Communication device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique to use links efficiently according to a communication state.SOLUTION: An information communication terminal of the present invention establishes a plurality of links with an opposite device by using a multi-link function for communication, and the information communication terminal comprises: multiple link establishment means that establishes multiple links 101, 102, 103; setting means that sets TID-to-Link Mapping for allocating TIDs to the one or more links established by the multiple link establishment means; and determination means that, on the basis of the state of the one or more links, determines that data of a specific type corresponding to a specific category of the allocated TIDs cannot be communicated. When the determination means determines that the data of the specific type cannot be communicated in the one or more links, the setting means sets the TID-to-Link Mapping again so as not to transmit the data of the specific type at least via the link not suitable for communication of the data of the specific type.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention is a method for enabling multiple links to be used simultaneously in a wireless LAN conforming to IEEE802.11. Rutsu Faith Device ,the control This invention relates to a method and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Multi-Link is one of the new features in IEEE802.11be (also known as Wi-Fi7). This establishes multiple links by linking and coordinating multiple interfaces mounted on a device called an MLD (Multi-Link Device).

[0003] Each link is assigned a priority when transmitting frames using an identifier called a TID (Traffic ID) that is used to classify packets.

[0004] TID is divided into four categories: Voice, Video, Best Effort, and Background. Hereafter, Voice, Video, Best Effort, and Background refer to TID categories.

[0005] When a link is established, the TID and the link ID are linked (called TID-to-Link Mapping), and multiple links are established. This is expected to improve throughput, frequency utilization efficiency, and communication latency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2023 / 0049620 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if there are many retransmissions on some of the established links due to factors such as the communication environment, it may become difficult to transmit data corresponding to the set TID category.

[0008] For example, the TID category of a link transmitting streaming data is Video, but as the number of retransmissions increases, the streaming data may no longer be able to be played back smoothly on the other device.

[0009] This causes the link to no longer function as a video, resulting in reduced efficiency.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a technique for efficiently using links according to communication conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A communication device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a control means for controlling the establishment of multiple links for the Multi-Link function defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard series between the communication device and another communication device; a setting means for setting a TID-to-Link Mapping for assigning a TID to one or more links established under the control of the control means; The TID assigned by the setting means is determined based on the state of one or more of the links. Video Corresponding to categories Video and determining means for determining that the device is not in a state where it can communicate data of the type, The setting means is configured to determine whether the determining means determines the link among one or more of the links. Video If it is determined that the device is not in a state where it can communicate data of the above type, Videoover said link in a state that is not suitable for communication of data of that type Video No data of the type is transmitted over the link, and Video Not classified as a type Background Categorised Background type The TID-to-Link Mapping is reset so that data can be communicated. The reconfiguration is determined when the communication device transmits a TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame, which is a frame including at least a Direction field, a Default Link Mapping field with a value of 0 stored therein, and a Link Mapping Presence Indicator field in a TID-to-Link Mapping Element with 255 specified in the Element ID field and 109 specified in the Element ID Extension field, and receives a TID-to-Link Mapping Response frame with a Status Code set to 0 from the other communication device as a response to the frame. death, The determination means determines that the device is not in a state where it can communicate the video type data based on a first determination condition, the first determination condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of the data classified as the Video type to the other communication device exceeds a first upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device falls below a first lower limit value, the determining means determines that the video type data can be communicated based on a second determination condition; the second determination condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of the data classified as the Background type is less than a second upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device is greater than a second lower limit value, The communication device actively monitors the communication state of the link that is determined to be in a state where the video type data cannot be communicated by transmitting an empty packet to the link and receiving an Ack frame that is a response to the empty packet. It is characterized by:

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for efficiently using links according to communication conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of an imaging device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an imaging device and an information device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a TID and an access category according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of TID-to-Link Mapping assignment, showing how TID categories are assigned to each link according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process for reallocating TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an information element for exchanging information on TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for reallocating TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of reassignment of TID-to-Link Mapping when there are two links with good communication conditions in Example 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping in a case where there is only one link with a good communication state in Example 2 according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following embodiments do not limit the present invention in terms of the scope of the claims, and although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined in any manner. It should be noted that the same elements are denoted by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments, and duplicate descriptions may be omitted.

[0015] "First embodiment" [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the system includes an imaging device 200 and an information device 300, and is configured so that the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 communicate using each link (link 101, link 102, link 103) within the network 100. The imaging device 200 is an example of an information communication terminal according to the present invention, and the information device 300 is an example of a counterpart device according to the present invention.

[0016] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the imaging device 200 generates streaming data and transmits the streaming data to the information device 300.

[0017] The imaging device 200 and the information device 300 can perform wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11be (EHT) standard. IEEE stands for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Also, EHT stands for Extremely High Throughput.

[0018] In this embodiment, the imaging device 200 operates as an Access Point (also called an AP), and the information device 300 operates as a Station (also called an STA). However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the devices operating as APs and STAs may be smartphones, tablets, PCs, video cameras, etc.

[0019] As an example, the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are connected by three links (link 101, link 102, and link 103).

[0020] The frequency bands used include the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band, but a completely different frequency band such as 60 GHz may also be used. Furthermore, the multiple links may be established using different frequency bands or may be established using the same frequency band. When the same frequency band is used, the channels are set to be different.

[0021] Furthermore, the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 can communicate using bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz. The bandwidths used by the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are not limited to the same bandwidth, and different bandwidths such as 240 MHz and 4 MHz may be used.

[0022] [Functional configuration of the imaging device 200] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the imaging device 200 according to the first embodiment. The functional configuration of the imaging device 200 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2, but the functional block configuration described below is merely an example.

[0023] In other words, some (and in some cases all) of the functional blocks shown in the following description may be replaced with other functional blocks that perform similar functions, some functional blocks may be omitted, or further functional blocks may be added.

[0024] Furthermore, one functional block shown in the following description may be divided into multiple functional blocks, or multiple functional blocks may be integrated into one functional block.

[0025] The information device 300 has a similar configuration to the imaging device 200, which will be described later.

[0026] The imaging device 200 includes a control unit 201, a memory unit 202, a display unit 203, a communication unit 204, a TID assignment unit 205, a communication feasibility determination unit 206, a Muiti-Link information generation unit 207, an operation unit 208, and an imaging unit 209.

[0027] (Control unit 201) The control unit 201 controls each unit of the imaging device 200 in accordance with input signals and programs described below. The control unit 201 also controls the Multi-Link Device (also called MLD). Instead of the control unit 201 controlling the entire image capturing apparatus 200, the entire image capturing apparatus 200 may be controlled by having a plurality of hardware components share the processing.

[0028] (Storage unit 202) The storage unit 202 stores the control program executed by the control unit 201, information related to communication, Traffic ID (also called TID), link ID, and the like. The various operations described below are performed by the control unit 201 executing a control program stored in the storage unit 202.

[0029] (Display section 203) The display unit 203 displays a viewfinder image during image capture, displays captured image data, displays characters for interactive operation, and the like. In addition, it also displays lights, flashes, and turns off using lamps, etc.

[0030] (Communication unit 204) The communication unit 204 is an example of a multiple link establishment unit that establishes multiple links according to the present invention. The communication unit 204 is an interface for communicating with an external device such as the information device 300 via, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and is compatible with the IEEE802.11be standard.

[0031] That is, the communication unit 204 is configured to be able to communicate wireless frames that comply with the IEEE802.11be standard. The radio frame communicated according to this standard is also called EHT PPDU. PPDU stands for Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit.

[0032] Furthermore, the information device 300 and the imaging device 200 of this embodiment may be compliant with the IEEE802.11bn standard, which is the successor standard to the IEEE802.11be. IEEE802.11bn, the successor standard to IEEE802.11be, boasts high reliability, low latency, and improved throughput during congestion as its main features.

