Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

The present invention easily performs broadband communication. This wireless communication device comprises a plurality of wireless communication units that use different frequency resources to perform transmission and reception, and a control unit that performs: control on individual narrowband communication which is communication using the plurality of frequency resources secured by sequentially causing the wireless communication units to perform data transmission to another wireless communication device, using the respective frequency resources that have become available; and control for causing the wireless communication units to set communication periods having a common end time in the data transmission using the respective frequency resources.

Description

Wireless Communication Device and Wireless Communication Method

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

[0002] In wireless communication, the data transmission volume is increasing, and low-latency data transmission is required. In order to meet such requirements, a communication device has been proposed that improves throughput by integrating a plurality of frequency resources to form a broadband frequency resource and using it (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this communication device, a frequency resource with a wide bandwidth (for example, 80 MHz) is configured for a normal bandwidth (20 MHz), and communication is performed.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 117057

[0004] The above prior art transmits a trigger frame when performing broadband communication to secure a plurality of frequency resources. However, in the prior art, when there is a legacy communication device that cannot understand the trigger frame, the secured frequency resources may be used by the legacy communication device, making broadband communication difficult.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method that facilitate broadband communication.

[0006] The wireless communication device of the present disclosure includes a plurality of wireless communication units that perform transmission and reception using different frequency resources respectively, and controls the individual narrowband communication that is communication using a plurality of the frequency resources secured by sequentially causing the wireless communication units to transmit data using the available frequency resources to other wireless communication devices, and a control unit that performs control to set a communication period that is a common end period in the transmission of the data using each of the frequency resources.

[0007] The wireless communication device of this disclosure comprises a plurality of wireless communication units that transmit and receive using different frequency resources, and a control unit that controls the wireless communication units to receive data transmitted in individual narrowband communication, which is communication using a plurality of frequency resources secured by sequentially transmitting data using the frequency resources that have become available for broadband communication, which is communication using a frequency resource that integrates a plurality of frequency resources adjacent in the frequency direction.

[0008] This diagram shows the configuration of frequency channels used in a wireless LAN system. This diagram shows an example of the configuration of frequency channels in the 6GHz band. This diagram shows an example of the configuration of an A-PPDU frame. This diagram shows the detection thresholds for primary and secondary channels as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. This diagram shows an example of access control that simultaneously utilizes multiple frequency resources. This diagram shows an example of access control that simultaneously utilizes multiple frequency resources. This diagram shows an example of the configuration of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of data transmission processing according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of communication parameter transmission according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of communication parameters according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of a data frame according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of the processing procedure for transmission processing according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of the processing procedure for communication period calculation processing according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of the processing procedure for broadband communication processing according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of the processing procedure for reception processing according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of the processing procedure for response processing according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of data transmission processing according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This diagram shows an example of a block ACK frame according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the processing procedure for calculating the communication period according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the data transmission process according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the data transmission process according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the CTS frame according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the protected frame according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the processing procedure for calculating the communication period according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the processing procedure for receiving the data according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the processing procedure for suppression the data according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the data transmission process according to the fifth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the data transmission process according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of the communication period according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure.This figure shows an example of a communication period according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example of a data frame according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above by a program. This is a block diagram showing a schematic example of the configuration of a smartphone to which this technology is applied. This is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device to which this technology is applied. This is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a wireless AP to which this technology is applied.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The description will be in the following order. In each of the following embodiments, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. 1. Conventional Configuration 2. First Embodiment 3. Second Embodiment 4. Third Embodiment 5. Fourth Embodiment 6. Fifth Embodiment 7. Sixth Embodiment 8. Seventh Embodiment 9. Example of Computer Configuration 10. Application Example

[0010] (1. Conventional Configuration) (1.1 Communication Method) Conventionally, the technology of sending and receiving data using the standards of wireless LAN systems has been used as a method of wirelessly transmitting data. In this wireless LAN system, in order to transmit data at a higher speed, the technology of using multiple frequency channels for communication has been established in stages. The IEEE 802.11n standard standardized communication using a 40 MHz bandwidth using two channels. Furthermore, the IEEE 802.11ac standard standardized communication using an 80 MHz bandwidth using four channels. And in the IEEE 802.11ax standard, it has been standardized to use a bandwidth of 160 MHz using up to eight channels. This standard envisions the use of the 6 GHz band in addition to the conventional 5 GHz band. As a result, the use of broadband frequency resources has become common.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the configuration of frequency channels used in a wireless LAN system. Wireless LANs can utilize the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz frequency bands. Each band is further subdivided based on the frequency used.

[0012] In these frequency bands, the bandwidth is defined by the standard being used. IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, and IEEE 802.11be standards, which utilize the OFDM signaling method, define a channel width of 20 MHz. Additionally, the 2.4 GHz band has three channels. Furthermore, the 5 GHz band A has 8 to 10 channels based on the legal systems of each country, the 5 GHz band B has 11 to 13 channels, and the 5 GHz band C has 5 to 7 channels. Additionally, 25 channels are allocated in the 6GHz band A (UNII-5), 5 channels in the 6GHz band B (UNII-6), 17 channels in the 6GHz band C (UNII-7), and 12 channels in the 6GHz band D (UNII-8).

[0013] Figure 2 shows examples of frequency channel configurations in the 6 GHz band. The first row of the figure shows a basic example of a 20 MHz channel configuration, demonstrating that a large number of channels are available when considering the entire bandwidth. The second row of the figure shows an example of a channel configuration using two channels combined to form a 40 MHz band, again demonstrating that a large number of channels are available when the entire bandwidth is utilized. The third row of the figure shows an example of a channel configuration using four channels combined to form an 80 MHz band, in which case 14 channels can be configured. The fourth row of the figure shows an example of a channel configuration using eight channels combined to form a 160 MHz band, in which case approximately seven channels can be configured. The fifth row of the figure shows an example of a channel configuration using sixteen channels combined to form a 320 MHz band, in which case three channels can be configured. The sixth row of the figure shows an example of a channel configuration using thirty-two channels combined to form a 640 MHz band. In this case, only one channel can be placed.

[0014] The latest standards propose a communication system that uses primary and secondary channels to achieve low-latency and highly reliable communication. In this system, a 20 MHz primary channel is set up and used for communication, and then a secondary channel is added to expand the bandwidth.

[0015] Furthermore, technologies are being considered to improve efficiency by constructing A-PPDU frames, which are data frames (PPDUs, or PHY Protocol Data Units) multiplexed in the frequency axis direction. In particular, there is a proposal to construct FD-A-PPDU frames, which are multiplexed in the frequency axis direction. According to the IEEE 802.11-23 / 1954r0 document, a technology has been proposed to construct a Two-Dimensional A-PPDU by multiplexing PPDUs in both the frequency axis and time axis directions.

[0016] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an A-PPDU frame. The upper part of the figure represents an A-PPDU (labeled "Aggregated PPDU" in the figure) consisting of PPDU-1 at 160 MHz, PPDU-2 at 80 MHz, and PPDU-3. The lower part of the figure shows an example of further multiplexing in the time axis direction. When broadband channels using multiple channels become available, broadband data frames can be constructed by applying conventional A-PPDU technology.

[0017] (1.2 Problems) Even when A-PPDU technology is applied to perform broadband communication, if interference from OBSS (Overlapping Basic Service Set) occurs in a narrow bandwidth, the entire A-PPDU using broadband will be affected. In particular, even if the transmitting device recognizes that all bandwidth is available for A-PPDU, the receiving device often finds that some bandwidth is unusable due to interference from signals from OBSS. In other words, if all frequency domains (FD) are multiplexed based on a predetermined duration, as in the conventional A-PPDU frame configuration, the problem is that over time, some narrow bandwidths will be affected by interference from signals from OBSS. Furthermore, although a technology has been proposed to replace some PSDUs in the A-PPDU frame with other frames for low-latency applications, the problem remains that it is difficult to ensure resilience when subjected to interference from surrounding OBSS.

[0018] Figure 4 shows the detection thresholds for primary and secondary channels as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard. This figure illustrates the standardized detection thresholds for each channel in a wireless LAN system. As shown in the figure, the detection threshold as energy is the same value (-62 dBm) for both primary and secondary channels, and is set to the same level according to the channel bandwidth. However, the signal detection threshold for the primary channel is set to a different value from the signal detection threshold for the secondary channel. In this way, adjustment of the detection threshold is a measure taken to facilitate the detection of secondary channels.

