FR2941125A1 - Antennas i.e. millimeter radio wave sending and receiving antennas, configuring method for source and receiver nodes of specific Home cinema, involves configuring antenna of receiver node by using antenna receiving configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining a receiving configuration of an antenna of a receiver node and verifying that the determined receiving configuration is invariant, relative to a receiving configuration previously used for receiving data transmitted from a source node to the receiver node in a mode i.e. point-to-point mode. A preset signal is sent in the mode by using a sending configuration that is determined based on the receiving configuration, in the event of negative verification. The antenna of receiver node is configured by using the determined receiving configuration. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer-readable storage unit storing a computer program comprising a set of instructions executable by a computer for implementing a method for configuring antennas of nodes of a wireless communications network clocked by transmission cycles (2) a receiver node for configuring antennas of a wireless communications network (3) a source node for configuring antennas of wireless communications network.

Description

Methods of configuring transmitting and receiving antennas, computer program product, storage means and corresponding nodes. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The field of the invention is that of communication systems, and more particularly wireless communication systems with antennas for transmitting and receiving millimeter radio waves, such as, for example, WPAN (for Wireless Personal Area Network) wireless home networks using the 60GHz radio band. More specifically, the invention relates to a technique for configuring transmit and receive antennas in a wireless communication network implementing a synchronous transmission in shared time space or TDM (Time Division Multiplexing in English). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Home wireless audio and video applications are today more and more numerous and require higher and higher data rates of the order of a few Giga. bits per second (noted subsequently Gbps), and a quality of service more and more. Millimeter WPAN type home networks are particularly well suited for this type of application. Indeed, the authorized band around a carrier frequency of 60 GHz offers a large bandwidth allowing the transport of a large amount of data. The radio range of such systems is also limited to about ten meters, favoring the spatial and temporal reuse of frequencies. The physical properties of the carrier frequency band around 60 GHz and the regulatory power limit of the transmitting devices (or nodes) currently limit the communications to a maximum of about ten meters. Moreover, in this carrier frequency band, the attenuation of the radio signal in the air is important In practice, these characteristics require that, to ensure a good level of radio communication quality and to obtain a sufficient radio range without having to to transmit to unauthorized powers, the nodes of a home wireless network have antennas configured in a directive (or selective) manner with a significant positive gain. More particularly, this type of antennas, called smart antennas, makes it possible to reach the distances required by audio and video applications within home networks. An intelligent antenna consists of a network of radiating elements distributed in a matrix manner on a given support. This network allows the implementation of a technique of shaping the antenna beams (technique called beamforming in English). According to this technique, each radiating element of the antenna is electronically controlled in phase and power (or gain) to obtain a beam transmitting and / or receiving directional and more or less narrow. The use of this type of antenna, when receiving a radio signal, makes it possible to increase the sensitivity of the antenna in reception in a desired direction and to reduce the sensitivity of this antenna for zones of interference. or strongly noisy. The use of this type of antenna, when transmitting a radio signal, makes it possible to increase the power of the radio signal in the desired direction. In meshed communication networks, when a node transmits a radio signal (transmission mode of operation), its intelligent antenna is set to provide a broad radiation beam (broad antenna radiation angle) in emission, so that to reach a maximum number of receiving nodes. When a node receives a radio signal (reception mode of operation), its intelligent antenna is set to receive data at a narrow and steerable antenna angle, in order to increase the gain of the antenna and to direct it to the node transmitting the radio signal. In receive operation mode, each receiving node points its receive antenna at an orientation angle suitable for receiving data from the transmitting node. At each new transmitting node, each receiving node must orient its receiving antenna according to a new orientation angle adapted to the position of the new transmitter node in the network. The search for an optimum antenna orientation angle is a recurring technical problem in directionally configured antenna communication networks. In the case of a network where the exact positions of the devices are not reliably known, it is often necessary to perform an exhaustive scan of the antenna coverage area in reception, in order to select, an angle of Antenna orientation in optimal reception for a considered communication. The implementation of such an antenna scan is all the more necessary in WPAN home communication systems. Indeed, because of the short wavelengths used (millimeter waves), such communication systems have a high sensitivity to interference and masking phenomena. The disadvantage of such a method lies in the fact that it can not be implemented during a communication. Indeed, such a method forces the receiving nodes of the network to orient their receiving antenna and to scan in directions other than that which is necessary for the reception of useful data transmitted by a given sending node, which causes a loss of data. useful during this period of time. The Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol is a multiplexing mode for transmitting multiple signals on a single communication channel. It is a time division multiplexing whose principle is based on a division of the time domain into access sequences (more commonly called TDM network cycles), each access sequence being divided into a plurality of time or time intervals. speech slots (called time slots in English), which are successively assigned to the different nodes of the network. Each node of the network can therefore in turn transmit data on the same radio communication channel, the other nodes then being either in an operating mode for receiving data, or in another operating mode that does not disturb the communication channel. radio, such as in standby mode.

The meshed communication systems (called MESH Network in English), implementing such a TDMA protocol, may be based, in a conventional manner, on the presence of a master device responsible for the establishment of network connections, the synchronization of speaking time of each of the nodes of the network and arbitration of access to the shared wireless medium.

Mesh communication systems, implementing a transmission of data on the network in a redundant transmission mode, consist of a set of nodes communicating with each other via a plurality of communication paths. In such mesh networks, a data content, transmitted by a transmitting node, can take different communication paths. In this way, a receiving node, recipient of this data content, can therefore receive, via different communication paths, multiple copies of the same original data content. This particular property is used in some communication systems to improve the reliability of the received data. For example, if a receiving node receives three copies of the same data content, that node may decide to select the most relevant copies with respect to the number of identical copies received. In addition, the use of an error correction method is common in communication systems. Indeed, such an error correction method makes it possible to obtain, from a transmission medium, its maximum data transport capacity. It also makes it possible to characterize the error rate of the transmission channel and to know its maximum value. Such an error correction method may also include a mechanism for detecting deletions (or missing symbols), by establishing correlations between each of the received copies (of the same data content) by a destination node of the content of the data considered.

The redundancy of transmissions required for the mesh of a mesh communication network is implemented successively in time, on the same radio communication channel. Indeed, when a transmitting node transmits data on the radio communication channel, these data are received by the different nodes of the network, then playing the role of receiving nodes (that is to say operating in reception mode) . The latter then perform a retransmission of the previously received data from the transmitter node, in turn following the time of speech assigned to them. Depending on the network mesh structure implemented, the data can be repeated from 1 to N times over the radio communication channel, where N is the number of nodes in the network.

In addition, the implementation of a data transmission on a mesh communication network in a redundant transmission mode may be particularly effective to ensure good reception beyond a predefined residual error rate . This technique is particularly well suited to applications requiring little bandwidth (of the order of ten Mbps), such as for the transmission of audio data or control data, for example.

However, because of a generally limited bandwidth for such home networks, the redundancy of transmissions applied in these mesh communication networks is not very suitable for applications requiring a higher data rate flow (of the order hundreds of Mbps), such as video applications for example. For this type of application, it is thus more interesting to consider only a single transmission of data on the network and to implement an adaptive routing technique of communications sensitive to network disturbances, depending on the positions. network devices and disturbance sources (masks, interferences, ...) previously detected in the coverage area of the transmit and receive antennas. Several alternative communication paths can thus be used so that an adaptation of the routing of the communications can be implemented, the nodes of the network adapting the choice of the communication paths to be used with respect to the instantaneous disturbances of the network. Such communication paths can be established in Line Of Sight or in an aligned manner, or in non-line of sight, between a transmitting device and a receiving device of the network. Subsequently, "communication in an aligned manner" is understood to mean a communication (or more generally a setting in communication) for which the receiving device parameterizes its receiving antenna so as to point towards the transmitting device. Subsequently, the term "non-aligned communication" means a communication (or more generally a setting in communication) for which the receiving device sets its receiving antenna so as to point in a direction other than that of the transmitter device.