[0033] Another goal of 802.11bn is to reduce power consumption in APs.

[0034] The wireless frame used in communication under this successor standard is also called UHR (Ultra High Reliability) PPDU. PPDU stands for Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit.

[0035] The name UHR was chosen for convenience, taking into account the goals to be achieved by the successor standard and the key features of the standard, and may be given a different name once the standard is fully developed. Similarly, the name IEEE802.11bn may be changed to a different name once the standard is fully established.

[0036] However, it should be noted that the present specification and the appended claims are essentially applicable to all successor communication standards after the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0037] Furthermore, the communication unit 204 may also be compatible with legacy standards that predate the IEEE802.11be standard. Specifically, the communication unit 204 of the image capture device 200 operating as an AP may be compatible with at least one of the IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax standards.

[0038] Furthermore, the communication unit 304 (described later) of the information device 300 operating as a STA is similar to the communication unit 204 of the image capture device 200 operating as an AP. That is, the communication unit 304 (described later) of the information device 300 supports communication of wireless frames conforming to the IEEE802.11be standard and the IEEE802.11bn standard, but may also be compatible with legacy standards.

[0039] Furthermore, in addition to the IEEE802.11 series standards, it may also be compatible with other communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, UWB, ZigBee, MBOA, etc., and may also be compatible with wired communication standards such as wired LAN. UWB includes wireless USB, wireless 1394, WiNET, etc.

[0040] Note that UWB stands for Ultra Wide Band, MBOA stands for Multi Band OFDM Alliance, and NFC stands for Near Field Communication.

[0041] In this embodiment, when Multi-Link communication is performed, the communication unit 204 is an interface that performs communication in a plurality of frequency bands such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band.

[0042] However, the frequency band is not necessarily limited to the above, and a different frequency band such as the 60 GHz band may be used, in which case the communication unit 204 is an interface capable of performing communication in the 60 GHz band.

[0043] Furthermore, the communication unit 204 can communicate using bandwidths of 20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80 MHz, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz. The bandwidth used for communication by the communication unit 304 (described later) of the information device 300 is the same as that described for the communication unit 204.

[0044] Furthermore, the bandwidths used by the communication unit 204 and the communication unit 304 (described later) of the information device 300 may be different, such as 240 MHz and 4 MHz.

[0045] (TID assignment unit 205) When establishing a Multi-Link connection with an external device such as information device 300, TID allocation unit 205 allocates TIDs to link 101, link 102, and link 103, and notifies control unit 201 of the allocation results. Details of the TID will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0046] (Communication availability determination unit 206) The communication availability determination unit 206 is an example of a determination means according to the present invention, and determines whether each link connected to the information device 300 is in a state where data handled in a predetermined category of TID can be communicated.

[0047] The information used for this determination includes the number of retransmissions to the information device 300 and the reception sensitivity of packets received from the information device 300 (that is, radio wave intensity).

[0048] For example, every time a retransmission occurs in the communication unit 204, a notification of the retransmission is sent to the communication availability determination unit 206 via the control unit 201. In this embodiment, as an example, the communication availability determination unit 206 determines whether or not the data handled by Video is in a communicable state based on the number of retransmissions.

[0049] When the number of retransmissions of data handled by Video to the information device 300 per unit time exceeds a first upper limit value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that the link for which the number of retransmissions exceeds the first upper limit value is not in a state where communication is possible, and notifies the control unit 201 of this fact.

[0050] Furthermore, when the radio wave strength of a packet received from the information device 300 per unit time falls below a first lower limit value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that the link whose radio wave strength falls below the first lower limit value is not in a state where communication is possible, and notifies the control unit 201 of this fact.

[0051] In this way, when the radio wave strength per unit time of the information device 300 falls below the first lower limit value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that the link whose radio wave strength falls below the first lower limit value is not in a state where communication is possible, and notifies the control unit 201 of this fact.

[0052] The above-mentioned first upper limit value of the number of times and the first lower limit value of the intensity may differ depending on the category of the TID, the frequency band, and the like.

[0053] The above-mentioned first count upper limit value and first intensity lower limit value are first judgment conditions, and the communication feasibility judgment unit 206 functioning as a judgment means judges based on the first judgment condition that a specific type of data (in this embodiment, data handled by Video) cannot be communicated.

[0054] On the other hand, when the number of retransmissions per unit time of data handled in Background to information device 300 falls below the second upper limit value, communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that data handled in Video can be communicated and notifies control unit 201 of this fact. The second upper limit of the number of times is the number of retransmissions set to be equal to or less than the first upper limit of the number of times.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, when the radio wave strength of a packet received from the information device 300 per unit time exceeds a second lower limit value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that the data handled by Video can be communicated and notifies the control unit 201 of this fact.

[0056] In this way, when the radio wave strength per unit time of the information device 300 exceeds the second lower limit strength value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that the data handled by Video can be communicated and notifies the control unit 201 of this fact. The second lower limit value of intensity is a radio wave intensity that is set to be equal to or greater than the first lower limit value of intensity.

[0057] The second upper limit value of the number of times and the second lower limit value of the intensity are second judgment conditions, and the communication feasibility judgment unit 206, which functions as a judgment means, judges that a specific type of data (in this embodiment, data handled by Video) can be communicated based on the second judgment conditions.

[0058] (Multi-Link information generation unit 207) The Multi-Link information generating unit 207 generates information required to transmit frames required for establishing a Multi-Link to an external device such as the information device 300 . The Multi-Link information generating unit 207 is an example of a setting unit that sets the TID-to-Link Mapping according to the present invention.

[0059] Specifically, there is the Basic Multi-Link Element, which determines whether to connect via Multi-Link. TID-to-Link Mapping is included in the Basic Multi-Link element. Other information includes a Reduced Neighbor Report (RNR) element that includes frequency band and channel information of other affiliated APs that belong to the same AP MLD.

[0060] As will be described later, the Multi-Link information generation unit 207, which functions as a setting unit, resets the TID-to-Link Mapping in accordance with the determination of whether or not the data handled by Video is communicable by the communication feasibility determination unit 206, which functions as a determination unit.

[0061] The reset TID-to-Link Mapping is notified to the communication unit 204 via the control unit 201 from the Multi-Link information generation unit 207, which functions as a setting unit, and is then transmitted from the communication unit 204 to the information device 300.

[0062] (Operation unit 208) The operation unit 208 is used by the user to receive instructions for the imaging device 200 from the user.

[0063] The operation unit 208 includes, for example, a power button for the user to instruct ON / OFF of the power supply of the imaging device 200, a release button for instructing imaging, and a playback button for instructing playback of image data.

[0064] Furthermore, it includes an operation member such as a dedicated connection button for starting communication with an external device such as the information device 300 via the communication unit 204 . The touch panel formed on the display unit 203 is also included in the operation unit 208 .

[0065] (Image capture unit 209) The imaging unit 209 is composed of, for example, an optical system that controls an optical lens unit, aperture, zoom, focus, etc., and an imaging element that converts the light (image) introduced through the optical lens unit into an electrical video signal.

[0066] Generally, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) is used as the imaging element. In this embodiment, the video data transmitted to the information device 300 is generated by the imaging unit 209 .

[0067] The above is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the imaging device 200 of this embodiment. As mentioned above, although not shown in the drawings, the information device 300 may be considered to have the same configuration as the imaging device 200.

[0068] That is, the information device 300 includes a control unit 301, a memory unit 302, a display unit 303, a communication unit 304, a TID assignment unit 305, a communication feasibility determination unit 306, a Muiti-Link information generation unit 307, an operation unit 308, and an imaging unit 309.

