Technical field
[0001]
　The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a communication method.
Background technique
[0002]
　In recent years, the spread of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 wireless LAN, which is representative (Local Area Network) is progressing. In addition, it is also increasing wireless LAN enabled products along with it.
[0003]
　Here, wireless LAN products, for example, an access point (hereinafter, also referred to as AP (Access Point).) And the station (hereinafter, also referred to as STA (Station).) Are classified into. The downlink (hereinafter, DL (Downlink) and also referred to.) Communications from AP called communication to STA, and the uplink (hereinafter, also referred to as UL (Uplink).) Communication line from STA called communication to the AP divide.
[0004]
　With the increase in wireless LAN products as described above, since the number of STA is also increasing, there is a possibility that the incidence of frames (packets) collisions in the uplink communication is enhanced.
[0005]
　In contrast, in Patent Document 1, by transmitting the frame using the channel STA which has received the predetermined frame, such as a group polling from the AP is notified in the predetermined frame, a communication multiplex a UL transmission method is disclosed. Thus, the collision of the UL transmission frame can be suppressed.
CITATION
Patent Literature
[0006]
Patent Document 1: JP-T 2015-511077 Patent Publication
Summary of the Invention
Problems that the Invention is to Solve
[0007]
　However, the communication method disclosed in Patent Document 1, UL transmission STA is controlled by the notification from the AP, a method belonging to the so-called control access method. Therefore, STA performs any UL transmission, UL communication of the so-called random access method has not been subject.
[0008]
　In the present disclosure, which can suppress a decrease in communication efficiency in the UL communication at the random access scheme, it proposes a new and improved communication apparatus and a communication method.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0009]
　According to the present disclosure, and transmits a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources, receives a response frame for the trigger frame, the communication It comprises a section, a communication device is provided.
[0010]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, receives a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources to transmit a response frame for said trigger frame , a communication unit, a communication device is provided.
[0011]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, and transmitting a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources, a response frame for said trigger frame It includes receiving, a communication method is provided.
[0012]
　Further, according to the present disclosure, the method comprising: receiving a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources, a response frame for said trigger frame It includes transmitting, a communication method is provided.
Effect of the invention
[0013]
　According to the present disclosure described above, a communication apparatus and communication method capable of suppressing the lowering of the communication efficiency in the UL communication at the random access method is provided. Incidentally, the above effect is not necessarily restrictive, with the above effects, or instead of the above effects, any effects shown herein, or other effects that may be grasped from the description, it may be achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014]
Is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of FIG. 1 the present disclosure.
Is a diagram illustrating an example frame exchange sequence in FIG. 2 conventional UL communication.
Is a block diagram showing an example of the AP and STA in the schematic functional configuration according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3 present disclosure.
It is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic functional configuration of a radio communication apparatus according to the first embodiment of FIG. 4 present disclosure.
It is a diagram for explaining an example of allocation and use of resources in the communication performed by the AP and STA according to [5] The present embodiment.
It is a diagram for explaining another example of the allocation and use of resources in the communication performed by the AP and STA according to [6] The present embodiment.
7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a trigger frame according to the present embodiment.
8 is a flowchart conceptually showing a process of an AP according to the present embodiment.
9 is a flowchart conceptually showing a process of a STA according to the present embodiment.
It is a diagram for explaining an example of allocation and use of resources in the communication performed by the AP and STA according to a first modification of FIG. 10 embodiment.
11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a trigger frame according to a first modification of the present embodiment.
It is a diagram for explaining an example of resource allocation in a communication performed by the AP and STA according to a second embodiment of FIG. 12 the present disclosure.
13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a trigger frame according to the present embodiment.
14 is a diagram showing an example of a transmission setting conditions included in Condition Parameter field of the trigger frame transmitted in the present embodiment.
Is a diagram illustrating an example of information included in the Frequency the Map Field of the trigger frame transmitted in FIG. 15A] present embodiment.
Is a diagram illustrating an example of information included in the Timing the Map Field of the trigger frame transmitted in FIG. 15B] present embodiment.
Is a diagram illustrating an example of information contained in the Spatial the Map Field of the trigger frame transmitted in FIG. 15C] present embodiment.
16 is a diagram for explaining an example of frame sequence for the communication performed by the AP and STA according to the present embodiment.
17 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a response UL frame according to the present embodiment.
18 is a flowchart conceptually showing a sub-area determination process of an AP according to the present embodiment.
19 is a flowchart conceptually showing a communication process with STA of AP according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart conceptually showing a communication process with STA of AP according to the present embodiment.