[0019] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an example of access control that utilizes multiple frequency resources simultaneously. Figures 5A and 5B show an example of simultaneous use of multiple frequency resources by the wireless communication device 10. The wireless communication device 10 in Figures 5A and 5B is a wireless communication device equipped with resource units 1 to 4 and capable of multilink communication. In subsequent drawings, "resource unit" will be abbreviated as "RU". In Figures 5A and 5B, dashed rectangles represent busy states. Multiple parallelogram regions represent backoff periods. Outlined rectangles represent frames. Rectangles with dot hatching represent preambles.

[0020] In Figures 5A and 5B, it is assumed that resource unit 1 uses the primary channel. Figure 5A shows an example where resource unit 1 starts transmitting a PPDU frame 301 after a predetermined backoff period from a busy state. In this case, resource units 2-4 can also transmit using available frequency resources, so it is possible to start broadband communication integrating the four frequency resources. However, even if other frequency resources are available, if the primary channel is unavailable, it is not possible to use multiple resources, which is a problem. In conventional technology, it was assumed that the bandwidth was determined and the backoff period was set accordingly, so broadband data transmission could not be started until all consecutive bandwidths were available.

[0021] Figure 5B illustrates an example of using an adjacent frequency resource for transmission after only the primary channel has become available, provided that the adjacent frequency resource is also available.

[0022] Currently, even if the 20 MHz bandwidth primary channel is unavailable, technologies are being considered to allow communication using other available secondary channels through a predetermined procedure (e.g., Secondary Channel Access). Furthermore, an access control method is being considered that, if the primary channel is unavailable, transitions to a secondary channel and allows transmission only after a predetermined backoff time has elapsed and no other communication devices are using that secondary channel. In this case, if channels adjacent to the secondary channel are also available, these channels can be aggregated and used simultaneously across multiple frequency bands.

[0023] On the other hand, channels that are not adjacent to the secondary channel are difficult to aggregate and transmit, and their active use was not envisioned at the time. Furthermore, in these broadband communications, downlink transmission from access points and uplink transmission using trigger frames from access points have been considered, and it was considered difficult to transmit from arbitrary communication devices (STAs).

[0024] (1.3 Summary) When communicating applications that require high-speed, high-capacity communication, it is desirable to use wider bandwidth frequency channels. However, in environments where conventional wireless LAN equipment that performs narrowband communication exists, the conventional backoff procedure is also applied to communication using wideband frequency channels. As a result, there is a problem in that satisfactory communication becomes difficult when such networks exist nearby.

[0025] Furthermore, when running real-time applications that require low latency, such as gaming devices, if the required access control takes too long, the response time increases, which can negatively impact the user experience.

[0026] When dealing with broadband data, there was a need to develop access control schemes and data transmission methods that could perform larger-capacity communications while applying predetermined backoff procedures.

[0027] In other words, when applying conventional technology to communication using wider bandwidth frequency channels, there was a problem in that the presence of other conventional communication devices made it difficult to utilize the wide bandwidth collectively.

[0028] Furthermore, when using an ultra-wideband of, for example, 320 MHz continuously, if the detection threshold is set lower according to the bandwidth, as in the conventional method, there is a fatal flaw: it will interfere with conventional communication. This is because even if a signal from a narrowband (20 MHz) communication in the conventional method is detected, the use of wideband frequency resources will take priority.

[0029] Furthermore, even when broadband communication using multiple frequency channels is anticipated, if transmission is performed using a bandwidth where narrowband signals are not detected due to conventional secondary channel access, there is a problem in that bandwidth will be reused for transmission by other communication devices. This is because even if the bandwidth in which narrowband signals are detected becomes reusable, the user's own transmission has not yet ended. Moreover, even when using about half of the bandwidth of broadband communication, if transmission is started on a bandwidth in which no signals have been detected, it may not be possible to immediately use other bandwidths when they become reusable, and there is a possibility that transmissions from other communication devices will be performed instead.

[0030] When applying an access control method that initiates transmission in a new bandwidth according to a predetermined backoff procedure, there was a possibility that transmission from other communication devices might begin at the timing of that backoff procedure.

[0031] The wireless communication device and wireless communication method disclosed herein solve the problems of the prior art described above.

[0032] (2. First Embodiment) <Configuration of Wireless Communication Device> Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a wireless communication device according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The figure is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the wireless communication device 10. The same configuration can be adopted for the transmitting wireless communication device 10 and the receiving wireless communication device 10.

[0033] The wireless communication device 10 comprises an interface unit 101, a memory 102, a transmission data management unit 103, a control information processing unit 104, a reception data management unit 105, and a communication management unit 106. The wireless communication device 10 further comprises a plurality of resource control units 107, a plurality of signal processing units 108, and an antenna control unit 109. Here, the control information processing unit 104 and the communication management unit 106 constitute a control unit 110. The resource control unit 107 and the signal processing unit 108 constitute a wireless communication unit 120. Figure 6 shows an example of the wireless communication device 10 comprising four wireless communication units (wireless communication units 120a-120d).

[0034] The interface unit 101 is connected to other modules and exchanges various information and data. The memory 102 is used as a buffer to temporarily store data to be transmitted and data to be received. The transmitted data management unit 103 manages data transmission by adding sequence numbers to the data to be transmitted in predetermined units. The control information processing unit 104 manages control frames such as block ACK frames and CTS frames. The received data management unit 105 confirms receipt of the received data based on its sequence number and other information.

[0035] The communication management unit 106 provides the wireless communication method of this disclosure. This communication management unit 106 comprises a multilink operation management unit, an aggregation management unit, and a multichannel access management unit. The multilink operation management unit operates each block when performing multilink operation. The aggregation management unit performs frame aggregation, constructs an A-MPDU frame from multiple MPDU subframes, and further constructs an A-PPDU frame from PPDU frames. The multichannel access management unit manages each of the multiple frequency resources of this disclosure.

[0036] Multiple resource control units 107 are assigned to each resource. Each resource control unit 107 includes a link setting unit, a frequency setting unit, a bandwidth setting unit, and an access control unit. The link setting unit sets the link to be used by the resource. The frequency setting unit sets the frequency to be used by the resource. The bandwidth setting unit sets the bandwidth to be used by the resource. The access control unit detects signals for each resource and performs access control.

[0037] The signal processing unit 108 is located for each resource and performs modulation processing and data decoding processing for data transmission and reception. The antenna control unit 109 transmits and receives wireless signals.

[0038] Here, the wireless communication units 120a-120d transmit and receive using different frequency resources. In the transmitting wireless communication device 10, the control unit 110 controls individual narrowband communication, which is communication using multiple frequency resources secured by sequentially having the wireless communication units 120a-120d transmit data using the available frequency resources. The control unit 110 also further controls setting a common end date for the communication period for each data transmission using each frequency resource. Furthermore, the control unit 110 further controls transmitting to other wireless communication devices using broadband communication, which is communication using a frequency resource that integrates multiple frequency resources adjacent in the frequency direction from among the frequency resources used in individual narrowband communication.

[0039] In the receiving wireless communication device 10, the control unit 110 controls the wireless communication units 120a-120d to receive the data transmitted via individual narrowband communication for broadband communication.

[0040] <Data Transmission Processing> Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The diagram shows data transmission between wireless communication device 10a and wireless communication device 10b. Wireless communication device 10a represents the transmitting wireless communication device, and wireless communication device 10b represents the receiving wireless communication device. Both wireless communication device 10a and wireless communication device 10b are equipped with resource units 1 to 4. These resource units 1 to 4 correspond to wireless communication units 120a to 120d in Figure 6, respectively.

[0041] The wireless communication device 10a transmits data using resource units 1 to 4. Data transmission is performed by transmitting PPDU frames 310. The vertical arrows in Figure 7 represent frame transmission. A PPDU frame 310 is transmitted from resource unit 1 of wireless communication device 10a to resource unit 1 of wireless communication device 10b. A PPDU frame 310 is also transmitted from resource unit 2 of wireless communication device 10a to resource unit 2 of wireless communication device 10b. A PPDU frame 310 is transmitted from resource unit 3 of wireless communication device 10a to resource unit 3 of wireless communication device 10b. A PPDU frame 310 is transmitted from resource unit 4 of wireless communication device 10a to resource unit 4 of wireless communication device 10b. These data transmissions are performed sequentially using the available frequency resources from the frequency resources. In this case, the 20 MHz frequency resource, which corresponds to a narrowband, is used for each.

[0042] In Figure 7, resource units 2 and 4 begin transmitting PPDU frames 310 first. At this point, resource units 1 and 3, which are in a busy state, are released from their busy state and begin transmitting PPDU frames 310 after a predetermined backoff time has elapsed. The transmission of this data takes place during a communication period that has a common end date. The dashed line in Figure 7 represents this common end date. This communication period is set by specifying the "Duration" parameter, which is located at the beginning of each PPDU frame 310. Communication period 1 is set for resource unit 1, communication period 2 for resource unit 2, communication period 3 for resource unit 3, and communication period 4 for resource unit 4. Individual narrowband communication is performed using resource units 1 to 4 in this manner.

