JP2007274728A - Intermittent communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency of reduction of power by intermittent communication in which the proportion of an overhead required for an intermittent reception procedure is reduced. <P>SOLUTION: When an intermittent communication is set, the check cycle or the period of an intermittent reception mode are determined. When the intermittent reception mode is set again without a procedure, i.e., when the intermittent reception mode is set, the check cycle and the intermittent reception mode period are determined in the overhead 101. Thereafter, transmission and reception of data 102 and 103 are performed without a procedure, thereby improving the power reduction efficiency. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an intermittent communication method in a wireless local area network (LAN).

  In wireless LAN communication, a sleep mode may be used to reduce power consumption of a communication terminal. This technology is determined by ETSI TS 101 761-2 [5.2.6] (HiperLAN2) and ARIB STD-T70 [6.2.2.4] (HiSWANa).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the sleep mode is set, first, the communication terminal apparatus (MT) makes a sleep request (sleep request) to the communication terminal accommodating apparatus (AP). In response to the sleep request, the AP confirms with the MT whether to enter the sleep mode. Then, the MT enters the sleep mode after receiving the sleep mode confirmation from the AP.

  In the sleep mode, there is a period in which the MT checks the BCH (Broadcast Channel), and when the BCH is checked at this timing and there is uplink or downlink data, the sleep mode returns to the normal mode and the data Send and receive. When there is no more data, the sleep mode is entered according to the above procedure as necessary.

  In the case where the application is not so wide-band as in the case of the Internet telephone and is isochronous data that is periodically transmitted, it is possible to save power by entering the sleep mode. As described above, if the procedure such as sleep request and confirmation is performed every time, the overhead 1101 necessary for the procedure increases, and the efficiency of power saving by the sleep mode is deteriorated. In the worst case, the sleep procedure is performed. There is a problem in that the next data communication occurs and the sleep mode cannot be actually entered.

  The present invention has been made in view of such points, and provides an intermittent communication method capable of improving the efficiency of power saving by introducing intermittent communication with a reduced overhead ratio required for a sleep mode start procedure. The purpose is to do.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention includes a step of transmitting identification information including an intermittent communication period and frame information for performing data communication together with an intermittent communication request from the communication terminal device to the communication terminal accommodating device, and the communication terminal accommodating device is configured to transmit the communication terminal. A step of transmitting a confirmation signal of an intermittent communication request to a device; and when the communication terminal device receives the confirmation signal, the communication terminal device shifts to an intermittent communication mode, and in the intermittent communication mode, the data And a step of performing data communication only with a frame for performing communication.

  According to this method, when entering the intermittent communication mode, a check cycle is set in advance, and after entering the intermittent communication mode, data is transmitted and received in a predetermined frame without a normal intermittent communication procedure at the set cycle. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the overhead required for the intermittent communication procedure and improve the power saving efficiency by the intermittent communication.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention includes a step of transmitting an intermittent communication request from a communication terminal device to a communication terminal accommodating device, and the communication terminal accommodating device transmits an intermittent communication request to the communication terminal device together with an intermittent communication request confirmation signal. And the step of transmitting identification information including frame information for performing data communication, and when the communication terminal device receives the confirmation signal, the communication terminal device shifts to an intermittent communication mode, and in the intermittent communication mode, the And a step of performing data communication only with a frame for performing data communication.

  According to this method, when entering the intermittent communication mode, a check cycle is set in advance, and after entering the intermittent communication mode, data is transmitted and received in a predetermined frame without a normal intermittent communication procedure at the set cycle. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the overhead required for the intermittent communication procedure and improve the power saving efficiency by the intermittent communication.

  In the intermittent communication method of the present invention, in the above method, the identification information includes frame number information used for communication.

  Usually, since the allocation is performed once in the X frame period, it is not necessary to exchange the number of frames, but by adding information on the necessary number of frames, the allocation can be performed in the X frame period as Y times. . As a result, there are restrictions on communication resources that can be occupied in one frame period, or intermittent communication with an Ack for ARQ that appears later is possible.

  In the intermittent communication method of the present invention, in the above method, the intermittent communication cycle matches the cycle of the same frame as the MAC broadcast.

