JP2016075491A - Wireless device, wireless system, method for controlling wireless device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a wireless device, a wireless system, a method for controlling the wireless device, and a program with which it is possible to estimate a radio wave arrival direction and control the directivity of an antenna function on the basis thereof.SOLUTION: The wireless device comprises: an antenna function for transmitting/receiving a wireless signal; a reception function for receiving a first signal arriving at a first time of day at least and a second signal arriving at a second time of day; an inter-antenna distance calculation function for calculating an inter-antenna distance indicating the distance between the antenna function at the first time of day and the antenna function at the second time of day; a directivity parameter determination function for determining a directivity parameter pertaining to the directivity of the antenna function on the basis of the first and second signals and the inter-antenna distance; and an antenna directivity control function for generating a directivity control signal on the basis of the directivity parameter and changing the directivity of the antenna function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a radio apparatus, a radio system, a radio apparatus control method, and a program, and in particular, in order to realize directivity control in a moving radio station, the arrival direction of radio waves coming from a communication partner is estimated and used. Related to the communication method.

  In a wireless communication system, an arrival direction estimation technique is used to direct an optimum beam of a directional antenna to a desired wave and improve communication quality. At this time, an array antenna is generally used as a directional antenna.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an example of a K element array antenna (where K is an arbitrary natural number of 2 or more). The principle of direction-of-arrival estimation using an array antenna will be described with reference to FIG. In the k-th antenna element, the phase is delayed by the time of τ _k with respect to the potential of the reference point O, and is expressed by the following (Equation 1) (k is a natural number smaller than K).

  When the outputs of the antenna elements are added through a variable phase shifter as shown in FIG. 16, the following expression (2) is obtained.

If the variable phase shifter can be appropriately adjusted so that the innermost parenthesis in (Equation 2) is 0, the incoming radio wave can be received with the maximum power. The amount of phase shift δ _k applied by the variable phase shifter to receive at the maximum power is expressed by the following (Equation 3).

Here, since the phase amount δ _k , the wavelength λ, and the distance d _k from the reference point O of the antenna element are known, the arrival angle θ can be obtained.

  However, since it is difficult to perform processing according to this basic principle, generally an arrival direction estimation algorithm such as the MUSIC (MUltiple SIgnal Classification) method as described in Non-Patent Document 1 is applied. The MUSIC method is characterized by using eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a correlation matrix of signals, and is known to have good characteristics.

  By the way, there is a synthetic aperture radar that works as a virtually large aperture plane (radar diameter) by moving an aircraft or an artificial satellite. As shown in Non-Patent Document 2, a synthetic aperture radar irradiates a target with microwaves or millimeter waves, and synthesizes radio waves returned by reflection in consideration of the Doppler effect, thereby achieving high resolution. It is characterized by forming an image.

  Patent Document 1 relates to a method of estimating an arrival angle of radio waves. Assuming that the moving body is moving at a predetermined speed and a plane wave having an arrival angle with respect to the speed direction has arrived, when the moving body moves from a point to a point after a predetermined time, the received wave is Compared to the received wave at the first point. Under such an understanding, the phase advance is obtained using the path difference, and is corrected by the inverse modulation operation so that the change of the received wave due to the time difference of the predetermined time is eliminated. Accordingly, Patent Document 1 proposes estimating the angle of arrival of an incoming wave.

  In recent years, wireless chips have become commoditized, and it is important to utilize existing wireless chips in order to realize new functions at low cost. In other words, it is less desirable to develop a new wireless chip to add new functions.

JP 2000-147083 A

Nobuyoshi Kikuma, “Adaptive Antenna Technology”, 1st Edition, Ohm Corporation, October 2003, pp. 137-145 Ouchi Kazuo, “Basics of Synthetic Aperture Radar for Remote Sensing”, 1st Edition, Tokyo Denki University Press, January 2004, pp. 151-160

  However, when the direction of arrival estimation is performed using the array antenna system as shown in Non-Patent Document 1, a large number of antenna elements are required. In addition, the number of parts increases and the configuration becomes complicated. Therefore, when all-digital array signal processing is performed, the number of A / D converters (Analog to Digital Converter), D / A converters (Digital to Analog Converter), etc. required for the number of antennas are reduced to one each. It is conceivable to reduce the number of parts. In this case, an analog phase shifter is provided to perform directivity control.

  In the first place, it is conceivable to use an antenna capable of directivity control even with a single antenna element. However, when only one A / D converter is provided as described above, arithmetic processing cannot be performed without input from a plurality of A / D converters, and high resolution such as the MUSIC method has arrived. There is a problem that a method capable of direction estimation cannot be applied.

  In addition, the synthetic aperture radar system as shown in Non-Patent Document 2 can obtain information such as the height of a certain scattering point using signals received at different times and different points with one antenna, It is not a technology that can estimate the direction of arrival. For this reason, said subject cannot be solved.

  Since Patent Document 1 aims at the estimation of the arrival angle, the arrival angle of the radio wave is estimated, but further directivity control is not assumed. In addition, a method for realizing arrival angle estimation based on an existing wireless chip is not disclosed.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a radio apparatus, a radio system, a radio apparatus control method, and a program that enable estimation of a radio wave arrival direction and perform directivity control of an antenna function based on the radio wave arrival direction. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, a wireless device according to the present invention includes an antenna function for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal,
A receiving function for receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time;
An inter-antenna distance calculation function for calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
A directivity parameter determining function for determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
An antenna directivity control function for generating a directivity control signal based on the directivity parameter and changing the directivity of the antenna function.

A wireless system according to the present invention is a wireless system including a first wireless device and a second wireless device that intermittently repeats an activated state and a sleep state and is a communication partner of the first wireless device. And
The first radio apparatus includes an antenna function for transmitting and receiving radio signals, a reception function for receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time, and the first Based on the inter-antenna distance calculation function for calculating the inter-antenna distance representing the distance between the antenna function at the time 1 and the antenna function at the second time, and based on the first and second signals and the inter-antenna distance. A directivity parameter determining function that determines a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to the directivity of the antenna function, and an antenna directivity control that generates a directivity control signal based on the directivity parameter and changes the directivity of the antenna function. With functionality.

The wireless device control method according to the present invention receives at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time by an antenna function for transmitting and receiving a wireless signal,
Calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
Determining a directivity parameter, which is a parameter related to the directivity of the antenna function, based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
Based on the directivity parameter, the directivity of the antenna function is changed.

A program according to the present invention is a program for controlling a wireless device having an antenna function and transmitting and receiving a wireless signal,
In the above wireless device,
A process of receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time with the antenna function;
A process of calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
Processing for determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter relating to directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
And a process of changing the directivity of the antenna function based on the directivity parameter.

  In the present invention, the arrival direction of the radio wave is estimated from the received signals at the first time and the second time and the distance between the antennas, the directivity parameter is determined, and the directivity of the antenna function is changed based on the directivity parameter. Can be made.

