Wireless communication terminals and wireless communication methods

Abstract

The present technology relates to a wireless communication terminal and a method that make it possible to perform cooperative transmission via a desired access point. In order to cause a plurality of wireless communication devices to perform cooperative transmission, the wireless communication terminal starts setup for the cooperative transmission. The present technology can be applied to wireless communication systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology Wireless communication terminal and Wireless communication methods relates to, in particular, Wireless communication terminal and Wireless communication methods that enable cooperative transmission via a desired access point.

Background Art

[0002] When delivering content data existing on the Internet in a conventional wireless LAN system, it was common for a user's communication terminal to connect to the Internet via an access point (hereinafter referred to as an AP) with which the user's communication terminal had associated, and also via a service provider connected to that AP. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a mobile phone to a wireless LAN.

[0003] Therefore, in a user's communication terminal, since content data can only be acquired via the only AP with which the user has associated, it was difficult to view satisfactory content in an environment where the connection to this AP was unstable.

[0004] In contrast, currently, a technique for expanding the signal transmission range and performing wireless communication by coordinating a plurality of APs, for example, in a home or office space, has been put into practical use.

[0005] For example, when transmitting content data to a communication terminal located at a position where the signal from the AP is weak, by transmitting signals cooperatively from a plurality of APs, the receiving communication terminal can receive the content data more reliably.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in practical applications of coordinated transmission, the only methods available were using access points (APs) owned by the same person, or using only multiple APs as intended by the installer. Therefore, it was difficult to perform coordinated transmission through any APs present around a communication terminal in conventional wireless LAN systems.

[0008] This technology was developed in light of these circumstances and enables coordinated transmission via a desired access point. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of this technology is a wireless communication terminal which includes a communication control unit that initiates the setup of the cooperative transmission in order to perform cooperative transmission in multiple wireless communication devices.

[0010] In one aspect of this technology, the setup for the coordinated transmission is initiated in order to perform coordinated transmission among multiple wireless communication devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of a wireless communication system according to one embodiment of this technology. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the AP / routing settings screen. [Figure 3] This figure shows the communication sequence of this technology. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of the Association AP settings screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the data server configuration screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a cooperative transmission request frame. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example configuration of a cooperative transmission control information element. [Figure 8]This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an application control information element. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cooperative transmission indication frame. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cooperative transmission confirmation frame. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network control information element. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cooperative transmission response frame. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an application request frame. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an application response frame. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a data frame to be cooperatively transmitted. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a Block ACK frame. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing another example of an AP - route setting screen. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing another example of the communication sequence of this technology. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a route setting request frame. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a route setting response frame. [Figure 21] This is a block diagram showing a basic configuration example of a communication device. [Figure 22] This is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a wireless communication module in the case of a user terminal. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart explaining the communication setting process of a user terminal. [Figure 24] This is a flowchart explaining the communication setting process of a user terminal, following Figure 23. [Figure 25] This is a flowchart explaining the cooperative reception process of a user terminal. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart explaining the cooperative reception process of a user terminal, following Figure 25. [Figure 27]This is a block diagram showing an example of a computer configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The following describes the configurations for implementing this technology. The explanation will proceed in the following order. 1. First Embodiment (Cooperative transmission by APs connected to the same Provider) 2. Second Embodiment (Cooperative Transmission by APs Connected to Different Providers) 3. Configuration of each communication device 4. User terminal operation 5. Others

[0013] <<1. First Embodiment (Cooperative transmission by APs connected to the same Provider)>> <Configuration of the wireless communication system> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system according to the first embodiment of this technology.

[0014] The wireless communication system shown in Figure 1 consists of a user terminal 11, AP1 to AP3, Provider1 and Provider2, and a data server 12.

[0015] The user terminal 11 consists of wireless communication-enabled devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, portable terminals, and personal computers. The user terminal 11 is located in a position where it can connect to AP1 to AP3 via wireless communication.

[0016] Data server 12 is a server that stores content data. Data server 12 is connected to Provider 1 and Provider 2 via the Internet 13.

[0017] AP1 to AP3 are access points to which the user terminal 11 can be connected, and are composed of the wireless communication devices 14-1 to 14-3. AP1 and AP2 are connected to Provider1 by wireless communication or wired communication. AP3 is connected to Provider2 by wireless communication or wired communication. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the wireless communication devices 14-1 to 14-3, they are referred to as the wireless communication device 14.

[0018] Provider1 and Provider2 are service providers for the user terminal 11 to connect to the Internet 13. Provider1 and Provider2 are composed of the communication devices 15-1 and 15-2. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish the communication devices 15-1 and 15-2, they are referred to as the communication device 15.

[0019] In the wireless communication system of FIG. 1, cooperative transmission by a plurality of APs from the data server 12 to the user terminal 11 is possible.

[0020] The user terminal 11 can receive the content data stored in the data server 12 by cooperative transmission via a plurality of APs by connecting to at least two APs among AP1 or AP2 connected to Provider1 or AP3 connected to Provider2.

[0021] At that time, the user terminal 11 starts the setup of cooperative transmission in order to execute cooperative transmission by a plurality of APs. The setup of cooperative transmission refers to a process of exchanging information for setting which AP will execute cooperative transmission as a preparation before executing cooperative transmission. The setup of cooperative transmission is started when a setup request for cooperative transmission is made.

[0022] <Example of AP·Route Setting Screen> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an AP·Route Setting Screen in the user terminal 11.

[0023] Figure 2 shows the display unit 31 of the user terminal 11. The display unit 31 shows the AP / route setting screen for the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1.

[0024] The AP / routing settings screen is configured to allow users to select the AP that will perform cooperative transmission to deliver content data from the data server 12 to the user terminal 11, and the route from the data server 12 to the user terminal 11.

[0025] The AP / routing settings screen displays icons M11, M12, M14-1 to M14-3, and M15-1 and M15-2 as information indicating the devices that make up the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1. Icon M11 represents the user terminal 11. Icon M12 represents the data server 12. Icons M14-1 to M14-3 represent AP1 to AP3, respectively. Icons M15-1 and M15-2 represent Provider1 and Provider2, respectively.

[0026] Furthermore, a solid line represents the data transmission path L1 between the user terminal 11 icon M11 and the AP1 icon M14-1. A solid line represents the path L2 between the AP1 icon M14-1 and the Provider1 icon M15-1. A solid line represents the path L5 between the Provider1 icon M15-1 and the data server 12 icon M12. The paths shown as solid lines are the paths that are currently connected.

[0027] Furthermore, a dashed line indicates route L3 between the user terminal 11 icon M11 and the AP2 icon M14-2. A dashed line indicates route L4 between the AP2 icon M14-2 and the Provider1 icon M15-1. Figure 2 shows the AP / route setting screen with AP2 and Provider1 selected by the user's instructions. The dashed lines indicate the routes selected when AP2 is selected as an AP capable of co-transmission with AP1.

[0028] In other words, the AP / routing settings screen displays AP1, which is currently connected to the user terminal 11, as well as AP2, which is capable of cooperative transmission, selected by the user when connecting to the data server 12.

[0029] The number in the lower right corner of the AP / routing settings screen (384Mbps) indicates the estimated maximum throughput speed when using the currently connected route in addition to the route selected by the AP. Note that the estimated speed may display at least one of the following: the estimated speed of the route selected by the AP and the estimated speed of the currently connected route. Additionally, information regarding communication status and related information may also be displayed.

[0030] In addition to the routes described above, coordinated transmission is also possible using a route that connects via AP3 and Provider2. To allow selection of this route, the AP / route setting screen displays icons M14-3 representing AP3 and M15-2 representing Provider2. However, since AP3 and Provider2 are connected via different service providers or exist in different Extended Service Sets (ESSs) than AP1, with which user terminal 11 is connected, icons M14-3 and M15-2 are shown in different colors (hatched in the diagram) than the other devices that exist in the same ESS as AP1.

[0031] As described above, multiple APs capable of coordinated transmission, along with the routes and communication status selected based on the AP selection, are displayed sequentially. Therefore, the user can select multiple APs to perform coordinated transmission and the route to the data server 12 according to the communication status.