  According to this method, broadcast data can be received while performing intermittent communication by matching the same frame as the MAC (sub) broadcast in the sleep mode with the intermittent communication cycle.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, the communication terminal apparatus does not receive the control channel signal in the data communication in the intermittent communication mode.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, the intermittent communication mode period is shorter than the maximum synchronization holdable time of the communication terminal apparatus.

  According to these methods, it is not necessary to check even the control channel, and power saving by intermittent communication can be performed more efficiently.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above method, when the intermittent communication mode period is longer than the maximum synchronization holdable time, the communication terminal apparatus receives a control channel signal to correct the synchronization shift. .

  According to this method, it is possible to perform intermittent communication in which the control channel is not checked as much as possible regardless of the maximum synchronization holdable time.

  In the intermittent communication method of the present invention, in the above method, the communication terminal apparatus receives a control channel signal for periodically confirming control of the communication terminal accommodating apparatus in the intermittent communication mode period.

  According to this method, when the communication terminal accommodating apparatus wants to change the parameter of intermittent communication, the communication terminal apparatus can flexibly cope with changes in traffic conditions and the like by periodically checking it. This is particularly effective when the control channel and broadcast data are not received.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention adds a retransmission frame when the communication terminal apparatus receives a Nack signal from the communication terminal accommodating apparatus in the above method.

  According to this method, retransmission can be enabled in the intermittent communication mode, an increase in delay due to waiting until the next intermittent communication timing can be suppressed, and communication can be immediately performed using the next frame. Yes, the data that can be saved by resending can be increased. As a result, the probability of discarding the packet is reduced, and the transmission efficiency can be improved.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention is characterized in that in the above method, intermittent communication is performed once every 2 ^ n frames (n is a natural number), and intermittent communication is performed by patterning an application having a plurality of cycles.

  According to this method, even if a plurality of applications (services) are handled in communication, each communication terminal apparatus can be efficiently sleeped, and intermittent communication can be efficiently performed. Since it is only necessary to correspond to each communication terminal device with ^ n, efficient communication can be performed.

  The communication terminal device of the present invention receives the identification information insertion means for inserting the identification information including the intermittent communication cycle and the frame information for performing data communication into the transmission data, and the confirmation signal for the intermittent communication request from the communication terminal accommodating device. In addition, a configuration is provided that includes an intermittent communication device including a control unit that performs control for performing data communication using only the frame for performing data communication based on the intermittent communication cycle and frame information for performing data communication.

  According to this configuration, when the intermittent communication mode is entered, a check cycle is set in advance, and after entering the intermittent communication mode, data is transmitted and received in a predetermined frame without a normal sleep start procedure. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the overhead required for the intermittent communication procedure and improve the power saving efficiency by the intermittent communication.

  The communication terminal accommodating apparatus of the present invention includes a receiving means for receiving an intermittent communication request from a communication terminal apparatus, and an intermittent communication cycle and frame information for performing data communication with the communication terminal apparatus together with an intermittent communication request confirmation signal. Transmission means for transmitting identification information including, and communication control means for performing data communication only with a frame for performing the data communication in the intermittent communication mode when the communication terminal device shifts to the intermittent communication mode. A configuration including an intermittent communication device is adopted.

  According to this configuration, when the intermittent communication mode is entered, a check cycle is set in advance, and after entering the intermittent communication mode, data is transmitted and received in a predetermined frame without a normal sleep start procedure. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the overhead required for the intermittent communication procedure and improve the power saving efficiency by the intermittent communication.

  The wireless communication system of the present invention is a wireless communication system including a plurality of communication terminal apparatuses and a communication terminal accommodating apparatus that accommodates these communication terminal apparatuses. The communication terminal apparatus includes an intermittent communication cycle and data communication. Identification information inserting means for inserting identification information including frame information to be transmitted into transmission data, and when receiving a confirmation signal for an intermittent communication request from the communication terminal accommodating device, based on the intermittent communication cycle and the frame information for performing data communication. And a control means for performing control for performing data communication using only the frame for performing the data communication, and the communication terminal accommodating device receives an intermittent communication request from the communication terminal device. The reception means and the communication terminal device include an intermittent communication request confirmation signal and an intermittent communication cycle and frame information for data communication. Intermittent comprising: transmission means for transmitting identification information; and communication control means for performing data communication with only the frame for performing data communication in the intermittent communication mode when the communication terminal device shifts to the intermittent communication mode. A configuration including a communication device is adopted.

