Communication control device

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a communication control device capable of reducing power consumption and receiving a desired signal by quickly stopping reception operations for unnecessary signals. [Solution] A communication control device according to the present disclosure comprises a first control unit that controls a first wireless communication unit which is included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being capable of wirelessly communicating, via one or a plurality of links, with a second communication device that belongs to a second network and does not perform a cooperative operation with the first communication device. The first control unit performs a process for stopping a signal reception operation in accordance with the state of a signal received from the second communication device.

Description

Communication control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication control device.

[0002] In communication within a limited range such as Location Based Entertainment (LBE), home environments, and private areas, there are many cases where a terminal that transmits a desired signal exists in the vicinity of an AP, and there are many cases where no terminal that causes external interference exists in the vicinity of the AP.

[0003] However, due to the high signal detection capability of Wi-Fi devices, they detect signals over a wide range. For example, an AP detects an unnecessary signal that is not a desired signal as an interference signal. Once signal processing for the interference signal is started, even if the desired signal is transmitted during the signal processing, the desired signal is recognized as noise, and the interference signal and the desired signal cannot be separated.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, high throughput is required in use cases such as Virtual Reality (VR), which has attracted growing attention. As a result, the amount of data transmitted at one time has increased, and use cases in which NAV is set for a long period of time are expanding.

[0005] Furthermore, a standard called Restricted Target Wake Time (R-TWT) is adopted in the IEEE 802.11be standard corresponding to Wi-Fi 7. This function sets a priority transmission period called R-TWT SP (Service Period), and can limit signal transmission to terminals having low-latency traffic.

[0006] In the IEEE 802.11bn standard corresponding to Wi-Fi 8, discussions are underway with the goal of improving any one of high throughput, low latency, and high reliability by 25% in specific scenarios under an environment where Overlapping Basic Service Set (OBSS) exists. Multi-AP coordination technology exists as a method for achieving high reliability. In Multi-AP coordination, APs exchange necessary information with each other before performing cooperative operation, so that they can grasp the signal transmission of adjacent BSSs.

[0007] There is an increasing trend of APs (Access Points) temporarily disabling the EDCAF (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Function) in this manner.

[0008] Furthermore, IEEE 802.11bn requires a power-saving function in access points (APs) where power consumption is increasing to a significant degree as functionality increases.

[0009] The IEEE 802.11 standard determines the availability of a channel through two carrier senses: physical carrier sense and virtual carrier sense. In this standard, if the AP determines that one of the carrier senses indicates the channel is busy, the channel is considered busy.

[0010] The virtual carrier sense mechanism is called Network Allocation Vector (NAV). By using this NAV function, terminals with NAV configured will determine that the channel is busy and interrupt EDCAF, allowing the terminal that has acquired transmission rights to transmit signals preferentially for a certain period of time.

[0011] IEEE 802.11ax, which is equivalent to Wi-Fi 6, uses a BSS (Basic Service Set) identifier called the BSS color. The BSS color, stored in the U-SIG field within the preamble, allows the AP to identify which BSS transmitted the PPDU (Physical Protocol Data Unit) it received.

[0012] Furthermore, because BSS color allows the system to determine which BSS the received PPDU signal originated from, Wi-Fi 6 may use two types of NAVs. One is the Intra BSS NAV, which is the NAV of the BSS to which the system belongs, and the other is the Basic NAV, which is the NAV of a BSS other than the system's own. In addition, the OBSS PD (Preamble Detection) threshold may be used by APs to decide whether to perform SR (Spatial Reuse).

[0013] IEEE 802.11-23 / 10r0, January 4, 2023 IEEE 802.11-24 / 1502r0, October 22, 2024 IEEE 802.11-14 / 1420r1, November 3, 2014 IEEE 802.11-24 / 1246r0, July 16, 2024

[0014] As mentioned above, in LBE, home, and private area communications, terminals are often located near the AP, and there are often no terminals nearby that cause external interference. However, if a terminal transmitting the desired signal is located near the AP, and the terminal causing external interference is located far away from the AP, Wi-Fi has high signal detection capabilities and may detect the interference signal from the distant terminal. Once the AP starts processing the interference signal, even if the desired signal arrives during processing, this signal is recognized as noise, making it impossible to separate the interference signal from the desired signal.

[0015] Furthermore, technologies such as Multi-link operation, adopted in Wi-Fi 7, and Multi-AP coordination, which is being discussed for Wi-Fi 8, raise concerns about increased power consumption of access points (APs).

[0016] Therefore, in view of these problems, this disclosure provides a communication control device that reduces power consumption and enables the reception of desired signals by stopping the reception operation of unnecessary signals earlier.

[0017] The communication control device of this disclosure includes a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, and the first control unit controls the first wireless communication unit, which performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device.

[0018] This shows an example of the overall configuration of the wireless communication system in the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating communication devices located within the communication range of the AP MLD included in the wireless communication system in the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the signal reception stop operation in the first embodiment. This is a block diagram of a communication device equipped with a communication control device in the first embodiment. This is another block diagram of a communication device equipped with a communication control device in the first embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system in the first comparative example. This is a diagram illustrating the time required to stop the signal reception operation in the first comparative example. This is a diagram illustrating communication devices located within the communication range of the AP MLD included in the wireless communication system in the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the signal reception stop operation in the second embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating communication devices located within the communication range of AP MLD1 included in the wireless communication system in the third embodiment. This is an example of a frame format storing information indicating the arrival angle of a received signal in the third embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the signal reception stop operation in the fourth embodiment. This is an example of a flowchart of the signal reception stop operation in the fourth embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system in the fifth embodiment. This is an example of a signal format when the AP MLD in the fifth embodiment notifies that it will perform the signal reception stop operation. This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system in the sixth embodiment. This is a timing chart illustrating R-TWT technology. This is an example of the TWT element format in the sixth embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the interference information collection operation in the seventh embodiment. This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system in the second comparative example. This is a diagram illustrating the coordinated operation of the wireless communication system in the seventh embodiment using multiple non-coordinated BSSs. This is another diagram illustrating the coordinated operation of the wireless communication system in the seventh embodiment using multiple non-coordinated BSSs. This is a diagram illustrating an application example of the coordinated operation and signal reception stop operation of the wireless communication system in the seventh embodiment. This shows the timing chart of the wireless communication system in the seventh embodiment.This is an example of the format of a Multi-AP coordination request frame in the seventh embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that executes a series of processes according to each embodiment by program. This is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a smartphone to which each embodiment is applied. This is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device to which each embodiment is applied. This is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP to which each embodiment is applied.

[0019] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. The drawings are simplified, and any other components necessary for implementation will be appropriately provided in addition to those shown in the drawings. Furthermore, when terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification or the claims, unless otherwise specified, they do not indicate any order or importance, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another.

[0020] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the wireless communication system 200 in the first embodiment.

[0021] The wireless communication system 200 in Figure 1 includes an AP MLD 1. In the wireless communication system 200 in this embodiment, the first BSS 201 to which the AP MLD 1 belongs contains the first OBSS 310 to the sixth OBSS 360, which are BSSs that overlap with this BSS. The first BSS 201 also contains non-AP STAs such as XR devices and STA MLDs (not shown). Note that the AP MLDs (not shown) belonging to each OBSS do not cooperate with the AP MLD 1 and are communication devices that the AP MLD 1 cannot control.

[0022] The wireless communication system 200 is an autonomous distributed control type system, such as a wireless LAN system conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax / be / bn or its successor standards. In this embodiment, terminals conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard, such as the STA MLD 100 and OBSS terminal 101 (equivalent to terminals) and AP MLD 1 to 3 (equivalent to base stations), as well as wireless LAN base stations, are described as examples of communication devices.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a communication device located within the communication range 205 of the AP MLD1 included in the wireless communication system 200 in the first embodiment.

[0024] In the first BSS 201, there is an STA MLD 100 that transmits a desired signal near AP MLD 1. On the other hand, in the first OBSS 310 to the sixth OBSS 360, which are farther away from AP MLD 1, there are multiple OBSS terminals that are sources of interference signals. For the sake of simplicity, this diagram shows one OBSS terminal 101. The first BSS 201 is an example of the first network, and AP MLD 1 is an example of the first communication device. Also, the OBSS terminal 101, which belongs to a second network different from the first BSS 201 and is a source of interference signals, is an example of the second communication device. Furthermore, the STA MLD 100, which belongs to the first BSS 201 etc. and is a source of desired signals, is an example of another communication device.

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates the cessation of the signal reception operation in the first embodiment.

[0026] In this embodiment, AP MLD1 stops receiving signals and terminates signal processing of interference signals depending on the state of the received signal. In this embodiment, AP MLD1 sets a threshold as a condition regarding received power and stops receiving interference signals based on this information. Specifically, AP MLD1 first understands the status of surrounding communication devices (in this figure, STA MLD100 and OBSS terminal 101) using a WLAN radio measurement function or Multi-AP coordination, etc. Based on this information, AP MLD1 sets a threshold to determine whether or not to stop receiving signals. For example, a power threshold can be used as the threshold. If a signal arrives from OBSS terminal 101, but there is no communication device transmitting the desired signal far from AP MLD1, AP MLD1 decides not to perform signal processing if the power is below a certain level. As a result, AP MLD1 can receive signals arriving later from STA MLD100 which transmits the desired signal. Furthermore, since unnecessary signal processing is not performed, low power consumption of AP MLD1 can be achieved. Furthermore, by using power thresholds for decision-making, signal processing decisions can be made at the L-STF in the PHY header, making it possible to stop the reception of unnecessary signals within one time slot.

[0027] Furthermore, methods such as using a Beacon frame or Probe response frame may be used to notify the system of stopping the signal reception operation or the criteria for stopping it. Alternatively, these notifications may be sent by using a Management frame for individual addresses and sending a Request.

[0028] By the way, in a WLAN, AP MLD1 performs a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) to determine whether the channel is being used by another communication device before transmitting any signal. For example, AP MLD1 performs a CCA by comparing the power threshold set in AP MLD1, such as CCA-ED (Energy Detect) or OBSS-PD (Power Detect), with the power threshold of the carrier wave transmitted from another communication device.

[0029] However, if AP MLD1 freely changes the power threshold used in CCA and stops the receiving operation described in this embodiment, it may no longer satisfy the carrier sense rules for WLAN radio wave transmission. For example, by freely changing the power threshold of CCA, AP MLD1 could transmit signals from its own device while ignoring the communication status of other communication devices.

[0030] Therefore, the stopping of the receiving operation according to this embodiment is determined by AP MLD1 stopping a predetermined data transmission operation, such as EDCAF, or by AP MLD1 using a threshold different from the thresholds used in EDCAF such as CCA-ED and OBSS-PD as described above, as a condition related to the received power.

[0031] AP MLD1 performs the following actions when it stops receiving. For example, AP MLD1 stops the receive buffer described later and discards the data stored in the receive buffer. AP MLD1 may also choose not to issue a PHY_CCA.indication (BUSY, primary) indicating that the channel is in use. If AP MLD1 detects an interference signal with L-STF, it may promptly issue a PHY_CCA.indication (IDLE) indicating that the channel is idle and transition to the Rx Idle state. AP MLD1 ignores the LENGTH value of L-SIG because it does not perform transmission. AP MLD1 may also turn off either the antenna or the RF switch described later when it stops receiving. AP MLD1 may perform a combination of the above actions when it stops receiving, or a combination of other actions not described above.

[0032] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a communication device equipped with a communication control device according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates an example configuration of AP MLD1. This communication device is assumed to be an MLD (Multi-Link Device). The wireless communication unit 110 has two APs, each consisting of an individual data processing unit (L-MAC) 121, a signal processing unit (PHY unit) 122, an RF (Radio Frequency) unit 123, an RF switch 124, and an antenna 150, which can be connected via different links (frequency bands). In this figure, to distinguish between the two APs, the block diagram of the other AP is shown as an individual data processing unit (L-MAC) 121', a signal processing unit (PHY unit) 122', an RF unit 123', an RF switch 124', and an antenna 150'. Since the functions of the respective block diagrams of each AP are the same, the individual data processing unit (L-MAC) 121, the signal processing unit (PHY unit) 122, the RF unit 123, the RF switch 124, and the antenna 150 will be described below.

[0034] A link refers to a physical path between an STA and an AP that can transmit MAC service data units (MSDUs). For example, one link is formed within a predetermined frequency band such as 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or 6 GHz. In an MLD configuration, each link may be formed within a different frequency band. Within a single frequency band, one link may be formed using channels with a bandwidth of, for example, 20 MHz, or multiple channels may be bundled together to form a single link through channel bonding. Links may be formed in ways other than those described above, as long as they are physical paths that can transmit MAC service data units.

[0035] Furthermore, each AP is connected to a common MAC processing unit (U-MAC) 113. Note that the number of APs in the wireless communication unit 110 may be other than two. Also, the number of antennas for each AP may be other than two. In this diagram, the configuration of the communication device is explained using an AP MLD, but the configuration of the communication device is not limited to an MLD. In other words, the communication device may be configured with only one AP.

