JP6632089B2 - PCP / AP device, terminal device, and communication method thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly, to a method for establishing Spatial Sharing (SPSH) in a directional WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) system.

  Interest in unlicensed 60 GHz mmW (Millimeter Wave) networks is increasing. WirelessHD technology is the industry's first 60 GHz mmW standard that enables multi-gigabit wireless streaming of high definition audio, video and data between consumer electronics, personal computers and portable products. Another multi-gigabit wireless communication technology that operates in the 60 GHz mmW frequency band includes WiGig technology, which was standardized by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) as the IEEE 802.11ad standard.

  WiGig technology complements and extends the IEEE 802.11 MAC (Media Access Control) layer and is backward compatible with the IEEE 802.11 WLAN standard. WiGig MAC supports centralized network architectures such as infrastructure BSS (Basic Service Set) or PBSS (Personal BSS), in which all STAs (Stations) in the network are supported. ), A central coordinator, for example, an AP (Access Point: Access Point) or a PCP (Personal BSS Control Point) transmits a beacon. WiGig technology makes more extensive use of BF (Beamforming) to establish directional transmission than other IEEE 802.11 WLAN technologies operating in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency band.

IEEE Standard 802.11ad (TM) -2012, December 2012

  In the prior art, it is difficult to perform optimal SPSH using channel bonding and MIMO.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a measurement method for performing space sharing between an existing service period and a candidate service period through a PCP / AP serving as a coordinator. Generating first measurement configuration information used for the measurement request; and the first measurement configuration information related to measurement in the primary first layer channel corresponding to each of the second layer channels is included in the candidate service period. Transmitting to a STA that is a terminal device, wherein the first measurement setting information is a first measurement method, a first measurement start time, a first measurement duration, and the first measurement duration. A first number of time blocks in the first, a first number of simultaneous measurements performed using a plurality of receive antenna configurations, and a first method of reporting the results of the first number of simultaneous measurements. , Wherein the first measurement duration of each time block is the same time.

  According to the present invention, optimal SPSH can be performed using channel bonding and MIMO.

Diagram illustrating an example of single-layer channelization in a 60 GHz mmW frequency band Diagram illustrating an example of a centralized WiGig network based on single-layer channelization Block diagram illustrating an example of PCP / AP architecture in a centralized WiGig network based on single-tier channelization FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an architecture of a STA in a centralized WiGig network based on single-layer channelization. Diagram for explaining channel access period in BI based on single-layer channelization FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an SPSH scenario between two SPs in a BI based on single layer channelization. Flowchart describing a method for establishing SPSH between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to the prior art Diagram illustrating message exchange between PCP / AP and STA for SPSH according to prior art method FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating SPSH evaluation between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to a method of the prior art. Diagram illustrating an example of the format of a measurement request message according to the prior art method Diagram illustrating an example of the format of a measurement report message according to the prior art method Diagram illustrating an example of two-layer channelization in a 60 GHz mmW frequency band Diagram illustrating an example of a centralized WiGig network based on two-layer channelization Diagram illustrating MIMO transmission between two STAs FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a PCP / AP architecture in a centralized WiGig network based on two-tier channelization. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an architecture of a STA in a centralized WiGig network based on two-layer channelization. FIG. 3 illustrates a SPSH scenario between two SPs in a BI based on two-tier channelization. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for establishing SPSH between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating message exchange between a PCP / AP and an STA related to SPSH according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining SPSH evaluation between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of a measurement request message according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of a measurement report message according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of an extended measurement report sub-element according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for establishing SPSH between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating message exchange between a PCP / AP and an STA related to SPSH according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining SPSH evaluation between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of a measurement request message according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of a measurement report message according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of single-layer channelization in a 60 GHz mmW frequency band, in which a 60 GHz mmW frequency band is divided into four channels having CBW (Channel Bandwidth) = 2.16 GHz. Channels with CN (Channel Number) = 1, 2, 3, and 4 are centered on frequencies 58.32 GHz, 60.48 GHz, 62.64 GHz, and 64.8 GHz, respectively.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a centralized WiGig network 200 based on the single-layer channelization shown in FIG. Centralized WiGig network 200 operates on a first tier channel and includes a plurality of STAs 204 and a PCP / AP 202 that also includes STA functionality. PCP / AP 202 can communicate with one of STAs 204 (e.g., 204e) over communication link 212. One of the STAs 204 (eg, 204c) may also communicate directly with another one of the STAs 204 (eg, 204d) via the communication link 214.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of PCP / AP 202 in centralized WiGig network 200. The PCP / AP 202 includes a controller 302, a scheduler 304, a message generator 308, a message operation unit 306, a PHY operation unit 310, and an antenna 312. The controller 302 is a MAC protocol controller and controls general MAC protocol operations. The scheduler 304 schedules the assignment of the channel access period under the control of the controller 302. The message generator 308 receives the scheduling information from the scheduler 304 and generates a corresponding control, data or management message, for example, a beacon, and these messages are processed by a PHY operation unit 310 in a PHY (Physical Layer) process. Later transmitted through antenna 312. Antenna 312 may be a single element antenna, an adaptive antenna array, or a switched beam antenna. On the other hand, the message operation unit 306 analyzes the messages received from the plurality of STAs 204 and supplies them to the controller 302.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of the STA 204 in the centralized WiGig network 200. Each of the plurality of STAs 204 includes a controller 402, a message generator 404, a message operation unit 406, a PHY operation unit 408, and an antenna 410. The controller 402 is a MAC protocol controller, and controls general MAC protocol operations. The message generator 404 generates control, data or management messages under the control of the controller 402, and these messages are transmitted through the antenna 410 after PHY processing by the PHY operation unit 408. On the other hand, the message operation unit 406 analyzes the control, data, or management message received from the PCP / AP 102 under the control of the controller 402 and supplies them to the controller 402.