In the case of a non-aligned communication, the routing of the data between the transmitter and receiver devices of the network, via a communication path, involves a relay device, which can be active, that is to say that is, implementing a data relay adjusted in accordance with a predefined transmission protocol (allowing data relay deferred from the received data), or passive, that is to say implementing a relay of the data by reflection of the data received. signal carrying the received data. Devices operating as active network relays are generally known to all other devices in the network. These are in fact network devices having a particular data relay functionality. Passive relays, meanwhile, are not necessarily known devices network. This type of relay, in fact, has no means of communication with the other devices of the network, because it does not have transmitting or receiving antennas. It can be a wall or an object with reflective capabilities, such as a plate or a metal bar for example. 2.2 Technical problem of the invention One of the main difficulties encountered when implementing a WPAN-type home communication network, based on a TDMA protocol and antennas configured in a directive manner, is to be able to quickly and easily determine reliable antenna orientation angles of a transmitter node and a receiving node to ensure consistently good quality of data communication in a point-to-point transmission mode between these nodes. The optimal pointing of an antenna in a given direction is generally difficult to maintain over time due to the short radio wavelengths used in these wireless communication systems. In fact, the slightest displacement of the nodes of the network or a variation of the pointing accuracy, due for example to a temperature drift or an aging of certain electronic components, can affect the quality of a radio communication. This technical problem is of particular concern in the case of certain communications, in particular high-speed data streams, which allow neither redundancy of transmissions nor use of the bandwidth to perform optimum pointing of the antennas of each node. 2.3 Solutions of the Prior Art In the state of the art, various methods of adjusting antenna orientation angle are already known. A known technique, disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,498,939 (Texas Instrument), proposes a method of adjusting antenna orientation angles of a wireless communication system, based on a measurement of the received signal quality, by a receiving node, via a first communication path (carrying application data), and a control data transmission via a second communication path, independent of the first communication path.

A disadvantage of this known technique is that it requires the establishment of an additional communication path, that is to say a communication path other than that allowing the transmission of application data, to achieve an adequate adjustment of the angles. orientation of antennas. Such a method therefore generates additional costs and complexity of implementation.

Another disadvantage of such a technique is that it does not guarantee a transmission of application data without loss, because the antenna adjustments can not be made before each application data transmission, which is as much more true in the particular case of a high-speed data transmission in a communication network supporting a very fluctuating radio communication channel. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION The invention, in at least one embodiment, has the particular objective of overcoming these various disadvantages of the state of the art. More specifically, in at least one embodiment of the invention, one objective is to provide a technique for updating antenna parameters of two nodes (transmitter and receiver), when they are involved in a transmission according to a mode. point-to-point in a wireless communication network, in the case where said network also allows transmissions according to another mode (for example redundant transmissions) having an antenna radiation angle greater than that of the point-to-point mode.

Another objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such a technique which makes it possible to provide point-to-point communication of two pieces of equipment continuously as transmission cycles (cycle network), despite disturbances that could affect the quality of the transmission in point-to-point mode. Another objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such a technique which makes it possible to ensure optimum readjustment of the antenna angular parameters as a function of disturbances of the network likely to affect the quality of the transmission. according to the point-to-point mode.

A complementary objective of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such a technique making it possible to anticipate the transmission according to the point-to-point mode, in order to prevent the bandwidth allocated to the transmission of actual data. according to the point-to-point mode, the angular parameters of antennas are not used for readjustment operations.

Yet another object of at least one embodiment of the invention is to provide such a technique which relies solely on means conventionally used for the transmission of data within a wireless communication network. The present invention also aims to provide such a technique that is simple to implement and inexpensive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of configuring antennas of the first and second nodes of a wireless communication network clocked by transmission cycles, each cycle. being divided into a time interval, the first node having a first reserved time slot for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node having a second time slot reserved for transmitting data in the first mode, the first node having a third reserved time slot for transmitting data to the second node in a second mode, the first mode having an antenna radiation angle greater than that of the second mode. The second node performs steps of: - during the first time interval, determining a configuration in reception of the antenna of the second node; - Check that the reception configuration determined is invariant, compared to a reception configuration previously used for the transmission of data between the first and second nodes according to the second mode; and in the case of negative verification: during the second time interval, transmitting a predetermined signal according to the second mode, using an emission configuration according to the determined reception configuration; during the third time slot, configure the antenna of the second node using said determined reception configuration. The general principle of this embodiment of the invention therefore consists, in a wireless mesh communication network, of taking advantage of data transmissions according to a first mode (for example with redundancy of transmissions) to determine a pointing angle. optimal antenna (or more generally possible parameters of antenna configuration) of a first node (transmitter of the point-to-point transmission) and a second node (receiver of the point-to-point transmission) , to ensure a sufficient quality of data transmission in a second mode (point-to-point) between these nodes.

This embodiment of the invention is based on a completely new and inventive approach to dynamic readjustment of antenna configuration parameters, such as parameters representative of a (dominant) orientation of the antenna, on detection of a change in propagation conditions between these nodes. Indeed, it is the second node which, after detecting a change in propagation conditions during a communication other than the point-to-point transmission considered, initiates a reconfiguration of the point-to-point transmission (in the form of a predetermined signal), in order to solicit the first node to perform a readjustment of the antenna angular parameters. Such initiation of the reconfiguration being performed during the transmission in the first mode (for example redundant transmissions), a reconfiguration of the point-to-point transmission can be achieved without having to use the bandwidth reserved for the transmission of data according to the point-to-point mode, and thus allows to maintain a data transmission in the point-to-point mode from the first to the second node at each transmission cycle despite changes in propagation conditions between these nodes. .

Preferably, each transmission cycle has a first transmission redundancy phase according to the first mode and a second point-to-point transmission phase according to the second mode. In this way, the loss of information of the nodes involved in a reconfiguration of a point-to-point transmission is compensated by the functionality of the redundant mode of transmissions. Indeed, thanks to a network mesh relay principle, said nodes involved can later receive the data that are intended for them, via relay nodes during the time slots following the time slots devoted to the request for reconfiguration of point-to-point transmission.

Advantageously, a reception configuration belongs to the group comprising: an antenna orientation angle in reception; - An information representative of an antenna orientation angle in reception; - Gain and phase information of each elementary antenna of an antenna array constituting the antenna of the second node accentuating the sensitivity in reception of said antenna at a given orientation angle. This list is not exhaustive. The term reception configuration parameters is understood to mean any information enabling at least one reception antenna pointing angle (or orientation) to be defined for the point-to-point transmission, as a function of the reference used to define this score. (or this orientation). Pointing angle (or orientation) means a direction for which the sensitivity of the antenna is accentuated. Advantageously, the method is implemented on positive verification of a condition belonging to the group comprising: - detection of a change of transmission cycle; detecting the flow of a predetermined duration from a predetermined event; detection of a quality level of reception of data transmitted by the first node below a predetermined threshold.

The method can therefore update the antenna angular parameters: either systematically at each network cycle; - Or periodically, that is to say, according to a delay corresponding to a defined number of network cycles; or on detecting an insufficient level of communication quality between the first and second nodes involved in the point-to-point transmission. In the latter case, it is thus avoided to implement the configuration method inadvertently, that is to say in the case where a readjustment of the antenna parameters is for example not necessary. According to an advantageous characteristic, said step of determining a reception configuration comprises the steps of: - scanning in reception a plurality of antenna orientation angles; obtaining a reception quality level associated with each of said antenna orientation angles; determining said reception configuration by selecting a configuration corresponding to an antenna orientation angle, from said plurality of angles, for which the associated level of reception quality is the best. For the point-to-point transmission considered, a new communication path is selected for which the reception quality level is highest. It should be noted that an alternative path may be set in an aligned or non-aligned way (involving for example in the latter case a reflective obstacle). Preferably, the method comprises, in the case of positive verification, the steps of: during the second time interval, transmitting in the first mode previously received data and / or new data; during the third time slot, configure the antenna of the second node using said reception configuration previously used for data transmission between the first and second nodes according to the second mode.

