Communication device, method for controlling same, and program

Abstract

A communication device receives, from another communication device, a request frame for requesting to enable or disable a mode (DUO mode) for restricting communication during a period that is set as a period in which the other communication device cannot perform communication. The communication device transmits a response frame with respect to the request frame to the other communication device on the basis of the reception of the request frame. The response frame includes information indicating acceptance of the request in cases in which the request in the request frame is accepted, and includes information indicating rejection of the request in cases in which the request is rejected.

Description

Communication device, its control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication control technology in a wireless LAN.

[0002] Currently, wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) represented by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 series standards are widely used. The IEEE 802.11 series standards include standards such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be standards. Further, in order to improve the reliability of communication, the development of the IEEE 802.11bn standard is underway as a successor standard to the IEEE 802.11be standard.

[0003] In the IEEE 802.11bn standard, the introduction of an operation mode called Dynamic Unavailability Operation (DUO) mode is being considered (see Non-Patent Document 1). The DUO mode is a mode in which a station (STA) notifies an access point (AP) of a period during which communication with the AP cannot be performed (a period during which communication is unavailable), and restricts communication between the STA and the AP during that period. According to Non-Patent Document 1, the STA transmits a frame for requesting activation of the DUO mode to the AP, the AP transmits a response frame to the STA for the frame, and the STA that receives the response frame activates the DUO mode. As a result, the STA can notify the AP of the unavailable period thereafter. The same applies when the STA requests deactivation of the DUO mode.

[0004] Laurent Cariou et al., "PDT MAC Coexistence (IEEE 802.11-24 / 2040r9)", 2024

[0005] The communication control for enabling or disabling DUO mode described above assumes that when an AP receives a request from an STA to enable or disable DUO mode, it will always accept the request. However, there is no communication control provided for rejecting a request to enable or disable DUO mode, for example, if the AP needs to reject the request.

[0006] This disclosure provides a technology that enables a communications device that receives a request to enable or disable DUO mode to reject the request if necessary.

[0007] A communication device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a communication device compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, comprising: receiving means for receiving a request frame from another communication device for requesting the activation or deactivation of a mode that restricts communication during a period set as a period during which the other communication device is unable to communicate; and transmitting means for transmitting to the other communication device, based on the receipt of the request frame, a response frame which includes information indicating acceptance of the request if the request in the request frame is accepted, and information indicating rejection if the request is rejected.

[0008] A communication device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a communication device compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting a request frame to another communication device for requesting the activation or deactivation of a mode that restricts communication during a period set as a period during which the communication device is unable to communicate; receiving means for receiving the response frame, which includes information indicating acceptance of the request if the other communication device accepts the request in the request frame, and information indicating rejection of the request if the other communication device rejects the request; and controlling means for activating or deactivating the mode if the response frame includes information indicating acceptance of the request.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a communications device that receives a request to enable or disable DUO mode may refuse the request if necessary.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the technical ideas derived from this disclosure will become apparent from the following description with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral.

[0011] The attached drawings are included in the specification and constitute part thereof, illustrating embodiments in this disclosure and are used together with the description to explain the technical ideas derived from this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a communication device. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a communication device. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing performed by an AP. Figure 5A is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing performed by an STA. Figure 5B is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of processing performed by an STA. Figure 6A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a request frame. Figure 6B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a response frame. Figure 7A is a diagram showing an example of the setting value of the Reason Code field in a request frame and its meaning. Figure 7B is a diagram showing an example of the setting value of the Reason Code field in a request frame and its meaning. Figure 8A is a diagram showing an example of the setting value of the Reason Code field in a response frame and its meaning. Figure 8B is a diagram showing an example of the setting value of the Reason Code field in a response frame and its meaning. Figure 8C is a diagram showing an example of the setting value of the Mode subfield in a response frame and its meaning.

[0013] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are necessary, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a wireless communication system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. The wireless communication system is composed of communication devices that perform wireless LAN communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard (IEEE 802.11 standard). In Figure 1, the communication devices consist of an access point (AP) and a station (STA), with one AP (AP101) and three STAs (STA102a, STA102b, and STA102c). However, this is just an example, and for example, the number of STAs may be one or two, or the number of APs and STAs may be greater.

[0015] In the example shown in Figure 1, STA102a, STA102b, and STA102c are wirelessly connected to the Basic Service Set (BSS), a wireless network formed by AP101. AP101 is configured to communicate with each STA connected to the BSS. In the following, when STA102 is mentioned, it refers to STA102a, STA102b, and STA102c, respectively.

[0016] The communication devices (AP101 and STA102) may be, but are not limited to, a wireless LAN router, a personal computer (PC), a camera, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a video camera, a headset, or a printer. Alternatively, the communication devices (AP101 and STA102) may be information processing devices equipped with a wireless chip capable of performing wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard.

[0017] In this embodiment, STA 102 is configured to operate in Dynamic Unavailability Operation (DUO) mode as defined in the IEEE 802.11 series standard. DUO mode is a mode in which STA notifies AP of a period during which it cannot communicate with AP (communication unavailability period), and restricts communication between STA and AP during that period. The unavailability period is expressed by the start time (start timing) and length of the period. Note that the DUO mode in this embodiment is an example of a mode that restricts communication during a period set as a period during which the communication device (STA) cannot communicate.

[0018] An STA operating in DUO mode will not communicate with an AP during periods of unavailability. This allows for, for example, a reduction in the STA's power consumption, or enables other operations within the STA, such as communication using a different standard that may interfere with communication with the AP. The coexistence of communication using another standard (e.g., Bluetooth®) that may interfere with communication using standards such as IEEE 802.11bn within the AP or STA may be called In-Device Coexistence (IDC). Furthermore, when the AP is notified of an unavailability period by the STA, it restricts communication so as not to send frames to the STA during that period. This prevents frames from being lost due to the AP sending frames during the STA's communication unavailability period. In other words, DUO mode can be said to be a mode used for the coexistence of the STA with other wireless technologies.

