JP6816244B2 - PCP / AP device, terminal device and communication method thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more specifically to methods for establishing spatial sharing (SPSH) in directional WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) systems.

There is increasing interest in unlicensed 60GHz mmW (millimeter wave: Millimeter Wave) networks. WirelessHD technology is the industry's first 60GHz mmW standard that enables multi-gigabit wireless streaming of high-definition audio, video and data between consumer electronics, personal computers and mobile products. Another multi-gigabit wireless communication technology that operates in the 60 GHz mm W frequency band is the WiGig technology, which has been standardized by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) as the IEEE802.11ad standard.

WiGig technology complements and extends the IEEE 802.11 MAC (Media Access Control) layer and is backwards 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. ) Is synchronized by a central coordinator, for example, an AP (access point: Access Point) or PCP (Personal BSS Control Point: Personal BSS Control Point). WiGig technology makes wider 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 ™ -2012, December 2012

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

The PCP / AP apparatus of the present disclosure includes an existing service period in the primary first layer channel to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong, a primary first layer channel and a secondary first layer channel, and the third terminal and the fourth terminal. In the second layer channel to which the third layer belongs, when the existing service period and the candidate service period scheduled to overlap at least partly in time are spatially shared, the second layer is compared with the third terminal and the fourth terminal. A measurement request message is generated requesting measurement of channel quality for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel contained in the channel, and the measurement request message is measured using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. A measurement request generation unit including a measurement setting field indicating a method of reporting the measurement result of the above, a transmission unit for transmitting a measurement request message to the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and a second layer from the third terminal and the fourth terminal. Spatial sharing between the existing service period and the candidate service period based on the received measurement results and the receiver that receives the channel quality measurement results for each of the primary 1st layer channel and the secondary 1st layer channel included in the channel. The method of reporting the measurement result of the channel quality including the scheduler for deciding whether or not to perform is the first method of reporting the measurement result by a plurality of RX antenna configurations for each antenna and the measurement by a plurality of RX antenna configurations. Includes a second method of reporting the average of the results.

The present invention can perform optimal SPSH using Channel Bonding and MIMO.