It is a block block diagram which shows an example of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the detailed process of step S1 of FIG. 2A. It is a block block diagram which shows an example of the radio | wireless system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process of the 1st radio | wireless apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 4B is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the first wireless device 20 following FIG. 4A. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the detailed process of step S16 of FIG. 4A. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process of the 2nd radio | wireless apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process of the 2nd radio | wireless apparatus following FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing messages exchanged between the first wireless device 20 and the second wireless device 27. FIG. 6B is a sequence diagram illustrating messages exchanged between the first wireless device 20 and the second wireless device 27 following FIG. 6A. It is a block block diagram which shows an example of the radio | wireless system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the detailed process of step S41 of FIG. 8A. It is a block block diagram which shows an example of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the detailed process of step S51 of FIG. 10A. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the detailed process of step S54 of FIG. 10A. It is a block block diagram which shows an example of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the process of the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the flowchart which showed an example of the detailed process of step S61 of FIG. 12A. (A) And (b) is a block block diagram which shows an example of the circuit structure for implement | achieving the radio | wireless apparatus of embodiment of this invention by utilization of the existing chip. (A) And (b) is a block block diagram which shows another example of the circuit structure for implement | achieving the radio | wireless apparatus of embodiment of this invention by utilization of the existing chip. (A) And (b) is a block block diagram which shows another example of the circuit structure for implement | achieving the radio | wireless apparatus of embodiment of this invention by utilization of the existing chip. It is a block diagram for demonstrating a k element linear array antenna.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
First, a radio apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment corresponds to a superordinate concept of each embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an example of a block configuration diagram of a wireless device according to the present embodiment.

  Although the radio apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of antenna elements, it is assumed that the A / D converter includes an array antenna including only a number (for example, one) equal to or less than the number of antenna elements. Such an array antenna includes a general phased array antenna. Furthermore, such array antennas include those in which a plurality of antenna elements are connected in series, such as a metamaterial antenna.

  In FIG. 1, the radio apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes an antenna function 11, a reception function 12, an inter-antenna distance calculation function 13, and a directivity parameter determination function 14.

  The antenna function 11 receives radio waves transmitted from other wireless devices, converts them into high frequency signals, and outputs high frequency signals. The reception function 12 receives the high-frequency signal output from the antenna function 11, performs frequency conversion on the incoming signal, and outputs it as a baseband signal. The inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 calculates and outputs the inter-antenna distance at different times. The directivity parameter determination function 14 receives the first and second baseband signals output from the reception function 12 and the inter-antenna distance output from the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 as input, and determines the directivity parameter.

  With the configuration described above, the arrival direction of the radio wave is estimated using at least the signal arriving at the first time, the signal arriving at the second time, and the distance between the antennas. Thereby, the directivity parameter is determined.

(Description of operation of the first embodiment)
Hereinafter, the operation and processing of the wireless device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. FIG. 2A is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the wireless device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S1 of FIG. 2A.

  The wireless device 10 starts receiving radio waves with the antenna function 11. The radio apparatus 10 performs a signal reception process as shown in FIG. 2A (step S1). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, the antenna function 11 receives the first signal at the first time (step S1-1), and the antenna function 11 converts the input first signal into a high-frequency signal. The first high frequency signal is output after conversion. The receiving function 12 receives the input first high-frequency signal and outputs a first baseband signal.

  Next, the reception function 12 confirms that the high frequency signal has been correctly received (step S1-2). If the reception of the first high-frequency signal has failed because the high-frequency signal has not been correctly received (NO in step S1-2), the process returns to the start point of the signal reception process. When the reception function 12 has correctly received the high frequency signal (YES in step S1-2), the process proceeds to the next step S1-3. Note that after returning to the start of signal reception processing, the first signal and its arrival time are referred to as the first signal and the first time, respectively.

  Next, at the second time, the antenna function 11 receives the second signal (step S1-3), the antenna function 11 converts the input second signal into a high-frequency signal, and the second high-frequency signal is converted. Output. The receiving function 12 receives the input second high-frequency signal and outputs a second baseband signal.

  Next, the reception function 12 confirms that the high frequency signal has been correctly received (step S1-4). When the high-frequency signal is not correctly received and the reception of the second high-frequency signal fails (NO in step S1-4), the process returns to the start point of the signal reception process. When the reception function 12 has correctly received the high frequency signal (YES in step S1-4), the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 calculates the inter-antenna distances at the first time and the second time (step S2). Here, the difference in position of the antenna function 11 at the first time and the second time is output as the inter-antenna distance.

  Next, in the directivity parameter determination function 14, the directivity is based on the first and second baseband signals output from the reception function 12 at the first and second times and the inter-antenna distance output from the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13. A parameter is determined (step S3).

  Then, returning to the top of the loop, the same operation is continued, and when the wireless communication is completed, the loop is exited.

  As described above, although the radio apparatus 10 includes a plurality of antenna elements, the A / D converter is assumed to be a radio apparatus including an array antenna including only a number (for example, one) equal to or less than the number of antenna elements. . According to this embodiment, by using signals at different positions and different times, it is possible to create a state where there are virtually inputs from a plurality of A / D converters. This makes it possible to apply a high-resolution radio wave arrival direction estimation method such as the MUSIC method. Therefore, it is possible to determine a directivity parameter for directing the antenna directivity in the direction.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the directivity parameter is determined using the first time and the second time has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Increasing the number of signals to be used and the number of antenna function positions, such as using signals received at the first to fourth times, makes it possible to estimate the direction of arrival with higher accuracy.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a radio apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where a “communication target control information generation function”, an “antenna directivity control function”, and a “switch” are added to the first embodiment and applied to a system that collects sensor information is taken as an example. I will explain. An example of application to a system in which a communication partner of a wireless device repeats an activation state and a sleep state intermittently will be described. A sensor serving as a communication partner of a system that collects sensor information detects information and transmits the detected information to the wireless device.

  An example of a block diagram of the wireless system according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, the wireless system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first wireless device 20 and a second wireless device 27. The first wireless device 20 in FIG. 3 includes the same elements as the wireless device 10 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the same elements as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The first radio apparatus 20 according to the present embodiment includes an antenna function 11, a reception function 12, and an inter-antenna distance calculation function 13, similarly to the radio apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first radio apparatus 20 of the present embodiment includes a changeover switch 21, a directivity parameter determination function 22, a communication target control information generation function 23, and an antenna directivity control function 24.

  With this configuration, in addition to the effects obtained by the wireless device according to the first embodiment, when a communication target is intermittently activated as in a system that collects sensor information, the intermittent activation interval and data transmission interval are controlled. Thus, it is possible to make the estimation accuracy of the arrival direction appropriate. This will be described in detail below.

  The antenna directivity control function 24 outputs the signal as it is without being processed during reception. During transmission, the phase of the high frequency signal is controlled, and the directivity of the radio wave transmitted by the antenna function 11 is changed. The antenna directivity control function 24 generates a directivity control signal based on a directivity parameter described later, and changes the directivity of the antenna function 11.

  When the signal is received, the changeover switch 21 connects the input on the antenna directivity control function 24 side and the output on the reception function 12 side, and outputs the output signal of the antenna directivity control function 24 as it is. On the other hand, when the signal is transmitted, the changeover switch 21 connects the input on the communication target control information generation function 23 side and the output on the antenna directivity control function 24 side, and outputs the output signal of the communication target control information generation function 23 as it is. .

