JP2013128332A - Communication apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communication apparatus capable of achieving timely re-transmission even when propagation environment changes and suppressing power consumption.SOLUTION: The communication apparatus includes communication means that receives electric waves in a plurality of directions and transmits the electric waves, and control means that controls the directivity of the electric waves transmitted by the communication means. The control means controls the communication means to transmit, in the plurality of directions, schedule information including a plurality of transmission right allocation periods for allocating transmission right to a communication apparatus positioned in a specific direction and a plurality of re-transmission periods transmittable by a communication apparatus positioned in a specific direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device.

The access point allocates (scheduling) a “period during which a signal can be transmitted without competing with other terminals (non-contention period)” for each terminal, and each terminal starts up in a non-contention period assigned to itself. The technique to do is disclosed (for example, nonpatent literature 1). Further, a technique is disclosed in which an access point allocates a dedicated period for retransmitting traffic whose allowable delay period is equal to or less than a threshold to each terminal (for example, Patent Document 1).

However, since a “period in which a signal can be transmitted” (communication period) is set in advance by the access point, depending on the degree of degradation of the propagation environment, communication may occur before each terminal retransmits the signal that failed to be transmitted. In some cases, the period ended. In such cases, QoS (
(Quality of Service) There is a problem that the request cannot be satisfied. On the other hand, if the access point dynamically assigns a communication period to each terminal,
There is a problem that it is necessary to always wait for a signal for assigning a communication period, and power consumption cannot be reduced.

Japanese Patent No. 4163698

IEEE 802.11n Draft

It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication apparatus that can retransmit in a timely manner even when the propagation environment fluctuates and can reduce power consumption.

The communication apparatus according to the embodiment includes a communication unit that receives radio waves in a plurality of directions and transmits radio waves, and a control unit that controls directivity of radio waves transmitted by the communication units. The control means includes schedule information including a plurality of transmission right allocation periods in which a transmission right is assigned to a communication device located in a certain direction and a plurality of retransmission periods in which the communication device located in a certain direction can transmit. The communication means is controlled to transmit in the direction.

  Even when the propagation environment fluctuates, it can be retransmitted in a timely manner, and power consumption can be reduced.

The figure which shows the communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows schedule information and the power consumption of a communication apparatus. The figure which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows operation | movement of the communication apparatus which concerns on the modification 1 of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows schedule information and the power consumption of a communication apparatus. The figure which shows schedule information and the power consumption of a communication apparatus. The figure which shows the communication system which concerns on the modification 3 of 1st Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using the wireless LAN standard IEEE 802.11 as an example.
The following embodiments can be applied to all wireless communication systems.

(First embodiment)
The communication system according to the first embodiment includes one base station (hereinafter referred to as communication device AP) and five communication devices STA1 to STA5. The communication devices AP and STA1 to STA5 communicate using omnidirectional radio waves. Below, the case where the radio waves transmitted by the communication devices AP and STA1 to STA5 respectively reach all other communication devices will be described as an example. The radio waves transmitted by the communication devices AP and STA1 to STA5 may reach only some other communication devices. The communication device AP gives a transmission right to the communication devices STA1 to STA5 by a centralized control method (polling method). The access control method in the first embodiment is not limited to the above, and may be a distributed control method (CSMA / CA method) or the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a communication apparatus STA1 according to the first embodiment. The same applies to the communication devices AP and STA2 to STA5. The communication device STA1 includes an antenna 10, a communication unit 20, a terminal control unit 30, a timer unit 40, a schedule unit 50, and an application unit 60. The communication device STA1 has two operation modes. A communication mode that consumes a large amount of power but can receive signals (frames) and a power-saving mode that cannot receive frames but consumes less power than the communication mode. In the power saving mode, the power supply to at least a part of the communication unit 20 (at least related to reception processing) is reduced or stopped, or the timer input by the timer unit or the data generation from the application unit is changed from the power saving mode to the communication mode. What is necessary is just to recognize as a trigger for shifting and to supply power to the part necessary for shifting to the normal mode, and to reduce and stop the power supply of other parts.