[0036] The RF switch 124 switches between transmitting and receiving. The RF unit 123 performs tasks such as signal filtering, conversion between analog and digital signals, signal amplification, and frequency conversion using a local oscillator.

[0037] The signal processing unit 122 performs baseband signal processing. For example, the signal processing unit 122 performs scrambling, interleaver, modulation / demodulation, encoding, and decoding processes.

[0038] In the MLD configuration, each AP is connected via a separate link, so the MAC (Media Access Control) sublayer is divided into two functional groups: a common data processing unit (U-MAC) 113 and individual data processing units 121. The common data processing unit 113 performs tasks such as traffic sequence management, encryption, and other processes to generate data units, which are then sent to each individual data processing unit 121. The individual data processing units 121 perform tasks such as channel access operations based on carrier sense, adding MAC headers to the data to be transmitted, and adding error detection codes using CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check). Upon reception, the individual data processing units 121 read the MAC header, perform error detection using CRC, and request retransmission.

[0039] The communication control unit 111 controls each block to perform the operations described above.

[0040] The Buffer / Information Storage Device 112, for example, queues signals from higher layers and stores received signals in the receiving buffer. The Buffer / Information Storage Device 112 is also used to hold data for processing, such as for synthesis, in the signal processing unit 122. The Buffer / Information Storage Device 112 is an example of a storage unit.

[0041] The backhaul communication unit 160 handles communication between the backhaul network 161 and the fronthaul network. In addition to transmitting data from the fronthaul, it can also share information between access points (APs) through the backhaul network 161.

[0042] The control unit 130 controls the wireless communication unit 110 and the communication control unit 111. The control unit 130 may alternatively perform part of the operations of the communication control unit 111, and the communication control unit 111 may alternatively perform part of the operations of the control unit 130. Further, the communication control unit 111 and the control unit 130 may be configured as a single block. The communication control device according to the present disclosure is, for example, a chip implemented by one or more LSIs. The control unit of the communication control device according to the present disclosure corresponds to the communication control unit 111 as an example, or corresponds to at least one of the wireless communication unit 110 and the communication control unit 111. Further, the communication control device according to the present disclosure includes the communication control unit 111 as an example, and may include at least one other component, such as a part constituting an AP.

[0043] A control device such as a WLC (Wireless LAN Controller) that manages the backhaul network 161 may exist outside the AP MLD 1 and manage backhaul communication between AP MLD 1 and AP MLD 2. Further, the WLC may exist inside the AP MLD 1.

[0044] FIG. 5 is another block diagram of a communication device including the communication control device according to the first embodiment.

[0045] In FIG. 5, a configuration example of the STA MLD 100 will be described. The present communication device assumes an MLD. In the wireless communication unit 210, there are two STAs each composed of an individual data processing unit (L-MAC) 221, a signal processing unit (PHY unit) 222, an RF unit 223, an RF switch 224 and an antenna 250, and the STAs can be connected through different links (frequency bands) respectively. In this figure, to distinguish the two STAs, the block diagram of the other STA is shown as an individual data processing unit (L-MAC) 221', a signal processing unit (PHY unit) 222', an RF unit 223', an RF switch 224' and an antenna 250'.

[0046] Note that the number of STAs in the wireless communication unit 210 may be other than two. Further, the number of antennas of each STA may be other than two. In this figure, the configuration of an STA MLD is taken up and described for the communication apparatus, but the configuration of the communication apparatus is not limited to an MLD. That is, the communication apparatus may have a configuration in which one STA is provided.

[0047] The configuration of the wireless communication unit 210 is almost the same as that of an AP MLD. Unlike an AP MLD, an STA MLD does not include a backhaul communication unit 160.

[0048] Hereinafter, APs included in the AP MLD 1 are collectively referred to as a first wireless communication unit, and the control unit 130 is also referred to as a first control unit. Similarly, APs included in the STA MLD 100 are collectively referred to as a second wireless communication unit, and the control unit 130 is also referred to as a second control unit. Further, the communication control device included in the AP MLD 1 is also referred to as a first communication control device, and the communication control device included in the STA MLD 100 is also referred to as a second communication control device.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the wireless communication system 200 in the first comparative example.

[0050] FIG. 6A shows a configuration diagram of the wireless communication system 200 in the first comparative example, and FIG. 6B shows a timing chart of the wireless communication system 200 in the first comparative example. In FIG. 6A, the wireless communication system 200 in the first comparative example is taken up to describe the operation upon detection of external interference. In this wireless communication system 200, in addition to the STA MLD 100 that transmits a desired signal, there exists an OBSS terminal 101 that causes external interference. Further, the description is given on the assumption that an interference signal from the OBSS terminal 101 arrives at the AP MLD 1 earlier than the desired signal from the STA MLD 100.

[0051] As mentioned above, in wireless LAN technology, the AP MLD performs carrier sensing before transmitting a signal. There are two thresholds for determining carrier sensing: Preamble detection (PD) and Energy detection (ED). In ED, if the received power of the received signal is above the ED threshold, the AP MLD determines that the channel is busy. In PD, the AP MLD detects a signal with received power above the PD threshold and attempts to decode the Preamble. If the AP MLD fails to decode the Preamble, it performs carrier sensing using ED.

[0052] Lowering the ED and PD thresholds improves the ability to detect interference signals, but makes it more difficult for communication devices to gain transmission rights. Conversely, increasing the ED and PD thresholds makes it easier for communication devices to gain transmission rights, but increases the likelihood of packet collisions. Therefore, in environments with a lot of interference, it is common to set the ED and PD thresholds to low values. As shown in Figure 1, in environments where a lot of external interference is expected, the ED and PD thresholds are set to low values.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6B, AP MLD1 starts signal processing when it receives an interference signal from OBSS terminal 101 before the desired signal from STA MLD100. If the desired signal arrives from STA MLD100 while AP MLD1 is processing this signal, AP MLD1 will recognize this signal as noise and will not be able to separate the desired signal from the interference signal. Therefore, AP MLD1 will not be able to decode the desired signal.

[0054] On the other hand, as a means of stopping the receiving operation, there is a PPDU filter-out function that uses the BSS color, which is information indicating whether or not the data is transmitted from a communication device on the network to which the device belongs. Since the BSS color is present in the U-SIG field of the PHY header, stopping the PPDU receiving operation using the BSS color takes at least 32 us. This is larger than the 9 us of one time slot. If the STA MLD 100 and the OBSS terminal 101 are in a hidden terminal position, and both start a time-random backoff simultaneously, there is a high probability that each communication device will either transmit signals simultaneously or transmit signals with a time slot difference.

[0055] Furthermore, with the recent advancements in wireless technology, the power consumption of communication devices is increasing. For example, in communication devices like MLDs, there are multiple access points (APs) inside, so power consumption increases in proportion to the number of APs. Therefore, power-saving functions are required in communication devices.

[0056] While there are forms of communication between STA MLDs that do not involve an access point, such as in ad-hoc mode, in infrastructure mode, where communication is performed via a wireless LAN access point, communication within the BSS is usually impossible when the AP transitions to a dose state, which is undesirable for power saving purposes.

[0057] While TWT-based Scheduled AP power saves for STA MLDs can be used when traffic within the BSS is periodic, this function cannot be used when STA MLDs with aperiodic traffic requiring low latency are present within the BSS. Here, aperiodic traffic is affected not only by application dependencies but also by jitter and other factors in the backhaul network 161.

[0058] Therefore, a Dynamic AP power save function is being discussed that can handle situations where AP MLD1 receives an unexpected signal. In this function, AP MLD1 transitions to Low capability mode before receiving a signal. Low capability mode is a power save technology that aims to reduce power consumption by limiting functionality, such as supporting only 1 NSS (number of spatial stream) / 20 MHz bandwidth / minimum data rate. When OBSS terminal 101 acquires transmission rights, it first sends a control frame called an Initial Control frame (ICF) to AP MLD1. However, changing the bandwidth can take several hundred microseconds. Therefore, it may not be possible to transition to High capability mode within SIFS, and it may be necessary to perform padding on the ICF.

[0059] Figure 7 illustrates the time required to stop the signal reception operation in the first comparative example.

[0060] Figure 7 shows a portion of the PHY headers for EHT (Extremely High Throughput) and PPDU, and HE (High Efficient) PPDU used in communication for AP MLD1 of the first comparative example.

[0061] As a first comparative example, the cessation of reception operation using BSS color will be described. As mentioned above, BSS color exists in the U-SIG field of the PHY header. The durations of L-STF, L-LTF, L-SIG, RL-SIG, and U-SIG (U-SIG1 and U-SIG2) are 8 us, 8 us, 4 us, 4 us, and 8 us, respectively. When AP MLD1 decodes these fields and uses BSS color to cease reception operation of interference signals, it takes 32 us or more.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the AP MLD1 stops the interference signal reception operation using a threshold value of the received power. Furthermore, since the AP MLD1 makes a decision to stop the reception operation by decoding the L-STF, the decision can be made within one time slot, enabling early termination of the reception operation, which also contributes to lowering the power consumption of the AP MLD1.

[0063] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, AP MLD1 notifies other communication devices of the cessation of signal reception operation and the criteria for cessation using Beacon frames, Probe response frames, etc. This allows, for example, if STA MLD102 is a mobile communication device, to request AP MLD1 to reset parameters when it moves. Also, if AP MLD1 is no longer able to receive the above-mentioned signals from STA MLD102, it does not need to transmit unnecessary signals. In other words, this also contributes to reducing the power consumption of AP MLD1.

[0064] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a communication device located within the communication range 205 of the AP MLD1 included in the wireless communication system 200 in the second embodiment.

[0065] The first BSS 201 contains STA MLD 100 and STA MLD 102, which transmit desired signals near AP MLD 1. On the other hand, farther away from AP MLD 1, within the first OBSS 310 to the sixth OBSS 360, there is an OBSS terminal 101. In this embodiment as well, AP MLD 1 is assumed to have prior knowledge of the status of surrounding communication devices. STA MLD 102 is an example of another communication device.

[0066] In this embodiment, AP MLD1 sets the center power of the received signal and the allowable power error relative to this center power as conditions related to the received power, and stops the interference signal reception operation based on this information. Specifically, AP MLD1 determines whether to stop the signal reception operation based on whether the power value of the received signal falls within the power width determined by the upper and lower limits of the allowable power error. For example, if the power value of the signal received from OBSS terminal 101 does not fall within the power width for signal processing by AP MLD1, AP MLD1 stops the signal reception operation. Note that other conditions may be used for the conditions related to the received power. For example, the power width may be set by setting threshold values ​​for the upper and lower limits of the received power.

[0067] For example, if the STA MLD belonging to the first BSS 201 is a communication device such as a Video-through type HMD (Head Mounted Device) or a PC, these communication devices are often used without being moved over a wide area while connected to the AP MLD 1. In such cases, for example, by setting a narrow power bandwidth for signal processing of the AP MLD 1, the AP MLD 1 may be able to stop receiving signals even if an OBSS terminal 101 is present in the vicinity of the AP MLD 1. Also, if the number of STA MLDs belonging to the first BSS 201 is small, fewer power bandwidth settings are required. Since the AP MLD 1 only needs to stop receiving signals that are not included in the settings, it becomes possible to stop receiving interference signals with high precision.

[0068] Figure 9 illustrates the signal reception cessation operation in the second embodiment.

[0069] In this embodiment, AP MLD1 sets the power width for the received power of STA MLD100 and STA MLD102, which belong to the first BSS201, and stops the signal reception operation. Specifically, AP MLD1 grasps the status of surrounding communication devices (in this figure, STA MLD100, STA MLD102, and OBSS terminal 101) using a WLAN radio measurement function or Multi-AP coordination, etc. Based on this information, AP MLD1 sets the center power and allowable power error to determine whether or not to perform signal processing on the received signal. AP MLD1 sets the power width for the received signal from STA MLD100 and the power width for the received signal from STA MLD102, respectively.

[0070] When a signal arrives from OBSS terminal 101, if the received power is not within the power width set by AP MLD1, AP MLD1 decides not to perform signal processing, thereby enabling reception of signals from STA MLD100 or STA MLD102 that transmit the desired signal arriving later. Furthermore, since unnecessary signal processing is not performed, low power consumption of AP MLD1 can be achieved. Moreover, since the decision is made using power width, signal processing decisions can be made in L-STF, making it possible to decide to stop unnecessary reception operations within one time slot.

[0071] In this embodiment, an example was described in which AP MLD1 stops the receiving operation based on the power width of the received power, but this operation may also be performed by STA MLD. For example, STA MLD100 or STA MLD102 may stop the receiving operation based on the power width of a received signal received from a communication device. Furthermore, if the receiving operation is stopped, STA MLD100 or STA MLD102 may report the presence of an interference signal to AP MLD1.