[0069] The control unit 301, memory unit 302, display unit 303, communication unit 304, TID allocation unit 305, and communication feasibility determination unit 306 are the same as the control unit 201, memory unit 202, display unit 203, communication unit 204, TID allocation unit 205, and communication feasibility determination unit 206, respectively.

[0070] Furthermore, the Muiti-Link information generating unit 307, the operation unit 308, and the imaging unit 309 are similar to the Muiti-Link information generating unit 207, the operation unit 208, and the imaging unit 209, respectively. Therefore, for the functional configuration of the information device 300, please refer to the description of the functional configuration of the imaging device 200.

[0071] The information device 300 may have a different functional configuration from the imaging device 200, and conversely, may not have any configuration that does not interfere with the implementation of the present invention.

[0072] [Hardware Configuration of Imaging Device 200 and Information Device 300] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 according to the first embodiment.

[0073] Both the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 include a storage unit 401 , a control unit 402 , a function unit 403 , an input unit 404 , an output unit 405 , a communication unit 406 , and an antenna 407 . There may be multiple antennas.

[0074] (Storage unit 401) The storage unit 401 is configured with one or more memories such as a ROM and a RAM, and stores various information such as computer programs for performing various operations described below and communication parameters for wireless communication. Note that ROM stands for Read Only Memory, and RAM stands for Random Access Memory.

[0075] In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, storage media such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, and DVDs may also be used as the storage unit 401. Furthermore, the storage unit 401 may include a plurality of memories.

[0076] (control unit 402) The control unit 402 is configured by one or more processors such as a CPU or MPU, and controls the entire imaging device 200 by executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 401. The same applies to the control unit 402 of the information device 300, and the control unit 402 of the information device 300 controls the entire information device 300. Note that CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and MPU stands for Micro Processing Unit.

[0077] The control unit 402 may also control the entire imaging device 200 in cooperation with a computer program stored in the storage unit 401 and an OS (Operating System), and the same applies to the information device 300.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 402 may be provided with a plurality of processors such as multi-core processors, and the entire image capturing apparatus 200 may be controlled by the plurality of processors, and the same applies to the information device 300.

[0079] The control unit 402 generates, for example, data and signals (radio frames) to be transmitted in communication with other devices.

[0080] The control unit 402 also controls the function unit 403 to perform predetermined processes such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, and projection.

[0081] (Functional part 403) The functional unit 403 is hardware that enables the image capture device 200 and the information device 300 to execute predetermined processes according to the above-described functional configuration.

[0082] (Input unit 404) The input unit 404 accepts various operations from the user.

[0083] (output unit 405) The output unit 405 outputs various types of information to the user via a monitor screen and a speaker. Here, the output from the output unit 405 may be a display on a monitor screen, an audio output from a speaker, a vibration output, or the like.

[0084] Note that both the input unit 404 and the output unit 405 may be implemented in one module, such as a touch panel. Furthermore, the input unit 404 and the output unit 405 may be integrated with the imaging device 200 or may be separate units, and the same applies to the input unit 404 and the output unit 405 of the information device 300.

[0085] (Communication Department 406) The communication unit 406 controls wireless communication in accordance with the IEEE802.11be standard.

[0086] Furthermore, the communication unit 406 may control wireless communication conforming to other IEEE802.11 series standards in addition to the IEEE802.11be standard, and may control wired communication such as a wired LAN.

[0087] The communication unit 406 controls the antenna 407 to transmit and receive signals generated by the control unit 402 for wireless communication.

[0088] If the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are compatible with the NFC standard, the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, or the like in addition to the IEEE802.11be standard, they may control wireless communication in accordance with these communication standards.

[0089] Furthermore, if the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are capable of wireless communication in accordance with a plurality of communication standards, they may be configured to have separate communication units and antennas compatible with each communication standard.

[0090] The imaging device 200 communicates data such as image data, document data, and video data with the information device 300 via the communication unit 406. The information device 300 can also communicate with the imaging device 200 via a communication unit 406 of the information device 300 .

[0091] (Antenna 407) Antenna 407 is an antenna capable of communication in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. The antenna 407 may be configured as a separate unit from the communication unit 406, or may be configured together with the communication unit 406 as a single module.

[0092] In this embodiment, the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 each have two antennas, but may have three antennas. Furthermore, the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 may have different antennas for different frequency bands.

[0093] Furthermore, if the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 have a plurality of antennas, they may each have a communication unit 406 corresponding to each antenna.

[0094] [TID and Access Category] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a TID and an access category according to the first embodiment.

[0095] The TID is an identifier that ranges from 0 to 7 and is used to classify packets. The identifiers are assigned a priority for transmitting packets, with the highest priority being 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 0, 2, and 1.

[0096] Furthermore, TIDs are divided into four categories depending on their use. The priority levels are defined as Voice (7, 6), Video (5, 4), Best effort (3, 0), and Background (2, 1).

[0097] As shown in Figure 4, Voice corresponds to audio, and Video corresponds to images and other (prioritizing image traffic over other data traffic). Best effort supports traffic from legacy devices or apps / devices that do not support QOS, while Background supports file downloads and print jobs.

[0098] It should be noted that the TID categories assigned to the links (link 101, link 102, link 103) in this embodiment will be explained later with reference to FIG.

[0099] For example, when sending a video recorded by the image capture device 200, the TID is set to 5 or 4, which corresponds to the Video category. More specifically, the number may be 5 for video and 4 for still images.

[0100] For control of the image capture device 200 or other matters, the TID is set to 2 or 1, and the category is set to Background. More specifically, the number may be 2 for those related to the control of the image capture device 200 and 1 for others.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of TID-to-Link Mapping assignment, which shows how TID categories are assigned to each link according to the first embodiment.

[0102] In FIG. 5, the link 101 is shown as Link1, the link 102 as Link2, and the link 103 as Link3. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of TID-to-Link Mapping assignment when the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are connected for the first time.

[0103] Link1 corresponds to all TIDs, that is, all TID categories are assigned to it. Link2 supports the Video TID category, and other TID categories are optional. Link3 only supports the Video category of TID.

[0104] [TID-to-Link Mapping reassignment sequence] Next, the sequence of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating the reassignment of TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the image capture device 200 is an AP MLD, and the information device 300 is an STA MLD.

[0105] The image capture device 200 generates streaming data and transmits the streaming data to the information device 300 . The image capturing device 200 has AP1, AP2, and AP3 as affiliated APs associated with respective frequency bands capable of performing data communication, and these belong to a communication unit 204.

[0106] Similarly, the information device 300 has STA1, STA2, and STA3 as affiliated STAs, and belongs to the communication unit 304.

[0107] AP1 and STA1 are assigned link ID=1, AP2 and STA2 are assigned link ID=2, and AP3 and STA3 are assigned link ID=3. It is assumed that the link assigned link ID=1 is Link1, the link assigned link ID=2 is Link2, and the link assigned link ID=3 is Link3.

[0108] Here, it is assumed that the imaging device 200 and information device 300 have already been connected and are ready to transmit streaming data, and that the radio wave environment in the frequency band used by link ID=3 has deteriorated.

[0109] It is also assumed that when the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are connected for the first time, the TID categories to which Link1, Link2, and Link3 correspond are in the state shown in FIG. The processing performed after the information device 300 receives the streaming data will be omitted.

[0110] (P501) The control unit 201 notifies AP1, AP2, and AP3 of the communication unit 204 of the streaming data notified from the imaging unit 209.

[0111] (P502) AP1, AP2, and AP3 of the communication unit 204 transmit streaming data to STA1, STA2, and STA3 of the communication unit 304.

[0112] (P503) Every time a retransmission occurs in the communication unit 204, the communication availability determination unit 206 is notified via the control unit 201 that a retransmission will be performed. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that a retransmission occurs on link ID=3.

