Patent Description:
In recent years, a working group of IEEE802. <NUM>, and the like have been considering standardization of a new wireless LAN. For example, collection methods, usage methods, and the like for interference information used for interference control have been under consideration. For example, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a method in which a database server collects interference information, and an access point device acquires interference information from the database server and uses the interference information for interference control. In addition, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a method in which a monitoring server collects interference information, and a power control device acquires interference information from the monitoring server and uses the interference information for interference control.

However, the methods in Patent Literature <NUM> to <NUM> do not enable an access point device to grasp interference information without using a management device such as a database server or a monitoring server.

Hence, in view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure provides a novel and improved access point device, station device, wireless control method, communication control method, and program that enable the access point device to grasp interference information without using a management device.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a station device according to claim <NUM>.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for a station device according to claim <NUM>.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided an access point device according to claim <NUM>.

In addition, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for an access point device according to claim <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure as described above, the access point device can grasp interference information without using a management device.

Note that description will be given in the following order.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a wireless LAN system. First, an overview of a wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration of a wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes access point devices (hereinafter referred to as "access point (AP)" for convenience) <NUM> and station devices (hereinafter referred to as "station (STA)" for convenience) <NUM>. Then, one AP <NUM> and one or more STAs <NUM> constitute a basic service set (hereinafter referred to as "basic service set (BSS)" for convenience) <NUM>.

The wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed in any place. For example, the wireless LAN system according to the present embodiment may be installed in office buildings, housing, commercial facilities, public facilities, or the like.

In addition, an area of the BSS <NUM> according to the present embodiment may overlap with an area of another BSS <NUM> using an overlapping frequency channel (hereinafter referred to as "overlap basic service set (OBSS)" for convenience); in that case, a signal transmitted from the STA <NUM> located in the overlap area may interfere with a signal transmitted from the OBSS. When description is given using the example of <FIG>, an area of the BSS 10a overlaps with part of an area of the BSS 10b that is an OBSS, and the STA 100b and the STA 100c are located in the overlap area. In this case, a signal transmitted from the STA 100b belonging to the BSS 10a may interfere with a signal transmitted from the AP 200b or the STA 100c belonging to the BSS 10b. In addition, a signal transmitted from the STA 100c belonging to the BSS 10b may interfere with a signal transmitted from the AP 200a or the STA 100b belonging to the BSS 10a.

The AP <NUM> according to the present embodiment is connected to an external network, and provides communication with the external network for the STA <NUM>. For example, the AP <NUM> is connected to the Internet, and provides communication between the STA <NUM> and a device on the Internet or a device connected via the Internet.

The STA <NUM> according to the present embodiment is a wireless device that communicates with the AP <NUM>. The STA <NUM> may be any wireless device. For example, the STA <NUM> may be a display with a display function, a memory with a storage function, a keyboard and a mouse with an input function, a speaker with a sound output function, or a smartphone with a function of executing advanced calculation processing.

Then, the background of the present disclosure is described. Before wireless LAN systems have become widely used, an AP had managed each BSS by setting a frequency channel in a manner that a frequency band to be used does not overlap with another BSS; thus, the possibility of signals transmitted from the BSSs interfering with each other had been low. However, in recent years, the widespread use of wireless LAN systems has led to an increase in the number of cases in which frequency bands used in a plurality of adjacent BSSs overlap, which makes signals transmitted from the BSSs more likely to interfere with each other.

To cope with such a situation, the following method has been considered: an AP acquires interference information such as parameter information of a signal transmitted from an OBSS, and changes parameters in communication in a BSS to which the own device belongs (hereinafter referred to as "own BSS" for convenience) on the basis of the interference information, thereby preventing occurrence of interference. Examples include a method in which the AP changes transmission power to a low value on the basis of information of interference with the OBSS, and makes a radio wave reachable range smaller, thereby preventing occurrence of interference.

Here, Patent Literature <NUM> and Patent Literature <NUM> disclose examples of methods for collecting, managing, and using interference information. Hence, disclosure of Patent Literature <NUM> will now be described with reference to <FIG> illustrates a configuration of a wireless LAN system according to Patent Literature <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, in the wireless LAN system according to Patent Literature <NUM>, a BSS <NUM> includes an AP <NUM>, an STA <NUM>, and an STA <NUM>, and a BSS <NUM> includes an AP <NUM>, an STA <NUM>, and an STA <NUM>. Then, an area of the BSS <NUM> overlaps with part of an area of the BSS <NUM> that is an OBSS, and the STA <NUM> and the STA <NUM> are located in the overlap area.

In addition, the wireless LAN system according to Patent Literature <NUM> includes a database connected to the AP <NUM> and the AP <NUM> via a network. In the wireless LAN system, the database acquires interference information from each AP and manages the interference information. Then, each AP acquires interference information from the database, and changes parameters in communication in the own BSS on the basis of the interference information, thereby preventing occurrence of interference.

In addition, although not illustrated, in the disclosure of Patent Literature <NUM>, a monitoring server connected to each AP via a network receives interference information from the AP and manages the interference information. Then, a power control device connected to the monitoring server acquires interference information from the monitoring server, and decides transmission power of each AP on the basis of the interference information.

