Wireless communication device and wireless communication method

A wireless communication device includes: controlling circuitry configured to selectively switch an operating channel between a first channel and a second channel; and a transmitter configured to transmit a first beacon signal through the first channel at a first cycle and transmit a second beacon signal through the second channel at a second cycle. A first period during which transmission/reception of a signal is possible and a second period during which transmission/reception of a signal is not performed are set for the second channel within a transmission interval of second beacon signals. The controlling circuitry switches the operating channel from the second channel to the first channel during the second period. The transmitter transmits the first beacon signal through the first channel during the second period. The controlling circuitry switches the operating channel from the first channel to the second channel by an end of the second period.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wireless communication device and a wireless communication method.

BACKGROUND

A network called a “body area network” is known as a wireless network formed around a human body. In the body area network, a hub as a central device and nodes as terminal devices are attached to the human body and communication is performed between the hub and nodes.

IEEE802.15.6 discloses an access scheme using one channel as an example of a communication method between the hub and nodes in the body area network. On the other hand, unlike such a scheme, a mechanism is also under study in which the hub uses a control channel and a data channel. More specifically, a method is under study whereby when it is desirable to change a data channel to another data channel for a reason that the data channel is affected by interference or the like, the node temporarily returns to the control channel to identify the changed data channel using a beacon signal of the control channel. According to this method, when the data channel is changed, the node need not perform a channel search on all data channel candidates and can thereby possibly reduce power consumption. The hub receives a beacon signal of the control channel from another hub, and can thereby acquire information on the data channel or the like used in the other hub. In this case, to prevent power consumption from increasing due to an increase of channel search, it is preferable to set a smaller number of candidates for the control channel than for the data channel.

On the other hand, as another technique, when a channel currently in use is changed to another channel, a mechanism of searching channels different from the operating channel is being reviewed. For example, a mechanism is being proposed as application for sensor communication in which while being connected to a terminal device, for such a short period of time that a retransmitted signal from the terminal device can be received, reception processing of a channel in use is suspended and a search is performed to determine whether another cannel is busy or not.

However, according to the technique, since the channel suspension period is short, it is all right when handling an emergency signal which becomes a problem in the body area network, but the technique spends a short time searching for other channels. If this prior art is applied to a body area network, the problem is that the search time is too short for the hub to switch the data channel to the control channel, receive a beacon signal of the other hub and obtain information on the data channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, a wireless communication device includes: controlling circuitry configured to selectively switch an operating channel between a first channel and a second channel; and a transmitter configured to transmit a first beacon signal through the first channel at a first cycle and transmit a second beacon signal through the second channel at a second cycle. A first period during which transmission/reception of a signal is possible and a second period during which transmission/reception of a signal is not performed are set for the second channel within a transmission interval of second beacon signals. The controlling circuitry is configured to switch the operating channel from the second channel to the first channel during the second period. The transmitter is configured to transmit the first beacon signal through the first channel during the second period, and the controlling circuitry is configured to switch the operating channel from the first channel to the second channel by an end of the second period.

FIG. 1illustrates an example of a wireless network system according to Embodiment 1. A wireless network system100shown inFIG. 1includes a hub11and a plurality of nodes20,21and22. The hub11is a base station including a wireless communication device operating as a center device. Each node is a terminal including a wireless communication device that communicates with the center device. The base station can also be considered as one form of a terminal. The wireless communication device of the hub11is a target communication device for the nodes20,21and22and the wireless communication devices of the nodes20,21and22are target communication devices for the hub11.

Each node incorporates, for example, one or a plurality of sensors and wirelessly transmits sensing information acquired through the sensors to the hub11. Each node wirelessly receives control information or the like necessary for communication from the hub. In the case of a body area network, each node and the hub are attached to a human body. Attachment to the human body may include all forms of cases where the hub and nodes are located in proximity to the human body: the hub and nodes may be directly in contact with the human body; attached over clothing; fixed to a cord hanging from the neck; put in a pocket, and the like. The sensors are assumed to be biological sensors such as sleep sensor, acceleration sensor, electrocardiographic sensor, body temperature sensor or pulse sensor. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the body area network, but any network may be constructed as long as a hub and nodes can be arranged therein. For example, hub and nodes may be set in any living body other than the human body such as an animal or plant or an object other than a living body such as a plurality of parts of an automobile (e.g., body and wheels or the like).

FIG. 2illustrates a timing chart of a hub according to Embodiment 1. Operations between a hub and nodes will be described usingFIG. 2.

The hub and the nodes perform transmission/reception using a control channel corresponding to a first channel (may also be described as “Cch”) and a data channel corresponding to a second channel (may also be described as “Dch”). The hub is supposed to transmit a signal of a beacon frame (beacon signal) using both the control channel and the data channel. The beacon frame is a broadcast frame that broadcasts basic information or control information to nodes within the same network. Basically, two channels having different frequencies are operated by switching therebetween using one RF (radio frequency) unit (which will be described later; seeFIG. 18). Note that two RF units: a control channel RF unit and a data channel RF unit can also be used by switching therebetween. The following description assumes that there is one RF unit.

FIG. 2shows a timing chart of the control channel on an upper side of the drawing and a timing chart of the data channel on a lower side of the drawing. For convenience, the control channel is identified with a channel number N1and the data channel is identified with a channel number N2. The horizontal axis of the timing chart represents a time axis. A vertically long rectangle assigned a character “B” in the drawing represents a beacon signal which is a broadcast signal. A period assigned “Cch on” indicates that the control channel is operating and a period assigned “Cch off” indicates that the control channel is suspended. Similarly, a period assigned “Dch on” indicates that the data channel is operating and a period assigned “Dch off” indicates that the data channel is suspended.

The hub transmits beacon signals (1011,1012,1013, . . . ) for the control channel using the control channel at predetermined timing, more specifically, at a constant cycle. The beacon signal of the control channel includes information on the data channel used by the hub (channel number, cycle of a beacon signal of the data channel or the like). The beacon signal is generally transmitted through broadcasting, but can also be transmitted through multicasting. During operation of the control channel, except transmission of beacon signals, the hub may also receive beacon signals transmitted by another hub through the control channel to detect information on the data channel used by the other hub if necessary. Note that the present embodiment assumes a case where only one control channel exists and both the hub and the other hub use the same control channel, but there can also be a mode in which a plurality of control channels exist and one of the control channels is used by the hub and the other hub respectively.

The hub transmits a beacon signal (1001, . . . ) for the data channel using also the data channel at predetermined timing, more specifically, at a constant cycle. The transmission cycle of the beacon signal of the data channel is assumed to be the same as that of the control channel, but the beacon signal transmission cycle is not limited to this. The transmission timing of the beacon signal of the control channel is different from that of the beacon signal of the data channel. When an interval between two beacon signals transmitted through the data channel is assumed to be a beacon interval, the beacon interval includes an allocation-based access period (SP: scheduled period) during which communication is performed through allocation-based access using TDMA (time division multiple access) and a contention-based access period (contention period) during which communication is performed through contention-based access using CSMA or Slotted Aloha or the like. Furthermore, an inactive period during which neither the hub nor the node performs transmission/reception is provided. The order in which these periods are arranged is not limited to the order shown inFIG. 2. Moreover, an arrangement without certain types of period such as a contention-based access period is also possible.