  In the WiGig network 200 shown in FIG. 2, channel access by a plurality of STAs 204 occurs during a BI (Beacon Interval). This channel access is coordinated using a schedule generated by the PCP / AP 202 and capable of communicating to the STA 204 using beacons. The STA 204 receives the scheduling information and accesses the medium during a scheduled period using an access rule specific to that period.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a channel access period in the BI 500. The BI 500 includes three types of access periods: a BTI (Beacon Transmission Interval) 502, an ATI (Announcement Transmission Interval: Announcement Transmission Interval) 506, and a DTI (Data Transfer Interval: Data Transfer 8). You may. BTI 502 is an access period in which PCP / AP 202 performs BF training using directional transmission of a plurality of beacons by all sectors of antenna 312 to reach the entire range of transmission coverage of a plurality of STAs 204. ATI 506 is a request-response-based management access period between PCP / AP 202 and multiple STAs 204. In the DTI 508, message exchange is performed between a plurality of STAs 204 and between the PCP / AP 202 and individual STAs 204. The DTI 508 further includes a plurality of access periods, for example, SP (Service Period: Service Period) 510 and CBAP (Contention-Based Access Period) 512. SP 510 is a channel time reserved for communication between PCP / AP 202 and STA or between a pair of STAs (eg, 204a and 204b). The STAs belonging to the SP must perform BF training with each other before engaging in any other communication or making any measurements. After the BF training is completed, the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) antenna configurations to be used for single stream transmission during the SP are determined for each STA belonging to the SP.

  WiGig MAC introduces a so-called SPSH (Spatial Sharing) mechanism to maximize PBSS / Infrastructure BSS performance. According to the WiGig SPSH mechanism, SPs belonging to different STAs in the same spatial neighborhood may be allowed to be scheduled simultaneously on the same channel. An SP that is evaluated for SPSH along with other scheduled (existing) SPs or that is considered for reassignment during BI is referred to as a candidate SP.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an SPSH scenario between two SPs in the BI 600. The DTI 608 in the BI 600 includes a plurality of access periods, for example, a first SP 610 and a second SP 614. The first SP 610 is assumed to be an existing SP and is reserved, for example, for communication between the STAs 204a and 204b. The second SP 614 is assumed to be a candidate SP and is reserved, for example, for communication between the STAs 204c and 204d. Candidate SPs 614 are scheduled to temporally overlap existing SPs 610 on the same channel in BI 600.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method 700 for establishing SPSH between an existing SP 610 and a candidate SP 614 according to the prior art. Candidate SP 614 is assumed to have not been assigned a channel time before the SPSH evaluation was initiated. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a message exchange between the PCP / AP 202 and the STA belonging to the candidate SP 614 according to the method 700.

  The method 700 begins the SPSH evaluation at step 702. In step 704, the PCP / AP 202 sends to each STA belonging to the candidate SP 614 (ie, 204c and 204d) to request to make a measurement in order to evaluate the possibility of establishing an SPSH with the existing SP 610. A measurement request message 802 is transmitted. The measurement request message 802 carries measurement setting information related to the requested measurement, which will be described in detail later. In step 706, after receiving the measurement request message 802, each requested STA performs measurement according to the measurement setting information in the measurement request message 802. Note that the requested STA (eg, 204c) performs measurements using the same RX antenna configuration used when receiving frames from the target STA belonging to candidate SP 614 (eg, 204d). In step 708, each requested STA feeds back the results of the measurement to the PCP / AP 202 using the measurement report message 804. In step 710, the PCP / AP 202 determines whether to perform the SPSH between the existing SP 610 and the candidate SP 614 based on the result of the measurement. The method 700 stops at step 712.