  The directivity parameter determination function 22 receives at least the first and second baseband signals output from the reception function 12 and the inter-antenna distance output from the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13, and determines and outputs the directivity parameter. .

  The communication target control information generation function 23 generates an activation request signal, a transmission interval control signal, and a data transmission request signal that are transmitted to the second wireless device 27.

  The second radio apparatus 27 transmits data based on the control signal generated by the communication target control information generation function 23 of the first radio apparatus 20 and outputs the control signal output from the communication target control information generation function 23. In response, a response signal is transmitted.

  Elements other than the selector switch 21, directivity parameter determination function 22, communication target control information generation function 23, antenna directivity control function 24, and second radio apparatus 27 described above are shown in FIG. It is the same as the embodiment.

(Description of the operation of the second embodiment)
Next, operations and processes of the first wireless device 20 and the second wireless device 27 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B. FIG. 4A is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the first radio apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the first radio apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, following FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S16 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the second radio apparatus 27 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the second wireless device 27 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, following FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a sequence diagram illustrating messages exchanged between the first wireless device 20 and the second wireless device 27. FIG. 6B is a sequence diagram illustrating messages exchanged between the first wireless device 20 and the second wireless device 27 following FIG. 6A.

  Here, a description is given assuming a system that collects sensor information. However, the present invention can also be applied to a system in which a communication partner intermittently repeats an activation state and a sleep state.

  When the first radio apparatus 20 transmits a control signal to the second radio apparatus 27, the changeover switch 21 is connected to the reception function 12 side. When the first radio apparatus 20 receives a response signal or data transmitted from the second radio apparatus 27, the changeover switch 21 is connected to the communication target control information generation function 23 side. In the following description, the description of the connection operation of the changeover switch 21 will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 6A, the first radio apparatus 20 transmits an activation request signal to the second radio apparatus 27 (step S11). As shown in FIG. 5A, the second radio apparatus 27 confirms reception of the activation request signal (step S31). When the second wireless device 27 receives the activation request signal (YES in step S31), the second wireless device 27 transmits an activation response signal (step S32). If the second wireless device 27 does not receive the activation request signal while listening to the channel (NO in step S31), it sleeps for a certain period of time (step S40).

  Next, the first radio apparatus 20 confirms reception of the activation response signal returned from the second radio apparatus 27 (step S12). When the activation response signal is received (YES in step S12), an intermittent interval control signal is transmitted to the second radio apparatus 27 (step S13). On the other hand, if the activation response signal is not returned from the second wireless device 27 (NO in step S12), the first wireless device 20 sends an activation request signal to the second wireless device 27 again. Transmit (step S11).

  Next, the second radio apparatus 27 confirms reception of the intermittent interval control signal (step S33). If the intermittent interval control signal is received (YES in step S33), the intermittent interval change completion signal is transmitted to the first radio apparatus 20 after changing its own intermittent interval (step S34). If the intermittent interval control signal has not been received (NO in step S33), the process proceeds to step S35.

  Next, the first radio apparatus 20 confirms reception of the intermittent interval change completion signal returned from the second radio apparatus 27 (step S14). When the change completion signal is received (YES in step S14), a data transmission request signal is transmitted to the second radio apparatus 27 (step S15). When the change completion signal has not been received (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S13, and an intermittent interval control signal is transmitted to the second radio apparatus 27 again.

  Next, the second radio apparatus 27 confirms reception of the data transmission request signal or the data reception response signal (step S35). When the data transmission request signal is received (YES in step S35), the first data (data # 1) is transmitted to the first radio apparatus 20 according to the changed intermittent interval (step S36).

  Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the amount of data to be transmitted is large and cannot be transmitted at once, and the data is divided into two and transmitted.

  Next, the first radio apparatus 20 starts receiving data transmitted from the second radio apparatus 27 (step S16). As shown in FIG. 4C, the reception function 12 receives the input first high-frequency signal at the first time (step S16-1). The antenna function 11 of the first radio apparatus 20 converts the input radio wave into a high frequency signal and outputs a first high frequency signal. The antenna directivity control function 24 outputs the first high frequency signal as it is. The receiving function 12 receives the input first high-frequency signal and outputs a first baseband signal.

  Then, the first radio apparatus 20 confirms whether or not the first high-frequency signal has been correctly received (step S16-2). When the first high-frequency signal is correctly received (YES in step S16-2), a data reception response signal is transmitted to the second wireless device 27 (step S16-3). On the other hand, if the signal has not been correctly received (NO in step S16-2), the process returns to the start point of the signal reception process. Note that after returning to the start time of the signal reception process, the next incoming signal and its arrival time are referred to as the first signal and the first time, respectively.

  Here, since the amount of data to be transmitted is large, the data cannot be sent all at once. The second radio apparatus 27 checks whether transmission data remains (step S37). When transmission data remains (YES in step S37), the process returns to step S33, and the presence or absence of an intermittent interval control signal from the first radio apparatus 20 is confirmed. That is, the second radio apparatus 27 confirms whether an intermittent interval control signal has been received (step S33). Then, after receiving the data reception response signal again (step S35), the next data (data # 2) is transmitted according to the set intermittent interval (step S36).

  At the second time, the reception function 12 receives the input second high-frequency signal (step S16-4). The antenna function 11 of the first radio apparatus 20 converts the input radio wave into a high frequency signal and outputs a second high frequency signal. The antenna directivity control function 24 outputs the second high frequency signal as it is. The receiving function 12 receives the input second high-frequency signal and outputs a second baseband signal. It is confirmed whether the second high-frequency signal has been correctly received (step S16-5). If the second high-frequency signal has not been correctly received (NO in step S16-5), the process returns to the start point of the signal reception process. Note that after returning to the start time of the signal reception process, the next incoming signal and its arrival time are referred to as the first signal and the first time, respectively.

  Next, the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 calculates the inter-antenna distance at the first time and the second time (step S17). That is, the inter-antenna distance is calculated and output as the difference in the position of the antenna function at the first time and the second time.

  At this time, it is confirmed that the distance between the antennas is within a predetermined range (step S18). For example, it is confirmed that the distance between the antennas is within a predetermined range is a half wavelength of the radio frequency to be used. When the distance between the antennas is within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. 4B. When the distance between the antennas is not within the predetermined range, the process proceeds to step S22.

  The directivity parameter determination function 22 determines directivity parameters based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas (step S19). That is, the directivity parameter is determined and output based on the first and second baseband signals and the inter-antenna distance output by the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13.

  The antenna directivity control function 24 controls the directivity of the antenna function 11 based on the directivity parameter (step S20). And a data reception response signal is transmitted with respect to the 2nd radio | wireless apparatus 27 (step S21).

  If the distance between the antennas is not within the predetermined range in step S18, an intermittent interval control signal is transmitted to the second radio apparatus 27 (step S22). Thereby, when the distance between antennas is not in a predetermined range, it is set within the range.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not an intermittent interval change completion signal has been received from the second wireless device 27 (step S23). If the change completion signal has not been received (NO in step S23), the process returns to step S22. When the change completion signal is received (YES in step S23), a data reception response signal is transmitted to the second wireless device 27 (step S24).

