during which the first communication device receives the signal of the first frame from the access point and a transmission period during which the first communication device transmits the signal of the first relay frame to the terminal overlap in time. method.

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