The communication unit 20 uses the antenna 10 to perform frame transmission / reception processing. The communication unit 20
Performs physical layer related processing such as frequency conversion processing and A / D conversion processing. The communication unit 20 transmits, receives, and waits for a frame when in the operation mode.

The terminal control unit 30 performs processing related to the MAC layer for wireless communication. The terminal control unit 30
Control the operating mode. The terminal control unit 30 shifts to the power saving mode when frame transmission, reception, and standby are not performed. When the terminal control unit 30 is in the power saving mode, the communication unit 2
0 and power supply to the schedule unit 50 are cut off. The terminal control unit 30 performs upper layer processing (excluding the application layer) for wireless communication.

The timer unit 40 counts up to the time of changing from the power saving mode to the communication mode in the power saving mode. The timer unit 40 counts up to the time when the communication period assigned to the own station starts and the time when a notification signal (for example, a Beacon signal) is transmitted. In the power saving mode, only the timer unit 40 is activated. The terminal control unit 30 is activated by the notification from the timer unit 40 as a trigger, and shifts from the power saving mode to the communication mode.

The schedule unit 50 stores schedule information (communication period of the own station or each terminal). Schedule information is information that defines a communication period during which one or more communication devices can transmit or receive signals. In the schedule information, for the communication period, the communication device STA
1-5 is a period during which a signal is transmitted to the communication device AP (Uplink), is a period during which the communication device AP is to transmit a signal to the communication devices STA1-5 (Downlink), and signals are transmitted between the communication devices STA1-5. The time for transmission (DirectLink) may be determined.
In the schedule information, the communication period is a period in which signals can be transmitted in competition with other terminals (contention period), or a period in which signals can be transmitted without competing with other terminals (non-contention) (Period).

The schedule information is determined by the communication device AP. The terminal control unit 30 reads schedule information stored in the schedule unit 50 and controls communication processing and operation modes. Scheduling is performed by the communication device AP. Communication devices STA1 to STA5
Receives notification of the communication period (schedule information) from the communication device AP.

The application unit 60 performs processing related to the application layer. When transmission data is generated in the application unit 60 in the power saving mode, the terminal control unit 30 is activated with the notification from the application unit 60 as a trigger, and shifts from the power saving mode to the communication mode.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the time change of the schedule information and the power consumption of the communication devices STA1 and STA2. The communication period SPn (n is an integer of 1 to 5) is a communication period assigned to the communication device STAn. The retransmission periods 1 to 4 and the contention period are all communication apparatuses STA1 to 5
Can be used. In retransmission periods 1 to 4, each communication device communicates with a communication period SP assigned to its own station.
If communication at n is not completed, retransmission is performed. In the contention period, each communication device may retransmit the frame or transmit a new frame. In the retransmission periods 1 to 4 and the contention period, each communication apparatus acquires a transmission right according to a predetermined access control method, and then starts frame transmission. In the contention period, each communication apparatus acquires a transmission right by CSMA / CA.
The schedule information is described in a notification signal transmitted from the communication device AP or a schedule signal transmitted in a subsequent schedule notification period.

The communication mode is a period during which the power consumption of the communication devices STA1 and STA2 is high. Communication device ST
A period during which the power consumption of A1 and STA2 is low is the power saving mode. In the communication mode, the power consumption is slightly different between the transmission process, the reception process, and the standby process, but in FIG. 2, detailed differences in power consumption are omitted.

In the example of FIG. 2, the communication device STA1 sets the communication mode to the notification signal reception period, the subsequent schedule notification period, the communication period SP1 assigned to the own station, and the contention period in which all communication apparatuses can communicate. Is set to the power saving mode. In the example of FIG. 2, the communication device ST
A2 is a communication mode including a notification signal reception period, a subsequent schedule notification period, a communication period SP2 assigned to the own station, retransmission periods 2, 3, 4, and a contention period in which all communication apparatuses can communicate. Is set to the power saving mode. The communication apparatuses STA1 and STA2 have a retransmission period 1
Whether or not to be set to the communication mode is determined according to the communication results of the communication periods SP1 and SP2.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing operations of the communication apparatuses STA1 and STA2. First, after the communication devices STA1 to STA5 are activated for the first time, the communication device AP and the authentication process or the Assoc
Perform connection settings such as iation processing. After the connection setting, the communication apparatus STA1 waits for and receives a notification signal from the communication apparatus AP. The communication device STA1 performs a synchronization process or the like according to information described in the notification signal.

