Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

Abstract

A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that generates a frame for notification of information relating to transmission / reception restrictions, and a transmission circuit that transmits the frame, the frame including parameter restriction information for restricting parameters used for transmission / reception.

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 the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the standard for wireless local area network (LAN) (wireless LAN is also called WLAN (Wireless LAN)) is under consideration.

[0003] Low power consumption operation is desired for wireless communication devices. Also, wireless communication devices that support multiple wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, cellular communication, and WLAN, or devices that incorporate multiple wireless communication devices that support the same or different wireless communication technologies are known. In such devices, mutual interference can occur between the transmission and reception circuits. Wireless communication devices can be restricted in transmission and reception due to various factors such as multiple wireless communication technologies, coexistence of multiple transmission and reception circuits, and low power consumption operation. For example, in the task group of IEEE802.11, in-device coexistence (IDC) technology in wireless LAN devices is under consideration (see, for example, Non-Patent Documents 1-3).

[0004] IEEE 802.11-24 / 1558r2 In Device Coexistence-Follow UpIEEE 802.11-24 / 0831r2 Periodic IDC use cases and considerations for signalingIEEE 802.11-24 / 0209r6 Specification Framework for TGbn

[0005] A control method for wireless communication with transmission and reception restrictions has not been fully studied.

[0006] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device and a communication method that can appropriately control wireless communication with transmission and reception restrictions.

[0007] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control unit that generates a frame for notifying information regarding transmission and reception restrictions, and a transmission circuit that transmits the frame, the frame containing parameter restriction information that restricts parameters used for transmission and reception.

[0008] A communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure generates a frame that notifies information regarding transmission and reception restrictions, the frame includes parameter restriction information that restricts the parameters used for transmission and reception, and transmits the frame.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wireless communication devices with limitations on transmission and reception can be appropriately controlled.

[0010] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features.

[0011] Examples of wireless communication systems: Node configuration example, another Node configuration example, parameter restrictions for each interference type, Parameter Restriction Classification Table example, Parameter Restriction Information field example, Parameter Restriction Duration Information field example, Multi-STA BlockAck frame format example, AID TID Info subfield definition example, Frame sequence for sending transmit / receive restriction information in a Multi-STA BA frame example, Common Info subfield format for a BSRP Trigger frame example, Frame sequence for specifying parameter restriction information in a BSRP Trigger frame, MAC frame format and HT Control field format configuration example, Control ID subfield definition example, UPR Control subfield format example, UHR OM Control subfield format example, ULA Control subfield format example, U-SIG field definition example, TWT element format example, Channel Usage Request frame format example, Frame sequence for notifying transmit / receive restriction information in a Channel Usage Request.

[0012] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 transmits information that restricts the parameters used for transmission and reception (hereinafter referred to as "parameter restriction information") in a wireless communication device whose transmission and reception may be restricted. Parameter restriction information means any information that can restrict the parameters used by the wireless communication device for transmission and reception. Here, "parameters used for transmission and reception" does not include time. That is, "parameters used for transmission and reception" are the parameters used for transmission and reception while transmission and reception are in progress.

[0013] Figure 1 shows an example of a wireless communication system consisting of wireless communication devices (hereinafter referred to as "Nodes") 100 and 200. Nodes 100 and 200 may be access points (APs, also called "base stations") or terminals (non-AP STAs, also called "stations").

[0014] Node100 may have limitations on transmission and reception. "Transmission and reception limitations" are also referred to as unavailable, low capability, etc. Transmission and reception limitations may occur due to various factors such as interference from other wireless communication technologies communicating simultaneously (e.g., interference from simultaneous communication between Node100 and Node200 using wireless communication technology 1, and communication between Node100 and other Nodes (not shown) using wireless communication technology 2), low power consumption operation, and internal interference within the wireless communication device due to communication between other devices (e.g., interference from Node100 relaying data from Node200, which is connected using wireless communication technology 1, to other Nodes (not shown) connected using the same wireless communication technology 1).