21 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a smart phone.
22 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation system.
FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless access point.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015]
　Reference will now be described in detail preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. In the specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same function and structure are a repeated explanation thereof by referring to the figures.
[0016]
　Further, in the present specification and drawings, a plurality of structural elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by affixing a different number after the same reference numerals. For example, distinguished as a substantially more components having the same functions, such as STA 20 # A and STA 20 # B as needed. However, substantially when it is not necessary to distinguish the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numeral. For example, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the STA 20 # A and STA 20 # B is simply referred to as STA 20.
[0017]
　The description will be made in the following order.
　1. Issues Overview and prior art communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure
　2. First Embodiment (UL transmission control based on the resource
　　area) 2-1. Configuration of the apparatus
　　2-2. Technical features
　　2-3. Processing of the device
　　2-4. Summary of first embodiment
　　2-5. Modification
　3. Second Embodiment (the collection of information related to UL transmission using sub-area)
　　3-1. Configuration of the apparatus
　　3-2. Technical features
　　3-3. Processing of the device
　　3-4. Summary of the second embodiment
　4. Application Example
　5. Conclusion
[0018]
　<1. Description of the prior art problems of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure>
　First, with reference to FIG. 1, will be described problem summary and the prior art of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019]
　Communication system, and a communication device 10 and the plurality of communication devices 20. The communication device 10 and the communication device 20 has a wireless communication function, to communicate with each other. For example, the communication device 10 operates as AP, the communication device 20 operates as a STA. Hereinafter, it refers to the communication apparatus 10 also AP 10, also referred to as a communication device 20 STA 20. Therefore, in the communication system, both DL communications and UL communications can take place.
[0020]
　For example, the communication system, as shown in FIG. 1, may be configured in AP10 and more STA20 # 1 ~ 20 # 4. AP10 and STA20 # 1 ~ 20 # 4 is connected via a wireless communication to transmit and receive directly the frame to each other. For example, AP 10 transmits a DL frame destined for each of the STA20 # 1 ~ 20 # 4. Moreover, STA 20 each of # 1 to 20 # 4, respectively transmit the UL frame destined to AP 10.
[0021]
　Here, the transmission of the UL frame may be performed in a random access method. Referring to FIG 2, a description will be given of the transmission of the conventional UL frame. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example frame exchange sequence in a conventional UL communication.
[0022]
　In a random access scheme, STA starts communication UL frame at an arbitrary timing. Also, other STA starts its UL communication after of the UL communication end. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, Uplink Data (hereinafter, also referred to as a ULD.) As a UL frame from one STA are transmitted, ACK (Acknowledgment) is transmitted from the AP as a response frame to the UL frame. Other STA is added from reception of the ACK to the time of a predetermined interframe space, for example, it starts to transmit the backoff (Back off) itself transmitted after a time ULD.
[0023]
　However, the number of STA increases, collisions UL frame is likely to occur. For example, the number of STA increases, the probability that STA overlap to start first UL communication becomes high. In addition, the higher the probability that the STA is duplicated to start the UL communication after the back-off. As a result, UL frame collide, wireless communication resources such as frequency (hereinafter, simply referred to as resources.) Utilization efficiency may decrease.
[0024]
　In contrast, it is conceivable such application of the method of communication for multi-user in the DL communication at the UL communication. For example, in a conventional wireless communication system, a method for transmitting a plurality of frames by a method of performing DL communication a plurality of STA as a target from the AP, to aggregation of multiple frames into one physical layer burst or more frames, the a method performing transmission using frequency division multiplexing or space division multiplexing. The method using the multiplexing of these by applying the UL communication, it is conceivable to transmit the UL frame at the same timing from a plurality of STA to the AP.
[0025]
　Here, multiplexing UL communications using a frame (hereinafter, UL multiplexing referred communicates with.), The setting of the communication parameters of the plurality of STA performing UL communication at the same time is important. For example, it is desirable that it is desirable, and the transmission time for each of the UL frame are synchronous to each UL frame transmitted from a plurality of STA is perpendicular to a separable respectively, for frequency or space. Otherwise, it can be difficult to correctly receive the respective UL frame in AP.
[0026]
　On the other hand, communication parameters are generally different by each STA. Specifically, the type or size of data to be transmitted by the UL communication is different. For example, data size, the data or frame attributes, different thousands octets width from a few octets.