Next, the communication device STA1 receives schedule information from the communication device AP (step S101). The communication device STA1 receives a schedule signal (schedule information) from the communication device AP during the schedule notification period. The schedule signal received by the communication apparatus STA1 during the schedule notification period may be a plurality of frames. The communication device STA1 may receive a notification signal in which schedule information is described without receiving a schedule signal. The schedule unit 50 of the communication device STA1 stores schedule information. A communication period allocation result (schedule information) to each of the communication devices STA1 to STA5 is generated by the communication device AP. Information necessary for scheduling by the communication device AP,
For example, bandwidth information, data communication amount, allowable delay time, and the like necessary for the application of the communication device STA1 may be notified to the communication device AP in advance.

Next, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication device STA1 enters the power saving mode until a predetermined period before the start time of the communication period SP1 of the local station (step S102). When the communication apparatus STA1 enters the power saving mode, the timer unit 40 counts a period until a predetermined period before the start time of the communication period SP1. The timer unit 40 may count a period shorter than the start time of the communication period SP1 by a period (preparation period) required for preparation for communication. When the count ends, the timer unit 40 activates the terminal control unit 30. After starting, the terminal control unit 30 shifts to the communication mode. The terminal control unit 30 reads schedule information from the schedule unit 50. The terminal control unit 30 activates the communication unit 20 in order to transmit and receive frames during the communication period SP1. The terminal control unit 30 may activate the application unit 60 when transmitting a frame during the communication period SP1.

Next, the communication apparatus STA1 transmits or receives a frame during the communication period SP1. Then, the communication device STA1 determines whether or not the frame communication is completed in the communication period SP1 (step S103).

When receiving a frame from the communication device AP, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication device STA1 determines whether or not to perform a retransmission process from the reception result of the frame. The terminal control unit 30 determines that communication is completed when retransmission occurs. The terminal control unit 30 determines that communication is not completed when retransmission occurs.

When transmitting a frame to the communication device AP, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication device STA1 determines whether or not to perform a retransmission process from the delivery confirmation frame from the communication device AP. Terminal control unit 30
Determines whether the communication has been completed according to whether retransmission processing has been performed and the amount of transmission data stored in the application unit 60.

Here, it is assumed that the communication apparatus STA1 has completed frame communication during the communication period SP1 (“Yes” in step S103). Since the communication device STA1 has completed frame communication during the communication period SP1, the retransmission periods 1, 2, 3, and 4 are also in the power saving mode. The communication device STA1 enters the communication mode during a contention period in which a new frame can be transmitted. Thereafter, the communication device ST
A1 repeats that it becomes a communication mode during a communication period in which the local station communicates, and enters a low consumption mode during a communication period in which the local station communicates. The communication period in which the station communicates is, for example, a competition period,
The communication period of the notification signal, the schedule notification period, the communication period assigned to the own station, the retransmission period when the frame communication is not completed in the communication period, and the like.

As described above, the communication apparatus STA1 performs communication during the communication period SP1 assigned to the local station, and reduces the power consumption by entering the power saving mode without starting the retransmission period when the retransmission process is unnecessary. be able to.

Next, the operation of the communication apparatus STA2 will be described with reference to FIGS. Step S101,
The same applies to S102. Here, it is assumed that the terminal control unit 30 of the communication device STA2 determines that the frame communication has not been completed during the communication period SP2 (“No” in step S103).

Next, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatus STA2 determines whether or not to perform retransmission processing using the retransmission period before the communication period SP2 or contention period that is next assigned to the local station by the broadcast signal or schedule signal. Determination is made (step S104). The terminal control unit 30 of the communication device STA2 may determine that the retransmission process using the retransmission period is performed when the frame communication is not completed in the communication period SP2. The terminal control unit 30 determines that the retransmission process using the retransmission period is performed when the frame communication is not completed in the communication period SP2 and the remaining delay time of the frame is equal to or less than the threshold. May be. This threshold may be a period up to the start time or end time of the next communication period SP2. Here, it is assumed that the communication apparatus STA2 determines to perform retransmission processing using the retransmission period (“Yes” in step S104).