[0113] (P504) The communication availability determination unit 206 counts the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time for each link. Then, when the number of retransmissions of link ID=3 per unit time exceeds the first upper limit value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206, which serves as a determination means, determines that link ID=3 used by AP3 is not in a state where it can communicate data handled by Video. The data handled by the Video mentioned above is an example of a specific type of data according to the present invention.

[0114] In addition, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 may be configured to determine that link ID=3 used by AP3 is not in a state where data handled by Video can be communicated when the radio wave strength per unit time of link ID=3 falls below the first lower limit value. In this case, the communication availability determination unit 206 measures the radio wave intensity of the link ID=3 instead of the number of retransmissions.

[0115] Then, the communication availability determination unit 206 notifies the control unit 201 of the determination result, and the control unit 201 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 that the link ID=3 is not in a state where it can communicate data handled by Video.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 201 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 that the TID-to-Link Mapping is to be reset.

[0117] (P505) Then, the Multi-Link information generating unit 207, which functions as a setting unit, resets the TID-to-Link Mapping so that link ID=3 does not include Video. The method for setting TID-to-Link Mapping will be explained later with reference to FIG.

[0118] (P506) The reset TID-to-Link Mapping is then notified to AP1 of the communication unit 204 from the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 via the control unit 201.

[0119] (P507) Next, AP1 of the communication unit 204 transmits the reset TID-to-Link Mapping to STA1 of the communication unit 304. In this way, the reset TID-to-Link Mapping is transmitted to information device 300, which is the opposite device.

[0120] (P508) Then, in the information device 300, the STA1 of the communication unit 304 notifies the control unit 301 of the reset TID-to-Link Mapping. In addition, in the information device 300, the control unit 301 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 307 of the reset TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0121] (P509) Then, the Multi-Link information generating unit 307 updates the TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0122] That is, the Multi-Link information generation unit 307 reflects the setting of the TID-to-Link Mapping reset by the imaging device 200 on the previous TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0123] (P510) Then, in the imaging device 200, the control unit 201 notifies AP1 and AP2 of the communication unit 204 of the streaming data notified from the imaging unit 209 in accordance with the reset TID-to-Link Mapping. In other words, the streaming data is not notified to AP3 of the communication unit 204.

[0124] (P511) AP1 and AP2 of the communication unit 204 transmit streaming data to STA1 and STA2 of the communication unit 304 via link ID=1 and link ID=2.

[0125] (P512) Meanwhile, the control unit 201 sends a notification (communication status confirmation notification) to the AP3 of the communication unit 204 to cause the AP3 to monitor the communication status of the link ID=3.

[0126] (P513) Then, AP3 of the communication unit 204 transmits an empty packet to STA3 of the communication unit 304 in accordance with the communication status confirmation notification.

[0127] (P514) On the other hand, STA3 of the communication unit 304 returns an ACK to AP3 of the communication unit 204 in response to the transmitted empty packet.

[0128] (P515) AP3 of the communication unit 204 receives the ACK and notifies the control unit 201 of the communication state. The communication status includes whether or not there is a response from the information device 300, which is the other device.

[0129] The control unit 201 notifies the communication availability determination unit 206 of the communication status of the link ID=3 received from the AP3 of the communication unit 204. The communication availability determination unit 206 counts the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time. For example, in this case, the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time did not fall below the second upper limit (second upper limit), which is equal to or less than the first upper limit (the number of retransmissions per unit time is equal to or less than the first upper limit). Therefore, no action is taken.

[0130] (P516 to P521) As described above, if the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time does not fall below the second upper limit (second upper limit value of the number of retransmissions), the processes from (P516) to (P521), which are the same as the processes from (P510) to (P515), are performed.

[0131] That is, as long as the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time does not fall below the second upper limit number of times (second upper limit number value), the same processing as (P510) to (P515) is repeated.

[0132] While the same processing as from (P510) to (P515) is being performed, the communication availability determination unit 206 counts the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time, as in (P504). Also, in FIG. 6, the process from (P516) to (P521), which is the same as the process from (P510) to (P515), is shown to be performed once, but it is repeated as many times as necessary as long as the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time does not fall below the second upper limit number (second upper limit value of the number of retransmissions).

[0133] (P522) Then, while the same processing as (P510) to (P515) is repeated, it is assumed that the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time falls below a second upper limit, which is equal to or less than the first upper limit. Then, the communication availability determination unit 206 determines that the link ID=3 used by AP3 is capable of communicating data handled by Video.

[0134] In other words, when the number of retransmissions per unit time falls below a second upper limit value, which is less than or equal to the first upper limit value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that link ID=3 used by AP3 is capable of communicating data handled by Video.

[0135] In addition, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 may be configured to determine that link ID=3 used by AP3 is capable of communicating data handled by Video when the radio wave strength per unit time of link ID=3 exceeds a second lower limit strength value. In this case, the communication availability determination unit 206 measures the radio wave intensity of the link ID=3 instead of the number of retransmissions.

[0136] Then, the communication availability determination unit 206 notifies the control unit 201 of the determination result, and the control unit 201 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 that the link ID=3 is capable of communicating data handled by Video.

[0137] Furthermore, the control unit 201 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 that the TID-to-Link Mapping is to be reset.

[0138] (P523) Then, the Multi-Link information generating unit 207, which functions as a setting unit, resets the TID-to-Link Mapping so that link ID=3 includes Video.

[0139] (P524) The reset TID-to-Link Mapping is then notified to AP1 of the communication unit 204 from the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 via the control unit 201.

[0140] (P525) Next, AP1 of the communication unit 204 transmits the TID-to-Link Mapping to STA1 of the communication unit 304. In this way, the reset TID-to-Link Mapping is transmitted to information device 300, which is the opposite device.

[0141] (P526) Then, in the information device 300, the STA1 of the communication unit 304 notifies the control unit 301 of the received TID-to-Link Mapping (the reset TID-to-Link Mapping). In addition, in the information device 300, the control unit 301 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 307 of the reset TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0142] (P527) Then, the Multi-Link information generating unit 307 updates the TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0143] That is, the Multi-Link information generation unit 307 reflects the setting of the TID-to-Link Mapping reset by the imaging device 200 on the previous TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0144] (P528) The rest is the same as (P501). That is, in the imaging device 200, the control unit 201 notifies AP1, AP2, and AP3 of the communication unit 204 of the streaming data notified from the imaging unit 209 in accordance with the reset TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0145] (P529) Then, AP1, AP2, and AP3 of the communication unit 204 transmit streaming data to STA1, STA2, and STA3 of the communication unit 304.

[0146] The above is a sequence diagram for carrying out reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment.

[0147] [Information elements for TID-to-Link Mapping] Next, information elements for exchanging TID-to-Link Mapping information will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of information elements for communicating TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment. The AP and STA exchange frames containing the information element to perform initial setting or re-setting of the TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0148] In the TID-to-Link Mapping, the information of the TID-to-Link Mapping is indicated using a TID-to-Link Mapping Element 600 .

[0149] The TID-to-Link Mapping Element 600 includes an Element ID field 601 , a Length field 602 , and an Element ID Extension field 603 . The TID-to-Link Mapping Element 600 also includes a TID-to-Link Mapping Control field 604 and a Link Mapping of TID n field 605 .

[0150] The Element ID field 601 and the Element ID Extension field 603 are used to indicate that the Element is a TID-to-Link Mapping Element. The values ​​are 255 and 109 respectively.

[0151] The Length field 602 indicates the length of the Element.

[0152] The TID-to-Link Mapping Control field 604 is shown in the frame.

