Communication device

Abstract

To provide a communication device capable of achieving data transmission among units.SOLUTION: In a relay system 11210, a communication device 11302 receives location information of a transfer source unit and a transfer destination unit using a first communication method; a moving mechanism 11301 moves a relay unit 11210 to a position where communication is possible with a transfer source unit based on the location information of the transfer source unit by using a second communication method; the communication device 11302 receives the data from the transfer source unit using the second communication method; a storage unit 11303 stores the data; the moving mechanism 11301 moves the relay unit 11210 to a position where communication is possible with the transfer destination unit by using the second communication method based on the location information of the transfer destination unit received by the communication device 11302; and the communication device 11302 transmits, to the transfer destination unit, the data stored in the storage unit 11303 by using the second communication method.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 113

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a relay device, a relay method, a transmission method, a transmission device, a reception method, and a reception device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a communication method using multiple antennas, there is, for example, a communication method called MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Out). In multi-antenna communication represented by MIMO, transmission data of multiple streams is modulated, and each modulated signal is transmitted simultaneously from different antennas using the same frequency (a common frequency), thereby improving the reception quality of data and / or increasing the communication speed of data (per unit time).

[0003] Also, in multi-antenna communication, when performing multicast / broadcast communication, a pseudo-omnidirectional pattern antenna having a substantially constant antenna gain over a wide direction in space may be used by the transmission device. For example, in Patent Document 1, it is described that a transmission device transmits a modulated signal using a pseudo-omnidirectional pattern antenna.

[0004] On the other hand, even if the transmission speed is increased in a wireless communication system, when the surrounding network is slow, it is necessary to construct a system to make use of this increased speed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a mobile communication device comprising a main body and a detachable relay unit, wherein the relay unit includes a relay communication unit that relays communication between a first communication device and the main body, and the main body comprises a control unit that separates the relay unit within an area where communication with the first communication device is possible, and a communication unit that communicates with the first communication device via the relay unit outside an area where communication with the first communication device is possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it may be possible to improve the performance of communication systems or facilitate adaptation to new service formats. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a base station configuration. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna section of a base station. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a base station configuration. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a terminal configuration. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the antenna section of a terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the terminal configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the communication status between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between multiple streams. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol configuration. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between a plurality of modulation signals. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol configuration. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a communication state between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the relationship between a plurality of modulation signals. [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 29 shows an example of the communication status between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows the procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows an example of a symbol transmitted by a base station. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows an example of a symbol transmitted by a base station. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows the procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows the procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows an example of a symbol transmitted by a base station. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows the procedure for communication between a base station and a terminal. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows an example of a base station configuration. [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 40] Figure 40 shows an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 41] Figure 41 shows an example of a frame configuration. [Figure 42] Figure 42 shows an example of assigning a symbol region to a terminal. [Figure 43] Figure 43 shows an example of assigning a symbol area to a terminal. [Figure 44] Figure 44 shows an example of a base station configuration. [Figure 45] Figure 45 shows an example of transmitting data held by one communication device to multiple communication devices. [Figure 46] Figure 46 shows an example of a spectrum. [Figure 47] Figure 47 shows an example of the relative positions of each communication device. [Figure 48]Figure 48 shows another example of the positional relationship of each communication device. [Figure 49] Figure 49 shows another example of the positional relationship of each communication device. [Figure 50] Figure 50 shows another example of the positional relationship of each communication device. [Figure 51] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame structure of a modulated signal transmitted by a communication device. [Figure 52] Figure 52 shows another example of the frame structure of a modulated signal transmitted by a communication device. [Figure 53] Figure 53 shows an example of the configuration of a communication device. [Figure 54] Figure 54 shows an example of communication between communication devices. [Figure 55] Figure 55 shows an example of the procedure by which each communication device performs communication. [Figure 56] Figure 56 shows another example of the procedure by which each communication device performs communication. [Figure 57] Figure 57 shows an example of the configuration of a communication device and a power transmission device. [Figure 58] Figure 58 shows an example of the device configuration. [Figure 59] Figure 59 shows an example of the procedure by which each device communicates. [Figure 60] Figure 60 shows the procedure for communication between the device and the server. [Figure 61] Figure 61 is a diagram illustrating the challenges related to the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 62] Figure 62 shows an example of the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 63] Figure 63 shows another example of the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 64] Figure 64 shows another example of the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 65] Figure 65 shows another example of the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 66] Figure 66 shows another example of the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 67] Figure 67 shows another example of the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 68] Figure 68 shows another example of the arrangement of communication antennas. [Figure 69] Figure 69 is a diagram illustrating the system's overview. [Figure 70] Figure 70 shows an example of the configuration of a communication device. [Figure 71] Figure 71 shows an example of a power transmission system configuration. [Figure 72] Figure 72 shows an example of the processing operation of a communication device. [Figure 73] Figure 73 shows an example of the processing operation of a power transmission system. [Figure 74] Figure 74 shows an example of another processing operation of the power transmission system. [Figure 75] Figure 75 shows an example of another processing operation of the communication device. [Figure 76] Figure 76 shows an example of yet another processing operation of the power transmission system. [Figure 77] Figure 77 shows an example of a power transmission system configuration. [Figure 78] Figure 78 shows an example of a power transmission system configuration. [Figure 79] Figure 79 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a communication device installed in a vehicle. [Figure 80] Figure 80 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the power transmission system. [Figure 81] Figure 81 shows an example of a car configuration. [Figure 82] Figure 82 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication equipment installed in the vehicle. [Figure 83] Figure 83 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the power transmission system. [Figure 84] Figure 84 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the communication equipment installed in the vehicle. [Figure 85] Figure 85 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the power transmission system. [Figure 86]Figure 86 shows an example of data flow between a vehicle and a power transmission system. [Figure 87] Figure 87 shows an example of data flow between a vehicle and a power transmission system. [Figure 88] Figure 88 shows an example of a car parking space and a power transmission antenna. [Figure 89] Figure 89 shows an example of data flow between a vehicle and a power transmission system. [Figure 90A] Figure 90A shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 90B] Figure 90B shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 91] Figure 91 shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 92A] Figure 92A shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 92B] Figure 92B shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 93] Figure 93 shows an example of the equipment configuration. [Figure 94] Figure 94 shows an example of the equipment configuration. [Figure 95A] Figure 95A shows an example of a terminal configuration. [Figure 95B] Figure 95B shows an example of a terminal configuration. [Figure 96] Figure 96 shows an example of an access point configuration. [Figure 97] Figure 97 shows an example of an access point configuration. [Figure 98] Figure 98 shows an example of how communication works in a communication system. [Figure 99] Figure 99 shows an example of how communication works in a communication system. [Figure 100] Figure 100 shows an example of how communication works in a communication system. [Figure 101] Figure 101 shows an example of how communication works in a communication system. [Figure 102] Figure 102 shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 103A] Figure 103A shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 103B] Figure 103B shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 104] Figure 104 shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 105A] Figure 105A shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 105B] Figure 105B shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 106] Figure 106 shows an example of how communication works in a communication system. [Figure 107] Figure 107 shows an example of how communication works in a communication system. [Figure 108] Figure 108 shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 109A] Figure 109A shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 109B] Figure 109B shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 110] Figure 110 shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 111A] Figure 111A shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 111B] Figure 111B shows an example of a communication procedure in a communication system. [Figure 112] Figure 112 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 113] Figure 113 shows an example of the configuration of a communication device. [Figure 114] Figure 114 shows an example of the procedure for the first relay processing. [Figure 115]Figure 115 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 116] Figure 116 shows an example of the procedure for the second relay processing. [Figure 117] Figure 117 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 118] Figure 118 shows an example of the procedure for the third relay process. [Figure 119] Figure 119 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 120] Figure 120 shows an example of the procedure for the fourth relay process. [Figure 121] Figure 121 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 122] Figure 122 shows an example of the configuration of a moving device. [Figure 123] Figure 123 shows an example of how a communication system operates. [Figure 124] Figure 124 shows an example of how a communication system operates. [Figure 125] Figure 125 shows an example of how a communication system operates. [Figure 126] Figure 126 shows an example of a server configuration. [Figure 127] Figure 127 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 128] Figure 128 shows an example of communication in a satellite communication system. [Figure 129] Figure 129 shows an example of communication in a satellite communication system. [Figure 130] Figure 130 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 131] Figure 131 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 132] Figure 132 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 133] Figure 133 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 134]Figure 134 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 135] Figure 135 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 136] Figure 136 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 137] Figure 137 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 138] Figure 138 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 139] Figure 139 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 140] Figure 140 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 141] Figure 141 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 142] Figure 142 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 143] Figure 143 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 144] Figure 144 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 145] Figure 145 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 146] Figure 146 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 147] Figure 147 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 148] Figure 148 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 149] Figure 149 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 150] Figure 150 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 151] Figure 151 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 152] Figure 152 shows an example of a communication system configuration. [Figure 153A] Figure 153A is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the first communication method. [Figure 153B] Figure 153B is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the second communication method. [Figure 154A] Figure 154A is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the first communication method. [Figure 154B] Figure 154B is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the second communication method. [Figure 155A] Figure 155A is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the first communication method. [Figure 155B] Figure 155B is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the second communication method. [Figure 156A] Figure 156A is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the first communication scheme. [Figure 156B] Figure 156B is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the second communication method. [Figure 157A] Figure 157A is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the first communication method. [Figure 157B] Figure 157B is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the second communication method. [Figure 158A] Figure 158A is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the first communication method. [Figure 158B] Figure 158B is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the second communication method. [Figure 159A] Figure 159A is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the first communication method. [Figure 159B] Figure 159B is a diagram illustrating the presence of a modulated signal in the second communication method. [Figure 160] Figure 160 shows an example of how a communication system operates. [Figure 161] Figure 161 shows an example of the frame structure of a modulated signal. [Figure 162] Figure 162 shows an example of how a communication system operates. [Figure 163] Figure 163 shows an example of how a communication system operates. [Figure 164]Figure 164 shows an example of how a communication system operates. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Below, we will first describe an example of a communication method using multiple antennas that can be applied to the communication system of this disclosure, which will be described later.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a base station (or access point, etc.) in this embodiment.

[0012] 101-1 represents #1 information, 101-2 represents #2 information, ..., 101-M represents #M information. 101-i represents #i information. i is an integer between 1 and M (inclusive). M is an integer greater than or equal to 2. Note that it is not necessary for all of the #1 through #M information to exist.

[0013] The signal processing unit 102 receives #1 information 101-1, #2 information 101-2, ..., #M information 101-M, and control signal 159 as input. Based on the information contained in the control signal 159, such as "information on error correction coding method (coding rate, code length (block length))", "information on modulation scheme", "information on precoding", "transmission method (multiplexing method)", "whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission (multicast transmission and unicast transmission may be implemented simultaneously)", "number of transmission streams when performing multicast", and "transmission method when transmitting a multicast modulated signal (this point will be explained in detail later)", the signal processing unit 102 performs signal processing and outputs signal 103-1, signal 103-2, ..., signal 103-M, i.e., signal 103-i after signal processing. Note that it is not necessary for all of the signal processing signals #1 to #M to be present. At this point, error correction coding is performed on the #i information 101-i, and then mapping is performed using the set modulation scheme. This yields the baseband signal.

[0014] Then, the baseband signals corresponding to each piece of information are collected and pre-coded. Alternatively, for example, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) may be applied.

[0015] The wireless unit 104-1 receives the processed signal 103-1 and the control signal 159 as inputs, and performs processing such as bandwidth limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification based on the control signal 159, and outputs the transmission signal 105-1. The transmission signal 105-1 is then output as radio waves from the antenna unit 106-1.

[0016] Similarly, the radio unit 104-2 receives the processed signal 103-2 and the control signal 159 as inputs, performs processing such as bandwidth limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification based on the control signal 159, and outputs the transmission signal 105-2. The transmission signal 105-2 is then output as radio waves from the antenna unit 106-2. The explanation of radio units 104-3 to 104-(M-1) is omitted.

[0017] The wireless unit 104-M receives the processed signal 103-M and the control signal 159 as inputs, and performs processing such as bandwidth limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification based on the control signal 159, and outputs the transmission signal 105-M. The transmission signal 105-M is then output as radio waves from the antenna unit 106-M.

[0018] Furthermore, each wireless unit does not need to perform the above processing if there is no signal after signal processing.

[0019] The wireless unit group 153 receives the received signal group 152 received by the receiving antenna group 151 as input, performs processing such as frequency conversion, and outputs the baseband signal group 154.

[0020] The signal processing unit 155 receives the baseband signal group 154 ​​as input and performs demodulation and error correction decoding, that is, it also performs processing such as time synchronization, frequency synchronization, and channel estimation. At this time, the signal processing unit 155 receives and processes the modulated signals transmitted by one or more terminals, and obtains the data and control information transmitted by each terminal. Accordingly, the signal processing unit 155 outputs a data group 156 corresponding to one or more terminals and a control information group 157 corresponding to one or more terminals.

[0021] The setting unit 158 ​​receives the control information group 157 and the setting signal 160 as inputs, and based on the control information group 157, determines the "error correction coding method (coding rate, code length (block length))", "modulation method", "precoding method", "transmission method", "antenna settings", "whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission (multicast and unicast transmission may be implemented simultaneously)", "number of transmission streams when performing multicast", and "transmission method when transmitting a multicast modulation signal", and outputs a control signal 159 that includes this determined information.

[0022] Antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M receive control signal 159 as input. The operation in this case will be explained using Figure 2.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M. Each antenna unit is equipped with multiple antennas as shown in Figure 2. Although Figure 2 shows four antennas, each antenna unit is only required to be equipped with multiple antennas. The number of antennas is not limited to four.

[0024] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the antenna section 106-i, where i is an integer between 1 and M.

[0025] The distribution unit 202 takes the transmission signal 201 (corresponding to the transmission signal 105-i in Figure 1) as input, distributes the transmission signal 201, and outputs signals 203-1, 203-2, 203-3, and 203-4.

[0026] The multiplier unit 204-1 receives signal 203-1 and control signal 200 (corresponding to control signal 159 in Figure 1) as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in control signal 200, it multiplies signal 203-1 by coefficient W1 and outputs the multiplied signal 205-1. Note that coefficient W1 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W1 can also be a real number. Thus, if signal 203-1 is v1(t), the multiplied signal 205-1 can be expressed as W1 × v1(t) (where t is time). The multiplied signal 205-1 is then output as radio waves from antenna 206-1.

[0027] Similarly, the multiplier unit 204-2 takes signal 203-2 and control signal 200 as inputs, and based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in control signal 200, multiplies signal 203-2 by the coefficient W2 and outputs the multiplied signal 205-2. Note that the coefficient W2 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W2 can also be a real number. Thus, if signal 203-2 is v2(t), the multiplied signal 205-2 can be expressed as W2 × v2(t) (where t is time). The multiplied signal 205-2 is then output as radio waves from antenna 206-2.

[0028] The multiplication unit 204-3 takes signal 203-3 and control signal 200 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in control signal 200, it multiplies signal 203-3 by the coefficient W3 and outputs the multiplied signal 205-3. The coefficient W3 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W3 can also be a real number. Thus, if signal 203-3 is v3(t), the multiplied signal 205-3 can be expressed as W3 × v3(t) (where t is time). The multiplied signal 205-3 is then output as radio waves from antenna 206-3.

[0029] The multiplication unit 204-4 receives signals 203-4 and control signal 200 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 200, it multiplies signal 203-4 by the coefficient W4 and outputs the multiplied signal 205-4. The coefficient W4 is defined as a complex number. Therefore, W4 can also be a real number. Thus, if signal 203-4 is v4(t), the multiplied signal 205-4 can be expressed as W4 × v4(t) (where t is time). The multiplied signal 205-4 is then output as radio waves from antenna 206-4.

[0030] Note that the absolute values ​​of W1, W2, W3, and W4 may be equal.

[0031] Figure 3 shows a base station configuration different from the base station configuration in Figure 1 in this embodiment. In Figure 3, components that operate similarly to those in Figure 1 are given the same numbers, and their explanations are omitted below.

[0032] The weighted synthesis unit 301 receives the modulated signal 105-1, modulated signal 105-2, ..., modulated signal 105-M, and control signal 159 as inputs. Based on the weighted synthesis information contained in the control signal 159, the weighted synthesis unit 301 performs weighted synthesis on the modulated signals 105-1, 105-2, ..., and 105-M, and outputs the weighted synthesized signals 302-1, 302-2, ..., and 302-K. K is an integer greater than or equal to 1. The weighted synthesized signal 302-1 is output as a radio wave from antenna 303-1, the weighted synthesized signal 302-2 is output as a radio wave from antenna 303-2, ..., and the weighted synthesized signal 302-K is output as a radio wave from antenna 303-K.

[0033] Weighted combined signal y i (t)302-i (where i is an integer between 1 and K) can be expressed as follows (where t is time):

[0034]

number

[0035] Note that in equation (1), A ij A is a value that can be defined as a complex number, and therefore, A ij x can also take real numbers, j (t) is the modulated signal 105-j, where j is an integer between 1 and M (inclusive).

[0036] Figure 4 shows an example of the terminal configuration. Antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N receive the control signal 410 as input. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

[0037] The wireless unit 403-1 receives the received signal 402-1 and the control signal 410 received by the antenna unit 401-1 as inputs, and based on the control signal 410, performs processing such as frequency conversion on the received signal 402-1 and outputs the baseband signal 404-1.

[0038] Similarly, the radio unit 403-2 receives the received signal 402-2 and the control signal 410 from the antenna unit 401-2 as inputs, and based on the control signal 410, performs processing such as frequency conversion on the received signal 402-2 and outputs the baseband signal 404-2. The explanation of radio units 403-3 to 403-(N-1) is omitted.

[0039] The wireless unit 403-N receives the received signal 402-N and the control signal 410 received by the antenna unit 401-N as inputs, and based on the control signal, performs processing such as frequency conversion on the received signal 402-N and outputs the baseband signal 404-N.

[0040] However, it is not necessary for all of the radio units 403-1, 403-2, ..., and 403-N to be operational. Therefore, it is not guaranteed that all of the baseband signals 404-1, 404-2, ..., and 404-N will be present.

[0041] The signal processing unit 405 takes baseband signals 404-1, 404-2, ..., 404-N, and control signal 410 as input, performs demodulation and error correction decoding based on the control signal 410, and outputs data 406, transmission control information 407, and control information 408. In other words, the signal processing unit 405 also performs processes such as time synchronization, frequency synchronization, and channel estimation.

[0042] The setting unit 409 takes control information 408 as input, sets the reception method, and outputs control signal 410.

[0043] The signal processing unit 452 receives information 451 and transmission control information 407 as inputs, performs processing such as error correction coding and mapping using the set modulation scheme, and outputs a baseband signal group 453.

[0044] The radio unit group 454 receives the baseband signal group 453 as input, performs processing such as bandwidth limiting, frequency conversion, and amplification, and outputs the transmission signal group 455. The transmission signal group 455 is then output as radio waves from the transmission antenna group 456.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an example configuration of antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N. Each antenna unit is equipped with multiple antennas as shown in Figure 5. Although Figure 5 shows four antennas, each antenna unit is only required to be equipped with multiple antennas. Note that the number of antennas in an antenna unit is not limited to four.

[0046] Figure 5 shows the configuration of the antenna unit 401-i, where i is an integer between 1 and N (inclusive).

[0047] The multiplier unit 503-1 receives the received signal 502-1 from the antenna 501-1 and the control signal 500 (corresponding to the control signal 410 in Figure 4) as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 500, it multiplies the received signal 502-1 by the coefficient D1 and outputs the multiplied signal 504-1. The coefficient D1 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D1 can also be a real number. Thus, if the received signal 502-1 is e1(t), the multiplied signal 504-1 can be expressed as D1 × e1(t) (where t is time).