As described above, in the disclosure of Patent Literature <NUM> and the disclosure of Patent Literature <NUM>, a management device that collects and manages interference information (referring to the database in Patent Literature <NUM> and referring to the monitoring server in Patent Literature <NUM>) exists separately from an AP, and the AP acquires interference information from the management device. Here, for example, it is considered to be inappropriate, in terms of cost-effectiveness, to take the trouble to provide a management device even in the case where the number of wireless LANs is small. In addition, from another viewpoint, in the case where a malfunction occurs in a network connecting the management device and each AP, each AP cannot acquire interference information from the management device, and thus cannot perform interference control.

Hence, the disclosing party of the present case has devised the present disclosure by focusing on the above circumstances. The AP <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can grasp interference information without using a management device. Then, the AP <NUM> can exchange the interference information with another AP <NUM>. Furthermore, the AP <NUM> can appropriately perform interference control on the basis of the interference information. Described below are a functional overview, a configuration, operation, modifications, and application examples of a wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The background of the present disclosure has been described above. Now, a functional overview of a wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

In the case of receiving signals of the own BSS or an OBSS, the STA <NUM> in the wireless LAN system according to the present embodiment reports parameter information regarding these signals to the AP <NUM>, instead of a management device as in Patent Literatures. More specifically, in the case of receiving signals of the own BSS or an OBSS, the STA <NUM> stores parameter information regarding a modulation scheme, transmission power, a BSS identifier, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a transmission path utilization time, or the like in a state where the own BSS is distinguished from an OBSS, and reports the parameter information to the AP <NUM>.

Here, an overview of the operation of the STA <NUM> acquiring parameter information is described with reference to <FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the STA <NUM> according to the present embodiment acquiring parameter information.

In step S1000, it is assumed that, in the case where the STA 100a transmits a signal to the AP 200a, not only the AP 200a but also the STA 100b receives the signal. In this case, the STA 100b stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of the own BSS. Note that also the AP 200a that has received the signal stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of the own BSS.

In step S1004, the STA 100b transmits a signal to the AP 200a. Then, it is assumed that not only the AP 200a but also the STA 100c receives the signal. In this case, the STA 100c stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of an OBSS. Note that the AP 200a that has received the signal stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of the own BSS.

In step S1008, the STA 100c transmits a signal to the AP 200b. Then, it is assumed that not only the AP 200b but also the STA 100b receives the signal. In this case, the STA 100b stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of an OBSS. Note that the AP 200b that has received the signal stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of the own BSS.

In step S1012, the STA 100d transmits a signal to the AP 200b. Then, it is assumed that not only the AP 200b but also the STA 100c receives the signal. In this case, the STA 100c stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of the own BSS. Note that also the AP 200b that has received the signal stores parameter information of the signal as parameter information of the own BSS.

As described above, each STA <NUM> acquires parameter information of the own BSS or parameter information of an OBSS. Now, an overview of the operation of the STA <NUM> reporting parameter information to the AP <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the STA <NUM> according to the present embodiment transmitting parameter information to the AP <NUM>.

In step S1100, the STA 100b generates a frame including parameter information of the own BSS or an OBSS, and transmits the frame to the AP 200a. This enables the AP 200a to grasp that an OBSS exists and that the STA 100b has received a signal of the OBSS. Thus, the AP 200a can perform interference control by changing parameters such as transmission power, a modulation scheme, or a frequency band. In addition, in step S1104, the STA 100c can grasp that parameter information has been reported from the STA 100b to the AP 200a. Thus, for example, the STA 100c may be triggered by the reporting of parameter information from the STA 100b to the AP 200a to report parameter information to the AP 200b.

In step S1108, the STA 100c generates a frame including parameter information of the own BSS or an OBSS, and transmits the frame to the AP 200b. This enables the AP 200b to grasp that an OBSS exists and that the STA 100c has received a signal of the OBSS. Thus, as described above, the AP 200b can perform interference control by changing parameters such as transmission power, a modulation scheme, or a frequency band to be used. In addition, in step S1112, as described above, the STA 100b can grasp that parameter information has been reported from the STA 100c to the AP 200b.

As described above, the AP <NUM> can acquire parameter information of a signal of the own BSS or an OBSS from each STA <NUM>. Then, the AP <NUM> stores these pieces of parameter information in association with identification information of the acquisition source STA <NUM>. Hereinafter, parameter information that the AP <NUM> acquires from each STA <NUM> and stores will be referred to as aggregate parameter information. Aggregate parameter information may be information obtained by editing parameter information reported from each STA <NUM>, or may be, of course, information obtained by merely associating identification information of the acquisition source STA <NUM> with parameter information reported from each STA <NUM>.

Then, the APs <NUM> exchange individually stored aggregate parameter information, thereby grasping parameter information set for different BSSs and an interference situation between BSSs. Now, an overview of the operation of the APs <NUM> exchanging aggregate parameter information will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the APs <NUM> according to the present embodiment exchanging aggregate parameter information.

In step S1200, the AP 200a transmits aggregate parameter information, and the AP 200b receives the aggregate parameter information. This enables the AP 200b to grasp parameter information set in the BSS 10a and influence of interference received by a device of the BSS 10a. Thus, the AP 200b can appropriately perform interference control by changing parameter information. In addition, in step S1204, the AP 200b transmits aggregate parameter information, and the AP 200a receives the aggregate parameter information. As described above, this enables the AP 200a to grasp parameter information set in the BSS 10b and influence of interference received by a device of the BSS 10b, and to appropriately perform interference control by changing parameter information.