[0032] <Example of a communication sequence> Figure 3 shows the communication sequence of this technology.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the signal flow between the user terminal 11, AP1 to AP3, Provider1, Provider2, and data server 12 in the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1. In this communication sequence, time progresses from top to bottom. Therefore, the communication sequence in Figure 3 will be explained below, starting from the top and following the progression of time.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of coordinated transmission performed by AP1 and AP2, both connected to the same Provider1.

[0035] Provider1 notifies AP1 in advance of predetermined communication parameters and other information at any given time t81.

[0036] AP1 receives communication parameters from Provider1 at time t21 and transmits a predetermined Beacon at time t22.

[0037] Provider1 notifies AP2 in advance of predetermined communication parameters and other information at any given time t82.

[0038] AP2 receives communication parameters from Provider1 at time t41 and transmits a predetermined Beacon at time t42.

[0039] Provider2 notifies AP3 in advance of predetermined communication parameters and other information at any given time t111.

[0040] AP3 receives communication parameters from Provider2 at time t61 and transmits a predetermined Beacon at time t62.

[0041] The user terminal 11 receives predetermined Beacons transmitted from AP1 to AP3, respectively, at times t1 to t3.

[0042] The user terminal 11 can understand the status of surrounding APs by receiving predetermined Beacons from AP1, AP2, and AP3, respectively.

[0043] For example, a Beacon may include an information element containing the following communication parameter information. For example, the information element may include information about the service provider to which each AP connects to the Internet 13, or information indicating the route to the data server 12 that uses a predetermined application. The information element may also include information indicating communication costs, information regarding service quality, information indicating stability, or information indicating communication congestion.

[0044] At time t4, the user terminal 11 configures the APs to associate with based on the information from these Beacons. In other words, the user terminal 11 selects the appropriate AP (e.g., AP1) and the corresponding service provider based on information such as the SSIDs (Service Set Identifiers) of APs in the vicinity and the connection status of service providers.

[0045] At time t5, the user terminal 11 sends an Association Request (Req) to the desired AP (e.g., AP1) in order to connect to it. This Association Request may also include an information element that stores information about the data server 12 used by a predetermined application on the user terminal 11.

[0046] At time t23, AP1 receives the Association Request sent from user terminal 11. At time t24, AP1 sends the Association Request to Provider1.

[0047] Provider1 receives an Association Request from AP1 at time t83. At time t84, Provider1 sends an Association Response (Resp) to AP1, which is a response to the Association Request.

[0048] At time t25, AP1 receives the Association Resp sent from Provider1. At time t26, AP1 sends the Association Resp to user terminal 11.

[0049] At time t6, the user terminal 11 receives an Association Resp transmitted from AP1. At any time t7, the user operates the user terminal 11 to start a distribution application that performs content data distribution. After the distribution application is started, for example, a request to receive desired content data is input to the user terminal 11 according to the user's instructions. This content data reception request may include an information element that stores information about the data server 12 used by a predetermined application on the user terminal 11.

[0050] At time t8, user terminal 11 sends an Application Request (Application Req) to data server 12 via Provider1 to check the route to the data server 12 where the user's desired content data is stored, through the connected service provider. Although not shown in Figure 3, in reality, the Application Req is sent from user terminal 11 to Provider1 via AP1. The structure of the Application Request frame will be described later in Figure 13.

[0051] Provider1 receives the Application Req sent from the user terminal 11 at time t85. Provider1 sends the Application Req to the data server 12 at time t86.

[0052] At time t131, data server 12 receives the Application Request sent from Provider 1. At time t132, data server 12 sends an Application Response (Application Resp), which is a response to the Application Request, to Provider 1. The structure of the Application Response frame will be described later in Figure 14.

[0053] Provider1 receives the Application Resp sent from data server 12 at time t87. Provider1 sends the Application Resp to user terminal 11 at time t88. Although not shown in Figure 3, in reality, the Application Resp is sent from Provider1 to user terminal 11 via AP1.

[0054] Here, the configuration of the AP that performs the association in t4 and the startup of the distribution application in t7 may be performed consecutively. In this case, for example, the Association Request and Application Request are sent and received consecutively between the user terminal 11 and Provider 1 via AP1. Then, the Application Request and Application Resp are sent and received between Provider 1 and the data server 12, and after that transmission and reception, the Application Resp and Association Resp are sent and received consecutively between the user terminal 11 and Provider 1 via AP1.

[0055] Furthermore, the method and timing of launching the distribution application are not limited to the methods and timings described above, but can be set arbitrarily. For example, the distribution application may be set to automatically launch when the power is turned on and access a designated data server, or the user may be prompted to enter the data server address on the screen of the distribution application when they view it.

[0056] At time t10, the user terminal 11 makes a Coordinate Decision, that is, whether or not coordinate transmission is necessary.

[0057] If it is determined that coordinated transmission is necessary, the user terminal 11 may automatically determine which APs will perform the coordinated transmission by collecting and analyzing Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information. Alternatively, the user may select which APs will perform the coordinated transmission by displaying the AP / route setting screen shown in Figure 2, which is generated based on the Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information.

[0058] If, for example, coordinated transmission between AP1 and AP2 is required, user terminal 11 will initiate the setup for coordinated transmission. That is, at time t11, user terminal 11 sends a Coordinate Request (Coordinate Req) to AP2 as a request for coordinated transmission setup. The structure of the Coordinate Request frame will be described later in Figure 6.

[0059] At time t43, AP2 receives a Coordinate Request sent from user terminal 11. At time t44, AP2 sends a Coordinate Indication (Indi) to Provider1, notifying it of a request to configure coordinate transmission. The structure of the Coordinate Indication frame will be described later in Figure 9.

[0060] Provider1 receives the Coordinate Indi sent from AP2 at time t89. At time t90, Provider1 notifies the data server 12 of the request to configure coordinate transmission by sending an Application Req as needed. Note that notification of the coordinate transmission request to database 12 is not necessarily required, as it is a notification from the same Provider1 with which AP1 has an association.

[0061] At time t133, data server 12 receives Application Req sent from Provider1. At time t134, data server 12 sends Application Resp to Provider1.

[0062] At time t91, Provider1 receives the Application Resp sent from data server 12. This confirms the connection with data server 12, and at time t92, Provider1 sends a Coordinate Confirmation (Conf) to AP2. The structure of the Coordinate Confirmation frame will be described later in Figure 10.

[0063] At time t45, AP2 receives the Coordinate Conf sent from Provider1. At time t46, AP2 sends a Coordinate Response (Coordinate Resp), which is a response to the Coordinate Conf, to user terminal 11. The structure of the Coordinate Response frame will be described later in Figure 12.

[0064] At time t12, user terminal 11 receives a Coordinate Resp sent from AP2. At time t13, user terminal 11 sends a Coordinate Req to AP1.

[0065] Meanwhile, at time t27, AP1 receives a Coordinate Request from user terminal 11. At time t28, AP1 sends a Coordinate Indi to Provider1, notifying them of a request to configure coordinate transmission.

[0066] Provider1 receives the Coordinate Indi sent from AP1 at time t93. Since Provider1 has already confirmed its connection with data server 12 at time t87 as described above, it notifies AP1 of the start of coordinate transmission at time t94. As a notification, an Application Req may be sent, similar to the case of AP2.

[0067] At time t135, data server 12 receives a notification sent from Provider1, and at time t136, sends a response to the notification to Provider1.

[0068] Provider1 receives the response sent from data server 12 at time t95, and sends Coordinate Conf to AP1 at time t96.

[0069] At time t29, AP1 receives the Coordinate Conf sent from Provider1. At time t30, AP1 sends a Coordinate Resp for the Coordinate Conf to user terminal 11.

[0070] At time t14, user terminal 11 receives a Coordinate Resp transmitted from AP1. After receiving the Coordinate Resp, user terminal 11 configures itself to receive coordinated transmissions from each AP.

[0071] With the above steps completed, preparations for coordinated transmission by multiple APs are now in place. Note that while Figure 3 illustrates an example where AP2 initiates the coordinated transmission request, AP1 may also initiate the request.

[0072] Subsequently, at time t137, data server 12 sends content data (Download Data) to Provider1.