[0072] Furthermore, similar to the embodiments described above, the cessation of the receiving operation according to this embodiment may be determined when AP MLD1 has stopped EDCAF. In addition, in this embodiment, AP MLD1 uses the center power of the received signal and the allowable power error with respect to this center power as the conditions for cessating the receiving operation. In other words, since a different criterion is used than the threshold used in EDCAF such as CCA-ED and OBSS-PD, the cessation of the receiving operation may be performed while EDCAF is continuing.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the AP MLD 1 stops the interference signal reception operation based on the power width of the received power. Furthermore, since the AP MLD 1 makes a decision to stop the reception operation by decoding the L-STF, the decision can be made within one time slot, enabling early termination of the reception operation, which also contributes to lower power consumption of the AP MLD 1. For example, when there are few communication devices transmitting the desired signal or when the communication devices do not move frequently, the AP MLD 1 can terminate the signal processing of interference signals with higher accuracy.

[0074] (Third Embodiment) Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication device located within the communication range 205 of the AP MLD1 included in the wireless communication system 200 in the third embodiment.

[0075] In the first BSS 201, there are STA MLD 100 and STA MLD 103 that transmit desired signals in the vicinity of AP MLD 1. On the other hand, farther away from AP MLD 1, there are OBSS terminals 101 in the first OBSS 310 to the sixth OBSS 360, as described above. In this embodiment as well, AP MLD 1 is assumed to have prior knowledge of the status of surrounding communication devices.

[0076] In this embodiment, AP MLD1 uses information indicating the arrival angle of the received signal, which is set in its own device, to determine whether to stop the receiving operation. For example, if the received signal is not a signal that arrived from the arrival angle set in its own device, AP MLD1 does not perform signal processing. Existing estimation methods such as AoA (Angle of Arrival) or AoD (Angle of Departure) may be used to estimate the arrival angle of the received signal.

[0077] For example, even if the OBSS terminal 101 is located near the AP MLD1, if the AP MLD1 receives an interference signal from an arrival angle different from the arrival angle set for its own device, the signal processing of the interference signal can be terminated with high accuracy. Also, for example, if the number of STA MLDs belonging to the first BSS 201 is small, or if the AP MLD1 is in the corner of the room, the accuracy of estimating the arrival angle of the received signal improves, so the signal processing of the interference signal can be terminated with high accuracy.

[0078] Figure 11 shows an example of a frame format that stores information indicating the arrival angle of the received signal in the third embodiment.

[0079] The angle of arrival of the received signal is estimated, for example, using the L-LTF information in the PHY header. Figure 11 shows an existing LCI (Location Configuration Information) report feed format, where the Latitude field, Longitude field, and Altitude field store information indicating the estimated latitude, longitude, and altitude, respectively. AP MLD1 uses this information as information indicating the angle of arrival of the received signal. When AP MLD1 sets the latitude, longitude, and altitude as information indicating the angle of arrival of the signal, it may set a certain range for each.

[0080] In this embodiment, an example was described in which AP MLD1 stops the receiving operation based on the arrival angle of the received signal, but this operation may also be performed by STA MLD. For example, STA MLD100 or STA MLD102 may stop the receiving operation based on the arrival angle of a received signal received from a communication device. Furthermore, if the receiving operation is stopped, STA MLD100 or STA MLD102 may report the presence of an interference signal to AP MLD1.

[0081] Furthermore, similar to the embodiments described above, the cessation of the receiving operation in this embodiment may be determined when AP MLD1 has stopped EDCAF. In addition, in this embodiment, AP MLD1 uses information regarding the arrival angle of the received signal as a condition for cessating the signal receiving operation. In other words, since a different criterion is used than the threshold used in EDCAF such as CCA-ED and OBSS-PD, the cessation of the receiving operation may be performed while EDCAF is continuing.

[0082] According to this embodiment, AP MLD1 stops receiving interference signals based on the arrival angle of the received signal. AP MLD1 makes the decision to stop receiving operations by decoding L-LTF, which results in a delay in the decision compared to the embodiment described above. However, when the number of STA MLDs belonging to the first BSS201 is small, or when AP MLD1 is in the corner of the room, the accuracy of estimating the arrival angle of the received signal is improved, allowing for accurate termination of interference signal processing.

[0083] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation to stop receiving a signal in the fourth embodiment.

[0084] The configuration of the wireless communication system 200 and the communication devices located within the communication range 205 of the AP MLD1 in this embodiment are the same as those in Figures 1 and 2, respectively, and therefore their description is omitted. In this embodiment, the AP MLD1 stops the receiving operation based on the amount of information in the received signal or the predicted frame type. Figure 12 shows the first three fields in the PHY header.

[0085] In this embodiment, AP MLD1 stops receiving interference signals using information about the data length. For a specific control frame, there exists a received signal with a specific frame length. For example, AP MLD1 uses information contained in the LENGTH field of the L-SIG included in the received signal. AP MLD1 uses information indicating the data length contained in the LENGTH field, or estimates the frame type from this amount of information. AP MLD1 can stop receiving signals depending on the amount of information in the packet and the predicted frame type. For example, AP MLD1 may stop receiving if the data length is above or below a predetermined threshold. Also, AP MLD1 may stop receiving if the predicted frame type is not a predetermined frame type.

[0086] In this embodiment, an example was described in which AP MLD 1 stops the receiving operation based on the amount of information in the received signal or the predicted frame type of the received power. However, this operation may also be performed by STA MLD. For example, STA MLD 100 may stop the receiving operation based on the amount of information in the received signal or the predicted frame type of the received signal received from a communication device. Furthermore, if the receiving operation is stopped, STA MLD 100 may report the presence of an interference signal to AP MLD 1.

[0087] Furthermore, similar to the embodiments described above, the cessation of the receiving operation of the received signal according to this embodiment may be determined when AP MLD1 has stopped EDCAF. In addition, in this embodiment, AP MLD1 uses the amount of information in the received signal or the predicted frame type as the condition for stopping the receiving operation. In other words, since a different criterion is used than the threshold used in EDCAF such as CCA-ED and OBSS-PD, the cessation of the receiving operation may be performed while EDCAF is continuing.

[0088] Figure 13 is an example of a flowchart for stopping signal reception in the fourth embodiment.

[0089] This flowchart describes a flow that combines the signal reception stop operation by AP MLD1 described in this embodiment, the signal reception stop operation by AP MLD1 described in the first to third embodiments, and the signal reception stop operation using BSS color. The operations described are examples, and AP MLD1 may arbitrarily combine one or more of these signal stop operations. Operations not used in combination can be skipped as appropriate in this flowchart. For example, the user of AP MLD1 may select the signal reception stop operation to apply from the AP MLD1 settings screen or the like. Furthermore, it is assumed that AP MLD1 has prior knowledge of the status of surrounding communication devices. AP MLD1 may automatically determine the state of the signals to be used in the operation of this embodiment based on the status of surrounding communication devices.

[0090] In step S1, AP MLD1 stops the EDCAF and transitions to a non-transmitting state when it stops receiving signals. After stopping the EDCAF, AP MLD1 enters a receiving standby state for received signals, including interference signals and desired signals. This flowchart describes an example where AP MLD1 stops the EDCAF and enters a receiving standby state, but if AP MLD1 stops receiving operations based on conditions different from the thresholds used in EDCAF, such as CCA-ED and OBSS-PD, it is not necessary to stop the EDCAF. If AP MLD1 receives any signal, it proceeds to the next step.

[0091] In step S2, AP MLD1 determines whether to start signal processing of the received signal or stop the receiving operation based on the L-STF information, i.e., power, which is the information that can be obtained as quickly as possible. Specifically, AP MLD1 determines whether to start signal processing of the received signal depending on whether the received power is below a threshold or within the power range. Either of the two conditions may be used. Which condition to use may be determined by user settings or may be automatically selected by AP MLD1. In either case, the operation is the same as in the embodiment described above. That is, AP MLD1 determines whether the received power is below a threshold or whether the received power is within the upper and lower limits of the allowable power error. If the received power is not below the threshold or is not within the upper and lower limits of the allowable power error (NO in step S2), in step S3, AP MLD1 stops the signal receiving operation.

[0092] If the received power is not below the threshold or falls within the upper and lower limits of the allowable power error (YES in step S2), in step S4, AP MLD1 starts signal processing and, as the next available information, determines whether to continue signal processing or stop the reception operation based on L-LTF information, i.e., the signal arrival angle. In this step, AP MLD1 determines whether the received signal came from the direction of the communication device transmitting the desired signal. This operation is the same as in the embodiment described above. If the received signal did not come from the direction of the communication device transmitting the desired signal (NO in step S4), in step S5, AP MLD1 stops the signal reception operation.

[0093] If the AP MLD1 determines that the received signal is coming from the direction of the communication device transmitting the desired signal (YES in step S4), in step S6, the AP MLD1 continues signal processing and determines whether the L-SIG can be decoded as the next available information. The L-SIG data is error-corrected by FEC (Forward Error Correction). If error correction is not possible and a decoding error occurs (NO in step S6), in step S7, the AP MLD1 determines that signal processing of the received signal is impossible based on the results of its decision to stop the signal reception operation based on the conditions regarding the received power and the information indicating the signal arrival angle, as well as the occurrence of the decoding error.

[0094] If AP MLD1 is able to decode the data in L-SIG (YES in step S6), in step S8, AP MLD1 continues signal processing and makes a decision to continue signal processing or stop the reception operation based on the information contained in the LENGTH field of L-SIG. This operation is the same as in the embodiment described above. If AP MLD1 determines from the data length or predicted frame type that the received signal is not the desired signal (NO in step S8), in step S9, AP MLD1 stops the signal reception operation.

[0095] For example, if AP MLD1 determines that the data length is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, or that the predicted frame type is a predetermined frame type (YES in step S8), in step S10 AP MLD1 continues signal processing and determines whether U-SIG (equivalent to HE-SIG in IEEE 802.11ax) can be decoded as the next information to be acquired. If a decoding error occurs (NO in step S10), in step S11 AP MLD1 determines that signal processing of the received signal is impossible based on the determination result regarding the cessation of signal reception operation based on power, signal arrival angle, LENGTH field, and frame type, as well as the occurrence of the decoding error.

[0096] If AP MLD1 is able to decode the U-SIG data (YES in step S10), in step S12, AP MLD1 determines whether to stop receiving operations using the PPDU's filter out function, which uses the U-SIG information, i.e., the BSS color, as the next information that can be obtained. The filter out function checks the value of the BSS color of AP MLD1 to see if it matches the BSS color of its own device. If it matches the BSS color of its own device, it continues to decode the subsequent signals. On the other hand, if it does not match the BSS color of its own device, AP MLD1 stops receiving the signal. If AP MLD1 finds that the BSS color of the received signal does not match the BSS color of its own device (NO in step S12), in step S13, AP MLD1 stops receiving the signal. At this time, AP MLD1 may also continue signal processing as with the conventional filter out function.

[0097] If AP MLD1 determines that the BSS color of the received signal matches the BSS color of its own device (YES in step S12), in step S14, AP MLD1 uses the MAC header information to decide whether to continue processing other signals or stop the receiving operation. This operation may be skipped. Following the above flow, AP MLD1 completes the signal processing of the received signal. In step S15, after completing the signal processing of the received signal, AP MLD1 may return to step S1 and transition to the receiving standby state, or it may end the receiving standby state and start EDCAF.

[0098] According to this embodiment, AP MLD 1 terminates signal processing of the interfering signal based on the amount of information in the received signal or the predicted frame type. AP MLD 1 determines whether to stop the signal reception operation by decoding the L-SIG, which results in a delay in the determination compared to the embodiment described above. However, for example, when the traffic amount of STA MLDs belonging to the first BSS 201 is constant, it can accurately terminate signal processing of the interfering signal.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the AP MLD 1 uses multiple elements from the received signal state, including the received power threshold, power width, signal arrival angle, and data length, to determine whether or not to stop the receiving operation. This increases the amount of information available for the AP MLD 1 to make its decision, allowing it to terminate the interfering signal with a higher probability.

[0100] (Fifth Embodiment) Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system 200 in the fifth embodiment.

[0101] Figure 14A shows a configuration diagram of the wireless communication system 200 in the fifth embodiment, and Figure 14B shows a timing chart of the wireless communication system 200 in the fifth embodiment. As shown in Figure 14A, the wireless communication system 200 has an STA MLD 100 that transmits a desired signal near the AP MLD 1, and an OBSS terminal 101 and an OBSS terminal 103 that cause external interference located far from the AP MLD 1. This example will be explained using this example. In this embodiment, it will be explained that first, an interference signal from the OBSS terminal 101 arrives at the AP MLD 1, secondly, an interference signal from the OBSS terminal 103 arrives at the AP MLD 1, and thirdly, a desired signal from the STA MLD 100 arrives at the AP MLD 1.

[0102] In this embodiment, it is assumed that AP MLD1 is in a state where EDCAF is stopped, and upon receiving an interference signal by OBSS terminal 101, NAV is set on AP MLD1, and AP MLD1 transitions to a state where it does not transmit signals.