[0153] The TID-to-Link Mapping Control field 604 includes a Direction field 611 and a Default Link Mapping field 612 . The TID-to-Link Mapping Control field 604 also includes a Link Mapping Size field 613 and a Link Mapping Presence Indicator field 614 .

[0154] The Direction field 611 indicates the direction of the communication. If only downlink communication is indicated, 0 is assigned; if only uplink communication is indicated, 1 is assigned; if both are indicated, 2 is assigned. This field may be omitted or may be present multiple times. For example, one may be assigned to each of the downlink and uplink.

[0155] The Default Link Mapping field 612 is a field for indicating whether or not the TID-to-Link Mapping is to be the default value. If it is 1, the default value is used. Here, the default value means a state in which all TIDs, that is, all TID categories, are assigned to all Links, and any communication is possible. Otherwise, set it to 0. For example, if communication is not possible for a certain link, this value is set to 0. In this embodiment, the value is set to 0 because only links for video data, links for other data such as control data, and data handled in a specific TID category are transmitted.

[0156] The Link Mapping Size field 613 indicates the length of the following Link Mapping of TID n field 605 . If it is 1, the length of the Link Mapping of TID n field 605 is 1 octet, and if it is 0, the length is 2 octets.

[0157] The Link Mapping Presence Indicator field 614 is a bitmap for indicating whether a field exists for each TID in the Link Mapping of TID n field 605 . For example, if the first bit is set to 1, it indicates that a Link Mapping of TID 0 field 605#0 corresponding to TID 0 exists. If the Default Link Mapping field 612 is set to 1, this field does not exist.

[0158] However, in this embodiment, since the Default Link Mapping field 612 is set to 0, the Link Mapping Presence Indicator field 614 exists. The Link Mapping of TID n field 605 has eight Link Mappings, n=0 to 7, and the bit position indicates the Link ID.

[0159] In this embodiment, the link 101 has a LIND ID of 1 in the first bit, the link 102 has a LIND ID of 2 in the second bit, and the link 103 has a LIND ID of 3 in the third bit.

[0160] As for link allocation, as explained in FIG. 5, Link1 with link ID=1 corresponds to all TIDs, that is, all TID categories.

[0161] Link2 with link ID=2 corresponds to TID=4 and 5, that is, the category is Video, and it is optional whether it corresponds to the category of other TIDs.

[0162] Link3 with link ID=3 corresponds to TID=4 and 5, that is, the category is Video only.

[0163] In this case, the Link Mapping of TID4 and 5 has the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bits set to 1, so it is 0x7. In addition, for Link Mapping of TID other than 4 and 5, the first bit is 1 and the second bit is either 1 or 0, so it is either 0x3 or 0x1.

[0164] Therefore, a device that receives the TID-to-Link Mapping can determine which data to transmit on which link by checking the Link Mapping of TID n field 605 .

[0165] This concludes the description of the information elements for exchanging TID-to-Link Mapping information according to this embodiment.

[0166] [Flowchart for reassigning TID-to-Link Mapping] Next, a flowchart for reallocating TID-to-Link Mapping will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the reassignment of TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment.

[0167] (S701) First, the communication unit 204 transmits streaming data to the communication unit 304 .

[0168] (S702) The retransmission status of each link is obtained from the communication unit 204 via the control unit 201, and if the number of retransmissions for each link within a certain period of time does not exceed the first upper limit number of retransmissions (first upper limit value) (No), the process returns to S701.

[0169] On the other hand, if the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time exceeds the first upper limit of retransmissions (Yes), the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that the link that has exceeded the first upper limit of retransmissions is not in a state where it can communicate data handled by Video, and proceeds to S703.

[0170] That is, if the first upper limit value of the number of times per unit time is exceeded, it is determined that the link that has exceeded the first upper limit value of the number of times is not in a state where it can communicate data handled by Video, and the process proceeds to S703. In this embodiment, as explained above, this corresponds to link ID=3 (Link3).

[0171] As explained above, the determination as to whether the first number of times per unit time exceeds the first upper limit value may be replaced with a determination as to whether the first intensity per unit time falls below the first lower limit value.

[0172] (S703) Then, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 notifies the control unit 201 of the determination result that the link (in this example, the link with link ID = 3) that has exceeded the first retransmission upper limit number (first upper limit number value) is not in a state where it can communicate data handled by Video.

[0173] Furthermore, the control unit 201 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 that the link ID=3 is not in a state where it can communicate data handled by Video, and that the TID-to-Link Mapping should be reset.

[0174] (S704) Then, in accordance with the notification of the resetting, the Multi-Link information generating unit 207 performs processing to reset the TID-to-Link Mapping so that the link ID=3 does not include Video.

[0175] Specifically, the Multi-Link information generating unit 207 generates a TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame including a TID-to-Link Mapping Element configured so that link ID=3 does not include Video.

[0176] The MAC address of STA1 is specified in the destination field of the frame. The generated Request frame is notified to AP1 of the communication unit 204 from the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 via the control unit 201.

[0177] Upon receiving the notification, AP1 of the communication unit 204 transmits the notified Request frame as a PPDU such as EHT PPDU or UHR PPDU via AP1 of the communication unit 204 to STA1 or the like of the communication unit 304 of the opposing device (information device 300).

[0178] The opposing device (information device 300) determines whether the change is acceptable, and if so, generates a TID-to-Link Mapping Response frame with Status Code set to 0 (Success).

[0179] Furthermore, the opposing device (information device 300) transmits the generated Response frame to the sender of the Request frame as a PPDU such as EHT PPDU or UHR PPDU.

[0180] When the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 receives a Response frame with the Status Code set to 0 (Success), it cooperates with the communication unit 204 to assume that the reconfiguration has been accepted by the other party and reconfigures its own settings. That is, the Multi-Link information generating unit 207 cooperates with each unit to reset the TID-to-Link Mapping so that link ID=3 does not include Video.

[0181] As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the information device 300 performs a process of reflecting the reset TID-to-Link Mapping setting on the previous TID-to-Link Mapping. In this way, the information device 300 updates the TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0182] (S705) In response to the resetting of the TID-to-Link Mapping, the control unit 201 notifies AP1 and AP2 of the communication unit 204 of the streaming data, and sends a notification (communication status confirmation notification) to AP3 to monitor the communication status of link ID=3.

[0183] Then, AP1 and AP2 of the communication unit 204 transmit streaming data to STA1 and STA2 of the communication unit 304, and AP3 of the communication unit 204 transmits an empty packet to STA3 of the communication unit 304.

[0184] In addition, when AP3 of communication unit 204 receives an ACK for an empty packet from STA3 of communication unit 304, it notifies the control unit 201 of the communication status, and the control unit 201 notifies the communication feasibility determination unit 206 of the communication status of link ID=3 received from AP3 of communication unit 204.

[0185] (S706) If the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time is not below the second upper limit of retransmissions (second upper limit of retransmissions), which is equal to or less than the first upper limit of retransmissions (the number of retransmissions per unit time is equal to or less than the first upper limit of retransmissions) (No), return to S705.

[0186] On the other hand, if the number of retransmissions within a certain period of time falls below the second upper limit of retransmissions (Yes), the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that link ID=3 used by AP3 is capable of communicating data handled by Video, and proceeds to S707.

[0187] In other words, if the number of retransmissions per unit time falls below the second upper limit value, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 determines that link ID=3 used by AP3 is capable of communicating data handled by Video, and proceeds to S707.

[0188] As explained above, the determination as to whether the second upper limit of the number of times per unit time has been exceeded may be replaced with the determination as to whether the second lower limit of the intensity per unit time has been exceeded.

[0189] (S707) Then, the communication feasibility determination unit 206 notifies the control unit 201 of the determination result that the link (in this example, the link with link ID = 3) whose retransmission count is below the second upper limit (second upper limit value) is capable of communicating data handled by Video.