Thus, in the case where a readjustment of the antenna parameters (ie an antenna reconfiguration) for point-to-point transmission is not necessary (no significant disturbance appears to be present in the common coverage area of receiving and transmitting antennas), the invention provides for the operation of the transmission redundancy mode (relay by mesh network), so that the nodes concerned perform their function of relay data during the expected time interval normally for this purpose, and thus enhance the robustness of the communications between the nodes of the network. In another particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of configuring antennas of the first and second nodes of a wireless communication network clocked by transmission cycles, each cycle being divided into transmission intervals. time, the first node having a first reserved time slot for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node having a second time slot reserved to transmit data in the first mode, the first node having a third period of time reserved for transmitting data to the second node in a second mode, the first mode having an antenna radiation angle greater than that of the second mode. The first node performs steps of: - during the second time interval, checking the detection of a signal transmitted by the second node using a reception configuration of the antenna of the first node previously used for the transmission of data between the first and second nodes according to the second mode; and in the case of negative verification: during the second time interval, obtaining a reception configuration of the antenna of the first node by detecting, according to the second mode, a predetermined signal; During the third time slot, configure the antenna of the first node using a new transmission configuration of the antenna of the first node determined according to the reception configuration obtained. On the side of the first node (transmitter of the point-to-point transmission), an absence of a data signal, detected during the time slot reserved for the second node (receiver of the point-to-point transmission) to transmit according to the first mode means that a reconfiguration of the point-to-point transmission is initiated by the second node. The first node then directs its receiving antenna to receive a predetermined signal, sent by the second node, which is used to perform a readjustment of its antenna angle parameters for point-to-point transmission. Preferably, each transmission cycle has a first transmission redundancy phase according to the first mode and a second point-to-point transmission phase according to the second mode.

In this way, the loss of information of the nodes involved in a reconfiguration of a point-to-point transmission is compensated by the functionality of the redundant mode of transmissions. Indeed, thanks to a network mesh relay principle, said nodes involved can later receive the data that are intended for them, via relay nodes during the time slots following the time slots devoted to the request for reconfiguration of point-to-point transmission. Advantageously, a transmission configuration belongs to the group comprising: a transmitting antenna orientation angle; an information representative of an antenna orientation angle in transmission; a gain and phase information of each elementary antenna included in an antenna array constituting the antenna of the first node accentuating the radiation of said antenna at a given orientation angle. This list is not exhaustive. Transmitting configuration parameters thus mean any information making it possible to define at least one transmission antenna pointing angle (or orientation) for the point-to-point transmission, as a function of the reference used to define this score (or this orientation). Pointing angle (or orientation) means a direction for which the sensitivity of the antenna is accentuated. In another particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer readable medium and / or executable by a processor. This computer program product includes program code instructions for carrying out the aforementioned configuration methods (in any of its various embodiments), when said program is run on a computer. In another particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a computer readable storage means, possibly totally or partially removable, storing a computer program comprising a set of instructions executable by a computer to implement the aforementioned configuration methods (in any of its various embodiments). In another particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a second node allowing the configuration of antennas of a first node and of said second node of a wireless communication network clocked by transmission cycles, each cycle. being divided into a time interval, the first node having a first reserved time slot for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node having a second time slot reserved for transmitting data in the first mode, the first node having a third reserved time slot for transmitting data to the second node in a second mode, the first mode having an antenna radiation angle greater than that of the second mode, the second node comprising: first means for determining, during the first time interval, a configuration in reception of the antenna of the second node; first verification means that the determined reception configuration is invariant with respect to a reception configuration previously used for the transmission of data between the first and second nodes according to the second mode; first transmission means, during the second time interval, according to the second mode, of a predetermined signal, by using an emission configuration according to the determined reception configuration; first means for configuring the antenna of the second node during the third time slot, using said determined reception configuration; said transmission and configuration means being activated in the event of negative verification by said first verification means. Preferably, each transmission cycle has a first transmission redundancy phase according to the first mode and a second point-to-point transmission phase according to the second mode. Advantageously, a reception configuration belongs to the group comprising: an antenna orientation angle in reception; - An information representative of an antenna orientation angle in reception; - Gain and phase information of each elementary antenna of an antenna array constituting the antenna of the second node accentuating the sensitivity in reception of said antenna at a given orientation angle. Advantageously, it comprises second means for verifying a condition belonging to the group comprising: a change of transmission cycle; a flow of a predetermined duration from a predetermined event; a quality level of reception of data transmitted by the first node below a predetermined threshold; said first determining means being activated if said second checking means verifies a condition. According to an advantageous characteristic, said first means for determining a reception configuration comprise: scanning means in reception of a plurality of antenna orientation angles; means for obtaining a reception quality level associated with each of said antenna orientation angles; second means for determining said reception configuration by selecting a configuration corresponding to an antenna orientation angle, from said plurality of angles, for which the associated level of reception quality is the best. Preferably, the second node comprises the following means, activated in the event of positive verification by said first verification means: second transmission means, during the second time slot, according to the first mode of the previously received data and / or new data; second means for configuring the antenna of the second node during the third time slot, using said reception configuration previously used for the transmission of data between the first and second nodes according to the second mode.

In another particular embodiment of the invention, there is provided a first node for configuring antennas of said first node and a second node of a wireless communication network clocked by transmission cycles, each cycle being divided into time slots, the first node having a first reserved time slot for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node having a second reserved time slot for transmitting data in the first mode, the first node having a third reserved time slot for transmitting data to the second node in a second mode, the first mode having an antenna radiation angle greater than that of the second mode, the first node comprising: means for verifying, during the second time interval, the detection of a signal transmitted by the second node using a configuration in reception of the ant enne of the first node previously used for data transmission between the first and second nodes according to the second mode; means for obtaining, during the second time interval, a reception configuration of the antenna of the first node by detecting, according to the second mode, a predetermined signal; means for configuring, during the third time slot, the antenna of the first node using a new transmission configuration of the antenna of the first node determined as a function of the reception configuration obtained; said obtaining and configuration means being activated in the event of negative verification by said verification means.

Preferably, each transmission cycle has a first transmission redundancy phase according to the first mode and a second point-to-point transmission phase according to the second mode. Advantageously, a transmission configuration belongs to the group comprising: a transmitting antenna orientation angle; an information representative of an antenna orientation angle in transmission; a gain and phase information of each elementary antenna included in an antenna array constituting the antenna of the first node accentuating the radiation of said antenna at a given orientation angle. 5. LIST OF FIGURES Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given by way of indicative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication network network in which the configuration methods according to a particular embodiment according to the invention can be implemented; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a synchronous physical layer using a time division multiplexing (TDM); FIG. 3 shows the schematic structure of a communication device implementing the configuration method, according to a particular embodiment in accordance with the invention; FIGS. 4a and 4b each illustrate an exemplary mode of operation of a transmitting antenna (FIG. 4a illustrating an antenna configured in a quasi-omnidirectional manner, FIG. 4b illustrating an antenna configured in a directive manner. ); FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a mode of operation of a receiving antenna; FIG. 6a illustrates a schematic example of a point-to-point transmission between a source node and a receiver node communicating in an aligned manner; FIG. 6b illustrates a schematic example of a point-to-point transmission between a source node and a non-aligned communicating receiver node; FIG. 7a illustrates a communication scheme in which a method for determining communication paths is used enabling the establishment of a point-to-point transmission, in an aligned manner, between a source node and a receiving node, according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7b represents an evolution curve of the signal power level measured by a receiver node as a function of the angle of orientation of its antenna, in the context of a determination of a communication path, such as shown in Figure 7a; FIG. 8a illustrates a communication scheme in which is implemented a method for determining communication paths allowing the establishment of a point-to-point transmission, in a non-aligned manner, between a source node and a node. receiver, according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 8b represents an evolution curve of the signal power level measured by a receiver node as a function of the angle of orientation of its antenna, in the context of a determination of a communication path, such as shown in Figure 8a; FIG. 9a illustrates a communication scheme in which a receiving node behaves as a communication relay, according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9b illustrates a communication scheme in which a reconfiguration of a point-to-point transmission, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, is necessary; FIG. 10a illustrates a communication scheme in which a point-to-point transmission is carried out between a source node and a receiver node communicating in an aligned manner, according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10b illustrates a communication scheme in which point-to-point transmission is implemented between a source node and a non-aligned communicating receiver node, according to a particular embodiment of the invention; FIG. 11 represents a flowchart of a particular embodiment of the configuration method, source node side and receiver node side, according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In all the figures of this document, the elements and identical steps are designated by the same numerical reference. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communication network 100 in which the configuration methods according to a particular embodiment in accordance with the invention can be implemented. More particularly, the network 100 of FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless video and audio distribution network (home theater type 5.1) using the millimeter waves around the 60GHz frequency band. The network 100 comprises a source node 110 and a plurality of transmitting and receiving nodes 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170, each node being able to behave alternately as a transmitting node and a receiving node and having only one antenna for the transmission and reception of radio data signals. In addition, some nodes can act as relay nodes, that is to say that they retransmit on the network 10 data that they have previously received from another node. The nodes of the network 100 are all interconnected by millimeter wave radio communication paths 101. It is considered that the topology of the network 100, ie the relative spatial position of the nodes of the network, is known to each of the nodes 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170 of the network 100 and allows the operation of the mesh network in a redundant transmission mode. It should be noted that the particular embodiment described below is given by way of illustrative example. It is clear that many other embodiments of the invention can be envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention. When transmitting radio data, the data stream consists of a plurality of data blocks and is conventionally protected against transmission errors by means of error correction code. Typically, the data stream data blocks are packaged together at a sender node, each packet being encoded to generate a plurality of parity blocks representing redundant information. A receiving node of the network 100, receiving the data packets, via the various radio communication paths, then proceeds to the decoding. This decoding step consists in removing the errors in the data blocks received by the receiving node by using the parity blocks for this purpose.