[0015] Figure 2A shows an example configuration of Node 100 or Node 200. The configurations of Node 100 and Node 200 may be the same. Node 100 has a control unit 110 and a transmit / receive circuit 120. The control unit 110 generates parameter restriction information and causes the transmit / receive circuit 120 to transmit a control signal containing the parameter restriction information as a transmission frame. The control unit 110 also generates data frames to be transmitted by the transmit / receive circuit 120 and / or response frames to frames received by the transmit / receive circuit 120 from other Nodes.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit 110 generates information regarding the transmission / reception restriction period. For example, it may determine the period during which transmission / reception restrictions are imposed for power-saving operation. Alternatively, the control unit 110 may receive information regarding the transmission / reception restriction period from an external source (e.g., a host computer, a control circuit compatible with other wireless communication technologies, etc. (not shown)). Information regarding the transmission / reception restriction period may be input via an MLME (MAC (Medium Access Control) Layer Management Entity) SAP (Service Access Point) interface.

[0017] The transmitting / receiving circuit 120 transmits the transmission frame generated by the control unit 110 as a wireless signal and also receives wireless signals from other nodes.

[0018] Figure 2B shows another configuration example of Node 100 or Node 200. The configurations of Node 100 and Node 200 may be the same. Node 100 has a control unit 110 and a transmit / receive circuit 120. The control unit 110 generates parameter restriction information and causes the transmit / receive circuit 120 to transmit a control signal containing the parameter restriction information as a transmit frame. The control unit 110 also generates data frames to be transmitted by the transmit / receive circuit 120 and / or response frames to frames received by the transmit / receive circuit 120 from other Nodes.

[0019] The transmit / receive circuit 120 transmits the transmission frame generated by the control unit 110 as a wireless signal and also receives wireless signals from other nodes. The transmit / receive circuit 120 can perform transmission and reception using multiple wireless communication technologies. Although the example in Figure 2B shows three wireless communication technologies, the number of wireless communication technologies that can be used for transmission and reception is any number of two or more. Examples of wireless communication technologies include Bluetooth, cellular communication, and WLAN.

[0020] Figure 3 shows examples of parameter limits for each interference type. Interference types may correspond to wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, and Peer-to-Peer (P2P). Each frequency band within a single communication standard (e.g., sub6 and millimeter wave in 5G communication) may be considered each wireless communication technology. Limit values ​​are set for each parameter corresponding to each interference type. The limit values ​​for each parameter corresponding to each interference type may be determined by the control unit 110, or they may be defined by the standard. The control unit 110 may determine (or select) limit values ​​for parameters such as the number of spatial streams (NSS), the minimum resource unit (RU) size, the maximum modulation and coding set (MCS), and the transmission power (Tx Power) [dBm]. The control unit 110 may control other parameters.

[0021] The control unit 110 limits NSS, Min RU size, Max MCS, and Tx Power to the values ​​shown in Figure 3, for example, corresponding to the number of antennas, transmission bandwidth, and transmission power used in each wireless communication technology. The control unit 110 may also limit them to other values. The control unit 110 may limit only some of the parameters shown in Figure 3, rather than all of them. The parameter restriction information may include a Parameter Restriction Index, or the limit values ​​for each parameter such as NSS, Min RU size, Max MCS, and Tx Power.

[0022] The control unit 110 may restrict the parameters in accordance with the interference type for each wireless communication technology, or it may restrict them in accordance with the interference type corresponding to the direction of transmission or reception, i.e., communication, the periodic / aperiodic nature of the interference that occurs, and / or the length of the period.

[0023] Node100 notifies Node200, its communication partner, of parameter restriction information. During the period when Node100's transmission and reception are restricted, Node200 can send and receive requests using parameters that are available under restricted conditions. This allows Node100 to effectively utilize wireless resources and reduce transmission and reception delays. Furthermore, Node200 can avoid sending and receiving requests using parameters that are difficult to use under restricted conditions, thus avoiding the emission of unnecessary wireless signals.

[0024] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 2, the transmitting / receiving circuit 120 transmits identification information that limits parameters as parameter limit information. For example, Node 100 transmits a table (or list, set of information) containing the limit values ​​of the parameters used for transmission and reception, Node 200 instructs Node 200 to use identification information (e.g., Index) for transmission and reception based on the table by transmitting a Control frame such as a Trigger frame, and Node 100 performs, for example, transmission and reception of a data frame based on the parameter limit information determined (or selected) based on the Index.

[0025] Figure 4 shows an example of a Parameter Restriction Classification Table. Figure 4 defines a Parameter Restriction Index as identification information corresponding to a parameter restriction value. The Parameter Restriction Index may correspond to, for example, the interference type corresponding to each wireless communication technology described in Figure 3, or it may correspond to other restriction types (e.g., other interference types, power restriction states, power saving modes, etc.). The control unit 110 may transmit the Parameter Restriction Index if parameter restriction information for the Parameter Restriction Index is predefined.