[0048] Similarly, the multiplier unit 503-2 receives the received signal 502-2 and the control signal 500 from the antenna 501-2 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 500, it multiplies the received signal 502-2 by the coefficient D2 and outputs the multiplied signal 504-2. The coefficient D2 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D2 can also be a real number. Thus, if the received signal 502-2 is e2(t), the multiplied signal 504-2 can be expressed as D2 × e2(t) (where t is time).

[0049] The multiplication unit 503-3 receives the received signal 502-3 and the control signal 500 from the antenna 501-3 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 500, it multiplies the received signal 502-3 by the coefficient D3 and outputs the multiplied signal 504-3. The coefficient D3 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D3 can also be a real number. Thus, if the received signal 502-3 is e3(t), the multiplied signal 504-3 can be expressed as D3 × e3(t) (where t is time).

[0050] The multiplication unit 503-4 receives the received signal 502-4 and the control signal 500 from the antenna 501-4 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 500, it multiplies the received signal 502-4 by the coefficient D4 and outputs the multiplied signal 504-4. The coefficient D4 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, D4 ​​can also be a real number. Thus, if the received signal 502-4 is e4(t), the multiplied signal 504-4 can be expressed as D4 × e4(t) (where t is time).

[0051] The combining unit 505 takes the multiplied signals 504-1, 504-2, 504-3, and 504-4 as input, adds the multiplied signals 504-1, 504-2, 504-3, and 504-4 together, and outputs the combined signal 506 (corresponding to the received signal 402-i in Figure 4). Therefore, the combined signal 506 can be expressed as D1×e1(t)+D2×e2(t)+D3×e3(t)+D4×e4(t).

[0052] Figure 6 shows a terminal configuration different from that of Figure 4 in this embodiment. In Figure 6, components that operate similarly to those in Figure 4 are given the same numbers, and their explanations are omitted below.

[0053] The multiplier unit 603-1 receives the received signal 602-1 from the antenna 601-1 and the control signal 410 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 410, it multiplies the received signal 602-1 by the coefficient G1 and outputs the multiplied signal 604-1. The coefficient G1 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, G1 can also be a real number. Thus, if the received signal 602-1 is c1(t), the multiplied signal 604-1 can be expressed as G1 × c1(t) (where t is time).

[0054] Similarly, the multiplication unit 603-2 takes the received signal 602-2 received by the antenna 601-2 and the control signal 410 as inputs, and multiplies the received signal 602-2 by the coefficient G2 based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 410, and outputs the multiplied signal 604-2. Note that the coefficient G2 can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, G2 can also take the form of a real number. Thus, if the received signal 602-2 is c2(t), the multiplied signal 604-2 can be expressed as G2 × c2(t) (where t is time). The explanation of multiplication units 603-3 to 603-(L-1) is omitted.

[0055] The multiplier unit 603-L receives the received signal 602-L from the antenna 601-L and the control signal 410 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 410, it multiplies the received signal 602-L by the coefficient GL and outputs the multiplied signal 604-L. The coefficient GL can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, GL can also take the form of a real number. Thus, if the received signal 602-L is cL(t), the multiplied signal 604-L can be expressed as GL × cL(t) (where t is time).

[0056] Therefore, the multiplier unit 603-i receives the received signal 602-i received by the antenna 601-i and the control signal 410 as inputs. Based on the information of the multiplication coefficient contained in the control signal 410, it multiplies the received signal 602-i by the coefficient Gi and outputs the multiplied signal 604-i. The coefficient Gi can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, Gi can also be a real number. Thus, if the received signal 602-i is denoted as ci(t), the multiplied signal 604-i can be expressed as Gi × ci(t) (where t is time). i is an integer between 1 and L, and L is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0057] The processing unit 605 takes the multiplied signal 604-1, the multiplied signal 604-2, ..., the multiplied signal 604-L, and the control signal 410 as inputs, performs signal processing based on the control signal 410, and outputs the processed signals 606-1, 606-2, ..., 606-N. N is an integer of 2 or greater. At this time, the multiplied signal 604-i is p iLet (t) be denoted as such. Let i be an integer between 1 and L (inclusive). Then the processed signal 606-j(r j (t)) can be expressed as follows: (j is an integer between 1 and N, inclusive)

[0058]

number

[0059] Note that in equation (2), B ji is a value that can be defined as a complex number. Therefore, B ji It can also take the form of a real number.

[0060] Figure 7 shows an example of the communication status between a base station and a terminal. Note that base stations are sometimes also called access points or broadcasting stations.

[0061] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from the transmitting antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured as shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, and transmit beamforming (directional control) is performed by precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0062] Figure 7 shows the transmit beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1.

[0063] Figure 7 shows transmit beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2.

[0064] Note that in Figure 7, the number of transmit beams for transmitting data in Stream 1 is set to 3, and the number of transmit beams for transmitting data in Stream 2 is also set to 3. However, this is not the only option; any number of transmit beams for transmitting data in Stream 1 and any number of transmit beams for transmitting data in Stream 2 is acceptable.

[0065] Figure 7 includes terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5, and has the same configuration as the terminals shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example.

[0066] For example, terminal 704-1 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directionality 705-1 and receiving directionality 706-1. Then, receiving directionality 705-1 enables terminal 704-1 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1, and receiving directionality 706-1 enables terminal 704-1 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2.

[0067] Similarly, terminal 704-2 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directionality 705-2 and receiving directionality 706-2. Then, receiving directionality 705-2 enables terminal 704-2 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data of stream 1, and receiving directionality 706-2 enables terminal 704-2 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data of stream 2.

[0068] Terminal 704-3 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form the receiving directional pattern 705-3 and the receiving directional pattern 706-3.

[0069] Furthermore, the receiving directivity 705-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate the transmitting beam 702-2 for transmitting data in stream 1, and the receiving directivity 706-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate the transmitting beam 703-2 for transmitting data in stream 2.

[0070] Terminal 704-4 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directionality 705-4 and receiving directionality 706-4. Then, with receiving directionality 705-4, terminal 704-4 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data of stream 1, and with receiving directionality 706-4, terminal 704-4 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data of stream 2.

[0071] Terminal 704-5 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directional patterns 705-5 and 706-5. The receiving directional pattern 705-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data in stream 1, and the receiving directional pattern 706-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data in stream 2.

[0072] In Figure 7, the terminal can obtain data for Stream 1 with high quality by selecting at least one transmit beam from among the transmit beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data for Stream 1 based on its spatial position and directing its receiving directionality to that beam. Similarly, the terminal can obtain data for Stream 2 with high quality by selecting at least one transmit beam from among the transmit beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data for Stream 2 based on its spatial position and directing its receiving directionality to that beam.

[0073] Furthermore, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data for stream 1 and transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Then, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting data for stream 1 and transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. In addition, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1 and transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0074] Furthermore, the transmitting beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). The transmitting beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0075] The operation of the base station configuration unit 158 ​​in Figures 1 and 3 will be explained below.

[0076] The configuration unit 158 ​​receives the configuration signal 160 as input. The configuration signal 160 contains information on whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission. When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 7, the configuration signal 160 provides the information to the configuration unit 158 ​​that "multicast transmission will be performed".

[0077] The setting signal 160 contains information about the number of transmission streams when performing multicast. When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 7, the setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmission streams is 2" to the setting unit 158.

[0078] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may also include information on "how many transmit beams to use for each stream." When a base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 7, the setting signal 160 inputs the information "3 transmit beams for stream 1, and 3 transmit beams for stream 2" to the setting unit 158.

[0079] Furthermore, the base stations in Figures 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols that include information such as whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, the number of transmission streams when performing multicast, and how many transmission beams to use for each stream. This enables terminals to receive data appropriately. Details of the control information symbol configuration will be discussed later.

[0080] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between "Stream 1" and "Stream 2" as explained using #i information 101-i in Figures 1 and 3 and Figure 7. For example, error correction coding is applied to #1 information 101-1 to obtain error-corrected coded data. This error-corrected coded data is named #1 transmission data. Then, mapping is performed on the #1 transmission data to obtain data symbols, which are then distributed to Stream 1 and Stream 2 to obtain the data symbols (data symbol group) for Stream 1 and the data symbols (data symbol group) for Stream 2. The symbol group for Stream 1 includes the data symbols (data symbol group) for Stream 1, and the symbol group for Stream 1 is transmitted from the base stations in Figures 1 and 3. Similarly, the symbol group for Stream 2 includes the data symbols (data symbol group) for Stream 2, and the symbol group for Stream 2 is transmitted from the base stations in Figures 1 and 3.

[0081] Figure 9 shows an example of a frame configuration with time on the horizontal axis.

[0082] The #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 is the symbol group for the transmit beam 702-1 used to transmit the data of Stream 1 in Figure 7.

[0083] The #2 symbol group 901-2 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 is the symbol group for the transmit beam 702-2 used to transmit the data of Stream 1 in Figure 7.

[0084] The #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 is the symbol group for the transmit beam 702-3 used to transmit the data for Stream 1 in Figure 7.

[0085] The #1 symbol group 902-1 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 is the symbol group for the transmit beam 703-1 used to transmit the data for Stream 2 in Figure 7.

[0086] The #2 symbol group 902-2 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 is the symbol group for the transmit beam 703-2 used to transmit the data for Stream 2 in Figure 7.

[0087] The #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 is the symbol group for the transmit beam 703-3 used to transmit the data for Stream 2 in Figure 7.

[0088] Furthermore, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of Stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of Stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of Stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 exist, for example, in time interval 1.

[0089] As previously mentioned, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1 and the #2 symbol group 902-1 of Stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), the #2 symbol group 901-2 of Stream 1 and the #2 symbol group 902-2 of Stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1 and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band).

[0090] For example, following the procedure in Figure 8, "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A" and "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A" were generated from the information. Then, symbol groups "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A-1", "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A-2", and "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A-3" were prepared, each consisting of the same symbols as those that make up "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A".

[0091] In other words, the symbols that make up "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A-1", the symbols that make up "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A-2", and the symbols that make up "Stream 1 Data Symbol Group A-3" are the same.

[0092] In this case, the #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 contains "Data Symbol Group A-1 of Stream 1", the #2 symbol group 901-2 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 contains "Data Symbol Group A-2 of Stream 1", and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 contains "Data Symbol Group A-3 of Stream 1". In other words, the #1 symbol group 901-1, the #2 symbol group 901-2, and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1 contain the same data symbol group.

[0093] Furthermore, we prepare symbol groups consisting of the same symbols as those that make up "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A": "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A-1", "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A-2", and "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A-3".

[0094] In other words, the symbols that make up "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A-1", the symbols that make up "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A-2", and the symbols that make up "Stream 2 Data Symbol Group A-3" are the same.

[0095] In this case, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 contains "Data Symbol Group A-1 of Stream 2", the #2 symbol group 902-2 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 contains "Data Symbol Group A-2 of Stream 2", and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 contains "Data Symbol Group A-3 of Stream 2". In other words, the #1 symbol group 902-1, the #2 symbol group 902-2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 contain the same data symbol group.

[0096] Figure 10 shows an example of the frame configuration of "Stream X symbol group #Y" (X=1,2; Y=1,2,3) as described in Figure 9. In Figure 10, the horizontal axis represents time, 1001 is a control information symbol, and 1002 is the stream data symbol group. In this case, the stream data symbol group 1002 is a symbol for transmitting "Stream 1 data symbol group A" or "Stream 2 data symbol group A" as described using Figure 9.

[0097] In the frame configuration shown in Figure 10, a multi-carrier scheme such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) may be used, in which case symbols may exist in the frequency axis direction. Furthermore, each symbol may include reference symbols for time and frequency synchronization by the receiving device, reference symbols for signal detection by the receiving device, and reference symbols for channel estimation by the receiving device. The frame configuration is not limited to Figure 10, and the control information symbols 1001 and the stream data symbol group 1002 may be arranged in any way. Reference symbols are sometimes also called preambles or pilot symbols.

[0098] Next, the configuration of the control information symbol 1001 will be described.

[0099] Figure 11 shows an example of the configuration of the symbols transmitted as control information symbols in Figure 10, with the horizontal axis representing time. In Figure 11, the terminal receives the "training symbol for terminal to perform receiving directivity control" 1101, and determines the signal processing method for receiving directivity control to be performed by the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605".

[0100] The terminal knows how many streams it needs to obtain by receiving symbol 1102, which is "a symbol used to notify the number of transmission streams when multicast is being performed."

[0101] By receiving a symbol 1103, which is "a symbol to notify which stream the data symbol of a stream belongs to," the terminal can determine which of the streams transmitted by the base station it is receiving.

[0102] Let's explain an example of the above.

[0103] Figure 7 describes the case where the base station transmits a stream and a transmit beam. Then, Figure 9 describes the specific information of the control information symbol in the #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1.

[0104] In Figure 7, since the base station is transmitting "Stream 1" and "Stream 2", the information for "Symbol 1102, which indicates the number of transmission streams when multicast is being performed" will be "2".

[0105] Furthermore, since the #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 transmits the data symbols of Stream 1, the information in the "symbol for notifying which stream the data symbols of a stream belong to" 1103 will be "Stream 1".

[0106] For example, let's consider the case where a terminal receives the #1 symbol group 901-1 of Stream 1 in Figure 9. At this time, the terminal recognizes that it has obtained "the number of transmitted streams is 2" from "the symbol for notifying the number of transmitted streams when multicast is being performed" 1102, and "the data symbols of Stream 1" from "the symbol for notifying which stream the data symbol group of the stream belongs to" 1103.

[0107] Subsequently, the terminal recognizes that "the number of transmission streams is 2" and that the data symbols it has received are "data symbols for stream 1," and therefore recognizes that it needs to obtain "data symbols for stream 2." Thus, the terminal can begin the process of searching for the symbols of stream 2. For example, the terminal searches for one of the transmission beams in stream 2's #1 symbol group 902-1, stream 2's #2 symbol group 902-2, or stream 2's #3 symbol group 902-3 in Figure 9.

[0108] The terminal then obtains data symbols for both Stream 1 and Stream 2 by receiving a transmit beam from either the #1 symbol group 902-1, the #2 symbol group 902-2, or the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2.

[0109] By configuring control information symbols in this way, the terminal can obtain data symbols accurately.

[0110] As described above, in multicast transmission and broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives the beam with the best quality from among the multiple transmission beams. Because the modulated signal transmitted by the base station is subjected to transmission directivity control and reception directivity control, the area over which high data reception quality can be obtained can be widened.

[0111] Furthermore, although the above explanation described the terminal performing receive directional control, it is possible for the terminal to achieve the above effects even without performing receive directional control.

[0112] Furthermore, the modulation scheme of the "stream data symbol group" 1002 in Figure 10 can be any modulation scheme, and the mapping method of the modulation scheme of the "stream data symbol group" 1002 may be switched for each symbol. In other words, after mapping, the phase of the constellation on the in-phase I-orthogonal Q plane may be switched for each symbol.

[0113] Figure 12 shows a different example of the communication status between a base station and a terminal compared to Figure 7. Note that in Figure 12, components that operate similarly to those in Figure 7 are given the same numbering.

[0114] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from the transmitting antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured as shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, and transmit beamforming (directional control) is performed by precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0115] Figure 12 shows the transmit beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting the "modulated signal 1".

[0116] Figure 12 shows the transmit beam 1203-1, transmit beam 1203-2, and transmit beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2".

[0117] Note that in Figure 12, the number of transmitting beams for transmitting "modulated signal 1" is set to 3, and the number of transmitting beams for transmitting "modulated signal 2" is also set to 3. However, this is not the only option; any number of transmitting beams for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2" is acceptable. "Modulated signal 1" and "modulated signal 2" will be explained in detail later.

[0118] Figure 12 includes terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5, and has the same configuration as the terminals in Figures 4 and 5, for example.

[0119] For example, terminal 704-1 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directionality 705-1 and receiving directionality 706-1. Then, with receiving directionality 705-1, terminal 704-1 is able to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1", and with receiving directionality 706-1, terminal 704-1 is able to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2".

[0120] Similarly, terminal 704-2 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directionality 705-2 and receiving directionality 706-2. Then, with receiving directionality 705-2, terminal 704-2 is able to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1", and with receiving directionality 706-2, terminal 704-2 is able to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2".

[0121] Terminal 704-3 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form the receiving directional pattern 705-3 and the receiving directional pattern 706-3.

[0122] Furthermore, the receiving directivity 705-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate the transmitting beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1", and the receiving directivity 706-3 enables terminal 704-3 to receive and demodulate the transmitting beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2".

[0123] Terminal 704-4 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directional 705-4 and receiving directional 706-4. Then, with receiving directional 705-4, terminal 704-4 is able to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1", and with receiving directional 706-4, terminal 704-4 is able to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2".

[0124] Terminal 704-5 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directional patterns 705-5 and 706-5. The receiving directional pattern 705-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1", and the receiving directional pattern 706-5 enables terminal 704-5 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2".

[0125] A notable feature in Figure 12 is that the terminal can obtain "modulated signal 1" with high quality by selecting at least one of the transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" based on its spatial position and directing its receiving directionality to that beam. Similarly, the terminal can obtain "modulated signal 2" with high quality by selecting at least one of the transmission beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" based on its spatial position and directing its receiving directionality to that beam.

[0126] Furthermore, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Then, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. In addition, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0127] Furthermore, the transmitting beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). The transmitting beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0128] The operation of the base station configuration unit 158 ​​in Figures 1 and 3 will be explained below.

[0129] The configuration unit 158 ​​receives a configuration signal 160 as input. The configuration signal 160 contains information on whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission. When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 12, the configuration signal 160 provides the information to the configuration unit 158 ​​that it will perform multicast transmission.

[0130] The setting signal 160 contains information about the number of transmitted modulation signals when performing multicast. When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 12, the setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmitted modulation signals is 2" to the setting unit 158.

[0131] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may also include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each modulation signal." When a base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 12, the setting signal 160 inputs the information "3 transmission beams to transmit modulation signal 1, and 3 transmission beams to transmit modulation signal 2" to the setting unit 158.

[0132] Furthermore, the base stations in Figures 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols that include information such as whether the data symbol is a multicast transmission or a unicast transmission, the number of transmitted modulation signals when performing multicast, and how many transmit beams each modulation signal is transmitted using. This enables the terminal to receive the data appropriately. Details of the configuration of the control information symbols will be discussed later.

[0133] Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between "Modulated Signal 1" and "Modulated Signal 2" as explained using #i information 101-i from Figures 1 and 3 and Figure 12.

[0134] For example, error correction coding is applied to information #1 101-1 to obtain error-corrected coded data. This error-corrected coded data is named #1 transmitted data. Then, a mapping is performed on the #1 transmitted data to obtain data symbols, which are then divided into data symbols for stream 1 and stream 2 to obtain data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 1 and data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 2. At this time, the data symbol for stream 1 at symbol number i is denoted as s1(i), and the data symbol for stream 2 is denoted as s2(i). Then, the "modulation signal 1" tx1(i) at symbol number i can be represented, for example, as follows.

[0135]

number

[0136] And the "modulation signal 2" tx2(i) in symbol number i can be represented, for example, as follows:

[0137]

number

[0138] In equations (3) and (4), α(i) can be defined as a complex number (and therefore may be a real number), β(i) can be defined as a complex number (and therefore may be a real number), γ(i) can be defined as a complex number (and therefore may be a real number), and δ(i) can be defined as a complex number (and therefore may be a real number). Also, although α(i) is written, it does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value), β(i) does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value), γ(i) does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value), and δ(i) does not have to be a function of symbol number i (it may be a fixed value).

[0139] The "symbol group for modulated signal 1," which includes the "signal in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1" composed of data symbols, is transmitted from the base stations shown in Figures 1 and 3. Similarly, the "symbol group for modulated signal 2," which includes the "signal in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2" composed of data symbols, is transmitted from the base stations shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0140] Furthermore, signal processing such as phase shifting or CDD (Cyclic Delay Diversity) may be applied to "Modulated Signal 1" and "Modulated Signal 2." However, the method of signal processing is not limited to these.

[0141] Figure 14 shows an example of a frame configuration with time on the horizontal axis.

[0142] The #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 is the symbol group of the transmit beam 1202-1 used to transmit the data of modulated signal 1 in Figure 12.