  Then, returning to the beginning of the loop, the same operation is continued, and when wireless communication is completed, such as collection of all data (data # 3, data # 4,..., Data #N) from the second wireless device 27 is completed, Exit the loop. Thereafter, the first radio apparatus 20 transmits a communication end signal to the second radio apparatus 27 to notify the end of communication (step S25).

  The second wireless device 27 confirms that no transmission data remains (NO in step S37), and then confirms reception of the communication end signal (step S38). When a communication end signal is received (YES in step S38), sleep is performed for a predetermined time (step S40).

  Even if the communication end signal is not received (NO in step S38), the communication end signal is waited for a predetermined time (step S39). After waiting for a certain time, the first wireless device 20 is regarded as not within the communication range, and sleeps for a certain time (step S40).

  As described above, the first radio apparatus 20 can virtually create a state where there are inputs from a plurality of A / D converters by using signals at different positions and different times. This makes it possible to apply a high-resolution radio wave arrival direction estimation method such as the MUSIC method. Thereby, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the directivity parameter for directing the antenna directivity in the direction as in the first embodiment.

  Further, the arrival direction of the radio wave is estimated from the received signals at the first time and the second time and the distance between the antennas, the directivity parameter is determined, and the directivity of the antenna function 11 is changed based on the directivity parameter. ing. During transmission, the phase of the high-frequency signal is controlled, and the directivity of the radio wave transmitted by the antenna function 11 is changed. Thereby, the optimal beam of a directional antenna can be directed to a desired wave, and communication quality can be improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, in addition to the effect of 1st Embodiment, the effect that it becomes possible to make the estimation precision of an arrival direction appropriate by controlling the intermittent starting space | interval and data transmission interval of a communicating party. can get. In a system in which a communication partner intermittently repeats a startup state and a sleep state, such as a system that collects sensor information, by performing such control, the estimation accuracy of the direction of arrival can be made appropriate. Furthermore, while continuing communication between the first radio apparatus 20 and the second radio apparatus 27, it is possible to gradually change to the optimal antenna directivity by controlling the directivity many times. it can.

  In the above description, the description has been made with only one second wireless device as the communication partner of the first wireless device. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where a plurality of communication devices are used as communication partners.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the directivity parameter is determined using the first time and the second time has been described as an example. However, the signal received at the first to fourth times is used. It is also conceivable to increase the number of signals and the number of antenna function positions. Increasing the number of signals to be used and the number of antenna function positions, such as using signals received at the first to fourth times, makes it possible to estimate the direction of arrival with higher accuracy.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings. In this embodiment, a “measurement function” and a “demodulation function” are added to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the “distance between antennas” is obtained based on the moving speed of a mobile body equipped with a wireless device and position information such as GPS (Global Positioning System), the directivity parameter is determined, and the demodulation of the incoming signal is performed in parallel. Will be described.

  An example of a block diagram of the wireless system according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the wireless system according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless device 30 and a moving body 35. As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless device 30 is mounted on the moving body 35. The wireless device 30 includes an antenna function 11 and a directivity parameter determination function 14 similar to those in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the wireless device 30 of this embodiment includes a reception function 31, a measurement function 32, an inter-antenna distance calculation function 33, and a demodulation function 34.

  As the moving body 35 on which the wireless device 30 of the present embodiment is mounted, a moving body such as an automobile, a train, or a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) on which the wireless device is mounted can be considered. By adopting this configuration, in addition to the effects obtained by the first embodiment, when a moving body equipped with a wireless device changes significantly in moving direction or speed due to lane change, sudden braking, sudden acceleration, etc. Stops calculating the directivity parameter. When the moving direction or the speed changes significantly, the directivity parameter fluctuation can be reduced by stopping the directivity parameter calculation process. Also, it becomes possible to process the directivity parameter determination and the demodulation of incoming radio waves in parallel.

  This will be described in detail below. 7 includes the same elements as those of the wireless device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, elements similar to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The reception function 31 receives a high frequency signal output from the antenna function 11. The receiving function 31 converts the frequency of the incoming signal and divides it into a part of the incoming signal such as a preamble and the rest excluding the part of the signal, and separates it as a baseband preamble signal and a baseband data signal, respectively. Output. The baseband preamble signal is output to the directivity parameter determination function 14 side, and the baseband data signal is output to the demodulation function 34 side.

  The measurement function 32 measures information used for calculating the distance between the antennas and outputs a measurement result. The information required for the distance calculation is, for example, a combination of a difference in reception time and a moving speed, or position information such as GPS.

  The inter-antenna distance calculation function 33 calculates and outputs the inter-antenna distances at different times using information used for the distance calculation of the measurement function 32 output. In addition, when the information used for the distance calculation is a combination of the difference in reception time and the moving speed, the product of these is the distance between the antennas. On the other hand, when the output of the measurement function 32 is position information such as GPS, the distance between antennas can be obtained by obtaining the Euclidean distance using the position information at each time.

  The demodulation function 34 demodulates the baseband data signal output from the reception function 31 and extracts the contained data.

The moving body 35 is, for example, an automobile, a train, a UAV, a robot, or the like. (In FIG. 7, a picture imitating a car is shown as an example.)
Other than the reception function 31, the measurement function 32, the inter-antenna distance calculation function 33, the demodulation function 34, and the moving body 35 described above are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(Description of operation of the third embodiment)
Next, operations and processes of the moving body 35 and the wireless device 30 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8A is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the wireless device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S41 of FIG. 8A.

  Here, the description will be made assuming a vehicle as a moving body, but the present invention can be applied to other moving bodies such as trains and UAVs. In the following description, it is assumed that the measurement function 32 outputs a combination of a difference in reception time and a moving speed as information used for calculating the distance between antennas.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the wireless device 30 starts receiving radio waves with the antenna function 11. The wireless device 30 performs signal reception processing (step S41).

  At the first time, the antenna function 11 receives the first signal (step S41-1). The input first signal is converted into a high-frequency signal, and the first high-frequency signal is output. The reception function 31 receives an input first high frequency signal and outputs a first baseband preamble signal and a first baseband data signal.

  Next, the measurement function 32 records the time when the first signal is received (step S41-2). Next, the demodulation function 34 demodulates the first baseband data signal (step S41-3).

  It is confirmed whether the demodulation function 34 has successfully demodulated the first baseband data signal (step S41-4). When the demodulation of the first baseband data signal is successful, the process proceeds to step S41-5. If demodulation of the first baseband data signal has failed (NO in step S41-4), the process returns to the start point of the signal reception process. Note that after returning to the start of signal reception processing, the first signal and its arrival time are referred to as the first signal and the first time, respectively.

  Next, at the second time, the antenna function 11 receives the second signal (step S41-5). The antenna function 11 converts the inputted second signal into a high frequency signal and outputs a second high frequency signal. The receiving function 31 receives the input second high-frequency signal and outputs a second baseband preamble signal and a second baseband data signal.

  Next, in the measurement function 32, the time when the second signal is received and the moving speed of the moving body 35 at the time are recorded (step S41-6).