[0026] Figure 5 shows an example of Parameter Restriction Information. The Parameter Restriction Information transmits information for defining a Parameter Restriction Classification Table. The transmit / receive circuit 120 may transmit the restriction values ​​for each parameter, such as NSS, Min RU, Max MCS, and Tx Power, corresponding to the Parameter Restriction Index. For example, the Parameter Restriction Information includes N Parameter Restriction Index fields. Each Parameter Restriction Index field may include subfields for each parameter, such as NSS, Min RU size, Max MCS, and Tx Power. For example, Parameter Restriction Index 0 may have an NSS of 1, a Min RU size of 26, a Max MCS of 0, and a Tx Power of 20. The Parameter Restriction Classification Table may be predefined. Part of the Parameter Restriction Classification Table may be predefined, and the remaining part may be defined by the Parameter Restriction Information. By defining the Parameter Restriction Classification Table with Parameter Restriction Information, the Parameter Restriction Classification Table can be rewritten according to the usage of other wireless communication technologies.

[0027] Parameter restriction information is sent, for example, by including it in the Information field or Information Element within a Management frame (e.g., Beacon frame, Probe Request frame, Probe Response frame, Association Request frame, Association Response frame, etc.). The control unit 110 of Node 100 may send the parameter restriction information in advance so that the control unit of Node 200 can generate (or set, determine) a parameter restriction classification table (i.e., the correspondence between identification information and parameter restriction values) and then send the Parameter Restriction Index.

[0028] The control unit 110 may use the type of PPDU (Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit) format (or a value corresponding to the format type) as identification information. Depending on the PPDU type, such as HE ER SU PPDU (High-Efficiency Extended-Range Single-User PPDU) or ELR (Enhanced Long Range) PPDU, it determines the parameter limits. For example, by notifying identification information corresponding to using HE ER SU PPDU for communication during the transmission / reception restriction period, it may notify that the channel bandwidth, MCS, NSS, and RU size are restricted (for example, the channel bandwidth is restricted to a primary 20MHz channel, MCS to 0-2, NSS to 1, and RU size to RU242 or RU106). Alternatively, by notifying identification information indicating the use of ELR PPDU during the transmission / reception restriction period, it may restrict the parameter set available for ELR PPDU. It may also notify that a PPDU format has different parameter limits defined.

[0029] The control unit 110 may use two or more modes defined as power save modes, such as Lower capability mode / Higher capability mode, as identification information. For example, for each power save mode, limitations on parameters such as operating bandwidth (BW), NSS, MCS, and PPDU format may be defined. The transmission / reception direction, the length of the interference period, and periodic / aperiodic interference may also be used as identification information.

[0030] In this way, Nodes can efficiently notify parameter limit information by sending identification information, thereby minimizing interference for each type of interference. Furthermore, defining combinations of parameter limit values ​​corresponding to the identification information simplifies the implementation and testing of Nodes.

[0031] <Embodiment 3> In Embodiment 3, the transmitting / receiving circuit 120 transmits information on the duration of the parameter restriction (hereinafter referred to as "parameter restriction period information") in addition to the parameter restriction information. The period for restricting the parameters may be the same as the period for which the transmission / reception restriction is performed.

[0032] Figure 6 shows an example of Parameter Restriction Duration Information. Figure 6 includes the fields Parameter Restriction Information (or Index), Restriction Duration Start Time, and Restriction Duration. In other words, Parameter Restriction Duration Information includes the parameter restriction start time and duration. The length of each field is arbitrary. Parameter Restriction Duration Information may be sent in a separate frame from Parameter Restriction Information, for example, in a frame sent before Parameter Restriction Information, or in the same frame as Parameter Restriction Information. Figure 6 shows an example of sending Parameter Restriction Information and Parameter Restriction Duration Information in the same frame. Parameter Restriction Information may include Parameter Restriction Index, or fields for parameters such as NSS, Min RU, Max MCS, and Tx Power. Parameter Restriction Duration Information may also be Unavailability Duration (UD).

[0033] According to Embodiment 3, the Node can efficiently notify parameter restriction period information, which is the period during which transmission and reception parameters are restricted, thereby minimizing mutual interference between wireless communication technologies.

[0034] <Example> The parameter restriction period information may include the interval during which the parameter restriction is applied.