[0190] Furthermore, the control unit 201 notifies the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 that link ID=3 is capable of communicating data handled by Video and that the TID-to-Link Mapping should be reset.

[0191] (S708) Then, the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 cooperates with each unit to perform the same processing as that described in S704. Specifically, a TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame for resetting is generated, and the TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame is exchanged with information device 300, which is the other device.

[0192] The difference from S704 is that a TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame including a TID-to-Link Mapping Element configured so that link ID=3 includes Video is transmitted.

[0193] Then, when the Multi-Link information generation unit 207 receives a Response frame with the Status Code set to 0 (Success), it cooperates with the communication unit 204 to assume that the reconfiguration has been accepted by the other party and reconfigures its own settings. That is, the Multi-Link information generating unit 207 cooperates with each unit to reset the TID-to-Link Mapping so that link ID=3 includes Video.

[0194] As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the information device 300 performs a process of reflecting the reset TID-to-Link Mapping setting on the previous TID-to-Link Mapping. In this way, the TID-to-Link Mapping is updated in the information device 300.

[0195] (S709) Thereafter, the communication availability determination unit 206 checks whether there are any other links that are not in a state where data handled by Video can be communicated. If there is no link that cannot communicate the data handled by Video (Yes), the process returns to S701.

[0196] On the other hand, if there is a link that is not in a state where data handled by Video can be communicated (No), the process returns to S704 and the TID-to-Link Mapping is reset.

[0197] The above is a flowchart illustrating the reassignment of TID-to-Link Mapping according to this embodiment.

[0198] Next, an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping according to the first embodiment.

[0199] 9, the left side of the figure shows the initial setting state, that is, the state of TID-to-Link Mapping assignment when the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are connected for the first time (that is, the state of FIG. 5).

[0200] Also, in FIG. 9, the right side shows the state after the reallocation (resetting) of TID-to-Link Mapping that was performed when link ID=3 was not in a state where it could communicate data handled by Video.

[0201] In FIG. 9, as before, the link assigned link ID=1 is Link1, the link assigned link ID=2 is Link2, and the link assigned link ID=3 is Link3.

[0202] The initial setting state, that is, the allocation state of TID-to-Link Mapping when the imaging device 200 and the information device 300 are connected for the first time (left side of FIG. 9), is as described with reference to FIG.

[0203] Specifically, Link1 corresponds to all TIDs, that is, all TID categories are assigned to Link1.

[0204] In addition, Link2 supports the Video TID category, while other TID categories are optional.

[0205] Furthermore, Link3 only supports the Video category of TID.

[0206] In this embodiment, as shown on the right side of Figure 9, link ID = 3 is no longer in a state where it can communicate data handled by Video, so by reconfiguring, link ID = 3 is made incompatible with Video TID = 4 and 5.

[0207] Also, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9, instead, link ID=3 has been reconfigured so that it corresponds only to Background TID=1 and 2.

[0208] As can be seen from the left and right sides of FIG. 9, in this embodiment, even after the resetting, link ID=1 and link ID=2 remain in the same state as when they were initially set, and no changes have been made by the resetting.

[0209] In addition, regardless of the initial setting or the reset setting, each TID value is set to be assigned to one of the links, so that data handled in a certain TID category will not be unable to be transmitted over all links.

[0210] In other words, each TID category is set to be assigned to one of the links so that there will be no situation where there is no link through which data handled in a certain TID category can be transmitted.

[0211] However, if there is no link that can communicate data handled by Video, then as an exception, TID=4 and 5 will not be assigned to any link.

[0212] In this case, exception control may be performed to notify the user that communication of data handled by video is difficult, or roaming control may be performed to attempt to switch the connection destination to another AP.

[0213] The above is a diagram showing an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping according to this embodiment.

[0214] As described above, according to this embodiment, a Multi-Link is established between the imaging device 200 and the information device 300, and if a link occurs that cannot communicate data handled by Video, the TID-to-Link Mapping is reset.

[0215] For example, by reconfiguring the TID-to-Link Mapping, a link that cannot transmit data handled by Video can be configured to transmit other data, allowing that link to communicate appropriately according to the situation.

[0216] In this embodiment, as a specific example, a case is shown in which the category of the TID corresponding to link ID=3 is changed from Video to Background, and the link is used for communications in which retransmissions are more permissible than for Video.

[0217] Also, when the communication status of link ID=3 returns to a state where data handled by Video can be communicated, the corresponding TID is changed back from Background to Video, and the settings are reset so that streaming data can be sent again.

[0218] Specifically, this resetting involves returning the state after resetting shown on the right side of FIG. 9 to the initial setting state shown on the left side of FIG.

[0219] Note that resetting may be performed multiple times depending on changes in the communication environment, so the initial setting state on the left side of Figure 9 is the state before the reset state on the right side of Figure 9, so the left side of Figure 9 can be interpreted as the state before resetting, based on the state on the right side.

[0220] In this embodiment, link ID=1 corresponds to all TIDs, that is, all categories of TIDs. However, when link ID=3 is changed from Video to Background, link ID=1 may be changed to correspond to all of the remaining TID categories except for Background. Alternatively, the link ID=2 may be changed to correspond only to the Video TID. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the burden on links ID=1 and 2 caused by link ID=3 being unable to communicate data handling video.

[0221] "Second embodiment" Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the system configuration, hardware configuration, sequence, and flowchart are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0222] The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that the method of allocating TID-to-Link Mapping is changed depending on whether there are two or more links capable of communicating data handled by Video.

[0223] Therefore, in the following, the explanation will be focused on the method of allocating TID-to-Link Mapping with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 corresponding to FIG. 9, and explanation of points similar to those in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0224] [Example 1] First, as a first embodiment, a case where there are two or more links capable of communicating data handled by Video will be described.

[0225] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping in a case where there are two links with good communication conditions in Example 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0226] As mentioned earlier, since reconfiguration may be performed multiple times depending on changes in the communication environment, the initial setting state can be interpreted as the state before reconfiguration based on the state after reconfiguration, and in the following, the initial setting state will be referred to as the state before reconfiguration.

[0227] In FIG. 10, as in FIG. 9, the left side shows the allocation state of TID-to-Link Mapping before reconfiguration, and the right side shows the state after reallocation (reconfiguration) of TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0228] In Figure 10, as before, the link assigned link ID = 1 is Link1, the link assigned link ID = 2 is Link2, and the link assigned link ID = 3 is Link3.

[0229] As shown on the left side of FIG. 10, before the resetting, link ID=1 corresponds to all categories of TID except for Video.

[0230] Furthermore, link ID=2 corresponds to all TIDs, that is, all categories of TIDs, and link ID=3 corresponds only to Video TIDs.

[0231] It is assumed that the communication environment of link ID=3 in the first embodiment changes to a state in which data handled by Video cannot be communicated, similar to the first embodiment.

[0232] Conversely, the communication environment of link ID=1 in the first embodiment changes from a state in which data handled by Video cannot be communicated to a state in which it can be communicated.

[0233] Furthermore, it is assumed that the communication environment of link ID=2 in the first embodiment remains good and data handled by Video is always communicable.

[0234] In this case, as shown on the right side of Figure 10, after the reconfiguration, link ID = 3 is made incompatible with Video TID = 4 and 5, and is made compatible only with Background TID = 1 and 2, as in the first embodiment.

[0235] Also, link ID=1 will change from not being compatible with TID Video to being compatible with all TIDs, that is, all categories of TID.

[0236] On the other hand, link ID=2 will be changed from being compatible with all TIDs, that is, all categories of TIDs, to being compatible with only the Video category of TID.