The figure explaining the example of the single layer channelization in the 60GHz mmW frequency band. Diagram illustrating an example of a centralized WiGig network based on single-tier channelization Block diagram explaining an example of PCP / AP architecture in a centralized WiGig network based on single-layer channelization Block diagram illustrating an example of STA architecture in a centralized WiGig network based on single-tier channelization Diagram illustrating channel access periods within BI based on single-tier channelization Diagram illustrating an example of an SPSH scenario between two SPs in BI based on single-tier channelization Flowchart explaining the method for establishing SPSH between the existing SP and the candidate SP by the prior art The figure explaining the message exchange between PCP / AP and STA related to SPSH by the method of the prior art. The figure explaining the SPSH evaluation between the existing SP and the candidate SP by the method of the prior art. The figure which explained the example of the format of the measurement request message by the method of the prior art. Diagram illustrating an example of the format of a measurement report message by the prior art method The figure explaining the example of the two-layer channelization in the 60GHz mmW frequency band. Diagram explaining an example of a centralized WiGig network based on two-tier channelization A diagram illustrating MIMO transmission between two STAs Block diagram explaining an example of PCP / AP architecture in a centralized WiGig network based on two-tier channelization Block diagram explaining an example of STA architecture in a centralized WiGig network based on two-tier channelization Diagram illustrating an SPSH scenario between two SPs in BI based on two-tier channelization A flowchart illustrating a method for establishing an SPSH between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure explaining the message exchange between PCP / AP and STA relating to SPSH by 1st Embodiment of this disclosure. The figure explaining the SPSH evaluation between the existing SP and the candidate SP by the 1st Embodiment of this disclosure. The figure explaining the example of the format of the measurement request message by 1st Embodiment of this disclosure. The figure explaining the example of the format of the measurement report message by 1st Embodiment of this disclosure. The figure explaining the example of the format of the extended measurement report component according to 1st Embodiment of this disclosure. A flowchart illustrating a method for establishing an SPSH between an existing SP and a candidate SP according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The figure explaining the message exchange between PCP / AP and STA related to SPSH by the 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure. The figure explaining the SPSH evaluation between the existing SP and the candidate SP by the 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure. The figure explaining the example of the format of the measurement request message by the 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure. The figure explaining the example of the format of the measurement report message by the 2nd Embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of single-layer channelization in the 60 GHz mm W frequency band in which the 60 GHz mm W frequency band is divided into four channels having CBW (Channel Bandwidth: 2.16 GHz). Channels having CN (Channel Number: 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. The centralized WiGig network 200 includes a PCP / AP202 that operates in a first layer channel and also includes a plurality of STA204s and STA functions. The PCP / AP202 can communicate with one of the STA204s (eg, 204e) through the communication link 212. One of the STA 204s (eg, 204c) can also communicate directly with another one of the STA 204s (eg, 204d) through communication link 214.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the architecture of PCP / AP202 in the centralized WiGig network 200. The PCP / AP202 includes a controller 302, a scheduler 304, a message generator 308, a message calculation unit 306, a PHY calculation unit 310, and an antenna 312. The controller 302 is a MAC protocol controller and controls general MAC protocol operation. The scheduler 304 schedules the allocation of channel access periods under the control of controller 302. The message generator 308 receives scheduling information from the scheduler 304 and generates corresponding control, data or management messages, such as beacons, which are processed by the PHY arithmetic unit 310 in PHY (Physical Layer). It is later transmitted through the antenna 312. The antenna 312 may be a single element antenna, an adaptive antenna array, or a beam switching antenna. On the other hand, the message calculation unit 306 analyzes the messages received from the plurality of STA 204s and supplies them to the controller 302.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the STA204 architecture in the centralized WiGig network 200. Each of the plurality of STA 204s includes a controller 402, a message generator 404, a message calculation unit 406, a PHY calculation unit 408, and an antenna 410. The controller 402 is a MAC protocol controller and controls general MAC protocol operation. The message generator 404 generates control, data or management messages under the control of controller 402, and these messages are transmitted through the antenna 410 after PHY processing by the PHY calculator 408. On the other hand, the message calculation 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 STA204s occurs during BI (beacon interval: Beacon Interval). This channel access is generated by PCP / AP202 and coordinated with a schedule that allows communication to STA204 using beacons. The STA 204 receives the scheduling information and accesses the medium during the scheduled period using access rules specific to that period.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a channel access period within the BI500. The BI500 includes three types of access periods: BTI (Beacon Transmission Interval) 502, ATI (Announcement Transmission Interval: Announcation Transmission Interval) 506 and DTI (Data Transfer Interval: Data Transfer Interval) 50. You may. The BTI 502 is an access period during which the PCP / AP202 performs BF training using directional transmission of multiple beacons by all sectors of the antenna 312 to reach the full range of transmission coverage of the plurality of STA204s. ATI506 is a request response based management access period between the PCP / AP202 and the plurality of STA204s. In DTI508, messages are exchanged between a plurality of STA204s and between PCP / AP202 and individual STA204s. The DTI 508 further comprises a plurality of access periods, such as SP (Service Period) 510 and CBAP (Competition-based Access Period: Contention-Based Access Period) 512. SP510 is the channel time reserved for communication between PCP / AP202 and STA or between pairs of STAs (eg, 204a and 204b). STAs belonging to the SP must BF train each other before engaging in any other communication or making any measurement. After the BF training is completed, for each STA belonging to the SP, the transmit (TX) antenna configuration and the receive (RX) antenna configuration that will be used for single stream transmission between SPs are determined.

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. SPs that are evaluated for SPSH along with other scheduled (existing) SPs or that are considered for reassignment during BI are referred to as candidate SPs.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an SPSH scenario between two SPs in BI600. The DTI 608 within the BI 600 comprises a plurality of access periods, eg, a first SP610 and a second SP614. The first SP610 is assumed to be an existing SP and is reserved for communication between, for example, STA204a and 204b. The second SP 614 is assumed to be a candidate SP and is reserved, for example, for communication between the STA 204c and 204d. Candidate SP614 is scheduled to overlap time with existing SP610 on the same channel within BI600.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method 700 for establishing an SPSH between the existing SP610 and the candidate SP614 according to the prior art. Candidate SP614 is assumed to have not been allocated channel time before the SPSH evaluation was initiated. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating message exchange between PCP / AP202 and STA belonging to candidate SP614 by the method 700.