[0027]
　Also, different modulation parameters used in the UL communication. For example, in a wireless communication system in a wireless LAN standard, a plurality of modulation rate and (modulation scheme) is provided, the communication apparatus on the transmission side each time a communication, selects a modulation rate that is determined optimal, selected data is transmitted using a modulation rate. Furthermore, depending on the distance of the AP and STA, available modulation rate changes. Then, it takes time to change the data transmission in accordance with the modulation rate.
[0028]
　The frequency channel as one of the communication parameters is, it may be more available in the same timing. For example, in a wireless communication system in a wireless LAN standard such as multiplexing technique using OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), there is a channel bonding technique. The channel bonding technique, bandwidth by bundling a plurality of frequency channels is 20 MHz, for example, the bandwidth of 40 MHz, the bandwidth of 80 MHz, it is possible to perform frame transmitted using the bandwidth of 160 MHz.
[0029]
　Further, since it is often also the distance between the AP and the STA, not uniformly distributed, the communication parameter is tends to vary among the STA. For example, other modulation rate as described above, communication parameters such as transmission signal strength may vary depending on the distance between the AP and the STA.
[0030]
　Therefore, in the random access scheme, it is difficult to take matching of the communication parameters of each of the plurality of STA, as a result, the communication efficiency of the UL multiplex communication may be reduced. Further, a method of separately collecting the communication parameter is considered, will be the communication for the acquisition of the communication parameters is newly generated, also the communication efficiency of the UL multiplex communication may be reduced.
[0031]
　On the other hand, the control access system, due to resource allocation of UL transmission, UL communication request using polling or the like from the AP for each STA (hereinafter, also referred to as ULR (Uplink Request).) Whether the query row divide. Therefore, there is a case where the STA can not be transmitted the ULR until polling is performed, if the polling is not carried out can not perform transmission of the frame according to the ULR. Although it is conceivable that accepts ULR from STA without polling, in which case, without ULR frames are multiplexed, for transmission in time order, it decreases the resource use efficiency.
[0032]
　Thus, in the conventional communication techniques, the number of STA increases, in the UL communication of the random access method, frame collision may frequently. Moreover, it can be difficult to identify the communication parameters suitable for the UL communication of the random access method. As a result, the communication efficiency in UL communication is may decrease.
[0033]
　Accordingly, the present disclosure proposes a communication device capable of suppressing reduction in communication efficiency in the UL communication at random access method. The following will explain the details. Incidentally, in FIG. 1 as an example of a communication system, the communication system has been described an example composed of AP10 and STA 20, instead of AP10, one of the STA 20 with multiple direct links with other STA 20 it may be a communication device. In that case, the DL described above "simultaneous transmissions from one STA to multiple STA", UL described above may be read as "simultaneous transmissions from a plurality of STA to one STA". For convenience of explanation, each of the AP 10, STA 20 and the communication device 100 according to the first and second embodiments, as AP10-1 and AP10-2, denoted by the number corresponding to the embodiment to the end distinguish.
[0034]
　<2. First Embodiment (UL transmission control based on the resource area)>
　has been described above overview of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Next, a description will be given AP10-1 and STA20-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0035]
　　<2-1. Configuration of Apparatus>
　First, with reference to FIG. 3, description is made about the functional structure of AP10-1 and STA20-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic functional configuration of AP10-1 and STA20-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036]
　AP10-1 and STA20-1 (hereinafter, also referred to as like AP10-1.), As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless communication device 100-1, a wired communication device 202, the information input unit 204, the device control unit 206 and comprising information output unit 208.
[0037]
　Wireless communication device 100-1 performs wireless communication with AP10-1 or STA20-1. More specifically, the wireless communication device 100-1 performs wireless communication for data obtained from the device control unit 206. It will be described in detail later.
[0038]
　Wired communication device 202 communicates with an external device via a wired. Specifically, the wired communication device 202 is connected to the Internet, it communicates with an external device via the Internet. For example, wired communication unit 202 transmits via the Internet a data radio communication apparatus 100-1 is acquired by communication to an external device.
[0039]
　Information input unit 204 performs reception of input. Specifically, the information input unit 204 accepts information derived from user input or sensor. For example, the information input unit 204 may be input devices such as a keyboard or a touch panel. Further, the information input unit 204 converts a signal obtained from the image sensor to the image information.
[0040]
　Device control unit 206 generally controls operations such AP10-1. Specifically, the device control unit 206 controls the communication of the wireless communication device 100-1 or wired communication device 202. For example, the device control unit 206 causes the transmit data obtained from the information input unit 204 to the wireless communication device 100-1 or wired communication device 202, the data obtained by the communication of the wireless communication device 100-1 or wired communication device 202 is output to the information output unit 208.