Next, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatus STA2 enters the power saving mode until a predetermined period before the start time of the retransmission period 2 (step S105). When the counting by the timer unit 40 ends, the terminal control unit 30 shifts to the communication mode. The communication device STA2 then communicates with the communication device AP.
After receiving the polling signal from the receiver or acquiring the transmission right by CSMA / CA, the retransmission process is performed using the retransmission period 2.

In the example of FIG. 2, the communication apparatus STA2 does not complete retransmission even if the retransmission periods 2 to 4 and the contention period are used (“No” in step 106). For this reason, the communication apparatus STA2 performs the retransmission period 2
~ 5, the communication mode is entered during the contention period. Thereafter, the communication apparatus STA2 repeatedly enters the communication mode during the communication period in which the local station communicates, and enters the low consumption mode during the communication period in which the local station communicates.

The terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatus STA2 performs the retransmission process using the next retransmission period each time it is determined that the retransmission periods 2 to 5 have ended and the retransmission has not been completed ("No" in S106). It may be determined whether or not to try. The terminal control unit 30 may determine to perform the retransmission process using the retransmission period when the time elapsed from the end time of the communication period SP2 does not exceed the allowable delay time.

As described above, the communication device STA2 undergoes retransmission processing due to deterioration of the wireless propagation environment, the occurrence status of the application data transmission request, and the like, and the frame transmission is not completed in the communication period SP2 allocated in advance by the communication device AP. Even in this case, timely retransmission processing can be performed while reducing power consumption.

(Modification 1)
The communication devices STA1 to 5 and the AP according to the first embodiment can communicate a notification signal and a management frame (management signal) in order to maintain a connection when a period in which communication is temporarily not performed occurs. . The communication devices STA1 to 5 and the AP communicate with the communication partner after performing connection processing such as authentication processing. Thereafter, when communication is not temporarily performed, the communication devices STA1 to STA1
5. The AP performs synchronization processing using the notification signal and confirmation of connection maintenance using the management signal at predetermined intervals in order to maintain the connection status with the communication partner. The communication devices STA1 to STA5 are in the communication mode when communicating the notification signal and the management signal, and are in the power saving mode during the period before that.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating temporal changes in schedule information and power consumption of the communication apparatus STA1. FIG. 4 shows a case where the notification signal and the management signal are successfully received, when an error occurs (when reception of the notification signal and the management signal fails), when the clock is shifted (when the notification signal is transmitted at the timing assumed by the terminal). The power consumption of the communication device STA1 in the case where the reception is not possible is shown.

Unlike the first embodiment, after the communication period of the notification signal, a management communication period is set instead of the schedule notification period. During the management communication period, communication devices STA1 to STA1
5 is a period for the AP to communicate a management signal. During the retransmission period, the communication devices STA1 to STA5
This is a period for the AP to retransmit the management signal. The standby period is a period in which the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 wait for receiving the next notification signal when reception of the notification signal fails.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication apparatus STA1. The communication device STA1
A clock synchronization process is performed by receiving a notification signal, and a connection is maintained by exchanging management signals.

(Normal) When the notification signal is successfully received from the communication device AP (“Step S201“
Yes ”) and the management signal has been successfully received (“ Yes ”in step S202)
), The connection state between the communication apparatus STA1 and the communication partner is maintained (step S203). The terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatus STA1 enters the communication mode during the notification signal reception period and the management communication period, and enters the power saving mode during other periods as shown in “normal” in FIG.

(At the time of management signal error) When the notification signal is successfully received from the communication device AP (step S
201 "Yes") and the reception of the management signal has failed (step S202)
"No"), the communication device STA1 tries to receive the management signal during the retransmission period set after the management communication period (step S204). If the management signal is successfully received during the retransmission period (“Yes” in step S204), the connection state between the communication apparatus STA1 and the communication partner is maintained (step S203). On the other hand, if reception of the management signal fails during the retransmission period (“No” in step S204), the connection state between the communication apparatus STA1 and the communication partner is disconnected (
Step S205). The connection state between the communication apparatus STA1 and the communication partner may be disconnected when the management signal reception failure in the management communication period and the retransmission period continues a plurality of times (or continues for a certain period). The terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatus STA1 enters the communication mode during the notification signal reception period, the management communication period, and the retransmission period, and enters the power saving mode during other periods.