[0043] Through this individual narrowband communication, four frequency resources are secured by the wireless communication device 10a at the above-mentioned common end period. The wireless communication device 10a can perform broadband communication using these four frequency resources. Specifically, broadband communication can be performed using a frequency resource with a bandwidth of 80 MHz that integrates four frequency resources adjacent in the frequency direction. The PPDU frame 311 in FIG. 7 represents a frame for broadband communication. Therefore, the PPDU frame 311 is transmitted simultaneously in the resource units 1 to 4. Through this broadband communication, high-speed and high-capacity data communication can be performed.

[0044] <Communication Parameter Transmission Process> FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the transmission of communication parameters according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure is a sequence diagram showing an example of the transmission or exchange of communication parameters between the wireless communication device 10a and the wireless communication device 10b. The wireless communication device 10a and the wireless communication device 10b can exchange the communication parameters of the above-mentioned individual narrowband communication and broadband communication in advance.

[0045] The wireless communication device 10a transmits a frame (Low Latency High Reliability Control Request) requesting communication to the wireless communication device 10b (step S201). Next, the wireless communication device 10b transmits a frame (Low Latency High Reliability Control Response) responding to the wireless communication device 10a (step S202). Next, the wireless communication device 10a transmits a frame (Low Latency High Reliability Control Confirm) approving the wireless communication device 10b (step S203).

[0046] These parameters may be exchanged, for example, as part of an association frame between both wireless communication devices during association. Alternatively, they may be exchanged as an action frame between both wireless communication devices when the application is launched. The process in Figure 8 shows an example of exchanging communication control parameters between the transmitting wireless communication device 10a and the receiving wireless communication device 10b. For convenience, the configuration is shown with the transmitting wireless communication device 10a taking the lead in setting the parameters, but a mechanism in which the receiving wireless communication device 10b takes the lead is also possible. The configuration of these frames will be explained next.

[0047] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of communication parameters according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The diagram shows an example of the configuration of frame 400 applicable to the frame described in Figure 8. Frame 400 is an example of a configuration when it is configured as an information element (Low Latency High Reliability Control Information Element). Frame 400 includes "Element Type" indicating the element format, "Length" indicating the information length of this information element, and "Sub Type" indicating the type of information element, etc. Frame 400 also includes "Low Latency" indicating parameters necessary for performing low-latency communication, such as allowable delay time, and "High Reliability" indicating communication parameters where high reliability is required. Furthermore, frame 400 includes "More Bandwidth," which indicates the bandwidth required for broadband data transmission; "Max Duration," which indicates the maximum duration allowed in a single communication; and "Backoff Type," which indicates the parameter for the type of backoff when access control is implemented. Frame 400 also includes "Parallel Operation," which indicates the number of resources that can operate simultaneously; and "Protect Operation," which indicates whether protection operation by the receiving communication device is necessary.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data frame according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. This figure shows a configuration example of a frame 410 applicable to the PPDU frame 310 described in FIG. 7. The frame 410 represents an example configured as a PPDU frame for each predetermined frequency resource. Specifically, the frame 410 is composed of an A-MPDU frame obtained by aggregating a plurality of MPDUs. A packet extension PE is added to the end of the frame 410 as necessary. That is, the frame 410 represents an example in the case where one PPDU frame is configured as one A-MPDU frame. This PPDU frame includes the conventional "L-STF (Short Training Field)" and the conventional "L-LTF (Long Training Field)". The frame 410 further includes the conventional signal "L-SIG" and "RL-SIG" which is a repetition of "L-SIG", and the universal signal "U-SIG". The frame 410 is further added with the required number of the latest standard "UHR-STF (Short Training Field)" and "UHR-LTF (Long Training Field)".

[0049] Here, the "L-SIG" describes the "Rate" for specifying the modulation method and coding scheme of the PPDU, and the "Length" as the information length in the subsequent data part. The duration can be calculated from these parameters.

[0050] Note that a parameter "Low Latency High Reliability Parameter" required by the present disclosure is added to the frame 410. This parameter includes "Duration Time" for directly specifying the duration time of the present disclosure, "Low Latency" indicating low-latency communication, "High Reliability" indicating high-reliability communication, and "Bandwidth" indicating wideband communication. The parameter further includes parameters such as "Parallel" for using a plurality of resources and "Protect" indicating protection from the receiving-side device.

[0051] Furthermore, the length of the MPDU information stored in the PPDU's data payload can be determined from the value listed in the "Duration / ID" field of the "MAC Header".

[0052] <Transmission Process> Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the transmission process according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The same figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the transmitting wireless communication device 10a.

[0053] First, the control unit 110 acquires parameters as needed from information about application devices connected to the device (step S101). These parameters include, for example, low-latency communication parameters and high-reliability communication parameters. Next, the control unit 110 sets the available resources (step S102). Next, the control unit 110 determines whether there are any available resources (step S103). If there are available resources (step S103, Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether those resources are available (step S104).

[0054] If the resource is unavailable as a result (step S104, No), the control unit 110 obtains the duration of the resource (step S105), detects the period of the busy state, and retains it (step S106). After that, the control unit 110 returns to the process in step S103.

[0055] On the other hand, in step S104, if the resource is available (step S104, Yes), the control unit 110 performs a communication period calculation (step S120) and sets the calculated communication period in the PPDU frame (step S107). Next, the control unit 110 causes the wireless communication unit 120 to transmit a single PPDU frame (step S108). Next, the control unit 110 determines whether the data transmission is complete (step S109). If the data transmission is not complete (step S109, No), the control unit 110 returns to the process in step S103. In step S103, if there are no available resources (step S103, No), the control unit 110 waits until a resource becomes available. In steps S103 to S109, a single PPDU frame is transmitted using all frequency resources. Individual narrowband communication is performed in steps S103 to S109.

[0056] On the other hand, if data transmission is completed in step S109 (step S109, Yes), the control unit 110 receives a block ACK frame (step S110). The control unit 110 can determine from the received block ACK frame whether or not there is any undelivered data. Next, the control unit 110 performs broadband communication processing (step S130) and terminates the transmission process.

[0057] <Communication Period Calculation Process> Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the communication period calculation process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The same figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for step S120 in Figure 11. First, the control unit 110 acquires the busy period (step S121). Next, the control unit 110 calculates the communication period based on the acquired busy period (step S122). After that, the control unit 110 returns to the original process.

[0058] <Broadband Communication Processing> Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for broadband communication processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The same figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for step S130 in Figure 11. First, the control unit 110 determines whether A-PPDU transmission is set (step S131). If, as a result, A-PPDU transmission is not set (step S131, No), the control unit 110 returns to the original processing.

[0059] On the other hand, if A-PPDU transmission is set in step S131 (step S131, Yes), the control unit 110 causes the wireless communication unit 120 to transmit an A-PPDU frame (step S132). Next, the control unit 110 determines whether the data has already been transmitted (step S133). If the data has not already been transmitted (step S133, No), the control unit 110 returns to the process in step S131 and transmits the remaining data.

[0060] On the other hand, if data has already been transmitted in step S133 (step S133, Yes), the control unit 110 returns to the original process.

[0061] <Reception Processing> Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for reception processing according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. The same figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the receiving wireless communication device 10b.

[0062] First, the control unit 110 acquires parameters as needed from information about application devices connected to the device (step S151). These parameters include, for example, low-latency communication parameters and high-reliability communication parameters. Next, the control unit 110 sets the available resources (step S152). Then, the control unit 110 sets the wireless communication unit 120 to standby mode for all available resources (step S153).

[0063] If there is data addressed to itself (step S154, Yes), the control unit 110 determines whether it has received a single PPDU frame (step S155). If it has received a single PPDU frame (step S155, Yes), the control unit 110 obtains the duration of the single PPDU frame (step S157). Next, the control unit 110 performs data decoding (step S158). Next, the control unit 110 determines whether it has received data on all resources (step S159). If it has not received data on all resources (step S159, No), the control unit 110 returns to the process in step S154. Note that in step S154, if there is no data addressed to itself (step S154, No), the control unit 110 waits until it receives data addressed to itself. In steps S154 to S159, the data transmitted via individual narrowband communication is received.

[0064] On the other hand, if data has been received by all resources in step S159 and data decoding has been completed (step S159, Yes), the control unit 110 processes a response (step S170) and proceeds to the process in step S160.

[0065] On the other hand, if no single PPDU frame is received in step S155 (step S155, No), the control unit 110 proceeds to the processing in step S160.