  According to this configuration, when the intermittent communication mode is entered, a check cycle is set in advance, and after entering the intermittent communication mode, data is transmitted and received in a predetermined frame without a normal sleep start procedure. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the overhead required for the intermittent communication procedure and improve the power saving efficiency by the intermittent communication.

  The intermittent communication program of the present invention includes a procedure for transmitting identification information including an intermittent communication cycle and frame information for performing data communication to a computer together with an intermittent communication request from the communication terminal apparatus to the communication terminal accommodating apparatus. A procedure for transmitting a confirmation signal for an intermittent communication request to the communication terminal device, and when the communication terminal device receives the confirmation signal, the communication terminal device shifts to an intermittent communication mode, and in the intermittent communication mode, , And a procedure for performing data communication only with a frame for performing the data communication.

  As a result, when the intermittent communication mode is entered, a check cycle is set in advance, and after entering the intermittent communication mode, data transmission / reception is performed in a predetermined frame without a normal sleep start procedure. Thus, the efficiency of power saving by intermittent communication can be improved by reducing the overhead ratio required for the intermittent communication procedure.

  The intermittent communication program of the present invention includes a procedure for transmitting an intermittent communication request from a communication terminal device to a communication terminal accommodating device to a computer, and the communication terminal accommodating device sends an intermittent communication request confirmation signal to the communication terminal device. A procedure for transmitting identification information including frame information for performing an intermittent communication cycle and data communication, and when the communication terminal device receives the confirmation signal, the communication terminal device shifts to an intermittent communication mode, and the intermittent communication mode The procedure for performing data communication using only the frame for performing the data communication is executed.

  As a result, when the intermittent communication mode is entered, a check cycle is set in advance, and after entering the intermittent communication mode, data transmission / reception is performed in a predetermined frame without a normal sleep start procedure. Thus, the efficiency of power saving by intermittent communication can be improved by reducing the overhead ratio required for the intermittent communication procedure.

  The intermittent communication method of the present invention sets a check cycle in advance when entering the intermittent communication mode, and in a predetermined frame without entering a normal sleep start procedure at the set cycle after entering the intermittent communication mode. Since data transmission / reception is performed, the efficiency of power saving by intermittent communication can be improved by reducing the overhead ratio required for the intermittent communication procedure.

  The inventors of the present invention increase the number of procedures when entering the sleep mode a plurality of times in succession, thereby increasing the proportion of the overhead part necessary for the procedure, thereby reducing the efficiency of power saving. Focused on. Then, when entering the sleep mode, the inventors determine the check cycle and the sleep mode period, and enter the sleep mode again without any procedure, that is, as shown in FIG. When entering, the frame for performing data communication is determined in the overhead 101 during the check cycle and the intermittent communication mode, and thereafter, the data 102 and 103 are communicated with only the frame for performing data communication without any procedure. As a result, it was found that the efficiency of power saving can be improved, and the present invention has been achieved.

  The conventional sleep mode is a mode for waiting until communication becomes necessary when there is no data to be communicated. This rule is based on the assumption that one sleep state is entered in principle. In the present invention, continuous sleep (intermittent communication) is realized by improving a part of this rule.

  That is, the gist of the present invention is to set a check cycle in advance when entering the intermittent communication mode, and perform data transmission / reception without a normal intermittent communication procedure in the set cycle after entering the intermittent communication mode, It is to improve the efficiency of power saving by intermittent communication by reducing the overhead ratio required for the intermittent communication procedure.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal accommodating apparatus (AP) that performs the intermittent communication method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The uplink signal transmitted from the MT is received by the radio reception unit 202 via the antenna 201. Radio reception section 202 performs predetermined radio reception processing (such as down-conversion and A / D conversion) on the uplink signal, and outputs the signal after the radio reception processing to demodulation section 203.