[0143] The #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 is the symbol group of the transmit beam 1202-2 used to transmit the data of modulated signal 1 in Figure 12.

[0144] The #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 is the symbol group of the transmit beam 1202-3 used to transmit the data of modulated signal 1 in Figure 12.

[0145] The #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 is the symbol group of the transmit beam 1203-1 used to transmit the data of modulated signal 2 in Figure 12.

[0146] The #2 symbol group (1402-2) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 is the symbol group of the transmit beam 1203-2 used to transmit the data of modulated signal 2 in Figure 12.

[0147] The #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 is the symbol group of the transmit beam 1203-3 used to transmit the data of modulated signal 2 in Figure 12.

[0148] Furthermore, the #1 symbol group (1401-1), the #2 symbol group (1401-2), the #3 symbol group (1401-3), the #1 symbol group (1402-1), the #2 symbol group (1402-2), and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 1 exist, for example, in time interval 1.

[0149] As previously mentioned, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1 and the #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1 and the #2 symbol group (1402-2) of modulated signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band), and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 are transmitted using the same frequency (same frequency band).

[0150] For example, following the procedure shown in Figure 13, "Signal A in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 1" and "Signal A in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 2" were generated from the information.

[0151] Then, we prepare "Signal A-1 in the data transmission area of ​​Modulated Signal 1," "Signal A-2 in the data transmission area of ​​Modulated Signal 1," and "Signal A-3 in the data transmission area of ​​Modulated Signal 1," all composed of signals equivalent to the signals that constitute "Signal A in the data transmission area of ​​Modulated Signal 1." (In other words, the signals that constitute "Signal Group A-1 in the data transmission area of ​​Modulated Signal 1," the signals that constitute "Signal A-2 in the data transmission area of ​​Modulated Signal 1," and the signals that constitute "Signal A-3 in the data transmission area of ​​Modulated Signal 1" are the same.)

[0152] In this case, the #1 symbol group (1401-1) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-1 in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 1", the #2 symbol group (1401-2) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-2 in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 1", and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-3 in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 1". In other words, the #1 symbol group (1401-1), the #2 symbol group (1401-2), and the #3 symbol group (1401-3) of modulated signal 1 contain equivalent signals.

[0153] Furthermore, we prepare "Signal A-1 in the data transmission domain of Modulated Signal 2," "Signal A-2 in the data transmission domain of Modulated Signal 2," and "Signal A-3 in the data transmission domain of Modulated Signal 2," all composed of signals equivalent to the signals that constitute "Signal A in the data transmission domain of Modulated Signal 2." (In other words, the signals that constitute "Signal A-1 in the data transmission domain of Modulated Signal 2," "Signal A-2 in the data transmission domain of Modulated Signal 2," and "Signal A-3 in the data transmission domain of Modulated Signal 2" are the same.)

[0154] In this case, the #1 symbol group (1402-1) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-1 in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 2", the #2 symbol group (1402-2) of stream 2 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-2 in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 2", and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 contains "signal A-3 in the data transmission domain of modulated signal 2". In other words, the #1 symbol group (1402-1), the #2 symbol group (1402-2), and the #3 symbol group (1402-3) of modulated signal 2 contain equivalent signals.

[0155] Figure 15 shows an example of the frame configuration of the "symbol group #Y for modulated signal X" (X=1,2; Y=1,2,3) described in Figure 14. In Figure 15, the horizontal axis represents time, 1501 is a control information symbol, and 1502 is a modulated signal transmission area for data transmission. In this case, the modulated signal transmission area 1502 for data transmission is a symbol for transmitting "signal A in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1" or "signal A in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 2," as described using Figure 14.

[0156] In the frame configuration shown in Figure 15, a multi-carrier scheme such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) may be used, in which case symbols may exist in the frequency axis direction. Furthermore, each symbol may include a reference symbol for the receiving device to perform time and frequency synchronization, a reference symbol for the receiving device to detect the signal, and a reference symbol for the receiving device to perform channel estimation. Moreover, the frame configuration is not limited to Figure 15, and the control information symbol 1501 and the modulated signal transmission area 1502 for data transmission may be arranged in any way. The reference symbols may be called, for example, a preamble or pilot symbol.

[0157] Next, the configuration of the control information symbol 1501 will be described.

[0158] Figure 16 shows an example of the configuration of the symbols transmitted as control information symbols in Figure 15, with the horizontal axis representing time. In Figure 16, 1601 is a "training symbol for the terminal to perform receiving directivity control," and upon receiving the "training symbol for the terminal to perform receiving directivity control" 1601, the terminal determines the signal processing method for receiving directivity control, which is performed by the "signal processing unit 405" and / or the "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or the "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and the processing unit 605."

[0159] 1602 is a symbol used to indicate the number of transmitted modulated signals when multicast is in progress. When a terminal receives the symbol 1602, it knows the number of modulated signals it needs to obtain.

[0160] 1603 is a symbol for notifying which modulation signal's data transmission area is the modulation signal transmission area for which modulation signal. By receiving this symbol 1603, the terminal can determine which modulation signal it is receiving from the modulation signals transmitted by the base station.

[0161] Let's explain an example of the above.

[0162] Let's consider the case where the base station transmits a "modulated signal" and a transmission beam, as shown in Figure 12. Then, we will explain the specific information of the control information symbol in the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14.

[0163] In the case of Figure 12, since the base station transmits "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2", the information for "symbol 1602, which indicates the number of transmitted modulation signals when multicast is being performed", is "2".

[0164] Furthermore, since the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 transmits the signal for the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 1, the information of the symbol 1603, which is "a symbol for notifying which modulated signal's data transmission modulated signal transmission area is for," becomes "modulated signal 1."

[0165] For example, assume that the terminal has received the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of the modulation signal 1 in FIG. 14. At this time, the terminal recognizes that it has obtained "the number of modulation signals when multicasting" from the symbol 1602, "the number of modulation signals 2", and "the modulation signal 1" from the symbol 1603 for notifying which modulation signal transmission area for data transmission of the modulation signal is.

[0166] Then, since the terminal recognizes that there are "the number of modulation signals 2" and the obtained modulation signal is "modulation signal 1", it recognizes that it needs to obtain "modulation signal 2". Therefore, the terminal can start the operation of searching for "modulation signal 2". For example, the terminal searches for any one of the transmission beams of the "#1 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-1, "#2 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-2, and "#3 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-3 in FIG. 14.

[0167] And by obtaining any one of the transmission beams of the "#1 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-1, "#2 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-2, and "#3 symbol group of modulation signal 2" 1402-3, the terminal can obtain both "modulation signal 1" and "modulation signal 2", and can obtain the data symbols of stream 1 and the data symbols of stream 2 with high quality.

[0168] In this way, by configuring the control information symbol, the terminal can obtain the effect of accurately obtaining the data symbol.

[0169] As described above, in multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols using a plurality of transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives a beam with good quality from the plurality of transmission beams, so that the area where high data reception quality can be obtained for the modulation signals transmitted by the base station can be widened. This is because the base station is performing transmission directivity control and reception directivity control.

[0170] Furthermore, although the above explanation described the terminal performing receive directional control, it is possible for the terminal to achieve the above effects even without performing receive directional control.

[0171] In Figure 7, the case where each terminal obtains both the modulated signal of Stream 1 and the modulated signal of Stream 2 is described, but the embodiment is not necessarily limited to this. For example, there may be terminals that want to obtain the modulated signal of Stream 1, terminals that want to obtain the modulated signal of Stream 2, and terminals that want to obtain both the modulated signals of Stream 1 and Stream 2, so that different terminals may want to obtain different modulated signals.

[0172] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 1 described a method in which a base station transmits data symbols using multiple transmit beams in multicast data transmission and broadcast data transmission. This embodiment describes a modification of Embodiment 1 in which a base station performs multicast data transmission, broadcast data transmission, and unicast data transmission.

[0173] Figure 17 shows an example of the communication status between a base station (or access point, etc.) and a terminal. Components that operate similarly to those in Figure 7 are given the same number, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0174] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from the transmitting antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured as shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, and transmit beamforming (directional control) is performed by precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0175] The explanations for the transmitted beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 are as explained using Figure 7, so we will omit further explanation.

[0176] Furthermore, the explanations for terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, and receiving directional antennas 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 are as explained using Figure 7, so the explanations will be omitted here.

[0177] In Figure 17, a notable feature is that the base station performs multicast, as explained in Figure 7, while the base station 700 and the terminal (e.g., 1702) communicate using unicast.

[0178] In addition to the multicast transmission beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3, the base station 700 generates a unicast transmission beam 1701 (as shown in Figure 17) and transmits individual data to the terminal 1702. Although Figure 17 shows an example where the base station 700 transmits one of the transmission beams 1701 to the terminal 1702, the number of transmission beams is not limited to one, and the base station 700 may transmit multiple transmission beams (multiple modulated signals) to the terminal 1702.

[0179] Then, terminal 1702 forms a receiving directivity 1703 that controls the directivity during reception, using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplier units 603-1 to 603-L and signal processing unit 605". This enables terminal 1702 to receive and demodulate the transmitting beam 1701.

[0180] Furthermore, in order to generate a transmit beam including the transmit beam 1701, the base station performs precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighted synthesis unit 301) in a configuration such as that shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0181] Conversely, when terminal 1702 transmits a modulated signal to base station 700, terminal 1702 performs precoding (or weighted synthesis) and transmits a transmit beam 1703, and base station 700 forms a receive directivity 1701 for receiving directivity control. This enables base station 700 to receive and demodulate the transmit beam 1703.

[0182] Furthermore, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data for stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Similarly, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting data for stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. In addition, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0183] Furthermore, the transmitting beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). The transmitting beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0184] Furthermore, the unicast transmit beam 1701 may be a beam of the same frequency (same frequency band) as transmit beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3, or it may be a beam of a different frequency (different frequency band).

[0185] Furthermore, although Figure 17 shows only one terminal performing unicast communication, the number of terminals performing unicast communication with the base station may be multiple.

[0186] At this time, the operation of the setting unit 158 in the configuration diagrams 1 and 3 of the base station will be described.

[0187] The setting unit 158 takes the setting signal 160 as an input. The setting signal 160 contains information on "whether to perform multicast transmission / whether to perform unicast transmission". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 17, information indicating "performing both multicast transmission and unicast transmission" is input to the setting unit 158 through the setting signal 160.

[0188] In addition, the setting signal 160 contains information on "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 17, information indicating "the number of transmission streams is 2" is input to the setting unit 158 through the setting signal 160.

[0189] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may contain information on "the number of transmission beams for transmitting each stream". When the base station performs transmission as shown in FIG. 17, information indicating "the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 1 is 3, and the number of transmission beams for transmitting stream 2 is 3" is input to the setting unit 158 through the setting signal 160.

[0190] Note that the base stations in FIGS. 1 and 3 may transmit a control information symbol including information such as "whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission / for unicast transmission", "the number of transmission streams when performing multicast", and "the number of transmission beams for transmitting each stream". Thereby, the terminal can perform appropriate reception.

[0191] Furthermore, the base station may transmit a training control information symbol for the base station to perform directivity control and a training control information symbol for the terminal to perform directivity control to a terminal performing unicast communication.

[0192] Figure 18 shows an example of the communication status between a base station (or access point, etc.) and a terminal. Components that operate similarly to those in Figures 7 and 12 are given the same number, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0193] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from the transmitting antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured as shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, and transmit beamforming (directional control) is performed by precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0194] The explanations for the transmitted beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 are as explained using Figure 12, so we will omit further explanation here.

[0195] Furthermore, the explanations for terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, and receiving directional antennas 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 are as explained using Figure 12, so the explanations will be omitted here.

[0196] In Figure 18, a notable feature is that the base station performs multicast, as explained in Figure 12, while the base station 700 and the terminal (e.g., 1702) communicate using unicast.

[0197] In addition to the multicast transmission beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, the base station 700 generates a unicast transmission beam 1701, as shown in Figure 18, and transmits individual data to the terminal 1702. Note that Figure 18 shows an example where the base station 700 transmits one of the transmission beams 1701 to the terminal 1702, but the number of transmission beams is not limited to one, and the base station 700 may transmit multiple transmission beams (multiple modulated signals) to the terminal 1702.

[0198] Then, terminal 1702 forms a receiving directivity 1703 that controls the directivity during reception, using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplier units 603-1 to 603-L and signal processing unit 605". This enables terminal 1702 to receive and demodulate the transmitting beam 1701.

[0199] Furthermore, in order to generate a transmit beam including the transmit beam 1701, the base station performs precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighted synthesis unit 301) in a configuration such as that shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0200] Conversely, when terminal 1702 transmits a modulated signal to base station 700, terminal 1702 performs precoding (or weighted synthesis) and transmits a transmit beam 1703, and base station 700 forms a receive directivity 1701 for receiving directivity control. This enables base station 700 to receive and demodulate the transmit beam 1703.

[0201] Furthermore, base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Similarly, base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. In addition, base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and the transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0202] Furthermore, the transmitting beams 1202-1, 1202-2, and 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). The transmitting beams 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0203] Furthermore, the unicast transmit beam 1701 may be a beam of the same frequency (same frequency band) as the transmit beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, or it may be a beam of a different frequency (different frequency band).

[0204] Furthermore, although Figure 18 shows only one terminal performing unicast communication, the number of terminals performing unicast communication with the base station may be multiple.

[0205] At this point, the operation of the setting unit 158 ​​in the base station configuration diagrams 1 and 3 will be explained.

[0206] The configuration unit 158 ​​receives a configuration signal 160 as input. The configuration signal 160 contains information on whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission. When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 18, the configuration signal 160 provides the configuration unit 158 ​​with the information that it will perform both multicast and unicast transmissions.

[0207] In addition, the setting signal 160 includes information on the "number of transmission streams when performing multicast." When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 18, the setting signal 160 inputs the information "the number of transmission streams is 2" to the setting unit 158.

[0208] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may also include information on "how many transmit beams to use to transmit each stream." When a base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 18, the setting signal 160 inputs the information "3 transmit beams to transmit stream 1, and 3 transmit beams to transmit stream 2" to the setting unit 158.

[0209] Furthermore, the base stations in Figures 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols that include information such as whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, the number of transmission streams when performing multicast, and how many transmission beams to use for each stream. This enables terminals to receive data appropriately.

[0210] Furthermore, the base station may transmit to a terminal performing unicast communication training control information symbols for the base station to perform directional control, and training control information symbols for the terminal to perform directional control.

[0211] Next, as a modification of Embodiment 1, we will describe a case in which a base station transmits multiple multicast data transmissions.

[0212] Figure 19 shows an example of the communication status between a base station (or access point, etc.) and a terminal. Components that operate similarly to those in Figure 7 are given the same number, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0213] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from the transmitting antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured as shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, and transmit beamforming (directional control) is performed by precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0214] The explanations for the transmitted beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 are as explained using Figure 7, so we will omit further explanation.

[0215] Furthermore, the explanations for terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, and receiving directional antennas 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 are as explained using Figure 7, so the explanations will be omitted here.

[0216] Base station 700 transmits transmit beams 702-1, 702-2, 702-3, 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3, as well as transmit beams 1901-1, 1901-2, 1902-1, and 1902-2.

[0217] Transmit beam 1901-1 is a transmit beam for transmitting data from stream 3. Transmit beam 1901-2 is also a transmit beam for transmitting data from stream 3.

[0218] Transmit beam 1902-1 is a transmit beam for transmitting data for stream 4. Transmit beam 1902-2 is also a transmit beam for transmitting data for stream 4.

[0219] 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, 1903-1, 1903-2, and 1903-3 are terminals, and are configured as shown in Figures 4 and 5, for example. The operation of terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 is explained using Figure 7.

[0220] Terminal 1903-1 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directional patterns 1904-1 and 1905-1. Receiving directional pattern 1904-1 enables terminal 1903-1 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting data in stream 3, and receiving directional pattern 1905-1 enables terminal 1903-1 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1902-2 for transmitting data in stream 4.

[0221] Terminal 1903-2 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directional patterns 1904-2 and 1905-2. Receiving directional pattern 1904-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting data in stream 4, and receiving directional pattern 1905-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting data in stream 3.

[0222] Terminal 1903-3 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directional patterns 1904-3 and 1905-3. With receiving directional pattern 1904-3, terminal 1903-3 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting data in stream 3, and with receiving directional pattern 1905-3, terminal 1903-3 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting data in stream 4.

[0223] Terminal 1903-4 performs directional control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "antennas 401-1 to 401-N" and / or "multiplication units 603-1 to 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directional patterns 1904-4 and 1905-4. With receiving directional pattern 1904-4, terminal 1903-4 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data in stream 2, and with receiving directional pattern 1905-4, terminal 1903-4 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting data in stream 3.

[0224] In Figure 19, a key feature is that the base station transmits multiple streams containing multicast data, each stream is transmitted with multiple transmit beams, and each terminal selectively receives the transmit beams of one or more of these streams.

[0225] Furthermore, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-1 for transmitting data for stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-1 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Similarly, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-2 for transmitting data for stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-2 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. In addition, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1 and the transmission beam 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0226] The base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1901-1 for transmitting data for stream 3 and the transmission beam 1902-1 for transmitting data for stream 4 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Then, the base station 700 transmits the transmission beam 1901-2 for transmitting data for stream 3 and the transmission beam 1902-2 for transmitting data for stream 4 using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0227] Furthermore, the transmitting beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). The transmitting beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0228] The transmit beams 1901-1 and 1901-2 for transmitting data for stream 3 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Similarly, the transmit beams 1902-1 and 1902-2 for transmitting data for stream 4 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0229] Then, data symbols for stream 1 may be generated from #1 information 101-1 in Figure 1, or data symbols for stream 2 may be generated, and data symbols for stream 3 and stream 4 may be generated from #2 information 101-2. Note that #1 information 101-1 and #2 information 101-2 may each be subjected to error-corrected coding before generating data symbols.

[0230] Alternatively, the data symbol for Stream 1 may be generated from #1 information 101-1 in Figure 1, the data symbol for Stream 2 from #2 information 101-2 in Figure 1, the data symbol for Stream 3 from #3 information 101-3 in Figure 1, and the data symbol for Stream 4 from #4 information 101-4 in Figure 1. Note that #1 information 101-1, #2 information 101-2, #3 information 101-3, and #4 information 101-4 may each be subjected to error-corrected coding before generating their respective data symbols.

[0231] In other words, the data symbols for each stream may be generated from any of the information in Figure 1. This gives the terminal the effect of being able to selectively obtain the stream for multicast.

[0232] Now, let's explain the operation of the setting unit 158 ​​in the base station configuration diagrams 1 and 3. The setting unit 158 ​​receives a setting signal 160 as input. The setting signal 160 contains information on whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission. When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 19, the setting signal 160 provides the setting unit 158 ​​with the information to "perform multicast transmission".

[0233] The setting signal 160 contains information about the number of transmission streams when performing multicast. When the base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 19, the setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmission streams is 4" to the setting unit 158.

[0234] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may also include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each stream." When a base station performs a transmission as shown in Figure 19, the setting signal 160 inputs the following information to the setting unit 158: "3 transmission beams for stream 1, 3 transmission beams for stream 2, 2 transmission beams for stream 3, and 2 transmission beams for stream 4."

[0235] Furthermore, the base stations in Figures 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols that include information such as whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, the number of transmission streams when performing multicast, and how many transmission beams to use for each stream. This enables terminals to receive data appropriately.

[0236] Next, as a modification of Embodiment 1, we will describe a case in which a base station transmits multiple multicast data transmissions.

[0237] Figure 20 shows an example of the communication status between a base station (or access point, etc.) and a terminal. Components that operate similarly to those in Figures 7, 12, and 19 are given the same number, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0238] The base station 700 is equipped with multiple antennas and transmits multiple transmission signals from the transmitting antenna 701. At this time, the base station 700 is configured as shown in Figures 1 and 3, for example, and transmit beamforming (directional control) is performed by precoding (weighted synthesis) in the signal processing unit 102 (and / or weighted synthesis unit 301).