[0103] First, let's assume that the OBSS terminal 101 transmits an interference signal and the AP MLD1 is able to detect it. If the OBSS terminal 101 transmits the signal for a long period and the received power in the AP MLD1 exceeds the CCA-PD threshold, NAV is set in the AP MLD1. Subsequently, the BSS color stops the reception operation of the OBSS terminal 101's signal.

[0104] Next, when the OBSS terminal 103 transmits an interference signal, since NAV is set in AP MLD1, AP MLD1 performs the signal reception stop operation described in the above embodiment. For example, AP MLD1 performs the signal reception stop operation in accordance with the flowchart shown in Figure 13. By quickly determining that the received signal is not the desired signal, AP MLD1 can prevent unnecessary signal processing and receive the desired signal from STA MLD 100.

[0105] AP MLD1 may notify STA MLDs belonging to the first BSS201 that it is stopping signal reception. For example, this may occur if there is an STA MLD attempting to connect with AP MLD1, or if the STA MLD's position changes due to movement or other reasons when AP MLD1 stops signal reception, potentially preventing the STA MLD from receiving the signal. Since AP MLD1 has stopped EDCAF, it may use methods such as a Beacon frame or Probe response frame to notify the STA MLD of the decision to stop signal reception or the criteria for stopping. Alternatively, a new element signal format may be used, as described below.

[0106] Figure 15 shows an example of a signal format used when AP MLD1 in the fifth embodiment notifies that it will stop receiving signals.

[0107] As shown in the upper section, this signal format has fields for Element ID, Length, and Information, which contain information indicating the element ID, information indicating the data length, and information indicating that the signal reception has been stopped, respectively.

[0108] In Example 1, the Information field includes Minimum Received Power for Processing, Duration, and Required NAV Duration. This signal format is an example of when AP MLD1 notifies STA MLD that it will perform a signal reception stop operation using a lower limit threshold for received power as a condition regarding received power. Minimum Received Power for Processing includes information indicating the power threshold. This signal format includes information indicating the lower limit threshold for received power. Duration includes information indicating the usage period of the parameter shown in the signal format. For example, it includes information on how long this parameter will be used. If the signal reception stop operation is used with the same parameter without setting a period, it may not be possible to respond if STA MLD moves, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to update the parameter appropriately after the period indicated in Duration has elapsed. Required NAV Duration includes information indicating the length of the NAV period required to activate the signal reception stop operation. Required NAV Duration may also include information indicating, for example, how long the NAV period needs to be set before this function should be activated.

[0109] In Example 2, the Information field includes AID, Center Value of Received Power for Processing, and Acceptable Error. This signal format is an example of when AP MLD1 notifies STA MLD that it will perform a signal reception stop operation using a power width as a condition regarding received power. Also, since different power widths may be set for each STA MLD, AID includes information specifying the STA MLD. This example shows an example of setting power widths for two STA MLDs. Center Value of Received Power for Processing includes information indicating the center power of the power width. Acceptable Error includes information indicating the allowable power error from the center power. Acceptable Error can also be used as information indicating the power width at a certain center power. In addition, at least one of Duration and Required NAV Duration, as shown in Example 1, may be added to this signal format.

[0110] In Example 3, the Information field includes Minimum Received Power for Processing, Duration, Required NAV Duration, Decision by AoA Flag, and Minimum frame length. This signal format is an example of when AP MLD1 notifies STA MLD that, as a condition regarding received power, it will use a lower threshold for received power and will perform a signal reception stop operation using the arrival angle of the received signal and the data length. The Decision by AoA Flag contains information indicating whether or not to perform a signal reception stop operation using the arrival angle of the received signal. The Minimum frame length contains information indicating the data length at which signal reception will be stopped. In this example, the minimum frame length is stored, and AP MLD1 will stop signal reception for signals with a frame length less than or equal to this length. Alternatively, Maximum frame length may be specified instead of Minimum frame length; in this case, the maximum frame length is stored, and AP MLD1 will stop signal reception for signals with a frame length greater than or equal to this length. If a frame such as RTS / CTS is assumed as the information indicating the data length at which signal reception will be stopped, this information may be specified as a fixed length.

[0111] Alternatively, the STA MLD may be specified using AID, and the arrival angle of the received signal from each communication device may be specified. Furthermore, detailed positional information, such as that included in the LCI field, may be used.

[0112] Furthermore, a Capability check may be performed between communication devices within the first BSS201 to indicate that the device supports the signal reception stop operation described in the above embodiment. Capability information may be notified by a Beacon frame containing a Capability element used for each version of the standard, or by the exchange of Probe Request frames and Response frames. Standards equivalent to IEEE 802.11bn may use an UHR (Ultra High Reliability) Capability element.

[0113] According to this embodiment, AP MLD1 stops the signal reception operation using the NAV set in its own device, with EDCAF stopped. This allows AP MLD1 to apply existing standards as the stopped state for EDCAF.

[0114] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system 200 in the sixth embodiment.

[0115] Figure 16A shows a configuration diagram of the wireless communication system 200 in the sixth embodiment, and Figure 16B shows a timing chart of the wireless communication system 200 in the sixth embodiment. As shown in Figure 16A, the wireless communication system 200 includes an STA MLD 100, which is a communication device that transmits a desired signal and to which R-TWT is applied, as well as an STA MLD 102 with TWT set, located near the AP MLD 1. Furthermore, an OBSS terminal 101 that causes external interference is located far from the AP MLD 1. This example will be explained using this example.

[0116] In this embodiment, the operation of AP MLD1 will be described by considering the case where R-TWT or CR-TWT is applied to the communication device in the first BSS 201. In this embodiment, AP MLD1 will be described as an AP that sets a schedule for transitioning the subordinate STA MLD to either the Awake state, which is a state for transmitting data, or the Doze state, which is a state for reducing power consumption. In this embodiment, it will be described that first, a signal from STA MLD 102 arrives at AP MLD1, secondly, an interference signal from OBSS terminal 101 arrives at AP MLD1, and thirdly, a desired signal from STA MLD 100 arrives at AP MLD1.

[0117] When R-TWT or TWT technology is applied, there are periods called R-TWT SP and TWT SP. STA MLD 100, to which R-TWT is applied, enters an awake state during the R-TWT SP period and a dosed state outside of the R-TWT SP period. STA MLD 102 enters an awake state during the TWT SP period and a dosed state outside of the TWT SP period. In this way, since the corresponding communication device is in a dosed state outside of the predetermined period, low power consumption can be achieved. Furthermore, by reducing the number of awake communication devices within a certain period, the probability of channel contention can be reduced. For example, by setting the (R-)TWT SP so that the period during which R-TWT SP is set for STA MLD 100 and the period during which TWT SP is set for STA MLD 102 do not overlap, STA MLD 100 can preferentially acquire channel rights.

[0118] In R-TWT technology, each communication device must cease signal transmission before the start of the R-TWT SP period. Furthermore, the scheduling AP, AP MLD1, can set a Quiet interval for each communication device for a period of 1 TU (Time unit) from the start of the R-TWT SP.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 16B, STA MLD 102 is initially in the communication phase, and since R-TWT SP is set, it must terminate signal transmission before the R-TWT SP period begins. Subsequently, STA MLD 100, which has low-latency traffic, starts its R-TWT SP. At this time, STA MLD 100 becomes capable of transmitting data to UL via EDCA (or a trigger from AP MLD 1). After STA MLD 102 has finished transmitting signals, if OBSS terminal 101 acquires the right to transmit and transmits a signal, AP MLD 1 stops receiving this signal, allowing AP MLD 1 to receive the desired signal from STA MLD 100 which arrives later.

[0120] Figure 17 is a timing chart illustrating the R-TWT technology.

[0121] In the example shown in Figure 17, R-TWT is applied to STA MLD 100, and TWT is applied to STA MLD 102. As in this example, STA MLD 100 wakes up during the R-TWT SP period. STA MLD 102 doses during the R-TWT SP period by setting the TWT SP so that the R-TWT SP and TWT SP do not overlap. Meanwhile, STA MLD 100 doses during the TWT SP period, and STA MLD 102 wakes up during this period. The same operation is then repeated. Even if there are Wi-Fi 7 or earlier devices that cannot use R-TWT SP due to the Quiet interval, R-TWT-applied devices can access the channel preferentially.

[0122] Incidentally, IEEE 802.11bn is considering introducing a CR-TWT function that enables coordinated R-TWT operation among multiple APs. With CR-TWT, for example, it is being considered to apply R-TWT SP rules only to cooperating APs, to apply R-TWT SP rules to cooperating APs and the STA MLDs connected to those APs, or to apply R-TWT SP rules to cooperating APs and the STA MLDs connected to those APs when certain conditions are met.

[0123] Therefore, for example, when applying the R-TWT SP rules to a cooperating AP and the STA MLD connected to that AP, there are cases where other AP MLDs cooperating with AP MLD1 belonging to the first BSS201, along with the STA MLDs connected to this AP MLD, simultaneously terminate signal transmission. To handle such cases, an example of a TWT element format for performing the signal reception termination operation described above is shown below.

[0124] Figure 18 shows an example of the TWT element format in the sixth embodiment.

[0125] To implement R-TWT technology, schedule settings and notifications are sent from AP MLD1 to the STA MLD connected to AP MLD1. In this embodiment, the existing TWT element format is used for setting and notification. In this embodiment, the existing Element ID is used in the TWT element format, and the 6-bit field designated as Reserved in Traffic Info. Control contains information regarding the signal reception stop operation described in the above embodiment. In the example in Figure 18, Minimum Received Power for Processing is set in this field. As shown in the Information field in Figure 15, bit expansion is necessary for more detailed settings, so a new field may be added after the R-TWT Parameter Set field. In that case, a new Element ID may be set instead of the existing Element ID.

[0126] Furthermore, a Capability check may be performed between communication devices within the first BSS201 to indicate that they support the signal reception cessation operation described in the above embodiment. Capability information may be notified by a Beacon frame containing a Capability element used for each version of the standard, or by the exchange of Probe Request frames and Response frames, etc. In standards equivalent to IEEE 802.11bn, for example, an UHR (Ultra High Reliability) Capability element may be used. In addition, the criteria for cessating signal reception may be notified to the communication device performing the signal reception cessation operation by the exchange of Beacon frames, Probe Request frames and Response frames, or by an R-TWT announcement, etc.

[0127] According to this embodiment, AP MLD1 performs signal termination of interference signals in combination with R-TWT technology or CR-TWT technology. As a result, AP MLD1 can achieve low power consumption and reduce the probability of channel contention associated with the application of R-TWT technology or CR-TWT technology, as well as terminate interference signals early.

[0128] (Seventh Embodiment) Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the interference information collection operation in the seventh embodiment.

[0129] Figure 19A is a diagram illustrating the protocol design for AP interference information sharing operation in the seventh embodiment using an overall configuration diagram. Figure 19B is an example flowchart illustrating the protocol design for AP interference information sharing operation in the first embodiment. Hereafter, the interference information detection technology associated with the coordinated operation described in this embodiment will also be referred to as Coordinated Interference Detection (C-ID). In this embodiment, in addition to the sharing of interference information associated with the coordinated operation of multiple AP MLDs, the operation to stop receiving interference signals by these AP MLDs will be described.

[0130] First, the operation of sharing interference information associated with the coordinated operation of multiple AP MLDs will be explained using Figure 19A. In this embodiment, the wireless communication system 200 consists of AP MLD1 and AP MLD2, which belong to different networks, the first BSS 201 and the second BSS 202, respectively, and they operate in cooperation. AP MLD2 collects interference information from a communication device belonging to the third BSS 203 (AP MLD3 in this example), which AP MLD1 cannot perceive, and shares it with AP MLD1. Because AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 operate in cooperation, these BSSs are also called a Coordinated BSS. AP MLD1 also uses the shared information to adjust the parameters of the data to be transmitted to the STA MLD 100. For example, AP MLD1 adjusts the modulation scheme and coding rate of the data to be transmitted to reduce the MCS. In this embodiment, the basic operation is the collection, sharing, and utilization of interference information associated with the cooperation of multiple AP MLDs, and the flow of AP MLD1 performing parameter adjustments logically and promptly will be explained. Furthermore, while we will primarily describe an example of shared operation where interference information is transmitted from AP MLD2 to AP MLD1, if AP MLD1 has collected any interference information, AP MLD1 may transmit this interference information to AP MLD2. Alternatively, AP MLD1 may collect interference information from an STA MLD belonging to the first BSS201 or the second BSS202. For the sake of simplicity, the communication device transmitting the interference signal will be described as including both STA MLDs and AP MLDs present in the non-cooperative BSS.