Method 700 initiates SPSH evaluation in step 702. In step 704, the PCP / AP202 goes to each STA (ie, 204c and 204d) belonging to candidate SP614 to request that a measurement be made for the purpose of assessing the likelihood of establishing SPSH with the existing SP610. The measurement request message 802 is transmitted. The measurement request message 802 carries measurement setting information regarding the requested measurement, which will be described in detail later. After receiving the measurement request message 802 in step 706, each requested STA executes the measurement according to the measurement setting information in the measurement request message 802. It should be noted that the measurement is performed using the same RX antenna configuration that the requested STA (eg, 204c) uses when receiving a frame from the target STA (eg, 204d) that belongs to candidate SP614. In step 708, each requested STA feeds back the measurement result to the PCP / AP202 using the measurement report message 804. In step 710, the PCP / AP202 determines whether to perform SPSH between the existing SP610 and the candidate SP614 based on the result of the measurement. Method 700 stops at step 712.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of the measurement request message 802, in which the format is operation class field 1002, channel number field 1004, AID field 1006, measurement method field 1010, measurement start time field 1012, measurement continuation. It includes a time field 1014, a number of time blocks field 1016, and an optional subelement field 1018. The operational class field 1002 and the channel number field 1004 indicate the channel set and CN to which the requested measurement applies, respectively. That is, the operation class field 1002 specifies the channel number field 1004 and the measurement channel. The AID field 1006 points to the target STA and suggests which particular RX antenna configuration should be used in the requested measurement. The measurement method field 1010 is to be used by the requested STA to perform the measurement and, for example, return an ANIPI (Average Noise and Interference Power Indicator) in the measurement report message 804. Instruct how to become. The measurement start time field 1012 indicates the time when the requested measurement starts. The measurement duration field 1014 indicates the requested measurement duration. The relationship between the measurement start time field 1012 and the measurement duration field 1014 in the measurement request message 802 is shown in FIG. The number of time blocks field 1016 indicates the number of time blocks within the measurement duration, and the duration of each time block is the same. The measurement start time field 1012 provides a measurement duration field 1014, a number of time blocks field 1016, and measurement timing information for the requested measurement. The optional subelement field 1018 contains zero or more subelements and can be used for enhancement.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of the measurement report message 804, in which the format is operation class field 1102, channel number field 1104, AID field 1106, measurement method field 1110, measurement start time field 1112, measurement continuation. It comprises a time field 1114, a number of time blocks field 1116, a plurality of measurement fields 1118 for time blocks, and an optional subelement field 1120. The operational class field 1102 and the channel number field 1104 indicate the channel set and CN to which the measurement applies, respectively. The AID field 1106 indicates the target STA. The 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. The measurement duration field 1114 indicates the duration of the measurement. The number of time blocks 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 a measurement over a particular time block. The format of measurement field 1118 for time blocks is specified by measurement method field 1110. The optional subelement field 1120 contains zero or more subelements and can be used for enhancement.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of two-layer channelization in the 60 GHz mm W 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 around 59.4 GHz and 63.72 GHz, respectively. In terms of frequency range, the first layer channels corresponding to CN = 1 and 2 are covered by the second layer channels corresponding to CN = 5. From the viewpoint of the second layer channel corresponding to CN = 5, the channel corresponding to CN = 1 is referred to as a primary first layer channel, and the channel corresponding to CN = 2 is referred to as a secondary first layer channel. Similarly, from the viewpoint 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 referred to as the secondary first layer channel. be called.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a centralized WiGig network 1300 based on the two-layer channelization shown in FIG. The centralized WiGig network 1300 supports MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) transmission on a second tier channel or the corresponding primary first tier channel, and is a PCP that also includes multiple STA1304 and STA functions. / AP1302 is provided. The PCP / AP 1302 has one STA (eg, eg) through a MIMO communication link 1312 on a second tier channel (eg, CN = 5) or a MIMO communication link 1314 on the corresponding primary first tier channel (eg, CN = 1). It can communicate with 1304e). Similarly, one of the STAs (eg, 1304c) is another STA (eg, 1304d) through the MIMO communication link 1322 on the second tier channel or the MIMO communication link 1324 on the corresponding primary first tier channel. Can communicate with.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of MIMO transmission between a STA (for example, 1304d) and its target STA (for example, 1304c) in the centralized wireless network 1300, and the STA1304c is the transmitting side of the MIMO signal. It is assumed that the STA1304d is the receiver of the MIMO signal. The STA1304c simultaneously transmits a plurality of spatial streams using a plurality of TX antenna configurations, and these spatial streams are simultaneously received by the STA1304d using the plurality of RX antenna configurations. Multiple TX antenna configurations for STA1304c and multiple RX antenna configurations for STA1304d used for MIMO transmission can be obtained through prior MIMO antenna beam training between STA1304d and its target STA1304c. It should be noted that different channels may have different TX antenna configurations for STA1304c and multiple RX antenna configurations for STA1304d used for MIMO transmission.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the PCP / AP1302 architecture in the centralized WiGig network 1300. The PCP / AP1302 includes a controller 1502, a scheduler 1504, a message generator 1508, a message calculation unit 1506, a PHY calculation unit 1510, and a plurality of antennas 1512. The controller 1502 is a MAC protocol controller and controls general MAC protocol operation. The scheduler 1504 schedules the allocation of channel access periods under the control of controller 1502. The message generator 1508 receives scheduling information from the scheduler 1504 and generates corresponding control, data or management messages, such as beacons, which are passed through the plurality of antennas 1512 after PHY processing by the PHY arithmetic unit 1510. Will be sent. On the other hand, the message calculation unit 1506 analyzes the messages received from the plurality of STA1304s and supplies them to the controller 1502. Compared to their counterparts in FIG. 3, functional blocks such as controller 1502, scheduler 1504, message generator 1508, message arithmetic unit 1506 and PHY arithmetic unit 1510 support MIMO transmission and multiple channel bandwidths. Functionally expanded and enhanced to allow for.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the STA 1304 in the centralized WiGig network 1300. Each of the plurality of STA1304s includes a controller 1602, a message generation unit 1604, a message calculation unit 1606, a PHY calculation unit 1608, and a plurality of antennas 1610. The controller 1602 is a MAC protocol control unit and controls general MAC protocol operations. The message generation unit 1604 generates control, data or management messages under the control of the control unit 1602, and these messages are transmitted through the plurality of antennas 1610 after the PHY processing by the PHY calculation unit 1608. On the other hand, the message calculation unit 1606 analyzes the control, data or management messages received from the PCP / AP1302 under the control of the controller 1602, and supplies them to the controller 1602. Compared to their counterparts in FIG. 4, functional blocks such as controller 1602, message generator 1604, message arithmetic unit 1606 and PHY arithmetic unit 1608 can support MIMO transmission and multiple channel bandwidths. , Functionally expanded and enhanced.