  Next, the demodulation function 34 demodulates the second baseband data signal (step S41-7).

  It is confirmed whether the demodulation function 34 has successfully demodulated the second baseband data signal (step S41-8). When the demodulation of the second baseband data signal is successful, the process proceeds to step S42 in FIG. 8A. If the demodulation function 34 fails to demodulate the second baseband data signal (NO in step S41-8), the process returns to the start point of the signal reception process.

  In the measurement function 32, it is confirmed whether or not the moving direction or speed of the moving body 35 is greater than a predetermined value (step S42). If it is determined that the moving direction or speed of the moving body 35 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (YES in step S42), the process returns to the top of the loop. If it is determined that the moving direction or speed variation of the moving body 35 is within the predetermined range (NO in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In addition, an example of the determination formula for determining above the predetermined value is shown in (Expression 4) and (Expression 5).

Here, (v _x1 , v _y1 , v _z1 ) represents the moving direction vector of the moving body 35 at time 1, and (v _x2 , v _y2 , v _z2 ) represents the moving direction vector of the moving body 35 at time 2. ing.

  Here, “||” is an operator representing an absolute value. It is determined whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the speed of the moving body 35 at time 2 and the speed of the moving body 35 at time 1 is equal to or greater than a threshold regarding speed fluctuation.

  Next, the inter-antenna distance calculation function 33 calculates the inter-antenna distance based on the reception time recorded by the measurement function 32 and the moving speed of the moving body 35 (step S43).

  Next, the directivity parameter determination function 14 determines directivity parameters based on the first and second baseband signals and the distance between the antennas (step S44). That is, the directivity parameter is determined based on the first and second baseband signals output from the reception function 12 at the first and second times and the inter-antenna distance output from the inter-antenna distance calculation function 33.

  Then, returning to the top of the loop, the same operation is continued, and when the wireless communication is completed, the loop is exited.

  As described above, the wireless device 30 can virtually create a state in which there are inputs from a plurality of A / D converters by using signals at different positions and different times. Such a high resolution radio wave arrival direction estimation method can be applied. Thereby, according to this embodiment, it is possible to determine the directivity parameter for directing the antenna directivity in the direction as in the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the antenna directivity can be directed in an appropriate direction even when the moving direction or moving speed of the moving body changes by a predetermined value or more. In other words, when the moving direction or moving speed of the moving body changes more than a predetermined value, an extreme directivity parameter is calculated, and a situation in which the antenna directivity is directed in an unexpected direction can be avoided. . Furthermore, this embodiment is efficient because directivity parameter determination and demodulation can be processed in parallel.

  In the above description, the distance between the antennas is calculated using a combination of the difference in reception time and the moving speed. However, the distance between the antennas may be calculated using position information such as GPS. Is possible. Further, this embodiment can be combined with the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the directivity parameter is determined using the first time and the second time has been described as an example. As mentioned in the description of the second embodiment, it is also conceivable to increase the number of signals to be used and the number of antenna function positions, such as using signals received at the first to fourth times in this embodiment. . Increasing the number of signals to be used and the number of antenna function positions, such as using signals received at the first to fourth times, makes it possible to estimate the direction of arrival with higher accuracy.

  In the above description, the reception function 31 is described as being divided into a part of an incoming signal such as a preamble and the rest excluding a part of the signal, but is not limited thereto. That is, a part of an incoming signal such as a preamble and all of the incoming signal may be output as a baseband preamble signal and a baseband data signal, respectively.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the radio | wireless apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring drawings. In the fourth embodiment, a “distance estimation function” and a “transmission source position estimation function” are added to the first embodiment, and a transmission source position estimation function is added in addition to the arrival direction estimation function. To do.

  An example of a block diagram of the wireless device according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the radio | wireless apparatus 40 which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention is provided with the antenna function 11 and the distance calculation function 13 between antennas similarly to 1st Embodiment. Furthermore, the wireless device 40 according to the present embodiment includes a reception function 41, a directivity parameter determination function 42, a distance estimation function 43, and a transmission source position estimation function 44.

  By taking this configuration, in addition to the effect obtained by the first embodiment, in addition to the estimation of the direction of arrival, the approximate position of the transmission source can be determined by obtaining the estimated value of the distance from the transmission source from the received power. It becomes possible to estimate. This will be described in detail below. 9 includes the same elements as those of the wireless device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9, elements similar to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The reception function 41 receives the high-frequency signal output from the antenna function 11 as input, frequency-converts the signals arriving at the first and second times, and outputs them as first and second baseband signals. The received signal strength of the signal arriving at the second time is output.

  The directivity parameter determination function 42 receives the first and second baseband signals output from the reception function 41 and the inter-antenna distance output from the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 as input, determines the directivity parameter, and estimates arrival. Outputs corners.

  The distance estimation function 43 receives the received signal strength output from the reception function 41, calculates an estimated distance between the transmission source and the wireless device 40 based on the signal strength, and outputs the estimated distance.

  The transmission source position estimation function 44 calculates the estimated position of the transmission source based on the estimated arrival angle output from the directivity parameter determination function 42 and the estimated distance output from the distance estimation function 43.

  Other than the reception function 41, directivity parameter determination function 42, distance estimation function 43, and transmission source position estimation function 44 described above are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

(Description of the operation of the fourth embodiment)
Next, the operation and processing of the wireless device 40 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the wireless device 40 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S51 of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S54 of FIG. 10A.

  The wireless device 40 starts receiving radio waves with the antenna function 11. The wireless device 40 performs signal reception processing (step S51).

  The reception function 41 receives the first signal at the first time (step S51-1). That is, at the first time, the antenna function 11 converts the input first signal into a high-frequency signal and outputs the first high-frequency signal. The reception function 41 receives an input first high-frequency signal and outputs a first baseband signal.

  It is confirmed whether or not the reception function 41 has received the first signal correctly (step S51-2). When the reception function 41 has received the first signal correctly, the process proceeds to step S51-3. When the reception function 41 fails to receive the first high-frequency signal (NO in step S51-2), the process returns to the start time of the signal reception process. Note that after returning to the start of signal reception processing, the first signal and its arrival time are referred to as the first signal and the first time, respectively.

  In the reception function 41, the reception signal strength of the reception signal at the first time is calculated (step S51-3). That is, the signal strength of the first baseband signal is calculated and output.

  Next, the second high-frequency signal is received at the second time (step S51-4). That is, at the second time, the antenna function 11 converts the input second signal into a high-frequency signal and outputs the second high-frequency signal. The reception function 41 receives the input second high-frequency signal and outputs a second baseband signal.

  It is confirmed whether or not the second signal has been correctly received by the reception function 41 (step S51-5). When the reception function 41 has received the second signal correctly, the process proceeds to step S51-6. If the reception function 41 fails to receive the second high-frequency signal, the process returns to the start time of the signal reception process (step S51-5).

  In the reception function 41, the reception signal strength of the reception signal at the second time is calculated (step S51-6). That is, the signal strength of the second baseband signal is calculated and output.

  The inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 calculates the inter-antenna distances at the first time and the second time (step S52). Here, the difference in position of the antenna function 11 at the first time and the second time is output as the inter-antenna distance.