As described above, in the wireless LAN system according to the present embodiment, the STA <NUM> reports parameter information of the own BSS or an OBSS to the AP <NUM>, which enables the AP <NUM> to grasp interference information without using a management device. In addition, the AP <NUM> can aggregate parameter information reported from the STA <NUM>, and exchange aggregate parameter information between the APs <NUM>, thereby grasping parameter information set in different BSSs and an interference situation between BSSs. Then, the AP <NUM> can appropriately perform interference control by changing parameter information of the own BSS on the basis of aggregate parameter information.

The functional overview of the wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Now, a configuration of a frame transmitted and received by the wireless LAN system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration of a frame transmitted and received in the wireless LAN system according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, a frame transmitted and received by the wireless LAN system according to the present embodiment is a PPDU including Preamble, PLCP Header, and MPDU. The PLCP Header includes L-SIG and HE-SIG. The MPDU includes MAC Header, Frame Body, and Frame Check Sequence (FCS).

<FIG> illustrates a configuration of the PLCP Header in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the PLCP Header includes BSS Color, Tx Power, MCS Index, Uplink Indicator, and the like. The BSS Color is information for identifying a BSS of a transmitted and received signal. For example, BSS Color of a signal transmitted and received in a certain BSS contains BSS Color information corresponding to the BSS, and BSS Color of aggregate parameter information or the like transmitted and received between different BSSs contains wildcard BSS Color information. The STA <NUM> or the AP <NUM> that has received a signal determines whether or not the signal is a signal of the own BSS, or whether or not the signal is a signal communicated across BSSs, on the basis of BSS Color. In addition, the Tx Power is transmission power information. In addition, the MCS Index is obtained by indexing a combination of a modulation scheme, a coding rate, and the like. In addition, the Uplink Indicator is a signal transmission direction, indicates that the signal is an uplink signal in the case where the Uplink Indicator is <NUM>, and indicates that the signal is a downlink signal in the case where the Uplink Indicator is <NUM>, for example.

<FIG> illustrates a configuration of the MAC Header in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the MAC Header includes Frame Control, Address <NUM> to Address <NUM>, Sequence Control, Qos Control, HT Control, and the like. The Frame Control contains information of a protocol version, a frame time, or the like, and Address <NUM> to Address <NUM> contain information of a BSSID, a transmission source address, a destination address, or the like. The Sequence Control contains a sequence number, the Qos Control contains a Qos parameter, and the HT Control contains a high-speed communication parameter.

The functional overview of the wireless LAN system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Now, configurations of the STA <NUM> and the AP <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to <FIG> illustrates configurations of the STA <NUM> and the AP <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

First, a configuration of the STA <NUM> is described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the STA <NUM> includes a wireless communication unit <NUM>, a data processing unit <NUM>, and a control unit <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless communication unit <NUM> includes an antenna control unit <NUM>, a reception processing unit <NUM>, and a transmission processing unit <NUM>, and functions as a reception unit and a reporting unit.

The antenna control unit <NUM> controls transmission and reception of signals via at least one antenna. More specifically, the antenna control unit <NUM> provides the signal received via the antenna to the reception processing unit <NUM>, and transmits the signal generated by the transmission processing unit <NUM> via the antenna.

The reception processing unit <NUM> performs frame reception processing on the basis of the signal provided from the antenna control unit <NUM>. For example, the reception processing unit <NUM> outputs a baseband reception signal by performing analog processing and down-conversion on a signal obtained from an antenna. Then, the reception processing unit <NUM> calculates correlation between a predetermined signal pattern and the reception signal, while shifting the reception signal that is a target of computation on a time axis, and detects a preamble on the basis of appearance of a peak of correlation. Thus, the reception processing unit <NUM> can detect a signal of the own BSS, a signal of an OBSS, or the like. In addition, the reception processing unit <NUM> acquires a frame by performing demodulation, decoding, and the like on the baseband reception signal, and provides the acquired frame to a received frame analysis unit <NUM>. In addition, the reception processing unit <NUM> provides information regarding success or failure of reception processing to an operation control unit <NUM>. For example, in the case of failing in reception processing such as demodulation, the reception processing unit <NUM> provides error occurrence information to the operation control unit <NUM>. In addition, in the case of receiving a signal that cannot be detected by computing correlation with a predetermined signal pattern (i.e., a signal not including a wireless-LAN-standard preamble), the reception processing unit <NUM> provides the information to the received frame analysis unit <NUM>.

The transmission processing unit <NUM> performs transmission processing of a frame provided from a transmission frame constructing unit <NUM>. More specifically, the transmission processing unit <NUM> generates a transmission signal on the basis of a frame provided from the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> and a parameter set in accordance with an instruction from a signal control unit <NUM>. For example, the transmission processing unit <NUM> generates a baseband transmission signal by performing encoding, interleaving, and modulation on the frame provided from the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> in accordance with coding and modulation schemes and the like instructed by the signal control unit <NUM>. In addition, the transmission processing unit <NUM> performs up-conversion on the baseband transmission signal obtained by the preceding processing.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the data processing unit <NUM> includes the received frame analysis unit <NUM>, a reception buffer <NUM>, an interface unit <NUM>, a transmission buffer <NUM>, a parameter information storage unit <NUM>, and the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM>.

The received frame analysis unit <NUM> functions as a determination unit and an acquisition unit, and performs analysis of a received frame, acquisition of parameter information, or the like. More specifically, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> analyzes PLCP Header, MAC Header, and the like included in a frame received by the wireless communication unit <NUM>. Then, the received frame analysis unit determines whether or not the reception signal is a signal of the own BSS on the basis of BSS Color or a BSSID that is identification information.