  FIG. 10 is a view for explaining an example of the format of the measurement request message 802. The format includes an operation class field 1002, a channel number field 1004, an AID field 1006, a measurement method field 1010, a measurement start time field 1012, a measurement continuation field. A time field 1014, a number of time blocks field 1016, and an optional partial element field 1018 are provided. The operation class field 1002 and the channel number field 1004 indicate the channel set and CN to which the requested measurement is applied, respectively. That is, the operation class field 1002 specifies a channel number field 1004 and a measurement channel. The AID field 1006 indicates the target STA and indicates which particular RX antenna configuration to use in the requested measurement. The measurement method field 1010 is used by the requested STA to perform a measurement and report back, for example, an ANIPI (Average Noise plus Interference Power Indicator) in the measurement report message 804. Instruct how to become. Measurement start time field 1012 indicates the time at which the requested measurement starts. Measurement duration field 1014 indicates the duration of the requested measurement. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the measurement start time field 1012 and the measurement duration field 1014 in the measurement request message 802. The number of time blocks field 1016 indicates the number of time blocks within the measurement duration, where the duration of each time block is the same. The measurement start time field 1012 provides a measurement duration field 1014 and a number of time blocks field 1016, and measurement timing information for the requested measurement. Optional sub-element field 1018 contains zero or more sub-elements and can be used for function expansion.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the format of the measurement report message 804. This format includes an operation class field 1102, a channel number field 1104, an AID field 1106, a measurement method field 1110, a measurement start time field 1112, and a measurement continuation field. It comprises a time field 1114, a number of time blocks field 1116, a plurality of measurement fields 1118 for the time blocks, and an optional sub-element field 1120. The operation class field 1102 and the channel number field 1104 indicate the channel set and CN to which the measurement is applied, respectively. The AID field 1106 indicates the target STA. Measurement method field 1110 indicates the method used by the STA to perform the measurement. The measurement start time field 1112 indicates the time when the measurement started. Measurement duration field 1114 indicates the duration of the measurement. Time block number field 1116 indicates the number of time blocks within the measurement duration. Each of the measurement fields 1118 for a time block indicates the result of the measurement over a particular time block. The format of the measurement field 1118 for the time block is specified by the measurement method field 1110. Optional sub-element field 1120 contains zero or more sub-elements and can be used for function expansion.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of two-layer channelization in the 60 GHz mmW frequency band. In the first layer, the 60 GHz mmW frequency band is divided into four channels, each with CBW = 2.16 GHz, in the same manner as the one-layer channelization shown in FIG. In the second layer, the 60 GHz mmW frequency band is divided into two channels, each with CBW = 4.32 GHz. Channels with CN = 5 and 6 are centered at 59.4 GHz and 63.72 GHz, respectively. In terms of frequency range, the first layer channel corresponding to CN = 1 and 2 is covered by the second layer channel corresponding to CN = 5. From the viewpoint of the second layer channel corresponding to CN = 5, the channel corresponding to CN = 1 is called a primary first layer channel, and the channel corresponding to CN = 2 is called a secondary first layer channel. Similarly, from the perspective of the second layer channel corresponding to CN = 6, the channel corresponding to CN = 3 is called the primary first layer channel, and the channel corresponding to CN = 4 is called the secondary first layer channel. Called.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a centralized WiGig network 1300 based on two-layer channelization shown in FIG. The centralized WiGig network 1300 supports MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) transmission on a second layer channel or a corresponding primary first layer channel, and a PCP that also includes multiple STAs 1304 and STA functions. / AP1302. PCP / AP 1302 may communicate with one STA (eg, via a MIMO communication link 1312 on a second tier channel (eg, CN = 5) or a corresponding MIMO communication link 1314 on a primary first tier channel (eg, CN = 1)). , 1304e). Similarly, one of the STAs (eg, 1304c) is connected to another one of the STAs (eg, 1304d) through a MIMO communication link 1322 on the second tier channel or a corresponding MIMO communication link 1324 on the primary first tier channel. Can communicate with.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of MIMO transmission between a STA (eg, 1304d) and its target STA (eg, 1304c) in a centralized wireless network 1300, where STA 1304c is the transmitter of the MIMO signal. It is assumed that STA 1304d is the recipient of the MIMO signal. The STA 1304c simultaneously transmits a plurality of spatial streams using a plurality of TX antenna configurations, and these spatial streams are simultaneously received by the STA 1304d using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. Multiple TX antenna configurations for STA 1304c and multiple RX antenna configurations for STA 1304d used for MIMO transmission may be obtained through prior MIMO antenna beam training between STA 1304d and its target STA 1304c. It should be noted that different channels may have different TX antenna configurations for STA 1304c and multiple RX antenna configurations for STA 1304d used for MIMO transmission.

  FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of PCP / AP 1302 in centralized WiGig network 1300. The PCP / AP 1302 includes a controller 1502, a scheduler 1504, a message generator 1508, a message operation unit 1506, a PHY operation unit 1510, and a plurality of antennas 1512. The controller 1502 is a MAC protocol controller and controls general MAC protocol operations. The scheduler 1504 schedules the assignment of the channel access period under the control of the controller 1502. Message generator 1508 receives scheduling information from scheduler 1504 and generates corresponding control, data or management messages, eg, beacons, which are passed through multiple antennas 1512 after PHY processing by PHY calculator 1510. Sent. On the other hand, message operation unit 1506 analyzes messages received from a plurality of STAs 1304 and supplies them to controller 1502. Functional blocks such as controller 1502, scheduler 1504, message generator 1508, message calculator 1506 and PHY calculator 1510, as compared to their counterparts in FIG. 3, support MIMO transmission and multiple channel bandwidths. To be functionally enhanced and enhanced.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of STA 1304 in centralized WiGig network 1300. Each of the plurality of STAs 1304 includes a controller 1602, a message generator 1604, a message calculator 1606, a PHY calculator 1608, and a plurality of antennas 1610. The controller 1602 is a MAC protocol control unit, and controls general MAC protocol operations. Message generating section 1604 generates control, data or management messages under the control of control section 1602, and these messages are transmitted through a plurality of antennas 1610 after PHY processing by PHY operation section 1608. On the other hand, the message operation unit 1606 analyzes the control, data or management message received from the PCP / AP 1302 under the control of the controller 1602 and supplies them to the controller 1602. As compared to their counterparts in FIG. 4, functional blocks such as controller 1602, message generator 1604, message operation unit 1606 and PHY operation unit 1608 can support MIMO transmission and multiple channel bandwidths. Functionally enhanced and enhanced.