  Demodulation section 203 performs demodulation processing on the signal after wireless reception processing and outputs received data. Also, the received data from the demodulation unit 203 is output to the request confirmation unit 204 and the identification information recognition unit 205.

  In response to the intermittent communication request transmitted from the MT, the request confirmation unit 204 outputs a confirmation signal (result of whether or not to allow the intermittent communication mode) to the packet generation unit 206.

  The identification information recognition unit 205 recognizes the identification information included in the intermittent communication request signal from the MT, that is, information on the check cycle and intermittent communication mode, and frame information (number of frames, etc.) for performing data communication. Information on the period and period of the intermittent communication mode and frame information (such as the number of frames) for data communication are output to the packet generation unit 206.

  The packet generation unit 206 generates a transmission packet by inserting a confirmation signal for the intermittent communication request, and generates a transmission packet using the transmission data. In this case, when in the intermittent communication mode, a transmission packet is generated according to the check cycle included in the identification information, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and the frame information (such as the number of frames) for data communication. Further, the packet generation unit 206 outputs the transmission packet to the modulation unit 207.

  Modulation section 207 performs modulation processing on the transmission packet and outputs the modulated signal to radio transmission section 208. Radio transmitting section 208 performs predetermined radio transmission processing (D / A conversion, up-conversion, etc.) on the modulated signal, and transmits the signal after the radio transmission processing to MT via antenna 201 as a downlink signal.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal apparatus (MT) that performs the intermittent communication method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  The downlink signal transmitted from the AP is received by the wireless reception unit 302 via the antenna 301. Radio reception section 302 performs predetermined radio reception processing (down-conversion, A / D conversion, etc.) on the downlink signal, and outputs the signal after the radio reception processing to demodulation section 303.

  Demodulation section 303 performs demodulation processing on the signal after wireless reception processing and outputs received data. The identification information insertion unit 305, for example, based on instruction information from a higher layer, the packet generation unit generates identification information indicating a check period in the intermittent communication mode, a period of the intermittent communication mode, and frame information (number of frames, etc.) for performing data communication. To 306.

  The sleep control unit 304, for example, in accordance with the identification information indicating the check period in the intermittent communication mode based on the instruction information from the upper layer, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and frame information (such as the number of frames) for performing data communication. 302 controls the operation of the demodulation unit 303, the packet generation unit 306, the modulation unit 307, and the wireless transmission unit 308.

  The packet generation unit 306 generates a transmission packet by inserting information on a check cycle in the intermittent communication mode, information on the period of the intermittent communication mode, and identification information that is frame information (such as the number of frames) for performing data communication into the transmission data. . In this case, when in the intermittent communication mode, a transmission packet is generated according to the check cycle included in the identification information, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and the frame information (such as the number of frames) for data communication. Also, the packet generation unit 306 outputs the transmission packet to the modulation unit 307.

  Modulation section 307 performs modulation processing on the transmission packet and outputs the modulated signal to radio transmission section 308. Radio transmission section 308 performs predetermined radio transmission processing (D / A conversion, up-conversion, etc.) on the modulated signal, and transmits the signal after the radio transmission processing to MT via antenna 301 as a downlink signal.

  A case where intermittent communication according to the present invention is performed by the communication terminal accommodating apparatus and the communication terminal apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described.

  First, the MT requests the AP to enter the intermittent communication mode. Specifically, according to the instruction information that the identification information insertion unit 305 sets the intermittent communication mode from the upper layer, information on the check cycle, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and frame information (number of frames, etc.) for performing data communication. Certain identification information is output to the packet generation unit 306, and the packet generation unit 306 inserts the identification information into transmission data (intermittent communication request signal) to generate a transmission packet. In this way, the MT transmits the transmission packet including the identification information as an intermittent communication request signal to the AP.

  In the AP, after demodulating the intermittent communication request signal from the MT, the request confirmation unit 204 confirms it, and outputs either a confirmation signal indicating that the intermittent communication request is recognized or an intermittent communication request is not recognized to the packet generation unit 206. .

  The identification information recognition unit 205 also includes identification information included in the demodulated intermittent communication request signal, that is, a check period in the intermittent communication mode, a period of the intermittent communication mode, and frame information (number of frames, etc.) for performing data communication. Recognize and output the information to the packet generator 206.