In the case where it is determined that the reception signal is a signal of the own BSS, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires parameters, and causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the parameters as parameter information of the own BSS (referring to second parameter information). In addition, in the case where it is determined that the reception signal is not a signal of the own BSS, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires parameters, and causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the parameters as parameter information of an OBSS. In addition, in the case where information indicating that a signal not including a wireless-LAN-standard preamble is received is provided from the reception processing unit <NUM>, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires parameters, and causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the parameters as energy detection parameter information.

In addition, in the case where a parameter information report request from the AP <NUM> is received, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> provides the information to the operation control unit <NUM>, and, in the case where aggregate parameter information from the AP <NUM> is received, provides the information to the operation control unit <NUM>. Furthermore, in the case where a frame destination includes the own device, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires data or the like from the frame, and causes the reception buffer <NUM> to store the data or the like.

The reception buffer <NUM> stores data included in a received frame.

The interface unit <NUM> is an interface connected to another component included in the STA <NUM>. More specifically, the interface unit <NUM> performs reception of data that is desired to be transmitted from the other component, for example, an application or a user interface, provision of reception data to the application or the user interface, or the like.

The transmission buffer <NUM> stores transmission data provided from the interface unit <NUM>.

The parameter information storage unit <NUM> stores parameter information of the own BSS, parameter information of an OBSS, and energy detection parameter information provided from the received frame analysis unit <NUM>. Here, according to the claimed invention information stored by the parameter information storage unit <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> illustrates parameter information stored by the parameter information storage unit <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the parameter information storage unit <NUM> creates a record for each reception signal, and stores parameter information. Then, the parameter information storage unit <NUM> adds information of a transmission source network of the reception signal. More specifically, the parameter information storage unit <NUM> makes it possible to distinguish whether the reception signal is a signal of the own BSS or a signal of an OBSS by containing information of the own BSS or an OBSS in "BSS/Overlap BSS column" in the record (it is written "BSS" instead of "own BSS" in parameter information of the own BSS). For example, a record <NUM>, a record <NUM>, and a record <NUM> of <FIG> are parameter information of a signal of an OBSS, and a record <NUM> is parameter information of a signal of the own BSS. Although not illustrated, in the case where the reception signal is a signal of a network other than a wireless LAN, such as a cellular network, "BSS/Overlap BSS column" may contain "N/A" or the like, or may contain some sort of identification information. For example, a type defined by EDCA, for example, or the like may be contained as version information, a frame type format, a subtype format, an aggregation format, or a QoS parameter of a wireless LAN.

The transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> generates a transmission frame. For example, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> generates a parameter report frame on the basis of parameter information stored in the parameter information storage unit <NUM> and control information set by the operation control unit <NUM>. The transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> generates a frame (packet) from parameter information for transmission acquired from the parameter information storage unit <NUM>, and performs processing of adding a MAC header for medium access control (MAC) and an error detection code to the generated frame and the like. In addition, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> may generate a transmission frame by using transmission data contained in the transmission buffer <NUM>.

Here, an example of a parameter report frame generated by the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an information element <NUM> used for transmitting parameter information of the own BSS. As illustrated in <FIG>, the information element <NUM> includes Element ID, Length, Report MAC Address, BSS STA Counts, parameter information for each reception signal, and the like. The Element ID is information of a type of information element, the Length is information of a length of the information element <NUM>, the Report MAC Address is information of a report destination address, and the BSS STA Counts is information of the number of own BSS signals to be reported. In addition, parameter information for each own BSS signal can include RSSI, MCS, Type, Duration, and the like, but may be changed as appropriate. Here, the Type is information indicating a type of data, and the Type may include, for example, version information of a wireless LAN frame, information regarding whether or not it is configured by aggregation as a type of frame, or information regarding voice, video, or the like included in data. In addition, the Duration is information regarding a transmission path utilization time. <FIG> is an example, and contents of the information element <NUM> may be changed as appropriate.

<FIG> illustrates an information element <NUM> used for transmitting parameter information of an OBSS. As illustrated in <FIG>, the information element <NUM> includes Element ID, Length, Report MAC Address, OBSS Counts, parameter information for each reception signal, and the like. The OBSS Counts is information of the number of OBSS signals to be reported. Other information is similar to that of the information element <NUM> in <FIG>; hence, description is omitted. <FIG> is an example, and contents of the information element <NUM> may be changed as appropriate.

<FIG> illustrates an information element <NUM> used for transmitting energy detection parameter information. <FIG> is an example not encompassed in the wording of the claims, which is present for illustration purposes only.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the information element <NUM> includes Element ID, Length, Report MAC Address, RSSI min level, Detect Counts, parameter information for each reception signal, and the like. The RSSI min level is information of the lowest RSSI. Detect Counts is information of the number of signals to be reported. In addition, parameter information for each signal can include RSSI max and Duration, but may be changed as appropriate. Here, the RSSI max is information of the highest RSSI for each signal. <FIG> is an example, and contents of the information element <NUM> may be changed as appropriate.

Each information element illustrated in <FIG> is contained in the Frame Body of <FIG> and transmitted. At this time, each information element may be contained in the Frame Body alone, or a plurality of information elements may be coupled and contained in the Frame Body.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> includes the operation control unit <NUM> and the signal control unit <NUM>.