In the TDMA scheme, a period to which the TDMA scheme is applied is divided into a plurality of slots in a time direction and nodes connected to the hub are allocated slots. The nodes can transmit/receive frame signals through allocated slots. As will be described later, the nodes transmit signals through slots allocated to the own device, and additionally, the nodes may be allowed to transmit signals using a shared slot, that is, an unallocated slot which is a slot shared with another node.

Examples of the contention-based access scheme include a slotted aloha scheme and a CSMA based scheme. In the slotted aloha scheme, a period to which the slotted aloha scheme is applied is divided into a plurality of slots and each slot becomes a shared slot of each node. When a node has transmission frames, the node determines transmission or non-transmission of the frames using a defined transmission probability by generating random numbers. When transmission is determined, frames are transmitted. When non-transmission is determined, transmission of frames is put off. The defined transmission probability can be changed as a parameter. Note that during a contention-based access period unlike an allocation-based access period, slots need not be allocated from the hub in advance. In the CSMA base scheme, when a node has transmission frames, carrier sensing is performed between a defined time and a back-off time determined using random numbers, and a transmission right can be acquired if the carrier sensing result is idle and frames can be transmitted.

A beacon signal of the data channel includes a period of the beacon signal and fields for notifying various kinds of information. As will be described later, information that specifies a period during which the data channel is set to OFF can also be included.

As described above, the present embodiment assumes a case where the hub operates through one RF unit by switching between the control channel and the data channel. For this reason, the hub transmits a beacon signal of the control channel during an inactive period of the data channel and changes an operating channel from the data channel to the control channel (A101). The change is performed, for example, when the inactive period starts. After a beacon signal is transmitted through the control channel, the control channel is returned to the data channel again (A102). Thus, during the inactive period, switching between the control channel and the data channel, and transmission of a beacon signal of the control channel are performed, and therefore the length of the inactive period needs to be set to a length by taking them into consideration. To be more specific, the length of the inactive period needs to be equal to or more than a time period required for switching of the setting of the RF unit or the like plus the transmission time period of a beacon signal through the control channel to switch from the data channel to the control channel and from the control channel to the data channel again.

When a node is connected to the hub, the node searches for one or a plurality of control channel candidates and specifies a control channel to be used by the hub. The node receives a beacon signal transmitted by the hub using the specified control channel and detects information on the channel number or the like of the data channel used by the hub. When one control channel to be used is determined in advance, the node may search for only the determined channel.

Then, the node changes the operating channel to a data channel of the detected number and receives a beacon signal transmitted through the data channel from the hub. When connected to the hub, the node performs a process for connection to the hub using a contention-based access period. More specifically, the node transmits a signal of a connection request frame (C-Req) to the hub and receives a signal of a connection acknowledgment frame (C-Ass) from the hub and thereby makes a connection to the hub. At this time, the node can also be allocated slots for the allocation-based access period from the hub.

After being connected to the hub, the node basically sets only the data channel as the operating channel and transmits or receives data such as sensor data using the data channel. When data is not transmitted or received, the node preferably transitions to a sleep state which is a low power consumption state. In the sleep state, a power supply to a circuit not in use such as the RF unit is suspended or reduced or a clock frequency is reduced to thereby seek to reduce power consumption.

While the node is in a sleep state, the hub may change the data channel. For example, when it is assumed that interference occurs in the data channel used by another hub such as an increase of a busy detection rate of the data channel or an increase of an error rate, the data channel is changed by reason of the interference with the other hub. In this case, the hub preferably uses a data channel different from the data channel operated by the neighboring hub as a new data channel. Basically, the hub receives a beacon signal transmitted by the other hub through the control channel and thereby detects the data channel operated by the other hub.

In order to receive the beacon signal transmitted from the other hub through the control channel, the hub preferably searches for control channels for one or more beacon intervals of the control channel. When searching for the control channels, the hub operating on one RF needs to turn OFF the data channel in the meantime. Thus, the hub notifies a period during which the data channel is turned OFF using a beacon signal of the data channel in advance. As shown in the example inFIG. 2, when the hub searches for the control channels, the hub notifies, using the beacon signal1001of the data channel, that the data channel is turned OFF for a beacon interval immediately after the beacon signal1001, one next beacon interval1002and a period corresponding to the length of a beacon signal which becomes a trigger to start the beacon interval1002. The node that has received this notification recognizes that the data channel is turned OFF for the specified beacon interval1002and the period corresponding to the length of the beacon signal1003which becomes a trigger to start the beacon interval1002. Note that since the data channel is OFF, the beacon signal1003is not transmitted (which means that the beacon signal shown by a broken line in the drawing is not transmitted).

Though the data channel is turned OFF also during the period of the beacon signal1003which becomes a trigger to start the beacon interval1002, as a modification, the beacon signal1003may be transmitted and the data channel may be turned OFF only for the beacon interval1002. That is, the beacon interval may be assumed as a unit period during which the data channel is OFF or a period including the beacon interval plus a period of a beacon signal which becomes a trigger to start the beacon interval may be assumed as a unit period during which the data channel is OFF. In other words, a period after timing at which transmission of a beacon signal ends before timing at which transmission of the next beacon signal starts may be assumed as a unit period or a period after timing at which transmission of a beacon signal starts before timing at which transmission of the next beacon signal starts may be assumed as a unit period.

As the method for notification from the hub, for example, a beacon number (or beacon interval) from which turning OFF of the data channel starts may be set and a data channel OFF bit may be set to ON. Note that when a beacon number specification field for turning OFF the data channel is provided in advance, the data channel OFF bit may be omitted. The beacon number is an identifier of a beacon signal and is updated every time a beacon signal is transmitted. Although the data channel number is set, another method can be to specify from what order of the beacon signal counted from the next beacon signal, the data channel is turned OFF. Here, one beacon number (or beacon interval) is specified, but a plurality of beacon signals may also be allowed to be specified.

Furthermore, a method is also possible whereby only the data channel OFF bit is turned ON using a beacon signal immediately before the beacon interval at which the data channel is turned OFF. In this case, the data channel is turned OFF at a beacon interval immediately after the beacon signal is received. However, when this method is used, the data channel cannot be turned OFF for a period during which the beacon signal is transmitted, of the beacon interval.

As a further notification method, data channel OFF frequency information may be notified when a search is performed using a beacon interval as a unit period or using a period including a beacon interval plus a period corresponding to the length of a beacon signal which becomes a trigger to start the beacon interval as a unit period, if the hub periodically searches for control channels using a beacon signal of the data channel. In this case, since the node that has received the beacon signal knows the frequency with which the hub turns OFF the data channel, the node can transmit/receive data in consideration of the frequency. For example, the OFF frequency information may indicate that for every specified number of unit periods, the data channel is turned OFF for the unit period.

As described above, when the hub changes the data channel while the node is in a sleep state, the node cannot receive the beacon signal of the data channel used before the sleep after being returned from the sleep. In this case, the node temporarily returns the operating channel to the control channel and receives the beacon signal of the control channel over again. In this way, the node detects a number of the data channel currently being operated by the hub, and can thereby transition to a data channel (new data channel) of the detected number.

Thus, only when the node is connected to the hub or when the node misses the data channel operated by the hub, the node may set the control channel as an operating channel, and normally use only the data channel otherwise.