[0041]
　Information output section 208 outputs the data. Specifically, the information output unit 208 outputs the data indicated from the device control unit 206. For example, the information output unit 208 may be a speaker or the like for audio output based on the display or voice information to be displayed and output on the basis of the image information.
[0042]
　　　(Configuration of Radio Communication Apparatus)
　Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a description is given of a functional configuration of the wireless communication device 100-1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic functional configuration of a radio communication apparatus 100-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043]
　Wireless communication device 100-1, as shown in FIG. 4, as the communication unit, a data processing unit 110, the control unit 120 and the wireless communication unit 130.
[0044]
　　　(Data processing unit)
　data processor 110, as shown in FIG. 4, an interface unit 111, transmission buffer 112, a transmission frame constructing section 113, a reception frame analysis section 114 and a receive buffer 115.
[0045]
　Interface unit 111 is an interface to be connected to another functional configuration other than the functional configuration described above in such AP10-1. Specifically, the interface unit 111 performs provision of received data reception of transmitted data from another functional configuration or to other functional configuration.
[0046]
　Transmission buffer 112 stores the data to be transmitted. Specifically, the transmission buffer 112 stores the data obtained by the interface unit 111.
[0047]
　Transmission frame constructing unit 113 generates a frame to be transmitted. Specifically, the transmission frame constructing unit 113 generates a frame based on the control information set by the data or control unit 120 is stored in the transmission buffer 112. The control information may be information such as the resource information according to the trigger frame to be described later. For example, the transmission frame constructing unit 113 generates a frame (or packet) from the data, the media access control frames generated: such as addition of additional and error detection code of the MAC header for the (MAC Media Access Control) processing is carried out.
[0048]
　Reception frame analysis section 114 analyzes the frame received. Specifically, the reception frame analysis section 114, acquires the data or control information included in the destination determination and the frame of the frame received by the wireless communication unit 130. For example, the reception frame analysis section 114, the frame to be received, the analysis of the MAC header, detection and correction of bit error, and to obtain data or the like by performing the reordering processing.
[0049]
　Reception buffer 115 stores the received data. Specifically, the receive buffer 115 stores the data acquired by the reception frame analysis section 114.
[0050]
　　　(Controller)
　controller 120, as shown in FIG. 4 comprises an operation control unit 121 and the signal control unit 122.
[0051]
　Operation control unit 121 controls the operation of the radio communication. Specifically, the operation control unit 121 controls the generation of the communication. For example, the operation control unit 121, a connection request of the communication occurs, to produce a frame according to the connection processing or authentication processing such association process or an authentication process to the data processing unit 110. The operation control unit 121, a transmission request of the trigger frame to be described later occurs, thereby generating the trigger frame to the data processing unit 110.
[0052]
　The operation control unit 121 controls the frame generated based on the analysis results of storage conditions or receive frames of data in the transmission buffer 112. For example, the operation control unit 121, if the data in the transmission buffer 112 is stored, and instructs the generation of the data frame to which the data is stored in the transmission frame forming part 113. The operation control unit 121, if the received data frame is detected by the reception frame analysis section 114, and instructs the generation of the ACK frame as a response to the data frame to the transmission frame forming part 113.
[0053]
　The operation control unit 121 manages the resources used in the frame transmission. Specifically, the operation control unit 121 manages the resource information described later. For example, the operation control unit 121 performs the determination of the resource unit for a AP10-1, in the case of STA20-1 register a resource unit to be notified.
[0054]
　The signal controller 122 controls the operation of the wireless communication unit 130. Specifically, the signal control unit 122 controls the transmission and reception processing of the radio communication unit 130. For example, the signal manager 122, if the STA20-1, based on an instruction from the operation control unit 121, the UL transmission by using part of the resources of the resource area to be described later (one or more resource units) causing the radio communication unit 130.
[0055]
　　　(Wireless communication unit)
　wireless communication unit 130, as shown in FIG. 4, a transmission processing unit 131, reception processing unit 132 and the antenna control unit 133.
[0056]
　The transmission processing unit 131 performs transmission processing of the frame. Specifically, the transmission processing unit 131, based on the frame provided from the transmission frame constructing unit 113 generates a signal to be transmitted. More specifically, the transmission processing unit 131 generates a signal according to the UL frame based on the resource indicated from the signal controller 122. For example, the transmission processing unit 131, the frame provided from the data processing unit 110, in accordance with coding and modulation schemes such as are set by the control unit 120, generates a symbol stream by performing encoding, interleaving and modulation. Further, the transmission processing unit 131, a signal relating to a symbol stream obtained by the preceding processing, is converted into an analog signal, amplifies, filters, and frequency upconverts.