[0035] The transmitting / receiving circuit 120 may transmit three periods: a period during which the transmitting / receiving parameters are not restricted, a period during which the transmitting / receiving parameters are restricted, and an unavailable period. The transmitting / receiving circuit 120 may also transmit multiple periods during which different parameters are restricted.

[0036] <Embodiment 4> In Embodiment 4, when performing aperiodic transmission and reception restrictions, a field is provided in the ICF (Initial Control Frame), ICR (Initial Control Response), or CRF (Control Response Frame) to specify the parameter restriction information shown in Embodiment 2, or the parameter restriction information and parameter restriction period information shown in Embodiment 3 (hereinafter referred to as "parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information)").

[0037] (Embodiment 4-1) In Embodiment 4-1, a field for specifying parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) is provided in the Multi-STA BA (Block Ack) frame of the ICR or CRF.

[0038] Figure 7 shows an example of a Multi-STA BA frame. A Multi-STA BA frame includes the fields Frame Control, Duration, RA (Receiver Address), TA (Transmitter Address), BA Control, BA Information, and FCS (Frame Check Sequence). For example, Frame Control may be 2 octets, Duration 2 octets, RA (Receiver Address) 6 octets, TA (Transmitter Address) 6 octets, BA Control 2 octets, BA Information variable, and FCS 4 octets. For example, a Multi-STA BA frame is indicated when the BA Type in the BA Control field is 11. The BA Information field includes one or more AID TID Info fields. AID TID Info includes the subfields AID TID Info, Block Ack Starting Sequence Control, and Block Ack Bitmap / Parameter Restriction Info. For example, the AID TID Info subfield may be 2 octets, the Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield may be 0 or 2 octets, and the Block Ack Bitmap / Parameter Restriction Info subfield may be 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 octets. The AID TID Info subfield includes the AID, Ack Type, and TID subfields. For example, the AID subfield may be 11 bits, the Ack Type subfield may be 1 bit, and the TID subfield may be 4 bits.The Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield contains the Fragment Number and Starting Sequence Number subfields. For example, the Fragment Number subfield may be 4 bits and the Starting Sequence Number subfield may be 12 bits. The Block Ack Bitmap / Parameter Restriction Info subfield contains Parameter Restriction Duration Information.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example definition of the AID TID Info subfield. The Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield is defined according to the example definition in Figure 8. The Block Ack Bitmap / Parameter Restriction Info subfield is defined as either a Block Ack Bitmap or a Parameter Restriction Info subfield depending on the value of AID TID Info. If the Ack Type subfield is 0 and the TID subfield is 0-7, then both the Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield and the Block Ack Bitmap exist. If the Ack Type subfield within the AID TID Info subfield is 0 or 1 and the TID subfield is 8, then both the Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield and Parameter Restriction Info exist. It is also possible to define whether the Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield and Block Ack Bitmap, or the Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield and Parameter Restriction Info, exist using Ack Type subfields and TID subfields other than those in Figure 8.

[0040] The Block Ack Starting Sequence Control subfield includes the Fragment Number subfield and the Starting Sequence Number subfield. The Fragment Number subfield value indicates the length of the Block Ack Bitmap / Parameter Restriction Info subfield. The Starting Sequence Number subfield value indicates the sequence number of the MSDU (Medium Access Control Service Data Unit) or A-MSDU (aggregate MSDU) corresponding to the first bit of the Block Ack Bitmap.

[0041] If Parameter Restriction Info exists, it includes parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information).

[0042] Figure 9 shows an example of a frame sequence in which transmit / receive restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) is transmitted in a Multi-STA BA frame. A Peer STA requests parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) from other STAs using a BSRP (Buffer Status Report Poll) Trigger frame as an ICF. If a requested STA has transmit / receive restrictions, it sends the parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) to the Peer STA using a Multi-STA BA frame as an ICR. Additionally, an STA with transmit / receive restrictions sends the parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) to the Peer STA using a Multi-STA BA frame as a CRF in response to the reception of a PPDU. The Peer STA and the STA with transmit / receive restrictions operate with the parameters specified by the shared parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information).

[0043] By transmitting parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in a Multi-STA BA frame, a Node can minimize interference with other wireless communication technologies coexisting within the Node.

[0044] (Embodiment 4-2) Embodiment 4-2 includes a field for specifying parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in a BSRP Trigger frame as an ICF (Initial Control Frame).