[0073] At time t97, Provider1 receives content data transmitted from data server 12 and generates distribution data to be distributed to AP1 and AP2, respectively.

[0074] Provider1 sends Distribution Data to AP1 at time t98 and Distribution Data to AP2 at time t99.

[0075] AP1 receives Distribution Data sent from Provider1 at time t31. AP2 receives Distribution Data sent from Provider1 at time t47.

[0076] AP1 transmits a coordinate trigger at time t32.

[0077] AP2 receives a Coordinate trigger sent from AP1 at time t48. User terminal 11 receives a Coordinate trigger sent from AP1 at time 15.

[0078] Based on the Coordinate trigger, AP1 and AP2 transmit Distribution Data as Coordinate Data to the user terminal 11 at time t33 and time t49 (at the same time).

[0079] At time t16, user terminal 11 receives Coordinate Data transmitted from AP1 and Coordinate Data transmitted from AP2. If all data is received correctly, user terminal 11 sends an acknowledgment (Block ACK) back to AP1 at time t17. Note that the AP to which user terminal 11 sends the Block ACK back is the AP that performs retransmission control; if AP2 is performing retransmission control, then AP2 may also be the AP to which user terminal 11 sends the Block ACK back.

[0080] At time t34, AP1 receives a Block ACK sent from the user terminal 11. Based on the Block ACK, if AP1 determines that all data has been successfully delivered to the user terminal 11, at time t35, AP1 sends a Distribution Resp, which is a response to the Distribution Data, to Provider1, if necessary.

[0081] Provider1 receives the Distribution Resp sent from AP1 at time t100, and then the coordinated transmission of the content data (Download Data) is completed at time t137.

[0082] In addition, when setting the AP to be associated at time t4 in FIG. 3, an example in which the user terminal 11 automatically selects an AP was described. However, by displaying the setting screen for the associated AP, the user can also be allowed to select a desired AP. Also, when starting the distribution application at time t7 in FIG. 3, an example in which the user terminal 11 automatically selects a data server was described. However, by displaying the setting screen for the distribution application, the user may be allowed to select the data server.

[0083] <Example of the setting screen for the associated AP> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the setting screen for the associated AP in the user terminal 11.

[0084] On the display unit 31 of the user terminal 11 shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen for the associated AP in the wireless communication system of FIG. 1 is displayed.

[0085] The setting screen for the associated AP includes information on connectable APs located around the user terminal 11 when connecting to the data server 12, and is configured such that the user can select an optimal AP using the setting screen for the associated AP.

[0086] At the upper part of the setting screen for the associated AP, information (such as SSID and connection information of the service provider) on APs AP1 to AP3 connectable to the user terminal 11 in the wireless communication system of FIG. 1 is shown so that it can be selected by the user using a cursor.

[0087] At the bottom of the Association AP settings screen, the icon M11 for the user terminal 11, icons M14-1 to M14-3 representing AP1 to AP3, and icons M15-1 and M15-2 representing Provider1 and Provider2 are displayed. Between the icon M11 for the user terminal 11 and the icon M14-1 for AP1, the route L1 between the user terminal 11 and AP1, which is selected by the cursor, is shown as a solid line. Between the icon M14-1 for AP1 and the icon M15-1 for Provider1, the route L2, which will be established when the user terminal 11 connects to AP1, is shown as a dashed line.

[0088] Users can select the AP they wish to associate with by viewing the Association AP settings screen and, for example, clicking on the icon of the desired AP.

[0089] <Example of data server settings screen> Figure 5 shows an example of the data server settings screen on user terminal 11.

[0090] The display unit 31 of the user terminal 11 shown in Figure 5 displays the data server settings screen for the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1. This data server settings screen is displayed, for example, after the distribution application is launched.

[0091] The top of the data server settings screen is configured to allow users to select a data server by entering the URL of a data server capable of distributing content data for the distribution application.

[0092] Furthermore, at the bottom of the data server settings screen, the icons M11 for the user terminal 11, M14-1 to M14-3 for AP1 to AP3, M15-1 and M15-2 for Provider1 and Provider2, and M12 for the data server 12 are displayed. In addition, solid lines indicate routes L1 and L2, which are currently connected, between the user terminal 11 icon M11, the AP1 icon M14-1, and the Provider1 icon M15-1. A dashed line indicates route L5, which is the route being attempted to connect, between the Provider1 icon M15-1 and the data server 12.

[0093] Users can select a data server from which to retrieve content data by viewing the data server settings screen and entering, for example, the URL of the desired data server.

[0094] <Example of Cooperative Transmission Request Frame Configuration> Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of a Coordinate Request frame.

[0095] The cooperative transmission request frame shown in Figure 6 is sent from the user terminal 11 to the AP for the setup of cooperative transmission.

[0096] The structure of a Coordinate Transmission Request frame includes a MAC header, followed by a Coordinate Control IE and an Application Control IE, with a Frame Check Sequence (FCS) appended to the end of the frame. Details of the Coordinate Control IE and Application Control IE will be described later with reference to Figures 7 and 8, respectively.

[0097] Furthermore, the MAC header of a Cooperative Transmission Request frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0098] Frame Control indicates the frame format. Duration indicates the frame duration. Destination Address identifies the destination device. Source Address identifies the source device. Receive Address identifies the recipient device. Transmit Address identifies the destination device. Sequence Control indicates sequence control information. FCS is the frame error detection code.

[0099] <Example of configuration for a cooperative transmission control information element> Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of a cooperative transmission control information element.

[0100] The cooperative transmission control information element in Figure 7 consists of an IE Type that identifies a predetermined information element, a Length that indicates the length of the information, and parameters necessary for setting up cooperative transmission.

[0101] The parameters required to set up coordinated transmission include Terminal Address, Coordinate AP Address, Operator Info, Provider Info, Database Address, and Application Type.

[0102] The Terminal Address is the address of the user's terminal. The Coordinate AP Address is the addresses of the multiple APs that coordinate transmission. Operator Info is information that identifies the telecommunications carrier, if necessary. Provider Info is information that identifies the service provider. Database Address is the address of the data server. Application Type is information that indicates the format of the distribution application.

[0103] <Example of Application Control Information Element Configuration> Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of an application control information element.

[0104] The application control information element in Figure 8 consists of an IE Type that identifies a given information element, a Length that indicates the length of the information, and parameters necessary for setting up the application.

[0105] The parameters required to set up the application include Terminal Address, Database Address, Application Type, Service Type, Contents Directory, Contents Filename, File Type, and File Size.

[0106] The Terminal Address is the address of the user's terminal. The Database Address is the address of the data server. The Terminal Address and Database Address identify an end-to-end connection.

[0107] Application Type indicates the format of the distribution application. Service Type identifies the service of the distribution application being operated. Contents Directory is information about the directory of content stored on the data server. Contents Filename indicates the file name of the content. File Type indicates the file format of the content. File Size indicates the file size of the content.

[0108] <Example of a collaborative transmission display frame configuration> Figure 9 shows an example of the configuration of a Coordinate Indication frame.

[0109] Note that explanations that overlap with those in Figure 6 will be omitted as appropriate. The same applies to subsequent figures.

[0110] The cooperative transmission display frame in Figure 9 is sent from the AP to the service provider for cooperative transmission setup.

[0111] The configuration of the co-transmission display frame includes a MAC header, followed by the co-transmission control information element shown in Figure 7 and the application control information element shown in Figure 8, with the FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0112] Furthermore, the MAC header of the Cooperative Transmission Display frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0113] <Example of a Cooperative Transmission Confirmation Frame Configuration> Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of a Coordinate Confirmation frame.

[0114] The co-transmission confirmation frame shown in Figure 10 is sent from the service provider to the AP for co-transmission setup.

[0115] The MAC header of the co-transmission confirmation frame consists of the MAC header followed by the co-transmission control information element shown in Figure 7, the application control information element shown in Figure 8, and the network control information element (Network Control IE) shown in Figure 11, which will be described later, with the FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0116] Furthermore, the MAC header of the co-transmission confirmation frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, and Transmit Address.

[0117] <Example of Network Control Information Element Configuration> Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of a network control information element.