This disclosure allows the PCP / AP1302 to obtain accurate information about the quality of both the second tier channel and the corresponding primary first tier channel, so that the SPSH can be appropriately determined from the measurement results. Is possible.

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

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating method 1800 for establishing SPSH (FIG. 17) between existing SP1710 and candidate SP1712 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Candidate SP1712 assumes that channel time was not allocated before the SPSH evaluation was initiated. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating message exchange between PCP / AP1302 and STA related to SPSH by method 1800.

Method 1800 initiates SPSH evaluation in step 1802. In step 1804, PCP / AP1302 requests to make measurements on the primary first layer channel (ie, CN = 1) corresponding to the second layer channel (eg, CN = 5) where the existing SP1710 is located. Therefore, a first measurement request message 1902 is transmitted to each STA (that is, 1304e and 1304f) belonging to the candidate SP 1712 (FIG. 17 17b). The first measurement request message 1902 contains measurement configuration information for measurements on the primary first layer channel. In addition to the measurement channel, measurement method and measurement timing, the measurement setting information includes the number of measurements taken simultaneously using multiple RX antenna configurations and the results of multiple simultaneous measurements in the subsequent first measurement report message 1906. Also includes methods for reporting.

In step 1806, the PCP / AP1302 each STA belonging to candidate SP1712 (ie, ie, to request measurements on the secondary first layer channel (ie, CN = 2) corresponding to the same second layer channel. A second measurement request message 1904 is transmitted to 1304e and 1304f). The second measurement request message 1904 contains measurement setting information regarding the measurement on the secondary first layer channel.

In step 1808, each requested STA (ie, 1304e and 1304f) is a time block assigned to a measurement on the primary first layer channel corresponding to a portion of the existing SP1710, as described in FIG. During the period, multiple measurements are performed simultaneously using multiple RX (receive) antenna configurations. It should be noted that the requested STA (eg, 1304e) utilizes the same multiple RX antenna configurations as the antenna used to receive MIMO transmissions from its target STA (ie, 1304f) on the same channel. Performing multiple simultaneous measurements on the primary first layer channel.

In step 1810, each requested STA (ie, 1304e and 1304f) is assigned a time block for measurements on the secondary first tier channel corresponding to another portion of the existing SP1710, as described in FIG. During the period of, a plurality of measurements are simultaneously performed using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. It should be noted that the requested STA (eg, 1304e) utilizes the same multiple RX antenna configurations as the antenna used to receive MIMO transmissions from its target STA (ie, 1304f) on the same channel. Performing multiple measurements on the secondary first tier channel.

In step 1812, each requested STA is the result of a plurality of simultaneous measurements on the primary first tier channel using the first measurement report message 1906 according to the measurement configuration information contained in the first measurement request message 1902. Is fed back to PCP / AP1302. In step 1814, each requested STA follows the measurement configuration information carried in the second measurement request message 1904 and uses the second measurement report message 1908 as the result of multiple simultaneous measurements on the secondary first layer channel. Is fed back to PCP / AP1302.