[0066] In step S160, the control unit 110 determines whether an A-PPDU frame has been received (step S160). If, as a result, an A-PPDU frame has not been received (step S160, No), the control unit 110 returns to the process in step S154.

[0067] On the other hand, if an A-PPDU frame is received in step S160 (step S160, Yes), the control unit 110 obtains the duration of the A-PPDU frame (step S161). Next, the control unit 110 performs data decoding (step S162). Next, the control unit 110 performs response processing (step S170). Next, the control unit 110 determines whether there is any undelivered data (step S163). If there is undelivered data as a result (step S163, Yes), the control unit 110 returns to the processing in step S160. On the other hand, if there is no undelivered data in step S163 (step S163, No), the control unit 110 completes the reception process.

[0068] <Response Processing> Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for response processing according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The same figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for step S170 in Figure 14. First, the control unit 110 determines whether an ACK frame is requested (step S171). If an ACK frame is not requested (step S171, No), it returns to the original processing. On the other hand, if an ACK frame is requested (step S171, Yes), the control unit 110 causes the wireless communication unit 120 to transmit a block ACK frame (step S172), and returns to the original processing. The configuration of the block ACK frame will be described later.

[0069] Thus, the wireless communication device 10a of the first embodiment of this disclosure can secure multiple frequency resources and transmit data via broadband communication using a frequency resource that integrates these frequency resources.

[0070] (3. Second Embodiment) The wireless communication device 10a of the first embodiment described above set the data frame (PPDU frame) to include only the communication period for narrowband communication. In contrast, the wireless communication device 10a of the second embodiment of this disclosure differs from the first embodiment described above in that it sets the data frame to include the communication period that includes the period for receiving the response frame from the wireless communication device 10b.

[0071] <Data Transmission Processing> Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission processing according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to Figure 7, this figure shows data transmission between wireless communication device 10a and wireless communication device 10b. The wireless communication device 10a in this figure differs from the wireless communication device 10a in Figure 7 in that it sets a communication period that includes the period for receiving a response frame from wireless communication device 10b.

[0072] In Figure 16, the wireless communication device 10b transmits a block ACK frame 312 to the wireless communication device 10a. In Figure 16, "block ACK frame" is abbreviated as "BA". The wireless communication device 10a sets communication periods 1 to 4, which include the reception period of this block ACK frame 312.

[0073] This example shows how to utilize available frequency resources sequentially for data requiring low-latency transmission as described in this disclosure, and how to set the communication period to include the time until the subsequent block ACK frame can be sent back. In other words, anticipating the timing when all other frequency resources become available, the duration of the PPDU frame and the timing when the subsequent block ACK frame can be sent back are included in the "Duration" information of the PPDU frame and transmitted.

[0074] Although this example describes sending block ACK frames back using all frequency resources, the system may be configured to send block ACK frames back only using the available frequency resources, depending on the frequency utilization status of the receiving wireless communication device 10b. Furthermore, these block ACK frames can be configured so that a series of sequence numbers are assigned to data destined for the same destination. This ensures that the block ACK frames contain acknowledgment of receipt for all data (PPDU frames) transmitted using all frequency resources. In other words, if the transmitting wireless communication device 10a receives any block ACK frame from the receiving wireless communication device 10b, it can acknowledge receipt of data transmitted using other frequency resources.

[0075] Figure 17 shows an example of a block ACK frame according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. This figure shows an example configuration of a frame 420 applicable to the block ACK frame 312 described in Figure 16. The frame 420 includes "Frame Type" indicating the type of frame, "Duration" indicating the duration required for subsequent data reception, "RA (Receive Address)" indicating the receiving communication device, and "TA (Transmit Address)" indicating the transmitting communication device. The frame 420 also further includes "BA Control" indicating control information, "BA Information" indicating information about the block ACK frame, and a frame check sequence (FCS).

[0076] Furthermore, "BA Control" consists of "BA Type," which indicates the type of block ACK frame, and "TID_INFO," which indicates information about the transmission identifier.

[0077] Furthermore, "BA Information" is configured with "Block ACK Starting Sequence Control," which indicates the first sequence number to be notified as a block ACK frame, and "Block ACK Bitmap," which represents subsequent sequence numbers in a specified bitmap format. Here, "Low Latency High Reliability" is provided as one of the "BA Types" to identify that it is a block ACK frame for low-latency, high-reliability communication.

[0078] <Communication Period Calculation Process> Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the communication period calculation process according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Similar to Figure 12, this figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for step S120. The processing in this figure differs from the processing in Figure 12 in that the processing in steps S123 and S124 is added.

[0079] After step S122, the control unit 110 determines whether it is requesting the return of the ACK frame (step S123). If it is requesting the return of the ACK frame (step S123, Yes), the control unit 110 adds the reception time of the ACK frame to the communication period (step S124) and returns to the original process. On the other hand, if it is not requesting the return of the ACK frame (step S123, No), the control unit 110 does nothing and returns to the original process.

[0080] The configuration of the wireless communication device 10 other than that described above is the same as that of the wireless communication device 10 in the first embodiment of this disclosure, so a description will be omitted.

[0081] Thus, the wireless communication device 10a of the second embodiment of this disclosure can set a communication period in the data frame (PPDU frame) that takes into account the transmission period of the block ACK frame. This ensures that the transmission period of the block ACK frame is secured.

[0082] (4. Third Embodiment) The wireless communication device 10a of the first embodiment described above set the data frame (PPDU frame) to include only the communication period of narrowband communication. In contrast, the wireless communication device 10a of the third embodiment of this disclosure differs from the first embodiment described above in that it sets the data frame to include the communication period of broadband communication.

[0083] <Data Transmission Processing> Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission processing according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to Figure 7, this diagram shows data transmission between wireless communication device 10a and wireless communication device 10b. The wireless communication device 10a in this figure differs from the wireless communication device a in Figure 7 in that it sets a communication period that includes the period for transmitting the PPDU frame 311.

[0084] The wireless communication device 10a in Figure 19 stably performs broadband communication using the remaining communication period after all frequency resources have become available. The wireless communication device 10b also receives using broadband communication. The wireless communication device 10a sets communication periods 1 to 4, which include this broadband communication period.

[0085] The configuration of the wireless communication device 10 other than that described above is the same as that of the wireless communication device 10 in the first embodiment of this disclosure, so a description will be omitted.

[0086] Thus, the wireless communication device 10a of the third embodiment of this disclosure sets the communication period, which takes into account the broadband communication period, in the data frame (PPDU frame). This makes it possible to stably ensure the broadband communication period.

[0087] (5. Fourth Embodiment) The wireless communication device 10a of the first embodiment described above performed broadband communication after narrowband communication. In contrast, the wireless communication device 10a of the fourth embodiment of this disclosure differs from the first embodiment described above in that, before starting broadband communication, it performs control to suppress the use of frequency resources used for narrowband communication by other wireless communication devices.

[0088] <Data Transmission Processing> Figure 20 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission processing according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Similar to Figure 7, this diagram shows data transmission between wireless communication device 10a and wireless communication device 10b. The wireless communication device 10b in this figure differs from the wireless communication device 10b in Figure 7 in that it sets a Network Allocation Vector (NAV). Note that a wireless communication device 20 is shown in this figure. This wireless communication device 20 corresponds to a legacy communication device. Here, the NAV corresponds to a period in which the use of frequency resources is suppressed.

[0089] Upon receiving data from wireless communication device 10a via narrowband communication, wireless communication device 10b transmits a frame 313 that includes elements of a CTS frame in addition to a block ACK frame. In Figure 20, this frame is labeled "BC". By transmitting frame 313, wireless communication device 10b causes another wireless communication device (in this case, wireless communication device 20) to set up NAV. During this NAV period, wireless communication device 10a transmits using broadband communication, and wireless communication device 10b receives using broadband communication.

[0090] In other words, the receiving wireless communication device 10b sets a "Duration" equivalent to the duration of the broadband communication for subsequent broadband communication, and controls the device to refrain from transmitting from surrounding communication devices.

[0091] In this case, control can be implemented to restrict transmission only to other communication devices within range that would affect data reception at the wireless communication device 10b. This eliminates the influence of the surroundings on not only the wireless communication device 10a but also the wireless communication device 10b. The control unit 110 of the wireless communication device 10a performs control to suppress the use of multiple frequency resources used in such broadband communication by wireless communication devices other than the receiving wireless communication device 10b. This can be done by the control unit 110 causing the wireless communication device 10b to set NAV. On the other hand, the control unit 110 of the wireless communication device 10b performs control to suppress the use of multiple frequency resources used in broadband communication by other wireless communication devices. This can be done by the control unit 110 causing other wireless communication devices to set NAV by transmitting frame 313.