[0131] As shown in Figure 19B, in step S1, AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 exchange information for coordinated operation, such as setting a Multi-AP coordination agreement, and prepare to implement Multi-AP coordination. In step S2, if AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 decide to implement coordinated operation, AP MLD2 collects interference information. AP MLD2 is an IP-AP (Information-providing AP) because it is an AP MLD that provides information to AP MLD1. On the other hand, AP MLD1 is an IR-AP (Information-receiving AP) because it is an AP that receives interference information. If AP MLD2 does not use Multi-AP coordination technology such as C-SR, C-BF, or C-TDMA while AP MLD1 is transmitting a data signal to STA MLD100, AP MLD2 sets NAV on its own device and stops EDCAF (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access Function), which is a data transmission method based on QoS (Quality of Service) parameters. AP MLD2 can detect interference signals during this time.

[0132] In step S3, if AP MLD2 has collected interference information, it shares the interference information with AP MLD1. In this embodiment, the sharing of interference information is performed, for example, via the backhaul network 161. AP MLD2 transmits the interference information to AP MLD1 at a predetermined timing. For example, AP MLD2 may transmit the interference information immediately after collecting it, or it may wait until AP MLD1 requests interference information, such as a trigger frame, before transmitting it. In step S4, AP MLD1, having received the interference information, performs parameter adjustments based on that interference information.

[0133] Generally, information sharing between AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 is less delayed when using wired communication compared to wireless transmission, but even with wired communication, complete delay is unavoidable. Therefore, it is desirable to apply the cooperative operation of this embodiment when the TXOP is relatively long, such as when AP MLD1 transmits long data in a single TXOP (Transmission Opportunity), like the data used by XR, or in the case of Multiple frame transmission in an EDCA TXOP, where multiple frames are transmitted within a single TXOP.

[0134] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless communication system 200 in the second comparative example.

[0135] The second comparative example shows a single AP system in which AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 do not operate in coordination. The first domain is defined as the region near AP MLD1 where the received power of the signal received from AP MLD1 is greater than that of AP MLD2. The first domain contains the first non-cooperative BSS 410 to the third non-cooperative BSS 430, which do not cooperate with AP MLD1. On the other hand, the second domain is defined as the region where the received power of the signal received from AP MLD2 is greater than that of AP MLD1. The second domain contains the fourth non-cooperative BSS 440 to the sixth non-cooperative BSS 460, which do not cooperate with AP MLD2.

[0136] In a single AP system, it is known that the probability of receiving an OBSS preamble is low in environments where multiple OBSSs exist. One known reason for the low probability of receiving an OBSS preamble is when AP MLD1 is transmitting a signal. Another known reason is when a communication device located near AP MLD1 (assuming the first domain) that affects AP MLD1's communication, and a communication device located far from AP MLD1 (assuming the second domain) that transmits the desired signal, are both in communication. The signal from the communication device transmitting the desired signal has a low SINR and cannot be received by AP MLD1. These two cases will be explained below.

[0137] First, if AP MLD1 is transmitting a signal, it will transition to a signal transmission state and therefore will not be able to receive a Preamble from the OBSS terminal.

[0138] Next, when a communication device located in the first domain and a communication device located in the second domain are transmitting signals, the signal power from the communication device in the second domain is smaller than the signal power from the communication device in the first domain in AP MLD1. In other words, the SINR becomes smaller, and therefore AP MLD1 cannot receive the signal transmitted from the communication device in the second domain.

[0139] For the reasons stated above, in a Single AP, the probability of receiving an OBSS Preamble may decrease in an environment with multiple OBSSs. Therefore, for example, if the signal transmission time from a communication device in the first domain is short and the signal transmission time from a communication device in the second domain is long, and this significantly affects the communication of AP MLD1, it may not be possible to obtain information about the communication device in the second domain that has the greatest impact.

[0140] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the coordinated operation of the wireless communication system 200 in the seventh embodiment using multiple non-coordinated BSSs.

[0141] As described above, in the Single AP system, examples of situations where external interference cannot be detected by communication devices belonging to a non-cooperative BSS were explained, specifically when AP MLD1 is transmitting a signal, or when a communication device located near AP MLD1 that affects AP MLD1's communication and a communication device located far from AP MLD1 that transmits a desired signal are both in communication. Using Figure 21, it is explained that even when multiple non-cooperative BSSs exist within the wireless communication system 200, interference information can be shared through the cooperative operation of AP MLD1 and AP MLD2. AP MLD2, which operates in cooperation with AP MLD1, is an example of a third communication device. The network to which AP MLD2 belongs is an example of a third network.

[0142] First, when AP MLD1 is transmitting a signal, AP MLD2 collects preamble information within the non-cooperative BSS and shares it with AP MLD1, allowing AP MLD1 to access this information. Furthermore, AP MLD1 collects preamble information from communication devices within the non-cooperative BSS in the first domain, and AP MLD2 collects preamble information from communication devices within the non-cooperative BSS in the second domain and shares it with AP MLD1. This allows AP MLD1 to collect preamble information even when communication devices in both the first and second domains are transmitting signals.

[0143] Figure 22 is another diagram illustrating the coordinated operation of the wireless communication system 200 in the seventh embodiment using multiple non-coordinated BSSs.

[0144] In this diagram, in addition to the wireless communication system 200 in Figure 21, a seventh non-cooperative BSS 470 is included that affects communication with AP MLD2 but does not affect AP MLD1.

[0145] When such wireless communication systems 200 operate in a coordinated manner, AP MLD2 does not need to share the signal received by AP MLD1 with AP MLD1 even if it receives a signal from the 7th non-cooperative BSS 470. Also, when a communication device within the 7th non-cooperative BSS 470 transmits a signal and AP MLD2 detects that signal, AP MLD2 begins processing the signal received by the communication device within the 7th non-cooperative BSS 470. At that time, AP MLD2, which is receiving the signal, recognizes signals that arrive after the signal being processed as noise.

[0146] Therefore, in this embodiment, AP MLD1 and AP MLD2, which operate in coordination, continue processing only the interference signals that need to be shared by each AP MLD, and stop receiving unnecessary interference signals early. By not processing and sharing unnecessary signals, AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 can improve the probability of successful preamble reception. It can also suppress the backhaul pressure caused by the sharing of unnecessary interference signals. Furthermore, in low SINR environments, even if signal detection can be performed, it may not be possible to decode the preamble. Even in such cases, AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 can estimate whether or not a signal should be shared without decoding the preamble information.

[0147] Figure 23 illustrates an example of the application of the cooperative operation and signal reception stop operation of the wireless communication system 200 in the seventh embodiment.

[0148] This diagram illustrates the coordinated operation of multiple AP MLDs, as well as the operation to stop receiving interference signals that are not needed for sharing. AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 are described assuming that the Multi-AP coordination agreement setting has been completed.

[0149] First, AP MLD1 in the first BSS 201 sets the NAV before transmitting a signal. Therefore, NAV is set on the communication devices in the first non-cooperative BSS 410, second non-cooperative BSS 420, and third non-cooperative BSS 430 surrounding the first BSS 201. On the other hand, due to the over-protection problem, AP MLD2 in the second BSS 202 does not set NAV on the fourth non-cooperative BSS 440, fifth non-cooperative BSS 450, and sixth non-cooperative BSS 460. In other words, AP MLD1 is responsible for the first domain area, sets NAV on the communication devices in this area, and implements countermeasures against external interference using Physical Carrier sense. Meanwhile, AP MLD2 is responsible for the second domain area, detects external interference using C-ID, and shares interference information with AP MLD1.

[0150] In this application example, the received power of signals transmitted from communication devices in the fourth non-cooperative BSS 440, fifth non-cooperative BSS 450, and sixth non-cooperative BSS 460, which are handled by AP MLD2, is greater than the received power of signals transmitted from communication devices in the seventh non-cooperative BSS 470. Therefore, AP MLD2 can avoid sharing unnecessary interference information by stopping the reception of signals from the communication devices in the seventh non-cooperative BSS 470 based on a power threshold.

[0151] Figure 24 shows the timing chart of the wireless communication system 200 in the seventh embodiment.

[0152] First, AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 perform a capability check to confirm that they support C-ID and the signal reception stop operation described in the above embodiment. AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 also confirm the communication configuration of the backhaul network 161. Capability information is notified, for example, by a Beacon frame or Probe Request frame / Response containing a Capability element used for each version of the standard. For standards equivalent to IEEE 802.11bn, for example, a UHR Capability element may be used. AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 may also perform a discovery operation to find APs that can cooperate in order to perform Multi-AP coordination, or an operation to indicate whether or not to permit cooperative operation (shown as "agreement" in this figure) in advance.

[0153] When AP MLD1 acquires the right to transmit, AP MLD1 sends a Multi-AP coordination request to AP MLD2, which is a signal requesting coordinated operation. Multi-AP coordination technologies include C-SR, C-BF, C-TDMA, CR-TWT, and C-ID, but C-ID can be used when AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 do not transmit signals simultaneously, such as with C-SR and C-BF. In that case, after AP MLD2 sends a Multi-AP coordination response, which is a response signal to perform coordinated operation, it transitions to a Preamble detection state, which is a state of waiting to receive interference information, etc. During this period, AP MLD2 operates as an IP-AP, and AP MLD1 operates as an IR-AP. AP MLD2 collects interference information and shares it with AP MLD1.

[0154] When sending a Multi-AP coordination request, AP MLD1 can specify to AP MLD2 information about communication devices that it wants to share interference information with, as well as BSS color information. Based on this information, AP MLD2 can set parameters such as the power threshold and signal arrival angle used for terminating the signal processing of the received signal as described in the above embodiment. These parameters may be set independently by AP MLD2. For example, AP MLD2 may set the parameters independently by sending a signal such as NDP (Null Data Packet) to a communication device in the non-coordinated BSS, or by performing a preliminary measurement of the surrounding communication environment using the WLAN radio measurement function.

[0155] Once the operational preparations are complete, AP MLD2 has stopped EDCAF, and therefore can terminate the signal processing of the received signal as described in the above embodiment. AP MLD2 also has an Event Report Duration, which is the period for reporting interference information events, and attempts to share the interference information acquired with AP MLD1 during this period. AP MLD1 can prevent congestion of the backhaul network 161 by specifying the interference information to be shared in advance using the method described above.

[0156] Figure 25 shows an example of the format of a Multi-AP coordination request frame in the seventh embodiment.

[0157] In this embodiment, the Multi-AP coordination request frame is assumed to be a Trigger frame, but is not limited to it. The fields Frame Control, Duration, RA, TA, and Common Info. are the same as the fields included in the IEEE 802.11ax Trigger frame, so their explanation is omitted.

[0158] User Info includes AP ID, Multi-AP coordination scheme, Response Power Limitation, Event Response Limit, Requested Interference Info, Current Interference Info Request, Target STA Address, and Event Report Duration.

[0159] The AP ID includes information to identify other communication devices performing cooperative operation, such as AP MLD2, including the AP MLD identifier. The Multi-AP coordination scheme includes information indicating the technology used by AP MLD1 to perform cooperative operation with AP MLD2, such as C-ID, C-SR, C-BF, C-TDMA, and CR-TWT. This information may be transmitted in bitmap format. The Response Power Limitation includes information indicating the transmission power of other communication devices performing cooperative operation. The Event Response Limit includes information indicating the number of interference information events to be included in the response signal, such as the maximum number of events to be returned to other communication devices performing cooperative operation. When C-ID is used as the Multi-AP coordination technology, one interference information corresponds to one event. The Requested Interference Info includes information indicating the type of interference information to be shared. For example, the Requested Interference Info may specify a specific range of information from the information obtainable according to the SINR, such as only Preamble information, or Preamble information and MAC header information, or it may specify all information that the cooperative communication devices were able to obtain. Furthermore, Requested Interference Info is optional. Current Interference Info. Request includes information indicating a request to share interference information if other cooperating communication devices already possess that information at the time of receiving the Request. Target STA Address includes the address of the terminal to which the device is attempting to transmit data, for example, STA MLD100. Event Report Duration includes information indicating the retention or sharing period of the acquired interference information by other cooperating communication devices. For example, AP MLD2 may discard the interference information after the Event Report Duration has elapsed.

[0160] Furthermore, in the upper example of this User Info., the BSS color is specified by the BSS Color of Target OBSS, which indicates whether or not the data is transmitted from a communication device on the network to which the device belongs. In the lower example of this User Info., the AID of the target AP MLD is specified by the Target AP AID, which indicates the AP information within the non-cooperative BSS to be retrieved. In this example, the communication devices within the non-cooperative BSS to be retrieved are limited to APs or AP MLDs. This is because, in entertainment use cases, it is said that more than 90% of UL traffic size transmitted from STAs and STA MLDs is 100 bytes or less.

[0161] In the Multi-AP Coordination Scheme, the fields up to this point may be common regardless of the requested Multi-AP coordination technology. Furthermore, if the requested Multi-AP coordination is C-ID, C-ID specific fields may follow. C-ID specific fields include, for example, Response Power Limitation, Event Response Limit, and Request Interference Info. Subsequent Optional fields may be omitted. Also, while this frame format allocates 48 bits to the Target STA Address, AID may be used instead. The number of bits allocated to each field may be changed or omitted as appropriate. Although it is described as Control frame-based, other frame formats may also be used. The signals for preparing to implement C-ID are not limited to the frame format shown in this diagram.