FIG. 3illustrates a configuration example of the wireless communication device mounted for the hub of the present embodiment. The wireless communication device inFIG. 3is provided with an antenna10, a PHY&RF unit20, a MAC unit30according to the present embodiment and an upper layer processor40. The PHY&RF unit20includes a transmitter21and a receiver22, and the MAC unit30includes a transmission processor31, a reception processor32, an access controller33and a channel controller34. A whole or part of the MAC unit30corresponds to an aspect of the baseband integrated circuit or controlling circuitry according to the present embodiment. The PHY&RF unit20corresponds to an aspect of an RF integrated circuit or a wireless communicator according to the present embodiment.

The access controller33manages accesses of the control channel and the data channel. The data channel is to perform access management for every allocation-based access period, contention-based access period or inactive period, and follows the respective access schemes during the allocation-based access period and the contention-based access period. The access controller33performs control on transmissions of beacon signals of the control channel and the data channel at desired timing (constant cycle or the like). More specifically, the access controller33instructs the transmission processor31to transmit a beacon signal, the transmission processor31generates a beacon frame of the control channel or the data channel according to the instruction and outputs the generated beacon frame to the transmitter21. For example, if the current operating channel is the control channel and corresponds to a period corresponding to the inactive period, the access controller33instructs the transmission processor31to transmit a beacon signal of the control channel.

The transmitter21processes frame transmission using the channel specified by the channel controller34as an operating channel. To be more specific, the transmitter21processes a desired physical layer on a frame inputted from the transmission processor31. The transmitter21performs D/A conversion or up-conversion to a wireless frequency on the frame subjected to the physical layer processing, generates a transmission signal and outputs a transmission signal into space as a radio wave via the antenna10.

The access controller33outputs a notice of a channel change to the data channel to the channel controller34using a transmission end of a beacon signal of the control channel as a trigger. Upon receiving the notice of the channel change, the channel controller34outputs a command signal for the channel change to the PHY&RF unit20. The PHY&RF unit20changes the operating channel of the transmitter21and the receiver22to the data channel. Note that in the present embodiment, the access controller33controls the PHY&RF unit20via the channel controller34, but the access controller33may directly control the PHY&RF unit20without the channel controller34and change the operating channel.

After the change to the data channel, the access controller33performs control so as to transmit a data channel beacon signal. After that, the access controller33controls a beacon interval that follows the transmission of the data channel beacon signal by dividing it into three periods of an allocation-based access period, a contention-based access period and an inactive period. Lengths or the like of the allocation-based access period and the contention-based access period are notified using a data frame beacon signal. The allocation-based access period and the contention-based access period may be determined in advance and only when there is any change, this may be notified using a data frame beacon signal.

The access controller33notifies a channel change to the channel controller34over again using the start of the inactive period as a trigger, and thereby changes the channel to the control channel. Furthermore, when the hub determines to change the data channel to another data channel based on some conditions, or periodically returns the data channel to the control channel and searches for a beacon interval. In this case, information that specifies a period during which the data channel is turned OFF is inserted in the beacon signal of the data channel transmitted. For example, the aforementioned data channel OFF bit, information on the beacon number from which turning OFF of the data channel starts or data channel OFF frequency information may be notified.

During the contention-based access period, the hub receives a connection request signal or the like from the node. The receiver22receives the signal via the antenna10, performs reception processing on the signal and outputs a frame after the processing to the reception processor32. Examples of the reception processing may include desired physical layer processing such as frequency conversion to a baseband, A/D conversion, analysis of the physical header of the frame subjected to the A/D conversion, demodulation processing. The reception processor32analyzes the processed frame. In the case of a connection request frame, the reception processor32analyzes the frame and notifies the analysis result of the connection request frame to the access controller33. The access controller33judges acknowledgment on the connection request of the node and instructs the transmission processor31to transmit a connection response frame according to the judgment result. In this case, if the connection request frame includes the sensor type supported by the node or similar information, the access controller33notifies the information to the upper layer processor40which is a sensor controller and the upper layer processor40may judge the quantity (i.e., number) and positions of allocated slots for the node. In this case, the connection request frame includes information on the slots allocated to the node. When the reception processor32judges through an analysis of the MAC header or the like that the received frame is a data frame, the reception processor32outputs the data frame to the upper layer processor40.

Note that when there is downlink data to be individually transmitted to the node, the upper layer processor40delivers a data frame including the data to the transmission processor31. The access controller33instructs the transmission processor31to transmit the data frame to the node through a downlink slot secured during an allocation-based access period using any given method (for example, a method using a beacon signal).

FIG. 4illustrates a block diagram of a wireless communication device provided for the node according to the present embodiment. The wireless communication device inFIG. 4is provided with an antenna110, a PHY&RF unit120, a MAC unit130and an upper layer processor140. The PHY&RF unit120includes a transmitter121and a receiver122, and the MAC unit130includes a transmission processor131, a reception processor132, an access controller133and a channel controller134. The upper layer processor140may also include a function of acquiring sensor information such as a sensing value and a sensing time of a sensor. A whole or part of the MAC unit130corresponds to an aspect of a baseband integrated circuit or a controller according to the present embodiment. The PHY&RF unit120corresponds to an aspect of an RF integrated circuit or a wireless communicator according to the present embodiment.

The upper layer processor140which is a sensor controller sends a transmission request to the access controller133to make a connection with the hub at predetermined timing such as activation or when transmission data is generated. The access controller133instructs the transmission processor131to transmit a connection request frame during a contention-based access period, for example, based on the transmission request from the upper layer processor140. The transmission processor131generates a connection request frame and outputs the connection request frame to the transmitter121. The transmitter121performs desired physical layer processing on the connection request frame. The transmitter121performs D/A conversion or up-conversion to a wireless frequency on the frame subjected to the physical layer processing, generates a transmission signal (connection request signal) and outputs the transmission signal into space as a radio wave via the antenna110. The access controller133waits to receive the connection response signal from the hub. The receiver122receives a signal via the antenna110, performs reception processing on the signal and outputs a frame subjected to the processing to the reception processor132. The reception processing may include desired physical layer processing such as frequency conversion to a baseband, A/D conversion, analysis of the physical header of the frame after A/D conversion, demodulation processing. The reception processor132analyzes the processed frame. In the case of a connection response frame, the reception processor132analyzes the frame and notifies the analysis result (the quantity and positions of allocated slots or the like) of the connection response frame to the access controller133. The access controller133manages the quantity and positions of slots allocated to the node or the like.

The upper layer processor140generates a data frame including transmission data such as sensing information, outputs the data frame to the transmission processor131and outputs a data frame transmission request to the access controller133. Examples of the transmission data include sensing information acquired by a sensor such as a biological sensor, data resulting from processing the sensing information through an application or the like or data including the current state of the node, but the transmission data is not limited to specific data. The upper layer processor140may include a data type of the transmission data in the transmission data frame. The data type may be, for example, a type of a sensor mounted on the node or an importance level of sensing information determined from the value of the sensing information. Alternatively, the data type may be a value indicating whether the state of the sensor is abnormal or normal. The data type may be used to judge, for example, whether or not the transmission data frame is an emergency data frame to be preferentially transmitted.