Relay nodes, on the other hand, transfer coded data packets as such, without decoding or encoding the data stream again. Indeed, it is important to note that the execution of a decoding and a subsequent encoding at each relay node would increase the memory consumption required for temporary storage of the packets, and would also increase the transmission delay (latency ) while unnecessarily consuming computing resources. To transmit a stream of data relating to an audio stream, a video stream or a combination of both, a protocol such as that described by the IEEE 802.15.3 standard can, for example, be implemented. In addition to the fact that it allows very high data rates (in its IEEE 802.15.3c version), because of data transmission in the 57-64 GHz frequency band, this protocol offers the possibility, at each node of the network to gain access time to the guaranteed shared wireless communication medium using time division multiplexing, also called TDM (for Time Division Multiplexing), providing for division of the time domain into a plurality of recurring time intervals, of fixed length, also hereinafter called TDM cycle. Such multiplexing allows certain parameters, such as transmission latency or the bandwidth allocated to each transmission, to remain invariant. Around the 60GHz frequency, there is a similarity between the propagation of radio waves and the propagation of light: some obstacles (or objects) block the propagation and reflect it in part. In this case, even if the radio signals are broadcast in all directions, some relay nodes or receivers in the network 100 may not be able to detect these radio signals due to the presence of obstacles in the coverage area of their antennas in reception. Thus, it is possible that a communication path may not be able to be established in an aligned manner between a transmitting node and a receiving node, for example because of a masking. However, by using certain objects (for example placed by an installer of the network 100) having a high reflection capacity to radio waves, it is possible to establish a communication path in a non-aligned manner. Figure 2 illustrates an example of a synchronous physical layer using time division multiplexing (TDM).

In a conventional manner, the time is divided into a plurality of successive network cycles (N, N + 1, ...) 200 of data transmission, each network cycle 200 comprising a first sequence 210 reserved for the transmission of data according to a mode transmission redundancy and a second sequence 215 reserved for data transmission in a point-to-point mode.

There are two modes of transmission. The first mode, referred to as redundancy of transmission corresponding to a low bit rate data transmission (relative to the capacity of the communication network) is performed in a quasi-omnidirectional transmission antenna configuration or a wide angular spectrum (higher for example at 90 °) to reach the maximum of nodes within the network. This makes it possible to increase the probability that the data will be received by nodes of the network (which can then relay this data so that all the nodes of the network can eventually receive this data). The second so-called point-to-point mode corresponding to a high-speed data transmission (relative to the capacity of the communication network) is carried out according to a transmission antenna directive configuration or with a narrow angular spectrum (less than for example 30 °). In summary, the transmission redundant transmission mode, for the same energy (or power) consumed, has a radiation angle greater than that of the point-to-point transmission mode. The sequence 210, reserved for transmitting in the redundant mode of transmissions, is shared in time to allow each node of the network to transmit data 230 (data generated by the node itself or an application which is connected, or relayed data) during (at least) a given time interval 220, by network cycle 200, and to receive the remainder of the time (of the sequence 210). When a node transmits data over the network during its talk time 220, all other nodes in the network use their directionally configured antennas with a positive gain. This mode of operation requires the selection of the right antenna sector oriented towards the transmitting transmitter node during the time slot 220 which is assigned to it. It is said that a node operates according to a configuration (or selective) receiving antenna configuration.

Each speech time 220 can carry zero, one or more data blocks of a data stream, depending on the flow rate of this data stream, and more generally, depending on the data actually to be transmitted. Thus, each of these data blocks also corresponds to a time transmission interval. It can be noted that among the blocks of data, clean or relayed, there are blocks of control data, allowing the transmission and the relay of control messages. Each data block can itself be divided into a plurality of packets or symbols. The relay nodes of the communication network also retransmit data blocks (so-called relay blocks) to third nodes of the network so that at the end of the cycle 200 (or a predetermined number of cycles 200), the data blocks received in the different time slots 220 represent different copies of the original data block. This is called Network Mesh Relay.