  Next, in the directivity parameter determination function 42, the directivity parameter is determined based on the first and second baseband signals output from the first and second and the inter-antenna distance output from the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13, and The estimated arrival direction is output (step S53).

  Next, the distance estimation function 43 performs transmission source position estimation processing (step S54). In the transmission source position estimation process, as shown in FIG. 10C, the estimated distance from the transmission source is calculated and output based on the first and second signal strengths output from the reception function 41 (step S54-1). . Next, the transmission source position estimation function 44 estimates the position of the transmission source based on the estimated arrival angle and the estimated distance (step S54-2).

  Then, returning to the top of the loop, the same operation is continued, and when the wireless communication is completed, the loop is exited.

  As described above, the radio apparatus 40 can virtually create a state in which there are inputs from a plurality of A / D converters by using signals at different positions and different times. Such a high resolution radio wave arrival direction estimation method can be applied. Therefore, it is possible to determine a directivity parameter for directing the antenna directivity in the direction.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, the approximate position of the transmission source can be estimated by estimating the distance to the transmission source based on the signal strength of the received signal. become able to do.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the directivity parameter is determined using the first time and the second time has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Increasing the number of signals to be used and the number of antenna function positions, such as using signals received at the first to fourth times, makes it possible to estimate the direction of arrival with higher accuracy.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, a wireless device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where an analog phased array antenna is used and the antenna connected to the reception function is switched by a switch will be described.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of a block configuration diagram of the wireless device according to the present embodiment. Here, the number of antennas and the number of switches are illustrated as N = 2 (in the following description, it is assumed that N = 2). The wireless device 50 of FIG. 11 includes the same elements as those of the wireless device 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 11, elements similar to those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Similar to the wireless device 10 of the first embodiment, the wireless device 50 of the present embodiment includes a reception function 12, an inter-antenna distance calculation function 13, and a directivity parameter determination function 14. Furthermore, the wireless device 50 of the present embodiment [includes] an antenna function 51, a switch function 52, an adder 53, and a switch control function 54.

  By adopting this configuration, it is possible to apply a highly accurate arrival direction estimation algorithm even with an analog type phased array antenna as in the first embodiment. This will be described in detail below.

  The antenna function 51 is composed of two antennas, and each antenna (the first antenna 51-1 and the second antenna 51-2) receives radio waves transmitted from other radio devices and converts them into high-frequency signals. Output the result.

  The switch function 52 includes two switches (a first switch 52-1 and a second switch 52-2). The high-frequency signal output from the first antenna 51-1 or the second antenna 51-2 is input, and the input from the selected antenna is connected to the subsequent stage based on the control signal of the switch control function 54 and output as it is. The

  The adder 53 receives the output of each switch (the first switch 52-1 and the second switch 52-2) of the switch function 52 and outputs the addition result of the switch outputs.

  The switch control function 54 outputs a control signal for connecting an arbitrary number of antenna inputs of the switch function 52 to the subsequent stage.

  Except for the antenna function 51, the switch function 52, the adding unit 53, and the switch control function 54 described above, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment shown in FIG. However, since the first and second antennas are fixed in the present embodiment, the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 outputs a fixed value measured and set in advance.

(Description of the operation of the fifth embodiment)
Next, the operation and processing of the wireless device 50 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12A is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing of the wireless device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing an example of detailed processing in step S61 of FIG. 12A.

  The wireless device 50 starts receiving radio waves with the antenna function 51. The wireless device 50 performs signal reception processing (step S61).

  At the first time, the switch control function 54 turns on only the first switch 52-1 so that only the first antenna 51-1 is connected to the subsequent stage (step S61-1).

  Subsequently, the first signal is received at the first time (step S61-2). The first antenna 51-1 converts the input first signal into a high-frequency signal and outputs the first high-frequency signal. The reception function 12 receives the input first high-frequency signal and outputs a first baseband signal.

  When the reception function 12 has correctly received the first high-frequency signal, the process proceeds to step S61-4. If the reception function 12 fails to receive the first high-frequency signal, the process returns to the start time of the signal reception process (NO in step S61-3). Note that after returning to the start of signal reception processing, the first signal and its arrival time are referred to as the first signal and the first time, respectively.

  At the second time, the switch control function 54 turns on only the second switch 52-2 so that only the second antenna 51-2 is connected to the subsequent stage (step S61-4).

  Subsequently, the second signal is received at the second time (step S61-5). The second antenna 51-2 converts the input second signal into a high-frequency signal and outputs a second high-frequency signal. The receiving function 12 receives the input second high-frequency signal and outputs a second baseband signal.

  When the reception function 12 has correctly received the second high-frequency signal, the process proceeds to step S62. If the reception function 12 fails to receive the second high-frequency signal (NO in step S61-6), the process returns to the start time of the k signal reception process.

  Next, the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 outputs the inter-antenna distance between the first antenna 51-1 and the second antenna 51-2 (step S62). Here, since the first antenna 51-1 and the second antenna 51-2 are antennas constituting an analog phased array antenna and are fixed, the distance between the antennas is a fixed value.

  Next, the directivity parameter determination function 14 determines the directivity based on the first and second baseband signals output from the reception function 12 at the first and second times and the inter-antenna distance output from the inter-antenna distance calculation function 13. A parameter is determined (step S63).

  Then, returning to the top of the loop, the same operation is continued, and when the wireless communication is completed, the loop is exited.

  As described above, in the analog phased array antenna, the wireless device 50 uses a plurality of A / V virtually as in the first embodiment by switching with a switch and using only the input signals of some antennas. A state where there is an input from the D converter can be created. This makes it possible to apply a high-resolution radio wave arrival direction estimation method such as the MUSIC method.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the directivity parameters are determined using two antennas using the signals received at the first time and the second time has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When the number of signals to be used and the number of antennas of the antenna function 11 are increased, such as determining parameters using the signals received at the first to fourth times using four antennas, a more accurate direction of arrival Estimation is possible.

  In realizing the wireless device and the function of each embodiment described above, it is preferable to utilize an existing chip without newly developing a chip. The following method can be considered as a specific method. A specific example for realizing the wireless device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example.

  FIGS. 13A and 13B are block configuration diagrams illustrating an example of a circuit configuration for realizing the wireless device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention by utilizing an existing chip. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are block configuration diagrams showing another example of a circuit configuration for realizing the wireless device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention by utilizing an existing chip. FIGS. 15A and 15B are block configuration diagrams showing still another example of a circuit configuration for realizing the wireless device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention by utilizing an existing chip.

  13 to 15 show configuration examples of the wireless device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, but the wireless device 20 according to the second embodiment, the wireless device 30 according to the third embodiment, and the fourth device. The wireless device 40 of the embodiment and the wireless device 50 of the fifth embodiment can also be configured similarly.

  In addition to the antenna function 11, the wireless device 10 in FIG. 13A includes an integrated wireless chip 101, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, an RF (high frequency) module 103, and an ADC (A / D converter) 104. And including. The integrated wireless chip 101 is a one-chip RF module, ADC, and DBB (digital baseband) circuit. As an example of the integrated wireless chip 101, a Texas Instruments CC3100 can be considered.