(When a notification signal error occurs) When reception of a notification signal from the communication device AP fails (step S
201 "No"), the communication device STA1 enters the communication mode from the standby period set before the communication period of the next notification signal and waits for reception of the next notification signal (step S2).
06). When the notification signal and the management signal are successfully received during the standby period or the like (“Yes” in step S206), the connection state between the communication device STA1 and the communication partner is maintained (step S203).
. On the other hand, when the notification signal cannot be received during the standby period or the like (“No” in step S206), the connection state between the communication device STA1 and the communication partner is disconnected (step S207). When the reception failure of the notification signal in the standby period and the communication period of the notification signal continues for a plurality of times (or continues for a certain period), the connection state between the communication device STA1 and the communication partner may be disconnected. At this time, the communication device STA1 discards connection information such as authentication information and association information, assuming that communication with the communication partner is impossible. The terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatus STA1 enters the communication mode in the reception period of the notification signal, the management communication period, and the standby period after the reception of the notification signal has failed, as shown in “at the time of notification signal error” in FIG. In other periods, the power saving mode is set. In the case of “notification signal error” in FIG. 5, an example in which the communication apparatus STA1 fails to receive the management signal and the retransmission period is also in the communication mode is shown.

(When the clock is shifted) Although the notification signal is transmitted at a predetermined interval by the communication device AP, there may be a difference in the measurement result of the elapsed period between the communication devices STA1 to 5 and the communication device AP. The timing assumed by the communication apparatus STA1 as the communication period of the notification signal is indicated by a notification signal surrounded by a broken line in “Terminal Assumption” in FIG. The timing at which the communication device AP actually transmits the notification signal is indicated by the notification signal surrounded by the solid line in FIG. In the communication period of the first notification signal, both clocks match between the communication device STA1 and the AP, and the communication device STA1 succeeds in receiving the notification signal. In the communication period of the second notification signal, the communication period of the notification signal assumed by the communication apparatus STA1 is significantly later than the communication period of the actual notification signal. Therefore, during the period in which the notification signal is transmitted by the communication device AP, the communication device STA1 fails to receive the notification signal because it is in the power saving mode ("No" in step S201).
Next, as in the case of the notification signal error, the communication device STA1 enters the communication mode from the standby period set before the communication period of the next notification signal and tries to receive the next notification signal. (Step S206).

By doing in this way, even if a clock shift occurs between the communication device STA1 and the communication device AP, the communication device STA1 waits for a signal during the communication period of the third notification signal in FIG. Therefore, the notification signal can be normally received and the clock synchronization process can be performed while reducing the power consumption.

(Modification 2)
The communication devices STA1 to STA1 to 5 according to the first embodiment have periods SP1 to SP5 allocated to their own stations.
If the communication is not completed, only the selected retransmission period among the retransmission periods 1 to 4 can be used for retransmission.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a time change of the schedule information and the power consumption of the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5. The schedule information shown in FIG. 6 is the schedule information according to the first embodiment (
This is the same as FIG.

After receiving the schedule information (step 101 in FIG. 3), the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 selects a retransmission period candidate to be used for frame retransmission among the retransmission periods 1 to 5. The terminal control unit 30 of the communication devices STA1 to STA5 communicates with the communication period SP assigned to the own station.
The retransmission period set first after 1 to 5 is selected as a retransmission period candidate to be used for frame retransmission. The terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 selects the retransmission period set immediately after the contention period as a retransmission period candidate used for frame retransmission. Communication device STA
The terminal control units 30 of 1 to 5 select the contention period as a retransmission period candidate used for frame retransmission.

The retransmission period 1 is used for retransmission of a frame by the communication apparatus STA1 under the access control by the polling method when the communication apparatus STA1 does not complete communication during the communication period SP1. In the retransmission period 1, the communication devices STA2 to STA4 are in the power saving mode.