According to the present disclosure, there are various methods for reporting the results of multiple simultaneous measurements. In the first method, the results of multiple simultaneous measurements during the time block period are reported individually. In the second method, the average of the results of multiple simultaneous measurements over a period of time blocks is reported. The third method reports a weighted average of the results of multiple simultaneous measurements over a period of time blocks. 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 weighting coefficient. Compared to the first method, both the second and third methods have much shorter measurement reports. However, the first method can provide much more detailed measurement results.

In step 1816, how the PCP / AP1302 establishes an SPSH between the existing SP1710 and the candidate SP1712 based on the results of the measurements carried in the first measurement report message 1906 and the second measurement report message 1908. Determine if you want to. Method 1800 is stopped at step 1818.

According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the measurement report, each requested STA needs to make a plurality of measurements at the same time using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the discrepancy regarding the measurement result suffered by the conventional method 700.

According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCP / AP1302 can obtain accurate information about the channel quality on both the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel corresponding to the second layer channel. From that information, it is possible to further evaluate the channel quality on the second layer channel, and as a result, make appropriate decisions regarding the SPSH between the existing SP1710 and the candidate SP1712.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of the 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 a number of time blocks (M) field. It comprises 2116 and an optional subelement field 2118. With the exception of the measurement setting field 2108, the other fields can be defined in the same manner as their corresponding fields in the measurement request message 802 shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the 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 a number of time blocks (M) field. 2216, a measurement field 2218 for a plurality of time blocks and an optional partial element field 2220. With the exception of the measurement setting field 2208, the other fields can be defined in the same manner as their corresponding fields in the measurement report message 804 shown in FIG.

The measurement setting field 2208 further includes a number of simultaneous measurements (N) field 2222 and a measurement reporting method field 2224. Number of Simultaneous Measurements (N) Field 2222 notifies the number of measurements taken simultaneously using multiple RX antenna configurations. The measurement report method field 2224 informs how the results of N simultaneous measurements are reported in this measurement report message.

If the measurement report method field 2224 of the measurement report message notifies that the results of N simultaneous measurements during the time block period are reported individually, the measurement results corresponding to the first RX antenna configuration are 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 the so-called extended measurement report component of the same measurement report message.

The measurement report method field 2224 of the measurement report message notifies that the average of the results of N simultaneous measurements during the time block period is reported, or is weighted by the results of N simultaneous measurements during the time block period. When notifying that the average is reported, the measurement results corresponding to the N RX antenna configurations are fully included in the measurement field 2218 for multiple time blocks of the same measurement report message.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of the format of the extended measurement report subelement according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, which format comprises the subelement ID field 2302, the length field 2304 and the data field 2306. Be prepared. The data field 2306 can be further divided into (N-1) groups including (N-1) × M measurement fields for time blocks, each having 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. Field 2112 is later than Tcs + measurement start time field 2112 + measurement duration field 2114 in the first measurement request message 1902 (or first measurement report message 1906) for measurement on the primary first layer channel, and Tcs is Considering the time to switch channels and reconfigure the receiver, the value of Tcs is either predetermined or changeable in the settings. 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 also 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, there are alternatives to the SPSH method 1800. For example, in step 1806, the PCP / AP1302 can request each STA belonging to candidate SP1712 to make measurements on the second layer channel instead of the secondary first layer channel. As a result, the PCP / AP1302 can directly obtain accurate information about the channel quality on the second tier channel and the corresponding primary first tier channel, with respect to the SPSH between the existing SP1710 and the candidate SP1712. It is possible to make appropriate decisions. However, using a second layer channel instead of the secondary first layer channel can result in longer Tcs.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2400 for establishing an SPSH between an existing SP1710 and a candidate SP1712 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Candidate SPs assume that channel time was not allocated before the SPSH evaluation was initiated. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating message exchange between PCP / AP1302 and STA related to SPSH by the method 2400.

Method 2400 initiates SPSH evaluation in step 2402. In step 2404, the PCP / AP1302 is on both the primary first layer channel (ie, CN = 1) and the secondary first layer channel (ie, CN = 2) of the second layer channel (eg, CN = 5). A measurement request message 2502 is sent to each STA (ie, 1304e or 1304f) belonging to candidate SP1712 to request that the measurement be performed. The measurement request message 2502 carries measurement setting information regarding measurements on the primary and secondary first tier channels of the second tier channel. In addition to measurement channels, measurement methods and measurement timings, measurement setting information is a method for allocating measurement time blocks between the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel, simultaneously using multiple RX antenna configurations. The number of measurements performed, further including methods for reporting the results of multiple simultaneous measurements in subsequent measurement report message 2504.