  The packet generation unit 206 generates a transmission packet using a signal indicating whether or not the intermittent communication request that is a confirmation signal is accepted. The AP transmits the transmission packet generated in this way to the MT as a confirmation signal for the intermittent communication request.

  This is the transmission / reception of the overhead 101 portion shown in FIG. 1, and thereafter, the intermittent communication mode according to the present invention is entered.

  In the intermittent communication mode, the MT causes the sleep control unit 304 to stop the operations of the wireless reception unit 302, the demodulation unit 303, the packet generation unit 306, the modulation unit 307, and the wireless transmission unit 308 during the sleep period illustrated in FIG. Control to do. In addition, the sleep control unit 304 performs control to check the BCH and transmit / receive data when there is data based on the check cycle. At this time, the BCH check is performed only in a predetermined frame without any procedure without transmitting / receiving the intermittent communication request signal and the confirmation signal as in the conventional case. The sleep control unit 304 performs such control over the intermittent communication mode period.

  Further, it is desirable that the intermittent communication cycle matches the same frame cycle as that of the MAC broadcast. By making the same frame as the MAC (sub) broadcast in the sleep mode coincide with the intermittent communication cycle, broadcast data can be received following the intermittent communication.

  As described above, in the intermittent communication according to the present invention, the procedure in the intermittent communication mode is performed first, and then the BCH check (data) is performed only in a specific frame in the check period determined in advance without any procedure over the intermittent communication mode period. Communication) to perform intermittent communication. Thereby, since the sleep start procedure is not performed every time, the number of transmission / reception of the intermittent communication request signal and the confirmation signal necessary for the intermittent communication mode procedure can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent a reduction in power saving efficiency due to overhead in the intermittent communication mode procedure.

  Specifically, in a system where one frame is 2 ms, when applied to voice communication, if 256 bits are allocated at a time, it is sufficient to transmit once in two frames at 64 kbps. Can sleep time. Also, in 12 fps video communication, 1/12 sec = 83 msec = about 42 frames, so considering sleep in 2 ^ n cycles, it is sufficient to check every 32 frames, which saves considerable power. It becomes.

  Here, the identification information will be described. In the above description, the case where the identification information is information on the check period and the intermittent communication mode period in the intermittent communication mode has been described. However, in the present invention, as another example of the identification information, (1) A bit indicating that a check is performed at each check cycle and then sleeping, (2) information indicating that there is a specified cycle different from the check cycle, a cycle for transmitting and receiving data, and (3) BCH in the check cycle Information on the predetermined frame when transmitting and receiving data for a predetermined frame after checking, information on the specified period in (4) and (2), information on the predetermined frame in (3), and the like can be given.

  In particular, the mode in which data transmission / reception for a predetermined frame is performed after the check as in (3) is suitable when the data amount is increased or decreased by a user operation, such as web access. In addition, by changing the check cycle of the normal intermittent communication mode and the check cycle of the intermittent communication mode of the present invention, giving the meaning to the check cycle and notifying the check cycle as identification information, You may enable it to identify a check period and the intermittent communication mode of this invention. In this case, the amount of identification information to be notified can be reduced.

  Also, considering that it is necessary to check the control channel (BCH) and other broadcast data, it is desirable that the intermittent communication cycle matches the cycle of the MAC broadcast frame. In the intermittent communication method of the present invention, it is desirable that the identification information includes frame number information used for communication. Usually, since the allocation is performed once in the X frame period, it is not necessary to exchange the number of frames, but by adding information on the necessary number of frames, the allocation can be performed in the X frame period as Y times. . As a result, there are restrictions on communication resources that can be occupied in one frame period, or intermittent communication with Ack becomes possible.

  In the above description, the case where the identification information is inserted into the intermittent communication request signal from the MT is described. However, in the present invention, the identification information may be inserted into the confirmation signal from the AP. Hereinafter, this case will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the communication terminal accommodating apparatus (AP) that performs the intermittent communication method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The communication terminal accommodating device shown in FIG. 4 has an identification information insertion unit 401 instead of the identification information recognition unit 205. The identification information insertion unit 401, for example, based on the instruction information from the higher layer, the packet generation unit displays identification information indicating the check period in the intermittent communication mode, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and frame information (such as the number of frames) for data communication. It outputs to 206.