The operation control unit <NUM> controls processing related to transmission of parameter information. More specifically, the operation control unit <NUM> controls transmission processing of parameter information of the own BSS, parameter information of an OBSS, or energy detection parameter information. For example, in the case of determining that an error has occurred at a predetermined frequency or more on the basis of error occurrence information provided from the reception processing unit <NUM>, the operation control unit <NUM> controls each component so as to transmit parameter information. In addition, in the case where predetermined time or more passes from timing at which parameter information has been transmitted previously, the operation control unit <NUM> similarly controls each component so as to transmit parameter information. In addition, in the case where information indicating that a parameter information report request from the AP <NUM> is received is provided from the reception processing unit <NUM>, the operation control unit <NUM> similarly controls each component so as to transmit parameter information. These timings at which parameter information is transmitted may be changed freely. By the above method, the operation control unit <NUM> can control each component so as to transmit parameter information at appropriate timing.

The signal control unit <NUM> controls an operation of the wireless communication unit <NUM>. More specifically, the signal control unit <NUM> controls transmission/reception processing of the wireless communication unit <NUM>. For example, the signal control unit <NUM> causes the wireless communication unit <NUM> to set control information for transmission and reception on the basis of an instruction from the operation control unit <NUM>. In addition, the signal control unit <NUM> controls vacant channel detection processing as in CSMA/CA. For example, the signal control unit <NUM> decides transmission start or transmission standby of a signal on the basis of a carrier sense result and back off time.

The AP <NUM> may include components similar to those of the STA <NUM>. Of course, the AP <NUM> may include a component not included in the STA <NUM> as appropriate.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless communication unit <NUM> includes an antenna control unit <NUM>, a reception processing unit <NUM>, and a transmission processing unit <NUM>, and functions as a reception unit and a reporting unit. The functions of the components are similar to those of the STA <NUM>; hence, description is omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the data processing unit <NUM> includes a received frame analysis unit <NUM>, a reception buffer <NUM>, an interface unit <NUM>, a transmission buffer <NUM>, a parameter information storage unit <NUM>, and a transmission frame constructing unit <NUM>. Hereinafter, of the functions of the components, description of a function similar to that of a component of the STA <NUM> is omitted.

The received frame analysis unit <NUM> functions as a generation unit, and performs analysis of a received frame, and processing related to parameter information and aggregate parameter information. More specifically, in the case where a frame including parameter information is received from the STA <NUM>, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> analyzes the frame, and acquires parameter information. Then, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> generates aggregate parameter information on the basis of the parameter information, and causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the aggregate parameter information. At this time, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the aggregate parameter information in association with identification information of the transmission source STA <NUM>. In addition, as described above, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> may generate aggregate parameter information by editing parameter information transmitted from the STA <NUM>.

In addition, in the case where aggregate parameter information transmitted from another AP <NUM> is received, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the aggregate parameter information in association with identification information of the transmission source AP <NUM>. In addition, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> may edit aggregate parameter information transmitted from another AP <NUM>, and cause the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the edited aggregate parameter information.

The parameter information storage unit <NUM> stores aggregate parameter information provided from the received frame analysis unit <NUM>.

The transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> generates a transmission frame. For example, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> is controlled by an operation control unit <NUM> to generate a parameter information report request frame. In addition, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> is controlled by the operation control unit <NUM> to generate a frame including aggregate parameter information.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> includes the operation control unit <NUM> and a signal control unit <NUM>. Hereinafter, of the functions of the components, description of a function similar to that of a component of the STA <NUM> is omitted.

The operation control unit <NUM> controls processing related to parameter information, aggregate parameter information, and interference control. For example, the operation control unit <NUM> controls processing related to a parameter information report request. The operation control unit <NUM> controls each component so as to generate and transmit a frame for a parameter information report request. Here, a parameter information report request may be made at any timing. For example, the operation control unit <NUM> may make a parameter information report request after predetermined time elapses from timing at which a parameter information report request has been made previously. In addition, the operation control unit <NUM> may make a parameter information report request in the case of determining that error occurrence frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, on the basis of error occurrence information provided from the reception processing unit <NUM>.

In addition, the operation control unit <NUM> controls processing of reporting aggregate parameter information to another AP <NUM>. The operation control unit <NUM> controls each component so as to generate a frame including aggregate parameter information stored by the parameter information storage unit <NUM>, and report the frame to another AP <NUM>. Here, aggregate parameter information may be reported at any timing. For example, the operation control unit <NUM> may report aggregate parameter information after predetermined time elapses from timing at which aggregate parameter information has been reported previously. In addition, the operation control unit <NUM> may report aggregate parameter information in the case of determining that error occurrence frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, on the basis of error occurrence information provided from the reception processing unit <NUM>.

In addition, the operation control unit <NUM> performs processing related to interference control. More specifically, the operation control unit <NUM> performs interference control on the basis of aggregate parameter information generated by using parameter information from the STA <NUM> or aggregate parameter information received from another AP <NUM>. For example, in the case of determining that communication environment is poor on the basis of aggregate parameter information, the operation control unit <NUM> changes a modulation scheme to a modulation scheme with low transmission efficiency (BPSK etc.) enabling communication more reliably, or changes transmission power to higher transmission power allowed in the standard. In addition, the operation control unit <NUM> may change setting in a manner that a frequency band different from a frequency band used in an OBSS is used.