[0045] FIG. 10 shows an example of the Common Info subfield format of a BSRP Trigger frame. The Parameter Restriction Info subfield Present (B63) in the figure indicates whether the Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield contains parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information). If it contains parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information), the Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield contains the parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information). Although FIG. 10 shows an example of defining parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in the Trigger Dependent Common Info subfield, it may be defined separately in the Common Info field or in the Special User Info field.

[0046] FIG. 11 shows an example of a frame sequence for specifying parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in a BSRP Trigger frame. A STA with transmission and reception restrictions (STA with IDC) transmits parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) to a Peer STA using a BSRP Trigger frame as an ICF. The Peer STA and the STA with transmission and reception restrictions operate with parameters specified by the shared parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information).

[0047] By transmitting parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in a Multi-STA BA frame, a Node can minimize interference with other wireless communication technologies coexisting within the Node.

[0048] In Embodiment 4-2, although the parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) is included in a BSRP Trigger frame, it may also be included in Trigger frames of other Trigger Types or in other Control frames. Also, for the exchange of notifications between Nodes, both may be APs for information sharing between APs during Multi-AP operation.

[0049] (Embodiment 4-3) Embodiment 4-3 includes a field for specifying parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in HT / UHR Control.

[0050] FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a MAC frame format and an HT Control field. In FIG. 12, there is an HT Control field within a MAC header, and when Variant within the HT Control field is HE (B0 = 1, B1 = 1), an A-Control subfield exists. The A-Control subfield includes each subfield of Control List and Padding. The Control List subfield is composed of one or more Control subfields. The Control subfield includes each subfield of Control ID and Control Information. For example, the Control ID is 4 bits.

[0051] Figure 13 shows an example of a Control ID subfiled definition. In the example in Figure 13, it is defined that when the Control ID value is 10, the Control Information is a UD parameter restriction (UPR) control; when the Control ID value is 11, the Control Information is a UHR operating mode (UHR OM) control; and when the Control ID value is 12, the Control Information is a UHR link adaptation (ULA) control. In Figure 13, UPR, UHR OM, and ULA are defined with Control ID values ​​from 10 to 12, but they may also be defined with other undefined values.

[0052] Figure 14 shows an example of the UPR Control subfield (i.e., the Control Information subfield when the Control ID value is 10). The Control Information subfield contains parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information).

[0053] Figure 15 shows an example of the UHR OM Control subfield (i.e., the Control Information subfield when the Control ID value is 11). The Control Information subfield includes parameter limit information (and parameter limit period information) in addition to the subfields of the conventional OM Control (e.g., EHT OM Control). The conventional OM Control may be replaced with parameter limit information (and parameter limit period information).

[0054] Figure 16 shows an example of the ULA Control subfield format (i.e., the Control Information subfield format when the Control ID value is 12). The Control Information subfield format replaces or adds parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) to the subfields of the conventional HLA Control or ELA Control.

[0055] The Control Information subfields in Figures 14-16 are defined in the HT Control field in Figure 12, but they may also be defined in another Control field within the MAC header (for example, the UHR Control field).

[0056] By transmitting parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in the HT / UHR Control field, the Node can minimize mutual interference with other wireless communication technologies coexisting within the Node.

[0057] (Embodiment 4-4) Embodiment 4-4 includes a field in the U-SIG (Universal Signal) field of the preamble that specifies parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information).

[0058] Figure 17 shows an example of a U-SIG field definition. U-SIG-1 is defined as EHT (Extremely High Throughput, IEEE 802.11be) when the PHY Version Identifier (i.e., B0 to B2 of U-SIG-1) is 0, and as UHR (Ultra High Reliability, IEEE 802.11bn), which is the next generation of EHT, when it is 1. In Figure 17, when defined as UHR (i.e., when the PHY Version Identifier is 1), the Parameter Restriction Index shown in Embodiment 2 is defined in B20 to B21 as control information in U-SIG-1. The control information defined in U-SIG-1 may be each parameter such as NSS, Min RU size, Max MCS, TX Power as shown in Embodiment 2, or the parameter restriction information and parameter restriction period information as shown in Embodiment 3. Parameter limit information (and parameter limit period information) may be defined in bits other than B20 to B21, and may not be 2 bits.

[0059] Nodes can minimize mutual interference between wireless communication technologies by including a field in the U-SIG field that specifies parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) when transmitting.