[0019] In this embodiment, AP101 is configured to control the activation or deactivation of DUO mode in STA102. As described above, according to Non-Patent Literature 1, when AP receives a request frame from STA to request activation of DUO mode, AP sends a response frame to STA for the request frame. Upon receiving the response frame, STA activates DUO mode. This allows STA to notify AP of periods of unavailability thereafter. The same applies when STA requests deactivation of DUO mode.

[0020] The communication control for enabling or disabling DUO mode described above assumes that when an AP receives a request from an STA to enable or disable DUO mode, it will always accept the request. However, there is no communication control provided for rejecting a request to enable or disable DUO mode, for example, if the AP needs to reject the request.

[0021] Therefore, in this embodiment, a technology is provided that enables a communication device (AP101) that receives a request to enable or disable DUO mode to reject the request if necessary. Specifically, when the communication device (AP101) receives a request frame from another communication device (STA102) to enable or disable DUO mode, it processes the response frame to the request frame to include information indicating acceptance of the request if the request in the request frame is accepted, and information indicating rejection if the request is rejected. The configuration of the communication device and the processing flow for performing such processing will be described below.

[0022] <Device Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device (AP101 and STA102) in this embodiment. As an example of its hardware configuration, the communication device has, for example, a storage unit 201, a control unit 202, a function unit 203, an input unit 204, an output unit 205, a communication unit 206, and an antenna 207. Note that these are just examples, and the communication device may have further configurations not shown in Figure 2, or some or all of the configurations shown in Figure 2 may be replaced by other configurations having similar functions.

[0023] The storage unit 201 is composed of one or more memories, such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and / or RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 201 stores computer programs (instruction sets) for performing the various operations described later, and various information such as communication parameters for wireless communication. Note that one or more memories constituting the storage unit 201 may be other types of storage media, such as flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, DVDs, etc. The storage unit 201 may also be equipped with multiple memories.

[0024] The control unit 202 is composed of one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and / or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 202 controls the entire communication device by reading and executing computer programs (instruction sets) stored in the storage unit 201. The control unit 202 may also be configured to control the entire device in cooperation with the computer programs stored in the storage unit 201 and the OS (operating system). Furthermore, the control unit 202 may be equipped with multiple processors, such as a multi-core processor, and configured to control the entire device with these multiple processors.

[0025] The control unit 202 generates data or signals (wireless frames) to be transmitted in communication with other communication devices. The control unit 202 further controls the functional unit 203 to perform predetermined processes such as wireless communication, imaging, printing, and projection. The functional unit 203 consists of hardware for the communication device to perform predetermined processes. If the communication device is a printer, the functional unit 203 is a printing device and performs printing based on image data acquired via the communication unit 206, for example. If the communication device is a scanner, the functional unit 203 is a reading device and outputs the image data generated by scanning to the outside, for example via the communication unit 206. If the communication device is a camera, the functional unit 203 includes an image sensor and a lens and outputs the image data obtained by imaging with the camera to the outside, for example via the communication unit 206. The functional unit 203 may also include configurations for realizing AP functions and / or STA functions.

[0026] The input unit 204 includes, for example, a touch panel, hard keys, and buttons, and accepts various operations from the user. The output unit 205 includes, for example, a display, speaker, and vibrator, and provides various outputs to the user. Here, the output from the output unit 205 may be one or more of the following: screen display on the display, audio output from the speaker, and vibration output. The input unit 204 and the output unit 205 may be implemented as a single module, such as a touch panel display. The input unit 204 and the output unit 205 may also be built into the communication device or implemented by an external input / output device. In this case, the communication device has an input / output interface for connecting to the input / output device.

[0027] The communication unit 206 performs control for wireless communication compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard (IEEE 802.11 standard). The communication unit 206 can perform control for wireless communication compliant with, for example, the IEEE 802.11bn standard, or its successor standards or earlier legacy standards. The communication unit 206 can also perform control for wired communication such as wired LAN. The communication unit 206 controls the antenna 207 to send and receive signals for wireless communication generated by the control unit 202. For example, a communication device sends and receives various data such as image data, document data, and video data to and from a partner device (another communication device) via the communication unit 206.

[0028] Furthermore, if the communication device supports the NFC standard and the Bluetooth® standard in addition to the IEEE 802.11 series standard, the communication unit 206 may control wireless communication in accordance with these communication standards. Also, if the communication device is capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with multiple communication standards, it may have separate communication units and antennas that support different communication standards.

[0029] Antenna 207 is, for example, an antenna capable of detecting and radiating radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz band, and the 6 GHz band. Antenna 207 may also be configured to enable communication in the same frequency band. In this case, antenna 207 may be, for example, a multiband antenna capable of communication in multiple frequency bands. Figure 2 shows an example in which the communication device has only one antenna, but for example, multiple antennas may be used depending on the number of available spatial streams. If the communication device has multiple antennas, it may have a communication unit 206 corresponding to each antenna. Antenna 207 may be provided separately from the communication unit 206, or it may be configured as a single module together with the communication unit 206.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional (software) configuration of the communication device (AP101 and STA102) in this embodiment. The communication device has, for example, a wireless LAN control unit 301, a frame generation unit 302, a frame analysis unit 303, a UI control unit 304, a storage control unit 305, and a DUO control unit 306 as its functional units (functional blocks). Note that the functional configuration shown in Figure 3 is just one example, and other functions may be added or the shown functions may be modified. For example, one functional block shown in Figure 3 may be divided into multiple units, or multiple functional blocks may be combined into one. Also, some functions may be omitted, or functions not shown may be added. In one example, at least some of the functions shown in Figure 3 may be realized by the control unit 202 executing a program stored in the storage unit 201. Also, at least some of the functions shown in Figure 3 may be realized using dedicated hardware.