[0118] The network control information element in Figure 11 consists of an IE Type that identifies a predetermined information element, a Length that indicates the length of the information, and parameters necessary for selecting an AP to perform (start) cooperative transmission and setting up the communication path.

[0119] The parameters required to set up the communication path configuration for selecting an AP to initiate (start) cooperative transmission include Support Protocol, Version, Attribute, Throughput, Cost, Speed, Latency, Delay, and Congestion.

[0120] Application Type indicates the supported protocols. Version indicates the network version. Attribute indicates the network attributes. Throughput indicates the network throughput capacity. Cost indicates the network cost. Speed ​​indicates the network communication speed. Latency indicates the network latency. Delay indicates the network delay. Congestion indicates the network congestion status.

[0121] <Example of Cooperative Transmission Response Frame Configuration> Figure 12 shows an example of the configuration of a Coordinate Response frame.

[0122] The cooperative transmission response frame shown in Figure 12 is sent from the AP to the user terminal 11 for cooperative transmission setup.

[0123] The structure of the co-transmit response frame includes a MAC header, followed by the co-transmit control information element shown in Figure 7, the application control information element shown in Figure 8, and the network control information element shown in Figure 11, with the FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0124] Furthermore, the MAC header of the co-transmit response frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, and Transmit Address.

[0125] <Example of Application Request Frame Structure> Figure 13 shows an example of the structure of an Application Request frame.

[0126] The application request frame in Figure 13 is sent from the service provider to the data server 12 for application setup.

[0127] The structure of an application request frame includes a MAC header, followed by the application control information elements shown in Figure 8, with the FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0128] The MAC header of an application request frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control and QoS Control.

[0129] QoS Control is information that controls the quality of service.

[0130] <Example of Application Response Frame Configuration> Figure 14 shows an example of the configuration of an Application Response frame.

[0131] The application response frame in Figure 14 is sent from the data server 12 to the service provider for application setup.

[0132] The structure of the application response frame includes a MAC header, followed by the application control information element shown in Figure 8 and the network control information element shown in Figure 11, with the FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0133] In addition, the MAC header of the application response frame contains parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0134] <Configuration example of data frame for cooperative transmission> FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a data frame for cooperative transmission.

[0135] The data frame in FIG. 15 is a general A-MPDU (Aggregation MAC protocol data unit) frame, which is composed of a plurality of A-MPDU sub-frames with Padding (Pad) added to the end as necessary.

[0136] The A-MPDU sub-frame is composed of a MPDU containing a delimiter and actual data, with Padding added to the end as necessary.

[0137] <Configuration example of Block ACK frame> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a Block ACK frame.

[0138] The Block ACK frame in FIG. 16 is composed of Frame Control, Duration, Receive address (RA), Transmit Address (TA), BA Control, BA Information, and FCS, etc.

[0139] Frame Control is information indicating frame control. Duration is information indicating the frame duration. Receive address is the destination address. Transmit Address is the source address. BA Control is information indicating Block ACK control. BA Information is information regarding Block ACK.

[0140] In addition, in this technology, since the destination of Block ACK is returned to the AP that transmits the cooperative transmission trigger frame, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is specified as the Trigger AP Address instead of the Receive address.

[0141] <<2. Second Embodiment (Cooperative Transmission by APs Connected to Different Providers)>> <Another Example of the AP·Route Setting Screen> FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of the AP·route setting screen in the user terminal 11.

[0142] Note that descriptions overlapping with those in the description of FIG. 2 are omitted as appropriate.

[0143] In the AP·route setting screen of FIG. 17, an example in which cooperative transmission by AP1 connected to Provider1 and AP3 connected to Provider2 different from Provider1 is selected is shown.

[0144] Similar to the case of FIG. 2, the currently connected routes L1, L2, and L5 are shown by solid lines.

[0145] Unlike in Figure 2, in Figure 17, the route L11 between icon M11 and icon M14-3, the route L12 between icon M14-3 and icon M15-2, and the route L13 between icon M15-2 and icon M12 are shown as dashed lines. In Figure 17, the AP / route setting screen is shown with AP3 and Provider2 selected by the user's instructions, and the routes shown as dashed lines indicate the routes to be connected when AP3 is selected as an AP capable of co-transmission with AP1.

[0146] In other words, the AP routing screen displays AP1, which is currently connected to the user terminal 11, as well as AP3, which is connected to Provider2 (different from Provider1), selected by the user in order to connect to the data server 12.

[0147] In the case of Figure 17, the lower right of the AP / routing settings screen displays the estimated maximum throughput speed when using the route selected by the AP, in addition to the currently connected route. The estimated speed may also display at least one of the following: the estimated speed of the route selected by the AP and the estimated speed of the currently connected route. Furthermore, other information regarding communication status and related information may also be displayed.

[0148] As described above, the routes selected by the AP, including routes with different service providers, are displayed sequentially, allowing the user to select multiple APs performing coordinated transmission and the route to the data server 12 according to the communication status.

[0149] <Other examples of communication sequences> Figure 18 shows another example of the communication sequence of this technology.

[0150] Figure 18 shows the signal flow between the user terminal 11, AP1 to AP3, Provider1, Provider2, and data server 12 in the wireless communication system shown in Figure 1. This communication sequence is shown from top to bottom in chronological order. Therefore, the communication sequence will be described below in chronological order from top to bottom.

[0151] Figure 18 shows an example of coordinated transmission performed by AP1 connected to Provider1 and AP3 connected to Provider2, which is different from Provider1.

[0152] Note that the times t201 to t209, t221 to t226, step time t241, and time t242 in Figure 18 perform the same processing as times t1 to t9, t21 to t26, t41, and time t42 in Figure 3, so their explanation is omitted.

[0153] Furthermore, the times t281 to t288, t311, t331, and t332 in Figure 18 perform the same processing as the times t81 to t88, t111, t131, and t132 in Figure 3, so their explanation is omitted.

[0154] The user terminal 11 decides at time t210 whether or not coordinated transmission is necessary.

[0155] If it is determined that coordinated transmission is necessary, the user terminal 11 may automatically determine which APs will perform the coordinated transmission by collecting and analyzing Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information, as in the case of Figure 3. Alternatively, the user may select which APs will perform the coordinated transmission by displaying the AP / route setting screen shown in Figure 17, which is generated based on the Beacon information, Association Resp information, and Application Resp information.

[0156] For example, if coordinated transmission between AP1 and AP3 is required, user terminal 11 sends a Coordinate Req to AP1 at time t211.

[0157] At time t227, AP1 receives a Coordinate Request from user terminal 11. At time t228, AP1 sends a Coordinate Indi to Provider1, notifying them of a request to configure coordinate transmission.

[0158] Provider1 receives the Application Req sent from AP2 at time t289. At time t290, Provider1 notifies the data server 12 of the request for coordinated transmission by sending the Application Req to the data server 12 if necessary.

[0159] At time t333, data server 12 receives Application Req sent from Provider1. At time t334, data server 12 sends Application Resp to Provider1.

[0160] Provider1 receives the Application Resp sent from data server 12 at time t291. This confirms the connection with data server 12, and Provider1 sends a Coordinate Conf to AP1 at time t292.

[0161] At time t229, AP1 receives the Coordinate Conf sent from Provider1. At time t230, AP1 sends a Coordinate Resp for the Coordinate Conf to user terminal 11.

[0162] User terminal 11 receives a Coordinate Resp sent from AP1 at time t212. Furthermore, user terminal 11 sends a Coordinate Req to AP3 at time t213.

[0163] At time t263, AP3 receives a Coordinate Request sent from user terminal 11. At time t264, AP3 sends a Coordinate Indi to Provider2, notifying them of a request to configure coordinate transmission.

[0164] Since Provider2 has not yet confirmed a connection with data server 12, it sends a Route Request (Route Req) at time t312. The structure of the Route Request frame will be described later in Figure 19.

[0165] At time t335, data server 12 receives a Route Request sent from Provider 2, and at time t336, sends a Route Response (Route Resp), which is a response to the Route Request, to Provider 2. The structure of the Route Response frame will be described later in Figure 20.

[0166] Provider2 receives the Route Resp sent from data server 12 at time t314, and sends the Coordinate Conf to AP3 at time t315.