Upon receiving the data frame transmission request, the access controller133instructs the transmission processor131to transmit a data frame through an allocated slot during an allocation-based access period. In this case, the access controller133may determine whether or not the data included in the data frame is data (hereinafter referred to as “emergency data”) that needs to be preferentially transmitted among other data in accordance with the type of the data. That is, the access controller133may determine whether or not the data frame is an emergency data frame that needs to be preferentially transmitted among other data. For example, when the data type is a type of a sensor, it is possible to define whether the data frame is emergency data or not in accordance with the type of the sensor. Alternatively, a table that associates the type of the sensor with a priority may be provided and the priority may be determined based on the table. In this case, a data frame having a maximum priority or a priority equal to or higher than a predetermined value may be determined as an emergency data frame. Furthermore, when the data type is a value indicating normality or abnormality of the sensor, if the data type indicates an abnormal state, the data frame may be judged as an emergency data frame. In the case of an emergency data frame, the access controller133determines that the emergency data frame should be transmitted with a highest priority. In that case, as an example, the access controller133determines a slot through which the emergency data frame can be transmitted as quickly as possible from the allocation-based access period or the contention-based access period. When the slot falls within the allocation-based access period, if no carrier is detected through carrier sensing, for example, in an unallocated slot, the access controller133performs control so as to transmit the emergency data frame through that slot.

On the other hand, when the slot falls within the contention-based access period, the access controller133performs control so as to transmit the data frame according to the contention-based access scheme. According to the slotted aloha scheme, a transmission probability is set to a high value, for example, for emergency data and the emergency data can thereby be preferentially transmitted. The transmission probability may be set to 1 so that the emergency data frame may be transmitted unconditionally through the slot. Alternatively, under a scheme in which carrier sensing is performed from the head of the slot and the data frame is transmitted when the carrier detection result is idle, the carrier sensing time may be set to 0 or shortened for the emergency data. Alternatively, in the case of a CSMA scheme, a contention window or backoff value may be set to be smaller than other data.

When the access controller33receives information that specifies a period during which the data channel is turned OFF from the hub through a data channel beacon signal, the access controller33performs control so as to turn OFF the data channel for the specified period. Examples of the information include the aforementioned data channel OFF bit, information on a beacon number from which turning OFF of the data channel starts or data channel OFF frequency information. By turning OFF the data channel, the node does not transmit signals through the data channel. It is not necessary to wait to receive signals either. The RF unit may be caused to transition to a sleep state.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of a first operation example of the hub according to Embodiment 1. Operation of the present embodiment is configured such that a beacon signal is transmitted through the control channel at a predetermined cycle and a beacon signal is transmitted through the data channel at a predetermined cycle. In the data channel, an allocation-based access period, a contention-based access period and an inactive period exist within a beacon interval. The hub transmits/receives signals by selectively switching between the control channel and the data channel.

At a head of the inactive period of the data channel, the hub switches the operating channel from the data channel to the control channel (S101). The hub transmits a beacon signal which is a broadcast signal through the control channel during the switched inactive period (S102). The hub switches the operating channel from the control channel to the data channel after transmission of the control channel beacon signal by the end of the inactive period (S103). For example, by performing switching immediately after the transmission of the control channel beacon signal, it is possible to switch the operating channel to the data channel by the end of the inactive period.

FIG. 6is a flowchart of a second operation example of the hub according to Embodiment 1.

The hub judges the necessity of a search for the control channel based on some conditions such as data channel interference with another hub (S111). The hub transmits a beacon signal including information on specification of a period during which operation of the data channel is turned OFF (a beacon number from which turning OFF of the data channel starts or the like) (S112). The hub performs a channel search for a channel other than the data channel, more specifically, the control channel for the period specified by the beacon signal (S113). Through the channel search, the hub receives a beacon signal transmitted from the other hub through the control channel, analyzes the received beacon signal and identifies a data channel used by the other hub (S114). The hub determines a data channel to be the changed channel from among channels other than the identified data channel (S115).

As described so far, according to Embodiment 1, the hub transitions to the control channel for an inactive period of the data channel, transmits a beacon signal of the control channel and returns to the data channel before the inactive period ends. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently switch between the data channel and the control channel, and reduce power consumption of the hub even using one RF unit without affecting operation of the node.

Since the hub notifies a period during which the data channel is turned OFF (beacon interval or a period including a beacon interval plus a beacon signal transmission period immediately before the beacon interval) using a data channel beacon signal, turns OFF the data channel for the specified period, and can thereby perform a channel search for channels used by the other hub for the specified period.

With such one RF unit, operation using two channels of the control channel and the data channel is possible and power consumption of the hub can be reduced.

Note that the present embodiment assumes that one RF unit is provided, but when a control channel RF unit and a data channel RF unit are provided and one of the RF units is used, it is possible to switch the operating channel such that power consumption of the other RF unit is reduced.

A basic mechanism has been described in Embodiment 1 where the hub implements an access scheme with two channels of the control channel and the data channel through one RF unit.

In a body area network, since information on the human body is acquired using sensors and the information is transmitted/received, it is necessary to take into consideration transmission/reception of an emergency signal that notifies emergency. For example, IEEE802.15.6 provides a transmission period dedicated to emergency signals called “EAP (exclusive access phase)” in a beacon interval. On the other hand, emergency signals can be transmitted even for a period under the access scheme described in Embodiment 1 (allocation-based access scheme, contention-based access scheme). For example, during an allocation-based access period, a node connected to the hub can use unused slots to transmit/receive an emergency signal. During a contention-based access period, in the case of a slotted aloha scheme, it is possible to provide a difference in a transmission probability or the like depending on the type of signals or data and preferentially transmit an emergency signal using a shared slot.

On the other hand, as described in Embodiment 1, when the data channel is turned OFF for any one or more beacon intervals in order for the hub to perform a search for the control channels used by the other hub, the node delays transmission of the emergency signal for one or more beacon intervals at worst. A beacon interval is generally assumed to be 50 ms or 100 ms or more, and on the other hand, an emergency signal needs to be transmitted at an interval of 10 ms or less though it depends on the application.

Thus, the present embodiment describes a method for turning OFF the data channel in consideration of the occurrence of an emergency signal.

FIG. 7illustrates a timing chart of the hub according to the present embodiment. LikeFIG. 2,FIG. 7shows a timing chart of a control channel on an upper side and a timing chart of a data channel on a lower side.

Like Embodiment 1, the hub judges the necessity of a search for the control channel based on some conditions such as data channel interference with other hubs or the like. In this case, the hub transmits OFF notification information (allocation period/inactive period OFF notification information) that notifies that the data channel is turned OFF during an allocation-based access period and an inactive period using a data channel beacon signal1023that defines the start of the corresponding beacon interval1021. Since the inactive period is originally a period during which no communication is performed, OFF notification information (allocation period OFF notification information) that notifies that the data channel is turned OFF during only the allocation-based access period may be transmitted. The node that has received the beacon signal confirms OFF notification information and thereby detects that the data channel is turned OFF for the beacon interval during the allocation-based access period and the inactive period. The hub performs a control channel search for a period other than the contention-based access period, that is, during the allocation-based access period and the inactive period. Note that the hub may temporarily omit transmission of a beacon signal of the control channel for a channel search and continue the search in the meantime.

When a transmission request for an emergency signal occurs within the beacon interval1021of the corresponding beacon signal, the node that has received the aforementioned OFF notification information transmits an emergency signal using the contention-based access period during which the data channel is ON. On the other hand, the node that has received a transmission request for a signal other than an emergency signal or a connection request preferably performs transmission from the beacon interval1022next to the beacon interval1021onward. However, transmission of the transmission request or the connection request may also be allowed during the contention-based access period.