  In the packet generation unit 206, a signal indicating whether or not to accept an intermittent communication request as a confirmation signal is used, information on a check period in the intermittent communication mode, information on a period of the intermittent communication mode, frame information for performing data communication (frame) A transmission packet is generated by inserting identification information such as a number into transmission data.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another configuration of the communication terminal apparatus (MT) that performs the intermittent communication method according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The communication terminal device illustrated in FIG. 5 includes an identification information recognition unit 501 instead of the identification information insertion unit 305. The identification information recognition unit 501 recognizes the identification information included in the confirmation signal from the AP, that is, information on the check cycle and intermittent communication mode, and frame information (such as the number of frames) for performing data communication. Information on the period of the intermittent communication mode and frame information (such as the number of frames) for performing data communication are output to the sleep control unit 304 and the packet generation unit 306.

  When in the intermittent communication mode, the packet generation unit 306 generates a transmission packet according to the check period, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and the frame information (number of frames, etc.) for data communication included in the identification information. The sleep control unit 304 performs sleep control according to the identification information.

  A case where intermittent communication according to the present invention is performed by the communication terminal accommodating apparatus and the communication terminal apparatus having the above-described configuration will be described.

  First, the MT requests the AP to enter the intermittent communication mode. That is, the MT transmits the transmission packet generated by the packet generation unit 306 to the AP as an intermittent communication request signal.

  In the AP, after demodulating the intermittent communication request signal from the MT, the request is confirmed by the request confirmation unit 204 and a signal indicating whether or not the intermittent communication request is accepted is output to the packet generation unit 206.

  The packet generation unit 206 generates a transmission packet using any one of the signal signals indicating whether or not the intermittent communication request is accepted. In addition, according to the instruction information indicating that the identification information insertion unit 401 sets the intermittent communication mode from the upper layer, the identification information that is information on the check cycle, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and frame information (the number of frames, etc.) for performing data communication. Is output to the packet generation unit 206, and the packet generation unit 206 inserts identification information into the confirmation signal to generate a transmission packet. The AP transmits the transmission packet generated in this way to the MT as a confirmation signal for the intermittent communication request.

  The MT recognizes the identification information included in the confirmation signal after demodulation in the identification information recognition unit 501, that is, the check period in the intermittent communication mode, the period of the intermittent communication mode, and the frame information (the number of frames, etc.) for performing data communication. The information is output to the sleep control unit 304 and the packet generation unit 306.

  This is the transmission / reception of the overhead 101 portion shown in FIG. 1, and thereafter, the intermittent communication mode according to the present invention is entered.

  In the intermittent communication mode, the MT causes the sleep control unit 304 to stop the operations of the wireless reception unit 302, the demodulation unit 303, the packet generation unit 306, the modulation unit 307, and the wireless transmission unit 308 during the sleep period illustrated in FIG. Control to do. In addition, the sleep control unit 304 performs control to check the BCH and transmit / receive data when there is data based on the check cycle. At this time, the BCH check is performed in a non-procedural manner without transmitting / receiving the intermittent communication request signal and the confirmation signal as in the conventional case. The sleep control unit 304 performs such control over the intermittent communication mode period.

  As described above, even when the identification information is inserted into the confirmation signal transmitted from the AP to the MT, the procedure in the intermittent communication mode is performed first, and then the check period predetermined in a non-procedure is performed over the intermittent communication mode period. Intermittent communication is performed only by checking the BCH. Thereby, since the sleep start procedure is not performed every time, the number of transmission / reception of the intermittent communication request signal and the confirmation signal necessary for the intermittent communication mode procedure can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent a reduction in power saving efficiency due to overhead in the intermittent communication mode procedure.

(Embodiment 2)
In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the control channel (for example, BCH) is not checked within a range in which synchronization can be maintained in the intermittent communication mode of the present invention. In this case, the period of the intermittent communication mode according to the present embodiment needs to be set to a period shorter than the maximum synchronization holdable time. As a result, the MT does not need to check even the BCH, and power saving by intermittent communication can be performed more efficiently.