[0167] At time t265, AP3 receives the Coordinate Conf sent from Provider2. At time t266, AP3 sends a Coordinate Resp for the Coordinate Conf to user terminal 11.

[0168] At time t214, user terminal 11 receives a Coordinate Resp transmitted from AP3. After receiving the Coordinate Resp, user terminal 11 configures itself to receive coordinated transmissions from each AP.

[0169] With the above steps completed, preparations for coordinated transmission using multiple AP1 and AP3 are now complete.

[0170] Subsequently, at time t337, the data server 12 sends the content data (Download Data) to Provider1.

[0171] At time t293, Provider1 receives Download Data sent from Data Server 12 and generates Distribution Data to distribute to AP1. At time t294, Provider1 sends the Distribution Data to AP1. At time t231, AP1 receives the Distribution Data.

[0172] Furthermore, at time t338, data server 12 sends Download Data to Provider2.

[0173] At time t316, Provider2 receives Download Data sent from Data Server 12 and generates Distribution Data to distribute to AP3. At time t317, Provider2 sends the Distribution Data to AP3.

[0174] AP3 receives Distribution Data sent from Provider2 at time t267.

[0175] AP1 transmits a coordinate trigger at time t232.

[0176] AP3 receives a Coordinate trigger from AP1 at time t268. User terminal 11 receives a Coordinate trigger from AP1 at time 215.

[0177] AP1 and AP3 transmit Distribution Data as Coordinate Data to the user terminal 11 at time t233 and time t269 (at the same time).

[0178] At time t216, user terminal 11 receives Coordinate Data transmitted from AP1 and Coordinate Data transmitted from AP2. If all data is received correctly, user terminal 11 sends a Block ACK back to AP1 at time t217. Note that the AP to which user terminal 11 sends the Block ACK back is the AP that performs retransmission control, and if AP3 is performing retransmission control, it may be AP3.

[0179] At time t234, AP1 receives a Block ACK sent from user terminal 11. Based on the Block ACK, if AP1 determines that all data has been successfully delivered to user terminal 11, it sends a Distribution Resp to Provider1 at time 235, if necessary.

[0180] Provider1 receives the Distribution Resp sent from AP1 at time t295, and then the coordinated transmission of content data (Download Data) is completed at times t337 and t338.

[0181] <Example of a routing request frame structure> Figure 19 shows an example of the structure of a route setting request frame.

[0182] The routing request frame shown in Figure 19 is used when sent from the service provider to the data server 12 to set up the transmission route for content data, and is described as a Route Request frame.

[0183] The MAC header of a routing request frame consists of the MAC header followed by the Cooperative Transmission Control Information element shown in Figure 7 and the Application Control Information element shown in Figure 8, with the FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0184] Additionally, the MAC header of a routing request frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, Transmit Address, and Sequence Control.

[0185] <Example of routing response frame structure> Figure 20 shows an example of the configuration of a Route Response frame.

[0186] The routing response frame in Figure 20 is sent from the data server 12 to the service provider for setting up the transmission route.

[0187] The routing response frame consists of a MAC header followed by the Cooperative Transmit Control Information element shown in Figure 7, the Application Control Information element shown in Figure 8, and the Network Control Information element shown in Figure 11, with the FCS appended to the end of the frame.

[0188] Additionally, the MAC header of the routing response frame includes parameters such as Frame Control, Duration, Destination Address, Source Address, Receive Address, and Transmit Address.

[0189] <<3. Configuration of Each Communication Device>> <Configuration of each communication device> Figure 21 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration example of various communication devices, such as a user terminal 11, a data server 12, a wireless communication device 14, or a communication device 15.

[0190] The communication device shown in Figure 21 consists of a network connection module 51, an information input module 52, an equipment control module 53, an information output module 54, and a wireless communication module 55.

[0191] Furthermore, the user terminal 11, data server 12, wireless communication device 14, and communication device 15 are each composed of the necessary modules of the communication device shown in Figure 21, or they are configured with simplified or omitted unnecessary parts of the communication device shown in Figure 21.

[0192] The network connection module 51 is configured to implement functions such as a communication modem for connecting to the Internet 13 when it operates as a data server 12, wireless communication device 14, or communication device 15, in accordance with the control of the device control module 53. The network connection module 51 establishes a connection to the Internet 13 via a public communication line and an Internet service provider.

[0193] The information input module 52 outputs information that conveys instructions entered by the user to the device control module 53. The information input module 52 consists of push buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.

[0194] The device control module 53 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and other components. The device control module 53 executes programs stored in the ROM and other components, enables applications to function at higher layers, and controls each part of the communication device to operate as a separate communication device. The device control module 53 also has a memory 53A, which stores information necessary for processing.

[0195] The information output module 54 outputs information regarding the operating status of the communication device supplied by the device control module 53, or information obtained via the Internet 13. The information output module 54 consists of a display device such as an LED, liquid crystal panel, or organic display (for example, the display unit 31 in Figure 3), or a speaker that outputs sound or music. The information output module 54 displays or notifies the user of necessary information.

[0196] The wireless communication module 55 transmits data supplied from the equipment control module 53 to other communication devices by performing wireless communication. The wireless communication module 55 also receives data transmitted from other communication devices by performing wireless communication and outputs the received data to the equipment control module 53.

[0197] <Configuration of the wireless communication module> Figure 22 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wireless communication module 55 when it is a user terminal 11.

[0198] The wireless communication module 55 includes an interface 101, a transmit buffer 102, a transmit sequence management unit 103, a transmit frame construction unit 104, a cooperative transmit / receive control unit 105, and a timing control unit 106. The wireless communication module 55 also includes a transmit signal processing unit 107-1 and 107-2, a transmit / receive antenna unit 108, a receive signal processing unit 109-1 and 109-2, a receive frame analysis unit 110, a receive sequence management unit 111, and a receive buffer 112.

[0199] Interface 101 functions as an interface for exchanging information input from the user via the device control module 53, data supplied from the Internet 13, or information provided to the user in a predetermined signal format.

[0200] Interface 101 outputs data supplied from the device control module 53 to the transmit buffer 102. Interface 101 also outputs content data stored in the receive buffer 112 to the device control module 53.

[0201] The transmit buffer 102 temporarily stores data received via the interface 101, including information input from the user and data to be transmitted wirelessly.

[0202] The transmission sequence management unit 103 manages the transmission sequence for the data to be transmitted. The transmission sequence management unit 103 also acquires data from the transmission buffer 102 and outputs it to the transmission frame construction unit 104 based on the transmission sequence.

[0203] The transmission frame construction unit 104 outputs the data supplied from the transmission sequence management unit 103 to the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 in accordance with the transmission timing supplied from the timing control unit 106.

[0204] Furthermore, when coordinating transmission, or when simultaneously transmitting data to multiple recipients using spatial multiplexing technology, the transmission frame construction unit 104 converts the data supplied from the transmission sequence management unit 103 into a predetermined frame format as the first data and second data to be transmitted coordinatingly, according to instructions from the coordinating transmission / reception control unit 105. The transmission frame construction unit 104 outputs the frame of the first data and the frame of the second data to be transmitted coordinatingly to the transmission signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2, respectively, in accordance with the transmission timing supplied by the timing control unit 106.

[0205] Furthermore, the transmission frame construction unit 104 generates control frames such as association requests, application requests, cooperative transmission requests, route setting requests, and BlockACKs in accordance with instructions from the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105. The transmission frame construction unit 104 outputs the generated control frames to the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 according to the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0206] The Cooperative Transmission / Reception Control Unit 105 controls the transmission and reception of frames based on information input from the user and header information supplied from the Receiving Frame Analysis Unit 110 via the Interface 101. The Cooperative Transmission / Reception Control Unit 105 controls the transmission and reception of control frames, the execution of cooperative transmission, and the simultaneous reception of cooperatively transmitted data by controlling the Transmission Frame Construction Unit 104 and the Timing Control Unit 106.

[0207] Furthermore, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 has a memory 105A. Based on information input from the user and header information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110 via the interface 101, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 stores information related to cooperative transmission in the memory 105A and generates information necessary for display. The information related to cooperative transmission and the information necessary for display are output to the device control module 53 via the interface 101.