Since a control channel search during a period other than the contention-based access period is completed for the beacon interval1021, the hub turns OFF the data channel during a period which was the contention-based access period for the preceding beacon interval during the next beacon interval1022. Furthermore, the hub turns ON the data channel during a period which was the preceding inactive period and specifies information indicating that the period is a contention-based access period (information indicating that the contention-based access scheme is applied). Such specifications are performed using a beacon signal1024of the data channel.

Although a specific method for performing such specifications depends on the system or specification or the like, when the data channel beacon format example as shown inFIG. 8is used, the method is as follows.

As shown inFIG. 8, the data channel beacon signal notifies slot numbers indicating boundaries between the allocation-based access period and the contention-based access period, and between the contention-based access period and the inactive period as “CP Start slot” and “Inactive Start slot” respectively. Thus, when the contention-based access period is altered, these fields are used to perform notification. More specifically, the head timing of the contention-based access period for the corresponding beacon interval1022is set as end timing of the contention-based access period for the preceding beacon interval1021.

Through this operation, for the beacon interval1022, the end of the allocation-based access period is extended by a length of the contention-based access period for the preceding beacon interval1021. The length of the contention-based access period within the corresponding beacon interval1022becomes the same as the inactive period within the preceding beacon interval1021and consequently, the inactive period becomes 0 irrespective of the value of “Inactive Start slot.” However, since slots are actually not allocated to any node during a period during which the end of the allocation-based access period is extended, the hub can turn OFF the data channel by regarding this extended period (period shown by a broken line assigned a character IA in the drawing) as a substantially inactive period. Thus, the hub turns OFF the data channel during this period and performs a control channel search. Note that the node need not recognize that the data channel is OFF.

Note that data channel OFF information (Dch Off Info.) exists in the frame format inFIG. 8. In this example, setting the bit of the data channel OFF information to 1 may mean that the data channel for the allocation-based access period is turned OFF. Since the inactive period is originally OFF, the inactive period is not notified. Note that “Lf” represents a frame length.

By so doing, the hub completes a search for the control channel for two beacon intervals, acquires operating data channel information or the like at an adjacent hub from the beacon signal received through the control channel from the adjacent hub and selects a data channel at the destination to which the node moves.

Here, when the start timing of the contention-based access period is shifted, due to the relationship between the original contention-based access period and the inactive period, there is a case with contention-based access period<inactive period, and vice versa. In the case with contention-based access period<inactive period, shifting of the start timing causes no problem because in this way, the contention-based access period extends.

On the other hand, in the opposite case, that is, in the case with contention-based access period>inactive period, the contention-based access period for the next beacon interval becomes shorter. However, during this beacon interval, since the data channel is ON during the allocation-based access period, an emergency signal can be transmitted during the allocation-based access period. Moreover, by adopting the aforementioned slot sharing, an emergency signal can also be transmitted using unallocated slots. Thus, it is possible to reduce influences of shortening the contention-based access period.

FIG. 9is a flowchart of an operation example of the hub according to Embodiment 2.

The hub judges the necessity of a search for the control channel under some conditions such as data channel interference with other hubs or the like (S201). The hub transmits OFF notification information that notifies that the data channel is turned OFF during the allocation-based access period and the inactive period (or allocation-based access period) using the data channel beacon signal1023that defines a start of the beacon interval1021(S202). The hub performs a control channel search during a period other than the contention-based access period, that is, during the allocation-based access period and the inactive period (S203). Since the control channel search during a period other than the contention-based access period is completed for the beacon interval1021, the hub turns OFF the data channel for the next beacon interval1022during a period which was the preceding contention-based access period, turns ON the data channel during the period which was the preceding inactive period and specifies, using a beacon signal1024, that the period is designated as a contention-based access period (indicating that the contention-based access scheme is applied) (S204). The hub performs a control channel search during the period during which the data channel is turned OFF in step S204(S205). The subsequent operations are similar to those from step S114onward of the second operation flow described in Embodiment 1.

In Embodiment 2, the data channel for all the allocation-based access period is turned OFF at a time, but it is also possible to divide the allocation-based access period into a plurality of (e.g., two) periods and turn OFF the data channel for each divided period one by one over a plurality of beacon intervals. Although the time required for the channel search is extended, it is possible to reduce the quantity of nodes that cannot perform transmission through the allocated slot during the allocation-based access period in accordance with the quantity of divisions, and therefore when emergency signals are generated simultaneously at many nodes, it is possible to increase the possibility that at least some of emergency signals may be more reliably transmitted.

Thus, according to Embodiment 2, the data channel is always kept ON at least during the contention-based access period, and it is thereby possible to search for the control channel for a period corresponding to one beacon interval of the control channel as required and detect the operation situations of the other hubs while keeping a mechanism of transmitting emergency signals that suddenly occur at the node with a low delay.

In Embodiment 2, the hub searches for the control channels corresponding to one beacon interval using two consecutive beacon intervals. On the other hand, the present embodiment will describe a method of completing a search for one beacon interval after the hub judges the necessity for a channel search.

FIG. 10illustrates a timing chart of the hub according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment assumes that during normal operation, the hub transmits a beacon signal through the control channel and performs a control channel search during an inactive period.

In the present embodiment, based on the aforementioned assumption, when the hub judges the necessity for a search for the control channel, the hub specifies, using a data channel beacon signal1034which defines the start of the corresponding beacon interval1032, that the data channel is turned OFF for a period corresponding to the allocation-based access period and the contention-based access period for the preceding beacon interval1031. Furthermore, the hub specifies, using the beacon signal1034, that the data channel is turned ON for a period which is an inactive period for the preceding beacon interval1031and the period is designated as a contention-based access period (indicating that the contention-based access scheme is applied). As a specific method for performing this specification, a technique similar to that described in Embodiment 2 can be used, and therefore detailed description will be omitted.

When an emergency signal transmission request is generated at the node for the beacon interval1032, the system may wait for the next beacon interval without transmitting any emergency signal within the beacon interval1032or perform transmission through slot sharing during the contention-based access period (in the case of a slotted aloha scheme or the like). For example, as described above, in the case of a mechanism whereby transmission is performed by providing differences in the transmission probability or carrier sensing time or the like in accordance with the type or the like of a signal or data, it is possible to expect that transmission will be performed with a high probability when an emergency signal is generated. Thus, taking advantage of this, the node may try to transmit an emergency signal. It is possible to judge whether to wait for the next beacon interval or use slot sharing according to a delay request. More specifically, it may be possible to determine which of the former or the latter is used depending on the type of a signal, priority or a frequency of occurrence.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of an operation example of the hub according to Embodiment 3.

During normal operation and during an inactive period, the hub performs transmission of a beacon signal through the control channel and a control channel search (S301). The hub judges the necessity for a control channel search under some conditions such as data channel interference with other hubs (S302). When the hub judges the necessity for the control channel search, using the data channel beacon signal1034that defines the start of the corresponding beacon interval1032, the hub specifies that the data channel is turned OFF during a period which corresponds to the allocation-based access period and contention-based access period for the preceding beacon interval1031, further specifies that the data channel is turned OFF during a period which corresponds to an inactive period for the preceding beacon interval1031and specifies that the period is designated as a contention-based access period (S303). The hub performs a control channel search during the period during which the data channel is turned OFF in step S303(S304). The subsequent operations are similar to those from step S114onward in the second operation flow described in Embodiment 1.