After receiving the measurement request message 2502 in step 2406, each requested STA uses multiple RX antenna configurations on the primary first layer channel during the time block allocated to the primary first layer channel. A plurality of measurements are performed simultaneously, and a plurality of measurements are simultaneously performed on the secondary first layer channel using a plurality of RX antenna configurations during a time block allocated to the secondary first layer channel. Time blocks are equally allocated to measurements on each channel. It should be noted that the requested STA (eg, 1304e) utilizes the same multiple RX antenna configurations as the antenna used to receive MIMO transmissions from its target STA (ie, 1304f) on the same channel. Performing multiple measurements on the primary first tier channel (or secondary first tier channel).

In step 2408, each requested STA uses the measurement report message 2504 to obtain the results of multiple simultaneous measurements on the primary and secondary first layer channels according to the measurement setting information instructed in the measurement request message 2502. Report back to AP1302 all at once.

In step 2410, PCP / AP1302 determines how to establish an SPSH between the existing SP1710 and the candidate SP1712 based on the results of the measurements carried in the measurement report message 2504. Method 2400 stops at step 2412.

According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the PCP / AP1302 can obtain accurate information about the channel quality on the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel corresponding to the second layer channel. From the information, it is possible to further evaluate the channel quality on the second layer channel, and as a result, make appropriate decisions regarding the SPSH between the existing SP1710 and the candidate SP1712.

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 channel efficiency as compared to the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, there are alternatives to the SPSH method 2400. For example, in step 2404, the PCP / AP1302 tells each STA belonging to candidate SP1712 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. You can request. As a result, the PCP / AP1302 can directly obtain accurate information about the channel quality on the second tier channel and the corresponding primary first tier channel, with respect to the SPSH between the existing SP1710 and the candidate SP1712. It is possible to make appropriate decisions.

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 shown in FIG. ..

The measurement request message 2502 includes operation class field 2702, channel number field 2704, AID field 2706, measurement setting field 2708, measurement method field 2710, measurement start time field 2712, measurement duration field 2714, and number of time blocks (M) field. It comprises 2716 and an optional subelement field 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 reporting method field 2728. The channel control field 2722 can be measured on a single first tier (or second tier) channel, on both 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. Indicates whether or not it is performed on a hierarchical channel. The time block allocation pattern field 2724 indicates how the time block is allocated to the measurements on the two channels, and the channel control field 2722 indicates that the measurements are performed on the two channels. It is effective for. 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 measurements. The measurement report method field 2728 indicates how the results of N simultaneous measurements are reported in subsequent measurement report messages.

When 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 that of the measurement request message 1902 shown in FIG. It turns out that they are the same. Hereinafter, the format of the measurement request message 2502 for the channel control field 2722 to indicate that the measurement is performed on the two channels will be described.

With reference to FIG. 27, the two channels to which the measurements are applied can be derived from the operational class field 2702, the channel number field 2704 and the channel control field 2722. For example, assume that the operational class field 2702 and the channel number field 2704 specify CN = 5 for the second layer channel. If channel control field 2722 indicates that the measurement is to be performed on both the primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel corresponding to the second tier channel, then the primary first tier channel and secondary to which the measurement applies. It is easily inferred that the first layer channels are CN = 1 and CN = 2, respectively.

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

The measurement start time field 2712 indicates the time when the measurement starts on the primary channel of the requested first layer channel. The duration field 2714 indicates the nominal duration of the measurement on the two requested channels. The number of time blocks field 2716 indicates the number of time blocks within the measurement duration, and the duration of each time block is the same. The optional subelement field 2718 contains zero or more subelements and can be used for enhancement.

As described above, the time block allocation pattern field 2724 specifies how the time blocks are allocated to the two channels. As shown in FIG. 26, where the two channels to which the measurements are applied are assumed to be the primary and secondary first tier channels of the second tier channel, the first method assigns them to the primary first tier channel. The time block given can be followed by a Tcs interval and a time block assigned to another channel, where the Tcs is the value of the Tcs, taking into account the time it takes to switch channels and reconfigure the receiver. Is either predetermined or changeable in the settings. In the second method, the time blocks are divided into groups and are selectively assigned to the two channels, first the group of the primary first layer channels and the spacing between the neighboring groups is Tcs. The number of time blocks in a group can be either predetermined or variable in the settings. From the point of view of the first method, the channel switching during the 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 assessment is more accurate because 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.