  The reception function 12 in FIG. 1 is realized by the RF module 103 and the ADC 104 in FIG. The inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 and the directivity parameter determination function 14 in FIG. In other words, in the wireless device 10 in FIG. 13A, the arrival direction is estimated by the CPU 102 as a processing system different from the integrated wireless chip 101. In other words, in the wireless device 10 in FIG. 13A, the arrival direction is estimated by the CPU 102 as an arithmetic device different from the signal processing system in the integrated wireless chip 101.

  The radio apparatus 10 in FIG. 13A uses an RF band signal of an antenna output of the antenna function 11. Next to the integrated wireless chip 101 for data communication, an RF module 103, an ADC 104, and a CPU 102 are installed for direction of arrival estimation. Using the output of the ADC 104, the CPU 102 performs direction-of-arrival estimation and beam direction control. FIG. 13A shows a case where an internal signal is not extracted.

  The wireless device 10 in FIG. 13B shows a different configuration example from the wireless device 10 in FIG. 13B includes an integrated wireless chip 101, a CPU 102, and an ADC 104 in addition to the antenna function 11. As in FIG. 13A, the integrated wireless chip 101 is an RF module, an ADC, and a DBB circuit integrated into one chip.

  The reception function 12 in FIG. 1 is realized by the RF module and ADC of the integrated wireless chip 101 in FIG. 13B, unlike the wireless device 10 in FIG. The inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 and the directivity parameter determination function 14 in FIG. 1 are realized by the CPU 102 as in the wireless device 10 in FIG.

  In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 13B, the output of the RF module of the integrated wireless chip 101 is taken out of the integrated wireless chip 101. An ABB (analog baseband) band signal is used. Next to the integrated wireless chip 101 for data communication, an ADC 104 and a CPU 102 are installed. Using the output of the ADC 104, the CPU 102 performs direction-of-arrival estimation and beam direction control.

  The wireless device 10 in FIG. 14A shows a different configuration example from the wireless device 10 in FIG. The wireless device 10 in FIG. 14A includes an integrated wireless chip 101 and a CPU in addition to the antenna function 11. The integrated wireless chip 101 in FIG. 14A is an RF module, an ADC, and a DBB circuit integrated into one chip, as in FIG.

  In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 14A, the ADC output of the integrated wireless chip 101 is taken out of the integrated wireless chip 101. A DBB (digital baseband) signal is used. A CPU 102 is installed next to the integrated wireless chip 101 for data communication. Using the output of the ADC of the integrated wireless chip 101, the CPU 102 performs direction-of-arrival estimation and beam direction control.

  The wireless device 10 in FIG. 14B shows a configuration example further different from the wireless device 10 in FIG. 13 and FIG. The wireless device 10 in FIG. 14B includes an integrated wireless chip 101 and a CPU 102 in addition to the antenna function 11. The integrated wireless chip 101 in FIG. 14B is an RF module, an ADC, and a DBB circuit that are integrated into a single chip, as in FIGS. 13 and 14A.

  In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 14B, the arrival direction estimation is realized by improving the FW of the DBB circuit of the integrated wireless chip 101. A CPU 102 is installed next to the integrated wireless chip 101 for data communication. The direction of arrival is estimated by the DBB circuit of the integrated wireless chip 101. An estimated angle is extracted from the arrival estimation result, and the CPU 102 performs beam direction control.

  The wireless device 10 in FIG. 15A shows a different configuration example from the wireless device 10 in FIGS. 13 and 14. The wireless device 10 of FIG. 15A includes an integrated wireless chip 105 in addition to the antenna function 11. In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 15A, the CPU 102 in FIGS. 13 and 14 is also integrated with the wireless chip. The integrated wireless chip 105 is an RF module, ADC, DBB circuit, and CPU integrated into one chip. As an example of the integrated wireless chip 105, Texas Instruments CC3200 can be considered.

  The integrated wireless chip 105 in FIG. 15A includes an RF module, an ADC, a DBB circuit, and a CPU. In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 15A, the reception function 12 in FIG. 1 is realized by the RF module and ADC of the integrated wireless chip 105. The inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 and the directivity parameter determination function 14 in FIG. 1 are realized by the CPU of the integrated wireless chip 105.

  In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 15A, the arrival direction estimation and the beam direction control are performed by the CPU using the output of the ADC of the integrated wireless chip as in FIG. 14A.

  The wireless device 10 in FIG. 15B shows a different configuration example from the wireless device 10 in FIGS. 13 and 14. The wireless device 10 in FIG. 15B includes an integrated wireless chip 105 in addition to the antenna function 11. In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 15B, the CPU 102 in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 is also integrated into the wireless chip in the same manner as the wireless device 10 in FIG.

  The integrated wireless chip 105 in FIG. 15B includes an RF module, an ADC, a DBB circuit, and a CPU. In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 15B, the reception function 12 in FIG. 1 is realized by the RF module and ADC of the integrated wireless chip 105. The inter-antenna distance calculation function 13 and the directivity parameter determination function 14 in FIG. 1 are realized by the CPU of the integrated wireless chip 105.

  In the wireless device 10 in FIG. 15B, the direction of arrival is estimated by the DBB circuit of the integrated wireless chip 105, as in FIG. 14B. The estimated angle is extracted from the arrival estimation result, and the beam direction control is performed by the CPU of the integrated wireless chip 105.

  In the wireless device 10 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 described above, a new function of estimating the direction of arrival of radio waves and controlling the directivity of the antenna function based on this can be realized by utilizing an existing chip. As a result, new functions can be realized at low cost without developing new chips.

  The reception functions of the wireless devices 10, 20, 30, and 40 correspond to the RF module and the ADC. The inter-antenna distance calculation function, the directivity parameter determination function, the inter-antenna distance estimation function, the transmission source position estimation function, the switch control function, and the like of the radio apparatuses 10, 20, 30, and 40 are realized by processing by the CPU. The demodulation function 34 of the wireless device 30 corresponds to the DBB circuit of the integrated wireless chip 105.

  In FIGS. 13 to 15, the DBB circuit is integrated with the integrated wireless chip, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is conceivable that the DBB circuit is realized by a dedicated arithmetic circuit externally attached to the integrated wireless chip, and the function of the DBB circuit is realized by an external DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for the integrated wireless chip. It is also possible.