The sequence 215, reserved for the transmission of data according to the point-to-point mode, is shared in time to allow each node of the network to transmit data 250 (data generated by an application for example connected to the node, or relayed data) during (at least) a given time slot 240, by network cycle 200. When a node transmits data during its talk time 240, the receiving node involved in the point-to-point transmission uses its configured antenna in a directive way with a positive gain. This mode of operation requires the selection of the right antenna sector oriented towards the transmitting node emitting during the time slot 240 which is assigned to it. It is said that a node operates according to a configuration direction (or selective) receiving antenna. Each time slot 240 allows the node to which this interval has been assigned to transmit zero, one or more data blocks of a data stream, depending on the rate of this data stream, and more generally, depending on the actual data. transmitting. FIG. 3 shows the schematic structure of a communication device 300 of the communication network 100 implementing the configuration method, according to a particular embodiment in accordance with the invention. More specifically, the communication device 300 can be integrated in the source node 110 or each of the sending nodes or receiving nodes (120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170), or in any relay nodes of the communication network 100. communication device 300 comprises: a Random Access Memory (RAM) 302 functioning as a main memory; a calculation block 301 (noted c for micro-controller in English) or a CPU (for Control Process Unit in English) whose capacity can be extended by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown on FIG. Figure 3). The CPU 301 is capable of executing instructions when the communication device 300 is turned on from the ROM 303. After the power is turned on, the CPU 301 is able to execute the RAM 302 relating to a computer program, once these instructions are loaded from the ROM 303 or an external memory (not shown in FIG. 3). Such a computer program, if executed by the CPU 301, causes the execution of some or all of the steps of the algorithms described below in connection with FIG. 11; a block 310 (denoted RF-FE for RF Front-End in English) responsible for adapting the signal at the output of a baseband block 305 (denoted RF-BB for RF Base-Band in English) before its transmission by means of an antenna 304. By way of example, the adaptation can be carried out by frequency conversion and power amplification processes. Conversely, the block 310 also allows the adaptation of a signal received by the antenna 304 before its transmission to the baseband block 305. The baseband block 305 is responsible for modulating and demodulating the digital data exchanged with the baseband 305. block 310. The block 310 comprises a sub-block 312 (noted RM for Reception Measurement), consisting for example of an ADC circuit (for Analog-to-Digital Converter in English or Analog / Digital Converter in French), responsible for measuring the power level of the signal received via the antenna 304, the power measurement being then communicated to the CPU 301; an input / output interface block (denoted I / O If for Input / Output Interface in English) connected to a communication network 307. FIGS. 4a and 4b each illustrate an example of a mode of operation of an antenna. 400, FIG. 4a illustrating a transmitting antenna configured in a quasi-omnidirectional manner, and FIG. 4b, a transmitting antenna configured in a directional (or selective) manner. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, that is to say in the communication network 100, the transmission antennas 400 can be configured either according to a wide radiation angle 410 (in this case we speak of configuration quasi-omnidirectional transmitting antenna), or with a narrow radiation angle 420 (in this case we speak of transmit antenna directive configuration). As explained above, each transmitter node of the network implements an antenna directivity technique (called beamforming in English). Indeed, an increase in the signal strength, in a desired direction, can be obtained by decreasing the width of the emission radiation angle, which allows either to increase the emission distance, or, at equal distance , to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the target receiver node. Such a technique thus makes it possible to improve the quality of radio signal reception and to reduce the error rate of the transmission channel. The orientation of the narrow radiation beam 420 is represented at an orientation angle at 430. This orientation angle α is selected from a set of antenna orientation angles contained in the radiation region 410 of the antenna 400 configured in a quasi-omnidirectional manner. In other words, the orientation angle α can take any angle value between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. An angle of orientation, in the case of an agile (or intelligent) antenna, is an angle for which the configuration parameters of the agile antenna matrix are such that the radiation (in emission) or the sensitivity (in reception) of the antenna is accented in this direction relative to the other directions. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a mode of operation of a reception antenna 500. In the particular embodiment presented in FIG. 1, that is to say in the communication network 100, the reception antennas 500 (Which may correspond to the antennas 400 in the case where the same antenna is used in transmission and reception) are always configured (that is to say whatever the mode of transmission implemented) at a narrow reception angle 520 ( in this case we speak of receiving antenna configuration). Indeed, as previously explained, the use of a narrow reception angle 520 makes it possible to increase the power of the radio signal at the input of the receiver node, thus making it possible to increase the transmission distance, ie at an equal distance, to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The quality in terms of radio signal reception is thus improved and the transmission channel error rate reduced. The orientation of the main directional lobe 520 of the receiving antenna 500 is represented by an orientation angle 13,530. This angle 13 is selected from a set of antenna orientation angles belonging to the sensitivity area of the antenna. the antenna 500 configured almost omnidirectionally. In other words, the orientation angle 13 can take any angle value between 0 degrees and 180 degrees. FIG. 6a is shown which illustrates a schematic example of a point-to-point transmission (called beam steering in English) between a source node and a receiver node communicating in an aligned manner, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. 'invention. A wireless communication system 100, such as that shown in FIG. 1, is considered in which the node 120 is considered to be the high-speed data receiving node (audio and video applications, for example) coming from the source device 110. The receiving node 120 is considered to be able to receive the audio data redirected to the node 190 (then playing the role of loudspeaker (speaker in English)), able to function as a relay node, but also able to receive data video from the source node 110 and to the viewing screen 180.

While the transmission of low bit rate application data (such as audio data) or control data is carried out with a near-omnidirectional transmission antenna configuration 410, in the transmission sequence 210 reserved for the transmission mode. transmission redundancy, during the time slots 220, transmission of high-speed application data (such as video data) is performed with a transmit antenna directive configuration 420, in the transmission sequence. transmission 215 in point-to-point mode, during the time slots 240. The bandwidth required for broadband data transmissions, such as uncompressed high definition video (requiring a bit rate of several Gbps) being high, it is Therefore, it is not realistic to implement transmission redundancy communication by using the relay nodes, as is the case for audio data. It is clear that the quality of the radio signals corresponding to the video data must therefore be reinforced. One of the possibilities is to communicate this data in point-to-point mode, that is to say using an antenna directive configuration, both on the sending side and on the receiving side.

The source node 110 uses, in the case of FIG. 6a, the beamforming technique, according to the principle described in connection with FIG. 4b, to obtain a transmission antenna directive configuration 420, and directs its transmit antenna towards the receiver node 120. The receiver node 120 also uses the antenna directivity technique to obtain a receiving antenna directive pattern 520 and directs its receive antenna towards the source node 110. In the present case, the source nodes 110 and receiver 120 thus communicate in an aligned manner via a communication path 610. An example is shown below, in connection with FIG. 6b, of a schematic example of a transmission in point-to-point mode. point (called beam steering in English) between a source node and a receiver node communicating in a non-aligned manner, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. When a communication path 610, aligned to transport data between the nodes of a pair of source nodes 110 (or transmitting node) and receiver 120, is cut or masked by an obstacle 630, a communication path alternative 620 can be used to transmit the considered data. The alternative communication path, illustrated in the present case, is obtained by reflection of the radio signal on a reflecting surface 600. However, it should be noted that such a radio signal reflected, because of a greater distance of travel in the air and any absorptions (or diffractions related to the reflection), is (possibly strongly) attenuated before reaching the receiving node 120. It is therefore necessary to strengthen, in terms of power (or 'energy'), the radio signal to be transmitted in point-to-point transmission mode. The source node 110 then directs its transmit antenna 400, in a transmit antenna directive configuration, to the reflective surface 600. The receiver node 120 also directs its receive antenna 500, in a directional antenna configuration. receiving, to the reflecting surface 600, so that the pair of nodes can communicate in point-to-point non-aligned manner. For purposes of simplifying the description of the present invention, only one communication path 620 will be considered in the following in indirect view. It is clear, however, that the invention can be implemented in the context of an application with a plurality of possible communication paths indirectly (in the case where several reflective surfaces have been determined in the coverage area of the network) . In this case, the reception measurement operation applied to the paths for point-to-point communications (in connection with FIG. 8a) will retain only the best path. In addition, it is noted that only point-to-point transmission modes in line of sight and in non-line of sight involving an object having a reflective surface (as presented previously in relation to FIGS. 6a and 6b). are detailed in this document. It is nevertheless clear that the invention can equally well apply in the case where the nodes of a pair of transmitter and receiver nodes communicate in point-to-point, non-aligned manner, via one or more relay node (s), for example when the distance (in line of sight) between the nodes involved in a given communication is too great. In the latter case, the principle applied above (in connection with FIGS. 6a and 6b) for a communication path between a transmitting node and a receiving node also applies for each communication link included in a communication path involving least one relay node, a communication path consisting of several communication links depending on the number of relay nodes involved in the communication considered.