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 20, the wireless communication device 10a sets the communication period until the reception of frame 313 to the PPDU frame. Furthermore, the wireless communication device 10b is configured to set the communication period required for subsequent broadband communication in "Duration" in order to improve the reliability of the broadband communication. This configuration improves the reliability of broadband communication.

[0093] Figure 21 shows an example of a CTS frame according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. This figure shows an example configuration of a frame 430 applicable to the frame 313 described in Figure 16. The frame 430 can have the same configuration as a conventional CTS frame. Note that "Duration" can be set to include the period of broadband communication.

[0094] Figure 22 shows an example of a protected frame according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Here, a protected frame is a frame transmitted to suppress the use of frequency resources by other wireless communication devices, and is a frame that can be used as frame 313. The figure shows an example configuration of a frame 440 applicable to this protected frame.

[0095] Frame 440 shows an example of how it is configured as a general control frame, and is identified by the "Type" field and the "Subtype" field, which are described as a predetermined "Frame Control". Frame 440 is defined as a protected frame according to this disclosure, for example, by defining the use of parameters in the part that is "Reserved" in the current standard, resulting in "Type: 01" and "Subtype: 0001".

[0096] To this, parameters are described as "Protected Duration" in a section compatible with the conventional "Duration" field, and "RA (Receive Address)" to identify the receiving communication device and "TA (Transmit Address)" to identify the transmitting communication device are added. Furthermore, protection parameters may be added as needed to constitute the frame, and frame 440 is composed with a frame check sequence (FCS) placed at the end.

[0097] These are merely examples of configurations as control frames; they can also be configured as other types of frames, such as action frames or management frames.

[0098] <Communication Period Calculation Process> Figure 23 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for the communication period calculation process according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Similar to Figure 18, this figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for step S120. The processing in this figure differs from the processing in Figure 18 in that steps S125 and S126 are added. The processing in this figure represents the processing when setting a communication period including the transmission time of the A-PPDU.

[0099] After step S124, the control unit 110 determines whether to transmit an A-PPDU frame (step S125). If the result is to transmit an A-PPDU frame (step S125, Yes), the control unit 110 adds the transmission time of the A-PPDU to the communication period (step S126) and returns to the original process. On the other hand, if the return of an A-PPDU frame is not requested (step S125, No), the control unit 110 does nothing and returns to the original process.

[0100] <Reception Processing> Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for reception processing according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. Similar to Figure 14, this figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the receiving wireless communication device 10b. The processing in this figure differs from the processing in Figure 14 in that it performs suppression (step S180) processing after response (step S170).

[0101] <Suppression Processing> Figure 25 is a diagram showing an example of the processing procedure for suppression processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. The same figure is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for step S180 in Figure 24. First, the control unit 110 determines whether there is a transmission of a continuing A-PPDU frame (step S181). If there is a continuing A-PPDU frame (step S181, Yes), the control unit 110 obtains the maximum duration (step S182) and proceeds to step S183. On the other hand, if there is no continuing A-PPDU frame (step S181, No), the control unit 110 proceeds to step S183.

[0102] In step S183, the control unit 110 determines whether high-reliability communication is required (step S183). If high-reliability communication is required (step S183, Yes), the control unit 110 performs control to set the NAV (step S184) and returns to the original process. On the other hand, if high-reliability communication is not required (step S183, No), the control unit 110 does nothing and returns to the original process.

[0103] The configuration of the wireless communication device 10 other than that described above is the same as that of the wireless communication device 10 in the first embodiment of this disclosure, so a description will be omitted.

[0104] Thus, the wireless communication device 10b of the fourth embodiment of this disclosure can improve the reliability of communication by suppressing the use of frequency resources by other wireless communication devices.

[0105] (6. Fifth Embodiment) The wireless communication device 10b of the fourth embodiment described above set the NAV during the broadband communication period. In contrast, the wireless communication device 10b of the fifth embodiment of this disclosure differs from the fourth embodiment described above in that it sets the NAV taking into account the return time of block ACK frames.

[0106] <Data Transmission Processing> Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission processing according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. Similar to Figure 24, this figure shows data transmission between wireless communication device 10a and wireless communication device 10b. The wireless communication device 10b in this figure differs from the wireless communication device 10b in Figure 24 in that it sets NAV that takes into account the transmission period of block ACK frames.

[0107] The wireless communication device 10b in Figure 26 sets the NAV which includes the transmission period of the block ACK frame 312.

[0108] The configuration of the wireless communication device 10 other than that described above is the same as that of the wireless communication device 10 in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, so its description is omitted.

[0109] Thus, the wireless communication device 10b of the fifth embodiment of this disclosure can ensure the transmission period of the block ACK frame 312 by setting the NAV that takes into account the transmission period of the block ACK frame 312.

[0110] (7. Sixth Embodiment) The wireless communication device 10b of the fifth embodiment described above set the NAV taking into account the transmission period of block ACK frames. In contrast, the wireless communication device 10b of the sixth embodiment of this disclosure differs from the fifth embodiment described above in that it sets the NAV taking into account the periods of multiple broadband communications.

[0111] <Data Transmission Processing> Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of data transmission processing according to the sixth embodiment of this disclosure. Similar to Figure 26, this figure shows data transmission between wireless communication device 10a and wireless communication device 10b. The wireless communication device 10b in this figure differs from the wireless communication device 10b in Figure 26 in that it sets NAV that takes into account the period of the second broadband communication.

[0112] The wireless communication device 10a in Figure 27 transmits broadband communication (PPDU frame 311) twice. The wireless communication device 10b in Figure 27 resets the NAV, which includes the transmission period for this second broadband communication. For example, the wireless communication device 10b can request a second broadband communication if there is undelivered data. Also, the control unit 110 of the wireless communication device 10a can initiate a second broadband communication if there is undelivered data from the wireless communication device 10b. In addition, for the second and subsequent broadband communications, either the wireless communication device 10a or the wireless communication device 10b can set the communication period.

[0113] The configuration of the wireless communication device 10 other than that described above is the same as that of the wireless communication device 10 in the fifth embodiment of this disclosure, so a description will be omitted.

[0114] Thus, the wireless communication device 10b of the sixth embodiment of this disclosure can secure the duration of multiple broadband communications by setting NAV for each of the multiple broadband communications.

[0115] (8. Seventh Embodiment) The method for calculating the communication period described above will now be explained.

[0116] Figures 28A and 28B show an example of a communication period according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. A method for calculating the communication period will be explained using Figures 28A and 28B.

[0117] First, the transmitting wireless communication device 10a determines the data rate available between itself and the receiving wireless communication device 10b based on past communication conditions, for example, from the value of the "Rate" parameter of "PHY Header". Alternatively, the wireless communication devices 10a and 10b may be configured to notify each other of the Max Duration parameter through prior information exchange.

[0118] This data volume is decomposed from the total amount of data to be transmitted within a predetermined time stored in the transmit buffer into the number of channels corresponding to the available frequency resource units (see Figure 28A). Next, the required maximum duration (Max Duration) is estimated according to the "Rate" parameter.

[0119] Furthermore, the duration may be calculated by subtracting the number of available resource unit channels according to the number of busy frequency resource units. In addition, if the time when the busy state will end is known, the system may be configured to allocate the duration proportionally by working backward from that time.

[0120] For example, if four frequency resource units are available, the maximum duration can be calculated by applying the data rate available for communication with the receiving wireless communication device to the total amount of data stored in the transmit buffer over a certain period of time.

[0121] Furthermore, if any frequency resource units are busy before the transmission timing, the time until the busy state expires is determined by referring to the header information in the data frame from other wireless communication devices that are also busy. The time until all frequency resource units become available is then estimated. The upper part of Figure 28B shows an example where the shortest possible transmission timing (Minimum Duration) is included and set as the "Duration Time." This duration can be used as the communication period.

[0122] The "Duration Time" parameter is configured to be written as "Duration Time" in the part corresponding to "U-SIG" of "PHY Header" in the data frame format shown in Figure 10. The "Duration Time" parameter may also be calculated as time information up to the end of the PPDU using the "Rate" and "Length" values ​​of "PHY Header" included in the preamble of each PPDU.

[0123] This configuration shows all frequency resource units transmitting a single PPDU, but it is also possible to configure it so that the last frequency unit to become available does not transmit a PPDU and performs broadband communication. In this case, the duration time may be set to the time when the busy state is resolved at the latest plus the remaining backoff time of that frequency resource unit (see the lower part of Figure 28B).