[0237] In this way, when there are two or more links that can communicate data handled by Video, one of them is dedicated to functioning as a link dedicated to Video.

[0238] In the first embodiment, the link with link ID=2 is made to function as the dedicated video link, but the link with the least number of retransmissions within a certain period of time may be selected as the dedicated video link.

[0239] In other words, if the link with link ID=1 has fewer retransmissions within a certain period of time than the link with link ID=2, the link with link ID=1 may function as a link dedicated to video, and the link with link ID=2 may correspond to all categories of TID.

[0240] Furthermore, in Example 1, as in the first embodiment, each TID value is set to be assigned to one of the links regardless of whether it is before or after reconfiguration, so that data handled in a certain TID category will not be unable to be transmitted over all links.

[0241] In other words, each TID category is set to be assigned to one of the links so that there will be no situation where there is no link through which data handled in a certain TID category can be transmitted.

[0242] However, if there is no link that can communicate data handled by Video, then as an exception, TID=4 and 5 will not be assigned to any link.

[0243] In this case, exception control may be performed to notify the user that communication of data handled by video is difficult, or roaming control may be performed to attempt to switch the connection destination to another AP.

[0244] The above is an example of reassignment of TID-to-Link Mapping when there are two or more links capable of communicating data handled by Video in Example 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0245] [Example 2] Next, as a second embodiment, a case where there are no more than two links capable of communicating data handled by Video will be described.

[0246] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping in a case where there is only one link with a good communication state in Example 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0247] As mentioned earlier, since reconfiguration may be performed multiple times depending on changes in the communication environment, the initial setting state can be interpreted as the state before reconfiguration based on the state after reconfiguration, and in the following, the initial setting state will be referred to as the state before reconfiguration.

[0248] In FIG. 11, as in FIG. 9, the left side shows the allocation state of TID-to-Link Mapping before reconfiguration, and the right side shows the state after reallocation (reconfiguration) of TID-to-Link Mapping.

[0249] In Figure 11, as before, the link assigned link ID = 1 is Link1, the link assigned link ID = 2 is Link2, and the link assigned link ID = 3 is Link3.

[0250] As shown on the left side of FIG. 11, before the resetting, link ID=1 corresponds to all categories of TID except for Video.

[0251] Furthermore, link ID=2 corresponds to all TIDs, that is, all categories of TIDs, and link ID=3 corresponds only to Video TIDs.

[0252] It is assumed that the communication environment of link ID=3 in the second embodiment changes to a state in which data handled by Video cannot be communicated, similar to the first embodiment.

[0253] Furthermore, the communication environment of link ID=1 in the second embodiment is always in a state where data handled by Video cannot be communicated, both before and after the resetting.

[0254] Furthermore, it is assumed that the communication environment of link ID=2 in the second embodiment remains good and data handled by Video is always communicable.

[0255] Then, as shown on the right side of Figure 11, link ID=3 is unable to communicate data handled by Video, so as in Example 1, link ID=3 is reconfigured so that Video TID=4 and 5 are no longer supported. Also, as shown on the right side of FIG. 11, instead, link ID=3 has been reconfigured so that it corresponds only to Background TID=1 and 2.

[0256] Furthermore, the link ID=1 remains in the same state after resetting as before resetting, and there is no change in the category of the TID corresponding to it before resetting and the category of the TID corresponding to it after resetting.

[0257] On the other hand, link ID=2 is the only link that can communicate data handled by Video, as shown on the right side of FIG. In this case, by making only Video TID=4 and 5 correspond, link ID=2 can be dedicated to communication of data handled by Video.

[0258] However, in some cases, other TID categories may be associated, and therefore in the second embodiment, link ID=2 is set as optional for TID categories other than Video.

[0259] Furthermore, in Example 2, as in the first embodiment, each TID value is set to be assigned to one of the links regardless of whether it is before or after reconfiguration, so that data handled in a certain TID category will not be unable to be transmitted over all links.

[0260] In other words, each TID category is set to be assigned to one of the links so that there will be no situation where there is no link through which data handled in a certain TID category can be transmitted.

[0261] However, if there is no link that can communicate data handled by Video, then as an exception, TID=4 and 5 will not be assigned to any link.

[0262] In this case, exception control may be performed to notify the user that communication of data handled by video is difficult, or roaming control may be performed to attempt to switch the connection destination to another AP.

[0263] The above is an example of reallocation of TID-to-Link Mapping when there are no two or more links capable of communicating data handled by Video in Example 2 according to the second embodiment. That is, this is an example of reassignment of TID-to-Link Mapping when there is only one link capable of communicating data handled by Video.

[0264] In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, a Multi-Link is established between the imaging device 200 and the information device 300, and if a link occurs that is not in a state where data handled by Video can be communicated, the TID-to-Link Mapping is reset.

[0265] On the other hand, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the method of allocating TID-to-Link Mapping is changed depending on whether there are two or more links capable of communicating data handled by Video.

[0266] As for the allocation method, as described above, if there are two or more links available for communication, only Video with TID=4 and 5 is allocated to at least one or more links.

[0267] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if there is only one link available for communication, Video with TID=4 and 5 is assigned to that link. However, in some cases, a TID other than Video may also be assigned.

[0268] As described above, by occupying as many links for communicating data handled by video as possible for video use, the communication efficiency of data handled by video is improved.

[0269] As mentioned above, in the explanation of the second embodiment, explanations of the same content as in the first embodiment may be omitted, and for the omitted parts, please refer to the first embodiment.

[0270] Furthermore, the disclosures of the first and second embodiments are sufficient to enable one to understand the communication method of the present invention, which uses the Multi-Link function to establish multiple links with an opposing device (e.g., information device 300) and communicate with them.

[0271] Specifically, the communication method includes a multiple link establishment step of establishing multiple links (for example, link 101, link 102, link 103).

[0272] The communication method also includes a setting step of setting TID-to-Link Mapping, which assigns a TID to one or more links established in the multiple link establishment step.

[0273] The method further includes determining, based on the status of one or more links, that a particular type of data corresponding to a particular category (e.g., Video) of the assigned TID is not available for communication.

[0274] Additionally, the communication method includes a resetting step of resetting the TID-to-Link Mapping if it is determined in the determining step that one or more links are not in a state where they can communicate a particular type of data.

[0275] Specifically, in the reconfiguration step, the TID-to-Link Mapping is reconfigured so as not to transmit data of a particular type via a link that is not suitable for communicating at least that particular type of data (e.g., a link with link ID = 3).

[0276] In the first and second embodiments, an example is given in which the imaging device 200, which is an AP, sends a TID-to-Link Mapping Request to the information device 300, which is an STA, but the sender of the request is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to configure the device as an STA to send a TID-to-Link Mapping Request to the device as an AP.

[0277] Furthermore, the disclosure of the first and second embodiments fully includes specific control / processing that can be realized as a program of an information communication terminal that establishes multiple links with an opposing device (e.g., information device 300) using the Multi-Link function of the present invention and communicates with the opposing device (e.g., information device 300).

[0278] Specifically, the program causes an information communication terminal (for example, the image capture device 200) to execute a multiple link establishment process for establishing multiple links (for example, the link 101, the link 102, and the link 103).

[0279] The program also causes the information communication terminal to execute a setting process for setting TID-to-Link Mapping, which assigns a TID to one or more links established in the multiple link establishment process.

[0280] Furthermore, the program causes the information communication terminal to execute a determination process that determines, based on the status of one or more links, that it is not in a state to communicate a particular type of data corresponding to a particular category (e.g., Video) of the assigned TID.

[0281] Furthermore, the program causes the information communication terminal to execute a reset process to reset the TID-to-Link Mapping if it is determined in the determination process that the information communication terminal is not in a state where it can communicate a specific type of data in one or more links.