[0057]
　Further, the transmission processing unit 131 performs multiplexing processing of the frame. Specifically, the transmission processing unit 131 performs processing according to the frequency division multiplexing or space division multiplexing.
[0058]
　Reception processing unit 132 performs reception processing of the frame. Specifically, the reception processing unit 132 performs restoration of the frame based on the signals provided from the antenna control unit 133. For example, the reception processing unit 132, if the AP10-1, awaits the reception of a signal according to the UL frame in a range of resources to be reserved as a resource area. Specifically, the reception processing unit 132, the signal obtained from the antenna, the inverse of the processing and during the signal transmission, for example, to obtain the symbol stream by performing frequency downconverts and digital signal conversion, and the like. Further, the reception processing unit 132, the symbol stream obtained by preceding processing, acquires the frame by performing demodulation and decoding, etc., to provide a frame to be acquired to the data processing unit 110 or the control unit 120.
[0059]
　Further, the reception processing unit 132 performs processing for separation of the multiplexed frame. Specifically, the reception processing section 132 is frequency-division multiplexing, or performs a process related to the separation of the frame space division multiplexing.
[0060]
　Further, the reception processing unit 132 estimates the channel gain. Specifically, the reception processing unit 132 of the signal obtained from the antenna control unit 133, calculates the complex channel gain information from the preamble or training signal portion. Incidentally, the complex channel gain information calculated is used in processing and the frame separation process and the like according to the frame multiplexing.
[0061]
　Antenna control unit 133 transmits and receives signals via at least one antenna. Specifically, the antenna control unit 133 transmits a signal generated by the transmission processing unit 131 via the antenna, to provide a signal received through the antenna to the reception processing unit 132. The antenna control unit 133 performs control according to the space division multiplexing.
[0062]
　　<2-2. Technical features>
　will be described characteristic features of AP10-1 and STA20-1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the transmitted frame in accordance with ULR in response to the trigger frame, data frame thereafter according to the ULR example will be described to be transmitted.
[0063]
　　　((Function of AP))
　will be described first characteristic function of AP10-1.
[0064]
　　　　(Determination of the resource
　area) AP10-1 determines selectable resource as UL resource. Specifically, the control unit 120, the available unit resources (resource units) was determined for UL transmission, determines the overall resource (resource area) based on the resource unit to be determined. Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 5, described in detail processing for determining resource area. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of allocation and use of resources in the communication performed by AP10-1 like according to the present embodiment.
[0065]
　Control unit 120 determines the resource unit for the UL transmission, determining resource area based on the size and number of the resource units. For example, a resource unit, as shown in FIG. 5, the time is specified by each of the frequency and spatial streams. Further, the resource area is a collection of the resource units. Incidentally, the resource unit time may be identified by any two of the frequency and spatial streams.
[0066]
　As described below, the STA20-1 notified information about resource units, STA20-1 with UL transmission request selects a resource unit based on the information the notification. Then, STA20-1, using the resources of the resource unit selected (hereinafter, using a resource unit, and also referred to.) Performs UL transmission.
[0067]
　Here, a case where each of STA20-1 performs UL transmission in a random access scheme. In this case, STA20-1 selects a resource unit autonomously, in order to perform UL transmission, there is a possibility that the resource units used overlap. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, STA20-1 each # A ~ 20-1 # C, respectively selects a resource unit, transmits the data frame using the resource units selected. In the example of FIG. 5, STA20-1 but # A ~ 20-1 # C each resource selected by the unit do not overlap, the number of STA20-1 increases, possible to duplicate resource units selected sex is increased. When the resource units selected overlap, frame collision occurs.
[0068]
　The frame to be transmitted using the resource units selected can vary by STA20-1. For example, if a data frame, the frame length depends on the data size to be transmission target. Therefore, AP10-1 will be provided resources unit slightly large in order to prevent the shortage of resource units. As a result, when actually excessively large resource unit than resources used is prepared is increased, the utilization efficiency of resources can be reduced.
[0069]
　Therefore, the control unit 120 determines the resource unit and resource area based on the attribute information relating to the transmission of the response UL frame as a response to the trigger frame to be described later (response frame). Specifically, the control unit 120 determines the resource area based on the attribute information of STA20-1 that transmits response UL frame. Further, referring to FIG. 6, it will be described in detail processing for determining resource area. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining another example of allocation and use of resources in the communication performed by AP10-1 like according to the present embodiment.