[0239] Furthermore, the explanations for the transmitted beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3 are omitted as they overlap with the explanation in Figure 12.

[0240] Furthermore, the explanations for terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, and receiving directional antennas 705-1, 705-2, 705-3, 705-4, 705-5, 706-1, 706-2, 706-3, 706-4, and 706-5 are omitted as they overlap with the explanation in Figure 12.

[0241] Base station 700 transmits transmit beams 1202-1, 1202-2, 1202-3, 1203-1, 1203-2, and 1203-3, in addition to transmit beams 2001-1, 2001-2, 2002-1, and 2002-2.

[0242] Transmit beam 2001-1 is a transmit beam for transmitting "modulated signal 3". Transmit beam 2001-2 is also a transmit beam for transmitting "modulated signal 3".

[0243] Transmit beam 2002-1 is a transmit beam for transmitting "modulated signal 4". Transmit beam 2002-2 is also a transmit beam for transmitting "modulated signal 4".

[0244] Terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, 704-5, 1903-1, 1903-2, and 1903-3 have the same configuration as, for example, Figures 4 and 5. The operation of terminals 704-1, 704-2, 704-3, 704-4, and 704-5 is the same as described in Figure 7.

[0245] Terminal 1903-1 performs directivity control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "from antenna 401-1 to antenna 401-N" and / or "multiplication unit 603-1 to multiplication unit 603-L and processing unit 605" to form reception directivity 1904-1 and reception directivity 1905-1. With reception directivity 1904-1, terminal 1903-1 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3", and with reception directivity 1905-1, terminal 1903-1 becomes capable of receiving and demodulating the transmission beam 2002-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 4".

[0246] Terminal 1903-2 performs directivity control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "from antenna 401-1 to antenna 401-N" and / or "multiplication unit 603-1 to multiplication unit 603-L and processing unit 605" to form reception directivity 1904-2 and reception directivity 1905-2. Then, reception directivity 1904-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4", and reception directivity 1905-2 enables terminal 1903-2 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3".

[0247] Terminal 1903-3 performs directivity control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "from antenna 401-1 to antenna 401-N" and / or "multiplication unit 603-1 to multiplication unit 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directivity 1904-3 and receiving directivity 1905-3. Then, receiving directivity 1904-3 enables terminal 1903-3 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 3", and receiving directivity 1905-3 enables terminal 1903-3 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4".

[0248] Terminal 1903-4 performs directivity control during reception using the "signal processing unit 405" and / or "from antenna 401-1 to antenna 401-N" and / or "multiplication unit 603-1 to multiplication unit 603-L and processing unit 605" to form receiving directivity 1904-4 and receiving directivity 1905-4. Then, receiving directivity 1904-4 enables terminal 1903-4 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 3", and receiving directivity 1905-4 enables terminal 1903-4 to receive and demodulate the transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4".

[0249] In Figure 20, the base station transmits multiple modulated signals containing multicast data, each modulated signal is transmitted with multiple transmit beams, and each terminal selectively receives the transmit beams of one or more streams of the multiple modulated signals.

[0250] Furthermore, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. Then, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time. In addition, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 1202-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 1" and transmission beam 1203-3 for transmitting "modulated signal 2" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and at the same time.

[0251] Base station 700 transmits transmission beam 2001-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 3" and transmission beam 2002-1 for transmitting "modulated signal 4" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and time. Then, base station 700 transmits transmission beam 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3" and transmission beam 2002-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 4" using the same frequency (same frequency band) and time.

[0252] Furthermore, the transmitting beams 702-1, 702-2, and 702-3 for transmitting data for stream 1 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). The transmitting beams 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3 for transmitting data for stream 2 may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may each be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0253] The transmitting beams 2001-1 and 2001-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 3" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands). Similarly, the transmitting beams 2002-1 and 2002-2 for transmitting "modulated signal 4" may be beams of the same frequency (same frequency band), or they may be beams of different frequencies (different frequency bands).

[0254] At this point, the operation of the setting unit 158 ​​in the base station configuration diagrams 1 and 3 will be explained. The setting unit 158 ​​receives a setting signal 160 as input. The setting signal 160 contains information on whether to perform multicast transmission or unicast transmission. When the base station performs the transmission shown in Figure 19, the setting signal 160 provides the setting unit 158 ​​with the information to "perform multicast transmission".

[0255] The setting signal 160 contains information about the number of transmitted modulation signals when performing multicast. When the base station performs the transmission shown in Figure 20, the setting signal 160 inputs the information that "the number of transmitted modulation signals is 4" to the setting unit 158.

[0256] Furthermore, the setting signal 160 may also include information on "how many transmission beams to use to transmit each modulation signal." When the base station performs the transmission shown in Figure 20, the setting signal 160 inputs the following information to the setting unit 158: "3 transmission beams to transmit modulation signal 1, 3 transmission beams to transmit modulation signal 2, 2 transmission beams to transmit modulation signal 3, and 2 transmission beams to transmit modulation signal 4."

[0257] Furthermore, the base stations in Figures 1 and 3 may transmit control information symbols that include information such as whether the data symbol is for multicast transmission or unicast transmission, the number of transmission streams when performing multicast, and how many transmission beams to use for each stream. This enables terminals to receive data appropriately.

[0258] In Figure 20, when the terminal receives both the transmission beam of "modulation signal 1" and the transmission beam of "modulation signal 2", it can obtain data for stream 1 and stream 2 with high reception quality.

[0259] Similarly, when the terminal receives both the transmission beam of "modulated signal 3" and the transmission beam of "modulated signal 4", it can obtain data from stream 3 and stream 4 with high reception quality.

[0260] Figure 20 illustrates an example where a base station transmits "Modulated Signal 1," "Modulated Signal 2," "Modulated Signal 3," and "Modulated Signal 4." However, the base station may also transmit "Modulated Signal 5" and "Modulated Signal 6" to transmit data for stream 5 and stream 6, or it may transmit more modulated signals to transmit more streams. Each modulated signal is transmitted using one or more transmit beams.

[0261] Furthermore, as explained in Figures 17 and 18, there may be one or more transmit beams (or receive directivity controls) for unicast.

[0262] The relationship between "Modulation Signal 1" and "Modulation Signal 2" will be omitted as it overlaps with the explanation in Figure 13. Here, the relationship between "Modulation Signal 3" and "Modulation Signal 4" will be explained using Figure 21.

[0263] For example, error correction coding is applied to information #2 101-2 to obtain error-corrected coded data. This error-corrected coded data is named #2 transmitted data. Then, a mapping is performed on the #2 transmitted data to obtain data symbols, which are then divided for stream 3 and stream 4 to obtain data symbols (data symbol groups) for stream 3 and stream 4. At this time, the data symbol for stream 3 at symbol number i is denoted as s3(i), and the data symbol for stream 4 is denoted as s4(i). Then, the "modulated signal 3" tx3(i) at symbol number i can be represented, for example, as follows.

[0264]

number

[0265] And the "modulation signal 4" tx4(i) in symbol number i can be represented, for example, as follows:

[0266]

number

[0267] In equations (5) and (6), e(i), f(i), g(i), and h(i) can each be defined as complex numbers, and therefore may be real numbers.

[0268] Furthermore, although e(i), f(i), g(i), and h(i) are written, they do not necessarily have to be functions with symbol number i, and may be fixed values.

[0269] The "symbol group for modulated signal 3," which includes the "signal in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 3" composed of data symbols, is transmitted from the base stations shown in Figures 1 and 3. Similarly, the "symbol group for modulated signal 4," which includes the "signal in the data transmission area of ​​modulated signal 4" composed of data symbols, is transmitted from the base stations shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0270] (supplement) Naturally, multiple embodiments and other elements described herein may be combined and implemented.

[0271] Furthermore, each embodiment and other details are merely examples. For example, even if "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." are given as examples, it is possible to implement the same configuration even if a different "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." is applied.

[0272] Regarding the modulation scheme, it is possible to implement the embodiments and other details described herein even if a modulation scheme other than those described herein is used. For example, APSK (Amplitude Phase Shift Keying), PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation), PSK (Phase Shift Keying), and QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) may be applied, and uniform mapping or non-uniform mapping may be used for each modulation scheme. APSK includes, for example, 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, and 4096APSK; PAM includes, for example, 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, and 4096PAM; PSK includes, for example, BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, and 4096PSK; and QAM includes, for example, 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 1024QAM, and 4096QAM.

[0273] Furthermore, the arrangement of signal points such as 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, and 1024 in the IQ plane (modulation schemes having 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, and 1024 signal points) is not limited to the signal point arrangement methods of the modulation schemes shown in this specification.

[0274] The term "base station" as used herein may include, for example, a broadcasting station, a base station, an access point, a terminal, or a mobile phone. Similarly, the term "terminal" as used herein may include a television, a radio, a terminal, a personal computer, a mobile phone, an access point, or a base station. Furthermore, the terms "base station" and "terminal" in this disclosure refer to devices having communication functions, which may be configured to connect via some interface to devices for running applications such as televisions, radios, personal computers, and mobile phones. In this embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, such as pilot symbols and symbols for control information, may be arranged in any manner within the frame.

[0275] The pilot symbol and control information symbols may be named in any way; for example, they may be known symbols modulated using PSK modulation in the transceiver, or the receiver may know the symbol transmitted by the transmitter by synchronizing with it. The receiver uses these symbols to perform frequency synchronization, time synchronization, channel estimation of each modulated signal (estimate of CSI (Channel State Information)), signal detection, etc. The pilot symbol may also be called a preamble, unique word, postamble, or reference symbol.

[0276] Furthermore, symbols for control information are used to transmit information that needs to be sent to the communication partner in order to enable communication other than data (such as application data). This information includes, for example, the modulation scheme used for communication, the error correction coding scheme, the coding rate of the error correction coding scheme, and configuration information at higher layers.

[0277] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, while each embodiment describes the case where the communication is performed as a communication device, it is not limited to this, and this communication method can also be performed as software.

[0278] Alternatively, for example, a program that performs the above communication method may be stored in ROM (Read Only Memory) beforehand, and that program may be run by the CPU (Central Processor Unit).

[0279] Alternatively, a program that performs the above communication method may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the program stored in the storage medium may be recorded in the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory) so that the computer operates according to that program.

[0280] Each of the above embodiments and configurations may typically be implemented as a Large Scale Integration (LSI), which is an integrated circuit having input and output terminals. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or they may be integrated into a single chip that includes all or some of the configurations of each embodiment. Here, we refer to them as LSIs, but depending on the degree of integration, they may also be called ICs (Integrated Circuits), system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. After LSI manufacturing, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed or reconfigurable processors that allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may also be used. Moreover, if an integrated circuit implementation technology that replaces LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, it is naturally possible to integrate functional blocks using that technology. The application of biotechnology is one possible possibility.

[0281] (Embodiment 3) This embodiment describes a multicast communication method when a different beamforming technique is applied compared to Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0282] The configuration of the base station is as described using Figures 1 to 3 of Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the parts that operate in the same way as in Embodiment 1 will be omitted. Similarly, the configuration of the terminal that communicates with the base station is as described using Figures 4 to 6 of Embodiment 1, so the explanation of the parts that operate in the same way as in Embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0283] The following describes an example of the operation of the base station and terminal in this embodiment.

[0284] Figure 22 shows a case where a base station is sending a multicast transmission stream to a single terminal.

[0285] In Figure 22, base station 700 transmits the transmit beam 2201-1 of "(multicast) stream 1-1 (first beam of stream 1)" from its transmitting antenna to terminal 2202-1, and terminal 2202-1 generates a receive directivity 2203-1 by performing directivity control and receives the transmit beam 2201-1 of "stream 1-1".

[0286] Figure 23 explains the "procedure for communication between the base station and the terminal" to achieve the communication status between the base station and the terminal as shown in Figure 22.

[0287] [23-1] The terminal first makes a request to the base station to "multicast transmission of stream 1".

[0288] [23-2] Upon receiving [23-1], the base station recognizes that it is not performing multicast transmission of stream 1. Therefore, the base station sends training symbols for transmit directionality control and receive directionality control to the terminal in order to perform multicast transmission of stream 1.

[0289] [23-3] The terminal receives training symbols for transmit directionality control and training symbols for receive directionality control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station so that the base station can perform transmit directionality control and the terminal can perform receive directionality control.

[0290] [23-4] Based on the feedback information transmitted by the terminal, the base station determines the method of transmission directivity control (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control), performs transmission directivity control, and transmits the data symbols of stream 1.

[0291] [23-5] The terminal determines the receiving directionality control method (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directionality control) and begins receiving the data symbols of stream 1 transmitted by the base station.

[0292] Note that the "Procedure for Communication between Base Station and Terminal" in Figure 23 is just one example, and the order in which each piece of information is transmitted is not limited to Figure 23; the procedure can be carried out similarly even if the order in which each piece of information is transmitted is changed. Also, while Figure 23 explains the case where the terminal performs receive directivity control, the procedure may also be carried out when the terminal does not perform receive directivity control. In this case, in Figure 23, the base station does not need to transmit a training symbol for receive directivity control, and the terminal does not need to determine the receive directivity control method.

[0293] Furthermore, when the base station performs transmission directionality control, if the base station has the configuration shown in Figure 1, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, and 204-4 in Figure 2 are set. If the base station has the configuration shown in Figure 3, for example, the weighting coefficients are set in the weighting synthesis unit 301. Note that the number of streams to be transmitted is set to "1" in Figure 22, but this is not the only number.

[0294] Then, when the terminal performs receiving directionality control, if the terminal has the configuration shown in Figure 4, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, and 503-4 in Figure 5 are set, and if the terminal has the configuration shown in Figure 6, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ..., and 603-L are set.

[0295] Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of symbols transmitted by the base station and the terminal when the base station in Figure 23 transmits transmit directionality control symbols, receive directionality control symbols, and data symbols, along with a time axis. Figure 24(a) shows an example of symbols transmitted by the base station along a time axis, and Figure 24(b) shows an example of symbols transmitted by the terminal along a time axis; in both cases, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0296] As shown in Figure 23, when communication between the base station and the terminal occurs, the base station first transmits the "base station transmit directional control training symbol" 2401, as shown in Figure 24. For example, the "base station transmit directional control training symbol" 2401 consists of a control information symbol and a known PSK symbol.

[0297] The terminal then receives the "base station transmission directionality control training symbol" 2401 transmitted by the base station and transmits, for example, information about the antenna used by the base station for transmission and information about the multiplication coefficient (or weighting coefficient) used for directionality control as a feedback information symbol 2402.

[0298] The base station receives the "feedback information symbol" 2402 transmitted by the terminal, determines the antenna to be used for transmission from the feedback information symbol 2402, and also determines the coefficients to be used for transmission directivity control from the feedback information symbol 2402. Subsequently, the base station transmits the "terminal reception directivity control training symbol" 2403. For example, the "terminal reception directivity control training symbol" 2403 consists of a control information symbol and a known PSK symbol.

[0299] The terminal then receives the "terminal reception directionality control training symbol" 2403 transmitted by the base station and determines, for example, the antenna the terminal will use for reception and the multiplication coefficient the terminal will use for reception directionality control. The terminal then transmits a feedback information symbol 2404 to indicate that it is ready to receive the data symbol.

[0300] The base station then receives the "feedback information symbol" 2404 transmitted by the terminal and outputs a data symbol 2405 based on the feedback information symbol 2404.

[0301] Note that the communication between the base station and the terminal in Figure 24 is just one example, and the order of symbol transmission and the order of transmission from the base station and the terminal are not limited to this. Furthermore, each of the "Base Station Transmit Directional Control Training Symbol" 2401, "Feedback Information Symbol" 2402, "Terminal Receiving Directional Control Training Symbol" 2403, "Feedback Information Symbol" 2404, and "Data Symbol" 2405 may include preambles, reference symbols, pilot symbols, and symbols for transmitting control information for signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, frequency offset estimation, and channel estimation.

[0302] Figure 25 shows an example of the symbols transmitted by the base station when it transmits data symbols for stream 1 after communication between the base station and the terminal is completed as shown in Figure 23, with time on the horizontal axis.

[0303] In Figure 25, the base station transmits the first data symbol of the transmit beam 1 of stream 1 as "(for multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (1)" 2501-1-1. Subsequently, a data symbol transmission section 2502-1 is established.

[0304] Subsequently, the base station transmits the second data symbol of the transmit beam 1 of (multicast) stream 1 as "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (2)" 2501-1-2. Then, a data symbol transmission section 2502-2 is established.

[0305] Subsequently, the base station transmits the third data symbol of the transmit beam 1 of (multicast) stream 1 as "(multicast) stream 1-1 data symbol (3)" 2501-1-3.

[0306] In this way, the base station transmits the data symbol for "(Multicast) Stream 1-1" 2201-1 shown in Figure 22. Note that in Figure 25, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (1)" 2501-1-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (2)" 2501-1-2, "(Multicast) Data Symbol 1-1 Data Symbol (3)" 2501-1-3, ... may include, in addition to data symbols, preambles for signal detection, time synchronization, frequency synchronization, frequency offset estimation, and channel estimation, reference symbols, pilot symbols, and symbols for transmitting control information.

[0307] In Figure 25, the section 2502-1 where data symbols can be transmitted includes the unicast transmission section 2503-1, and the section 2502-2 where data symbols can be transmitted includes the unicast transmission section 2503-2.

[0308] In Figure 25, the frame includes unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2. For example, in Figure 25, the base station may transmit multicast symbols in the sections of data symbol transmission-enabled section 2502-1 excluding unicast transmission section 2503-1, and in the sections of data symbol transmission-enabled section 2502-2 excluding unicast transmission section 2503-2. This point will be explained later with an example.

[0309] Thus, including a unicast transmission section in a frame is a useful configuration requirement for the stable operation of a wireless communication system. An example of this will be explained later. Note that the unicast transmission section does not have to be located in the temporal position shown in Figure 25; it can be arranged temporally in any way. Furthermore, the unicast transmission section may be where the base station transmits symbols, or where the terminal transmits symbols.

[0310] Alternatively, the base station may be configured to directly set the unicast transmission interval, or it may be configured to set the maximum transmission data rate for sending multicast symbols.

[0311] For example, if a base station can transmit data at a speed of 2 Gbps (bps: bits per second), and the base station can allocate a maximum data transmission speed of 1.5 Gbps to transmitting multicast symbols, then a unicast transmission section equivalent to 500 Mbps can be configured.

[0312] Thus, a configuration in which the unicast transmission section can be indirectly configured at the base station is also acceptable. Further specific examples will be explained later.

[0313] Note that, in accordance with the state shown in Figure 22, Figure 25 describes a frame configuration in which "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (1)" 2501-1-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (2)" 2501-1-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (3)" 2501-1-3 exist, but this is not the only configuration. For example, data symbols for multicast streams other than Stream 1 (Stream 1-1) may exist, as may the data symbols for Stream 1-2, which is the second transmit beam of Stream 1, and the Stream 1-3 data stream, which is the third transmit beam of Stream 1, also exist. This point will be explained later.

[0314] Figure 26 shows the state when a new terminal is added to the base station in Figure 22, which is sending a multicast transmission stream to one terminal. Devices that operate in the same way as in Figure 22 are given the same number.

[0315] In Figure 26, the newly added terminal is 2202-2. Terminal 2202-2 generates a receive directivity 2203-2 by performing directivity control and receives the transmit beam 2201-1 of "(multicast) stream 1-1".

[0316] Next, we will explain Figure 26.

[0317] In the following explanation, Figure 26 shows a state where base station 700 and terminal 2202-1 are communicating via multicast, and terminal 2202-2 is newly joining the multicast communication. Therefore, as shown in Figure 27, the base station transmits the "terminal receive directionality control training symbol" 2701 and the "data symbol" 2702, but does not transmit the "base station transmit training symbol" shown in Figure 24. In Figure 27, the horizontal axis represents time.

[0318] Figure 28 shows an example of the actions taken to bring the base station into a state where it is sending multicast transmit beams to two terminals, as shown in Figure 26.