The retransmission period 2 is used by the communication apparatuses STA2 and 3 for retransmission of frames under access control by the polling method when the communication apparatuses STA2 and 3 do not complete communication in the communication periods SP2 and SP3. In the retransmission period 2, the communication devices STA1, 4, 5 are in the power saving mode.

The retransmission period 3 is used by the communication apparatuses STA4 and 5 to retransmit a frame under access control by a polling method when the communication apparatuses STA4 and 5 do not complete communication during the communication period SP4 and SP5. (In FIG. 6, the communication apparatus STA4 shows an example in which communication is completed in the communication period SP4.) In the retransmission period 3, the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA4 are in the power saving mode.

The contention period is determined by the CSM (STA 1, 2, 5 in the example of FIG. 6) that has not completed communication despite the use of the communication period assigned to the local station and the retransmission period.
Used for frame retransmission under access control by the A / CA method. In the contention period, the communication devices STA3 and 4 are in the power saving mode.

The retransmission period 4 is a retransmission period set immediately after the contention period. The retransmission period 4 is a communication apparatus (communication apparatus that has not completed communication during the communication period assigned to the own station, the retransmission period, and the competition period (
In the example of FIG. 6, under the access control by the polling method by STA1, 2, 5),
Used for frame retransmission. In the retransmission period 4, the communication devices STA3 and 4 are in the power saving mode.

The retransmission period 5 is a retransmission period that is set after the next broadcast signal is transmitted and before the communication period assigned to each communication terminal is set by the next schedule information. The retransmission period 5 is performed under the access control by the polling method by the communication apparatus (STA1, 5 in the example of FIG. 6) that has not completed communication during the communication period assigned to the own station, the retransmission period, and the contention period. Used for retransmission of frames. In the retransmission period 5, the communication devices STA2 to STA4 are in the power saving mode.

As described above, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 selects a retransmission period to be used for retransmission of a frame from the plurality of retransmission periods 1 to 5 set in the schedule information, and operates only in the retransmission period. In other resending periods, the power saving mode is set. For this reason, retransmission processing occurs due to degradation of the wireless propagation environment, the occurrence status of the application data transmission request, etc., and the frame transmission is not completed in the communication periods SP1 to SP5 previously assigned by the communication device AP. However, it is possible to perform timely retransmission processing while reducing power consumption. Unless retransmission of the frame is completed, the resending period 1 to 1 set in the schedule information
It is not necessary to activate all 5 to enter the communication mode, and the power consumption can be reduced.

When the retransmission process is not completed even in the retransmission period set in the schedule information, the retransmission process can be performed by starting in the contention period, and the retransmission process can be performed by starting in the subsequent retransmission period 4 and retransmission period 5. In this way, it is possible to continue the retransmission process until the allowable amount of the delay period of the corresponding data is exceeded.

After the communication periods SP1 to SP5 assigned to the own station by the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatuses STA1 to 5, the retransmission period set first is selected as the retransmission period used for frame retransmission, and the retransmission period. Only the operation mode is set, and the power saving mode is set during other retransmission periods, so that power consumption can be reduced while suppressing occurrence of delay and improving throughput.

After the communication period SP1-5 assigned to the own station by the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatus STA1-5, even if the retransmission process of the frame is not completed even in the retransmission period set first, the contention period is further increased. The retransmission period set immediately after the contention period is set to the operation mode by selecting the retransmission period used for frame retransmission, and when the retransmission process is completed, it is set immediately after the contention period and the contention period. By entering the power saving mode during the retransmission period, it is possible to operate according to the occurrence status of the retransmission process and reduce power consumption.

<Modification 3>
In the above embodiment, the communication devices STA1 to STA5 and the AP communicate using omnidirectional radio waves. However, the communication devices STA1 to 5 and AP can communicate using directional radio waves.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a wireless system according to the third modification of the first embodiment. Communication device AP
The wireless communication range includes STA1 to STA5. The wireless communication range of the communication device AP is divided into four sectors 1 to 4. The communication device AP communicates with the communication device STA1 using the sector 1. The communication device AP communicates with the communication devices STA 2 and 3 using the sector 2. The communication device AP communicates with the communication devices STA 4 and 5 using the sector 4. The communication devices STA1 to STA5 recognize the directivity (for example, sector number) for the local station among the directivities of the communication device AP during the authentication / connection process. However, each sector does not need to be clearly divided as a physical direction as shown in FIG. 7, and communication devices having close directivity directions may be managed as one sector.