[0060] <Embodiment 5> In Embodiment 5, as a notification method when performing periodic transmission and reception restrictions, a field is provided in the TWT (Target Wake Time) element to specify parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information).

[0061] Figure 18 shows an example of the TWT element format. The TWT / IDC Parameter Information field contains parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) related to either TWT or IDC. The format is switched between TWT and IDC depending on the Request Type in the TWT / IDC Parameter Information field. For example, if the value of the Broadcast TWT Recommendation subfield in Request Type is 5, the IDC Info subfield contains parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) related to IDC. The parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) is notified in the Management frame containing the TWT element.

[0062] Figure 19 shows an example of a Management frame, specifically an example of a Channel Usage Request frame format. A Channel Usage Request frame may include a TWT element.

[0063] Figure 20 shows an example of a frame sequence that notifies parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) in a Channel Usage Request. An STA with transmission and reception restrictions (STA with IDC) sends parameter restriction information (and parameter restriction period information) to the Peer STA in the Channel Usage Request frame. The Peer STA and the STA with transmission and reception restrictions operate with the specified parameter restrictions.

[0064] The Node can minimize mutual interference between wireless communication technologies by including a field in the TWT elements field that specifies parameter limit information (and parameter limit period information) when transmitting.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the signal in which parameter limit information (and parameter limit period information) is defined is not limited to the trigger frame, but may also be, for example, a MAC header (e.g., defining a new field) or a preamble.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the field (or subfield) used for notifying control information is merely an example, and other fields or subfields may be used. Also, the number of bits used for notifying control information in each field or subfield is merely an example, and other numbers of bits may be used.

[0067] Furthermore, the signal format described in the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and other configurations may be used in which at least one of the following is performed: the addition of other fields or the deletion of some fields. In addition, other configurations may be used in which at least one of the following is performed: the addition of other subfields or the deletion of some subfields in each of the above-described fields.

[0068] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the parameter values ​​are merely examples and may be other values.

[0069] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the field used for notifying control information is merely an example, and other fields may be used. Also, the number of bits and octets used for notifying control information in each field is merely an example, and other numbers of bits or octets may be used.

[0070] Furthermore, the signal formats described in each of the embodiments described above are merely examples, and other configurations may be used in which at least one of the following is performed: the addition of other fields or the deletion of some fields.

[0071] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes application to a specific version of the IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., 11bn), the above embodiment is not limited to application to a specific version of the IEEE 802.11 standard, but can be applied to various versions of the IEEE 802.11 standard. In addition, the above embodiment is not limited to application to the IEEE 802.11 standard, but may be applied to other communication standards or other communication technologies.

[0072] Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes, as an example, a case based on the format specified in IEEE 802.11, the format to which one embodiment of this disclosure is applied is not limited to the IEEE 802.11 format.

[0073] This disclosure can be implemented in software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be implemented in part or in whole as an integrated circuit (LSI), and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled in part or in whole by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI may consist of individual chips, or it may consist of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the degree of integration, LSIs may be referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs.

[0074] The integrated circuit implementation method is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that allows for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used. This disclosure may be implemented as digital or analog processing.

[0075] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or other derived technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that can replace LSIs, then naturally, it would be possible to use those technologies to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possibility.

[0076] This disclosure is applicable to all types of devices, systems, and equipment having communication capabilities (collectively referred to as communication equipment). Communication equipment may include a radio transceiver and a processing / control circuit. The radio transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both as functions. The radio transceiver (transmitter, receiver) may include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or similar. Non-exclusive examples of communication devices include telephones (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, notebooks, etc.), cameras (digital still / video cameras, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, vehicles or mobile transport with communication capabilities (cars, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above-mentioned devices.

[0077] Communication devices are not limited to portable or movable devices, but also include all kinds of non-portable or fixed devices, devices, and systems, such as smart home devices (appliances, lighting fixtures, smart meters or measuring instruments, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0078] Communication includes data communication via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, and communication satellite systems, as well as data communication using combinations of these.

[0079] Furthermore, the communication device also includes devices such as controllers and sensors that are connected to or linked to a communication device that performs the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, this includes controllers and sensors that generate control signals and data signals used by the communication device that performs the communication functions of the communication device.

[0080] Furthermore, communication equipment includes infrastructure facilities such as base stations, access points, and any other devices, devices, and systems that communicate with or control the aforementioned non-limited types of equipment.