  With this disclosure, the PCP / AP 1302 can obtain accurate information about both channel qualities on the second tier channel and the corresponding primary first tier channel, and thus properly determine the SPSH from the measurement results Is possible.

  Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein are omitted for clarity and brevity.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1800 for establishing SPSH (FIG. 17) between an existing SP 1710 and a candidate SP 1712 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Candidate SP 1712 assumes that no channel time was allocated before SPSH evaluation was initiated. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a message exchange between the PCP / AP 1302 and the STA related to SPSH according to the method 1800.

  The method 1800 initiates SPSH evaluation at step 1802. In step 1804, the PCP / AP 1302 requests to make measurements on the primary first tier channel (ie, CN = 1) corresponding to the second tier channel (eg, CN = 5) where the existing SP 1710 is located. To this end, the first measurement request message 1902 is transmitted to each STA belonging to the candidate SP 1712 (that is, 1304e and 1304f) (FIG. 17 17b). The first measurement request message 1902 includes measurement setting information related to measurement on the primary first tier channel. In addition to the measurement channel, measurement method, and measurement timing, the measurement setting information indicates the number of measurements to be performed simultaneously using the multiple RX antenna configurations, and the results of the multiple simultaneous measurements in a subsequent first measurement report message 1906. Includes methods for reporting.

  In step 1806, the PCP / AP 1302 requests each STA belonging to the candidate SP 1712 (ie, to request measurement on the secondary first tier channel corresponding to the same second tier channel (ie, CN = 2), ie, Send a second measurement request message 1904 to 1304e and 1304f). The second measurement request message 1904 includes measurement setting information related to measurement on the secondary first layer channel.

  In step 1808, each requested STA (i.e., 1304e and 1304f) receives the time block allocated for measurement on the primary layer 1 channel corresponding to a portion of the existing SP 1710, as illustrated in FIG. During the period, a plurality of measurements are performed simultaneously using a plurality of RX (receive) antenna configurations. Note that the requested STA (eg, 1304e) utilizes the same multiple RX antenna configurations as the antenna used when receiving a MIMO transmission on the same channel from its target STA (ie, 1304f). Performing multiple simultaneous measurements on the primary first tier channel.

  In step 1810, each requested STA (i.e., 1304e and 1304f) allocates a time block allocated to measurements on a secondary first tier channel corresponding to another portion of the existing SP 1710, as illustrated in FIG. , A plurality of measurements are performed simultaneously using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. Note that the requested STA (eg, 1304e) utilizes the same multiple RX antenna configurations as the antenna used when receiving a MIMO transmission on the same channel from its target STA (ie, 1304f). Performing multiple measurements on the secondary first tier channel.

  In step 1812, each requested STA uses the first measurement report message 1906 to determine the result of multiple simultaneous measurements on the primary first tier channel according to the measurement configuration information included in the first measurement request message 1902. To the PCP / AP 1302. In step 1814, each requested STA uses the second measurement report message 1908 to report the results of multiple simultaneous measurements on the secondary first tier channel according to the measurement configuration information carried in the second measurement request message 1904. To the PCP / AP 1302.

  According to the present disclosure, there are various methods for reporting the results of multiple simultaneous measurements. In a first method, the results of multiple simultaneous measurements during the time block are reported separately. In a second method, the average of the results of multiple simultaneous measurements during the time block is reported. In a third method, a weighted average of the results of multiple simultaneous measurements during a time block is reported. In this third method, the weighting factor of the RX antenna configuration depends on the received signal quality associated with the RX antenna configuration during MIMO antenna beam training. The better the received signal quality due to the RX antenna configuration, the larger the weight coefficient. Compared to the first method, both the second method and the third method have much shorter measurement reports. However, the first method can provide much more detailed measurement results.

  In step 1816, the PCP / AP 1302 how to establish the SPSH between the existing SP 1710 and the candidate SP 1712 based on the measurement result carried in the first measurement report message 1906 and the second measurement report message 1908. Decide what to do. The method 1800 stops at step 1818.

  According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the measurement report, each requested STA needs to perform a plurality of measurements simultaneously using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. Thus, inconsistencies in the measurement results experienced by the conventional method 700 can be avoided.