[0319] [28-1] Terminal 2202-2 sends a "request for multicast transmission of stream 1" to the base station. The "request for multicast transmission of stream 1" is sent in the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 25.

[0320] [28-2] Upon receiving [28-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-2 that it is transmitting multicast stream 1. This notification that multicast stream 1 is being transmitted is sent in the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 25.

[0321] [28-3] Terminal 2202-2 receives [28-2] and performs receive directional control to begin receiving multicast stream 1. Then, terminal 2202-2 performs receive directional control and notifies the base station that it has received "multicast stream 1".

[0322] [28-4] The base station receives [28-3] and confirms that the terminal has received "Stream 1 for multicast".

[0323] [28-5] Terminal 2202-2 performs receive directionality control and begins receiving "Stream 1 for multicast".

[0324] Figure 29 shows the state when a new terminal is added to the base station in Figure 22, which is sending a multicast transmission stream to one terminal. The same numbers are used for components that operate in the same way as in Figure 22.

[0325] In Figure 29, the newly added terminal is 2202-2. In this case, the difference from Figure 26 is that the base station 700 newly transmits the transmit beam 2201-2 of "(multicast) stream 1-2 (the second of stream 1)", and terminal 2202-2 generates a receive directivity 2203-2 by performing directivity control and receives the transmit beam 2201-2 of "(multicast) stream 1-2".

[0326] Next, we will explain the control performed for the state shown in Figure 29.

[0327] In the following explanation, Figure 29 shows a state where base station 700 and terminal 2202-1 are performing multicast communication, and terminal 2202-2 is newly joining the multicast communication.

[0328] Figure 30 shows an example of the actions taken to bring the base station into a state where it is sending multicast transmit beams to two terminals, as shown in Figure 29.

[0329] [30-1] Terminal 2202-2 sends a "request for multicast transmission of stream 1" to the base station. The "request for multicast transmission of stream 1" is sent in the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 25.

[0330] [30-2] Upon receiving [30-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-2 that it is transmitting multicast stream 1. This notification that multicast stream 1 is being transmitted is sent to the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 25.

[0331] [30-3] Terminal 2202-2 receives [30-2] and notifies the base station that it has not received multicast stream 1. Note that the notification that multicast stream 1 has not been received is sent to the unicast transmission section in Figure 25.

[0332] [30-4] The base station receives [30-3] and decides to transmit another transmit beam for multicast stream 1 (i.e., transmit beam 2201-2 in Figure 29). Note that here it decides to transmit another transmit beam for multicast stream 1, but it may also decide not to transmit another transmit beam for multicast stream 1. This point will be explained later.

[0333] Therefore, the base station transmits training symbols for transmit directionality control and receive directionality control to terminal 2202-2 in order to perform multicast transmission of stream 1. In addition to transmitting these symbols, the base station also transmits the transmit beam of stream 1-1 as shown in Figure 29. This will be explained later.

[0334] [30-5] Terminal 2202-2 receives the training symbols for transmit directionality control and the training symbols for receive directionality control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station so that the base station can perform transmit directionality control and terminal 2202-2 can perform receive directionality control.

[0335] [30-6] Based on the feedback information transmitted by terminal 2202-2, the base station determines the method of transmission directivity control (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control) and transmits the data symbol for stream 1 (transmission beam 2201-2 of stream 1-2 in Figure 29).

[0336] [30-7] Terminal 2202-2 determines the receiving directivity control method (such as determining the weighting coefficients used when performing directivity control) and begins receiving the data symbols of stream 1 transmitted by the base station (transmit beam 2201-2 of stream 1-2 in Figure 29).

[0337] Note that the "Procedure for communication between base station and terminal" in Figure 30 is just one example, and the order in which each piece of information is transmitted is not limited to Figure 30; the procedure can be carried out similarly even if the order in which each piece of information is transmitted is changed.

[0338] Furthermore, while Figure 30 illustrates an example where the terminal performs receive directivity control, there may also be cases where the terminal does not perform receive directivity control. In this case, as shown in Figure 30, the base station does not need to transmit training symbols for receive directivity control, and the terminal does not need to determine the receive directivity control method.

[0339] Furthermore, when the base station performs transmission directionality control, if the base station configuration is as shown in Figure 1, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, and 204-4 in Figure 2 are set. If the base station configuration is as shown in Figure 3, for example, the weighting coefficients are set in the weighting synthesis unit 301. Note that the number of streams to be transmitted is set to "2" in Figure 29, but this is not the only number.

[0340] Then, when terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2 perform receiving directionality control, if the terminal configuration is as shown in Figure 4, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, and 503-4 in Figure 5 are set. If the terminal configuration is as shown in Figure 6, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ..., and 603-L are set.

[0341] Figure 31 shows an example of the symbols transmitted by the base station when it transmits data symbols for stream 1 after communication between the base station and the terminal is completed in Figure 30, with time on the horizontal axis.

[0342] In Figure 31, since "Stream 1-1" exists as in Figure 29, similar to Figure 25, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-M+2 exist. Note that "(M), (M+1), (M+2)" are written because (Multicast) Stream 1-1 exists before (Multicast) Stream 1-2 exists. Therefore, in Figure 31, M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0343] As shown in Figure 31, in sections other than unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2, there are "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0344] As explained above, it has the following features:

[0345] The following are data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1": "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2), "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0346] The terminal can obtain "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-1 data symbol". Similarly, the terminal can obtain "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-2 data symbol".

[0347] The transmit beam directionality of "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2) is different from that of "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3. Therefore, the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) for the base station transmitter used to generate the transmit beams for "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2) is different from the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) for the base station transmitter used to generate the transmit beams for "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0348] As a result, two terminals can receive the multicast stream transmitted by the base station. Because directional control is used during transmission and reception, this method allows for a wider reception area for the multicast stream. Furthermore, since stream additions and transmission beam additions are performed only when necessary, this method allows for efficient use of frequency, time, and space resources for data transmission.

[0349] Furthermore, the following control measures may be implemented. Details of the control are as follows:

[0350] Figure 32 is different from Figure 31 in that it shows "an example of the symbols transmitted by the base station when it transmits data symbols (for stream 1) after communication between the base station and the terminal in Figure 30 is completed," with time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 32, elements that operate in the same way as in Figures 25 and 31 are given the same numbers.

[0351] In Figure 32, the difference from Figure 31 is that the unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2 are set to be longer in duration, so the base station does not add and transmit any more multicast symbols.

[0352] Figure 33 shows an example of operation when, in addition to the base station sending multicast transmit beams to two terminals (terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2) as shown in Figure 29, a new terminal 2202-3 requests additional transmit beams from the base station. The frames of the modulated signals transmitted by the base station are shown in Figure 32.

[0353] [33-1] Terminal 2202-3 sends a "request for multicast transmission of stream 1" to the base station. The "request for multicast transmission of stream 1" is sent in the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 32.

[0354] [33-2] Upon receiving [33-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that it is transmitting multicast stream 1. This notification of transmitting multicast stream 1 is transmitted within the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 32.

[0355] [33-3] Terminal 2202-3, upon receiving [33-2], notifies the base station that it has not received multicast stream 1. This notification that multicast stream 1 has not been received is transmitted to the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 32.

[0356] [33-4] Upon receiving [33-3], the base station determines whether it can transmit a transmission beam for multicast stream 1 that is different from the transmission beams for stream 1-1 and stream 1-2. Considering the frame shown in Figure 32, the base station determines that it will not transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1. Therefore, the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that it will not transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1. This notification that it will not transmit another transmission beam for multicast stream 1 is transmitted during the unicast transmission interval shown in Figure 32.

[0357] [33-5] Terminal 2202-3 receives a "notification that no other transmit beam will be sent for multicast stream 1".

[0358] Note that the "Communication Procedure Between Base Station and Terminal" in Figure 33 is just one example, and the order in which each piece of information is transmitted is not limited to Figure 33. The procedure can be carried out similarly even if the order of transmission is changed. Thus, if there is insufficient communication resources for multicast transmission, it is not necessary to add multicast transmission beams.

[0359] Figure 34 shows an example of the operation in which the base station shown in Figure 29 transmits multicast beams to two terminals (terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2), and in addition, a new terminal 2202-3 requests the base station to transmit an additional multicast stream (stream 2). The modulated signal frame being transmitted by the base station is in the state shown in Figure 31.

[0360] [34-1] Terminal 2202-3 requests the base station to "multicast transmission of stream 2". The "multicast transmission request for stream 2" is sent to the unicast transmission section 2503 in Figure 31.

[0361] [34-2] Upon receiving [34-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that it is not transmitting multicast stream 2. It also determines whether it can add and transmit a multicast stream 2 transmit beam. Considering the frame state as shown in Figure 31, it notifies terminal 2202-3 that it is ready to transmit a multicast stream 2 transmit beam. The notification that multicast stream 2 is not being transmitted and the notification that a multicast stream 2 transmit beam is available are sent to the unicast transmission section 2503 in Figure 31.

[0362] [34-3] Upon receiving [34-2], terminal 2203-3 notifies the base station that it is ready to receive multicast stream 2. This notification that it is ready to receive multicast stream 2 is sent to the unicast transmission section 2503 in Figure 31.

[0363] [34-4] Upon receiving [34-3], the base station decides to transmit the transmit beam for stream 2 for multicast. Therefore, the base station transmits training symbols for transmit directionality control and receive directionality control to terminal 2202-3 in order to perform multicast transmission of stream 2. In addition to transmitting these symbols, the base station also transmits the transmit beam for stream 1-1 and the transmit beam for stream 1-2, as shown in Figure 31. This will be explained later.

[0364] [34-5] Terminal 2202-3 receives training symbols for transmit directionality control and training symbols for receive directionality control transmitted by the base station, and transmits feedback information to the base station so that the base station can perform transmit directionality control and terminal 2202-3 can perform receive directionality control.

[0365] [34-6] Based on the feedback information transmitted by terminal 2202-3, the base station determines the method of transmission directionality control (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directionality control) and transmits the data symbols of stream 2.

[0366] [34-7] Terminal 2202-3 determines the receiving directivity control method (such as determining the weighting coefficients to be used when performing directivity control) and begins receiving the data symbols of stream 2 transmitted by the base station.

[0367] Note that the "Procedure for Communication between Base Station and Terminal" in Figure 34 is just one example, and the order in which each piece of information is transmitted is not limited to Figure 34. The procedure can be carried out similarly even if the order in which each piece of information is transmitted is changed. Also, Figure 34 explains the procedure using the case where the terminal performs receive directivity control as an example, but it may also be the case where the terminal does not perform receive directivity control. In this case, in Figure 34, the base station does not need to transmit training symbols for receive directivity control, and the terminal does not need to determine the receive directivity control method.

[0368] Furthermore, when the base station performs transmission directionality control, if the base station has the configuration shown in Figure 1, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 204-1, 204-2, 204-3, and 204-4 in Figure 2 are set.

[0369] Then, when terminals 2202-1, 2202-2, and 2202-3 perform receiving directionality control, if the terminal has the configuration shown in Figure 4, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 503-1, 503-2, 503-3, and 503-4 in Figure 5 will be set. If the terminal has the configuration shown in Figure 6, for example, the multiplication coefficients in the multiplication units 603-1, 603-2, ..., and 603-L will be set.

[0370] Figure 35 shows an example of the symbols transmitted by the base station when it transmits data symbols for stream 1 and stream 2 after communication between the base station and the terminal is completed as shown in Figure 34, with time on the horizontal axis.

[0371] In Figure 35, since "Stream 1-1" and "Stream 1-2" as shown in Figure 31 exist, the following exist: "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2), and also "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N)" 3101-N, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+1)" 3101-(N+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (N+2)" 3101-(N+2). Note that N and M are integers greater than or equal to 2.

[0372] As shown in Figure 35, in sections other than the unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2, there are "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (1)" 3501-1, "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (2)" 3501-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (3)" 3501-3.

[0373] As explained above, this has the following characteristics:

[0374] The following are data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1": "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2), "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (N)" 3101-N, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1)" 3101-(N+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2)" 3101-(N+2).

[0375] The terminal obtains "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-1 data symbol". The terminal also obtains "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-2 data symbol".

[0376] The transmit beam directionality of "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2) is different from that of "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0377] Therefore, the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) for the base station transmitter used to generate the transmit beams for "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2) is different from the set of multiplication coefficients (or weighting coefficients) for the base station transmitter used to generate the transmit beams for "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0378] • "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (1)" 3501-1, "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (2)" 3501-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 2-1 Data Symbol (3)" 3501-3 are data symbols for transmitting "Stream 2".

[0379] The terminal obtains the data for "Stream 2" by obtaining the "data symbol for Stream 2-1". As a result, the terminal can receive multiple multicast streams (Stream 1 and Stream 2) transmitted by the base station. At this time, because directional control is performed during transmission and reception, the area over which multicast streams can be received can be widened. In addition, since the addition of streams and transmission beams is done only when necessary, the frequency, time, and space resources for data transmission can be used effectively.

[0380] Furthermore, the control methods described below may also be used. Details of the control are as follows.

[0381] Figure 32 is an example of the symbols transmitted by a base station when it transmits data symbols (for stream 1), which differs from Figure 35, with time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 32, elements that operate similarly to those in Figures 25 and 31 are given the same number.

[0382] In Figure 32, the difference from Figure 35 is that because the unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2 are set to be longer in terms of time, the base station does not add and transmit any further multicast symbols, such as symbols for new streams.

[0383] Figure 36 shows an example of operation where, in addition to the base station transmitting multicast transmit beams to two terminals (terminals 2202-1 and 2202-2) as shown in Figure 29, a new terminal 2202-3 requests the base station to send an additional transmit beam for another multicast stream (stream 2). The modulated signal frame transmitted by the base station is shown in Figure 32.

[0384] [36-1] Terminal 2202-3 requests the base station to "multicast transmission of stream 2". The "multicast transmission request for stream 2" is sent to the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 32.

[0385] [36-2] Upon receiving [36-1], the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that it is not transmitting multicast stream 2. This notification that multicast stream 2 is not being transmitted is sent in the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 32. The base station also determines whether it can transmit the transmit beam for multicast stream 2. Considering the frames shown in Figure 32, the base station determines that it will not transmit the transmit beam for multicast stream 2. Therefore, the base station notifies terminal 2202-3 that it will not transmit the transmit beam for multicast stream 2. This notification that it will not transmit the transmit beam for multicast stream 2 is sent in the unicast transmission section shown in Figure 32.

[0386] [36-3] Terminal 2202-3 receives a "notification that the transmit beam for multicast stream 2 will not be sent".

[0387] Note that the "Communication Procedure Between Base Station and Terminal" in Figure 36 is just one example, and the order of transmission of each piece of information is not limited to Figure 36. The procedure can be carried out similarly even if the order of transmission is changed. Thus, if there is insufficient communication resources for multicast transmission, it is not necessary to add streams or multicast transmission beams.

[0388] Furthermore, we will provide supplementary explanations regarding the setting methods for unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2, as shown in Figure 35 and other documents.

[0389] For example, in Figure 35, the maximum number of transmit beams for multicast is predetermined or set.

[0390] Then, in response to requests from each terminal, the base station transmits multicast transmit beams, the number of which is less than or equal to the maximum number of multicast transmit beams. For example, in Figure 35, the number of multicast transmit beams is 3. The base station then transmits multiple multicast transmit beams, and the time interval after these transmissions is defined as the unicast transmission interval.

[0391] As described above, a unicast transmission interval may be defined.

[0392] (Supplement 1) Supplement 1 explains the case where a base station is communicating with multiple terminals via unicast, that is, individual communication.

[0393] In this case, for example, the #1 symbol group 901-1, the #2 symbol group 901-2, and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 may represent a broadcast channel, that is, control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals. Control information refers to, for example, control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0394] Furthermore, for example, the #1 symbol group 901-1, the #2 symbol group 901-2, and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1 in Figure 9 may constitute the common search space. The common search space is control information for performing cell control. The common search space is control information that is broadcast to multiple terminals.

[0395] Similarly, for example, the #1 symbol group 902-1, the #2 symbol group 902-2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 may be broadcast channels, that is, control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals.

[0396] Furthermore, for example, the #1 symbol group 902-1, the #2 symbol group 902-2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 may be common search spaces.

[0397] The characteristics of the #1 symbol group 901-1, the #2 symbol group 901-2, and the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1, the #2 symbol group 902-2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments explained above.

[0398] For example, the #1 symbol group 1401-1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2, and the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 may be a broadcast channel, that is, control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals.

[0399] Furthermore, for example, the #1 symbol group 1401-1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2, and the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 may be common search spaces.

[0400] For example, the #1 symbol group 1402-1, the #2 symbol group 1402-2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 may be a broadcast channel, that is, control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals.

[0401] Furthermore, for example, the #1 symbol group 1402-1, the #2 symbol group 1402-2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 may be common search spaces.

[0402] Furthermore, the #1 symbol group 1401-1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2, and the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments described above, and the #1 symbol group 1402-1, the #2 symbol group 1402-2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0403] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbols (1) 2501-1-1, (2) 2501-1-2, and (3) 2501-1-3 in Figure 25 may be broadcast channels, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals.

[0404] Furthermore, the stream 1-1 data symbols (1) 2501-1-1, (2) 2501-1-2, and (3) 2501-1-3 in Figure 25 may also be common search spaces.

[0405] Furthermore, the stream 1-1 data symbols (1) 2501-1-1, (2) 2501-1-2, and (3) 2501-1-3 in Figure 25 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0406] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M)2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1)2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2)2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (1)3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2)3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3)3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 may be broadcast channels, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals.

[0407] Furthermore, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M)2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1)2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2)2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (1)3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2)3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3)3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 may also be common search spaces.

[0408] Furthermore, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0409] For example, in Figure 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) 3101-(N+2) may be broadcast channels, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals.

[0410] Furthermore, in Figure 35, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M)2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1)2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2)2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (N)3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1)3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2)3101-(N+2) may also be common search spaces.

[0411] For example, the stream 2-1 data symbols (1) 3501-1, (2) 3501-2, and (3) 3501-3 in Figure 35 may be broadcast channels, that is, control information that a base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals.

[0412] Furthermore, the stream 2-1 data symbols (1) 3501-1, (2) 3501-2, and (3) 3501-3 in Figure 35 may also be common search spaces.

[0413] In Figure 35, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2) 3101-(N+2) are as described in the embodiments described above, and the stream 2-1 data symbols (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbols (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbols (3) 3501-3 in Figure 35 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0414] In Figures 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method may be used, or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Furthermore, the temporal position of the data symbols is not limited to those shown in Figures 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0415] Furthermore, although the horizontal axis in Figures 25, 31, 32, and 35 is used to represent time, the same method can be used if the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier). When the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier), the base station transmits each data symbol using one or more carriers or subcarriers.

[0416] (Supplement 2) Supplement 2 explains the case where a base station is communicating with multiple terminals via unicast, that is, individual communication.

[0417] In this case, for example, the #1 symbol group 901-1, the #2 symbol group 901-2, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1, the #2 symbol group 902-2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2 in Figure 9 may be data destined for the base station or data destined for any of the multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0418] Furthermore, the #1 symbol group 901-1, the #2 symbol group 901-2, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of Stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1, the #2 symbol group 902-2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of Stream 2 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0419] For example, the #1 symbol group 1401-1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 may be data destined for the base station or data destined for any of the multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0420] Furthermore, the #1 symbol group 1401-1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1401-3, the #2 symbol group 1402-2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0421] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbols (1) 2501-1-1, (2) 2501-1-2, and (3) 2501-1-3 in Figure 25 may be data destined for a base station or data destined for any of the multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0422] Furthermore, the stream 1-1 data symbols (1) 2501-1-1, (2) 2501-1-2, and (3) 2501-1-3 in Figure 25 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0423] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M)2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1)2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2)2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (1)3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2)3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3)3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 may be data destined for a base station or data destined for any of the multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0424] Furthermore, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbols (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbols (3) 3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0425] For example, in Figure 35, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2) 3101-(N+2) may be data destined for the base station or data destined for any of the multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0426] For example, the stream 2-1 data symbols (1) 3501-1, (2) 3501-2, and (3) 3501-3 in Figure 35 may be data destined for a base station or data destined for any of the multiple terminals communicating. In this case, the data may include control information.