FIG. 7a illustrates a communication scheme in which is implemented a method for determining communication paths allowing point-to-point transmission, in an aligned manner, between a source node 110 and a receiver node 120, according to a mode of communication. particular embodiment of the invention. More particularly, such a method makes it possible to determine, during each network cycle 200, and more particularly during the time slots 220, a communication path that makes it possible to ensure a level of quality sufficient to establish a point-to-point transmission between the source nodes 110 and receiver 120 for at least one subsequent time interval 240. In a preferred embodiment, the best communication path (or at least the most suitable communication path) for the point-to-point transmission is selected. considered, that is, the path for which the level of data transmission quality between source node 110 and receiver 120 is highest. It is important to note that such a method of determining communication paths is implemented during the transmission sequence 210 of the network cycle 200 dedicated to the redundancy of transmissions. For this purpose, the nodes involved in a point-to-point transmission then benefit from this time sequence, during the time slots 220, to exchange the information relating to the antenna configuration parameters in reception and transmission, and to allow a reconfiguration of point-to-point transmission, without having to use the bandwidth reserved for the application data of the point-to-point transmission. During the talk time 220 reserved for transmitting in the redundant transmission mode, the source node 110 transmits, with a quasi-omnidirectional transmission antenna configuration 410, the audio and control data to all the others. nodes 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170 of the network (the latter thus playing the role of receiving nodes), each of these receiving nodes having previously oriented its receiving antenna towards the source node 110, with a directive configuration of Antenna 520. During the speaking time 220 which is reserved for them to transmit in the redundant transmission mode, each of the other nodes of the network relays the received data possibly adding its own data, such as control data for example. For its part, the receiving node 120, which is also designed to receive high-speed data during point-to-point transmission, during the time slot 240, can detect that the communication path used up to then between the nodes source 110 and receiver 120 is no longer suitable. For example, it can be considered that a communication path is no longer suitable when the measured received signal power level is below a predefined threshold. The receiving node 120 then takes advantage of the time interval 220 where the source node 110 is transmitter to perform a measurement of the received signal power level over its entire angular range. For this purpose, the receiving node 120 performs a reception scan (said scan in English) with a reception antenna directive configuration and measures the received signal power level using the sub-block 312. The scan the receiving antenna is effected, for example, by varying the orientation angle 13 by 10 degrees in 10 degrees in the sensitivity area of the antenna 500 (scanning from 0 to 180 degrees). It is important to note that, during scanning by its receiving antenna, the receiving node 120 can not receive the low bit rate data (application and / or control data) which are normally intended for it. However, thanks to the transmission sequence 210 reserved for the redundancy of transmissions on the mesh network, the receiving node 120 can, however, subsequently receive the data intended for it, via one or more other nodes 130 , 140, 150, 160, 170 of the network, which act as relays, during the time slots 220 following the transmission time slot assigned to the source node 110. Figure 7b shows an evolution curve of the level of the signal power measured by the receiver node 120 as a function of the orientation angle of its antenna 13, in the context of a determination of a communication path, as shown in FIG. 7a. In other words, FIG. 7b represents the result of measurements of the power level carried out by the receiving node 120, obtained after carrying out the scanning as described above. In the present case, the orientation angle 13, representative of the highest measured power level, will correspond to the orientation angle for which the receiving node, involved in the point-to-point transmission, must parameterize its receiving antenna to receive high-speed data in good transmission conditions. Different methods, known to those skilled in the art, can be used to determine the orientation angle of a receiving antenna. As a non-limiting example, it may be a conventional method based on an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) level measurement of the received signal. FIG. 8a illustrates a communication scheme in which a method for determining communication paths for non-aligned point-to-point transmission between a source node 110 and a receiving node 120 is implemented, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8a illustrates, more particularly, the case where an obstacle (or object) 630 hides the communication path 610 established in an aligned manner, between the transmitting node 110 and the receiving node 120, but where, on the other hand, a reflecting surface 600 allows the reflection of the radio signal, from the transmitter node 110, to the receiving node 120. In the present case, a process strictly identical to that presented above in relation to FIG. 7a can be implemented to carry out the steps for searching and determining a communication path for future point-to-point transmission in a non-aligned manner.

Here again, it is important to note that, during the scanning carried out by its receiving antenna, the receiving node 120 can not receive the data (audio and control) which are intended for it. However, thanks to the transmission sequence 210 reserved for the redundancy of transmissions, in other words, according to the network mesh relay principle, the receiving node 120 can however receive the data intended for it, via one or several other nodes 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 of the network, which act as relays, during the time slots 220 following the transmission time slot assigned to the source node 120. FIG. the evolution of the signal power level measured by the receiver node 120 as a function of the orientation angle of its antenna f3, in the context of a determination of a communication path, as shown in FIG. 8a. FIG. 8b shows the result of reception power level measurements made by the receiving node 120, obtained after scanning by its receiving antenna. In the present case, the orientation angle f3, representative of the highest measured power level, corresponds to the orientation angle for which the receiving node, involved in the point-to-point transmission, must parameterize its receiving antenna to receive high-speed data in good transmission conditions. The orientation angle corresponding to the transmission in an aligned manner no longer corresponds to the best antenna orientation angle due to the presence of the obstacle 630 which strongly attenuates the communication, in an aligned manner, between the source node 110 and the receiving node 120, or completely masking it. Indeed, the point-to-point transmission must be carried out, in the present case, in a non-aligned manner, via a communication path 620 involving the reflective surface 600. FIG. 9a illustrates a communication diagram in which a receiving node 120 behaves as a communication relay, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. If, during scanning by its receiving antenna, ie during the time slot 220 assigned to the source node 110 to transmit in the redundant mode of transmissions, the receiving node 120 detects no variation in its reception configuration parameters, that is, if the reception antenna orientation angle 13 determined during the preceding network cycle (or a previous network cycle) is identical to that of the current network cycle, then the receiving node 120 will function as a relay node during the time slot 220 reserved for it to transmit in the redundant transmission mode. To do this, the receiving node can start scanning by its receiving antenna by testing whether the reception configuration parameters used during the previous cycle (or of a previous cycle) allow reception of the data transmitted by the source node 110 in good conditions. During the time interval 220 reserved for transmitting in the redundant mode of transmissions, the receiving node 120 thus transmits, with a quasi-omnidirectional transmission antenna configuration, 230 audio data and / or control to all the other nodes of the network 110, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170 (then playing all the role of receiving nodes), each of these receiving nodes having previously oriented its antenna, with a directional antenna configuration receiving, towards the receiving node 120 (then playing the role of relay node during the time interval 220 which is dedicated to it). The radio data 230 thus transmitted (or relayed) may itself come from a relay node (as a function of the position of the time slot 220 assigned to the receiver node 120 in the TDM sequence of the network cycle 200). FIG. 9b illustrates a communication scheme in which a reconfiguration of the point-to-point transmission according to a particular embodiment of the invention is necessary.

If, during the scanning by its receiving antenna, that is to say during the time interval 220 reserved for the source node 110 to transmit in the redundant mode of transmissions, the receiving node 220 detects a variation of its parameters of receiving antenna angular configuration, that is, if the receiving antenna orientation angle 13 (allowing reception of the data transmitted by the source node 110 under good conditions) determined during the current network cycle differs from the one determined during the previous network cycle (or a previous network cycle), then a reconfiguration of the transmit and receive antenna parameters for the point-to-point transmission relative to the current network cycle 200 is necessary. Such a reconfiguration is subsequently called reconfiguration of a point-to-point transmission. Thus, only when a change in the conditions of propagation of the radio waves between the pair of source nodes 110 and receiver 120 is detected by the receiving node 120, can it not function, in a conventional manner, as relay node in the network cycle 200 in progress (according to the principle detailed above in connection with Figure 9a). To perform a reconfiguration of a point-to-point transmission, the receiving node 120 transmits, during the time interval 220 reserved for it to transmit in the redundant mode of transmissions, with an antenna direction configuration. emission 420, a predetermined radio signal. During this same time interval 220, all the other nodes 110, 130, 140, 150, 160 and 170 orient their receiving antenna, in an antenna-directed configuration, towards the transmitter node 120. The source node 110, which normally expects to receive from the receiver node 120 a radio signal containing data from the receiver node 120 (i.e., if the receiver node 120 was operating as a relay node), actually receives no signal, since the receiving node 120 transmits in an antenna directive configuration and the receiving antenna of the transmitting node 110 (also in the directive configuration) is not correctly oriented. Then, the source node 110 must seek an antenna orientation for receiving correctly a radio signal transmitted by the receiver node 120, the signal possibly being reflected by a reflective surface 600. For this purpose, the transmitter node 110 then performs, in turn, scanning by its receiving antenna according to an antenna pattern 520 and determining an orientation angle 13 enabling it to receive the predetermined radio signal, from the receiver node 120, optimally. This reception antenna orientation angle (3 now corresponds to the transmit antenna orientation angle a to be used by the source node 110 to transmit point-to-point to the receiver node 120, when of the time slot 240 reserved for this purpose, the configuration parameters of the transmitting antenna by the point-to-point transmission are then determined according to the reception antenna configuration parameters used by the source node. 110 when the receiving node 120 transmits in an antenna directive configuration, for determining reception antenna configuration parameters for point-to-point communication between the source node 100 and the receiver node 120, the source node 110 may For example, perform a measurement of the received radio signal, using the sub-block 312, by varying the reception angle f3 by 10 degrees in 10 degrees over its entire reception sensitivity zone, ranging from From 0 to 180 degrees, it then selects for example the angle 13 giving it the best level of measured signal power in reception.