[0208] The timing control unit 106 controls the transmission timing for the transmission frame construction unit 104, the transmission signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2, and the transmit / receive antenna unit 108, based on instructions from the cooperative transmission / receive control unit 105. The timing control unit 106 controls the reception timing for the receive signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2, and the transmit / receive antenna unit 108, based on header information supplied from the receive frame analysis unit 110.

[0209] The transmission signal processing unit 107-1 outputs control frames and frames of the first data to be transmitted in coordination, supplied from the transmission frame construction unit 104, to the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108, according to the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0210] The transmission signal processing unit 107-2 outputs a frame of the second data to be transmitted in coordination, supplied from the transmission frame construction unit 104, to the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108, according to the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0211] In the case of non-coordinated transmission, the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 becomes active. Furthermore, hereafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the transmission signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2, they will be referred to as the transmission signal processing unit 107.

[0212] The transmitting and receiving antenna unit 108 coordinately transmits the first data frame and the second data frame supplied from the transmitting signal processing units 107-1 and 107-2 according to the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106.

[0213] The transmitting and receiving antenna unit 108 receives the first data frame and the second data frame that are transmitted in coordination according to the reception timing controlled by the timing control unit 106. The transmitting and receiving antenna unit 108 outputs the received first data frame and the second data frame to the received signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2, respectively.

[0214] The transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108 transmits control frames supplied from the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 according to the transmission timing controlled by the timing control unit 106. The transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108 outputs the received control frames to the receiving signal processing unit 109-1.

[0215] The received signal processing unit 109-1 processes the frames and control frames of the first data transmitted in coordination, supplied from the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108, according to the reception timing controlled by the timing control unit 106. The received signal processing unit 109-1 outputs the processed frames and control frames of the first data to the received frame analysis unit 110.

[0216] The received signal processing unit 109-2 processes the frames of the second data transmitted in coordination, supplied from the transmitting / receiving antenna unit 108, based on the reception timing supplied from the timing control unit 106. The received signal processing unit 109-2 outputs the processed frames of the second data to the received frame analysis unit 110.

[0217] If coordinated transmission is not performed, the received signal processing unit 109-1 becomes active. Furthermore, from now on, when there is no need to distinguish between the received signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2, they will be referred to simply as the received signal processing unit 109.

[0218] The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts the necessary header information and data. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the extracted header information and other data to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the extracted data to the received sequence management unit 111.

[0219] The reception sequence management unit 111 manages the reception sequence of the data supplied from the reception frame analysis unit 110. Based on the reception sequence, the reception sequence management unit 111 stores the data in the reception buffer 112.

[0220] The receive buffer 112 temporarily stores the data. When data is collected in the receive buffer 112, the collected data is configured as content data and output to the interface 101.

[0221] <<4. User Terminal Operation>> <User terminal communication settings processing> Figures 23 and 24 are flowcharts illustrating the communication configuration process for the user terminal 11. This process is initiated, for example, after power-on.

[0222] At times t22, t42, and t62 in Figure 3 above, AP1 to AP3 each transmit a Beacon.

[0223] After power is turned on, the received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the Beacon and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t1 to t3 in Figure 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts the communication parameter information contained in the Beacon. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the communication parameter information to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0224] In step S101, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not a Beacon has been received. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S101 that a Beacon has been received based on the communication parameter information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0225] Communication parameter information includes provider information about the provider to which each AP connects to the Internet 13.

[0226] In step S102, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 obtains the Provider information to connect to from the communication parameter information and stores it in the memory 105A. Communication parameter information may also be stored.

[0227] If it is not determined that a Beacon has been received in step S101, the process in step S102 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S103.

[0228] In step S103, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not to set up an AP for association based on the status of APs in the surrounding area obtained by the Beacon. If it is determined in step S103 that an AP for association has been set up (t4 in Figure 3), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0229] In step S104, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame construction unit 104 to send the Association Request to the desired AP (e.g., AP1) (t5 in Figure 3).

[0230] Specifically, the transmission frame construction unit 104 generates an Association Req frame and causes the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 to transmit the Association Req frame.

[0231] When AP1 receives an Association Request, it sends the Association Request to Provider1 (t24 in Figure 3). AP1 also receives an Association Resp in response to the Association request from Provider1 and sends it to the user terminal 11 (t26 in Figure 3).

[0232] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the Association Resp and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t6 in Figure 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the received frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts the header information and parameters of each information element. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the header information and the parameters of each necessary information element to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0233] In step S105, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not it has received an Association Resp. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S105 that it has received an Association Resp based on the parameters of the header information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0234] In step S106, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 obtains Association AP information, which is information about the associated AP, from among the parameters of the header information and stores it in memory 105A.

[0235] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that no Association Resp has been received, the process returns to step S103, another AP to associate with is selected, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0236] In step S107, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether a predetermined distribution application has been launched by the user. If it is determined in step S107 that the distribution application has been launched, the process proceeds to step S108. After the distribution application is launched, for example, information about the desired content data is input to the user terminal 11 according to the user's instructions. That is, information about the desired content data is supplied to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 via the information input module 52, the device control module 53, and the interface 101.

[0237] In step S108, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 reads and obtains the Provider information to connect to from the memory 105A.

[0238] In step S109, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame construction unit 104 and, based on the Provider information, causes it to send an Application Request to Provider 1, which is connected to the data server 12 where the desired content data is stored (t8 in Figure 3).

[0239] Specifically, the transmission frame construction unit 104 generates an Application Req frame and has the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 send the Application Req frame. The Application Req is then sent to Provider1 via the associated AP1.

[0240] When Provider1 receives an Application Request, it sends an Application Response (t88 in Figure 3) in response to the Application Request. The Application Response is then sent to the user terminal 11 via the associated AP1.

[0241] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the Application Resp and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t9 in Figure 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the received frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts the header information and parameters of each information element. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the header information and the parameters of each necessary information element to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0242] In step S110, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not it has received an Application Resp. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S110 that it has received an Application Resp based on the parameters of the header information supplied from the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S111 in Figure 24.

[0243] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that an Application Resp has not been received, the process returns to step S101 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0244] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S103 that no AP for association has been configured, or if it is determined in step S107 that the distribution application has not been started, the process returns to step S101 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0245] In step S111 of Figure 24, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 acquires parameters related to the Application, as well as parameters related to the communication path, from among the header information and parameters of each information element, and stores them in memory 105A.

[0246] In step S112, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not to set cooperative transmission. If it is determined in step S112 that cooperative transmission is set, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0247] In step S113, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 reads and acquires information about the surrounding APs from the memory 105A or the like. The acquired information about the surrounding APs includes communication parameter information, application parameters, and communication path parameters. The information about the surrounding APs is output to the equipment control module 53 via interface 101.

[0248] In step S114, the device control module 53 displays a list of APs capable of co-transmitting (for example, the AP / route setting screen in Figure 2) on the information output module 54, based on information about the surrounding APs. That is, a list of APs capable of co-transmitting that are connected to the data server 12 via a service provider in accordance with the instructions of the corresponding distribution application is displayed.

[0249] The user, after viewing the displayed list of APs capable of cooperative transmission, uses the information input module 52 to select a desired AP from among the APs capable of cooperative transmission. The information input module 52 outputs the AP selection information to the device control module 53 according to the user's instructions. The device control module 53 outputs the AP selection information to the wireless communication module 55. The AP selection information is supplied to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 via the interface 101.

[0250] In step S115, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether an AP for cooperative transmission has been selected. If it is determined in step S115 that an AP for cooperative transmission has been selected, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0251] In step S116, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105, based on the AP selection information, provisionally sets the cooperative transmission parameters at the communication terminal, which is the data receiving side, for the setup of cooperative transmission.

[0252] In step S117, the Coordinate Transmission / Reception Control Unit 105 controls the Transmission Frame Construction Unit 104, and in this embodiment, for example, causes it to send a Coordinate Req to AP2 which will be co-transmitted (t11 in Figure 3).

[0253] Specifically, the transmission frame construction unit 104 generates a Coordinate Req frame and causes the transmission signal processing unit 107-1 to transmit the Coordinate Req frame.