  In this case, when synchronization cannot be maintained due to a disturbance or the like even though it is within the maximum synchronization holdable time, it is necessary to return to the normal mode and reset the intermittent communication mode period. . Hereinafter, such a case will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal apparatus that performs the intermittent communication method according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the same parts as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The communication terminal apparatus shown in FIG. 6 includes a synchronization holding state confirmation unit 601 that confirms whether synchronization is maintained. The synchronization holding state confirmation unit 601 confirms whether the MT is able to hold synchronization based on the received signal, and indicates the confirmation result (for example, that the synchronization holding state cannot be maintained) and the identification information insertion unit 305 and the sleep state. The data is output to the control unit 304. The synchronization holding state can be confirmed by a known method.

  In the intermittent communication mode according to the present embodiment, BCH that is a control channel is not checked, and only data transmission / reception is periodically performed according to a designated cycle. At this time, the synchronization holding state confirmation unit 601 checks the synchronization holding state using the received signal. When it is determined that the synchronization holding state cannot be maintained, a control signal to that effect is output to the identification information insertion unit 305 and the sleep control unit 304.

  The sleep control unit 304 switches to the normal intermittent communication mode by a control signal indicating that the synchronization holding state cannot be maintained, and performs sleep control in the intermittent communication mode. Further, the identification information insertion unit 305 resets the period of the intermittent communication mode by a control signal indicating that the synchronization holding state cannot be maintained, and outputs the intermittent communication mode period to the packet generation unit 306 as identification information.

  Subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the MT does not need to check even the BCH, and power saving by intermittent communication can be performed more efficiently. Even if the synchronization hold state cannot be held, the intermittent communication mode period can be reset to perform the intermittent communication of the present invention.

  In the above description, the period of the intermittent communication mode is set to a period shorter than the maximum synchronization holdable time, but the period of the intermittent communication mode is longer than the maximum synchronization holdable time. It is desirable to periodically receive a control channel signal for correcting the synchronization error from the AP and correct the synchronization error based on the control channel signal for correcting the synchronization error. Thereby, the intermittent communication according to the present embodiment can be performed regardless of the maximum synchronization holdable time.

  In the intermittent communication mode period, it is desirable that the MT receives a control channel signal for periodically confirming the control of the AP. When the AP wants to change the parameter of intermittent communication, the MT can flexibly cope with changes in traffic conditions and the like by periodically checking it. This is particularly effective when the control channel and broadcast data are not received.

(Embodiment 3)
In this embodiment, a case where identification information such as a check cycle is reset when traffic increases in the intermittent communication mode of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal accommodating apparatus that performs the intermittent communication method according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 7, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The communication terminal accommodating apparatus shown in FIG. 7 includes a traffic monitoring unit 701 that monitors traffic congestion. The traffic monitoring unit 701 monitors whether traffic has been congested based on the received signal, and outputs a control signal for resetting identification information such as a check cycle to the identification information inserting unit 401. The traffic monitoring can be performed by a known method.

  In the intermittent communication mode in the present embodiment, the traffic monitoring unit 701 monitors traffic using the received signal. When the traffic monitoring unit 701 determines that it is necessary to reset identification information such as a check cycle due to an increase in traffic, a control signal to that effect is output to the identification information insertion unit 401.

  The identification information insertion unit 401 resets identification information such as a check cycle in response to a control signal indicating that the identification information needs to be reset, and outputs the identification information to the packet generation unit 206.

  Subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, even when traffic increases, power saving can be achieved by intermittent communication.

(Embodiment 4)
In this embodiment, the intermittent communication cycle is set to once every 2 ^ n frames (n is a natural number), and applications (services) of a plurality of cycles are collected and intermittent communication is performed including all the corresponding cycles. Will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication terminal accommodating apparatus that performs the intermittent communication method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In FIG. 8, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG.