[0124] In the first embodiment, the Duration Time is configured to be calculated from the "Rate" and "Length" parameters of "L-SIG" as the "PHY Header" of the data frame.

[0125] As in the second embodiment, if the duration includes the time until the wireless communication device 10b returns the block ACK frame, this can be specified by the "Duration Time" parameter newly described in the "U-SIG" of the data frame.

[0126] As in the third embodiment, if the Duration Time includes the timing required for subsequent broadband communication, it can be specified by the "Duration Time" parameter newly described in the portion of the data frame corresponding to "U-SIG".

[0127] In these cases, the Duration Time parameter may be included in the "Duration" field of a conventional CTS-to-Self frame, so that legacy wireless communication equipment can understand it, and this may be configured as an A-PPDU frame.

[0128] Figure 29 is a diagram showing an example of a data frame according to the seventh embodiment of this disclosure. Similar to Figure 10, this figure shows an example of the configuration of frame 410. Frame 410 in this figure differs from frame 410 in Figure 10 in that it includes "CTS-Self" in A-MPDU.

[0129] As in the fourth to sixth embodiments, when setting the duration time for broadband communication from the wireless communication device 10b, the parameter of "Max Duration" that has been exchanged with the wireless communication device 10a in advance may be used as is. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the amount of information already received as a single PPDU is reduced to set the "Duration Time".

[0130] Furthermore, if there is undelivered data, the system may be configured to estimate the amount of data required for retransmission based on the amount of undelivered data, and to determine the duration parameter required for subsequent aggregated broadband communication.

[0131] Furthermore, the method by which the wireless communication device 10b specifies the duration is to notify the wireless communication device 10b using a newly defined frame.

[0132] Alternatively, the "Duration Time" parameter may be included in the "Duration" field of a conventional CTS frame for protection, so that legacy wireless communication devices can understand it. Furthermore, if the wireless communication device 10b sends back a block ACK frame, the duration may include the time required for that return.

[0133] (9. Example of Computer Configuration) The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed from a program storage medium onto a computer that is built into dedicated hardware, or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0134] Figure 30 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes the series of processes described above using a program.

[0135] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 803 are interconnected by a bus 804.

[0136] An input / output interface 805 is further connected to the bus 804. An input unit 806, consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and an output unit 807, consisting of a display, speaker, etc., are connected to the input / output interface 805. Information related to this technology, such as information related to frequency resources, may be output or displayed from the output unit 807. Information related to this technology, such as information related to frequency resources, may be input from the input unit 806, and confirmation or response to the information output or displayed to the output unit 807 may be input. In addition, a storage unit 808, consisting of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, a communication unit 809, consisting of a network interface, etc., and a drive 810 that drives removable media 811 are connected to the input / output interface 805.

[0137] In a computer configured as described above, the CPU 801 performs the series of processes described above by loading a program stored in the memory unit 808 into the RAM 803 via the input / output interface 805 and the bus 804 and executing it. For example, the CPU 801 may execute a processing program corresponding to the flowcharts in Figures 11 to 15, 18, and 23 to 25 of this technology.

[0138] The program executed by the CPU 801 is recorded on removable media 811, for example, or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the internet, or digital broadcasting, and installed in the storage unit 808.

[0139] The programs executed by the computer may be programs that are processed chronologically in the order described herein, or they may be programs that are processed in parallel or at necessary times, such as when a call is made.

[0140] (10. Application Examples) This technology can be applied to a variety of products. For example, the wireless communication devices 10a-10d in Figure 6 may be implemented as mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), notebook PCs, portable game terminals, or digital cameras; fixed terminals such as television receivers, projectors, printers, digital scanners, or network storage devices; or in-vehicle terminals such as car navigation systems and drive recorders. The wireless communication devices 10a-10d may also be implemented as M2M (Machine To Machine Communication) terminals or IoT (Internet of Things) terminals such as smart meters, vending machines, remote monitoring devices, or POS (Point of Sale) terminals. Furthermore, the wireless communication devices 10a and 10b may be implemented as terminals requiring low latency and high reliability, such as XR (Extended Reality / Cross Reality) devices. In addition, the wireless communication devices 10a-10d may be wireless communication modules (for example, integrated circuit modules consisting of a single die) mounted on these terminals.

[0141] On the other hand, for example, the wireless communication devices 10a-10d may be implemented as wireless LAN APs (wireless base stations) with or without router functionality. Furthermore, the wireless communication devices 10a and 10b may be implemented as mobile wireless LAN routers. Also, the wireless communication devices 10a-10d may be implemented as cellular communication base stations and femtocells. Moreover, the wireless communication devices 10a-10d may be wireless communication modules (for example, integrated circuit modules consisting of a single die) mounted on these devices.

[0142] (Example of Smartphone Configuration) Figure 31 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a smartphone 900 to which this technology is applied. Although Figure 31 is shown as an example of the configuration of a smartphone 900, it is not limited to this and may be an example of the configuration of various devices and functions described above.

[0143] The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, memory 902, storage 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, and a display device 910. The smartphone 900 also includes a speaker 911, a wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919. The smartphone 900 may include all of the above features, or only some of them.

[0144] The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU or a SoC (System on Chip), and controls the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900.

[0145] The memory 902 includes RAM and ROM and stores programs and data executed by the processor 901.

[0146] The storage 903 includes a storage medium such as semiconductor memory or a hard disk.

[0147] The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting external devices such as memory cards or USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices to the smartphone 900.

[0148] The camera 906 has an image sensor, such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), and generates an image.

[0149] The sensor 907 includes, for example, a group of sensors such as a positioning sensor, a gyroscope, a geomagnetic sensor, and an accelerometer.

[0150] Microphone 908 converts the audio input to smartphone 900 into an audio signal.

[0151] The input device 909 includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects touches on the screen of the display device 910, a keypad, a keyboard, a button, or a switch, and accepts operations or information input from the user.

[0152] The display device 910 has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, or a quantum dot (QD) display, and displays the output image of the smartphone 900.

[0153] Speaker 911 converts the audio signal output from smartphone 900 into audio.

[0154] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successors, and performs wireless communication.

[0155] In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 913 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN access point (AP). In ad-hoc mode or direct communication modes such as Wi-Fi Direct, the wireless communication interface 913 communicates directly with other devices.

[0156] In Wi-Fi Direct, unlike ad-hoc mode, one of the two devices acts as the access point (AP), but communication takes place directly between those devices.

[0157] The wireless communication interface 913 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 913 may also be a single-chip module integrating a memory for storing a communication control program, a processor for executing the program, and associated circuits.

[0158] The wireless communication interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to the wireless LAN method, such as short-range wireless communication methods like Bluetooth®, proximity wireless communication methods like NFC, or 3GPP® cellular communication methods such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a single-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication methods, or it may be a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication methods.

[0159] The antenna switch 914 switches the destination of the antenna 915 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 913 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0160] The antenna 915 has one or more antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements that make up a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna, or multiple antenna elements that make up an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 913.

[0161] Note that the smartphone 900 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 31, and may be equipped with multiple antennas (for example, an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for proximity wireless communication, and an antenna for cellular communication). In that case, the antenna switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0162] The bus 917 connects the processor 901, memory 902, storage 903, external connection interface 904, camera 906, sensor 907, microphone 908, input device 909, display device 910, speaker 911, wireless communication interface 913, and auxiliary controller 919 to each other.

[0163] The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in Figure 31 via power supply lines partially shown by dashed lines in the figure. The auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900, for example, in sleep mode. The battery 918 may also be charged via the external connection interface 904. The battery 918 may also have a function that allows reading of information regarding the remaining power, cumulative power supply time, or cumulative power supply amount, and the processor 901, wireless communication interface 913, or auxiliary controller 919 may control any of the functions of the above embodiments based on the information read from the battery 918.

[0164] In the smartphone 900 shown in Figure 31, for example, the resource control unit 107 and control unit 110 in Figure 6 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. For example, the processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in Figures 11 to 15, 18, and 23 to 25 may be executed in the wireless communication interface 913. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.

[0165] The smartphone 900 may also operate as a wireless AP (software AP) by having the processor 901 execute AP functions at the application level. Alternatively, the wireless communication interface 913 may have wireless AP functionality. Furthermore, the processor 901 or the wireless communication interface 913 may have a tethering function using both wireless LAN and cellular communication methods, and may transmit payload data received via cellular communication using the wireless LAN method, or transmit payload data received via wireless LAN using the cellular communication method. The smartphone 900 may also enable the tethering function through user input.