Note that Embodiments 1 to 3 have been described above on the assumption that the number of control channels is only one and the one control channel is searched for, but there may be a plurality of control channels. In this case, if a plurality of channels need to be searched for, processing similar to the processing described in above Embodiments 1 to 3 may be performed a plurality of times.

FIG. 12shows a block diagram of a hub including a wireless communication device according to Embodiment 4.

In the hub shown inFIG. 12, buffers71and72are added to the MAC unit30of the wireless communication device according to Embodiment 1 shown inFIG. 3. The buffers71and72are connected to the transmission processor31and the reception processor32. The upper layer processor40performs input and output with the transmission processor31and the reception processor32through the buffers71and72. The buffers71and can be, for example, arbitrary volatile memories or non-volatile memories. In this way, the buffers71and72can be provided to hold the transmission data and the reception data in the buffers71and72. The retransmission process, QoS control according to the frame type etc. or the output process to the upper layer processor40can be easily performed.

The configuration of adding the buffers can be similarly applied to the node.

FIG. 13shows a block diagram of a node including a wireless communication device according to Embodiment 4.

In the node shown inFIG. 13, buffers171and172are added to the MAC unit130of the wireless communication device according to Embodiment 1 shown inFIG. 4. The buffers171and172are connected to the transmission processor131and the reception processor132, respectively. The upper layer processor140performs input and output with the transmission processor131and the reception processor132through the buffers171and172. The buffers171and172can be, for example, arbitrary volatile memories or non-volatile memories. In this way, the buffers171and172can be provided to hold the transmission data and the reception data in the buffers171and172. The retransmission process, QoS control according to the frame type etc., or the output process to the upper layer processor140can be easily performed.

FIG. 14shows a block diagram of a hub including a wireless communication device according to Embodiment 5.

The hub illustrated inFIG. 14has a form that a bus73is connected to the buffers71and72and the access controller33in Embodiment 4 illustrated inFIG. 12, and an upper layer interface74and a processor75are connected to the bus73. The MAC unit30is connected with the upper layer processor40at the upper layer interface74. In the processor75, firmware is operated. By rewriting the firmware, functions of the wireless communication device can be easily changed. The function of at least one of the access controller33and the channel controller34may be achieved by the processor75.

FIG. 15shows a block diagram of a node including a wireless communication device according to Embodiment 5.

The node illustrated inFIG. 15has a form that a bus173is connected to the buffers171and172and the access controller133in Embodiment 4 illustrated inFIG. 13, and an upper layer interface174and a processor175are connected to the bus173. The MAC unit130is connected with the upper layer processor140at the upper layer interface174. In the processor175, the firmware is operated. By rewriting the firmware, functions of the wireless communication device can be easily changed. The function of at least one of the access controller133and the channel controller134may be achieved by the processor175.

FIG. 16shows a block diagram of a hub including a wireless communication device according to Embodiment 6.

The wireless communication device illustrated inFIG. 16has a form that a clock generator76is connected to the MAC unit30in the hub relating to Embodiment 1 illustrated inFIG. 3. The clock generator76is connected through an output terminal to an external host (the upper layer processor40here), and a clock generated by the clock generator76is given to the MAC unit30and is also outputted to the external host. By operating the host by the clock inputted from the clock generator76, a host side and a wireless communication device side can be operated in synchronism. In this example, the clock generator76is arranged on the outer side of the MAC unit30, however, it may be provided inside the MAC unit30.

FIG. 17shows a block diagram of a node including a wireless communication device according to Embodiment 6.

The wireless communication device illustrated inFIG. 17has a form that a clock generator176is connected to the MAC unit130in the node relating to Embodiment 1 illustrated inFIG. 4. The clock generator176is connected through an output terminal to an external host (the upper layer processor140here), and a clock generated by the clock generator176is given to the MAC unit130and is also outputted to the external host. By operating the host by the clock inputted from the clock generator176, the host side and the wireless communication device side can be operated in synchronism. In this example, the clock generator176is arranged on the outer side of the MAC unit130, however, it may be provided inside the MAC unit130.

FIG. 18Ashows an example of entire configuration of a hub or a node. The example of configuration is just an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to this. The terminal or the base station includes one or a plurality of antennas1to n (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), a wireless LAN module148, and a host system149. The wireless LAN module148corresponds to the wireless communication apparatus according to any one of the embodiments. The wireless LAN module148includes a host interface and is connected to the host system149through the host interface. Other than the connection to the host system149through the connection cable, the wireless LAN module148may be directly connected to the host system149. The wireless LAN module148can be mounted on a substrate by soldering or the like and can be connected to the host system149through wiring of the substrate. The host system149uses the wireless LAN module148and the antennas1to n to communicate with external apparatuses according to an arbitrary communication protocol. The communication protocol may include the TCP/IP and a protocol of a layer higher than that. Alternatively, the TCP/IP may be mounted on the wireless LAN module148, and the host system149may execute only a protocol in a layer higher than that. In this case, the configuration of the host system149can be simplified. Examples of the present terminal include a mobile terminal, a TV, a digital camera, a wearable device, a tablet, a smartphone, a game device, a network storage device, a monitor, a digital audio player, a Web camera, a video camera, a projector, a navigation system, an external adaptor, an internal adaptor, a set top box, a gateway, a printer server, a mobile access point, a router, an enterprise/service provider access point, a portable device, and a hand-held device.

FIG. 18Bshows an example of hardware configuration of a wireless LAN module. The configuration can also be applied when the wireless communication apparatus is mounted on either one of the terminal (node or hub). Therefore, the configuration can be applied as an example of specific configuration of the wireless communication apparatus shown inFIGS. 3 and 4. At least one antenna247is included in the example of configuration. When a plurality of antennas are included, a plurality of sets of a transmission system (216and222to225), a reception system (232to235), a PLL242, a crystal oscillator (reference signal source)243, and a switch245may be arranged according to the antennas, and each set may be connected to a control circuit212.

The wireless LAN module (wireless communication apparatus) includes a baseband IC (Integrated Circuit)211, an RF (Radio Frequency) IC221, a balun225, the switch245, and the antenna247.

The baseband IC211includes the baseband circuit (control circuit)212, a memory213, a host interface214, a CPU215, a DAC (Digital to Analog Converter)216, and an ADC (Analog to Digital Converter)217.

The baseband IC211and the RF IC221may be formed on the same substrate. The baseband IC211and the RF IC221may be formed by one chip. Both or one of the DAC216and the ADC217may be arranged on the RF IC221or may be arranged on another IC. Both or one of the memory213and the CPU215may be arranged on an IC other than the baseband IC.

The memory213stores data to be transferred to and from the host system. The memory213also stores one or both of information to be transmitted to the terminal or the base station and information transmitted from the terminal or the base station. The memory213may also store a program necessary for the execution of the CPU215and may be used as a work area for the CPU215to execute the program. The memory213may be a volatile memory, such as an SRAM or a DRAM, or may be a non-volatile memory, such as a NAND or an MRAM.

The host interface214is an interface for connection to the host system. The interface can be anything, such as UART, SPI, SDIO, USB, or PCI Express.

The CPU215is a processor that executes a program to control the baseband circuit212. The baseband circuit212mainly executes a process of the MAC layer and a process of the physical layer. One or both of the baseband circuit212and the CPU215correspond to the communication control apparatus that controls communication or the controller that controls communication.