[0162] According to this embodiment, AP MLD1 and AP MLD2 terminate the signal processing of received signals during coordinated operation. This terminates the signal processing of unnecessary interference signals and prevents the sharing of unnecessary interference information. Furthermore, this prevents congestion of the backhaul network 161.

[0163] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when AP MLD 1 performs cooperative operation, it can specify information about communication devices and BSS color information to AP MLD 2 when sending a Multi-AP coordination request. This reduces the processing load on AP MLD 2.

[0164] <Example of Electronic Device Configuration> The series of processes described above can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes are executed by software, the programs that make up the software are installed from a program storage medium onto a computer built into dedicated hardware, or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0165] Figure 26 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an electronic device equipped with a first communication device described in any of the first to seventh embodiments for performing the series of processes described above. As illustrated in this block diagram, this electronic device includes various components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, RAM (Random Access Memory) 803, bus 804, input / output interface 805, input unit 806, output unit 807, storage unit 808, communication unit 809, drive 810, removable media 811, sensor unit 812, wireless communication interface 813, antenna switch 814, and antenna 815, but only the minimum necessary configuration for performing the series of processes related to the technology described above is required. Other individual components are not necessarily essential, and further components may be included. The configuration described below is also illustrative.

[0166] The CPU 801, ROM 802, and RAM 803 are interconnected by a bus 804.

[0167] An input / output interface 805 is further connected to the bus 804. An input unit 806, consisting of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and an output unit 807, consisting of a display, speaker, etc., are connected to the input / output interface 805. The output unit 807 may output or display information related to this technology, such as information indicating power thresholds. The input unit 806 may input information related to this technology, such as information indicating power thresholds, and input confirmation or response to the information output or displayed to the output unit 807. In addition, a storage unit 808, consisting of a hard disk or non-volatile memory, a communication unit 809, consisting of a network interface, etc., and a drive 810 that drives removable media 811 are connected to the input / output interface 805. The storage unit 808 and ROM 802 may be a single block.

[0168] In the electronic device configured as described above, the CPU 801 loads, for example, a program stored in the memory unit 808 into the RAM 803, which is a volatile memory, via the input / output interface 805 and the bus 804, and executes it, thereby performing the series of processes described above. For example, the CPU 801 may execute a processing program corresponding to the flowchart in Figure 13 of this technology. In that case, the CPU 801 corresponds to the control unit of the communication device in the first to seventh embodiments.

[0169] Alternatively, the communication unit 809 may be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module consisting of a single die) equipped with a processor configured as a system-on-a-chip (SoC), and the series of processes described above may be performed by that processor. In that case, the processor provided in the communication unit 809 corresponds to the control unit of the communication device in the first to seventh embodiments.

[0170] Furthermore, the processor in the communication unit 809 and the CPU 801 may work together to perform the series of processes described above. In that case, the processor in the communication unit 809 and the CPU 801 work together to constitute the control unit of the communication device according to the first to seventh embodiments.

[0171] Needless to say, the control unit of the communication device in the first to seventh embodiments does not need to consist only of the CPU 801 and the communication unit 809, but may also consist of other processors, integrated circuits, etc.

[0172] The program executed by the CPU 801 is recorded on removable media 811, for example, or provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the internet, or digital broadcasting, and installed in the storage unit 808.

[0173] Furthermore, the processor of the wireless communication module provided in the communication unit 809 may not be a general-purpose processor, but rather may be composed of an FPGA or ASIC.

[0174] These programs may be programs that process in chronological order according to the order described in this disclosure, or they may be programs that process in parallel or at necessary times, such as when a call is made.

[0175] The input unit 806 includes, for example, one or more input devices such as a touch sensor for detecting touches on the screen of the display provided by the output unit 807 (described later), a keypad, a keyboard, a button, or a switch, or a microphone for converting sound input to an electronic device into an audio signal. The input unit 806 accepts operations or information input from the user, and may also input, for example, user confirmation or response to information output from the output unit 807.

[0176] The sensor unit 812 includes one or more sensors, such as a camera equipped with an image sensor like a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor), a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and a millimeter-wave radar. The positioning sensor measures the position of the electronic device (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) using GNSS signals received from GNSS satellites, for example.

[0177] The output unit 807 includes one or more output devices, such as a display device like a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a quantum dot (QD) display, or an LED lamp, or a speaker that converts audio signals output from an electronic device into audio. The output unit 807 displays and plays content received by this technology, and also displays information related to this technology, such as information indicating a power threshold.

[0178] The communication unit 809 includes a wireless communication interface 813 that supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successors. The wireless communication interface 813 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, and power amplifiers. The wireless communication interface 813 may also be a single-chip module integrating, for example, a memory for temporarily storing a communication control program, a processor for executing the program, or related circuitry.

[0179] The antenna switch 814 switches the destination of the antenna 815 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 813 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0180] Furthermore, the antenna 815 has one or more antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements that constitute a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna, or multiple antenna elements that constitute an array antenna), and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 813.

[0181] Furthermore, this electronic device may operate as a wireless AP (software AP) by having the CPU 801 execute AP (Access Point) functionality at the application level. Alternatively, the communication unit 809 may also have wireless AP functionality. Additionally, the CPU 801 or the communication unit 809 may have a tethering function using both wireless LAN and cellular communication methods, and may transmit payload data received via cellular communication using the wireless LAN method, or transmit payload data received via wireless LAN using the cellular communication method. The tethering function of this electronic device may be enabled by user input.

[0182] In the tethering function, for example, an electronic device receives upper-layer data via a cellular communication interface (not shown) in the communication unit 809 and transmits it as a wireless signal via a wireless LAN interface (not shown). Alternatively, the electronic device receives lower-layer data via the wireless LAN interface and transmits it as a wireless signal via the cellular communication interface. In either case, conversion between the protocol of the cellular communication standard and the protocol of the wireless LAN standard is performed in the preamble of the PHY header and MAC header.

[0183] When this electronic device is installed in a cellular communication base station and femtocell, the wireless communication interface provided by the communication unit 809 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to the wireless LAN method, such as 3GPP cellular communication methods like 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. This wireless communication interface may be a single-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication methods, or it may be a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication methods.

[0184] Furthermore, electronic devices may switch between wireless LAN and cellular communication methods. For example, electronic devices may switch between wireless LAN and cellular communication methods based on information indicating communication quality such as communication speed, signal strength, reliability, or latency, higher layer requirements, or a combination thereof. Electronic devices may also put modules used in the communication method not used by the switch into a power-saving state by reducing the communication frequency, etc. Furthermore, electronic devices may perform wireless communication by running both wireless LAN and cellular communication methods in parallel and in redundancy.

[0185] This electronic device can be configured as a variety of products. For example, it may be implemented as a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet PC (Personal Computer), notebook PC, portable game console, or digital camera; a fixed device such as a television receiver, projector, printer, digital scanner, or network storage; or an in-vehicle device such as a car navigation system or dashcam. Furthermore, this electronic device may be implemented as an M2M (Machine To Machine Communication) terminal or an IoT (Internet of Things) terminal, such as a smart meter, vending machine, remote monitoring device, or POS (Point of Sale) terminal. It may also be implemented as a terminal requiring low latency and high reliability, such as an XR (Extended Reality / Cross Reality) device.

[0186] On the other hand, for example, this electronic device may be implemented as a wireless LAN access point (AP) with or without router functionality. It may also be implemented as a mobile wireless LAN router. Furthermore, it may be implemented as a cellular communication base station and a femtocell.

[0187] This electronic device may be configured to enable (Activate) or restrict (Deactivate) the functions relating to this disclosure in response to user input. In addition to or instead of this, parameters used in the processing relating to this disclosure may be made changeable based on user input to the input unit 806. The user input may be one of the following, or a combination thereof: a graphical user interface (GUI), physical switches, or an input interface provided on another device.

[0188] The electronic device may be configured to display to the user, via an output interface (e.g., a display device such as an LCD display, OLED display, LED lamp, or speaker), the status of the function relating to this disclosure (Activate or Deactivate), and the parameters used for the processing relating to this disclosure while it is being configured.

[0189] The following sections will describe the specific configuration and operation of this electronic device, using examples such as electronic devices requiring low power consumption (e.g., battery-powered smartphones), electronic devices requiring low-latency communication (e.g., XR systems that play dynamic content, or industrial robots that require real-time control), electronic devices whose location is constantly changing (e.g., in-vehicle devices or drone-mounted devices), and electronic devices with AP (Access Point) functionality. The technical advantages gained from applying this technology to electronic devices with each of these characteristics will also be explained.

[0190] First, let's explain XR systems using a head-mounted display as an example of an electronic device. An XR system is, for example, a head-mounted display. The user, a game player, wears a head-mounted display connected to a game console on their head and plays the game by operating controllers and other devices while viewing virtual reality (VR) images displayed on the head-mounted display. When a user wears a head-mounted display, they only see the images displayed on the head-mounted display, which enhances their sense of immersion in the visual world and further increases the entertainment value of the game. Furthermore, the dynamic content displayed on the XR device is not limited to game footage; it can also be other content such as movies or television programs.

[0191] When an electronic device is implemented as an XR system, the XR system is connected to a content processing device such as a game console or server via wireless communication through a wireless communication interface 813. Various signals, such as video signals, transmitted from the content processing device are processed by the processor and CPU 801 in the communication unit 809 and displayed as video on the output unit 807. The XR system may also be configured to receive input instructions from the user using a controller via wireless communication through the wireless communication interface 813. The communication method between the XR system and the content processing device is the same as described above, so its explanation is omitted. By applying the technology described in this disclosure to an XR device, for example, low-latency communication can be realized, improving real-time performance and further enhancing entertainment value.

[0192] Next, as an example of electronic equipment, we will discuss industrial robots using a master-slave surgical system. Since the master and slave devices can generally use similar block diagrams, we will primarily focus on the master device. In the surgical system, a surgeon, such as a physician, operates the master device via an input unit 806 (for example, an input device such as a controller or joystick, in addition to the devices mentioned above). The slave device, equipped with medical instruments such as forceps or clamps, is remotely controlled according to the force of the user's input measured by a sensor unit 812 (for example, a force sensor). The slave device is configured, for example, as an arm device with a surgical instrument held at its tip, and can change the position or orientation of the instrument within the abdominal cavity.

[0193] When electronic equipment is implemented as a surgical system, the master device is connected to the slave device via wireless communication through the wireless communication interface 813. In the master device, input operations received from the user and measurement data measured by the sensor unit 812 are processed by the processor and CPU 801 of the communication unit 809 and transmitted as control signals to the slave device via wireless communication through the wireless communication interface 813. The communication method between the master device and the slave device is the same as described above, so a description is omitted. By applying the technology described in this disclosure to a surgical system, for example, low-latency communication can be realized, improving real-time performance and enabling accurate reproduction of the surgeon's movements even remotely. Furthermore, industrial robots may be used not only in surgical systems, but also, for example, in construction machinery that performs heavy machinery work on site based on remote input operations from a user.

[0194] Next, we will explain using a drone as an example of electronic equipment. Drones are used, for example, in aerial photography, measurement, disaster relief, and transportation / logistics. In this example, the drone is connected to a controller such as a proportional device or a smartphone via wireless communication through the wireless communication interface 813. The drone operator, who is the user, remotely controls the drone's flight by transmitting operation commands or control parameters to the drone via the controller. The signals transmitted to the drone are received by the wireless communication interface 813 via the antenna 815. The drone processes the received signals using the processor and CPU 801 in the communication unit 809 to realize the desired flight operation by the user. On the other hand, since the drone's position changes moment by moment, it moves while switching between wireless LAN APs (wireless base stations). Also, as described above, the drone may move while switching between wireless LAN and cellular communication methods.

[0195] By applying the technology described in this disclosure to a drone, for example, it is possible to appropriately switch the radio waves used by the drone, thereby preventing problems such as interference with drone operation or distortion of the video transmitted from the drone.

[0196] <Example of Smartphone Configuration> Figure 27 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a smartphone 900 to which this technology is applied as an electronic device. Although Figure 27 is shown as an example of the configuration of a smartphone 900, it is not limited to this and may be an example of the configuration of various devices and functions described above. For example, the smartphone 900 may be an MLD (Multi-Link Device). Also, the STA described in each embodiment may be realized by the block diagram in Figure 27.

[0197] The smartphone 900 includes a processor 901, memory 902, storage 903, an external connection interface 904, a camera 906, a sensor 907, a microphone 908, an input device 909, and a display device 910. The smartphone 900 also includes a speaker 911, a wireless communication interface 913, an antenna switch 914, an antenna 915, a bus 917, a battery 918, and an auxiliary controller 919. The smartphone 900 may include all or some of the above components. Furthermore, if the smartphone 900 is an MLD (Multi-Language Device), the antenna 915 and the wireless communication interface 913 include multiple circuits for configuring multiple links.