[0427] In Figure 35, the stream 1-1 data symbols (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbols (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), stream 1-1 data symbols (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), stream 1-2 data symbols (N) 3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1) 3101-(N+1), stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2) 3101-(N+2), stream 2-1 data symbols (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbols (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbols (3) 3501-3 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0428] In Figures 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method may be used, or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Furthermore, the temporal position of the data symbols is not limited to those shown in Figures 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0429] Furthermore, although the horizontal axis in Figures 25, 31, 32, and 35 is used to represent time, the same method can be used if the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier). When the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier), the base station transmits each data symbol using one or more carriers or subcarriers.

[0430] (Supplement 3) During the time period when the base station is transmitting the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2, as shown in the frame configuration of Figure 9, the base station may transmit a different symbol group using a different transmission beam than the "transmission beam for the #1 symbol group 901-1 of stream 1, the transmission beam for the #2 symbol group 901-2 of stream 1, the transmission beam for the #3 symbol group 901-3 of stream 1, the transmission beam for the #1 symbol group 902-1 of stream 2, the transmission beam for the #2 symbol group 902-2 of stream 2, and the transmission beam for the #3 symbol group 902-3 of stream 2."

[0431] Furthermore, the base station in Figure 3 may generate a transmission beam for the "other symbol group" described above by "signal processing by the signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301," or "signal processing by the signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301."

[0432] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, the #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulated signal 2, the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2, as shown in the frame configuration of Figure 14, the base station may transmit a different symbol group using a different transmission beam than the "transmission beam for the #1 symbol group 1401-1 of modulated signal 1, the transmission beam for the #2 symbol group 1401-2 of modulated signal 1, the transmission beam for the #3 symbol group 1401-3 of modulated signal 1, the transmission beam for the #1 symbol group 1402-1 of modulated signal 2, the transmission beam for the #2 symbol group 1402-2 of modulated signal 2, and the transmission beam for the #3 symbol group 1402-3 of modulated signal 2".

[0433] In this case, the “other set of symbols” may be a set of symbols containing data symbols destined for a particular terminal, a set of symbols containing control information symbols as described in other parts of this disclosure, or a set of symbols containing data symbols for other multicast.

[0434] Furthermore, the base station in Figure 3 may generate a transmission beam for the "other symbol group" described above by "signal processing by the signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301," or "signal processing by the signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301."

[0435] (Supplement 4) During the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3, as shown in the frame configuration of Figure 25, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3.

[0436] Furthermore, the same applies to Figure 25, even if the horizontal axis is frequency. During the time period when the base station is transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, Stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit Stream 1-1 data symbol (1) 2501-1-1, Stream 1-1 data symbol (2) 2501-1-2, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (3) 2501-1-3.

[0437] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), as shown in the frame configuration of Figures 31 and 32, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2).

[0438] Furthermore, the same applies to Figures 31 and 32, even if the horizontal axis is frequency. During the time period when the base station is transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2).

[0439] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3, as shown in the frame configurations of Figures 31 and 32, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit "stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3".

[0440] Furthermore, the same applies to Figures 31 and 32, even if the horizontal axis is frequency. During the time period when the base station is transmitting Stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, Stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and Stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit Stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, Stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, and Stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3.

[0441] During the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-1 data symbol (M)2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)2501-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)2501-(M+2) as shown in the frame configuration of Figure 35, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit "stream 1-1 data symbol (M)2501-1-M, stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)2501-(M+1), and stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)2501-(M+2)".

[0442] Furthermore, the same applies to Figure 35, even if the horizontal axis is frequency. During the time period when the base station is transmitting Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-(M+1), and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-(M+2), the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-(M+1), and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-(M+2).

[0443] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 1-2 data symbols (N)3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1)3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2)3101-(N+2) as shown in the frame configuration of Figure 35, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit "stream 1-2 data symbols (N)3101-N, stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1)3101-(N+1), and stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2)3101-(N+2)".

[0444] Furthermore, the same applies to Figure 35, even if the horizontal axis is frequency. During the time period when the base station is transmitting Stream 1-2 data symbols (N) 3101-N, Stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and Stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2) 3101-(N+2), the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit Stream 1-2 data symbols (N) 3101-N, Stream 1-2 data symbols (N+1) 3101-(N+1), and Stream 1-2 data symbols (N+2) 3101-(N+2).

[0445] Furthermore, during the time period when the base station is transmitting stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3, as shown in the frame configuration of Figure 35, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3.

[0446] Furthermore, the same applies to Figure 35, even if the horizontal axis is frequency. During the time period when the base station is transmitting Stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, Stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and Stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3, the base station may transmit a different set of symbols using a different transmission beam than the one used to transmit Stream 2-1 data symbol (1) 3501-1, Stream 2-1 data symbol (2) 3501-2, and Stream 2-1 data symbol (3) 3501-3.

[0447] In the foregoing, “another set of symbols” may be a set of symbols containing data symbols destined for a particular terminal, a set of symbols containing control information symbols as described in other parts of this specification, or a set of symbols containing data symbols for other multicast purposes.

[0448] In this case, the base station in Figure 1 may generate a transmission beam for the "other symbol group" by signal processing in the signal processing unit 102, or the base station in Figure 1 may generate a transmission beam for the "other symbol group" by selecting antennas from antenna unit 106-1 to antenna unit 106-M.

[0449] Furthermore, the base station in Figure 3 may generate a transmission beam for the "other symbol group" described above by "signal processing by the signal processing unit 102 and signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301," or "signal processing by the signal processing unit 102 or signal processing by the weighted synthesis unit 301."

[0450] Furthermore, it is not necessary to set unicast transmission sections 2503-1 and 2503-2 as shown in Figures 25, 31, and 32.

[0451] (Supplement 5) The following is stated in the explanation for Figures 31 and 32.

[0452] The following are data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1": "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 Data Symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2), "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (1)" 3101-1, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (2)" 3101-2, and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 Data Symbol (3)" 3101-3.

[0453] The terminal can obtain "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-1 data symbol". Similarly, the terminal can obtain "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-2 data symbol".

[0454] Furthermore, the following is stated in the explanation for Figure 35.

[0455] The following are data symbols for transmitting "Stream 1": "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M)" 2501-1-M, "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)" 2501-1-(M+1), "(Multicast) Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)" 2501-1-(M+2), "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (N)" 3101-N, "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1)" 3101-(N+1), and "(Multicast) Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2)" 3101-(N+2).

[0456] The terminal can obtain "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-1 data symbol". Similarly, the terminal can obtain "Stream 1 data" by obtaining "Stream 1-2 data symbol".

[0457] The following provides supplementary explanations regarding the above. For example, in Figure 35, the above can be achieved by the following methods: <Method 1-1>, <Method 1-2>, <Method 2-1>, or <Method 2-2>.

[0458] <Method 1-1> • Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M and Stream 1-2 data symbol (N) 3101-N contain the same data.

[0459] Furthermore, the data symbol (M+1)2501-1-(M+1) in stream 1-1 and the data symbol (N+1)3101-(N+1) in stream 1-2 contain the same data.

[0460] Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)2501-1-(M+2) and Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2)3101-(N+2) contain the same data.

[0461] <Method 1-2> There exists a data symbol (L) 3101-L in Stream 1-2 that contains the same data as data symbol (K) 2501-1-K. Note that K and L are integers.

[0462] <Method 2-1> • Stream 1-1 data symbol (M)2501-1-M and Stream 1-2 data symbol (N)3101-N contain some of the same data.

[0463] Furthermore, the data symbol (M+1)2501-1-(M+1) in Stream 1-1 and the data symbol (N+1)3101-(N+1) in Stream 1-2 contain some of the same data.

[0464] Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)2501-1-(M+2) and Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2)3101-(N+2) contain some of the same data.

[0465] <Method 2-2> There exists a data symbol (L) 3101-L in Stream 1-2 that contains some of the data contained in data symbol (K) 2501-1-K. Note that K and L are integers.

[0466] In other words, the first base station or first transmission system generates a first packet group containing data from the first stream and a second packet group containing data from the first stream, transmits the packets contained in the first packet group using a first transmission beam during a first period, and transmits the packets contained in the second packet group using a second transmission beam different from the first transmission beam during a second period, with the first and second periods not overlapping.

[0467] Here, the second packet group may include a second packet containing the same data as the first packet included in the first packet group. Alternatively, in a different configuration, the second packet group may include a third packet containing some of the same data as the first packet included in the first packet group.

[0468] Furthermore, the first and second transmission beams may be transmission beams with different directivity transmitted using the same antenna section, or they may be transmission beams transmitted using different antenna sections.

[0469] Furthermore, the second base station or second transmission system generates a third packet group containing data from the first stream, in addition to the configuration of the first base station or first transmission system, and transmits the packets contained in the third packet group during a third period using a third transmission beam different from the first and second transmission beams, the third period not overlapping with the first and second periods.

[0470] Here, the second base station or the second transmission system may repeatedly set the first period, the second period, and the third period in a predetermined order.

[0471] Furthermore, the third base station or third transmission system, in addition to the configuration of the first base station or first transmission system, further generates a third packet group containing data from the first stream, and transmits the packets contained in the third packet group during a third period using a third transmission beam different from the first and second transmission beams, with at least a portion of the third period overlapping with the first period.

[0472] Here, the third base station or third transmission system may repeatedly set the first period, the second period and the third period, and at least a portion of each of the repeatedly set third periods may overlap with the first period, or at least one of the repeatedly set third periods may not overlap with the first period.

[0473] Furthermore, the fourth base station or fourth transmission system, in addition to the configuration of the first base station or first transmission system, further generates a fourth packet containing data from the second stream, transmits the fourth packet during a fourth period using a fourth transmission beam different from the first transmission beam, and at least a portion of the fourth period overlaps with the first period.

[0474] In the above explanation, it was stated that the first period and the second period do not overlap with each other. However, the first and second periods may partially overlap, the entire first period may overlap with the second period, or the entire first period may overlap with the entire second period.

[0475] Furthermore, the fifth base station or fifth transmission system may generate one or more packet groups containing the data of the first stream, transmit each packet group using a different transmit beam, and increase or decrease the number of packet groups generated based on the signals transmitted from the terminal.

[0476] In addition, although the term "stream" is used above, as described elsewhere in this specification, this refers to "Stream 1-1 data symbol (M) 2501-1-M, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) 2501-1-(M+1), and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) 2501-1-(M+2), and Stream 1-2 data symbol (1) 3101-1, and Stream 1-2 data symbol (2) 3101-2, Stream 1-2 data symbol (3) 3101-3" in Figures 31 and 32, and "Stream 1-1 data symbol ( M)2501-1-M, and Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1)2501-1-(M+1), Stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2)2501-1-(M+2), and Stream 1-2 data symbol (N)3101-N, and Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1)3101-(N+1), and Stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2)3101-(N+2) may be symbols containing data symbols destined for a terminal, symbols containing control information symbols, or symbols containing data symbols for multicast.

[0477] (Embodiment 4) This embodiment describes specific examples of the communication systems described in Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0478] The communication system in this embodiment is assumed to consist of (multiple) base stations and multiple terminals. For example, consider a communication system consisting of a base station 700 and terminals 704-1, 704-2, etc., as shown in Figures 7, 12, 17, 19, 20, 26, and 29.

[0479] Figure 37 shows an example of the configuration of a base station (700).

[0480] The logic channel generation unit 3703 takes data 3701 and control data 3702 as inputs and outputs a logic channel signal 3704. The logic channel signal 3704 is composed of, for example, control logic channels such as "BCCH (Broadcast Control Channel), PCCH (Paging Control Channel), CCCH (Common Control Channel), MCCH (Multicast Control Channel), DCCH (Dedicated Control Channel)" and data logic channels such as "DTCH (Dedicated Traffic Channel), MTCH (Multicast Traffic Channel)".

[0481] Furthermore, "BCCH is a channel for broadcasting system control information on the downlink," "PCCH is a channel for paging information on the downlink," "CCCH is a common control channel used on the downlink when there is no RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection," "MCCH is a channel for multicast channel scheduling and control for one-to-many MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) on the downlink," "DCCH is a dedicated control channel used on the downlink for terminals with RRC connections," "DTCH is a dedicated traffic channel for a single terminal UE (User Equipment) and a dedicated channel for user data on the downlink," and "MTCH is a channel for one-to-many MBMS user data on the downlink."

[0482] The transport channel generation unit 3705 takes the logic channel signal 3704 as input, generates a transport channel signal 3706, and outputs it. The transport channel signal 3706 is assumed to consist of, for example, BCH (Broadcast Channel), DL-SCH (Downlink Shared Channel), PCH (Paging Channel), MCH (Multicast Channel), etc.

[0483] Furthermore, "BCH is a channel for system information broadcast across the entire cell," "DL-SCH is a channel that uses user data, control information, and system information," "PCH is a channel for paging information that is left unattended across the entire cell," and "MCH is a channel for MBMS traffic and control broadcast across the entire cell."

[0484] The physical channel generation unit 3707 receives the transport channel signal 3706 as input, generates a physical channel signal 3708, and outputs it. The physical channel signal 3708 is assumed to consist of, for example, PBCH (Physical; Broadcast Channel), PMCH (Physical Multicast Channel), PDSCH (Physical Downlink Shared Channel), PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel), etc.

[0485] Furthermore, "PBCH is for BCH transport channel transmission," "PMCH is for MCH transport channel transmission," "PDSCH is for DL-SCH and transport channel transmission," and "PDCCH is for downlink L1 (Layer 1) / L2 (Layer 2) control signal transmission."

[0486] The modulation signal generation unit 3709 takes the physical channel signal 3708 as input, generates a modulation signal 3710 based on the physical channel signal 3708, and outputs it. The base station 700 then transmits the modulation signal 3710 as radio waves.

[0487] First, let's consider the case where a base station is communicating with multiple terminals using unicast communication, that is, individual communication.

[0488] In this case, for example, the symbol group #1 of stream 1 in 901-1, the symbol group #2 of stream 1 in 901-2, and the symbol group #3 of stream 1 in 901-3 in Figure 9 may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0489] Now, let's explain broadcast channels. Broadcast channels include "PBCH," "PMCH," and "a portion of PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0490] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0491] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0492] Similarly, for example, the symbol group #1 for stream 2 in 902-1, the symbol group #2 for stream 2 in 902-2, and the symbol group #3 for stream 2 in 902-3 in Figure 9 may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0493] The broadcast channels refer to the "PBCH," "PMCH," and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0494] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0495] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0496] In this case, the characteristics of the symbol group #1 of stream 1 in 901-1, the symbol group #2 of stream 1 in 901-2, and the symbol group #3 of stream 1 in 901-3 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments described above, and the characteristics of the symbol group #1 of stream 2 in 902-1, the symbol group #2 of stream 2 in 902-2, and the symbol group #3 of stream 2 in 902-3 in Figure 9 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0497] Note that there may be cases where Stream 2 is not transmitted, such as in the symbol group #1 (902-1), symbol group #2 (902-2), and symbol group #3 (902-3) of Stream 2 in Figure 9. In particular, when transmitting broadcast channel signals, the base station may choose not to transmit the symbol group for Stream 2. (In this case, for example, in Figure 7, base station 701 would not be transmitting 703-1, 703-2, and 703-3.)

[0498] For example, the symbol group #1 of modulated signal 1 in 1401-1, the symbol group #2 of modulated signal 1 in 1401-2, and the symbol group #3 of modulated signal 1 in 1401-3 in Figure 14 may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0499] The broadcast channels refer to the "PBCH," "PMCH," and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0500] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0501] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0502] For example, the symbol group #1 of modulated signal 2 in 1402-1, the symbol group #2 of modulated signal 2 in 1402-2, and the symbol group #3 of modulated signal 2 in 1402-3 in Figure 14 may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0503] The broadcast channels refer to the "PBCH," "PMCH," and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0504] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0505] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0506] The characteristics of the symbol group #1 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 1401-1, the symbol group #2 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 1401-2, and the symbol group #3 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 1401-3 are as described in the embodiments described above, and the characteristics of the symbol group #1 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 1402-1, the symbol group #2 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 1402-2, and the symbol group #3 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 1402-3 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0507] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbol (1) of 2501-1-1 in Figure 25, the stream 1-1 data symbol (2) of 2501-1-2, and the stream 1-1 data symbol (3) of 2501-1-3 may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0508] The broadcast channels refer to the "PBCH," "PMCH," and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0509] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0510] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0511] The characteristics of the Stream 1-1 data symbol (1) of 2501-1-1, the Stream 1-1 data symbol (2) of 2501-1-2, and the Stream 1-1 data symbol (3) of 2501-1-3 in Figure 25 are as described in the embodiments explained above.

[0512] For example, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M in Figures 31 and 32, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2), the stream 1-2 data symbol (1) of 3101-1, the stream 1-2 data symbol (2) of 3101-2, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (3) of 3101-3 may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0513] The broadcast channels refer to the "PBCH," "PMCH," and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0514] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0515] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0516] The characteristics of the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2), the stream 1-2 data symbol (1) of 3101-1, the stream 1-2 data symbol (2) of 3101-2, and the stream 1-2 data symbol (3) of 3101-3 in Figures 31 and 32 are as described in the embodiments explained above.

[0517] For example, in Figure 35, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2), the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) of 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) of 3101-(N+1), and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) of 3101-(N+2) may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0518] The broadcast channels refer to the "PBCH," "PMCH," and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0519] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0520] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0521] For example, the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) in 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) in 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) in 3501-3 of Figure 35 may be broadcast channels (i.e., control information that the base station broadcasts to multiple terminals in order to communicate data with multiple terminals). The control information is, for example, the control information necessary for the base station and terminals to realize data communication.

[0522] The broadcast channels refer to the "PBCH," "PMCH," and "part of the PD-SCH" in the physical channels (physical channel signal 3708).

[0523] Furthermore, broadcast channels include "BCH," "part of DL-SCH," "PCH," and "MCH" in the transport channel (transport channel signal 3706).

[0524] The broadcast channels are the logical channels (logical channel signals 3704) that correspond to "BCCH," "CCCH," "MCCH," "part of DTCH," and "MTCH."

[0525] In Figure 35, the characteristics of the stream 1-1 data symbol (M) of 2501-1-M, the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+1) of 2501-1-(M+1), the stream 1-1 data symbol (M+2) of 2501-1-(M+2), the stream 1-2 data symbol (N) of 3101-N, the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+1) of 3101-(N+1), and the stream 1-2 data symbol (N+2) of 3101-(N+2) are as described in the embodiments described above. The characteristics of the stream 2-1 data symbol (1) of 3501-1, the stream 2-1 data symbol (2) of 3501-2, and the stream 2-1 data symbol (3) of 3501-3 in Figure 35 are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0526] In Figures 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35, when transmitting each data symbol, a single-carrier transmission method may be used, or a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM may be used. Furthermore, the temporal position of the data symbols is not limited to those shown in Figures 9, 14, 25, 31, 32, and 35.

[0527] Furthermore, although the horizontal axis in Figures 25, 31, 32, and 35 is used to represent time, the same method can be used if the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier). When the horizontal axis represents frequency (carrier), the base station will transmit each data symbol using one or more carriers or subcarriers.

[0528] Furthermore, the symbol group of Stream 1 in Figure 9 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) that are transmitted individually to each terminal. Similarly, the symbol group of Stream 2 in Figure 9 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) that are transmitted individually to each terminal.

[0529] In the symbol set of Stream 1 in Figure 14, data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted individually to each terminal may be included. Similarly, in the symbol set of Stream 2 in Figure 14, data (unicast data) (or symbols) to be transmitted individually to each terminal may be included.

[0530] Furthermore, the symbols in Stream 1-1 in Figure 25 may include data (unicast data) (or symbols) that are transmitted individually to each terminal. The symbols in Stream 1-1 and Stream 1-2 in Figures 31 and 32 may also include data (unicast data) (or symbols) that are transmitted individually to each terminal.