At least one of the baseband circuit212and the CPU215may include a clock generator that generates a clock and may manage internal time by the clock generated by the clock generator.

For the process of the physical layer, the baseband circuit212performs addition of the physical header, coding, encryption, modulation process, and the like of the frame to be transmitted and generates, for example, two types of digital baseband signals (hereinafter, “digital I signal” and “digital Q signal”).

The DAC216performs DA conversion of signals input from the baseband circuit212. More specifically, the DAC216converts the digital I signal to an analog I signal and converts the digital Q signal to an analog Q signal. Note that a single system signal may be transmitted without performing quadrature modulation. When a plurality of antennas are included, and single system or multi-system transmission signals equivalent to the number of antennas are to be distributed and transmitted, the number of provided DACs and the like may correspond to the number of antennas.

The RF IC221is, for example, one or both of an RF analog IC and a high frequency IC. The RF IC221includes a filter222, a mixer223, a preamplifier (PA)224, the PLL (Phase Locked Loop)242, a low noise amplifier (LNA)234, a balun235, a mixer233, and a filter232. Some of the elements may be arranged on the baseband IC211or another IC. The filters222and232may be bandpass filters or low pass filters. The RF IC221is connected to the antenna247through the switch245.

The filter222extracts a signal of a desired band from each of the analog I signal and the analog Q signal input from the DAC216. The PLL242uses an oscillation signal input from the crystal oscillator243and performs one or both of division and multiplication of the oscillation signal to thereby generate a signal at a certain frequency synchronized with the phase of the input signal. Note that the PLL242includes a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) and uses the VCO to perform feedback control based on the oscillation signal input from the crystal oscillator243to thereby obtain the signal at the certain frequency. The generated signal at the certain frequency is input to the mixer223and the mixer233. The PLL242is equivalent to an example of an oscillator that generates a signal at a certain frequency.

The mixer223uses the signal at the certain frequency supplied from the PLL242to up-convert the analog I signal and the analog Q signal passed through the filter222into a radio frequency. The preamplifier (PA) amplifies the analog I signal and the analog Q signal at the radio frequency generated by the mixer223, up to desired output power. The balun225is a converter for converting a balanced signal (differential signal) to an unbalanced signal (single-ended signal). Although the balanced signal is handled by the RF IC221, the unbalanced signal is handled from the output of the RF IC221to the antenna247. Therefore, the balun225performs the signal conversions.

The switch245is connected to the balun225on the transmission side during the transmission and is connected to the balun234or the RF IC221on the reception side during the reception. The baseband IC211or the RF IC221may control the switch245. There may be another circuit that controls the switch245, and the circuit may control the switch245.

The analog I signal and the analog Q signal at the radio frequency amplified by the preamplifier224are subjected to balanced-unbalanced conversion by the balun225and are then emitted as radio waves to the space from the antenna247.

The antenna247may be a chip antenna, may be an antenna formed by wiring on a printed circuit board, or may be an antenna formed by using a linear conductive element.

The LNA234in the RF IC221amplifies a signal received from the antenna247through the switch245up to a level that allows demodulation, while maintaining the noise low. The balun235performs unbalanced-balanced conversion of the signal amplified by the low noise amplifier (LNA)234. The mixer233uses the signal at the certain frequency input from the PLL242to down-convert, to a baseband, the reception signal converted to a balanced signal by the balun235. More specifically, the mixer233includes a unit that generates carrier waves shifted by a phase of 90 degrees based on the signal at the certain frequency input from the PLL242. The mixer233uses the carrier waves shifted by a phase of 90 degrees to perform quadrature demodulation of the reception signal converted by the balun235and generates an I (In-phase) signal with the same phase as the reception signal and a Q (Quad-phase) signal with the phase delayed by 90 degrees. The filter232extracts signals with desired frequency components from the I signal and the Q signal. Gains of the I signal and the Q signal extracted by the filter232are adjusted, and the I signal and the Q signal are output from the RF IC221.

The ADC217in the baseband IC211performs AD conversion of the input signal from the RF IC221. More specifically, the ADC217converts the I signal to a digital I signal and converts the Q signal to a digital Q signal. Note that a single system signal may be received without performing quadrature demodulation.

When a plurality of antennas are provided, the number of provided ADCs may correspond to the number of antennas. Based on the digital I signal and the digital Q signal, the baseband circuit212executes a process of the physical layer and the like, such as demodulation process, error correcting code process, and process of physical header, and obtains a frame. The baseband circuit212applies a process of the MAC layer to the frame. Note that the baseband circuit212may be configured to execute a process of TCP/IP when the TCP/IP is implemented.

More detailed processing of each block in the above device is apparent from the explanation ofFIGS. 3 and 4and redundant explanation is omitted.

FIG. 19AandFIG. 19Bare perspective views of a wireless communication terminal (wireless device) in accordance with Embodiment 8. The wireless device ofFIG. 19Ais a laptop PC301and the wireless device ofFIG. 19Bis a mobile terminal321. They correspond, respectively, to one form of the terminal (which may operate as either the base station or the slave station). The laptop PC301and the mobile terminal321incorporate the wireless communication devices305,315, respectively. The wireless communication devices that are previously described may be used as the wireless communication devices305,315. The wireless device incorporating the wireless communication device is not limited to the laptop PC or the mobile terminal. For example, it can be installed in a TV, a digital camera, a wearable device, a tablet, a smart phone, a gaming device, a network storage device, a monitor, a digital audio player, a web camera, a video camera, a projector, a navigation system, an external adapter, an internal adapter, a set top box, a gateway, a printer server, a mobile access point, a router, an enterprise/service provider access point, a portable device, a handheld device and so on.

In addition, the wireless communication device can be incorporated in a memory card.FIG. 20illustrates an example where the wireless communication device is incorporated in the memory card. The memory card331includes a wireless communication device355and a memory card body332. The memory card331uses the wireless communication device335for wireless communications with external devices. It should be noted that the illustration of the other elements in the memory card331(e.g., memory, etc.) is omitted inFIG. 20.

Embodiment 9 includes a bus, a processor, and an external interface in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device in accordance with any one of the above embodiments. The processor and the external interface are connected via the bus to the buffer. The firmware runs on the processor. In this manner, by providing a configuration where the firmware is included in the wireless communication device, it is made possible to readily modify the functionality of the wireless communication device by re-writing of the firmware.

Embodiment 10 includes a clock generator in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device in accordance with any one of the above embodiments. The clock generator is configured to generate a clock and output the clock on the output terminal and to the outside of the wireless communication device. In this manner, by outputting the clock generated within the wireless communication device to the outside thereof and causing the host side to operate based on the clock output to the outside, it is made possible to cause the host side and the wireless communication device side to operate in a synchronized manner.

Embodiment 11 includes a power source, a power source controller, and a wireless power supply in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device in accordance with any one of the above embodiments. The power source controller is connected to the power source and the wireless power supply, and is configured to perform control for selecting the power source from which power is supplied to the wireless communication device. In this manner, by providing a configuration where the power source is provided in the wireless communication device, it is made possible to achieve low power consumption operation accompanied by the power source control.

Embodiment 12 includes a SIM card in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device in accordance with the above embodiment. The SIM card is connected to any block element in the wireless communication device; an access controller or a baseband IC, etc. In this manner, by providing a configuration where the SIM card is provided in the wireless communication device, it is made possible to readily perform the authentication processing.