  According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, PCP / AP 1302 can obtain accurate information on both channel qualities on the primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel corresponding to the second tier channel. , It is possible to further evaluate the channel quality on the second layer channel from the information, and as a result, it is possible to make an appropriate decision regarding the SPSH between the existing SP 1710 and the candidate SP 1712.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of the measurement request message 1902 (or 1904) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The measurement request message 1902 includes an operation class field 2102, a channel number field 2104, an AID field 2106, a measurement setting field 2108, a measurement method field 2110, a measurement start time field 2112, a measurement duration field 2114, and the number of time blocks (M) field. 2116 and an optional subelement field 2118. Except for the measurement setting field 2108, other fields can be defined in a manner similar to their corresponding fields in the measurement request message 802 shown in FIG.

  The measurement setting field 2108 further includes a number (N) of simultaneous measurements field 2122 and a measurement report method field 2124. The number of simultaneous measurements (N) field 2122 indicates the number of measurements to be performed simultaneously using multiple RX antenna configurations for the requested measurement. The measurement report method field 2124 indicates how the results of the N simultaneous measurements are reported in a subsequent measurement report message.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of the measurement report message 1906 (or 1908) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The measurement report message 1906 includes an operation class field 2202, a channel number field 2204, an AID field 2206, a measurement setting field 2208, a measurement method field 2210, a measurement start time field 2212, a measurement duration field 2214, and the number of time blocks (M) field. 2216, a measurement field 2218 and an optional sub-element field 2220 for a plurality of time blocks. Except for the measurement setting field 2208, other fields can be defined in a similar manner as their corresponding fields in the measurement report message 804 shown in FIG.

  The measurement setting field 2208 further includes a number (N) of simultaneous measurements field 2222 and a measurement report method field 2224. The number of simultaneous measurements (N) field 2222 reports the number of measurements performed simultaneously using multiple RX antenna configurations. The measurement report method field 2224 indicates how the results of the N simultaneous measurements are reported in this measurement report message.

  If the measurement report method field 2224 of the measurement report message indicates that the results of the N simultaneous measurements for the period of the time block will be reported separately, the measurement results corresponding to the first RX antenna configuration will have the same Included in measurement field 2218 for multiple time blocks of the measurement report message. The measurement results corresponding to the remaining (N-1) RX antenna configurations are carried in a so-called extended measurement report sub-element of the same measurement report message.

  The measurement report method field 2224 of the measurement report message indicates that the average of the results of the N simultaneous measurements during the time block is reported, or the weighting of the results of the N simultaneous measurements during the time block. When signaling that an average is to be reported, the measurement results corresponding to the N RX antenna configurations are completely included in the measurement fields 2218 for multiple time blocks of the same measurement report message.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of an extended measurement report sub-element according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The format includes a sub-element ID field 2302, a length field 2304, and a data field 2306. Prepare. The data field 2306 further comprises measurement fields for (N-1) * M time blocks and can be divided into (N-1) groups, each with measurement fields for M time blocks. Each group corresponds to the specific RX antenna configuration used for the measurement. For example, group 2312 corresponds to the second RX antenna configuration, and group 2314 corresponds to the Nth RX antenna configuration.

  Referring to FIG. 21, according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the measurement start time in the second measurement request message 1904 (or the second measurement report message 1908) for the measurement on the secondary first layer channel. The field 2112 is later than the Tcs + measurement start time field 2112 + measurement duration field 2114 in the first measurement request message 1902 (or the first measurement report message 1906) for measurement on the primary first tier channel, and Tcs is Considering the time to switch channels and reconfigure the receiver, the value of Tcs is either predetermined or can be changed by configuration. On the other hand, in order to maintain the consistency of the measurement results among the measurements on the primary and secondary first layer channels, the measurement setting field 2108, the measurement method field 2110, the measurement duration field 2114, and the number of time blocks (M) The field 2116 has the same value in the first measurement request message 1902 (or the first measurement report message 1906) and the second measurement request message 1904 (or the second measurement report message 1908). The duration of each time block is the same for the first measurement request message 1902 (or the first measurement report message 1906) and the second measurement request message 1904 (or the second measurement report message 1908).

  According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an alternative exists for the SPSH method 1800. For example, in step 1806, the PCP / AP 1302 can request each STA belonging to the candidate SP 1712 to perform measurement on the second layer channel instead of the secondary first layer channel. As a result, the PCP / AP 1302 can directly obtain accurate information about the channel quality on the second layer channel and the corresponding primary first layer channel, so that the SPSH between the existing SP 1710 and the candidate SP 1712 can be obtained. Appropriate decisions can be made. However, using a second layer channel instead of the secondary first layer channel may result in a longer Tcs.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2400 for establishing SPSH between an existing SP 1710 and a candidate SP 1712 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The candidate SP assumes that no channel time was allocated before the SPSH evaluation was started. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a message exchange between the PCP / AP 1302 and the STA related to SPSH according to the method 2400.

  The method 2400 starts the SPSH evaluation at step 2402. In step 2404, the PCP / AP 1302 establishes both on the primary first tier channel (ie, CN = 1) and the secondary first tier channel (ie, CN = 2) of the second tier channel (eg, CN = 5). In order to request measurement, a measurement request message 2502 is transmitted to each STA belonging to candidate SP 1712 (ie, 1304e or 1304f). The measurement request message 2502 carries measurement configuration information regarding measurements on the primary and secondary first tier channels of the second tier channel. In addition to the measurement channel, the measurement method and the measurement timing, the measurement setting information is a method for allocating the measurement time block between the primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel, simultaneously using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. The method further includes reporting the number of measurements performed, the results of multiple simultaneous measurements in a subsequent measurement report message 2504.