[0198] The processor 901 may be, for example, a CPU or an SoC (System on Chip), and controls the functions of the application layer and other layers of the smartphone 900. The SoC may also be configured to implement wireless LAN and cellular communication on a single chip. For example, such an SoC may be implemented by configuring circuits that perform common processing in wireless LAN and cellular communication on the same layer, and circuits that perform different processing on different layers. Furthermore, when circuits that perform different processing are stacked on different layers in wireless LAN and cellular communication, circuits that perform other processing may be stacked between these layers.

[0199] Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may be equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligence). The processor 901 may perform the functions of the disclosure based on the processing results of the AI. For example, the processor 901 may input various data into a trained model and perform the functions of the disclosure using the output results of the trained model that are output in response to the input of this data.

[0200] Memory 902 corresponds to, for example, RAM 803 and temporarily stores programs and data executed by processor 901.

[0201] The storage 903 is a storage unit consisting of, for example, a hard disk or other non-volatile memory, and stores programs. It corresponds to the storage unit 808 described above.

[0202] The external connection interface 904 is an interface for connecting external devices such as memory cards or USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices to the smartphone 900. The smartphone 900 may also be connected via the external connection interface 904 to a power supply unit that provides power to each block. The smartphone 900 may also be connected via the external connection interface 904 to an external device that receives power.

[0203] The wireless communication interface 913 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successors, and performs wireless communication.

[0204] In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 913 communicates with other devices via the wireless LAN access point (AP). In ad-hoc mode or direct communication modes such as Wi-Fi Direct, the wireless communication interface 913 communicates directly with other devices.

[0205] In Wi-Fi Direct, unlike ad-hoc mode, one of the two devices acts as the access point (AP), but communication takes place directly between those devices.

[0206] The wireless communication interface 913 typically includes a baseband processor, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 913 may also be a single-chip module integrating a memory for temporarily storing a communication control program, a processor for executing the program, and related circuits.

[0207] The wireless communication interface 913 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to the wireless LAN method, such as short-range wireless communication methods like Bluetooth, proximity wireless communication methods like NFC, or 3GPP cellular communication methods such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 913 may be a single-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication methods, or it may be a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication methods.

[0208] The antenna switch 914 switches the destination of the antenna 915 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 913 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0209] The antenna 915 has one or more antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving wireless signals via the wireless communication interface 913. Furthermore, wireless LAN communication and cellular communication may be implemented using the same antenna 915.

[0210] Note that the smartphone 900 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 27, and may be equipped with multiple antennas (for example, an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for proximity wireless communication, and an antenna for cellular communication). In that case, the antenna switch 914 may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone 900.

[0211] The bus 917 connects the processor 901, memory 902, storage 903, external connection interface 904, camera 906, sensor 907, microphone 908, input device 909, display device 910, speaker 911, wireless communication interface 913, and auxiliary controller 919 to each other.

[0212] The battery 918 supplies power to each block of the smartphone 900 shown in Figure 27 via power supply lines partially shown by dashed lines in the figure. The auxiliary controller 919 operates the minimum necessary functions of the smartphone 900, for example, in sleep mode. The battery 918 may also be charged via the external connection interface 904. The battery 918 may also have a function that allows reading of information regarding the remaining power, cumulative power supply time, or cumulative power supply amount, and the processor 901, wireless communication interface 913, or auxiliary controller 919 may control any of the functions of the above embodiments based on the information read from the battery 918.

[0213] In the smartphone 900 shown in Figure 27, for example, the communication control unit 111 in Figure 4 and the communication control unit 211 in Figure 5 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 913. For example, the processing program corresponding to the flowchart in Figure 13 may be executed by the processor provided in the wireless communication interface 913. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 901 or the auxiliary controller 919.

[0214] Furthermore, the smartphone 900 may be equipped with a biometric authentication unit (fingerprint authentication, palm print authentication, voice authentication, vascular authentication, facial authentication, iris authentication, retinal authentication). In this case, the wireless communication interface 913 on which the communication control unit 111 in Figure 4 and the communication control unit 211 in Figure 5 are implemented is configured to receive power from the same battery 918 as at least one of the display device 910, the speaker 911, and the biometric authentication unit.

[0215] Furthermore, in the smartphone 900, information is displayed from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911 based on communication with an external device via the wireless communication interface 913. In this case, the information displayed may include information related to this technology, such as information indicating a power threshold, which may be output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911. The input device 909 may also be configured to input confirmation or a response to the information output from at least one of the display device 910 and the speaker 911.

[0216] The smartphone 900 may be equipped with a rectifier circuit for realizing a wireless power supply function, such as an electromagnetic wave method. For example, the wireless power supply function may be realized by receiving electromagnetic waves emitted from the antenna 915 of the transmitting smartphone 900 with the antenna 915 of the receiving smartphone 900 and converting them into a DC current with a rectifier circuit.

[0217] Furthermore, this electronic device may have a normal mode that automatically transitions to a power-saving state and a low-latency mode that prevents transitioning to the power-saving mode. The electronic device may also be configured to allow switching between the normal mode and the low-latency mode in response to user input. Additionally, the electronic device may automatically switch between these modes depending on the battery level.

[0218] By applying the technology described in this invention to a smartphone 900, it is possible to achieve, for example, the low power consumption required for a battery-powered device 918, as well as low-latency communication.

[0219] <Example of In-Vehicle Device Configuration> Figure 28 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle device 920 to which the technology of this disclosure is applied as an electronic device. Although Figure 28 is described as an example of the configuration of an in-vehicle device 920, it is not limited to this and may be an example of the configuration of various devices and functions described above.

[0220] The in-vehicle device 920 is configured to include a processor 921, memory 922, storage unit 923, sensor 925, data interface 926, content player 927, and storage medium interface 928. The in-vehicle device 920 is also configured to include an input device 929, display device 930, speaker 931, wireless communication interface 933, antenna switch 934, antenna 935, and battery 938. The in-vehicle device 920 may include all of the above, or it may include some of them.

[0221] The processor 921 may be, for example, a CPU or a SoC, and controls the navigation and other functions of the in-vehicle device 920. The processor 921 can also control the vehicle's drive system, such as the brakes, accelerator, or steering, based on information obtained through communication based on this technology.

[0222] Memory 922 corresponds to, for example, RAM 803 and temporarily stores programs and data executed by processor 921.

[0223] The memory unit 923 corresponds to the memory unit 808 described above. The memory unit 923 is, for example, a memory unit consisting of a hard disk or other non-volatile memory, and stores programs.

[0224] Sensor 925, like sensor unit 812, includes, for example, a positioning sensor. Sensor 925 measures the position of the electronic device (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude) using, for example, GNSS signals received from GNSS satellites.

[0225] The data interface 926 is connected to the in-vehicle network 941, for example, via terminals (not shown), and acquires data generated on the vehicle side, such as vehicle-side data.

[0226] The content player 927 plays content stored on a storage medium (e.g., a CD or DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface 928, or content received via the wireless communication interface 933.

[0227] The speaker 931 outputs navigation functions, audio of the content being played, or information related to this technology, such as information indicating a power threshold.

[0228] Note that in the in-vehicle device 920, the navigation function and the functions provided by the content player 927 are optional. The navigation function and the content player 927 may be omitted from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0229] The wireless communication interface 933 supports one or more wireless LAN standards, such as IEEE 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, 11ax, 11ay, 11be, 11bn, and their successors, and performs wireless communication.

[0230] In infrastructure mode, the wireless communication interface 933 communicates with other devices via the wireless LAN access point (AP). In ad-hoc mode or direct communication modes such as Wi-Fi Direct, the wireless communication interface 933 communicates directly with other devices.

[0231] In Wi-Fi Direct, unlike ad-hoc mode, one of the two devices acts as the access point (AP), but communication takes place directly between those devices.

[0232] The wireless communication interface 933 typically includes a baseband processor, RF circuitry, and power amplifier. The wireless communication interface 933 may also be a single-chip module integrating a memory for storing a communication control program, a processor for executing the program, or related circuitry.

[0233] The wireless communication interface 933 may support other types of wireless communication methods in addition to the wireless LAN method, such as short-range wireless communication methods like Bluetooth, proximity wireless communication methods like NFC, or 3GPP cellular communication methods such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and 6G. The wireless communication interface 933 may be a single-chip module that supports multiple wireless communication methods, or it may be a combination of modules that support some of the wireless communication methods.

[0234] The antenna switch 934 switches the destination of the antenna 935 among multiple circuits included in the wireless communication interface 933 (for example, circuits for different wireless communication methods, or transmitting and receiving circuits).

[0235] The antenna 935 has one or more antenna elements (for example, multiple antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna, or multiple antenna elements constituting an array antenna) and is used for transmitting and receiving radio signals via the wireless communication interface 933.

[0236] Note that the in-vehicle device 920 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 28, and may include multiple antennas 935 (for example, an antenna for wireless LAN, an antenna for proximity wireless communication, and an antenna for cellular communication). In that case, the antenna switch 934 may be omitted from the configuration of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0237] The battery 938 supplies power to each block of the on-board device 920 shown in Figure 28 via the power supply lines partially shown by dashed lines in the figure. The battery 938 may also store power supplied from the vehicle. Alternatively, the on-board device 920 may not have a battery and may utilize power supplied from the vehicle via a voltage regulator or capacitor.

[0238] In the in-vehicle device 920 shown in Figure 28, for example, the communication control unit 111 in Figure 4 and the communication control unit 211 in Figure 5 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 933. For example, the processing program corresponding to the flowchart in Figure 13 may be executed by the processor provided in the wireless communication interface 933. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the processor 921.

[0239] Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 933 may operate as the first communication device or third communication device described above, providing wireless connectivity to terminals held by users in the vehicle. For example, the wireless communication interface 933 may connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices, and the in-vehicle device 920 may utilize CarPlay® or Android Auto®. The wireless communication interface 933 may also connect the in-vehicle device 920 to other peripheral devices using a short-range wireless communication method, infrastructure mode, or a Wi-Fi Direct wireless LAN method.

[0240] The in-vehicle device 920 may also operate as a wireless AP (software AP) by having the processor 921 execute AP functions at the application level. Alternatively, the wireless communication interface 933 may have wireless AP functionality. Furthermore, the processor 921 or the wireless communication interface 933 may have a tethering function using both wireless LAN and cellular communication methods, and may transmit payload data received via cellular communication using the wireless LAN method, or transmit payload data received via wireless LAN using the cellular communication method. The tethering function of the in-vehicle device 920 may be enabled by user input.

[0241] Furthermore, this technology may be implemented as an in-vehicle system (or vehicle) 940 including one or more blocks of the above-described in-vehicle device 920, an in-vehicle network 941, and a vehicle-side module 942. The vehicle-side module 942 may generate vehicle-side data such as vehicle speed information, engine speed information, vehicle-side battery information, or fault information, and output the generated data to the in-vehicle network 941. The processor 921 or wireless communication interface 933 may control any of the functions of the above-described embodiments based on the vehicle-side data acquired via the in-vehicle network 941.

[0242] By applying the technology described in this disclosure to the in-vehicle device 920, for example, it is possible to appropriately switch the radio waves used by the in-vehicle device 920, which is constantly moving, and to prevent interference with the operation of the in-vehicle device 920.

[0243] <Example of Wireless AP Configuration> Figure 29 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless AP 950 to which this technology is applied as an electronic device. Although Figure 29 is described as an example of the configuration of a wireless AP 950, it is not limited to this, and may be an example of the configuration of various devices and functions described above. For example, the AP described in this disclosure may be realized by the block diagram in Figure 29.

[0244] The wireless AP 950 includes a controller 951, memory 952, storage unit 953, input device 954, display device 955, network interface 957, wireless communication interface 963, antenna switch 964, and antenna 965. The wireless AP 950 may include all of the above, or some of them. Furthermore, if the wireless AP 950 is an MLD, the wireless communication interface 963, antenna switch 964, and antenna 965 include multiple circuits for configuring multiple links.

[0245] The controller 951 may be a processor such as a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and it operates various functions of the wireless AP 950 at the IP (Internet Protocol) layer and higher layers (e.g., access restriction, routing, encryption, firewall, and log management). The controller 951 also controls each of the blocks described above.

[0246] Memory 952 corresponds to, for example, RAM 803 and temporarily stores programs executed by controller 951, as well as various control information (e.g., terminal list, routing table, encryption key, security settings, and logs).

[0247] The memory unit 953 corresponds to the memory unit 808 described above. The memory unit 953 is, for example, a memory unit consisting of a hard disk or other non-volatile memory, and stores programs.

[0248] The input device 954 may accept input from the user to switch the wireless function on or off, and to switch between the router function and the access point function. The input device 954 may also accept input from the user to enable or restrict the execution of the functions related to this disclosure. In addition to or instead of the above, the input device 954 may accept input from the user to change the parameters used in the processing related to this disclosure. The user may make these settings from the settings screen of the wireless AP 950.