[0254] Upon receiving a Coordinate Request, AP2 sends a Response (Coordinate Response) in response to the Coordinate Request (t46 in Figure 3).

[0255] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives the Coordinate Resp and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t12 in Figure 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the frame supplied from the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts each parameter of the header information. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs each parameter of the header information to the coordinate transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0256] In step S118, the Coordinate Transmission / Reception Control Unit 105 determines whether or not a Coordinate Resp has been received. If it is determined in step S118 that a Coordinate Resp has not been received, the process returns to step S112 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0257] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S115 that no AP for cooperative transmission has been selected, the process returns to step S112 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0258] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S118 that a Coordinate Resp has been received, the process proceeds to step S119.

[0259] In step S119, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not another AP for cooperative transmission has been selected. If it is determined in step S119 that another AP for cooperative transmission has been selected, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0260] In step S120, the Coordinate Transmission / Reception Control Unit 105 controls the Transmission Frame Construction Unit 104 and, similar to step S117, in this embodiment, for example, causes it to send a Coordinate Req to another AP1 that will be co-transmitting (t13 in Figure 3).

[0261] Upon receiving a Coordinate Request, AP1 sends a Response (Coordinate Response) in response to the Coordinate Request (t30 in Figure 3).

[0262] In step S121, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether Coordinate Resp has been received, similar to step S118. If it is determined in step S121 that Coordinate Resp has not been received, the process returns to step S119, selects another AP as the AP for cooperative transmission, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0263] If it is determined in step S121 that Coordinate Resp has been received, the process proceeds to step S122. Thus, it is determined that cooperative transmission has been permitted from a plurality of APs.

[0264] In step S122, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the timing control unit 106 to cause the reception signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2 to perform reception settings for receiving data cooperatively transmitted from each AP. Thereafter, the communication setting process ends.

[0265] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 not to set cooperative transmission, or if it is determined in step S119 that Coordinate Resp has not been received, the communication setting process also ends.

[0266] <Cooperative reception process of user terminal> FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are flowcharts for explaining the cooperative reception process of the user terminal 11.

[0267] Note that in FIGS. 25 and 26, the process of receiving data cooperatively transmitted from a plurality of APs preset by the communication setting process in FIGS. 23 and 24 is shown.

[0268] A Trigger frame is transmitted from one of the APs (for example, AP1) (t32 in FIG. 3).

[0269] The received signal processing unit 109-1 receives a Trigger frame and supplies it to the received frame analysis unit 110 (t15 in Figure 3). The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the Trigger frame supplied by the received signal processing unit 109 and extracts the parameters of the Trigger frame. The parameters of the Trigger frame include the timing of data reception, information specifying coordinated transmission, and transmission setting information for each AP. The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the parameters of the Trigger frame to the coordinated transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0270] In step S201, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 waits until it receives a Trigger frame. If the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines in step S201 that it has received a Trigger frame based on the parameters of the Trigger frame supplied by the received frame analysis unit 110, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0271] In step S202, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 obtains the parameters necessary for cooperative transmission from the parameters of the trigger frame.

[0272] In step S203, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether cooperative transmission is set based on the acquired parameters, etc. If it is determined in step S203 that cooperative transmission is not set, the process returns to step S201 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0273] Furthermore, in step S203, if coordinated transmission is set by the communication setting process shown in Figures 23 and 24, it is determined that coordinated transmission is set, and the process proceeds to step S204.

[0274] In step S204, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether or not there are APs configured for cooperative transmission. If it is determined in step S204 that there are no APs configured for cooperative transmission, the process returns to step S201 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0275] If it is determined in step S204 that there is an AP configured for cooperative transmission, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0276] In step S205, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the timing control unit 106 to cause the reception signal processing unit 109-1 to set up reception of the first cooperative transmission data.

[0277] In step S206, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether there are other APs configured for cooperative transmission. If it is determined in step S206 that there are other APs configured for cooperative transmission, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0278] In step S207, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the timing control unit 106 to cause the reception signal processing unit 109-2 to set up reception for the second cooperative transmission data. Then, the process returns to step S206 and the subsequent processing is repeated. In other words, if cooperative transmission is set up from more than one AP, for example, three or more APs, the user terminal 11 may be configured to set up reception accordingly.

[0279] If it is determined in step S206 that there are no other APs configured for coordinated transmission, the process proceeds to step S208 in Figure 26.

[0280] AP1 and AP2 transmit the coordinated transmission data at the timings specified in the Trigger frame (t33 and t49 in Figure 3).

[0281] In step S208 of Figure 26, the receiving signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2 receive the coordinated transmission data (t16 in Figure 3).

[0282] The reception signal processing units 109-1 and 109-2 receive the cooperative transmission data and supply it to the received frame analysis unit 110. The received frame analysis unit 110 analyzes the frames of the cooperative transmission data supplied from the reception signal processing unit 109, and extracts the parameters of the data and header information in a predetermined data unit (the A-MPDU sub-frame unit in FIG. 15). The received frame analysis unit 110 outputs the data in the predetermined data unit to the reception sequence management unit 111, and outputs the parameters to the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105.

[0283] In step S209, the reception sequence management unit 111 determines whether or not it has been able to normally collect the data in a predetermined data unit among the received data. If it is determined that the data in the predetermined data unit has been normally collected, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0284] In step S210, the reception sequence management unit 111 acquires the data in the predetermined data unit that has been normally collected and stores it in the reception buffer 112.

[0285] In step S209, if it is determined that the data in the predetermined data unit has not been normally collected, step S210 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S211.

[0286] In step S211, the reception sequence management unit 111 determines whether or not the end of the received data (the A-MPDU frame in FIG. 15) has arrived. If it is determined that the end of the received data has not arrived, the process returns to step S208 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

[0287] In step S211, if it is determined that the end of the received data has arrived, the process proceeds to step S212. In this embodiment, for example, the first cooperative transmission data is received in the reception signal processing unit 109-1, and at the same time, the second cooperative transmission data is received in the reception signal processing unit 109-2, and the processing is performed respectively.

[0288] In step S212, the reception sequence management unit 111 determines whether or not there is data in a predetermined data unit that has been successfully collected. If it is determined in step S212 that there is data in a predetermined data unit that has been successfully collected, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0289] In step S213, the reception sequence management unit 111 collects data in predetermined data units from the reception results of the first and second coordinated transmission data from the reception buffer 112 and the like, constructs received data (A-MPDU frame), and stores it in the reception buffer 112.

[0290] If it is determined in step S212 that there is no data for a predetermined data unit that has been successfully collected, step S213 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S214.

[0291] In step S214, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 constructs Block ACK information, which is an acknowledgment of receipt in the reception sequence management unit 111.

[0292] In step S215, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 identifies the AP on which to perform retransmission control.

[0293] In step S216, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 controls the transmission frame construction unit 104 to cause the AP performing retransmission control to send a Block ACK frame (Figure 16) (t17 in Figure 3).

[0294] In step S217, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 determines whether all data has been received. If it is determined in step S217 that not all data has been received, the process returns to step S201 and the subsequent processing is repeated. That is, the cooperative transmission / reception control unit 105 waits again for data to be transmitted cooperatively.

[0295] If it is determined in step S217 that all data has been received, the process proceeds to step S218. The process also proceeds to step S218 if retransmission fails due to a timeout or other reason before all data has been received.

[0296] In step S218, the reception sequence management unit 111 outputs the data stored in the reception buffer 112 to the device control module 53 (application) via the interface 101.

[0297] <<5. Others>> <Effects> As described above, this technology allows users to configure the APs to be used for coordinated transmission from their terminal and initiate the setup process, thus enabling coordinated transmission to be performed by any AP.

[0298] In other words, when performing coordinated transmission, existing access points (APs) can be reused without introducing new APs.

[0299] Furthermore, if an AP (Access Point) is equipped with a cooperative transmission function, it can be configured to perform cooperative transmission even when using APs from different manufacturers.

[0300] Since APs can be specified at any time, it is possible to configure the optimal AP as needed, such as when a user needs to run an application, and then perform the coordinated transmission setup.

[0301] By displaying the presence of APs (Access Points) in the surrounding area that are capable of cooperative transmission, users can select the most suitable AP.