[0166] Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may be equipped with a biometric authentication unit (fingerprint authentication, palm print authentication, voice authentication, vascular authentication, facial authentication, iris authentication, and retinal authentication). In this case, the wireless communication interface 913 on which the resource control unit 107 and control unit 110 shown in Figure 6 are implemented is configured to receive power from the same battery 918 as at least one of the display device 910, speaker 911, and biometric authentication unit.

[0167] Furthermore, in the smartphone 900, information is displayed from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911 based on communication with an external device via the wireless communication interface 913. In this case, information related to this technology, such as information related to frequency resources, may be output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911. The input device 909 may also input confirmation or a response to the information output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911.

[0168] (Example of In-Vehicle Device Configuration) Figure 32 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device 920 to which this technology is applied. Although Figure 32 is described as an example of the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920, it is not limited to this, and may be an example of the configuration of various devices and functions described above.

[0169] The in-vehicle device 920 is configured to include a processor 921, memory 922, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module 924, sensor 925, data interface 926, content player 927, and storage medium interface 928. The in-vehicle device 920 is also configured to include an input device 929, display device 930, speaker 931, wireless communication interface 933, antenna switch 934, antenna 935, and battery 938. The in-vehicle device 920 may include all of the above, or it may include some of them.

[0170] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or SoC, and controls the navigation and other functions of the in-vehicle device 920. The processor 921 can also control the vehicle's drive system, such as the brakes, accelerator, or steering, based on information obtained through communication based on this technology.

[0171] The memory 922 includes RAM and ROM and stores programs and data executed by the processor 921.

[0172] The GNSS module 924 uses GNSS signals received from GNSS satellites to measure the position (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) of the on-board device 920.

[0173] The sensor 925 includes, for example, a group of sensors such as a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a millimeter-wave radar, a camera (image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS), and a barometric pressure sensor.

[0174] The data interface 926 is connected to the in-vehicle network 941, for example, via terminals (not shown), and acquires data generated on the vehicle side, such as vehicle-side data.

[0175] The content player 927 plays content stored on a storage medium (for example, a CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928, or content received via the wireless communication interface 933.

[0176] The input device 929 includes, for example, a touch sensor, button, or switch that detects touches on the screen of the display device 930, and accepts operations or information input from the user. For example, the input device 929 may also receive confirmation or a response to information output from at least one of the display device 930 and the speaker 931.

[0177] The display device 930 has a screen such as an LCD, OLED display, or QD display, and displays navigation functions or images of content to be played, as well as information about this technology, such as information about frequency resources.

[0178] The speaker 931 outputs navigation functions, audio of the content being played, or information about this technology, such as information about frequency resources.

[0179] Note that in the in-vehicle device 920, the navigation function and the functions provided by the content player 927 are optional. The navigation function and the content player 927 may be omitted from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0180] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successors, and performs wireless communication.

[0181] In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 933 communicates with other devices via a wireless LAN access point (AP). In ad-hoc mode or direct communication modes such as Wi-Fi Direct, the wireless communication interface 933 communicates directly with other devices.

[0182] In Wi-Fi Direct, unlike ad-hoc mode, one of the two devices acts as the access point (AP), but communication takes place directly between those devices.

[0183] The wireless communication interface 933 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, and power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 933 may also be a single-chip module integrating a memory for storing a communication control program, a processor for executing the program, or related circuitry.

[0184] The wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to the wireless LAN method, such as short-range wireless communication methods like Bluetooth®, proximity wireless communication methods like NFC, or 3GPP® cellular communication methods such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a single-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication methods, or it may be a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication methods.

[0185] The antenna switch 934 switches the destination of the antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0186] The antenna 935 has one or more antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements that make up a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna, or multiple antenna elements that make up an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 933.

[0187] Note that the in-vehicle device 920 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 32, and may include multiple antennas 935 (for example, an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for proximity wireless communication, and an antenna for cellular communication). In that case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0188] The battery 938 supplies power to each block of the on-board device 920 shown in Figure 32 via the power supply lines partially shown by dashed lines in the figure. The battery 938 may also store power supplied from the vehicle. Alternatively, the on-board device 920 may not have a battery and may utilize power supplied from the vehicle via a voltage regulator or capacitor.

[0189] In the in-vehicle device 920 shown in Figure 32, for example, the resource control unit 107 and control unit 110 in Figure 6 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. For example, the processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in Figures 11 to 15, 18, and 23 to 25 may be executed in the wireless communication interface 933. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.

[0190] Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 may operate as the wireless communication devices 10a and 10b described above, providing wireless connectivity to terminals held by users in the vehicle. For example, the wireless communication interface 933 may connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices, and the in-vehicle device 920 may utilize CarPlay® or Android Auto®. The wireless communication interface 933 may also connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices using a short-range wireless communication method, infrastructure mode, or a Wi-Fi Direct wireless LAN method.

[0191] The in-vehicle device 920 may also operate as a wireless AP (software AP) by having the processor 921 execute AP functions at the application level. Alternatively, the wireless communication interface 933 may have wireless AP functionality. Furthermore, the processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 may have a tethering function using both wireless LAN and cellular communication methods, and may transmit payload data received via cellular communication using the wireless LAN method, or transmit payload data received via wireless LAN using the cellular communication method. The tethering function of the in-vehicle device 920 may be enabled by user input.

[0192] Furthermore, this technology may be implemented as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the above-described in-vehicle device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 may generate vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed information, engine speed information, vehicle-side battery information, or fault information, and output the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941. The processor 921 or wireless communication interface 933 may control any of the functions of the above-described embodiments based on the vehicle-side data acquired via the in-vehicle network 941.

[0193] (Example of Wireless AP Configuration) Figure 33 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP 950 to which this technology is applied. Although Figure 33 is described as an example of the configuration of a wireless AP 950, it is not limited to this, and may also be an example of the configuration of various devices and functions described above.

[0194] The wireless AP950 includes a controller 951, memory 952, input device 954, display device 955, network interface 957, wireless communication interface 963, antenna switch 964, and antenna 965. The wireless AP950 may include all of the above, or some of them.

[0195] The controller 951 may be, for example, a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and operates various functions of the wireless AP 950 at the IP (Internet Protocol) layer and higher layers (e.g., access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, and log management).

[0196] Memory 952 includes RAM and ROM and stores programs executed by the controller 951, as well as various control information (e.g., terminal list, routing table, encryption key, security settings, and logs).

[0197] The input device 954 includes, for example, buttons and switches, and accepts user input. For example, the input device 954 may accept confirmation or response to information output from the display device 955. The input device 954 may also accept user input such as switching the wireless function on / off, and switching between router function and access point function.

[0198] The display device 955 includes an LED lamp or the like and displays the operating status of the wireless AP 950. The display device 955 may also display information related to this technology, such as information related to frequency resources.

[0199] The network interface 957 is a wired communication interface for the wireless AP 950 to connect to the wired communication network 958. The network interface 957 may have multiple connection terminals. The network interface 957 may output payload data included in the wireless signal input from the wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal, or it may receive payload data output as a wireless signal from the wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal, or it may input and output wired signals in parallel with or independently of the wireless communication interface 963 inputting and outputting wireless signals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0200] The wireless communication interface 963 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successor standards, and provides wireless connectivity as an AP to nearby terminals. When the wireless AP 950 is mounted on a cellular communication base station and femtocell, the wireless communication interface 963 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to wireless LAN methods, such as 3GPP® cellular communication methods including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 963 may be a single-chip module supporting multiple wireless communication methods, or a combination of modules supporting some of the wireless communication methods.

[0201] The wireless communication interface 963 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, and power amplifiers, among others.

[0202] The wireless communication interface 963 may be a single-chip module integrating a memory for storing a communication control program, a processor for executing the program, or related circuits.

[0203] The antenna switch 964 switches the destination of the antenna 965 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 963 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0204] The antenna 965 has one or more antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements that make up a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna, or multiple antenna elements that make up an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 963.

[0205] In the wireless AP 950 shown in Figure 33, for example, the resource control unit 107 and control unit 110 in Figure 6 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. For example, the processing programs corresponding to the flowcharts in Figures 11 to 15, 18, and 23 to 25 may be executed in the wireless communication interface 963. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951.

[0206] (Other variations) The control device for controlling the wireless communication devices 10a-10d in this embodiment may be implemented by a dedicated computer system or by a general-purpose computer system.

[0207] For example, a communication program for performing the above-described operations is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disc, semiconductor memory, magnetic tape, or flexible disk and distributed. Then, for example, the control device is configured by installing the program on a computer and executing the above-described process. In this case, the control device may be an external device to the wireless communication devices 10a and 10b (for example, a personal computer). Alternatively, the control device may be an internal device to the wireless communication devices 10a-10d.