[0531] Furthermore, the PBCH may be configured, for example, to "transmit the minimum information that the UE should read first after a cell search (such as system bandwidth, system frame number, and number of transmitting antennas)."

[0532] PMCH could be configured, for example, to be used for the operation of MBSFN (Multicast-broadcast single-frequency network).

[0533] PDSCH can be configured, for example, as "a shared data channel for transmitting user data on the downlink, where all data is aggregated and transmitted regardless of whether it is C (control)-plane or U (User)-plane."

[0534] PDCCH may be configured, for example, to "notify users selected by the eNodeB (gNodeB) (base station) through scheduling of radio resource allocation information."

[0535] By implementing the above method, in multicast / broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols and control information symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives the best quality beam from the multiple transmission beams. Based on this, the terminal receives data symbols, thereby achieving high data reception quality.

[0536] (Embodiment 5) In this embodiment, we will provide supplementary explanation regarding the configuration of the symbol groups for Stream 1 and Stream 2 in Figure 9, which are transmitted by the base station (700).

[0537] Figure 38 shows an example of the frame configuration of stream 1 transmitted by base station (700). In the frame configuration in Figure 38, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency, showing the frame configuration from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 38 represents the frame configuration of a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing).

[0538] In Figure 38, the symbol region 3801_1 of Stream 1 is assumed to be located between time 1 and time 10, and between carrier 1 and carrier 9.

[0539] The symbol group #i(3800_i) of Stream 1 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. Note that the symbol group #i(3800_i) of Stream 1 corresponds to the symbol group #i(901-i) of Stream 1 in Figure 9.

[0540] The symbol region 3801_2 of Stream 1 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0541] In this case, for example, as described in Embodiment 4, when a base station transmits (unicasts) individual data to one or more terminals, the symbol regions 3801_1 and 3801_2 of Stream 1 in Figure 38 can be used.

[0542] Then, as explained in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 4, etc., the symbol group #i (3800_i) of Stream 1 in Figure 38 will be used by the base station to transmit multicast data.

[0543] Figure 39 shows an example of the frame structure of Stream 2 transmitted by base station (700). In the frame structure in Figure 39, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency, showing the frame structure from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 39 represents a frame for a multi-carrier transmission scheme such as OFDM.

[0544] In Figure 39, the symbol region 3901_1 of Stream 2 is assumed to be located between time 1 and time 10, and between carrier 1 and carrier 9.

[0545] The symbol group #i(3900_i) of Stream 2 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. Note that the symbol group #i(3900_i) of Stream 2 corresponds to the symbol group #i(902-i) of Stream 2 in Figure 9.

[0546] The symbol region 3901_2 of Stream 2 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0547] In this case, for example, as described in Embodiment 4, when a base station transmits individual data to one or more terminals (unicasts), the symbol regions 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in Figure 39 can be used.

[0548] Then, as explained in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 4, etc., the symbol group #i (3900_i) for Stream 2 in Figure 39 will be used by the base station to transmit multicast data.

[0549] The base station will transmit the symbols for time X (in Figure 38, X is an integer between 1 and 10) and carrier Y (in Figure 38, Y is an integer between 1 and 40) and the symbols for time X and carrier Y in Figure 39 using the same frequency and time.

[0550] Furthermore, the characteristics of the symbol group #1 of Stream 1 in Figure 901-1, the symbol group #2 of Stream 1 in Figure 901-2, and the symbol group #3 of Stream 1 in Figure 901-3 are as described in the embodiments described above. In other words, the characteristics of the symbol group #i of Stream 1 in Figure 38 are the same as those of the symbol group of Stream 1 in Figure 9, and are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0551] Furthermore, the characteristics of the symbol group #1 of Stream 2 in Figure 902-1, the symbol group #2 of Stream 2 in Figure 902-2, and the symbol group #3 of Stream 2 in Figure 902-3 are as described in the embodiments described above. In other words, the characteristics of the symbol group #i of Stream 2 in Figure 39 are the same as those of the symbol group of Stream 2 in Figure 9, and are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0552] Furthermore, if symbols exist in the frame configurations of Figures 38 and 39 from carrier 10 to carrier 20 after time 11, they may be used for multicast transmission or for individual data transmission (unicast transmission).

[0553] Furthermore, if the base station transmits a frame like the one in Figure 9 with the frame configuration shown in Figures 38 and 39, the implementation described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 4 may be carried out in the same manner.

[0554] By implementing the above method, in multicast / broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols and control information symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives the best quality beam from the multiple transmission beams. Based on this, the terminal receives data symbols, thereby achieving high data reception quality.

[0555] (Embodiment 6) In this embodiment, we will provide supplementary explanations regarding the configuration of the symbol group for modulated signal 1 and the symbol group for modulated signal 2 shown in Figure 14, which are transmitted by the base station (700).

[0556] Figure 40 shows an example of the frame structure of modulated signal 1 transmitted by base station (700). In the frame structure in Figure 40, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency, showing the frame structure from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 40 represents the frame structure of a multi-carrier transmission method such as OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing).

[0557] In Figure 40, the symbol region 4001_1 of the modulated signal 1 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 1 to carrier 9.

[0558] The symbol group #i(4000_i) of modulated signal 1 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. Note that the symbol group #i(4000_i) of modulated signal 1 corresponds to the symbol group #i(1401-i) of modulated signal 1 in Figure 14.

[0559] The symbol region 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0560] In this case, for example, as described in Embodiment 4, when a base station transmits (unicasts) individual data to one or more terminals, the symbol regions 4001_1 and 4001_2 of Stream 1 in Figure 40 can be used.

[0561] Then, the symbol group #i(4000_i) of modulation signal 1 in Figure 40 will be used by the base station to transmit multicast data, as explained in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 4, and so on.

[0562] Figure 41 shows an example of the frame structure of modulated signal 2 transmitted by base station (700). In the frame structure in Figure 41, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency, showing the frame structure from time 1 to time 10 and from carrier 1 to carrier 40. Therefore, Figure 41 represents a frame for a multi-carrier transmission system such as OFDM.

[0563] In Figure 41, the symbol region 4101_1 of the modulated signal 2 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 1 to carrier 9.

[0564] The symbol group #i(4100_i) of modulated signal 2 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 10 to carrier 20. Note that the symbol group #i(4100_i) of modulated signal 2 corresponds to the symbol group #i(1402-i) of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14.

[0565] The symbol region 4101_2 of modulated signal 2 is assumed to exist from time 1 to time 10, and from carrier 21 to carrier 40.

[0566] In this case, for example, as described in Embodiment 4, when a base station transmits individual data to one or more terminals (unicasts), the symbol regions 4101_1 and 4101_2 of the modulated signal 2 in Figure 41 can be used.

[0567] Then, the symbol group #i(4100_i) of the modulated signal 2 in Figure 41 will be used by the base station to transmit multicast data, as explained in Embodiment 1, Embodiment 4, and so on.

[0568] The base station will transmit the symbols for time X (in Figure 40, X is an integer between 1 and 10) and carrier Y (in Figure 40, Y is an integer between 1 and 40) and the symbols for time X and carrier Y in Figure 41 using the same frequency and time.

[0569] Furthermore, the characteristics of the symbol group #1 for stream 1 in 1401_1, the symbol group #2 for modulated signal 1 in 1401_2, and the symbol group #3 for modulated signal 1 in 1401_3 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments described above. In other words, the characteristics of the symbol group #i for modulated signal 1 in Figure 40 are the same as those of the symbol group for modulated signal 1 in Figure 14, and are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0570] Furthermore, the characteristics of the symbol group #1 of modulated signal 2 in 1402_1, the symbol group #2 of modulated signal 2 in 1402_2, and the symbol group #3 of modulated signal 2 in 1402_3 in Figure 14 are as described in the embodiments described above. In other words, the characteristics of the symbol group #i of modulated signal 2 in Figure 41 are the same as those of the symbol group of modulated signal 2 in Figure 14, and are as described in the embodiments described above.

[0571] Furthermore, if symbols exist from time 11 onwards in carriers 10 to 20 of the frame configuration shown in Figures 40 and 41, they may be used for multicast transmission or for individual data transmission (unicast transmission).

[0572] Furthermore, if the base station transmits a frame like the one in Figure 14 with the frame configuration shown in Figures 40 and 41, the implementation described in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 4 may be carried out in the same manner.

[0573] Examples of how to use the symbol regions 3801_1 and 3801_2 of Stream 1 in Figure 38, 3901_1 and 3901_2 of Stream 2 in Figure 39, 4001_1 and 4001_2 of Modulated Signal 1 in Figure 40, and 4101_1 and 4102_2 of Modulated Signal 2 in Figure 41, as described above, will be explained.

[0574] Figure 42 shows an example of assigning the following symbols to terminals: "Symbol regions 3801_1 and 3801_2 of Stream 1 in Figure 38, symbol regions 3901_1 and 3901_2 of Stream 2 in Figure 39, symbol regions 4001_1 and 4001_2 of Modulated Signal 1 in Figure 40, and symbol regions 4101_1 and 4102_2 of Modulated Signal 2 in Figure 41." In Figure 42, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents frequency (carrier).

[0575] As shown in Figure 42, for example, the symbol regions 3801_1 and 3801_2 of stream 1 in Figure 38, 3901_1 and 3901_2 of stream 2 in Figure 39, 4001_1 and 4001_2 of modulated signal 1 in Figure 40, and 4101_1 and 4102_2 of modulated signal 2 in Figure 41 are frequency-divided and assigned to terminals. Then, 4201_1 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #1, 4201_2 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #2, and 4201_3 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #3.

[0576] For example, base station (700) communicates with terminals #1, #2, and #3. When the base station transmits data to terminal #1, it uses the symbol group 4201_1 assigned to terminal #1 in Figure 42 to transmit the data to terminal #1. When the base station transmits data to terminal #2, it uses the symbol group 4201_2 assigned to terminal #2 in Figure 42 to transmit the data to terminal #2. When the base station transmits data to terminal #3, it uses the symbol group 4201_3 assigned to terminal #3 in Figure 42 to transmit the data to terminal #3.

[0577] Note that the method of assigning to terminals is not limited to Figure 42; the frequency band (number of carriers) may change over time, and can be set in any way. Furthermore, the method of assigning to terminals may be changed over time.

[0578] Figure 43 is a different example from Figure 42 of the assignment of the symbol regions 3801_1 and 3801_2 of Stream 1 in Figure 38, 3901_1 and 3901_2 of Stream 2 in Figure 39, 4001_1 and 4001_2 of Modulated Signal 1 in Figure 40, and 4101_1 and 4102_2 of Modulated Signal 2 in Figure 41 to the terminals. In Figure 43, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents frequency (carrier).

[0579] As shown in Figure 43, for example, the symbol regions 3801_1 and 3801_2 of Stream 1 in Figure 38, 3901_1 and 3901_2 of Stream 2 in Figure 39, 4001_1 and 4001_2 of Modulated Signal 1 in Figure 40, and 4101_1 and 4102_2 of Modulated Signal 2 in Figure 41 are divided by time and frequency and assigned to terminals. Then, 4301_1 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #1, 4301_2 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #2, 4301_3 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #3, 4301_4 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #4, 4301_5 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #5, and 4301_6 is the symbol group assigned to terminal #6.

[0580] For example, base station (700) communicates with terminals #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6. When the base station transmits data to terminal #1, it uses the symbol group 4301_1 assigned to terminal #1 in Figure 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #2, it uses the symbol group 4301_2 assigned to terminal #2 in Figure 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #3, it uses the symbol group 4301_3 assigned to terminal #3 in Figure 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #4, it uses the symbol group 4301_4 assigned to terminal #4 in Figure 43. When the base station transmits data to terminal #5, it will use the symbol group 4301_5 assigned to terminal #5 in Figure 43 to transmit the data to terminal #5. When the base station transmits data to terminal #6, it will use the symbol group 4301_6 assigned to terminal #6 in Figure 43 to transmit the data to terminal #6.

[0581] Note that the method of assigning to terminals is not limited to Figure 43; the frequency band (number of carriers) and time width may change, and can be set in any way. Furthermore, the method of assigning to terminals may be changed over time.

[0582] Furthermore, in the symbol regions of Stream 1, Stream 2, Modulated Signal 1, and Modulated Signal 2 shown in Figures 38, 39, 40, and 41, different weighting synthesis may be performed for each carrier, or the weighting synthesis method may be determined based on multiple carriers. Also, as shown in Figures 43 and 44, weighting synthesis parameters may be set for each assigned terminal. The setting of the weighting synthesis method for carriers is not limited to these examples.

[0583] By implementing the above method, in multicast / broadcast data transmission, the base station transmits data symbols and control information symbols using multiple transmission beams, and the terminal selectively receives the best quality beam from the multiple transmission beams. Based on this, the terminal receives data symbols, thereby achieving high data reception quality.

[0584] (Embodiment 7) In this specification, the base station 700 in Figures 7, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 22, as well as the base station configuration described in other embodiments, may be as shown in Figure 44.

[0585] The operation of the base station in Figure 44 will be explained below. In Figure 44, components that operate in the same way as in Figures 1 and 3 are given the same number and their explanations are omitted.

[0586] The weighted synthesis unit 301 takes the processed signals 103_1, 103_2, ..., 103_M and the control signal 159 as input, performs weighted synthesis based on the control signal 159, and outputs the weighted synthesis signals 4401_1, 4401_2, ..., 4401_K. M is an integer greater than or equal to 2, and K is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0587] For example, if we represent the signal after signal processing 103_i (where i is an integer between 1 and M) as ui(t) (where t is time), and the signal after weighted synthesis 4401_g (where g is an integer between 1 and K) as vg(t), then vg(t) can be expressed by the following equation.

[0588]

number

[0589] The wireless unit 104_g receives the weighted combined signal 4401_g and the control signal 159 as inputs, performs predetermined processing based on the control signal 159, generates the transmission signal 105_g, and outputs it. The transmission signal 105_g is then transmitted from the antenna 303_1.

[0590] The transmission method supported by the base station may be a multi-carrier method such as OFDM, or a single-carrier method. Furthermore, the base station may support both multi-carrier and single-carrier methods. In this case, there are multiple methods for generating a single-carrier modulated signal, and these can be implemented in either case. For example, single-carrier methods include "DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform)-Spread OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)," "Trajectory Constrained DFT-Spread OFDM," "OFDM based SC (Single Carrier)," "SC (Single Carrier)-FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)," and "Guard interval DFT-Spread OFDM."

[0591] Although equation (7) is expressed as a function of time, in the case of multi-carrier schemes such as OFDM, it may also be expressed as a function of frequency in addition to time.

[0592] For example, in the OFDM scheme, different weighting methods may be used for each carrier, or the weighting method may be determined based on a unit of multiple carriers. The setting of the weighting method for carriers is not limited to these examples.

[0593] (Supplement 6) Naturally, multiple embodiments, supplements, and other contents described herein may be combined and implemented.

[0594] Furthermore, the base station configuration is not limited to those shown in Figures 1 and 3; any base station that has multiple transmitting antennas and generates and transmits multiple transmitting beams (directional transmitting beams) can implement this disclosure.

[0595] Furthermore, each embodiment is merely an example, and even if "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." are given as examples, it is possible to implement the same configuration even if a different "modulation method, error correction coding method (error correction code used, code length, coding rate, etc.), control information, etc." is applied.

[0596] Regarding the modulation scheme, it is possible to implement the embodiments and other details described herein even if a modulation scheme other than those described herein is used. For example, APSK (e.g., 16APSK, 64APSK, 128APSK, 256APSK, 1024APSK, 4096APSK, etc.), PAM (e.g., 4PAM, 8PAM, 16PAM, 64PAM, 128PAM, 256PAM, 1024PAM, 4096PAM, etc.), PSK (e.g., BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16PSK, 64PSK, 128PSK, 256PSK, 1024PSK, 4096PSK, etc.), QAM (e.g., 4QAM, 8QAM, 16QAM, 64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM, 1024QAM, 4096QAM, etc.) may be applied, and uniform or non-uniform mapping may be used for each modulation scheme. Furthermore, the arrangement of signal points such as 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, and 1024 in the IQ plane (modulation schemes having 2, 4, 8, 16, 64, 128, 256, and 1024 signal points) is not limited to the signal point arrangement methods of the modulation schemes shown in this specification.

[0597] In this specification, a transmitting device may be, for example, a communication / broadcasting device such as a broadcasting station, base station, access point, terminal, or mobile phone, and a receiving device may be a communication device such as a television, radio, terminal, personal computer, mobile phone, access point, or base station. Furthermore, the transmitting device and receiving device in this disclosure are devices that have communication functions, and it is also conceivable that these devices can be connected via some interface to a device for running applications such as a television, radio, personal computer, or mobile phone. In addition, in this embodiment, symbols other than data symbols, such as pilot symbols (preamble, unique word, postamble, reference symbol, etc.) and symbols for control information, may be arranged in any way in the frame. Here, we refer to them as pilot symbols and symbols for control information, but any naming convention is acceptable, as the function itself is what is important.

[0598] The pilot symbol can be, for example, a known symbol modulated using PSK modulation in the transceiver. The receiver uses this symbol to perform frequency synchronization, time synchronization, channel estimation of each modulated signal (estimate of CSI (Channel State Information)), signal detection, etc. Alternatively, the receiver may know the symbol transmitted by the transmitter by synchronizing with the pilot symbol.

[0599] Furthermore, symbols for control information are used to transmit information that needs to be sent to the communication partner in order to enable communication other than data (such as application data). This information includes, for example, the modulation scheme used for communication, the error correction coding scheme, the coding rate of the error correction coding scheme, and configuration information at higher layers.

[0600] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and can be implemented with various modifications. For example, while each embodiment describes the case where the communication is performed as a communication device, it is not limited to this, and this communication method can also be performed as software.

[0601] Alternatively, for example, a program that performs the above communication method may be stored in ROM beforehand, and that program may be run by the CPU.

[0602] Alternatively, a program that performs the above communication method may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the program stored in the storage medium may be recorded in the computer's RAM, causing the computer to operate according to that program.

[0603] Each of the above embodiments and configurations may typically be implemented as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit having input and output terminals. These may be individually integrated into a single chip, or they may be integrated into a single chip that includes all or some of the configurations of each embodiment. Here, we refer to them as LSIs, but depending on the degree of integration, they may also be called ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs. Furthermore, the method of integrated circuit implementation is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors. After LSI manufacturing, FPGAs that can be programmed or reconfigurable processors that allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI may be used. Moreover, if an integrated circuit implementation technology that replaces LSIs emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies, it is naturally possible to integrate functional blocks using that technology. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possibility.

[0604] This specification describes various frame configurations. A base station (AP), for example, equipped with the transmitting device shown in Figure 1, transmits a modulated signal using a multi-carrier scheme such as OFDM. In this case, when a terminal (user) communicating with the base station (AP) transmits a modulated signal, it is possible to consider an application where the terminal transmits a single-carrier modulated signal. (By using OFDM, the base station (AP) can transmit data symbol sets to multiple terminals simultaneously, and by using a single-carrier scheme, the terminal can reduce power consumption.)

[0605] Alternatively, the terminal may use the Time Division Duplex (TDD) method, which transmits the modulation scheme using a portion of the frequency band used by the modulated signal transmitted by the base station (AP).

[0606] The configuration of the antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M in Figure 1 is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. For example, the antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M do not have to be composed of multiple antennas, and the antenna units 106-1, 106-2, ..., 106-M do not have to accept signal 159 as input.

[0607] The configuration of the antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N in Figure 4 is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. For example, the antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N do not have to be composed of multiple antennas, and the antenna units 401-1, 401-2, ..., 401-N do not have to receive signal 410 as input.

[0608] The transmission method supported by the base station and terminal may be a multi-carrier method such as OFDM, or a single-carrier method. Furthermore, the base station may support both multi-carrier and single-carrier methods. In this case, there are multiple methods for generating a single-carrier modulated signal, and it is possible to implement either method. For example, examples of single-carrier methods include "DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform)-Spread OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)", "Trajectory Constrained DFT-Spread OFDM", "OFDM based SC (Single Carrier)", "SC (Single Carrier)-FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)", and "Guard interval DFT-Spread OFDM".