[0302] In other words, since user terminals are equipped with display functions such as screens, users can easily see the presence of APs (Access Points) in their vicinity that support coordinated transmission.

[0303] Furthermore, since user terminals are equipped with an interface for inputting user instructions, users can easily specify any AP to perform cooperative transmission.

[0304] By collecting information about the existence of data servers relevant to the application and the service providers that perform internet access, users can select the optimal access point (AP) for their needs.

[0305] <Example of computer configuration> The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed from a program storage medium onto a computer that is built into dedicated hardware, or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0306] Figure 27 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above by a program.

[0307] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 are interconnected by a bus 304.

[0308] An input / output interface 305 is further connected to the bus 304. An input unit 306 consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and an output unit 307 consisting of a display, speakers, etc. are connected to the input / output interface 305. In addition, a storage unit 308 consisting of a hard disk, non-volatile memory, etc., a communication unit 309 consisting of a network interface, etc., and a drive 310 that drives removable media 311 are connected to the input / output interface 305.

[0309] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 301 performs the aforementioned series of processes by loading, for example, a program stored in the memory unit 308 into the RAM 303 via the input / output interface 305 and the bus 304 and executing it.

[0310] The program executed by the CPU 301 is recorded on removable media 311, for example, or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the internet, or digital broadcasting, and installed in the storage unit 308.

[0311] The programs executed by the computer may be programs that are processed chronologically in the order described herein, or they may be programs that are processed in parallel or at necessary times, such as when a call is made.

[0312] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all components are located in the same enclosure. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate enclosures and connected via a network, and a single device containing multiple modules within a single enclosure, are both considered systems.

[0313] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur.

[0314] The embodiments of this technology are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this technology.

[0315] For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, where a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0316] Furthermore, each step described in the flowchart above can be performed by a single device, or it can be divided and performed by multiple devices.

[0317] Furthermore, if a single step includes multiple processes, those processes can be executed by a single device or shared among multiple devices.

[0318] <Examples of configuration combinations> This technology can also be configured as follows: (1) The communication control unit initiates the setup for the coordinated transmission in order to enable coordinated transmission in multiple wireless communication devices. A wireless communication terminal equipped with the following features. (2) The communication control unit transmits a coordinated transmission setup request to the desired wireless communication device and receives a response to the setup request from the wireless communication device. The wireless communication terminal described in (1) above. (3) When the communication control unit receives a response to the setup request from the multiple wireless communication devices that sent the setup request, it configures the reception settings for the coordinated transmission to be performed in the multiple wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal described in (2) above. (4) The communication control unit controls the wireless communication device that performs retransmission control for the coordinated transmission to send back an acknowledgment of receipt for the coordinated transmission. The wireless communication terminal described in (2) or (3) above. (5) The system further comprises a display control unit that controls the display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device capable of performing the aforementioned coordinated transmission. A wireless communication terminal as described in any of (2) to (4) above. (6) It further includes an input section for receiving user instructions, The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device in accordance with the user's instructions. The wireless communication terminal described in (5) above. (7) The display control unit controls the display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device and information corresponding to the service provider connected to the network. The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device and the service provider in response to the user's instructions. The wireless communication terminal described in (6) above. (8) The display control unit controls the display of information for each route between the wireless communication device and the service provider. The wireless communication terminal described in (7) above. (9) The display control unit controls the display of the communication status calculated for each route between the wireless communication device and the service provider. The wireless communication terminal described in (7) above. (10) The communication control unit selects the wireless communication device and a service provider to connect to the network. The wireless communication terminal described in (2) above. (11) The communication control unit controls the reception of content data for a predetermined application from a server connected to the network via the wireless communication device. The wireless communication terminal described in (2) above. (12) The communication control unit sends a coordinated transmission setup request to the multiple wireless communication devices, and when it receives a response to the setup request from the multiple wireless communication devices, it performs the coordinated transmission reception settings to be executed in the multiple wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal described in (1) above. (13) A setup request for performing the coordinated transmission in multiple wireless communication devices includes address information of the associated communication devices. The wireless communication terminal described in (1) above. (14) The response to the setup request includes network control information elements necessary to select the wireless communication device that will perform the coordinated transmission for a plurality of wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal described in (13) above. (15) The communication control unit transmits the coordinated transmission setup request to the desired wireless communication device, which is connected to the data server via a service provider in response to instructions from the corresponding application. The wireless communication terminal described in (1) above. (16) If the multiple desired wireless communication devices are via different service providers, the communication control unit transmits the setup request to each of the multiple desired wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal described in (15) above. (17) Wireless communication terminal, To enable coordinated transmission among multiple wireless communication devices, the setup for the coordinated transmission is initiated. Wireless communication method. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0319] 11 User terminal, 12 Data server, 13 Internet, 14, 14-1 to 14-3 Communication device, 15, 15-1, 15-2 Communication device, 51 Network connection module, 52 Information input module, 53 Device control module, 53A Memory, 54 Information output module, 55 Wireless communication module, 101 Interface, 102 Transmit buffer, 103 Transmit sequence management unit, 104 Transmit frame construction unit, 105 Coordination / transmit / receive control unit, 105A Memory, 106 Timing control unit, 107, 107-1, 107-2 Transmit signal processing unit, 108 Transmit / receive antenna unit, 109, 109-1, 109-2 Receive signal processing unit, 110 Receive frame analysis unit, 111 Receive sequence management unit, 112 Receive buffer

Claims

1. The communication control unit initiates the setup for the coordinated transmission in order to enable coordinated transmission in multiple wireless communication devices. Equipped with, The communication control unit controls the wireless communication terminal to send the coordinated transmission setup request to the desired wireless communication device and to receive a response to the setup request from the wireless communication device. The setup request includes the address of the wireless communication terminal that sent the setup request and the address of the wireless communication device that performs the coordinated transmission. The response to the setup request includes a network control information element containing parameters necessary for selecting the wireless communication device that will perform the coordinated transmission. Wireless communication terminal.

2. When the communication control unit receives a response to the setup request from the multiple wireless communication devices that sent the setup request, it configures the reception settings for the coordinated transmission to be performed in the multiple wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

3. The communication control unit controls the wireless communication device that performs retransmission control for the coordinated transmission to send back an acknowledgment of receipt for the coordinated transmission. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 2.

4. The system further comprises a display control unit that controls the display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device capable of performing the aforementioned coordinated transmission. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

5. Further comprising an operation input unit for inputting user instructions, The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device in response to user instructions input to the operation input unit. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 4.

6. The display control unit controls the display of information corresponding to the wireless communication device and information corresponding to the service provider connected to the network. The communication control unit selects the desired wireless communication device and the service provider in response to the user's instructions. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 5.

7. The display control unit controls the display of information for each route between the wireless communication device and the service provider. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 6.

8. The display control unit controls the display of the communication status calculated for each route between the wireless communication device and the service provider. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 6.

9. The communication control unit selects the wireless communication device and a service provider to connect to the network. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

10. The communication control unit controls the reception of content data for a predetermined application from a server connected to the network via the wireless communication device. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

11. The communication control unit transmits the setup request for the coordinated transmission to the plurality of wireless communication devices, and when it receives a response to the setup request from the plurality of wireless communication devices, it performs the reception settings for the coordinated transmission to be executed in the plurality of wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

12. The communication control unit transmits the setup request for the coordinated transmission to the desired wireless communication device, which is connected to the data server via a service provider in response to instructions from the corresponding application. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 1.

13. If the multiple desired wireless communication devices are via different service providers, the communication control unit transmits the setup request to each of the multiple desired wireless communication devices. The wireless communication terminal according to claim 12.

14. A wireless communication terminal, A wireless communication method for starting the setup of a coordinated transmission in order to perform coordinated transmission in multiple wireless communication devices, The wireless communication terminal controls the transmission of the coordinated transmission setup request to the desired wireless communication device and the reception of the setup request response from the wireless communication device. The setup request includes the address of the wireless communication terminal that sent the setup request and the address of the wireless communication device that performs the coordinated transmission. The response to the setup request includes a network control information element containing parameters necessary for selecting the wireless communication device that will perform the coordinated transmission. Wireless communication method.

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