  As mentioned above, although preferable embodiment and the Example of this invention were described, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation and processing of the wireless device of each embodiment can be realized by a program that executes such operation and processing, and can be distributed in the form of a computer-readable recording medium. It goes without saying that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Part or all of the above embodiments and examples can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited thereto.
(Appendix 1) an antenna function for transmitting and receiving radio signals;
A receiving function for receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time;
An inter-antenna distance calculation function for calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
A directivity parameter determining function for determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
A radio apparatus comprising: an antenna directivity control function that generates a directivity control signal based on the directivity parameter and changes the directivity of the antenna function.
(Supplementary note 2) The wireless device according to supplementary note 1, wherein the first signal and the second signal have the same signal sequence or are signals known to the wireless device.
(Supplementary note 3) The wireless device according to supplementary note 1, wherein the position of the antenna function at the first time and the second time is within a predetermined range.
(Additional remark 4) The said predetermined range is a radio | wireless apparatus of Additional remark 3 whose said distance between antennas is less than a half wavelength.
(Supplementary Note 5) A communication target control information generation function for generating control information for adjusting the cycle of intermittent communication so as to conform to the conditions of the predetermined range for a communication partner,
The wireless apparatus according to appendix 3, wherein control information for changing an intermittent communication cycle is transmitted to the communication partner.
(Additional remark 6) The radio | wireless apparatus as described in any one of additional remark 1 thru | or appendix 5 which is mounted in a mobile body.
(Supplementary note 7) The radio apparatus according to supplementary note 1, wherein the arrival direction is estimated by a processing system different from the processing system that executes the reception function.
(Additional remark 8) The radio | wireless apparatus of Additional remark 6 which stops the process which concerns on the parameter determination regarding the said directivity when the fluctuation | variation degree of the moving direction or speed of the said mobile body is more than predetermined value.
(Additional remark 9) The radio | wireless apparatus of Additional remark 1 provided with the measurement function which measures the information required for distance calculation.
(Supplementary Note 10) The measurement function outputs information on the difference between the first time and the second time and the moving speed of the antenna function,
The wireless device according to appendix 9, wherein the inter-antenna distance calculation function calculates an inter-antenna distance based on a product of the time difference and a moving speed.
(Supplementary Note 11) The measurement function outputs position information of the antenna function at the first time and the second time,
The wireless device according to appendix 9, wherein the inter-antenna distance calculation function calculates an inter-antenna distance based on the position information.
(Supplementary note 12) The parameter is determined using a part of each of the first signal and the second signal, and the remaining part excluding a part of the first signal and the second signal received at each time Alternatively, the wireless device according to appendix 1, wherein all of the first signal and the second signal are used for normal communication processing.
(Supplementary note 13) The directivity parameter determination function outputs an estimated arrival angle, estimates a distance from the transmission source based on the received signal strength, and outputs an estimated distance, and transmits based on the estimated arrival angle and the estimated distance. The wireless apparatus according to appendix 1, further comprising: a transmission source position estimation function that estimates a source position.
(Supplementary note 14) The wireless device according to supplementary note 13, wherein the estimated distance is calculated based on reception signal strength, reception antenna gain, transmission power of a transmission source, transmission antenna gain, and reception signal frequency.
(Supplementary Note 15) The antenna function includes at least two antennas,
A switch function including the same number of switches as the antenna, and a switch control function for controlling opening and closing of the switch of the switch function,
The radio apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein an antenna connected to a reception function is switched by the switch of the switch function.
(Supplementary note 16) The wireless device according to supplementary note 15, wherein the switch control function is switched so that a plurality of switches of the switch function are not simultaneously turned on.
(Supplementary Note 17) A wireless system including a first wireless device and a second wireless device that intermittently repeats an activated state and a sleep state and is a communication partner of the first wireless device,
The first radio apparatus has an antenna function for transmitting and receiving radio signals, a reception function for receiving at least a first signal that arrives at a first time and a second signal that arrives at a second time, An inter-antenna distance calculation function for calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the time of 1 and the antenna function at the second time; and based on the first and second signals and the inter-antenna distance. A directivity parameter determining function that determines a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to the directivity of the antenna function, and an antenna directivity control that generates a directivity control signal based on the directivity parameter and changes the directivity of the antenna function. And a wireless system.
(Supplementary Note 18) The first wireless device is
A communication target control information generating function for generating control information for adjusting a cycle of intermittent communication so as to conform to the condition of the predetermined range for the second wireless device;
18. The wireless system according to appendix 17, wherein control information for changing an intermittent communication cycle is transmitted to the second wireless device.
(Supplementary Note 19) An antenna function for transmitting and receiving a radio signal receives at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time,
Calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
Determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
A method for controlling a wireless device, wherein the directivity of the antenna function is changed based on the directivity parameter.
(Supplementary note 20) A program for controlling a wireless device having an antenna function and transmitting and receiving wireless signals,
The wireless device;
A process of receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time with the antenna function;
A process of calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
A process of determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to the directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
A program for executing processing for changing the directivity of the antenna function based on the directivity parameter.

10, 30, 40, 50 Wireless device 11, 51 Antenna function 12, 31, 41 Reception function 13, 33 Distance calculation function between antennas 14, 22, 42 Directivity parameter determination function 20 First wireless device 21 Changeover switch 23 Communication Target control information generation function 24 Antenna directivity control function 27 Second wireless device 32 Measurement function 34 Demodulation function 35 Mobile body 43 Distance estimation function 44 Transmission source position estimation function 51-1 First antenna 51-2 Second antenna 52 Switch Function 52-1 First Switch 52-2 Second Switch 53 Adder 54 Switch Control Function 101, 105 Integrated Wireless Chip 102 CPU
103 RF module 104 ADC

Claims (10)

An antenna function for transmitting and receiving wireless signals;
A receiving function for receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time;
An inter-antenna distance calculation function for calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
A directivity parameter determining function for determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
A radio apparatus comprising: an antenna directivity control function that generates a directivity control signal based on the directivity parameter and changes the directivity of the antenna function.   2. The radio apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first signal and the second signal have the same signal sequence or are known to the radio apparatus.   The radio apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a position of the antenna function at the first time and the second time is within a predetermined range.   The wireless device according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined range is a distance between the antennas less than a half wavelength. A communication target control information generating function for generating control information for adjusting the period of intermittent communication so as to conform to the condition of the predetermined range for a communication partner;
The wireless device according to claim 3, wherein control information for changing an intermittent communication cycle is transmitted to the communication partner.   The radio | wireless apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5 mounted in a moving body.   The radio apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the arrival direction is estimated by a processing system different from the processing system that executes the reception function. A wireless system comprising: a first wireless device; and a second wireless device that intermittently repeats an activated state and a sleep state and serves as a communication partner of the first wireless device,
The first radio apparatus has an antenna function for transmitting and receiving radio signals, a reception function for receiving at least a first signal that arrives at a first time and a second signal that arrives at a second time, An inter-antenna distance calculation function for calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the time of 1 and the antenna function at the second time; and based on the first and second signals and the inter-antenna distance. A directivity parameter determining function that determines a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to the directivity of the antenna function, and an antenna directivity control that generates a directivity control signal based on the directivity parameter and changes the directivity of the antenna function. And a wireless system. An antenna function for transmitting and receiving radio signals, receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time;
Calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
Determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
A method for controlling a wireless device, wherein the directivity of the antenna function is changed based on the directivity parameter. A program for controlling a wireless device that has an antenna function and transmits and receives wireless signals,
The wireless device;
A process of receiving at least a first signal arriving at a first time and a second signal arriving at a second time with the antenna function;
A process of calculating an inter-antenna distance representing a distance between the antenna function at the first time and the antenna function at the second time;
A process of determining a directivity parameter that is a parameter related to the directivity of the antenna function based on the first and second signals and the distance between the antennas;
A program for executing processing for changing the directivity of the antenna function based on the directivity parameter.

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