In addition, the operation control unit <NUM> may perform interference control on the basis of information regarding priority of data included in aggregate parameter information. More specifically, in the case where it can be confirmed that communication of data with high priority, such as voice, is performed in an OBSS on the basis of the Type included in aggregate parameter information, the operation control unit <NUM> may change parameters in a manner that communication of the OBSS is performed preferentially. In addition, in the case where it can be confirmed that communication of data with high priority is not performed in an OBSS on the basis of the Type included in aggregate parameter information, the operation control unit <NUM> may change parameters in a manner that communication of the own BSS is performed preferentially. Alternatively, in this case, the operation control unit <NUM> may perform determination again after parameters of the OBSS are changed, without changing parameters of the own BSS.

The configurations of the STA <NUM> and the AP <NUM> according to the present embodiment have been described above. Now, parameter information acquisition operation will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the STA <NUM> according to an unclaimed example (present for illustration purposes only) acquiring parameter information. Here, also in the case where the AP <NUM> acquires parameter information, the operation shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be performed as in the STA <NUM>.

In step S1300, the wireless communication unit <NUM> detects a signal having an RSSI greater than a predetermined threshold. In the case where the reception processing unit <NUM> detects a preamble of a wireless LAN by computing correlation between a predetermined signal pattern and a reception signal (Yes in step S1304), in step S1308, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> extracts information of the PLCP Header. Then, in step S1312, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires a parameter related to the MCS (MCS Index) included in the PLCP Header.

Then, in step S1316, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> analyzes a header configuration or version information included in a header. In the case where the header of the signal conforms to a standard supported by the own device (a standard in which Tx Power, BSS Color, and the like are included in a header) (Yes in step S1316), in step S1320, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires a parameter related to transmission power (Tx Power) from the PLCP Header. In step S1324, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires a parameter related to the BSS Color (BSS Color) from the PLCP Header.

In step S1328, in the case where the received frame analysis unit <NUM> determines that the acquired BSS Color information is BSS Color information of the own BSS (Yes in step S1328), the received frame analysis unit <NUM> causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the acquired parameter information as parameter information of the own BSS. In step S1328, in the case where the received frame analysis unit <NUM> determines that the acquired BSS Color information is not BSS Color information of the own BSS (No in step S1328), the received frame analysis unit <NUM> causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the acquired parameter information as parameter information of an OBSS.

In the case where the header of the signal does not conform to a standard supported by the own device in step S1316 (No in step S1316), in step S1332, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires address information (Address <NUM> to Address <NUM>) of the MAC Header. In the case where the address information of the MAC Header includes MAC address information of the AP <NUM> as a BSSID of the own BSS (Yes in step S1336), the received frame analysis unit <NUM> causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the acquired parameter information as parameter information of the own BSS.

In the case where the address information of the MAC Header does not include MAC address information of the AP <NUM> as a BSSID of the own BSS (No in step S1336), the received frame analysis unit <NUM> causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the acquired parameter information as parameter information of an OBSS. In the case where the reception processing unit <NUM> cannot detect a preamble of a wireless LAN in step S1304 (No in step S1304), in step S1348, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the acquired parameter information as energy detection parameter information.

In step S1352, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires information regarding an RSSI from the reception processing unit <NUM>, and causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the information. In step S1356, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> acquires information regarding a transmission path utilization time from the reception processing unit <NUM>, and causes the parameter information storage unit <NUM> to store the information.

In the case where an FCS error does not occur in a series of frames (Yes in step S1360), processing ends. In the case where an FCS error occurs in a series of frames in step S1360 (No in step S1360), the reception processing unit <NUM> provides error occurrence information to the operation control unit <NUM>, the operation control unit <NUM> causes a storage unit (not illustrated) to store the information, and processing ends.

The parameter information acquisition operation has been described above. Now, parameter information reporting operation will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are flowcharts illustrating the operation of the STA <NUM> according to an unclaimed example (present for illustration purposes only) reporting parameter information to the AP <NUM>.

In step S1400, the operation control unit <NUM> acquires error occurrence information from the reception processing unit <NUM>. Then, in the case where an error has occurred at a predetermined frequency or more in step S1404 (Yes in step S1404), parameter information reporting operation in step S1416 and subsequent steps is performed. In addition, even in the case where an error has not occurred at a predetermined frequency or more in step S1404 (No in step S1404), in the case where predetermined time or more passes from timing when parameter information has been reported previously (Yes in step S1408), processing of reporting parameter information is performed. Even in the case where predetermined time or more does not pass from timing when parameter information has been reported previously (No in step S1408), in the case where a parameter information report request from the AP <NUM> is received (Yes in step S1412), processing of reporting parameter information is performed. In the case where a parameter information report request from the AP <NUM> is not received in step S1412 (No in step S1412), processing moves to step S1400. As described above, these triggers for parameter information reporting operation may be changed as appropriate. In addition, processing of step S1400 may be omitted.

In step S1416, in the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> stores unreported parameter information of the own BSS (Yes in step S1416), in step S1420, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> acquires the unreported parameter information of the own BSS from the parameter information storage unit <NUM>. In step S1424, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> constructs an own BSS parameter report frame. In the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> does not store unreported parameter information of the own BSS in step S1416 (No in step S1416), processing moves to step S1428.