  In step 2406, after receiving the measurement request message 2502, each requested STA may use a plurality of RX antenna configurations on the primary Tier 1 channel during the time block allocated to the Primary Tier 1 channel. A plurality of measurements are performed simultaneously, and a plurality of measurements are performed simultaneously using a plurality of RX antenna configurations on the secondary first layer channel during a time block allocated to the secondary first layer channel. The time blocks are allocated equally to the measurements on each channel. Note that the requested STA (eg, 1304e) utilizes the same multiple RX antenna configurations as the antenna used to receive the MIMO transmission on the same channel from its target STA (ie, 1304f). Performing multiple measurements on the primary first tier channel (or secondary first tier channel).

  In step 2408, each of the requested STAs uses the measurement report message 2504 to transmit the results of the multiple simultaneous measurements on the primary and secondary layer 1 channels according to the measurement setting information indicated in the measurement request message 2502. A return report is sent to the AP 1302 collectively.

  In step 2410, the PCP / AP 1302 determines how to establish SPSH between the existing SP 1710 and the candidate SP 1712 based on the result of the measurement carried in the measurement report message 2504. The method 2400 stops at step 2412.

  According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, PCP / AP 1302 can obtain accurate information about the channel quality on the primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel corresponding to the second tier channel, and The channel quality on the second layer channel can be further evaluated from the information, so that an appropriate decision can be made regarding the SPSH between the existing SP 1710 and the candidate SP 1712.

  Whereas the first embodiment of the present disclosure involves two pairs of measurement requests and report messages, the second embodiment of the present disclosure rather involves a pair of measurement requests and measurement messages. As a result, the second embodiment of the present disclosure improves the channel efficiency compared to the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, an alternative exists for the SPSH method 2400. For example, in step 2404, the PCP / AP 1302 may instruct each STA belonging to the candidate SP 1712 to make measurements on the second tier channel and the corresponding primary first tier channel instead of on its primary and secondary first tier channels. Can request. As a result, the PCP / AP 1302 can directly obtain accurate information about the channel quality on the second layer channel and the corresponding primary first layer channel, so that the SPSH between the existing SP 1710 and the candidate SP 1712 can be obtained. Appropriate decisions can be made.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of the measurement request message 2502 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and this format can be regarded as an extension of the format of the measurement request message 1902 illustrated in FIG. .

  The measurement request message 2502 includes an operation class field 2702, a channel number field 2704, an AID field 2706, a measurement setting field 2708, a measurement method field 2710, a measurement start time field 2712, a measurement duration field 2714, and the number of time blocks (M) field. 2716 and optional sub-element fields 2718.

  The measurement setting field 2708 includes a channel control field 2722, a time block allocation pattern field 2724, a number of simultaneous measurements (N) field 2726, and a measurement report method field 2728. The channel control field 2722 may be measured on a single first tier (or second tier) channel, both on the primary and secondary first tier channels of the second tier channel, or on the second tier channel and the corresponding primary first tier channel. Indicate whether to be performed on a hierarchical channel. Time block allocation pattern field 2724 indicates how time blocks are allocated to measurements on two channels, and if channel control field 2722 indicates that measurements are performed on two channels. It is effective for The number of simultaneous measurements (N) field 2726 indicates the number of measurements that can be performed simultaneously using multiple RX antenna configurations for the requested measurement. Measurement report method field 2728 indicates how the results of the N simultaneous measurements are reported in a subsequent measurement report message.

  If the channel control field 2722 indicates that the measurement is to be performed on a single first tier (or second tier) channel, the format of the measurement request message 2502 is the same as the format of the measurement request message 1902 shown in FIG. It can be seen that they are the same. Hereinafter, the format of the measurement request message 2502 for indicating by the channel control field 2722 that the measurement is performed on two channels will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 27, the two channels to which the measurement applies can be derived from an operation class field 2702, a channel number field 2704, and a channel control field 2722. For example, assume that operation class field 2702 and channel number field 2704 specify CN = 5 for the second layer channel. If the channel control field 2722 indicates that the measurement is to be taken on both the primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel corresponding to the second tier channel, the primary first tier channel and the secondary to which the measurement applies It is easily assumed that the first layer channels have CN = 1 and CN = 2, respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 27, AID field 2706 indicates the target STA. The measurement method field 2710 indicates the method used by the requested STA to perform measurements on the two channels and report back in the measurement report message 2504.

  The measurement start time field 2712 indicates the time at which measurement starts on the primary channel of the requested first layer channel. Duration field 2714 indicates the nominal duration of the measurement on the two requested channels. Time block number field 2716 indicates the number of time blocks within the measurement duration, where the duration of each time block is the same. Optional sub-element field 2718 contains zero or more sub-elements and can be used for function expansion.