[0031] The wireless LAN control unit 301 controls wireless LAN communication. The wireless LAN control unit 301 controls the communication unit 206 and the antenna 207 in order to send and receive wireless signals with other communication devices capable of wireless LAN communication. For example, the wireless LAN control unit 301 works in cooperation with the frame generation unit 302 and the frame analysis unit 303 to perform wireless frame communication control in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 series standard.

[0032] The frame generation unit 302 generates wireless frames such as control frames, management frames, and data frames. Each wireless frame includes a MAC (Medium Access Control) frame. MAC frames are also called MPDU (MAC Protocol Data Unit) or A-MPDU (Aggregate MAC Protocol Data Unit). A wireless frame consists of a preamble field and a data field. The data field stores MAC frames such as management frames, control frames, and data frames. Wireless control can be performed using each MAC frame generated by the frame generation unit 302. The content of the wireless control may be constrained by settings stored in the storage unit 201 by the storage control unit 305. The frame generation unit 302 can also accept settings from the user via the UI control unit 304. The wireless frames generated by the frame generation unit 302 are supplied to the wireless LAN control unit 301 and can be transmitted externally using the communication unit 206 and antenna 207 under the control of the wireless LAN control unit 301. In other words, AP101 and STA102 transmit and receive UHR (Ultra High Reliability) PPDUs, which are wireless frames compliant with the IEEE 802.11bn standard. PPDU stands for Physical Layer Protocol Data Unit.

[0033] The frame analysis unit 303 analyzes wireless frames received via the communication unit 206 and antenna 207 under the control of the wireless LAN control unit 301. When analyzing wireless frames, the frame analysis unit 303 can determine the analysis method based on settings stored in the storage unit 201 by the storage control unit 305.

[0034] The UI control unit 304 controls the input unit 204 to accept input to a user interface (UI), such as a touch panel or buttons, for receiving operations on a communication device by a user (not shown). The UI control unit 304 can also control the output unit 205, for example, to perform controls to present information to the user, such as displaying images or outputting audio. The UI control unit 304 can also control the input unit 204 and the output unit 205 to display a graphical UI (GUI) on a display and accept operations on that GUI.

[0035] The memory control unit 305 controls the memory unit 201 to perform various information storage-related controls, such as saving, searching, and extracting programs and data on which the communication device operates. The DUO control unit 306 performs controls related to the DUO mode, which is enabled or disabled in STA 102. For example, the DUO control unit 306 of AP 101 makes a decision (determination) to accept or reject the request (request for enable or disable) in the request frame received from STA 102. The DUO control unit 306 of STA 102 also makes a decision (determination) to request (desire) AP 101 to enable or disable the DUO mode.

[0036] <Processing Procedure in AP> Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure performed by AP101 (access point device). This procedure can be repeatedly executed, for example, while AP101 is starting up.

[0037] In S101, AP101 (communication device) determines whether it has received a request frame from any STA102 (other communication device) within the BSS to request a change in the DUO mode setting in STA102 (enabling or disabling DUO mode). If AP101 has not received a request frame, it repeats the determination in S101. If it receives a request frame, it proceeds to S102.

[0038] In S102, AP101 determines whether the received request frame requested the activation of DUO mode (i.e., activation or deactivation). In this embodiment, the request frame transmitted from STA102 to AP101 includes information indicating whether the request is for activation or deactivation of DUO mode. Therefore, the request frame will request either activation or deactivation of DUO mode. Based on the request frame received in S101, AP101 proceeds to S103 if it determines that activation of DUO mode was requested, and proceeds to S113 if it determines that deactivation of DUO mode was requested.

[0039] (If activation is requested) In S103, AP101 decides whether to accept or reject the request to activate DUO mode. Examples of cases in which AP101 rejects the request to activate DUO mode include: ● When there is a large amount of data to be sent to STA102. ● When there is data to be sent to STA102 with low latency. ● When AP101 does not have sufficient capacity (for example, the transmit buffer memory capacity for STA102 is small). ● When the user or manufacturer has configured the system not to allow the activation of DUO mode.

[0040] AP101 decides whether to accept (reject) a request to enable DUO mode by determining, for example, whether predetermined conditions for rejecting a request to enable DUO mode have been met. Such conditions may be defined in accordance with the cases in which a request to enable DUO mode is rejected, as described above. For example, one of the conditions may be that there is (a large amount of) data to be sent to STA102. Also, as will be described later, the request frame sent from STA102 may include information indicating the reason for requesting the activation of DUO mode (request reason). AP101 may decide whether to accept (reject) a request to enable DUO mode based on the request reason indicated by the information included in the request frame. Furthermore, conditions for accepting or rejecting a request may be predetermined for each reason for the activation request.

[0041] If AP101 decides to accept the request to enable DUO mode, it proceeds to S104; if it decides to reject the request to enable DUO mode, it proceeds to S106.

[0042] In S104, AP101 generates a response frame containing information indicating acceptance of the request indicated by the request frame received from STA102, and sends the generated response frame to STA102. Upon receiving this response frame, STA102 activates DUO mode according to the information in the response frame indicating acceptance of the request (acceptance of DUO mode activation), and begins operation in DUO mode (S206 in Figure 5A). In accordance with this operation of STA102, in S105, AP101 begins operations on STA102, which is operating in DUO mode.