With reference to FIG. 26, the actual measurement duration for 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 allocation pattern indicates that the time block assigned to the primary first layer channel is followed by the time block assigned to the other channel, 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 time blocks divided into groups are selectively assigned to the two channels, the actual measurement duration for the measurements on the two channels is the measurement duration + T. Equally, T = Tcs × (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, and this format can be regarded as an extension of the format of the measurement report message 1906 shown in FIG. 22. ..

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 a number of time blocks (M) fields. 2816, a measurement field 2818 for a plurality of time blocks and an optional partial element 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 reporting method field 2828. Channel control field 2822 can be measured on a single first-tier (or second-tier) channel, on both the primary and secondary first-tier channels of the second-tier channel, or on the second-tier channel and its primary first-tier channel. Notify if it was done on the channel. The time block allocation pattern field 2824 informs how the time block was allocated to the measurements on the two channels, and the channel control field 2822 notifies that the measurements are performed on the two channels. Sometimes useful. Number of Simultaneous Measurements (N) Field 2826 uses multiple RX antenna configurations for measurements to signal the number of measurements taken simultaneously. The measurement report method field 2828 informs how the results of N simultaneous measurements are reported in the measurement report message.

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

With reference to FIG. 28, the two channels to which the measurement applies can be derived from the operational class field 2802, the channel number field 2804 and the channel control field 2822. The AID field 2806 notifies the target STA. The measurement method field 2810 notifies the measurement method by the requested STA in order to perform the measurement on the two channels. The measurement start time field 2812 notifies the time when the measurement on the requested primary first layer channel started. The measurement duration field 2814 informs the total duration of measurements on the two requested channels. The number of time blocks field 2816 informs the number of time blocks within the measurement duration. The optional subelement field 2820 contains zero or more subelements and can be used for enhancement.

If the measurement report method field 2828 of the measurement report message notifies that the results of N simultaneous measurements during the time block period are reported individually, then the measurement results corresponding to the first RX antenna configuration are Carried in measurement field 2818 for multiple time blocks of the same measurement report message. The measurement results corresponding to the remaining (N-1) RX antenna configurations are carried in the extended measurement report component (see FIG. 23) of the same measurement report message.

The measurement report method field 2828 of the measurement report message reports the average of the results of N simultaneous measurements during the time block period or the weighted average of the results of N simultaneous measurements during the time block period. When notifying that, the measurement results corresponding to the N RX antenna configurations are carried in the measurement field 2818 for multiple time blocks of the same measurement report message.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is a measurement method for sharing a space between an existing service period and a candidate service period through a PCP / AP which is a coordinator, and is the first measurement method in the PCP / AP. The candidate service period includes the step of generating the first measurement setting information used for the measurement request and the first measurement setting information regarding the measurement in the primary first layer channel corresponding to each channel of the second layer channel. The first measurement setting information includes a step of transmitting to STA, which is a terminal device, and the first measurement setting information includes a first measurement method, a first measurement start time, a first measurement duration, and the first measurement duration. Each includes a first number of time blocks within, a first number of simultaneous measurements made using multiple receiving antenna configurations, and a first method of reporting the results of simultaneous measurements of the first number. The first measurement duration of the time block is the same time.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the step of generating the second measurement setting information used in the second measurement request in the PCP / AP and the secondary first corresponding to the respective channels of the second layer channel. The second measurement setting information is the same measurement method as the first measurement method, further including a step of transmitting the second measurement setting information regarding the measurement of the one-layer channel to the STA. Within the measurement method, the second measurement start time, the second measurement duration which is the same time as the first measurement duration, and the second measurement duration which is the same number as the first number in the time block. The second number of time blocks of, the second number of simultaneous measurements made using multiple receiving antenna configurations, which is the same number as the first number of simultaneous measurements, and the same as the first reporting method. The second measurement duration of each time block is the same, including the second reporting method of the second number of simultaneous measurement results, which is the reporting method, the second measurement start time is predetermined. It is later than the total time of the time Tcs, the first measurement start time, and the first measurement duration, and the predetermined time Tcs is determined in advance in consideration of switching the first layer channel and reconstructing the STA. It is either done or changed in the settings.

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

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, after receiving the second measurement request, the STA simultaneously uses a plurality of receiving antenna configurations according to the second measurement setting information, and simultaneously uses the secondary first layer. Multiple measurements are made on either the channel or the second layer channel.