[0081] Furthermore, in recent years, Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), a new concept in IoT (Internet of Things) technology that creates new added value through information linkage between physical and cyber spaces, has been attracting attention. This CPS concept can also be adopted in the above embodiment.

[0082] In other words, as a basic configuration of CPS, for example, edge servers located in physical space and cloud servers located in cyberspace are connected via a network, and processing can be distributed and performed by processors installed on both servers. Here, it is preferable that each processing data generated on the edge server or cloud server is generated on a standardized platform, and by using such a standardized platform, it is possible to improve efficiency when building systems that include various diverse groups of sensors and IoT application software.

[0083] <Summary of the Disclosure> (1) A wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the Disclosure comprises a control unit that generates a frame that notifies information regarding transmission and reception restrictions, and a transmission circuit that transmits the frame, the frame including parameter restriction information that restricts the parameters used for transmission and reception. (2) In the wireless communication device of (1) according to one embodiment of the Disclosure, the parameter restriction information is identification information. (3) In the wireless communication device of (2) according to one embodiment of the Disclosure, the identification information is an Index defined in a classification table that restricts parameters. (4) In the wireless communication device of (2) according to one embodiment of the Disclosure, the transmission circuit transmits the identification information in PPDU (Physical layer Protocol Data Unit) format. (5) In the wireless communication device of (2) according to one embodiment of the Disclosure, the identification information is a mode defined as power save mode. (6) In the wireless communication device of (1) according to one embodiment of the Disclosure, the control unit generates the parameter restriction information and parameter restriction period information that includes the period for restricting the parameters. (7) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (6), the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction period information in a separate frame or in the same frame as the parameter restriction information. (8) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (6), the parameter restriction information is identification information that restricts a parameter, or a plurality of parameters to restrict. (9) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (6), the parameter restriction period information includes an unavailable period. (10) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (1), the parameter restriction information is non-periodic restriction information. (11) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (10), the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information in a Multi-STA BA (Block Ack) frame as an ICR (Initial Control Response) or CRF (Control Response Frame).(12) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (10), the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information as an ICF (Initial Control Frame) in a BSRP (Buffer Status Report Poll) Trigger frame. (13) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (10), the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information in HT / UHR Control. (14) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (10), the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information in a U-SIG (Universal Signal) field. (15) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (1), the parameter restriction information is periodic restriction information. (16) In the wireless communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the wireless communication device of (15), the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information in a TWT (Target Wake Time) element. (17) A wireless communication method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure generates a frame that notifies information regarding transmission and reception restrictions, the frame includes parameter restriction information that restricts parameters used for transmission and reception, and transmits the frame.

[0084] All disclosures in the specification, drawings, and abstract contained in the Japanese application No. 2024-232860, filed on December 27, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] One embodiment of this disclosure is useful for wireless communication devices and wireless communication methods.

[0086] 100, 200 Wireless communication device 110 Control unit 120 Transmit / receive circuit

Claims

1. A wireless communication device comprising: a control unit that generates a frame for notifying information regarding transmission and reception limitations; the frame includes parameter limitation information that limits the parameters used for transmission and reception; and a transmission circuit that transmits the frame.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the parameter restriction information is identification information.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is an index defined in a classification table that restricts parameters.

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the transmitting circuit transmits the identification information in PPDU (Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit) format.

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is a mode defined as power save mode.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates parameter restriction information and parameter restriction period information including a period for restricting the parameters.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction period information in a separate frame or in the same frame as the parameter restriction information.

8. The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein the parameter restriction information is identification information that restricts a parameter, or a plurality of restricting parameters.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein the parameter restriction period information includes an unavailability period.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the parameter restriction information is non-periodic restriction information.

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information as an ICR (Initial Control Response) or CRF (Control Response Frame) in a Multi-STA BA (Block Ack) frame.

12. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information as an ICF (Initial Control Frame) in the form of a BSRP (Buffer Status Report Poll) Trigger frame.

13. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter limiting information using HT / UHR Control.

14. The wireless communication device according to claim 10, wherein the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter restriction information in a U-SIG (Universal Signal) field.

15. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the parameter limiting information is periodic limiting information.

16. The wireless communication device according to claim 15, wherein the transmitting circuit transmits the parameter limiting information using a TWT (Target Wake Time) element.

17. A wireless communication method that generates a frame that notifies information regarding transmission and reception restrictions, the frame includes parameter restriction information that restricts the parameters used for transmission and reception, and transmits the frame.

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