[0249] The display device 955 displays, for example, the operating status of the wireless AP 950. For example, a notebook PC can be used as the display device 955 and input device 954. The user can connect the notebook PC to the wireless AP 950 and use the notebook PC's keyboard as the input device 954 to enter the address of the wireless AP 950 in a browser to access the wireless AP 950's settings screen. The user can use the notebook PC's display as the display device 955 to check the operating status of the wireless AP 950. Such a settings screen for checking the operating status may be implemented not only in the wireless AP 950 but also in the various electronic devices mentioned above.

[0250] The wired communication network interface 957 is a wired communication interface for the wireless AP 950 to connect to the wired communication network 958. The network interface 957 may have multiple connection terminals. The network interface 957 may output payload data included in the wireless signal input from the wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal, or it may receive payload data output as a wireless signal from the wireless communication interface 963 as a wired signal, or it may operate in parallel with or independently of the wireless communication interface 963's input / output of wireless signals to input / output wired signals. The wired communication network 958 may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The wireless AP 950 may also be connected to a WLC (Wireless LAN Controller) via the wired communication network 958.

[0251] Furthermore, the wireless AP 950 may transmit data sent from a higher layer as a wireless signal via the wired communication network interface 957. Alternatively, the wireless AP 950 may transmit data sent from a lower layer as a wired signal via the wired communication network interface 957. In either case, conversion between the wired LAN protocol, such as Ethernet, and the wireless LAN protocol is performed in the preamble of the PHY header and MAC header. The wireless AP 950 may also use wired and wireless communication simultaneously to communicate with the same destination.

[0252] The wireless communication interface 963, antenna switch 964, and antenna 915 have the same configuration as the wireless communication interface 813, antenna switch 814, and antenna 815 described above, so their description is omitted.

[0253] In the wireless AP 950 shown in Figure 29, for example, the communication control unit 111 in Figure 4 and the communication control unit 211 in Figure 5 may be implemented in the wireless communication interface 963. For example, the processing program corresponding to the flowchart in Figure 13 may be executed by the processor provided in the wireless communication interface 963. Furthermore, at least some of these functions may be implemented in the controller 951. For example, the wireless AP 950 may be an MLD (Multi-Level Device). Also, the APs described in each embodiment may be realized by the block diagram in Figure 27.

[0254] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of how to realize this technology, and there is a corresponding relationship between the matters in the embodiments and the inventive features in the claims. Similarly, there is a corresponding relationship between the inventive features in the claims and the matters in the embodiments of this technology that bear the same name. However, this technology is not limited to the embodiments and can be realized by making various modifications to the embodiments without departing from the gist of the technology.

[0255] Furthermore, the communication control device and some or all of the communication device described in the above embodiments may be implemented, for example, as a semiconductor chip (IC (Integrated Circuit)) having wireless communication control functionality. Alternatively, they may be implemented as a single semiconductor chip equipped with multiple functions, such as a System on Chip (SoC), or as a combination of multiple semiconductor chips having a single function, such as a processor. Moreover, multiple SoCs may be combined, or a single-function semiconductor chip may be combined with an SoC. Furthermore, each part may be implemented as a dedicated semiconductor chip such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or as a combination of a general-purpose processor and software or firmware, or as a semiconductor chip such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0256] Furthermore, the processing procedure described in the above-described embodiment may be considered as a method comprising these steps, or as a program or recording medium that stores such a program for causing the computer to execute these steps.

[0257] For example, CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (MiniDiscs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), memory cards, and Blu-ray Discs (Blu-ray® Discs) can be used as recording media.

[0258] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all components are located in the same enclosure. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate enclosures and connected via a network, and a single device containing multiple modules in one enclosure, are both considered systems.

[0259] Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also occur.

[0260] The embodiments of this technology are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this technology.

[0261] For example, this technology can be configured as cloud computing, where a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0262] Furthermore, each step described in the flowchart above can be performed by a single device, or it can be divided and performed by multiple devices.

[0263] Furthermore, if a single step includes multiple processes, those processes can be executed by a single device or shared among multiple devices.

[0264] This embodiment may also have the following configurations. [Note] [Item 1] A first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, comprising a first control unit that controls the first wireless communication unit which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 2] The communication control device according to Item 1, wherein the state of the signal includes conditions relating to the received power. [Item 3] The communication control device according to Item 2, wherein the conditions relating to the received power are different from the thresholds used in CCA ED (Clear Channel Assessment Energy Detect) and OBSS-PD (OBSS Packet Detection). [Item 4] The communication control device according to Items 2 to 3, wherein the conditions relating to the received power are the power threshold of the signal or the center power of the signal. [Item 5] The communication control device according to Items 1 to 4, wherein the state of the signal includes conditions relating to the angle of arrival of the signal. [Item 6] The communication control device according to items 1 to 5, wherein the state of the signal includes conditions relating to the length of the data of the signal. [Item 7] The communication control device according to items 1 to 6, wherein the first control unit includes a process for setting conditions for stopping the signal reception operation based on information received from other communication devices belonging to the first network. [Item 8] The communication control device according to items 1 to 7, wherein the first control unit performs a process for stopping the signal reception operation while the first communication device has stopped a predetermined data transmission operation. [Item 9] The communication control device according to items 1 to 8, wherein the first control unit performs a process for notifying other communication devices belonging to the first network that it will perform the process of stopping the signal reception operation. [Item 10] The communication control device according to items 1 to 9, wherein the first control unit includes a process for setting a schedule for transitioning other communication devices belonging to the first network to an awake state or a dose state.[Item 11] A communication control device comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 12] The communication control device according to Item 11, wherein the first control unit further performs a process to continue the signal reception operation and transmit interference information of the signal to the third communication device. [Item 13] The communication control device according to Items 11 to 12, wherein the state of the signal includes conditions relating to received power. [Item 14] The communication control device according to Item 13, wherein the conditions relating to received power are conditions based on thresholds different from those used in CCA ED (Clear Channel Assessment Energy Detect) and OBSS-PD (OBSS Packet Detection). [Item 15] The communication control device according to items 13 to 14, wherein the condition relating to the received power is the power threshold of the signal or the condition relating to the center power of the signal. [Item 16] The communication control device according to items 11 to 15, wherein the state of the signal includes a condition relating to the angle of arrival of the signal. [Item 17] The communication control device according to items 11 to 16, wherein the state of the signal includes a condition relating to the length of the data of the signal. [Item 18] The communication control device according to items 11 to 17, wherein the first control unit includes a process of setting a condition for stopping the signal reception operation based on information received from the second communication device. [Item 19] The communication control device according to items 11 to 18, wherein the first control unit performs a process of stopping the signal reception operation while the first communication device has stopped a predetermined data transmission operation. [Item 20] The communication control device according to items 11 to 19, wherein the first control unit performs a process of notifying other communication devices belonging to the first network that it is performing a process to stop the signal reception operation.[Item 21] The communication control device according to Item 1, further comprising: a processor; an input device for receiving operations from a user; a display device; and one or more antennas, wherein the processor controls the display of the display device based on interference information received by the link or a wired line connecting the first communication device and the second communication device, and the operations. [Item 22] The communication control device according to Item 21, further comprising: a speaker; an external connection interface for connecting to an external device; the first control unit; the processor; the input device; the display device; and one or more antennas, a power sharing unit for supplying power via the external connection interface. [Item 23] The communication control device according to Item 21, wherein the display device is a display or LED lamp for displaying the operating status of the first communication device. [Item 24] An XR system comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs processing to stop the signal reception operation depending on the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 25] An industrial robot comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs processing to stop the signal reception operation depending on the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 26] A drone comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, the first control unit performing a process to stop the signal reception operation depending on the state of the signal received from the second communication device.[Item 27] ​​A vehicle comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device via one or more links, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 28] A vehicle comprising a first control method for controlling a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device via one or more links, wherein the first control method performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 29] A first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, wherein the first control method is a communication program that causes a computer to execute the first control method, which performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 30] A non-temporary media on which a communication program that causes a computer to execute the first control method is recorded, which includes a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links, which includes a first control method, which performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device.[Item 31] An XR system comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs processing to stop the signal reception operation depending on the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 32] An industrial robot comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs processing to stop the signal reception operation depending on the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 33] A drone comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation depending on the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 34] A vehicle comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being able to communicate wirelessly via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation depending on the state of the signal received from the second communication device.[Item 35] A first control method that controls a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control method includes a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device. [Item 36] A first control method that controls a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control method includes a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device, wherein the first control method is a communication program that causes a computer to execute the first control method. [Item 37] A first control method for controlling a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, which is capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not cooperating with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and cooperating with the first communication device, wherein the first control method includes a process for stopping the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device, and a non-temporary media on which a communication program causing a computer to execute the first control method is recorded.

[0265] 1, 2, 3 AP MLD 100, 102 STA MLD 101, 103 OBSS terminal 110, 210 Wireless communication unit 111, 211 Communication control unit 112, 212 Buffer / Information storage device 113 Common data processing unit 121, 121', 221, 221' Individual data processing unit 122, 122', 222, 222' Signal processing unit 123, 123', 223, 223' RF unit 124, 124', 224, 224' RF switch 130, 230 Control unit 150, 250 Antenna 160 Backhaul communication unit 161 Backhaul network 200 Wireless communication system 201 1st BSS 202 2nd BSS 203 3rd BSS 205 Communication range 310 1st OBSS 320 OBSS 2 330 OBSS 340 OBSS 4 5 OBSS 360 OBSS 6 410 Non-cooperative BSS 1 420 Non-cooperative BSS 2 430 Non-cooperative BSS 3 440 Non-cooperative BSS 4 50 Non-cooperative BSS 5 460 Non-cooperative BSS 6 470 Non-cooperative BSS 7 801 CPU 802 ROM 803 RAM 804 Bus 805 Input / Output Interface 806 Input Unit 807 Output Unit 808 Storage Unit 809 Communication Unit 810 Drive 811 Removable Media 900 Smartphone 901 Processor 902 Memory 903 Storage 904 External Connection Interface 906 Camera 907 Sensor 908 Microphone 909 Input Device 910 Display Device 911 Speaker 913 Wireless communication interface 914 Antenna switch 915 Antenna 917 Bus 918 Battery 919 Auxiliary controller 920 Vehicle equipment 921 Processor 922 Memory 924 GNSS module 925 Sensor 926 Data interface 927 Content player 928 Storage medium interface 929 Input device 930 Display device 931 Speaker 933 Wireless communication interface 934 Antenna switch 935 Antenna 938 Battery 940 Vehicle system (or vehicle) 941 Vehicle network 942 Vehicle-side module 951 Controller 952 Memory954 Input devices 955 Display devices 957 Network interfaces 958 Wired communication networks 963 Wireless communication interfaces 964 Antenna switches 965 Antennas

Claims

1. A communication control device comprising a first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, the first wireless communication unit being capable of wireless communication via one or more links with a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the state of the signal includes conditions relating to the received power.

3. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the conditions relating to the received power are based on thresholds different from those used in CCA ED (Clear Channel Assessment Energy Detect) and OBSS-PD (OBSS Packet Detection).

4. The communication control device according to claim 2, wherein the condition relating to the received power is the power threshold of the signal or the condition relating to the center power of the signal.

5. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the state of the signal includes a condition relating to the angle of arrival of the signal.

6. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the state of the signal includes a condition relating to the length of the data of the signal.

7. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit includes a process for setting conditions for stopping the signal reception operation based on information received from other communication devices belonging to the first network.

8. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation while the first communication device has stopped a predetermined data transmission operation.

9. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit performs a process to notify other communication devices belonging to the first network that it will perform a process to stop the signal reception operation.

10. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit includes a process for setting a schedule for transitioning other communication devices belonging to the first network to an awake state or a dose state.

11. A first wireless communication unit included in a first communication device belonging to a first network, comprising a first control unit that controls the first wireless communication unit which can be wirelessly transmitted via one or more links to a second communication device belonging to a second network and not operating in coordination with the first communication device, and a third communication device belonging to a third network and operating in coordination with the first communication device, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation according to the state of the signal received from the second communication device.

12. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the first control unit further performs the process of continuing the signal reception operation and transmitting interference information of the signal to the third communication device.

13. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the state of the signal includes conditions relating to the received power.

14. The communication control device according to claim 13, wherein the conditions relating to the received power are based on thresholds different from those used in CCA ED (Clear Channel Assessment Energy Detect) and OBSS-PD (OBSS Packet Detection).

15. The communication control device according to claim 13, wherein the condition relating to the received power is the power threshold of the signal or the condition relating to the center power of the signal.

16. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the state of the signal includes a condition relating to the angle of arrival of the signal.

17. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the state of the signal includes a condition relating to the length of the data of the signal.

18. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the first control unit includes a process for setting a condition for stopping the signal reception operation based on information received from the second communication device.

19. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the first control unit performs a process to stop the signal reception operation while the first communication device has stopped a predetermined data transmission operation.

20. The communication control device according to claim 11, wherein the first control unit performs a process to notify other communication devices belonging to the first network that it will perform a process to stop the signal reception operation.

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