[0043] For example, AP101 sends a trigger frame to STA102 and receives a response frame from STA102. This trigger frame is sent from AP101 to STA102 to request configuration information related to DUO mode (information set in STA102 indicating the period during which communication (device) is unavailable) which is necessary for operation (communication) in DUO mode. The trigger frame may consist of, for example, a Buffer Status Report Pol (BSRP) trigger frame. The response frame may consist of, for example, a Multi-STA Block Ack (M-BA) frame. The information indicating the period of unavailability included in the response sent from STA102 may include information indicating the start time (start timing) and length of the period of unavailability. Alternatively, AP101 may receive a BSRP trigger frame containing information indicating the period of unavailability from STA101. In that case, AP101 sends an M-BA frame to STA102 as a response to the BSRP trigger frame.

[0044] When the communication of STA102 is in the unavailable period, AP101 restricts the communication with STA102 during the unavailable period according to the configuration information by operating not to transmit frames to STA102. Note that if AP101 enters the unavailable period before the transmission of a frame is completed, the frame is considered not to be received by STA102. Thus, when starting the operation for STA102 operating in the DUO mode, AP101 ends the processing according to this procedure.

[0045] On the other hand, in S106, AP101 generates a response frame including information indicating the rejection of the request indicated by the request frame received from STA102, and transmits the generated response frame to STA102. When transmitting the response frame in this way, AP101 ends the processing according to this procedure. This response frame may include information indicating the reason for rejecting the request indicated by the request frame (rejection reason) and / or information indicating the conditions recommended for the request to be accepted by AP101 (recommended conditions). Note that in S106, AP101 may notify STA102 of the rejection of the request indicated by the received request frame by not transmitting any response frame for the received request frame.

[0046] STA102 that has received the above response frame executes an operation (S207 in FIG. 5A) based on the information included in the response frame. For example, STA102 executes an operation of maintaining the DUO mode in an invalid state without activating it according to the information indicating the rejection of the activation of the DUO mode.

[0047] (When deactivation is requested) In S113, AP101 determines whether to accept the request for deactivation of the DUO mode (whether to accept or reject it). Here, examples of the case where AP101 rejects the request for deactivation of the DUO mode are as follows. ● When a large number of STAs are connected to AP101. ● When the channel in use by AP101 is congested. ● When AP101 has no margin in its capabilities (for example, cannot process a large amount of data). ● When it is set that the user or manufacturer does not allow deactivation of the DUO mode.

[0048] AP101 determines whether to accept (reject) a request to invalidate the DUO mode by determining whether a predetermined condition for rejecting the request to invalidate the DUO mode, for example, is satisfied. Such a condition can be defined corresponding to the case of rejecting the request to invalidate the DUO mode described above. For example, one of the conditions is that a large number of STAs are connected to AP101. Also, as will be described later, the request frame transmitted from STA102 may include information indicating the reason (request reason) for requesting the invalidation of the DUO mode. AP101 may determine whether to accept (reject) the request to invalidate the DUO mode based on the request reason indicated by the information included in the request frame. Also, conditions for accepting or rejecting the request may be predetermined for each request reason for invalidation.

[0049] When AP101 determines to accept the request to invalidate the DUO mode, it proceeds to S114, and when it determines to reject the request to invalidate the DUO mode, it proceeds to S116.

[0050] In S114, AP101 generates a response frame including information indicating acceptance of the request indicated by the request frame received from STA102, and transmits the generated response frame to STA102. STA102 that has received this response frame invalidates the DUO mode according to the information indicating acceptance of the request (acceptance of the invalidation of the DUO mode) included in the response frame, and starts an operation other than the DUO mode (S216 in FIG. 5B). In accordance with such an operation of STA102, in S115, AP101 starts an operation on STA102 that is not operating in the DUO mode (an operation other than the operation in the DUO mode). Thereby, AP101 stops the operation that had refrained from transmitting frames during the unusable period for the DUO mode, and resumes the transmission of frames during the unusable period. Thus, AP101 releases the restriction on communication with STA102 during the unusable period.

[0051] On the other hand, in S116, AP101 generates a response frame containing information indicating the rejection of the request indicated by the request frame received from STA102, and sends the generated response frame to STA102. After sending the response frame in this way, AP101 terminates the processing according to this procedure. This response frame may also include information indicating the reason for rejecting the request indicated by the request frame (rejection reason), and / or information indicating the conditions recommended by AP101 for the request to be accepted (recommended conditions). Alternatively, in S116, AP101 may notify STA102 of the rejection of the request indicated by the request frame by not sending any response frame in response to the received request frame.

[0052] Upon receiving the above response frame, STA102 performs an action based on the information contained in the response frame (S217 in Figure 5B). For example, STA102 performs an action to keep DUO mode enabled without disabling it, in accordance with information indicating a rejection of disabling DUO mode. AP101 may decide whether to accept (reject) a request from STA102 to enable DUO mode and perform an action according to the result, while always accepting a request to disable DUO mode. In this case, S113 is skipped after S102 and S114 is executed. Note that S116 is not executed. In this case, the response frame transmitted in S114 does not need to include information explicitly indicating acceptance or rejection, or the reason for rejection. This simplifies the processing when disabling DUO mode is requested.

[0053] <Processing Procedure in STA> Figures 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing an example of the processing procedure performed by STA102 (station device). This procedure can be repeatedly executed, for example, while STA102 is starting up.