Although the point-to-point transmission takes place during the time slot 240 of the cycle 200, the determination of the configuration parameters of the antennas aiming at a reconfiguration of the point-to-point transmission, therefore takes place only during the transmission sequence 210 reserved for the redundancy of transmissions. FIG. 10a illustrates a communication scheme in which a point-to-point transmission is carried out between a source node 110 and a receiving node 120 communicating in an aligned manner, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. After having previously determined the reception and transmission antenna configuration parameters (remaining unchanged with respect to the preceding cycle 200, or readjusted with respect to the previous cycle 200) intended for point-to-point transmission, during the sequence transmission 210 for the redundancy of transmissions of the current cycle 200, the source nodes 110 and receiver 120 proceed as follows: the source node 110 transmits, in point-to-point mode, with an antenna direction configuration 420 according to the orientation angle a, towards the receiving node 120; the receiving node 120 (destination of the high-speed application data) receives, in point-to-point mode, an antenna directive configuration 520 according to the angle (3530, towards the source node 110). FIG. 10b illustrates a communication scheme in which point-to-point transmission is implemented between a source node 110 and a receiving node 120 communicating in a non-aligned manner, according to a particular embodiment of the invention. previously determined antennas configuration parameters in reception and transmission (remaining unchanged from the previous cycle 200, or readjusted with respect to the previous cycle 200) for point-to-point transmission, during the transmission sequence 210 reserved for the redundancy of transmissions of the current cycle 200, the source nodes 110 and receiver 120 proceed as follows: the source node 110 transmits, in point-to-point mode , with an antenna direction pattern 420 according to the orientation angle α, in the direction of the reflecting surface 600; the receiving node 120 (destination of the high-speed application data) receives, in point-to-point mode, an antenna direction pattern 520 at the angle (3530, in the direction of the reflecting surface 600.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a flow chart of a particular embodiment of the source node 110 and receive node 120 configuration method according to the invention is presented. This algorithm synthesizes, more particularly, the progress of the various steps necessary for adjusting the antenna configuration parameters used by the source nodes 110 and receiver 120 for the point-to-point transmission.

To facilitate the reading of this flowchart, all the steps implemented by the source nodes 110 and receiver 120 are shown in the same figure, the source node-side configuration algorithm (or transmitter node) being described on the left-hand side. of FIG. 11 (steps 1100 to 1190) and the receiving node side being depicted in the right portion of FIG. 11 (steps 1200 to 1295). The steps 1100 and 1200 respectively constitute initialization steps of the algorithm of the source nodes 110 and the receiver 120. Next, the algorithm implemented by each of the source nodes 110 and receiver 120 goes respectively to a step 1110 and a step 1210 in each of which the time slot 220 (denoted TS in the figure, for Time Slot in English), assigned to the source node 110 to transmit in the redundant transmission mode, is expected. Indeed, the TDM sequence of the network cycle 220, that is to say the order in which each node transmits its data, is known to all the nodes of the network.

In a step 1120, the source node 110 transmits the low rate data (audio applications and / or control data) intended for the nodes 120 to 170, with a quasi-omnidirectional transmission antenna configuration (denoted OD in the figure for (almost) OmniDirectional). For its part, the receiving node 120 performs, in a step 1220, a search of a communication path allowing it to receive the data transmitted by the source node 110 in good conditions. The receiving node 120 performs a reception scan, using its antenna 500 in a reception antenna directive configuration, in the sensitivity area of the antenna 500. In a step 1230, the receiving node 120 selects, from among the set of orientation angles included in the sensitivity area of the antenna 500, an orientation angle 13 for which the measured reception quality level (such as the RSSI level for example) is adapted to receive the data transmitted by the source node 110. In a step 1240, the receiving node 120 then checks whether this angle B is different from that selected in the previous network cycle 200. In other words, it checks whether a change in the radio signal propagation conditions relating to the communication of the pair of source nodes 110 and receiver 120 is detected.

If no change is detected, the receiving node 120 (then playing the role of relay node) prepares, in a step 1250, to re-transmit the data previously received from the other nodes 130 to 170 (participation in relay network mesh according to the first mode of transmission), possibly adding own data, such as control data. In a step 1270, the receiving node 120 waits for the arrival of the time slot 220 assigned to it to transmit in the redundant mode of transmissions, in a step 1280, using a quasi-omnidirectional configuration of transmission antenna. If a change is detected, i.e. if the result of the test performed in step 1240 is positive (ie the angle f3 of the current network cycle different from the angle f3 of the previous network cycle), the receiving node 120 is prepared, in a step 1260, to reconfigure the antenna angular parameters for the point-to-point transmission. In a step 1275, the receiving node 120 waits for the arrival of the time slot 220 assigned to it to transmit in the redundant transmission mode. It then transmits, in a step 1285, a predetermined signal using transmit antenna configuration parameters determined according to the receiving antenna configuration parameters corresponding to the angle 13 determined in step 1230. From its on the other hand, after transmitting data for nodes 120 to 170 in step 1120, the source node 110 expects, in step 1130, the arrival of the time slot 220 assigned to the receiving node 120 for transmission of its data according to the redundant mode of transmissions. During this time interval 220, the source node 110 directs, in a step 1140, its reception antenna with a directive configuration, according to the orientation angle 13 used in the preceding network cycle, and then performs a measurement of the level of power in this direction in order to test the good reception of the data transmitted by the receiving node 120. If the result of the test 1140 is positive (sufficient reception of data), the source node 110 then processes (in a step 1160) the data received during the communication redundancy communication part, without changing the antenna orientation angle 13 of the transmitting node 110.

If the result of this test 1140 is negative (insufficient data reception or no data reception), the source node 110 then seeks to determine, in a step 1150, the receiving antenna configuration parameters defining an orientation angle. 13 to use to receive the predetermined radio signal transmitted by the receiving node 120. For this purpose, the source node 110 performs a reception scan, in the sensitivity area of its antenna 500, with a directional antenna configuration, until detecting the predetermined radio signal transmitted by the receiving node 120. Then, in the step 1180, the source node 110 waits for the arrival of the transmission time slot 240 assigned to it to transmit its application data to broadband according to the point-to-point transmission mode. During this time interval 240, the source node 110 transmits in point-to-point mode, in a step 1190, the data of high-speed applications intended for the receiving node 120, by orienting its transmitting antenna according to the angle d orientation with a directive configuration. This configuration is, depending on the result of the test performed in step 1140, either the configuration used in the previous cycle for this same point-to-point data transmission, or a configuration defining an antenna orientation angle corresponding to the one determined in step 1150. Following steps 1280 and 1285, the receiving node 120 waits for the arrival of the time slot 440 assigned to the source node 110 during which the latter transmits in point-to-point mode its data of high-speed applications in the point-to-point communication part. During this time interval 440, the receiving node 120 can receive, in a step 1295, the high-speed application data transmitted by the source node 110 in point-to-point mode, by using its reception antenna oriented next the angle 13 and configured in directive mode. This configuration is, depending on the result of the test performed in step 1240, either the configuration used in the previous cycle for this same point-to-point data transmission, or a configuration defining an antenna orientation angle corresponding to that determined in step 1220. At the end of steps 1190 and 1295, the algorithm implemented by the source and receiver nodes 110 and 120 returns to the steps (respectively numbered 1110 and 1210) waiting for the interval time 220, assigned to the source node 110, for transmitting its data according to the transmission redundancy mode. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the configuration methods can be implemented, systematically, at each network cycle 200. According to a first variant, the configuration methods can be implemented as a function of a delay, as for example after the lapse of a determined period corresponding to a predetermined number of network cycles 200. According to a second variant, the configuration methods can be implemented on detection of a communication quality level, for a pair of nodes involved in a point-to-point transmission, less than a predetermined threshold.