[0609] Furthermore, in Figures 1, 3, and 44, information #1 (101_1), information #2 (101_2), ..., and information #M (101_M) will contain at least multicast (broadcast) data. For example, in Figure 1, if information #1 (101_1) is multicast data, the signal processing unit 102 will generate multiple streams or modulated signals containing this data, and output them from the antenna.

[0610] In Figure 3, if information #1 (101_1) is multicast data, the signal processing unit 102 and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301 will generate multiple streams or modulated signals containing this data, and output them from the antenna.

[0611] In Figure 44, if information #1 (101_1) is multicast data, the signal processing unit 102 and / or the weighted synthesis unit 301 generate multiple streams or modulated signals containing this data, and output them from the antenna.

[0612] The characteristics of multiple streams or modulated signals are explained using Figures 7, 9, 12, 14, 17, 18, and 19.

[0613] Furthermore, the information #1 (101_1), information #2 (101_2), ..., and information #M (101_M) in Figures 1, 3, and 44 may also include data addressed to individual terminals. This point has been explained in the embodiments described herein.

[0614] Furthermore, at least one of the FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and CPU (Central Processing Unit) may be configured to download all or part of the software necessary to implement the communication method described in this disclosure via wireless or wired communication. In addition, it may be configured to download all or part of the software for updates via wireless or wired communication. The downloaded software may then be stored in a memory unit, and the digital signal processing described in this disclosure may be performed by operating at least one of the FPGA and CPU based on the stored software.

[0615] In this case, the device comprising at least one of the FPGA and CPU may be connected to a communication modem wirelessly or via a wired connection, and the communication method described in this disclosure may be implemented using this device and the communication modem.

[0616] For example, a communication device such as a base station, AP, or terminal described herein may include at least one of an FPGA and a CPU, and the communication device may also include an interface for obtaining software from an external source to operate at least one of the FPGA and the CPU. Furthermore, the communication device may include a storage unit for storing the software obtained from an external source, and the signal processing described herein may be realized by operating the FPGA and CPU based on the stored software.

[0617] The following describes examples of communication systems to which the wireless communication methods using multiple antennas described in Embodiments 1 to 7 can be applied. Note that the wireless communication methods using multiple antennas described in Embodiments 1 to 7 are merely examples of wireless communication methods applicable to the communication systems described below. That is, the wireless communication method used in the communication systems described below may be the wireless communication method using multiple antennas described in Embodiments 1 to 7, or other wireless communication methods using multiple antennas. Furthermore, the wireless communication method used in the communication systems described below may be a wireless communication method using a single antenna, or a communication method that uses a device other than an antenna, such as optical communication.

[0618] (Embodiment 8) This embodiment describes, for example, a case in which data held by communication device #A is transmitted to multiple communication devices.

[0619] Figure 45 shows an example of transmitting data held by communication device #A to multiple communication devices. For example, communication device #A of 4501 stores a first file consisting of first data in its storage unit, and communication device #A of 4501 transmits the first data to communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #2 of 4502_2, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0620] Communication device #4 of 4502_4 will transmit the first data received from communication device #A of 4501 to server 4506_4 via network 4503.

[0621] The operation of communication devices #A for 4501, #1 for 4502_1, #2 for 4502_2, #3 for 4502_3, and #4 for 4502_4, as shown in Figure 45, will be explained in detail.

[0622] Communication device #A of 4501 shall have the configuration shown in Figure 1 (or Figure 3 or Figure 44), for example. Communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #2 of 4502_2, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4 shall have the configuration shown in Figure 4, for example. The operation of each part in Figure 1 (Figure 3, Figure 44) and the operation of each part in Figure 4 have already been explained, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0623] The signal processing unit 102 of communication device #A of 4501 receives information 101-1 containing the first data and a control signal 159 as inputs, and performs signal processing based on the information contained in the control signal 159, such as "information regarding the error correction coding method (coding rate, code length (block length))", "information regarding the modulation scheme", and "transmission method (multiplexing method)".

[0624] At this time, the signal processing unit 102 generates the processed signal for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the processed signal for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 from the information 101-1 containing the first data. For example, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1 is designated as 103-1, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2 is designated as 103-2, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3 is designated as 103-3, and the processed signal for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 is designated as 103-4.

[0625] Then, the processed signal 103-1 for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1 is transmitted via the radio unit 104-1, and the transmission signal 105-1 is transmitted from the antenna unit 106-1. Similarly, the processed signal 103-2 for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2 is transmitted via the radio unit 104-2, and the transmission signal 105-2 is transmitted from the antenna unit 106-2. The processed signal 103-3 for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3 is transmitted via the radio unit 104-3, and the transmission signal 105-3 is transmitted from the antenna unit 106-3. The processed signal 103-4 for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 is transmitted via the radio unit 104-4, and the transmission signal 105-4 is transmitted from the antenna unit 106-4.

[0626] At this point, the method for setting the frequencies of the transmitted signals 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 will be explained using Figure 46.

[0627] In Figure 46, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents power. Transmitted signals 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 are signals with one of the following spectra: spectrum 4601 in the first frequency band (first channel), spectrum 4602 in the second frequency band (second channel), or spectrum 4603 in the third frequency band (third channel).

[0628] Specific examples will be explained using Figures 47, 48, 49, and 50.

[0629] Figure 47 shows the positional relationship between communication device #A of 4501, communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #2 of 4502_2, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4 in Figure 45. Therefore, Figure 47 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0630] In the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4. In this way, the frequency bands used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4 can all be set to the same frequency. By doing so, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency.

[0631] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0632] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0633] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0634] Figure 48 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) than in Figure 47. Therefore, Figure 48 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0635] In the case of Figure 48, communication device #A of 4501 will use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4. In this case, the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different. This is because if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for both the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, it would be difficult for communication device #3 of 4502_3 and communication device #4 of 4502_4 to separate the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0636] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0637] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0638] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0639] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0640] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0641] Figure 49 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) than in Figures 47 and 48. Therefore, Figure 49 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0642] In the case of Figure 49, communication device #A of 4501 will use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4603 of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4. At this time, the frequency bands used by the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different. This is because if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for "the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used for the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the frequency band used for the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4," it would be difficult for communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4 to separate the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0643] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0644] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0645] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0646] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0647] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0648] Figure 50 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) in Figures 47, 48, and 49. Therefore, Figure 50 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0649] In the case of Figure 50, communication device #A of 4501 will use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0650] In this case, the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1 and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2 are different. This is because if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for both the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1 and the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, it would be difficult for communication device #1 of 4502_1 and communication device #2 of 4502_2 to separate the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0651] Similarly, the reason why the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different is that if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for both the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, communication device #3 of 4502_3 and communication device #4 of 4502_4 would experience significant interference due to the difficulty of beam separation, resulting in a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0652] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0653] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0654] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0655] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0656] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0657] Furthermore, in the case of Figure 50, even if communication device #A of 4501 uses the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, uses the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, uses the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and uses the spectrum of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0658] Furthermore, in the case of Figure 50, even if communication device #A of 4501 uses the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, uses the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, uses the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and uses the spectrum 4603 of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0659] Furthermore, communication devices #1 of 4502_1, #2 of 4502_2, #3 of 4502_3, and #4 of 4502_4 are, for example, equipped with the configuration shown in Figure 4. By receiving a desired signal and operating the receiving portion shown in Figure 4, they obtain the desired data.

[0660] As described above, when transmitting the same data to multiple communication devices, • Uses multiple beams and multiple frequency bands • Use of multiple beams and specific frequency bands • Use of specific beams and multiple frequency bands By adopting either of these methods, it is possible to obtain both high data reception quality and high frequency utilization efficiency.

[0661] Next, we will describe the case where communication device #A of 4501 has the configuration shown in Figure 3, for example, and communication devices #1 of 4502_1, #2 of 4502_2, #3 of 4502_3, and #4 of 4502_4 have the configuration shown in Figure 4, for example.

[0662] The signal processing unit 102 of communication device #A of 4501 receives information 101-1 containing the first data and a control signal 159 as inputs, and performs signal processing based on the information contained in the control signal 159, such as "information regarding the error correction coding method (coding rate, code length (block length))", "information regarding the modulation scheme", and "transmission method (multiplexing method)".

[0663] At this time, the signal processing unit 102 generates the processed signal for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the processed signal for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 from the information 101-1 containing the first data. For example, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1 is designated as 103-1, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2 is designated as 103-2, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3 is designated as 103-3, and the processed signal for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 is designated as 103-4.

[0664] Then, the radio unit 104-1 takes the processed signal 103-1 for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1 as input and outputs the transmission signal 105-1. Similarly, the radio unit 104-2 takes the processed signal 103-2 for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2 as input and outputs the transmission signal 105-2. Then, the radio unit 104-3 takes the processed signal 103-3 for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3 as input and outputs the transmission signal 105-3. Furthermore, the radio unit 104-4 takes the processed signal 103-4 for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 as input and outputs the transmission signal 105-4.

[0665] The weighted synthesis unit 301 takes at least the transmission signals 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 as input, performs a weighted synthesis calculation, and outputs the weighted synthesis signals 302-1, 302-2, ..., 302-K. These weighted synthesis signals 302-1, 302-2, ..., 302-K are then output as radio waves from antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K. Therefore, the transmission signal 105-1 is transmitted using one or more of the antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K. Similarly, transmission signal 105-2 will be transmitted using one or more antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K; transmission signal 105-3 will be transmitted using one or more antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K; and transmission signal 105-4 will be transmitted using one or more antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K.

[0666] Antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., and 303-K may each be configured as shown in Figure 2.

[0667] At this point, the method for setting the frequencies of the transmitted signals 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 will be explained using Figure 46.

[0668] In Figure 46, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents power. Transmitted signals 105-1, 105-2, 105-3, and 105-4 are signals with one of the following spectra: spectrum 4601 in the first frequency band (first channel), spectrum 4602 in the second frequency band (second channel), or spectrum 4603 in the third frequency band (third channel).

[0669] Specific examples will be explained using Figures 47, 48, 49, and 50.

[0670] Figure 47 shows the positional relationship between communication device #A of 4501, communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #2 of 4502_2, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4 in Figure 45. Therefore, Figure 47 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0671] In the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum of the first frequency band 4601 in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4. In this way, the frequency bands used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4 can all be set to the same frequency. By doing so, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency.

[0672] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0673] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0674] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0675] Figure 48 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) than in Figure 47. Therefore, Figure 48 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0676] In the case of Figure 48, communication device #A of 4501 will use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4. In this case, the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different. This is because if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for both the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, it would be difficult for communication device #3 of 4502_3 and communication device #4 of 4502_4 to separate the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0677] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0678] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0679] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0680] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0681] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0682] Figure 49 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) than in Figures 47 and 48. Therefore, Figure 49 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0683] In the case of Figure 49, communication device #A of 4501 will use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4603 of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4. At this time, the frequency bands used by the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different. This is because if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for "the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used for the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the frequency band used for the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4," it would be difficult for communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4 to separate the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0684] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0685] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0686] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0687] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0688] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0689] Figure 50 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) in Figures 47, 48, and 49. Therefore, Figure 50 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0690] In the case of Figure 50, communication device #A of 4501 will use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0691] In this case, the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1 and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2 are different. This is because if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for both the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1 and the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, it would be difficult for communication device #1 of 4502_1 and communication device #2 of 4502_2 to separate the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0692] Similarly, the reason why the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used by the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different is that if the transmission device #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for both the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, communication device #3 of 4502_3 and communication device #4 of 4502_4 would experience significant interference due to the difficulty of beam separation, resulting in a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0693] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0694] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "transmission signal 105-1 to be sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "transmission signal 105-2 to be sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "transmission signal 105-3 to be sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "transmission signal 105-4 to be sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0695] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0696] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0697] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-1 to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-2 to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-3 to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for transmission signal 105-4 to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0698] Furthermore, in the case of Figure 50, even if communication device #A of 4501 uses the spectrum of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, uses the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, uses the spectrum of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and uses the spectrum of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0699] Furthermore, in the case of Figure 50, even if communication device #A of 4501 uses the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, uses the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, uses the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and uses the spectrum 4603 of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used for the transmission signal 105-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0700] Furthermore, communication devices #1 of 4502_1, #2 of 4502_2, #3 of 4502_3, and #4 of 4502_4 are, for example, equipped with the configuration shown in Figure 4. By receiving a desired signal and operating the receiving portion shown in Figure 4, they obtain the desired data.

[0701] Next, we will describe the case where communication device #A of 4501 has the configuration shown in Figure 44, and communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #2 of 4502_2, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4 have the configuration shown in Figure 4.

[0702] The signal processing unit 102 of communication device #A of 4501 receives information 101-1 containing the first data and a control signal 159 as inputs, and performs signal processing based on the information contained in the control signal 159, such as "information regarding the error correction coding method (coding rate, code length (block length))", "information regarding the modulation scheme", and "transmission method (multiplexing method)".

[0703] At this time, the signal processing unit 102 generates the processed signal for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the processed signal for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 from the information 101-1 containing the first data. For example, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #1 of 4502_1 is designated as 103-1, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #2 of 4502_2 is designated as 103-2, the processed signal for transmission to communication device #3 of 4502_3 is designated as 103-3, and the processed signal for transmission to communication device #4 of 4502_4 is designated as 103-4.

[0704] The weighted synthesis unit 301 takes at least the processed signals 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, and 103-4 as inputs, performs a weighted synthesis calculation, and outputs the weighted synthesis signals 4402-1, 4402-2, ..., and 4402-K. Therefore, the processed signal 103-1 will be transmitted using one or more antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., and 303-K. Similarly, the processed signal 103-2 will be transmitted using one or more antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K; the processed signal 103-3 will be transmitted using one or more antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K; and the processed signal 103-4 will be transmitted using one or more antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., 303-K.

[0705] Antennas 303-1, 303-2, ..., and 303-K may each be configured as shown in Figure 2.

[0706] At this point, the method for setting the frequencies of signals 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, and 103-4 after signal processing will be explained using Figure 46.

[0707] In Figure 46, the horizontal axis represents frequency and the vertical axis represents power. After signal processing, signals 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, and 103-4 become one of the following signals after frequency conversion: a spectrum with spectrum 4601 in the first frequency band (first channel), a spectrum with spectrum 4602 in the second frequency band (second channel), or a spectrum with spectrum 4603 in the third frequency band (third channel).

[0708] For example, if the transmitting devices in Figures 1 and 3 generate a modulated signal for the first frequency band 4601, a modulated signal for the second frequency band 4602, and a modulated signal for the third frequency band 4603, the antenna section in Figure 1 and the weighted synthesis section in Figures 3 and 44 may be set so that the directivity of the modulated signal for the first frequency band 4601 and the directivity of the modulated signal for the second frequency band 4602 are different. Similarly, the antenna section in Figure 1 and the weighted synthesis section in Figures 3 and 44 may be set so that the directivity of the modulated signal for the first frequency band 4601 and the directivity of the modulated signal for the third frequency band 4603 are different. Furthermore, the antenna section in Figure 1 and the weighted synthesis section in Figures 3 and 44 may be set so that the directivity of the modulated signal for the second frequency band 4602 and the directivity of the modulated signal for the third frequency band 4603 are different.

[0709] Specific examples will be explained using Figures 47, 48, 49, and 50.

[0710] Figure 47 shows the positional relationship between communication device #A of 4501, communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #2 of 4502_2, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4 in Figure 45. Therefore, Figure 47 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0711] In the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1; the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2; the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4. In this way, the frequency bands used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the frequency band used by the transmission signal sent to communication device #4 of 4502_4 can all be set to the same frequency. By doing so, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency.

[0712] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "signal 103-1 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "signal 103-2 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "signal 103-3 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "signal 103-4 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0713] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0714] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0715] Figure 48 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) than in Figure 47. Therefore, Figure 48 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0716] In the case of Figure 48, communication device #A of 4501 uses the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4. In this case, the reason why the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different is that if transmitter #A of 4501 were to use the same frequency band for both the signal processed 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the signal processed 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4, it would be difficult for communication device #3 of 4502_3 and communication device #4 of 4502_4 to separate their beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0717] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0718] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "signal 103-1 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "signal 103-2 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "signal 103-3 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "signal 103-4 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0719] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0720] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0721] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1; the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2; the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0722] Figure 49 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) than in Figures 47 and 48. Therefore, Figure 49 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0723] In the case of Figure 49, communication device #A of 4501 uses the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4603 of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4. At this time, the frequency band used by the signal processed signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the frequency band used by the transmitted signal 105-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 after frequency conversion, and the frequency band used by the signal processed signal 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 after frequency conversion are different because the transmitter #A of 4501, which is "the frequency band used by the signal processed signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1 after frequency conversion," If the frequency bands used for the signal 103-3 after signal processing transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used for the signal 103-4 after signal processing transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are the same, then beam separation will be difficult for communication device #1 of 4502_1, communication device #3 of 4502_3, and communication device #4 of 4502_4, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in data reception quality.

[0724] By doing as described above, it is possible to improve frequency utilization efficiency while ensuring high data reception quality.

[0725] Here, we will explain the temporal existence of "signal 103-1 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1", "signal 103-2 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2", "signal 103-3 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3", and "signal 103-4 after signal processing to be transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0726] Figure 51 shows an example of the frame configuration of a modulated signal transmitted by communication device A of 4501, and shows an example of the arrangement of symbols over time on the horizontal axis. In Figure 51, 5101-1 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1; 5101-2 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2; 5101-3 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and 5101-4 shows a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0727] The following data symbols will all exist in time interval 1: 5101_1, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #1 of 4502_1"; 5101-2, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #2 of 4502_2"; 5101_3, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #3 of 4502_3"; and 5101_4, "a group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4, or a part of the group of data symbols addressed to communication device #4 of 4502_4".

[0728] Even in the case of Figure 47, communication device #A of 4501 can use the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1; the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2; the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3; and the spectrum 4603 of the third frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0729] Figure 50 shows a different positional relationship between communication device #A (4501), communication device #1 (4502_1), communication device #2 (4502_2), communication device #3 (4502_3), and communication device #4 (4502_4) in Figures 47, 48, and 49. Therefore, Figure 50 includes the numbers added in Figure 45.

[0730] In the case of Figure 50, communication device #A of 4501 uses the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2, the spectrum 4602 of the second frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3, and the spectrum 4601 of the first frequency band in Figure 46 as the spectrum used after frequency conversion for signal processing signal 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4.

[0731] In this case, the reason why the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1 and the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2 are different is that if transmitter #A of 4501 were to make the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-1 transmitted to communication device #1 of 4502_1 and the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-2 transmitted to communication device #2 of 4502_2 the same, communication device #1 of 4502_1 and communication device #2 of 4502_2 would have difficulty separating the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrease in the quality of data reception.

[0732] Similarly, the reason why the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 are different is that if transmitter #A of 4501 were to make the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-3 transmitted to communication device #3 of 4502_3 and the frequency band used after frequency conversion for the signal processed 103-4 transmitted to communication device #4 of 4502_4 the same, communication device #3 of 4502_3 and communication device #4 of 4502_4 would have difficulty separating the beams, resulting in significant interference and a decrea...

Claims

1. A portable communication device, It comprises a main unit and a detachable relay unit. The aforementioned relay unit is A relay communication unit that relays communication between the first communication device and the main unit, It comprises a second interface that communicates with the main unit, The main body is, A control unit that separates the relay unit within the area where it can communicate with the first communication device, A communication unit that communicates with the first communication device via the relay unit outside the area where communication with the first communication device is possible, It comprises a first interface that communicates with the relay unit, When the relay unit is connected to the main unit within an area where it can communicate with the first communication device, data transmitted from the first interface is transmitted to the first communication device via the second interface and the relay communication unit. Communication device.

2. The main body further includes a sensor, The communication unit transmits the data acquired by the sensor to the first communication device. The communication device according to claim 1.

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