[0070]
　Attribute information of STA20-1 that transmits response UL frame described above includes information relating to presence or absence of up-link communications demand. Specifically, uplink communication request is a data transmission request. For example, the control unit 120 first permission target UL transmission is determined to STA20-1 having a data transmission request. Then, the control unit 120, when to transmit a ULR frame using the resource units to the STA20-1, determining resource units based on the size of the ULR frame. The control unit 120 determines the resource area based on the number and ULR frame size of STA20-1 having a data transmission request to be estimated (the size of the resource unit). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, it may be less than the resource areas, such as the size of the resource area is shown in FIG. The number of STA20-1 having a data transmission request can be estimated from the communication result between the previous STA20-1 from this point.
[0071]
　　　　(Trigger frame
　transmission) AP10-1 notifies the available resources to the UL transmission in each STA20-1. Specifically, AP10-1 is a trigger frame (first frame) including attribute information relating to the transmission of resource information and response UL frame is selectable resource unit as a UL resource is specified from the resource area STA20-1 to send to. More specifically, the control unit 120 determines the attribute information of STA20-1 that transmits resource information and response UL frame to generate a trigger frame including the resource information and the attribute information to the data processing unit 110 . The wireless communication unit 130 transmits a trigger frame to be generated.
[0072]
　For example, AP10-1 is triggered frame, transmits a Random Trigger frame as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the example that is transmitted only in a particular channel, such as a Random Trigger frame, for example the primary channel is shown, Random Trigger frame is transmitted in other channels or all channels available it may be. This also applies Uplink Grant frame and Multi ACK frame will be described later. The trigger frame may be sent periodically as a beacon frame may be transmitted at a known DL transmission timing. Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 7, described in detail trigger frame. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a trigger frame according to the present embodiment.
[0073]
　Trigger frame, as shown in FIG. 7, includes PHY (Physical Layer) Header, MAC Header, Random Access Type, fields such as Random Access Resource Area Allocation and FCS (Frame Check Sequence).
[0074]
　Random Access Type field, as attribute information of STA20-1 that transmits response UL frame, the attribute information of STA20-1 to be subject to permission of UL transmission is stored. For example, the attributes of STA20-1, a presence or absence of ULR as described above, as the ULR, other data transmission request, a communication connection request, such as a probe request or association request.
[0075]
　The Random Access Resource Area Allocation field, some of the information as a wireless communication resource information is stored. For example, in the field, as shown in FIG. 7, Frequency Map, Timing Map, contains a field such as Spatial the Map and the Allowed Access.
[0076]
　Frequency the Map, the Timing the Map and Spatial the Map field, information frequency assigned to resource units respectively, the time and spatial streams identified are stored.
[0077]
　The the Allowed Access field, information indicating information to be stored in the response UL frame transmitted in response to the trigger frame is required is stored. For example, the the Allowed Access field, as shown in FIG. 7, Buffered Data information indicating the size of data planned to STA ID and UL transmission are transmitted in response UL frame STA20-1 identified can be stored .
[0078]
　　　　(Response reception
　frame) AP10-1 After transmitting the trigger frame, it receives a response UL frame as a response to the trigger frame from STA20-1 (second frame). Specifically, AP10-1 receives the response UL frame based on the resource information included in the trigger frame. More specifically, the control unit 120 after the transmission of the trigger frame, to listen to received at the determined range of resource areas, to perform reception set in the wireless communication unit 130. The response UL frame is transmitted using at least one resource unit is selected from the resource unit group specified from the resource information. For example, AP10-1 performs reception setting for receipt of the frame over the entire resource area as shown in FIG. 6, from each of STA20-1 # A ~ 20-1 # C, selection of the respective receiving a ULR frame transmitted using a resource unit.
[0079]
　Further, AP10-1 from the response UL frame received, information about the contents of the UL transmission is scheduled (hereinafter also referred to as UL transmission schedule information.) Acquires. Specifically, the response UL frame is received by the wireless communication unit 130, the data processing unit 110 obtains the STA ID and Buffered Data information included in the response UL frame. Then, the control unit 120 determines whether to permit data transmission of the data size indicated by the Buffered Data information STA20-1 of the STA ID.
[0080]
　　　　(UL transmission permission transmitted
　frame) AP10-1, when responding to ULR notified by the response UL frame and transmits the UL transmission permission frame to the STA20-1. Specifically, the control unit 120 allocates when it is determined to permit the data transmission indicated by the information contained in the response UL frame, the UL transmission resources in accordance with the ULR to STA20-1. Then, the control unit 120, information indicating the allocated UL transmission resource to generate UL transmission permission frame including (hereinafter. Also known as a resource allocation information) to the data processing unit 110. The wireless communication unit 130, after the elapsed time from the reception of the predetermined response UL frame, and transmits the UL transmission permission frame generated.