Claims (20)

REVENDICATIONS1. A method of configuring antennas of first (110) and second (120) nodes of a wireless communication network (100) clocked by transmission cycles (200), each cycle being divided into a time interval (220, 240 ), the first node (110) having a first time slot reserved for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node (120) having a second time slot reserved for transmitting data in the first mode, the first node (110) having a third reserved time slot for transmitting data to the second node (120) in a second mode, the first mode having an antenna radiation angle greater than that of the second mode, characterized in that the second node (120) performs steps of: - during the first time interval, determining (1220, 1230) a reception pattern of the antenna of the second node (120); - verifying (1240) that the determined receive configuration is invariant, with respect to a receive configuration previously used for data transmission between the first (110) and second (120) nodes in the second mode; and in case of negative verification: - during the second time interval, transmitting (1285) according to the second mode a predetermined signal, using an emission configuration according to the determined reception configuration; during the third time interval, configuring (1295) the antenna of the second node (120) using said determined reception configuration. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that each transmission cycle (200) has a first phase (210) with transmission redundancy according to the first mode and a second phase (215) of point-to-point transmission. -point according to the second mode. 3. Method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that a reception configuration belongs to the group comprising: - an antenna orientation angle in reception; an information representative of an antenna orientation angle in reception, and gain and phase information of each elementary antenna of an antenna array constituting the antenna of the second node, accentuating the sensitivity in reception of said antenna; antenna at a given orientation angle. 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the method is implemented on positive verification of a condition belonging to the group comprising: - detecting a change of transmission cycle (200); detecting the flow of a predetermined duration from a predetermined event; - Detecting a quality level of reception of data transmitted by the first node (110) below a predetermined threshold. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said step of determining (1220, 1230) a reception configuration comprises the steps of: - scanning in reception a plurality of orientation angles antenna; obtaining a reception quality level associated with each of said antenna orientation angles; determining said reception configuration by selecting a configuration corresponding to an antenna orientation angle, from said plurality of angles, for which the associated level of reception quality is the best. 6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises, in case of positive verification, the steps of: - during the second time interval, transmit (1280) according to the first mode of previously received data and / or new data; during the third time interval, configuring (1295) the antenna of the second node using said reception configuration previously used for the transmission of data between the first (110) and second (120) nodes according to the second mode. A method of configuring antennas of first (110) and second (120) nodes of a wireless communication network clocked by transmission cycles (200), each cycle (200) being divided into time slots ( 220, 240), the first node (110) having a first time slot reserved for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node (120) having a second time slot reserved for transmitting data according to the first first mode, the first node (110) having a third reserved time slot for transmitting data to the second node (120) in a second mode, the first mode having an antenna radiation angle greater than the second mode, characterized in that the first node (110) performs steps of: - during the second time interval, checking (1140) the detection of a signal transmitted by the second node (120) using a configuration of receiving the antenna the first node previously used for data transmission between the first (110) and second nodes (120) according to the second mode; and in case of negative verification: - during the second time interval, obtaining (1150) a reception configuration of the antenna of the first node (110) by detecting, in the second mode, a predetermined signal; during the third time slot, configure (1190) the antenna of the first node (110) by using a new transmission configuration of the antenna of the first node (110) determined according to the reception configuration obtained. 8. The method as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that each transmission cycle (200) has a first transmission redundancy phase (210) according to the first mode and a second point-to-point transmission phase (215). -point according to the second mode. 9. Method according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that a transmission configuration belongs to the group comprising: - an antenna antenna angle transmission; an information representative of an antenna orientation angle in transmission; - Gain and phase information of each elementary antenna included in an antenna array constituting the antenna of the first node (110) accentuating the radiation of said antenna at a given orientation angle. Computer program product downloadable from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable medium and / or executable by a processor, characterized in that it comprises program code instructions for the implementation of the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6 and / or the method according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, when said program is run on a computer. 11. A computer readable storage medium, possibly totally or partially removable, storing a computer program comprising a set of instructions executable by a computer to implement the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 6 and / or the process according to at least one of claims 7 to 9. A second node (120) for configuring antennas of a first node (110) and said second node (120) of a wireless transmission cycle-timed communication network (200), each cycle being divided in time interval (220, 240), the first node (110) having a first time slot reserved for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node (120) having a second time slot reserved for transmitting data in the first mode, the first node (110) having a third reserved time slot for transmitting data to the second node (120) in a second mode, the first mode having a radiation angle of antenna greater than that of the second mode, the second node (120) being characterized in that it comprises: first means for determining, during the first time interval, a configuration in reception of the antenna of the second node; (120); first verification means that the determined reception configuration is invariant with respect to a reception configuration previously used for the transmission of data between the first (110) and second (120) nodes according to the second mode; first transmission means, during the second time interval, according to the second mode, of a predetermined signal, using an emission configuration according to the determined reception configuration; first antenna configuration means; the second node (120) during the third time slot, using said determined reception pattern; and in that said transmission and configuration means are activated in the event of negative verification by said first verification means. Second node (120) according to claim 12, characterized in that each transmission cycle (200) has a first transmission redundancy phase (210) according to the first mode and a second phase (215) of point-to-point transmission according to the second mode. 14. Second node (120) according to any one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that a reception configuration belongs to the group comprising: - an antenna orientation angle in reception; - An information representative of an antenna orientation angle in reception; - Gain and phase information of each elementary antenna of an antenna array constituting the antenna of the second node (120) accentuating the sensitivity in reception of said antenna at a given orientation angle. 15. Second node (120) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it comprises second means for checking a condition belonging to the group comprising: - a change of transmission cycle (200); a flow of a predetermined duration from a predetermined event; a quality level of reception of data transmitted by the first node (110) below a predetermined threshold; and in that said first determining means is activated if said second checking means verifies a condition. 16. Second node (120) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that said first means for determining a reception configuration comprise: - scanning means in reception of a plurality of angles d antenna orientation; means for obtaining a reception quality level associated with each of said antenna orientation angles; second means for determining said reception configuration by selecting a configuration corresponding to an antenna orientation angle, from said plurality of angles, for which the associated level of reception quality is the best. 17. Second node (120) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that it comprises the following means, activated in case of positive verification by said first verification means: - second transmission means, during the second time interval, according to the first mode of the previously received data and / or new data; second means for configuring the antenna of the second node during the third time slot, using said reception configuration previously used for the transmission of data between the first (110) and second (120) nodes according to the second mode. 18. First node (110) for configuring antennas of said first node (110) and a second node (120) of a wireless communication network clocked by transmission cycles (200), each cycle ( 200) being divided into time slots (220, 240), the first node (110) having a first reserved time slot for transmitting data in a first mode, the second node (120) having a second a reserved time interval for transmitting data in the first mode, the first node (110) having a third reserved time slot for transmitting data to the second node (120) in a second mode, the first mode having a second antenna radiation angle greater than that of the second mode, the first node (110) being characterized in that it comprises: - means for checking, during the second time interval, the detection of a transmitted signal by the second node (120) using a receiving configuration of the antenna of the first node (110) previously used for data transmission between the first (110) and second (120) nodes in the second mode; Means for obtaining, during the second time slot, a reception pattern of the antenna of the first node (110) by detecting, in the second mode, a predetermined signal; means for configuring, during the third time slot, the antenna of the first node (110) by using a new transmission configuration of the antenna of the first node (110) determined according to the reception configuration obtained; and in that said obtaining and configuring means are activated in the event of negative verification by said verification means. 19. First node (110) according to claim 18, characterized in that each transmission cycle (200) has a first phase (210) with transmission redundancy according to the first mode and a second phase (215). of point-to-point transmission according to the second mode. The first node (110) according to any one of claims 18 and 19, characterized in that a transmission configuration belongs to the group comprising: - an antenna antenna angle in transmission; an information representative of an antenna orientation angle in transmission; - Gain and phase information of each elementary antenna included in an antenna array constituting the antenna of the first node (110) accentuating the radiation of said antenna at a given orientation angle.