[0054] In S201, STA102 determines whether to request (desire) AP101 to enable DUO mode. Here are some examples of when STA102 may request the activation of DUO mode: ● When starting other communications, such as Bluetooth communication, on the same channel used for communication with AP101. (In this case, enabling DUO mode may be requested to avoid interference between communication with AP101 and other communications.) ● When it becomes necessary to reduce the power consumption of STA102. ● When STA does not have sufficient capacity. (For example, enabling DUO mode may be requested in order to use the hardware resources used for communication with AP101 for other processing (including communication with other communication devices or AP101 on other channels) during the period when they are unavailable.) ● When it is configured by the user or manufacturer to request the activation of DUO mode.

[0055] STA102 determines whether to request the activation of DUO mode by determining whether predetermined conditions are met, for example, as conditions for requesting the activation of DUO mode when DUO mode is disabled. Such conditions can be defined in accordance with the above-mentioned cases for requesting the activation of DUO mode. For example, one of the conditions is to start Bluetooth communication on the same channel used in communication with AP101. If the above conditions are met, STA102 determines that it requests the activation of DUO mode and proceeds to S203; otherwise, it proceeds from S201 to S202.

[0056] In S202, STA102 determines whether to request (desire) AP101 to disable DUO mode. Here are some examples of when STA102 may request the disabling of DUO mode: ● When other communications, such as Bluetooth communication, that were running on the same channel as the channel being used for communication with AP101 have finished. ● When there is (a large amount of) data to be sent to AP101. ● When there is data to be sent to AP101 with low latency. ● When STA does not have sufficient capacity (for example, the transmit buffer memory capacity is small). ● When the user or manufacturer has configured the system to request the disabling of DUO mode.

[0057] STA102 determines whether to request the disabling of DUO mode by determining whether predetermined conditions have been met, for example, when DUO mode is enabled. Such conditions can be defined in accordance with the above-mentioned cases for requesting the disabling of DUO mode. For example, one of the conditions may be that the Bluetooth communication that was running on the same channel as the channel currently in use for communication with AP101 has ended. If the above-mentioned conditions are met, STA102 determines that it is requesting the disabling of DUO mode and proceeds to S213; otherwise, it returns to S201.

[0058] (When requesting the activation of DUO mode) In S203, STA102 generates a request frame containing information indicating that it is requesting the activation of DUO mode, and sends the generated request frame to AP101. This request frame may also include information indicating the reason for requesting the activation of DUO mode (request reason). The request reason may be, for example, a reason corresponding to the above-mentioned conditions for requesting the activation of DUO mode. An example of the structure of the request frame transmitted in S203 will be described later with reference to Figure 6A.

[0059] After sending the request frame in S203, in S204, STA102 determines whether or not it has received a response frame from AP101 for the request frame. For example, if STA102 does not receive a response frame within a predetermined period after sending the request frame, it determines that it has not received a response frame (NO in S204) and terminates the processing according to this procedure. In this case, STA102 may, for example, abandon the request to enable DUO mode and refrain from performing any further related operations, or it may, after a certain period of time has elapsed, send a request frame again (S203) to request the activation of DUO mode.

[0060] If STA102 receives a response frame from AP101 in response to a request frame (YES in S204), it proceeds from S204 to S205. This response frame is the response frame transmitted from AP101 in S104 or S106 (Figure 4). In S205, STA102 analyzes the contents of the received response frame and determines whether the contents indicate acceptance of the request in the request frame (whether it indicates acceptance of the request or rejection of the request). Specifically, STA102 makes the determination in S205 based on whether the response frame contains information indicating acceptance of the request or information indicating rejection of the request. If the contents of the response frame indicate acceptance of the request (YES in S205), STA102 proceeds to S206; if it indicates rejection of the request (NO in S205), STA102 proceeds to S207.

[0061] If the request to enable DUO mode is accepted by AP101, in S206, STA102 enables DUO mode, starts operation in DUO mode, and terminates the processing according to this procedure. For example, STA102 receives the trigger frame from AP101 and sends a response frame to AP102 as a response frame to the trigger frame, which includes information related to DUO mode and indicating the period during which communication is unavailable. As described above, for example, the trigger frame may consist of a BSRP trigger frame, and the response frame may consist of an M-BA frame. The information indicating the period of unavailability included in the response sent from STA102 may include information indicating the start time and length of the period of unavailability.

[0062] In this way, STA102 notifies AP101 of the period during which communication in DUO mode is unavailable. As a result, STA102 and AP101 restrict communication between STA102 and AP101 by refraining from communication (sending and receiving frames) during the set period of unavailability as part of their DUO mode operation. This operation may continue until DUO mode is disabled.

[0063] On the other hand, if the request to enable DUO mode is rejected by AP101, in S207 STA102 performs an action based on the information contained in the received response frame and terminates the processing in this procedure. For example, in accordance with the information indicating the rejection of the request, STA102 may abandon the request to enable DUO mode and refrain from performing any further related actions. Alternatively, STA102 may make a re-request to AP101 by sending a request frame (S203) again to request the activation of DUO mode after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0064] Furthermore, if the received response frame contains information indicating a reason for rejection, STA 102 may take action based on that reason for rejection. For example, if the reason for rejecting the activation of DUO mode is that AP 101 has (a large amount of) data to send to STA 102, or has data to send to STA 102 with low latency, STA 102 may, after a certain period of time has elapsed, re-request AP 101 by sending a request frame (S203) again to request the activation of DUO mode. Also, if the reason for rejection is that AP 101 does not have sufficient capacity (for example, the capacity of the transmit buffer memory (for transmission to STA) is small), STA 102 may abandon the request to activate DUO mode. Note that STA 102 may, in advance, store in the storage unit 201 information indicating the action that STA 102 should take in response to each reason for rejection that may be indicated in the response frame from AP 101.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, if the received response frame contains information indicating recommended conditions for AP101 to accept the request, STA102 may perform an action based on those recommended conditions. For example, if the recommended conditions indicate another operation or mode, STA102 will perform such another operation or mode. Also, if the recommended conditions indicate a time when it is recommended to enable DUO mode, STA102 will again send a request frame (S203) to request the activation of DUO mode at the indicated time. Further examples of such recommended conditions will be described later with reference to Figure 8C.