[0081]
　For example, the control unit 120, the UL transmission resources so that the data transmission is possible notified data size by the response UL frame, which is the source of the response UL frame STA20-1 # A ~ 20-1 # respectively, for C assign. Next, the control unit 120 generates includes resource allocation information indicating the determined STA ID and allocated UL transmission resource to permit the data transmission, the Uplink Grant frame as shown in FIG. 6 to the data processing unit 110 make. Then, Uplink Grant frame generated is sent by the wireless communication unit 130.
[0082]
　The transmission information corresponding to STA20-1 it is determined not to allow the data transmission of the STA20-1 that sent the response UL frame may be not included in the UL transmission permission frame is assigned instead Resources it may include information indicating that there is no.
[0083]
　　　　(Transmission and reception acknowledgment frame data
　frame) AP10-1, after transmission of the UL transmission permission frame, receives the data frame from STA20-1. Specifically, the control unit 120, a frame with resource notified to STA20-1 at UL transmission permission frame to perform reception set in the wireless communication unit 130 to be received. The wireless communication unit 130 receives the data frame transmitted by the resource that the notification. For example, data (ULD) frame is transmitted from each of STA20-1 # A ~ 20-1 # C, as shown in FIG. 6 can be frequency division multiplexed. Incidentally, ULD frame, instead of frequency division multiplexing, or in addition to, may be space division multiplexing.
[0084]
　Further, AP10-1, when a data frame is received, transmits an acknowledgment frame for the data frame to STA20-1. Specifically, the control unit 120, the data frame is received by the wireless communication unit 130, after a predetermined time has elapsed, to produce an acknowledgment frame for the data frame to the data processing unit 110. The acknowledgment frame generated is sent by the wireless communication unit 130. For example, the acknowledgment frame is an acknowledgment information for each of a plurality of data frames (hereinafter, also referred to as ACK information.) Can be a Multi ACK frame stored.
[0085]
　　　((Functionality STA))
　The following describes characteristic features STA20-1.
[0086]
　　　　(Reception of a trigger
　frame) STA20-1 receives a trigger frame from AP10-1. Specifically, the trigger frame is received by the wireless communication unit 130, the data processing unit 110 acquires attribute information relating to the transmission of resource information and response UL frame included in the trigger frame.
[0087]
　The control unit 120, based on the attribute information about the transmission of a response UL frame, determines whether to send a response UL frame using the resources selected from selectable resource specified by the resource information. Specifically, the control unit 120 determines whether the attribute information of the device corresponds to the attribute information of the transmission device. For example, the control unit 120, if the information stored in the Random Access Type field in the trigger frame indicates STA20-1 with ULR, determines whether the information processing apparatus 100 has a ULR.
[0088]
　　　　(Selection Resource
　Unit) STA20-1 determines resources used for UL transmission based on the resource information included in the trigger frame. Specifically, the control unit 120, if it is determined to perform the UL transmission, selects a resource unit at random from the resource area specified from the resource information (resource unit group). For example, the control unit 120, Frequency the Map included in the Random Access Resource Area Allocation field of the trigger frame, the frequency of each of the information stored in the Timing the Map and Spatial the Map, by respectively selecting time and the spatial streams, the resource to select the unit. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, STA20-1 # A selects the lower left resource units among the 12 resource unit group obtained by dividing the resource area. In the above, the control unit 120 has been described an example of selecting the resource units randomly may be selected according to specific rules.
[0089]
　　　　(Transmission of the response
　frame) STA20-1 transmits a response UL frame as a response to the trigger frame to AP10-1 using resources determined. Specifically, the control unit 120, after the selection of resource units to generate a ULR frame including information relating to the contents of the up-link communication request to the data processing unit 110. The control unit 120 causes the transmission set in the wireless communication unit 130 to allow frame transmission using resource units selected. The wireless communication unit 130, a ULR frames generated to transmit in the transmission setting. For example, the ULR frame, as information indicating the information to be stored in the ULR frame is required, Buffered Data information indicating the size of the STA ID, and ULD of the apparatus are included.
[0090]
　　　　(UL transmission permission received
　frame) STA20-1 after transmission of the response UL frame, it receives the UL transmission permission frame from AP10-1. Specifically, the UL transmission permission frame by the wireless communication unit 130 is received, the data processing unit 110 obtains the resource allocation information from the UL transmission permission frame. Then, the control unit 120 determines transmission presence or absence of data frame based on the resource allocation information acquired. For example, the control unit 120 determines if it contains STA ID of its own device to the resource allocation information, and transmits the data frame.