  As described above, the time block assignment pattern field 2724 specifies how time blocks are assigned to two channels. In the first method, as shown in FIG. 26, the two channels to which the measurement is applied are assumed to be the primary and secondary first tier channels of the second tier channel. The allocated time block may be followed by an interval of Tcs and a time block assigned to another channel, where Tcs takes into account the time to switch channels and reconfigure the receiver, and the value of Tcs Is either predetermined or can be changed by setting. In the second method, the time blocks are divided into groups and are alternatively assigned to two channels, the first being the group of the primary first layer channel, and the interval between adjacent groups is Tcs. The number of time blocks in a group can either be predetermined or varied in settings. From the point of view of the first method, the channel switching during measurement occurs once, but the channel quality evaluation may not be accurate because the measurement for each channel is performed during a part of the total measurement duration. From the point of view of the second method, the channel quality estimation is more accurate since the measurement per channel spans the entire measurement duration. However, channel switching and receiver reconfiguration during measurement are more frequent and therefore consume more power.

  Referring to FIG. 26, the actual measurement duration for the measurements on the two channels depends not only on the measurement duration but also on the time block allocation pattern. For example, when the time block assignment pattern indicates that the time block assigned to the primary layer 1 channel is followed by the time block assigned to the other channels, the actual measurement for the measurements on the two channels The duration is equal to the measurement duration + Tcs. When the time block allocation pattern indicates that the grouped time blocks are alternatively allocated to the two channels, the actual measurement duration for the measurements on the two channels is equal to the measurement duration + T Equally, T = Tcs × (the number of time block groups−1).

  FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of the measurement report message 2504 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. This format can be considered as an extension of the format of the measurement report message 1906 shown in FIG. .

  The measurement report message 2504 includes an operation class field 2802, a channel number field 2804, an AID field 2806, a measurement setting field 2808, a measurement method field 2810, a measurement start time field 2812, a measurement duration field 2814, and the number of time blocks (M) field. 2816, a measurement field 2818 for a plurality of time blocks and an optional subelement field 2820.

  The measurement setting field 2808 includes a channel control field 2822, a time block allocation pattern field 2824, a number of simultaneous measurements (N) field 2826, and a measurement report method field 2828. The channel control field 2822 may be measured on a single first tier (or second tier) channel, both on the primary and secondary first tier channels of the second tier channel, or the second tier channel and its primary first tier channel. Notifies whether it was performed on the channel. The time block allocation pattern field 2824 informs how the time blocks have been allocated to the measurements on the two channels, and the channel control field 2822 indicates that the measurements are performed on the two channels. Sometimes effective. The number of simultaneous measurements (N) field 2826 reports the number of measurements performed simultaneously using multiple RX antenna configurations for the measurements. The measurement report method field 2828 indicates how the results of the N simultaneous measurements are reported in the measurement report message.

  When the channel control field 2822 indicates that the measurement was performed on a single first tier (or second tier) channel, the format of the measurement report message 2504 is the same as the format of the measurement report message 1906 shown in FIG. It can be seen that they are the same. Hereinafter, the format of the measurement report message 2504 for notifying the channel control field 2822 that the measurement has been performed on the two channels will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 28, the two channels to which the measurement applies can be derived from an operation class field 2802, a channel number field 2804, and a channel control field 2822. The AID field 2806 notifies the target STA. The measurement method field 2810 indicates the measurement method by the requested STA to perform the measurement on the two channels. The measurement start time field 2812 reports the time at which the measurement on the requested primary layer 1 channel has started. The measurement duration field 2814 reports the total duration of the measurement on the two requested channels. The number of time blocks field 2816 reports the number of time blocks within the measurement duration. Optional sub-element field 2820 contains zero or more sub-elements and can be used for function expansion.

  If the measurement report method field 2828 of the measurement report message indicates that the results of the N simultaneous measurements for the period of the time block are reported separately, the result of the measurement corresponding to the first RX antenna configuration is: It is carried in the measurement field 2818 for multiple time blocks of the same measurement report message. The results of the measurements corresponding to the remaining (N-1) RX antenna configurations are carried in the extended measurement report sub-element of the same measurement report message (see FIG. 23).

  The Measurement Report Method field 2828 of the Measurement Report message reports that the average of the results of the N simultaneous measurements during the time block is reported, or the weighted average of the results of the N simultaneous measurements during the time block. If so, the results of the measurements corresponding to the N RX antenna configurations are carried in measurement fields 2818 for multiple time blocks of the same measurement report message.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a measurement method for performing space sharing between an existing service period and a candidate service period through a PCP / AP serving as a coordinator. Generating first measurement configuration information used for the measurement request; and the first measurement configuration information related to measurement in the primary first layer channel corresponding to each of the second layer channels is included in the candidate service period. Transmitting to a STA that is a terminal device, wherein the first measurement setting information is a first measurement method, a first measurement start time, a first measurement duration, and the first measurement duration. A first number of time blocks in the first, a first number of simultaneous measurements performed using a plurality of receive antenna configurations, and a first method of reporting the results of the first number of simultaneous measurements. , Wherein the first measurement duration of each time block is the same time.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a step of generating second measurement setting information used for a second measurement request in the PCP / AP, and a step of generating a second measurement setting information corresponding to each of the second layer channels Transmitting the second measurement setting information related to the measurement of the first layer channel to the STA, wherein the second measurement setting information is a second measurement method that is the same measurement method as the first measurement method. A measurement method, a second measurement start time, a second measurement duration that is the same time as the first measurement duration, and a second measurement duration that is the same as the first number of time blocks. A second number of time blocks, a second number of simultaneous measurements performed using a plurality of receive antenna configurations that is the same number as the first number of simultaneous measurements, and the same as the first reporting method. Reporting method A second reporting method of the second number of simultaneous measurement results, wherein the second measurement duration time of each time block is the same time. The second measurement start time is a predetermined time Tcs and the second measurement start time. The predetermined time Tcs, which is later than the total time of the first measurement start time and the first measurement duration, is determined in advance in consideration of switching the first layer channel and reconfiguring the STA, Or it can be changed by setting.