Embodiment 13 includes a video compression/extension unit in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device in accordance with the above embodiment. The video compression/extension unit is connected to a bus. In this manner, by configuring the video compression/extension unit included in the wireless communication device, it is made possible to readily perform transfer of the compressed video and the extension of the received compressed video.

Embodiment 14 includes an LED unit in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device in accordance with any one of the above embodiments. The LED unit is connected to any block element in the wireless communication device; an access controller or a baseband IC, etc. In this manner, by providing a configuration where the LED unit is provided in the wireless communication device, it is made possible to readily notify the operating state of the wireless communication device to the user.

Embodiment 15 includes a vibrator unit in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device in accordance with any one of the above embodiments. The vibrator unit is connected to any block element in the wireless communication device; an access controller or a baseband IC, etc. In this manner, by providing a configuration in which the vibrator unit is provided in the wireless communication device, it is made possible to readily notify the operating state of the wireless communication device to the user.

In Embodiment 16, the configuration of the wireless communication device includes a display in addition to the configuration of the wireless communication device according to any one of the above embodiments. The display may be connected to any block element in the wireless communication device via a bus (not shown); an access controller or a baseband IC, etc. As seen from the above, the configuration including the display to display the operation state of the wireless communication device on the display allows the operation status of the wireless communication device to be easily notified to a user.

FIG. 21illustrates an overall configuration of a wireless communication system in accordance with Embodiment 17. This wireless communication system is an example of the body area network. The wireless communication system includes a plurality of nodes including nodes401,402and a hub451. Each node and the hub are attached to the human body, and each node performs wireless communication with the hub451. Being attached to the human body may refer to any case where it is arranged at a position near the human body such as a form in which it is in direct contact with the human body; a form in which it is attached thereto with clothes existing in between; a form in which it is provided on a strap hanging from the neck; and a form in which it is accommodated in a pocket. The hub451is, by way of example, a terminal including a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, laptop PC, etc.

The node401includes a biological sensor411and a wireless communication device412. As the biological sensor411, for example, sensors may be used that are adapted to sense body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, heartbeat, blood oxygen level, urinal sugar, blood sugar, etc. Meanwhile, sensors adapted to sense biological data other than these may be used. The wireless communication device412is any one of the wireless communication devices of the embodiments that are described in the foregoing. The wireless communication device412performs wireless communication with the wireless communication device453of the hub451. The wireless communication device412performs wireless transmission of the biological data (sensing information) sensed by the biological sensor411to the wireless communication device453of the hub451. The node401may be configured as a device in the form of a tag.

The node402includes a biological sensor421and a wireless communication device422. The biological sensor421and the wireless communication device422, the explanations of which are omitted, are configured in the same or similar manner as the biological sensor411and the wireless communication device412of the node401, respectively.

The hub451includes a communication device452and a wireless communication device453. The wireless communication device453performs wireless communications with the wireless communication device of each node. The wireless communication device453may be the wireless communication device described in the context of the previous embodiments or may be another wireless communication device other than those described in the foregoing as long as it is capable of communications with the wireless communication device of the node. The communication device452is wire or wireless-connected to the network471. The network471may be the Internet or a network such as a wireless LAN, or may be a hybrid network constructed by a wired network and a wireless network. The communication device452transmits the data collected by the wireless communication device453from the individual nodes to devices on the network471. The delivery of data from the wireless communication device453to the communication devices may be performed via a CPU, a memory, an auxiliary storage device, etc. The devices on the network471may, specifically, be a server device that stores data, a server device that performs data analysis, or any other server device. The hub451may also incorporate a biological sensor in the same or similar manner as the nodes401and402. In this case, the hub451also transmits the data obtained by the biological sensor to the devices on the network471via the communication device452. An interface may be provided in the hub451for insertion of a memory card such as an SD card and the like and the data obtained by the biological sensor or obtained from each node may be stored in the memory card. In addition, the hub451may incorporate a user inputter configured to input various instructions by the user and a display for image display of the data, etc.

FIG. 22is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the node401or node402illustrated inFIG. 21. The CPU512, the memory513, the auxiliary storage device516, the wireless communication device514, and the biological sensor515are connected to a bus511. Here, the individual components512to516are connected to one single bus, but a plurality of buses may be provided by a chipset and the individual units512to516may be connected in a distributed manner to the plurality of buses. The wireless communication device514corresponds to the wireless communication devices412,422ofFIG. 21, and the biological sensor515corresponds to the biological sensor411,421ofFIG. 21. The CPU512controls the wireless communication device514and the biological sensor515. The auxiliary storage device516is a device that permanently stores data such as an SSD, a hard disk, etc. The auxiliary storage device516stores a program to be executed by the CPU512. In addition, the auxiliary storage device516may store data obtained by the biological sensor515. The CPU512reads the program from the auxiliary storage device516, develops it in the memory513, and thus executes it. The memory513may be volatile memory such as DRAM, etc., or may be non-volatile memory such as MRAM, etc. The CPU512drives the biological sensor515, stores data obtained by the biological sensor515in the memory513or the auxiliary storage device516, and transmits the data to the hub via the wireless communication device514. The CPU512may execute processing associated with communication protocols of layers higher than the MAC layer and processing associated with the application layer.

FIG. 23is a block diagram that illustrates a hardware configuration of the hub451illustrated inFIG. 21. A CPU612, a memory613, an auxiliary storage device616, a communication device614, a wireless communication device615, an inputter616and a display617are connected to a bus611. Here, the individual units612to617are connected to one single bus, but a plurality of buses may be provided by a chipset and the individual units612to617may be connected in a distributed manner to the plurality of buses. A biological sensor or a memory card interface may further be connected to the bus611. The inputter616is configured to receive various instruction inputs from the user and output signals corresponding to the input instructions to the CPU612. The display617provides image display of the data, etc. as instructed by the CPU612. The communication device614and the wireless communication device615correspond to the communication device452and the wireless communication device453provided in the hub ofFIG. 21, respectively. The CPU612controls the wireless communication device615and the communication device614. The auxiliary storage device616is a device that permanently stores data such as an SSD, a hard disk, etc. The auxiliary storage device616stores a program executed by the CPU612and may store data received from each node. The CPU612reads the program from the auxiliary storage device616, develops it in the memory613, and executes it. The memory613may be volatile memory such as DRAM, etc., or may be non-volatile memory such as MRAM, etc. The CPU612stores data received by the wireless communication device615from each node in the memory613or the auxiliary storage device616, and transmits the data to the network471via the communication device614. The CPU612may execute processing associated with communication protocols of layers higher than the MAC layer and processing associated with the application layer.

The terms used in each embodiment should be interpreted broadly. For example, the term “processor” may encompass a general purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, and so on. According to circumstances, a “processor” may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable logic device (PLD), etc. The term “processor” may refer to a combination of processing devices such as a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, or one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core.

As another example, the term “memory” may encompass any electronic component which can store electronic information. The “memory” may refer to various types of media such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), a flash memory, and a magnetic or optical data storage, which are readable by a processor. It can be said that the memory electronically communicates with a processor if the processor read and/or write information for the memory. The memory may be arranged within a processor and also in this case, it can be said that the memory electronically communication with the processor. The term “circuitry” may refer to not only electric circuits or a system of circuits used in a device but also a single electric circuit or a part of the single electric circuit.