In step S1428, in the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> stores unreported parameter information of an OBSS (Yes in step S1428), in step S1432, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> acquires the unreported parameter information of the OBSS from the parameter information storage unit <NUM>. In step S1436, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> constructs a BSS parameter report frame. In the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> does not store unreported parameter information of an OBSS in step S1428 (No in step S1428), processing moves to step S1440.

In step S1440, in the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> stores unreported energy detection parameter information (Yes in step S1440), in step S1444, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> acquires the unreported energy detection parameter information from the parameter information storage unit <NUM>. In step S1448, the transmission frame constructing unit <NUM> constructs an energy detection parameter report frame. In the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> does not store unreported energy detection parameter information in step S1440 (No in step S1440), processing moves to step S1452.

In step S1452, in the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> stores unreported parameter information (Yes in step S1452), in step S1456, the control unit <NUM> controls the wireless communication unit <NUM> to transmit a generated parameter report frame. In step S1460, the control unit <NUM> records a transmission time of the parameter report frame, and processing ends. In the case where the parameter information storage unit <NUM> does not store unreported parameter information in step S1452 (No in step S1452), processing ends.

The parameter information reporting operation has been described above. Now, modifications of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

First, a first modification of the present disclosure is described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a configuration of a wireless LAN system according to the first modification.

The first modification is a case where it is difficult for the APs <NUM> to directly communicate with each other. As illustrated in <FIG>, the STA 100b belonging to the BSS 10a can communicate with the STA 100c belonging to the BSS 10b that is an OBSS, but the AP 200a cannot communicate with the AP 200b. In the first modification, the AP <NUM> exchanges aggregate parameter information with another AP <NUM> via the STA <NUM>.

That is, the STA <NUM> according to the first modification controls processing related to transfer of aggregate parameter information. More specifically, the received frame analysis unit <NUM> of the STA <NUM> analyzes a received frame, and in the case of determining that aggregate parameter information from the AP <NUM> is received, provides the information to the operation control unit <NUM>. After that, the operation control unit <NUM> controls each component so as to transfer a frame including the aggregate parameter information.

Now, an example of aggregate parameter information exchange operation according to the first modification will be described with reference to <FIG> is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the APs <NUM> exchanging aggregate parameter information in the first modification. In step S1500, the AP 200a transmits aggregate parameter information, and the STA 100b receives the aggregate parameter information. In step S1504, the STA 100b transfers aggregate parameter information, and the STA 100c receives the aggregate parameter information. In step S1508, the STA 100c transfers aggregate parameter information, and the AP 200b receives the aggregate parameter information.

In step S1512, the AP 200b transmits aggregate parameter information, and the STA 100c receives the aggregate parameter information. In step S1516, the STA 100c transfers aggregate parameter information, and the STA 100b receives the aggregate parameter information. In step S1520, the STA 100b transfers aggregate parameter information, and the AP 200a receives the aggregate parameter information.

As described above, according to the first modification, even in the case where the APs <NUM> cannot communicate with each other directly, the AP <NUM> can exchange aggregate parameter information with a different AP <NUM> via the STA <NUM>. For example, even in a situation in which different APs <NUM> cannot always communicate with each other normally, such as the case where a place of the AP <NUM> may be changed, the AP <NUM> can exchange aggregate parameter information with a different AP <NUM>.

Now, a second modification of the present disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG> illustrates a configuration of a wireless LAN system according to the second modification.

The second modification is a case where a controller and a plurality of APs <NUM> are connected via a wired network. As illustrated in <FIG>, the AP 200a, the AP 200b, and a controller are connected via a wired network. For example, the AP 200a, the AP 200b, and the controller may be connected via an Ethernet cable. In the second modification, the AP <NUM> transmits aggregate parameter information to the controller or exchanges aggregate parameter information with another AP <NUM> via the wired network. In the second modification, interference control using interference information may be performed by the controller, or may be performed by each AP <NUM> as appropriate.

As shown in the second modification, the present disclosure may be applied to wireless LAN systems of various network configurations.

The technology according to the present disclosure can be applied to various products. For example, the STA <NUM> may be realized as mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), notebook PCs, portable game terminals, or digital cameras, fixed-type terminals such as television receivers, printers, digital scanners, or network storages, or car-mounted terminals such as car navigation devices. In addition, the STA <NUM> may be realized as terminals that perform machine to machine (M2M) communication (also referred to as machine type communication (MTC) terminals) such as smart meters, vending machines, remotely controlled monitoring devices, or point of sale (POS) terminals. Furthermore, the STA <NUM> may be wireless communication modules mounted in such terminals (for example, integrated circuit modules configured by one die).

On the other hand, for example, the AP <NUM> may be realized as a wireless LAN access point (also referred to as a wireless base station) which has a router function or does not have a router function. The AP <NUM> may be realized as a mobile wireless LAN router. The AP <NUM> may also be a wireless communication module (for example, an integrated circuit module configured with one die) mounted on such devices.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a smartphone <NUM> to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied. The smartphone <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a storage <NUM>, an external connection interface <NUM>, a camera <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a microphone <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, a speaker <NUM>, a wireless communication interface <NUM>, an antenna switch <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, a bus <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, and an auxiliary controller <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a system on chip (SoC), and controls functions of an application layer and other layers of the smartphone <NUM>. The memory <NUM> includes random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM), and stores data and programs executed by the processor <NUM>. The storage <NUM> can include a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. The external connection interface <NUM> is an interface for connecting an externally attachable device such as a memory card or a universal serial bus (USB) device to the smartphone <NUM>.