[0091]
　　　　(Transmission and reception of an acknowledgment frame of the data frame)
　STA20-1 transmits a data frame based on the resource allocation information. Specifically, the control unit 120, if it is determined that performing transmission of the data frame, the data processing unit 110 to generate a data frame, to allow the transmission of data frames in the resource indicated by the resource allocation information causing the transmission set in the wireless communication unit 130. The wireless communication unit 130, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the reception of the UL transmission grant frame and transmits the data frame generated. For example, STA20-1 each # A ~ 20-1 # C transmits the ULD frame using the allocated resources, respectively. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, ULD frames are multiplexed. Incidentally, unlike the size of the resource allocated by the data size to be transmitted in ULD frame, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, but the STA20-1 # A and 20-1 # B are allocated resources of the same size It is assigned a resource of different sizes in STA20-1 # C.
[0092]
　Further, STA20-1 After transmitting the data frames to and receives an acknowledgment frame in response to the data frame. Specifically, the radio communication unit 130 receives an acknowledgment frame for the data frame from the transmission of the data frame after a predetermined time has elapsed. Incidentally, the acknowledgment frame may be a Multi ACK frame including the ACK information of the plurality for STA20-1. In this case, the control unit 120 determines whether the ACK information of the device for, when it is determined not to contain the ACK information of the own apparatus for performs the retransmission processing ULD frame.

The scope of the claims
[Claim 1]
　It transmits a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources,
　receives a response frame for said trigger frame, a communication unit, a communication device .
[Claim 2]
　The communication unit receives the response frame based on the sub-area information, the communication device according to claim 1.
[Claim 3]
　The response frame, the transmitted using at least one radio communication resource is selected from the sub-area, the communication apparatus according to claim 1.
[Claim 4]
　The response frame includes a frame according to the uplink communication request, a communication device according to claim 1.
[Claim 5]
　The sub-area is determined based on the attribute information about the transmission of the uplink frame according to the response frame, the communication apparatus according to claim 1.
[Claim 6]
　Attribute information relating to the transmission of the uplink frame includes a frame type, a communication device according to claim 5.
[Claim 7]
　Attribute information relating to the transmission of the uplink frame includes a size of data to be transmitted, the communication apparatus according to claim 5.
[8.]
　Attribute information relating to the transmission of the uplink frame includes an information on the communication redundancy of the uplink frame, the communication apparatus according to claim 5.
[Claim 9]
　Wherein the information relating to redundancy communication includes at least one in such information of the modulation scheme and coding rate, the communication device according to claim 8.
[Claim 10]
　Attribute information relating to the transmission of the uplink frame includes information related to the communication state of the transmission apparatus of the uplink frame, the communication apparatus according to claim 5.
[Claim 11]
　Information related to the communication state of the transmission device includes information related to radio wave propagation characteristics, a communication apparatus according to claim 10.
[Claim 12]
　The trigger frame is transmitted for each channel of channel bonding target communication device according to claim 1.
[Claim 13]
　The communication unit when the signal in the sub-area is detected, to recognize the presence of a response frame based on the sub-area information, the communication device according to claim 1.
[Claim 14]
　The communication unit, when the signal for the response frame is received, and transmits the frame as a response to the response frame, the communication apparatus according to claim 1.
[Claim 15]
　Receiving a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources,
　and transmits a response frame for said trigger frame, a communication unit, a communication device .
[Claim 16]
　The communication unit transmits at least the response frame with one of the wireless communication resources is selected from the sub-area identified from the sub-area information, the communication device according to claim 15.
[Claim 17]
　The communication unit, when the own device is simultaneously available multiple channels, and transmits the response frame using a plurality of the radio communication resource to be selected from the sub-area based on the plurality of channels, wherein the communication apparatus according to claim 15.
[Claim 18]
　The communication unit, when the importance of the uplink frame according to the response frame is higher than the other frames, and transmits the response frame using a plurality of the radio communication resource to be selected from the sub-area, claim the communication apparatus according to 15.
[Claim 19]
　Transmitting a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources,
　and receiving a response frame for said trigger frame,
　including, Communication method.
[Claim 20]
　Receiving a trigger frame including a sub-area information sub-area is specified from the resource area including selectable wireless communication resources as uplink resources,
　and transmitting a response frame for said trigger frame,
　including, Communication method.