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

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

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

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

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

Claims (9)

In the second layer channel to which the third terminal and the fourth terminal belong, including the existing service period in the primary first layer channel to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong, and the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel. In the case of spatially sharing the candidate service period scheduled to overlap at least a part of the existing service period in time, the third terminal and the fourth terminal are included in the second layer channel. A measurement request message is generated requesting measurement of channel quality for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel, and the measurement request message is the channel quality measured using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. A measurement request generator that includes a measurement setting field that indicates how to report the measurement results of
A transmission unit that transmits the measurement request message to the third terminal and the fourth terminal, and
A receiving unit that receives channel quality measurement results for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel from the third terminal and the fourth terminal.
A scheduler that determines whether or not to share the space between the existing service period and the candidate service period based on the received measurement result.
Including
The method of reporting the measurement result of the channel quality is a first method of reporting the measurement result of the plurality of RX antenna configurations for each antenna and a second method of reporting the average of the measurement results of the plurality of RX antenna configurations. Including,
PCP / AP device. When the value of the measurement setting field indicates the first method, the receiving unit receives a report of the measurement result for each antenna by the plurality of RX antenna configurations, and the value of the measurement setting field is the second. When the method of is shown, the average of the measurement results by the plurality of RX antenna configurations is received.
The PCP / AP apparatus according to claim 1. If the scheduler determines to establish spatial sharing between the existing service period and the candidate service period, the second layer channel is assigned to the third terminal and the fourth terminal.
The PCP / AP apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A receiver that receives a measurement request message from a PCP / AP device that includes a measurement setting field that indicates how to report the measurement results of channel quality measured using multiple RX antenna configurations.
In response to the measurement request message, the second tier channel including the primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel is scheduled to overlap at least partly in time with the existing service period in the primary first tier channel. A PHY unit that measures channel quality for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel with respect to other terminal devices that are communication partners belonging to the candidate service period. ,
A transmitter that transmits the result of the measurement to the PCP / AP device, and the like.
It ’s a terminal device,
The method of reporting the measurement result of the channel quality is a first method of reporting the measurement result of the plurality of RX antenna configurations for each antenna and a second method of reporting the average of the measurement results of the plurality of RX antenna configurations. Including,
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 equipment. When the value of the measurement setting field indicates the first method, the transmitter transmits a report of the measurement result for each antenna by the plurality of RX antenna configurations, and the value of the measurement setting field is the second. In the case of showing the method of, the average of the measurement results by the plurality of RX antenna configurations is transmitted.
The terminal device according to claim 4. In the second layer channel to which the third terminal and the fourth terminal belong, including the existing service period in the primary first layer channel to which the first terminal and the second terminal belong, and the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel. When spatially sharing a candidate service period scheduled to overlap at least a part of the existing service period in terms of time, the third terminal and the fourth terminal are included in the second layer channel. Generate a measurement request message requesting measurement of channel quality for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel, and the measurement request message is the channel quality measured using a plurality of RX antenna configurations. Contains measurement setting fields that indicate how to report the measurement results of
The measurement request message is transmitted to the third terminal and the fourth terminal,
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 are received from the third terminal and the fourth terminal.
Based on the received measurement result, it is determined whether or not to share the space between the existing service period and the candidate service period.
The method of reporting the measurement result of the channel quality is a first method of reporting the measurement result of the plurality of RX antenna configurations for each antenna and a second method of reporting the average of the measurement results of the plurality of RX antenna configurations. Including,
Communication method of PCP / AP device. When the value of the measurement setting field indicates the first method, the case where the report of the measurement result by the plurality of RX antenna configurations for each antenna is received and the value of the measurement setting field indicates the second method. Receives the average of the measurement results of the plurality of RX antenna configurations.
The communication method of the PCP / AP device according to claim 6. Receive a measurement request message from the PCP / AP device that includes a measurement setting field indicating how to report the measurement results of the channel quality measured using multiple RX antenna configurations.
In response to the measurement request message, the second tier channel including the primary first tier channel and the secondary first tier channel is scheduled to overlap at least partly in time with the existing service period in the primary first tier channel. For other terminal devices that are communication partners belonging to the candidate service period, channel quality is measured for each of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel.
The result of the measurement is transmitted to the PCP / AP device.
It is a communication method of the terminal device,
The method of reporting the measurement result of the channel quality is a first method of reporting the measurement result of the plurality of RX antenna configurations for each antenna and a second method of reporting the average of the measurement results of the plurality of RX antenna configurations. Including and
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 of the primary first layer channel and the secondary first layer channel included in the second layer channel.
Communication method of the terminal device. When the value of the measurement setting field indicates the first method, a report of the measurement result for each antenna by the plurality of RX antenna configurations is transmitted, and the value of the measurement setting field indicates the second method. Transmits the average of the measurement results of the plurality of RX antenna configurations.
The communication method of the terminal device according to claim 8.

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