The communication periods SP1 to 5 assigned to the communication devices STA1 to STA5 and the directivity of the communication device AP are set in the direction of the communication device to which the communication period is assigned. The directivity of the retransmission periods 1 to 4, the contention period, and the communication device AP needs to be set in the direction of the communication device that performs communication using the periods.

When the communication devices STA1 to 5 receive the schedule information (step S101 in FIG. 2), depending on which retransmission period 1 to 4 and the contention period, the directivity of the communication device AP becomes the direction of the own station. Select the retransmission period to be used.

An example in which the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 select a retransmission period in which a frame is retransmitted by the method shown in the second modification will be described below. Communication device A
P sets one or more communication apparatuses that communicate using the same directivity as one group. The communication device AP makes the communication device STA1 a group 1 (directivity: sector 1). The communication device AP sets the communication devices STA2 and 3 as group 2 (directivity: sector 2). Communication device A
P sets communication apparatuses STA4 and 5 as group 3 (directivity: sector 4).

The terminal control unit 30 of the communication device AP performs scheduling by setting a communication period assigned to a communication device belonging to a certain group and then setting a retransmission period of the communication device belonging to the group. For example, after setting the communication period SP1 assigned to the communication apparatus STA1 belonging to the group 1, the retransmission period 1 of the communication apparatus STA1 belonging to the group 1 is set. Next, after setting the communication periods SP2 and 3 assigned to the communication devices STA2 and 3 belonging to the group 2, the retransmission period 2 of the communication devices STA2 and 3 belonging to the group 2 is set. Next, after setting communication periods SP4 and 5 assigned to the communication apparatuses STA4 and 5 belonging to the group 3, the retransmission period 3 of the communication apparatuses STA4 and 5 belonging to the group 3 is set.
Set. After setting the communication period and the retransmission period for all the groups, the contention period and the retransmission period 4 that can be used by all the communication apparatuses are set. By doing in this way, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication device AP can perform scheduling of the communication period, the retransmission period, and the contention period (similar to FIGS. 2 and 6).

Then, the communication device AP determines the direction of directivity in each retransmission period and contention period. Since the retransmission period 1 may be used by the communication apparatus STA1 belonging to the group 1, the communication apparatus AP sets the directivity direction to the sector 1 in the retransmission period 1. Retransmission period 2 is
Since there is a possibility of being used by the communication devices STA2 and 3 belonging to the group 2, the communication device AP sets the direction of directivity to the sector 2 in the retransmission period 2. Since the retransmission period 3 may be used by the communication apparatuses STA4 and 5 belonging to the group 3, the communication apparatus AP sets the retransmission period 3 and the directionality as the sector 4. Since the contention period and the retransmission period 4 may be used by all the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5, the communication apparatus AP transmits the retransmission period 4
And the direction of directivity in the competition period is assumed to be all directions (sectors 1 to 4). In this way
The terminal control unit 30 of the communication device AP performs scheduling.

Next, the operation of each communication device STA1 to STA5 will be described. The communication devices STA1 to STA5 receive the scheduling information.

If communication is not completed in the communication periods SP1 to SP5 assigned to the own station, the communication devices STA1 to STA5 select the earliest retransmission period after the communication periods SP1 to SP5 as the retransmission period used for frame retransmission. You may do it.

The communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 may select the retransmission period as a retransmission period to be used for frame retransmission when the directivity of the communication apparatus AP in the period (immediately before) the retransmission period is the direction of the local station. Good. For example, the communication apparatus STA2 can communicate with the communication period SP3 before (immediately before) the retransmission period 2.
Since the directivity of the communication device AP is in the direction of the own station, the retransmission period 2 is selected to be used for frame retransmission.

The schedule information includes at least a retransmission period 1 in addition to the information described in the first embodiment.
Information on the directivity of the communication device AP in each of ˜4 and the competition period may be described. At this time, the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 may select a period in which the directivity of the communication apparatus AP is in the direction of the own station from among the retransmission periods 1 to 4 and the contention period, for frame retransmission.