[0066] (When requesting the disabling of DUO mode) In S213, STA102 generates a request frame containing information indicating that the disabling of DUO mode is to be requested, and transmits the generated request frame to AP101. This request frame may also include information indicating the reason for requesting the disabling of DUO mode (request reason). The request reason may be, for example, a reason corresponding to the above-mentioned conditions for requesting the disabling of DUO mode. An example of the structure of the request frame transmitted in S213 will be described later with reference to Figure 6A.

[0067] After sending the request frame in S213, in S214, STA102 determines whether or not it has received a response frame from AP101 for the request frame. For example, if STA102 does not receive a response frame within a predetermined period after sending the request frame, it determines that it has not received a response frame (NO in S214) and terminates the processing according to this procedure. In this case, STA102 may, for example, abandon the request to disable DUO mode and refrain from performing any further related operations, or it may, after a certain period of time has elapsed, send a request frame again to request the disabling of DUO mode (S213).

[0068] If STA102 receives a response frame from AP101 in response to a request frame (YES in S214), it proceeds from S214 to S215. This response frame is the response frame transmitted from AP101 in S114 or S116 (Figure 4). In S215, STA102 analyzes the contents of the received response frame and determines whether the contents indicate acceptance of the request in the request frame (whether it indicates acceptance of the request or rejection of the request). Specifically, STA102 makes the determination in S215 based on whether the response frame contains information indicating acceptance of the request or information indicating rejection of the request. If the contents of the response frame indicate acceptance of the request (YES in S215), STA102 proceeds to S216; if it indicates rejection of the request (NO in S215), STA102 proceeds to S217.

[0069] If AP101 accepts the request to disable DUO mode, STA102 disables DUO mode in S216. As a result, STA102 starts an operation other than DUO mode and terminates the processing in this procedure.

[0070] On the other hand, if the request to disable DUO mode is rejected by AP101, in S217, STA102 performs an action based on the information contained in the received response frame and terminates the processing according to this procedure. For example, according to the information indicating the rejection of the request, STA102 abandons the request to disable DUO mode and continues operation in DUO mode. Alternatively, STA102 may continue operation in DUO mode and, after a certain period of time has elapsed, make another request to AP101 by sending a request frame (S213) to request the disabling of DUO mode.

[0071] Furthermore, if the received response frame contains information indicating a reason for rejection, STA 102 may take action based on that reason for rejection. For example, if the reason for rejecting the disabling of DUO mode is that many STAs are connected to AP 101, or that the channel being used by AP 101 is congested, STA 102 may, after a certain period of time has elapsed, send a request frame (S203) again to request the disabling of DUO mode and make a re-request to AP 101. Also, if the reason for rejection is that AP 101 does not have sufficient capacity (for example, it cannot process a large amount of data), STA 102 may abandon the request to disable DUO mode. Note that STA 102 may, in advance, store in the storage unit 201 information indicating the action that STA 102 should take in response to each reason for rejection that may be indicated in the response frame from AP 101.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, if the received response frame contains information indicating conditions (recommended conditions) that AP101 recommends for the request to be accepted, STA102 may perform an action based on those recommended conditions. For example, if the recommended conditions indicate other actions or modes, STA102 will perform such other actions or modes. Also, if the recommended conditions indicate a time when it is recommended to disable DUO mode, STA102 will again send a request frame (S203) to request the disabling of DUO mode at the indicated time. Further examples of such recommended conditions will be described later using Figure 8C. If STA102 requests the activation of DUO mode, AP101 will decide whether to accept (reject) it and perform an action according to the result, while if STA102 requests the disabling of DUO mode, it may be set so that it is always accepted. In this case, after S214, S215 is skipped and S216 is executed. Note that S217 is not executed. In this case, the response frame received in S214 does not need to include information indicating acceptance or rejection, nor the reason for rejection. This simplifies the processing when a request is made to disable DUO mode.

[0073] <Examples of Request and Response Frame Configurations> Figure 6A shows an example of the configuration of a request frame transmitted from STA102 to request a change in the settings related to DUO mode (enabling or disabling DUO mode). Figure 6B shows an example of the configuration of a response frame transmitted from AP101 to request a change in the settings related to DUO mode (enabling or disabling DUO mode). In this embodiment, the request frame and response frame are configured as MAC frames compliant with the IEEE 802.11 series standard. Figures 6A and 6B show examples in which both the request frame and response frame are composed of Action frames among the management frames.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6A, the request frame includes a Frame Control field 601, a Duration field 602, an Address 1 field, an Address 2 field 604, an Address 3 field 605, a Sequence Control field 606, a Frame Body field 607, and an FCS field 608.

[0075] The Frame Control field 601 stores information related to the control of the entire frame, including information indicating the type of frame. In this example, the Frame Control field 601 stores information indicating that the frame type is an Action frame. The Duration field 602 stores information indicating the period required to transmit the frame. The Address 1 field, Address 2 field 604, and Address 3 field 605 store the MAC address of the sender of this frame, the MAC address of the receiver, and the BSS ID, which is the BSS ID, etc. The Frame Body field 607 stores information related to the request to enable or disable DUO mode.