[0282] Specifically, during the reconfiguration process, the TID-to-Link Mapping is reconfigured so that certain types of data are not transmitted over links that are not suitable for communicating at least certain types of data (e.g., links with link ID = 3).

[0283] In addition, a recording medium on which program code of software that realizes the above-mentioned functions is recorded may be supplied to the system or device, and the computer (CPU, MPU) of the system or device may read and execute the program code stored on the recording medium.

[0284] In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium will realize the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code will constitute the above-described device.

[0285] In addition, storage media for supplying the program code may include, for example, flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, DVDs, etc.

[0286] Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized not only by the computer executing the read program code, but also by the operating system (OS) running on the computer performing some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code. OS is an abbreviation for Operating System.

[0287] In addition, the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer.

[0288] Then, based on the instructions of the program code, a CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform some or all of the actual processing to realize the above-mentioned functions.

[0289] In this way, the present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors of the computer in that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0290] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications and improvements to the embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the invention, which will be clear to those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0291] 100...network, 101, 102, 103...link, 200...imaging device, 300...information equipment, 201, 301...control unit, 202, 302...storage unit, 203, 303...display unit, 204, 304...communication unit, 205, 305...TID assignment unit, 206, 306...communication availability determination unit, 207, 307...Muiti-Link information generation unit, 208, 308...operation unit, 209, 309...imaging unit, 401...storage unit, 402...control unit, 403...functional unit, 404...input unit, 405...output unit, 406...communication unit, 407...antenna

Claims

1. A communication device, a control means for controlling the establishment of a plurality of links for a Multi-Link function defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard series between the communication device and another communication device; a setting means for setting TID-to-Link Mapping that assigns a TID to one or more links established under the control of the control means; a determining means for determining, based on the state of one or more of the links, that the link is not in a state in which it is possible to communicate data of a video type corresponding to the video category of the TID assigned by the setting means; When the determination means determines that one or more of the links are not in a state in which the Video type data can be communicated, the setting means resets the TID-to-Link Mapping so that the Video type data is not transmitted via at least the link that is not in a state in which the Video type data can be communicated via the link, and so that Background type data that is not classified as the Video type and is classified as a Background category can be communicated via the link; the reconfiguration is determined when the communication device transmits a TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame, which is a frame including at least a Direction field, a Default Link Mapping field in which a value of 0 is stored, and a Link Mapping Presence Indicator field in a TID-to-Link Mapping Element in which 255 is specified in the Element ID field and 109 is specified in the Element ID Extension field, and receives a TID-to-Link Mapping Response frame in which a Status Code is set to 0 from the other communication device as a response to the frame; the determining means determines, based on a first determination condition, that the device is not in a state in which it can communicate the Video type data; the first determination condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of the data classified as a Video type to the other communication device exceeds a first upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device falls below a first lower limit value, the determination means determines that the Video type data can be communicated based on a second determination condition; the second determination condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of the data classified as the Background type is less than a second upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device is greater than a second lower limit value, The communication device is characterized in that it actively monitors the communication status of the link that it has determined is not in a state where it can communicate the Video type data by sending an empty packet to the link that it has determined is not in a state where it can communicate the Video type data, and by controlling the reception of an Ack frame that is a response to the empty packet.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means does not map the Video category as the TID of the link for which the determination means determines that the link is not in a state capable of communicating the Video type data based on the first determination condition, and performs the reconfiguration so as to map the Background category instead.

3. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second upper limit of the number of times is equal to or less than the first upper limit of the number of times, and the second lower limit of the intensity is equal to or greater than the first lower limit of the intensity.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, characterized in that the setting means performs the reconfiguration so as to map the Video category as the TID of the link for which the determination means has determined that the Video type data can be communicated based on the second determination condition.

5. 2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein in the TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame transmitted in the reconfiguration, at least the TID category is assigned to any of the links so that there is no TID category that is not assigned.

6. A communication device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the reconfiguration, if there are two or more links in a state where data of the Video type can be communicated, the communication device assigns the TID so that only the Video category is mapped as the TID of at least one of the links.

7. A method for controlling a communication device, comprising: a control step of controlling the establishment of a plurality of links for a Multi-Link function defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard series between the communication device and another communication device; a setting step of setting TID-to-Link Mapping for assigning TIDs to one or more links established by the control step; a determining step of determining, based on the state of one or more of the links, that data of a video type corresponding to the video category of the TID assigned by the setting step is not in a state in which it can be communicated; and a resetting step of resetting the TID-to-Link Mapping when it is determined by the determining step that one or more of the links are not in a state in which the Video type data can be communicated, so that the Video type data is not transmitted via at least the link that is not in a state in which the Video type data can be communicated via the link, and so that Background type data that is not classified as the Video type and is classified as a Background category can be communicated via the link, the resetting step is determined when the communication device transmits a TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame, which is a frame including at least a Direction field, a Default Link Mapping field in which a value of 0 is stored, and a Link Mapping Presence Indicator field in a TID-to-Link Mapping Element in which 255 is specified in an Element ID field and 109 is specified in an Element ID Extension field, and receives a TID-to-Link Mapping Response frame in which a Status Code is set to 0 from the other communication device as a response to the frame; In the determination step, it is determined that the device is not in a state where it can communicate the Video type data based on a first determination condition; The control method includes: determining that the Video type data can be communicated based on a second determination condition; transmitting an empty packet to the link determined to be in a state in which the Video type data cannot be communicated, and controlling reception of an Ack frame as a response to the empty packet, thereby actively monitoring the communication state of the link determined to be in a state in which the Video type data cannot be communicated; the first determination condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of the data classified as a Video type to the other communication device exceeds a first upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device falls below a first lower limit value, A control method characterized in that the second judgment condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of data classified as the Background type is below a second upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device is above a second lower limit value.

8. The computer of the communication device a control step of controlling the establishment of a plurality of links for a Multi-Link function defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard series between the communication device and another communication device; a setting step of setting TID-to-Link Mapping for assigning TIDs to one or more links established by the control step; a determining step of determining, based on the state of one or more of the links, that data of a video type corresponding to the video category of the TID assigned by the setting step is not in a state in which it can be communicated; a resetting step of resetting the TID-to-Link Mapping when it is determined by the determining step that one or more of the links are not in a state in which the Video type data can be communicated, so that the Video type data is not transmitted via at least the link that is not in a state in which the Video type data can be communicated via the link, and so that Background type data that is not classified as the Video type and is classified as a Background category can be communicated via the link, the resetting step is determined when the communication device transmits a TID-to-Link Mapping Request frame, which is a frame including at least a Direction field, a Default Link Mapping field in which a value of 0 is stored, and a Link Mapping Presence Indicator field in a TID-to-Link Mapping Element in which 255 is specified in an Element ID field and 109 is specified in an Element ID Extension field, and receives a TID-to-Link Mapping Response frame in which a Status Code is set to 0 from the other communication device as a response to the frame; In the determination step, it is determined that the device is not in a state where it can communicate the Video type data based on a first determination condition; The program causes the computer to: determining that the Video type data can be communicated based on a second determination condition; a step of actively monitoring the communication status of the link determined to be in a state in which the Video type data cannot be communicated by transmitting an empty packet to the link determined to be in a state in which the Video type data cannot be communicated and controlling reception of an Ack frame that is a response to the empty packet, the first determination condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of the data classified as a Video type to the other communication device exceeds a first upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device falls below a first lower limit value, A program characterized in that the second judgment condition is that the number of retransmissions per unit time of data classified as the Background type is below a second upper limit value, or the radio wave strength per unit time of the other communication device is above a second lower limit value.

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