  According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, after the STA receives the first measurement request, the STA simultaneously uses the plurality of reception antenna configurations according to the first measurement setting information and uses the plurality of reception antenna configurations to simultaneously perform the primary first hierarchy. Make multiple measurements on the channel.

  According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, after the STA receives the second measurement request, the STA simultaneously uses the plurality of reception antenna configurations according to the second measurement setting information and uses the secondary first layer. Perform multiple measurements on either the channel or the second layer channel.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the PCP / AP further includes receiving a first measurement report from the STA according to the first reporting method.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the first measurement report individually includes the first number of simultaneous measurement results.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the first measurement report includes an average of the first number of simultaneous measurement results.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the first measurement report includes a weighted average of a result of the first number of simultaneous measurements.

  According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the PCP / AP further includes a step of receiving a second measurement report according to the second reporting method from the STA, wherein the first measurement report and the second Making a decision on spatial sharing between the existing SP and the candidate SP according to both of the measurement reports.

Claims (6)

The existing service period in the primary first layer channel in which the first terminal and the second terminal belongs, the includes a primary first layer channel and a secondary first layer channel, the second hierarchical channel third terminal and the fourth terminal belongs And when the existing service period is spatially shared with a candidate service period that is scheduled to overlap at least partially in time, the third terminal and the fourth terminal are allocated to the second layer channel. A measurement request generation unit that generates a measurement request message requesting measurement of channel quality for each of the included primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel;
A transmitting unit that transmits the measurement request message to the third terminal and the fourth terminal;
A receiving unit that receives, from the third terminal and the fourth terminal, a channel quality measurement result for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel;
Based on the received measurement result, a scheduler that determines whether to perform space sharing between the existing service period and the candidate service period,
including,
PCP / AP device. Said scheduler, said existing service period and when it is determined to establish a space shared with the candidate service periods, you assign the second hierarchical channel to the third terminal and the fourth terminal,
The PCP / AP device according to claim 1. A receiving unit for receiving a measurement request message from the PCP / AP device;
In response to said measurement request message, the primary first and have contact to the second layer channel containing layer channel and a secondary first layer channel, scheduled to overlap at least a portion existing service periods and time to the said primary first layer channel PHY for measuring the channel quality of each of the primary first-layer channel and the secondary first-layer channel included in the second- layer channel for another terminal device that is a communication partner belonging to the candidate service period to be performed Department and
A transmitting unit that transmits a result of the measurement to the PCP / AP device.
A terminal device,
The measurement request message is
When the existing service period in the primary first layer channel to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong and the candidate service period are spatially shared,
A message requesting measurement for each channel included in the second layer channel,
Terminal device. The existing service period in the primary first layer channel in which the first terminal and the second terminal belongs, the includes a primary first layer channel and a secondary first layer channel, the second hierarchical channel third terminal and the fourth terminal belongs And when the existing service period is spatially shared with a candidate service period that is scheduled to overlap at least partially in time, the third terminal and the fourth terminal are allocated to the second layer channel. Generating a measurement request message requesting measurement of channel quality for each of the included primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel;
Transmitting the measurement request message to the third terminal and the fourth terminal ,
Receiving, from the third terminal and the fourth terminal, channel quality measurement results for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel;
Based on the received measurement result, determine whether to perform space sharing between the existing service period and the candidate service period,
Communication method of PCP / AP device. Receiving the channel quality measurement results for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel measured by the third terminal and the fourth terminal;
Based on the received measurement result, determine whether to perform space sharing between the existing service period and the candidate service period ,
The communication method for a PCP / AP device according to claim 4. Receiving a measurement request message from the PCP / AP device,
In response to said measurement request message, the primary first and have contact to the second layer channel containing layer channel and a secondary first layer channel, scheduled to overlap at least a portion existing service periods and time to the said primary first layer channel For other terminal devices that are communication partners belonging to the candidate service period to be performed, the channel quality of each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel is measured,
Transmitting the result of the measurement to the PCP / AP device,
The measurement request message is
When the existing service period in the primary first layer channel to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong and the candidate service period are spatially shared,
A message requesting measurement for each channel included in the second layer channel,
Terminal device communication method.

Images