As described above, the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatuses STA1 to STA5 uses a retransmission period used for retransmission of a frame, depending on the directivity of the communication apparatus AP, among the plurality of retransmission periods 1 to 5 set in the schedule information. Is selected, the operation mode is set only during the retransmission period, and the power saving mode is set during other retransmission periods. For this reason, retransmission processing occurs due to degradation of the wireless propagation environment, the occurrence status of the application data transmission request, etc., and the frame transmission is not completed in the communication periods SP1 to SP5 previously assigned by the communication device AP. However, it is possible to perform timely retransmission processing while reducing power consumption.

After the communication periods SP1 to SP5 assigned to the own station by the terminal control unit 30 of the communication apparatuses STA1 to 5, the retransmission period set first is selected as the retransmission period used for frame retransmission, and the retransmission period. Only the operation mode is set, and the power saving mode is set during other retransmission periods, so that power consumption can be reduced while suppressing occurrence of delay and improving throughput.

By selecting the retransmission period in which the directivity of the communication device AP in the communication period before (immediately before) the retransmission period is the direction of the local station as the retransmission period used for frame retransmission, there is no directivity information on the retransmission period. However, when the communication device AP is in a communicable state, a timely retransmission process can be performed.

By selecting a period in which the directivity of the communication device AP is in the direction of the own station from among the retransmission periods 1 to 4 and the contention period, the directivity of the communication device AP changes the direction of the own station. During the retransmission period that is not suitable, the power saving mode can be set, and the power consumption can be reduced without impairing the throughput.

(Other embodiments)
Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be expanded and modified. The expanded and modified embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

STA1, STA2, STA3, STA4, STA5, AP: communication device, 10: antenna, 20: communication unit, 30: terminal control unit, 40: timer unit, 50: schedule unit, 60: application unit

Communication apparatus embodiment comprises a communication unit for transmitting a plurality of directions to electric waves, and a control means for controlling the radio wave directivity by the communication means to transmit. The control means includes schedule information including a plurality of transmission right allocation periods in which a transmission right is assigned to a communication device located in a certain direction and a plurality of retransmission periods in which the communication device located in a certain direction can transmit. The communication means is controlled to transmit in the direction.

Claims (11)

A communication means for receiving radio waves in a plurality of directions and transmitting radio waves;
Control means for controlling the directivity of the radio wave transmitted by the communication means,
The control means includes schedule information including a plurality of transmission right allocation periods in which a transmission right is assigned to a communication device located in a certain direction and a plurality of retransmission periods in which the communication device located in a certain direction can transmit. A communication device for controlling the communication means to transmit in a direction. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the schedule information includes information related to directivity of the communication unit in the plurality of transmission right allocation periods and the plurality of retransmission periods. The communication according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the directivity of the communication unit in a direction in which the communication apparatus to which the transmission allocation period is allocated is located in the transmission allocation period. apparatus. After the first transmission right assignment period in which the schedule information assigns a transmission right to a communication device located in the first direction, a first retransmission period during which the communication device located in the first direction can transmit is The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication apparatus is set. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of directions are managed by sectors. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves. Receiving the schedule information including a plurality of transmission right allocation periods in which a transmission right is assigned to a communication device located in a certain direction and a plurality of retransmission periods in which the communication device located in a certain direction can be transmitted; A communication means for transmitting a transmission signal in a first transmission right assignment period assigned to the own communication device in the right assignment period;
A blocking means for blocking at least part of the power supply to the communication means,
The blocking means uses the schedule information to determine a first retransmission period in which the communication apparatus cannot transmit among the plurality of retransmission periods, and at least one of power supply to the communication means in the first retransmission period. Communication device that cuts off the part. The schedule information is transmitted by a second communication device;
8. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the blocking unit determines a retransmission period in which directivity of the second communication apparatus is not suitable for a self-communication apparatus among the plurality of retransmission periods as the first retransmission period. The communication device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the schedule information includes information related to directivity of the second communication device in the plurality of transmission right allocation periods and the plurality of retransmission periods. The communication device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein directivity of the second communication device is managed by a sector. The communication apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the communication unit includes an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves.

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