[0208] For example, CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (MiniDiscs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), memory cards, and Blu-ray Discs (Blu-ray® Discs) can be used as recording media.

[0209] Alternatively, the above-mentioned communication program may be stored on a disk device provided by a server on a network such as the Internet, and made available for download to a computer. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized through the cooperation of an OS (Operating System) and application software. In this case, the parts other than the OS may be stored on a medium and distributed, or the parts other than the OS may be stored on a server device and made available for download to a computer.

[0210] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each figure is not limited to the information shown.

[0211] Furthermore, the components of each illustrated device are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions. This distribution and integration configuration may also be performed dynamically.

[0212] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be combined as appropriate in areas where the processing content is not contradictory. Also, the order of each step shown in the flowchart of the above-described embodiments can be changed as appropriate.

[0213] Furthermore, some or all of the wireless communication devices 10a-10d described in the above embodiments may be implemented as, for example, a semiconductor chip (IC (Integrated Circuit)) having a wireless communication control function. Alternatively, they may be implemented as a single semiconductor chip equipped with multiple functions, such as a System on Chip (SoC), or as a combination of multiple semiconductor chips having a single function, such as a processor. Moreover, multiple SoCs may be combined, or a single-function semiconductor chip may be combined with an SoC. Furthermore, each part may be implemented as a dedicated semiconductor chip such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or as a combination of a general-purpose processor and software or firmware, or as a semiconductor chip such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0214] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment can also be implemented as any configuration that constitutes a device or system, such as a processor as a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), a module using multiple processors, a unit using multiple modules, or a set with additional functions added to a unit (i.e., a configuration of a part of a device).

[0215] In this embodiment, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all components are located in the same enclosure. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate enclosures and connected via a network, and a single device containing multiple modules within a single enclosure, are both considered systems.

[0216] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment can adopt a cloud computing configuration in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0217] Although the embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of this disclosure. Furthermore, components from different embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate.

[0218] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are pre-stored in a storage medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is loaded into RAM when the computer is running and executed by a processor such as a CPU.

[0219] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additional processing steps may be adopted, and some processing steps may be omitted.

[0220] Furthermore, if a single step includes multiple processes, those processes can be executed by a single device or shared among multiple devices.

[0221] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of how to realize this technology, and there is a corresponding relationship between the matters in the embodiments and the inventive features in the claims. Similarly, there is a corresponding relationship between the inventive features in the claims and the matters in the embodiments of this technology that bear the same name. However, this technology is not limited to the embodiments and can be realized by making various modifications to the embodiments without departing from the gist of the technology.

[0222] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur.

[0223] Furthermore, this technology can also take the following configurations: (1) A wireless communication device having a plurality of wireless communication units that transmit and receive using different frequency resources, and a control unit that controls individual narrowband communication, which is communication using a plurality of frequency resources secured by sequentially having the wireless communication units transmit data using the available frequency resources to other wireless communication devices, and controls setting a common end date for the communication period in which the transmission of the data using each of the frequency resources is performed. (2) The wireless communication device according to (1), wherein the control unit further controls transmission to the other wireless communication device using broadband communication, which is communication using a frequency resource that integrates a plurality of frequency resources adjacent in the frequency direction from among the frequency resources used in the individual narrowband communication. (3) The wireless communication device according to (2), wherein the control unit sets the communication period including the period of the broadband communication. (4) The wireless communication device according to (2), wherein the control unit sets the communication period including the period for receiving the response of the individual narrowband communication. (5) The wireless communication device according to (2), wherein the control unit further performs control to suppress the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication by a wireless communication device different from the other wireless communication device. (6) The wireless communication device according to (5), wherein the control unit performs control to suppress the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication by requesting the other wireless communication device to set a period for which the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication is suppressed. (7) The wireless communication device according to (6), wherein the control unit sets the communication period including a period for the other wireless communication device to send a notification for setting a period for which the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication is suppressed. (8) The wireless communication device according to (6), wherein the control unit performs transmission using the broadband communication during the set period. (9) The wireless communication device according to any one of (2) to (8), wherein the control unit performs control to transmit again using the broadband communication if there is undelivered data from the other wireless communication device in the broadband communication.(10) The wireless communication device according to any one of (2) to (9), wherein the control unit further controls the exchange of parameters for the broadband communication with the other wireless communication device. (11) The wireless communication device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the control unit sets the communication period based on the duration of communication on the frequency resource being used. (12) A wireless communication device having a plurality of wireless communication units that transmit and receive using different frequency resources, and a control unit that controls the wireless communication unit to receive data transmitted in individual narrowband communication, which is communication using a plurality of frequency resources secured by sequentially transmitting data using the frequency resources that have become available for broadband communication, which is communication using a frequency resource that integrates a plurality of frequency resources adjacent in the frequency direction. (13) The wireless communication device according to (12), wherein the control unit further controls the reception using the broadband communication after the individual narrowband communication. (14) The wireless communication device according to (12), wherein the control unit further controls the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication by other wireless communication devices. (15) The wireless communication device according to (14), wherein the control unit performs control to suppress use by other wireless communication devices by sending a notification to set a period for which the use of the multiple frequency resources used in the broadband communication is suppressed. (16) The wireless communication device according to (15), wherein the control unit performs reception by the broadband communication during the set period. (17) The wireless communication device according to (12), wherein the control unit performs control to receive data again using the broadband communication if there is undelivered data in the broadband communication. (18) A wireless communication method comprising performing individual narrowband communication which is communication that secures multiple frequency resources by sequentially transmitting data using the available frequency resources to other wireless communication devices, and setting a common end date for the communication period in which the transmission of data using each of the frequency resources is performed.(19) A wireless communication method that includes receiving data transmitted in individual narrowband communication, which is communication using multiple frequency resources secured by sequentially transmitting data using the frequency resources that have become available for broadband communication, which is communication using multiple frequency resources that have been integrated in the frequency direction.

[0224] 10, 10a, 10b Wireless communication device 110 Control unit 120, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d Wireless communication unit

Claims

Multiple wireless communication units that transmit and receive using different frequency resources, A control unit that controls individual narrowband communications, which are communications using multiple frequency resources secured by sequentially having the wireless communication unit transmit data using the available frequency resources to other wireless communication devices, and controls setting a common end date for the communication period in each of the data transmissions using the respective frequency resources. A wireless communication device having the following features. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 1, further controlling the control unit to transmit to the other wireless communication device using broadband communication, which is communication using a frequency resource that integrates a plurality of frequency resources adjacent in the frequency direction from among the frequency resources used in the individual narrowband communication. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the communication period including the period of broadband communication. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the communication period which includes a period for receiving a response from an individual narrowband communication. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further performs control to suppress the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication by wireless communication devices different from the other wireless communication devices. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit performs control to suppress use by a wireless communication device different from the other wireless communication device by requesting the other wireless communication device to set a period for which the use of the multiple frequency resources used in the broadband communication is suppressed. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit sets the communication period, which includes a period for sending a notification to set a period for which the use of the plurality of frequency resources used by the other wireless communication device in the broadband communication is suppressed. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit performs transmission by broadband communication during the set period. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to transmit again using the broadband communication if there is undelivered data from the other wireless communication device in the broadband communication. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit further performs control for exchanging parameters of the broadband communication with the other wireless communication device. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the communication period based on the duration of communication in the frequency resource being used. 　 Multiple wireless communication units that transmit and receive using different frequency resources, A control unit controls the wireless communication unit to receive data transmitted in individual narrowband communication, which is communication using multiple frequency resources secured by sequentially transmitting data using the frequency resources that have become available, for broadband communication, which is communication using multiple frequency resources that have been integrated in the frequency direction. A wireless communication device having the following features. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit further performs control to receive using the broadband communication after the individual narrowband communication. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit further performs control to suppress the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication by other wireless communication devices. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 14, wherein the control unit performs control to suppress use by other wireless communication devices by transmitting a notification to set a period for which the use of the plurality of frequency resources used in the broadband communication is suppressed. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit performs reception by broadband communication during the set period. 　 The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit performs control to receive data again using the broadband communication if there is undelivered data in the broadband communication. 　 This involves performing individual narrowband communication, which is a communication that secures multiple frequency resources by sequentially transmitting data to other wireless communication devices using the available frequency resources, In the transmission of the data using each of the aforementioned frequency resources, a common end date for the communication period is set for each of them. Wireless communication methods including 　 A wireless communication method that includes receiving data transmitted in individual narrowband communications, which are communications using multiple frequency resources secured by sequentially transmitting data using the frequency resources that have become available, for broadband communications, which are communications using frequency resources that integrate multiple frequency resources adjacent in the frequency direction.

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