[0076] The Frame Body field 607 includes the Category field 611, the Dialog Token field 612, the Enable / Disable field 613, the Reason Code field 614, and the Reserved area 615. The Reserved area 615 is an unused area (reserved area).

[0077] The Category field 611 stores information indicating the category of this frame, and in this example, it stores a value indicating the category associated with DUO mode. For example, any of the Reserved values ​​(values ​​not currently used) from "40" to "125" in the IEEE 802.11be standard may be used as the value indicating the category associated with DUO mode. The Dialog Token field 612 stores an arbitrary value. Note that the Dialog Token field 622 of the response frame may store the same value as the value stored in the Dialog Token field 612.

[0078] The Enable / Disable field 613 stores a value (information) indicating whether to request enabling or disabling DUO mode. For example, if the value "1" is stored, it indicates a request to enable DUO mode, and if the value "0" is stored, it indicates a request to disable DUO mode.

[0079] The Reason Code field 614 stores a value (information) indicating the reason (request reason) for requesting the activation or deactivation of DUO mode, depending on the value of the Enable / Disable field 613. Figures 7A and 7B show the values ​​(3-bit values ​​in this example) stored in the Reason Code field 614 and examples of reasons corresponding to each value. In this example, the requests for activation or deactivation of DUO mode, as described above using Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, are indicated by the values ​​stored in the Reason Code field 614. Note that "unspecified" as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, and later in Figures 8A and 8B, indicates that the reason is not specified, for example, to conceal the reason, and "vendor-dependent" indicates that the reason depends, for example, on the manufacturer or distributor of the communication equipment. Furthermore, in the examples of Figures 7A and 7B, the values ​​stored in the Reason Code field 614 are associated one-to-one with the reasons, but the Reason Code field 614 may be configured to show multiple reasons in bitmap format.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6B, the response frame has a similar structure to the request frame, but the structure of the Frame Body field 607 is different. The Frame Body field 607 of the response frame includes the Category field 621, the Dialog Token field 622, the Accept / Reject field 623, the Reason Code field 624, the Recommendation field 625, and the Reserved area 626.

[0081] The Category field 621 and the Dialog Token field 622 are the same as the Category field 611 and the Dialog Token field 612 in the request frame, and the same values ​​as in the request frame are stored. However, when a request frame is transmitted from STA 102, the Frame Body field 607 is configured as shown in Figure 6A, and when a response frame is transmitted from AP 101, the Frame Body field 607 is configured as shown in Figure 6B. In order to distinguish between a request frame and a response frame, for example, different values ​​may be stored in the Category fields 611 and 621. In addition, a field indicating whether it is a request frame or a response frame may be provided in addition to the fields shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[0082] The Accept / Reject field 623 stores a value (information) indicating acceptance or rejection of the request (a request to enable or disable DUO mode) in the request frame. For example, if the value "1" is stored, it indicates acceptance of the request in the request frame, and if the value "0" is stored, it indicates rejection of the request in the request frame.

[0083] The Reason Code field 624 stores a value (information) indicating the reason (reason for rejection) for enabling or disabling DUO mode, depending on the value of the Accept / Reject field 623. Figures 8A and 8B show examples of the values ​​(3-bit values ​​in this example) stored in the Reason Code field 624 and the reasons corresponding to each value. In this example, the reasons for rejecting the enabling or disabling of DUO mode, as described above using Figures 4, 5A, and 5B, are indicated by the values ​​stored in the Reason Code field 624. In the examples of Figures 8A and 8B, the values ​​stored in the Reason Code field 624 are associated one-to-one with the reasons, but the Reason Code field 624 may be configured to show multiple reasons in bitmap format.

[0084] The Recommendation field 625 stores information indicating the recommended conditions (recommended conditions) for AP 101 to accept a request if the request from STA 102 is rejected. The Recommendation field 625 includes the Mode subfield 631 and the Start Time subfield 631. The Mode subfield 631 stores information (values) indicating the recommended mode or operation. Figure 8C shows the values ​​stored in the Mode subfield 631 (3-bit values ​​in this example) and examples of modes or operations corresponding to each value. In this example, DUO mode, Limited Operation Mode (LOM), Periodic Unavailability Operation (PUO) mode, Power Save (PS) mode, Target Wake Time (TWT) operation, and Restricted-TWT (R-TWT) operation are associated with values ​​stored in the Mode subfield 631.

[0085] LOM is an operating mode that limits the duration of the corresponding PPDU and the performance of MCS, etc. PUO mode is an operating mode in which the period of communication unavailability in STA102 is periodic (communication is periodically restricted). PS mode is an operating mode in which the device enters an awakened state only when transmitting data or when a Beacon frame received from an AP indicates that the AP has data addressed to the device and it is received, and enters a doze state at other times. TWT operation is an operation defined in the IEEE 802.11ax standard in which the device enters an awakened state only during a period determined by negotiation with the AP, and enters a doze state at other times. R-TWT operation is an operation defined in the IEEE 802.11be standard in which the device only needs to enter an awakened state for a more limited period than TWT operation. The value of the Mode subfield 631 indicates that any of these modes or operations is a recommended condition for AP101 to accept a request if AP101 rejects the request from STA102.

[0086] The Start Time field 632 indicates the recommended time to enable DUO mode, when the recommended mode is DUO mode. If a specific value (e.g., "0") is stored in the Start Time field 632, it may indicate that the request to enable DUO mode is currently temporarily unavailable. Alternatively, if another specific value (e.g., "FF") is stored, it may indicate that the BSS in question permanently cannot accept requests to enable DUO mode.