  The communication terminal accommodating apparatus shown in FIG. 8 includes a service management unit 801 that manages a plurality of applications (services). The service management unit 801 manages identification information such as each check cycle for a plurality of services # 1 to #n (for example, audio, keyboard, video (MPEG), etc.), and the identification information is inserted into the identification information insertion unit 401. Output to. The identification information insertion unit 401 outputs identification information such as a check cycle determined by the service management unit 801 to the packet generation unit 206 in association with each MT.

  Subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

  When the MT sleeps based on the identification information determined by the service management unit 801 in this way, a pattern check cycle as shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, circles indicate the timing when the MT checks. The pattern shown in FIG. 9 can be expressed by expressing the value of n of 2 ^ n, which is a synchronization parameter, as a bit string.

  According to the present embodiment, even if a plurality of services are handled in communication, each MT can be efficiently put to sleep, and intermittent communication can be efficiently performed, and the AP is also connected to each MT with 2 ^ n. Therefore, efficient communication can be performed.

(Embodiment 5)
In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which retransmission is possible in the intermittent communication mode. In the intermittent communication according to this embodiment, when a plurality of frames can be used, an Ack / Nack frame is secured, and a retransmission frame is automatically added when a Nack is transmitted from the AP. ARQ (Automatic Repeat reQuest) is realized by continuing communication.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, retransmission can be performed in the intermittent communication mode, and it is not too late to wait until the next intermittent communication timing, and the next frame is immediately used. Data can be communicated, and data saved by retransmission can be increased. As a result, the probability of discarding the packet is reduced, and the transmission efficiency can be improved. In particular, it is effective for accessing the Web.

  The present invention is not limited to Embodiments 1 to 5 described above, and can be implemented with various modifications. Moreover, Embodiments 1 to 5 can be implemented in combination as appropriate. For example, a wireless communication system can be configured by the communication terminal device and the communication terminal accommodating device described above.

  The intermittent communication method described above can also be configured by software. That is, a procedure for transmitting identification information including an intermittent communication cycle and frame information for performing data communication to a computer together with an intermittent communication request from the communication terminal apparatus to the communication terminal accommodating apparatus, and the communication terminal accommodating apparatus to the communication terminal apparatus A procedure for transmitting an intermittent communication request confirmation signal, and when the communication terminal apparatus receives the confirmation signal, the communication terminal apparatus shifts to an intermittent communication mode and performs the data communication in the intermittent communication mode. A procedure for performing data communication with only a frame, a procedure for transmitting an intermittent communication request from a communication terminal device to a communication terminal accommodating device to a computer, and a procedure for transmitting data to the communication terminal accommodating device. Identification that includes frame information for intermittent communication cycle and data communication together with confirmation signal for intermittent communication request to the device When the communication terminal apparatus receives the confirmation signal, the communication terminal apparatus shifts to the intermittent communication mode, and in the intermittent communication mode, the data communication is performed only with the frame for performing the data communication. And an intermittent communication program for executing the procedure. Even in this case, the same effect as when the intermittent communication method is realized by hardware can be exhibited.

  As described above, the intermittent communication method and intermittent communication device of the present invention can be applied to a communication terminal device and a communication terminal accommodating device in wireless communication.

The figure which shows the frame format in the intermittent communication method of this invention The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal accommodating apparatus which performs the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal device which performs the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the other structure of the communication terminal accommodating apparatus which performs the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the other structure of the communication terminal device which performs the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal device which performs the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal accommodating apparatus which performs the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure of the communication terminal accommodating apparatus which performs the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the intermittent communication method which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. Diagram for explaining intermittent communication method The figure which shows the frame format in the conventional intermittent communication method

Explanation of symbols

101 Overhead 102, 103 Data 201, 301 Antenna 202, 302 Radio reception unit 203, 303 Demodulation unit 204 Request confirmation unit 205, 501 Identification information recognition unit 206, 306 Packet generation unit 207, 307 Modulation unit 208, 308 Radio transmission unit 304 Sleep control unit 305, 401 Identification information insertion unit 601 Synchronization holding state confirmation unit 701 Traffic monitoring unit 801 Service management unit

Claims (1)

Negotiation for intermittent communication including an intermittent communication cycle between the transmission and reception devices;
An intermittent communication method including a step of performing communication by forcibly adding a retransmission frame to the content determined in the negotiation when a Nack signal is received.

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