[0087] As described above, the communication device (AP101) of this embodiment receives a request frame from another communication device (STA102) to request the activation or deactivation of a mode (DUO mode) that restricts communication during a period set as a time when communication is not possible. Based on the receipt of the request frame, the communication device transmits a response frame to the other communication device. The response frame includes information indicating acceptance of the request if the request in the request frame is accepted, and information indicating rejection if the request is rejected. This makes it possible for the communication device (AP101) that has received a request from another communication device (STA102) to activate or deactivate DUO mode to reject the request if necessary.

[0088] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0089] The technical ideas derived from this disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed, but are intended to encompass various modifications of the exemplary embodiments, or substitutions with equivalent structures or functions. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest way to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0090] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-027218, filed on 21 February 2025, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A communication device compliant with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard, comprising: receiving means for receiving a request frame from another communication device for requesting the activation or deactivation of a DUO (Dynamic Unavailability Operation) mode as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard; and transmitting means for transmitting a response frame to the other communication device, based on the receipt of the request frame, the response frame which includes information indicating acceptance of the request if the request in the request frame is accepted, and information indicating rejection if the request is rejected.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the response frame in the event of rejection of the request includes information indicating the reason for rejection of the request.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein the grounds for rejecting the activation of the mode include at least one of the following: there is a large amount of data to be transmitted to the other communication device; there is data to be transmitted to the other communication device with low latency; and the communication device does not have sufficient capacity.

4. The communication device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the grounds for rejecting the disabling of the mode include at least one of the following: a large number of other communication devices are connected to the communication device; the channel in use is congested; and the communication device does not have sufficient capacity.

5. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the response frame in the event of rejection of the request includes information indicating conditions that the communication device recommends for the request to be accepted.

6. The communication device according to claim 5, wherein the conditions include a recommended mode or operation.

7. The communication device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein in the response frame when a request to activate the mode is rejected, the condition includes a time over which it is recommended to activate the mode.

8. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the request frame includes information indicating the reason for the request to enable or disable the mode, and the reason for the request is used to decide whether to accept or reject the request.

9. The communication device according to claim 8, wherein the reason for requiring the activation of the mode includes at least one of the following: performing other communications on the same channel used for communication with the communication device; reducing power consumption in the other communication device; and the other communication device having insufficient capacity.

10. The communication device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the reason for requesting the disabling of the mode includes at least one of the following: termination of other communications on the same channel used for communication with the communication device; having a large amount of data to be transmitted to the communication device; having data to be transmitted to the communication device with low latency; and the other communication device not having sufficient capacity.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising control means for initiating operation on the other communication device operating in the mode based on receiving the request frame indicating a request for activation of the mode and transmitting the response frame containing information indicating acceptance of the request.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein the control means transmits a trigger frame to the other communication device for requesting setting information for the period, receives a response frame containing the setting information from the other communication device, and restricts communication with the other communication device during the period in accordance with the setting information.

13. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising control means for initiating an operation for the other communication device that performs an operation other than operation in the mode, based on receiving the request frame indicating a request to disable the mode and transmitting the response frame containing information indicating acceptance of the request.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the control means releases the restriction on communication during the period.

15. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the request frame and the response frame are composed of Action frames.

16. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the communication device is an access point device and the other communication device is a station device.

17. A communication device compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, comprising: transmitting means for transmitting a request frame to another communication device for requesting the activation or deactivation of a DUO (Dynamic Unavailability Operation) mode as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard; receiving means for receiving the response frame, which includes information indicating acceptance of the request if the other communication device accepts the request in the request frame, and information indicating rejection of the request if the other communication device rejects the request; and control means for activating or deactivating the mode if the response frame includes information indicating acceptance of the request.

18. The communication device according to claim 17, wherein the response frame in the event of rejection of the request includes information indicating the reason for rejection of the request, and the control means performs an action based on the information contained in the response frame when the response frame indicates rejection of the request.

19. The communication device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the response frame in the event of rejection of the request includes information indicating conditions that would be recommended for the request to be accepted by the other communication device, and the control means performs an action based on the information contained in the response frame if the response frame indicates rejection of the request.

20. The communication device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the request frame includes information indicating the reason for the request to enable or disable the mode, and the reason for the request is used by the other communication device to decide whether to accept or reject the request.

21. The communication device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the communication device is a station device and the other communication device is an access point device.

22. A control method for a communication device compliant with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard, comprising: receiving a request frame from the other communication device for requesting the activation or deactivation of a DUO (Dynamic Unavailability Operation) mode as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard; and, based on the receipt of the request frame, transmitting a response frame to the other communication device, the response frame containing information indicating acceptance of the request if the request in the request frame is accepted, and information indicating rejection if the request is rejected.

23. A control method for a communication device compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard, comprising: transmitting a request frame to another communication device for requesting the activation or deactivation of a DUO (Dynamic Unavailability Operation) mode as defined in the IEEE 802.11 standard; receiving a response frame to the request frame, which includes information indicating acceptance of the request if the other communication device accepts the request in the request frame, and information indicating rejection of the request if the other communication device rejects the request; and activating or deactivating the mode if the response frame includes information indicating acceptance of the request.

24. A program for causing a computer provided in a communication device compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard to execute the control method described in claim 22 or 23.

25. A communication device compliant with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard, comprising a frame for requesting the activation of DUO (Dynamic Unavailability Operation) mode, the frame comprising at least a first field storing a value indicating that it relates to the DUO mode, a 1-bit second field storing 0b1 indicating that the DUO mode is activated and 0b0 indicating that the DUO mode is deactivated, and a 4-bit third field treated as Reserved, the communication device having a transmission control means for transmitting the frame to another communication device.

26. The communication device according to claim 25, wherein the first subfield is a Category field.

27. The communication device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the second subfield is an Enable / Disable field.

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