The camera <NUM> has an image sensor, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), to generate captured images. The sensor <NUM> can include a sensor group including, for example, a positioning sensor, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like. The microphone <NUM> converts sounds input to the smartphone <NUM> into audio signals. The input device <NUM> includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects touches on a screen of the display device <NUM>, a keypad, a keyboard, buttons, switches, and the like, to receive operation or information input from a user. The display device <NUM> has a screen such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display to display output images of the smartphone <NUM>. The speaker <NUM> converts audio signals output from the smartphone <NUM> into sounds.

The wireless communication interface <NUM> supports one or more wireless LAN standards of IEEE <NUM>. 11a, 11b, <NUM>, 11n, 11ac, and <NUM> ad, to establish wireless communication. The wireless communication interface <NUM> can communicate with another device via a wireless LAN access point in an infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface <NUM> can directly communicate with another device in a direct communication mode such as an ad hoc mode or Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark). Note that, Wi-Fi Direct is different from the ad hoc mode. One of two terminals operates as an access point, and communication is performed directly between the terminals. The wireless communication interface <NUM> can typically include a baseband processor, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communication interface <NUM> may be a one-chip module on which a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and a relevant circuit are integrated. The wireless communication interface <NUM> may support another kind of wireless communication scheme such as a cellular communication scheme, a near-field communication scheme, or a proximity wireless communication scheme in addition to the wireless LAN scheme. The antenna switch <NUM> switches a connection destination of the antenna <NUM> among a plurality of circuits (for example, circuits for different wireless communication schemes) included in the wireless communication interface <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> has a single or a plurality of antenna elements (for example, a plurality of antenna elements constituting a MIMO antenna), and is used for transmission and reception of wireless signals through the wireless communication interface <NUM>.

Note that the smartphone <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas (for example, antennas for a wireless LAN or antennas for a proximity wireless communication scheme, or the like), without being limited to the example of <FIG>. In this case, the antenna switch <NUM> may be omitted from the configuration of the smartphone <NUM>.

The bus <NUM> connects the processor <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the storage <NUM>, the external connection interface <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, the microphone <NUM>, the input device <NUM>, the display device <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, the wireless communication interface <NUM>, and the auxiliary controller <NUM> with each other. The battery <NUM> supplies electric power to each of the blocks of the smartphone <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> via power supply lines partially indicated by dashed lines in the drawing. The auxiliary controller <NUM> causes, for example, necessary minimum functions of the smartphone <NUM> to be operated in a sleep mode.

In the smartphone <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless communication unit <NUM>, the data processing unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> may be mounted on the wireless communication interface <NUM>. In addition, at least some of these functions may be mounted on the processor <NUM> or the auxiliary controller <NUM>.

Note that the smartphone <NUM> may operate as a wireless access point (software AP) as the processor <NUM> executes the function of an access point at an application level. In addition, the wireless communication interface <NUM> may have the function of a wireless access point.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a car navigation device <NUM> to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied. The car navigation device <NUM> includes a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a GPS module <NUM>, a sensor <NUM>, a data interface <NUM>, a content player <NUM>, a storage medium interface <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, a speaker <NUM>, a wireless communication interface <NUM>, an antenna switch <NUM>, an antenna <NUM>, and a battery <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may be, for example, a CPU or an SoC controlling a navigation function and other functions of the car navigation device <NUM>. The memory <NUM> includes RAM and ROM storing data and programs executed by the processor <NUM>.

The GPS module <NUM> measures a position of the car navigation device <NUM> (for example, latitude, longitude, and altitude) using GPS signals received from a GPS satellite. The sensor <NUM> can include a sensor group including, for example, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, a barometric sensor, and the like. The data interface <NUM> is connected with an in-vehicle network <NUM> via, for example, a terminal (not illustrated) to acquire data generated on the vehicle side such as car speed data.

The content player <NUM> reproduces content stored in a storage medium (for example, a CD or a DVD) inserted into the storage medium interface <NUM>. The input device <NUM> includes, for example, a touch sensor that detects touches on a screen of the display device <NUM>, buttons, switches, and the like to receive operation or information input from a user. The display device <NUM> has a screen such as an LCD or an OLED display to display images of the navigation function or reproduced content. The speaker <NUM> outputs sounds of the navigation function or reproduced content.

The wireless communication interface <NUM> supports one or more wireless LAN standards of IEEE <NUM>. 11a, 11b, <NUM>, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, and the like to execute wireless communication. The wireless communication interface <NUM> can communicate with another device via a wireless LAN access point in the infrastructure mode. In addition, the wireless communication interface <NUM> can directly communicate with another device in a direct communication mode such as an ad hoc mode or Wi-Fi Direct. The wireless communication interface <NUM> can typically have a baseband processor, an RF circuit, a power amplifier, and the like. The wireless communication interface <NUM> may be a one-chip module on which a memory that stores a communication control program, a processor that executes the program, and a relevant circuit are integrated. The wireless communication interface <NUM> may support another kind of wireless communication scheme such as a near-field communication scheme, a proximity wireless communication scheme, or the cellular communication scheme in addition to the wireless LAN scheme. The antenna switch <NUM> switches a connection destination of the antenna <NUM> among a plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication interface <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> has a single or a plurality of antenna elements and is used for transmission and reception of wireless signals from and to the wireless communication interface <NUM>.

Note that the car navigation device <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas, without being limited to the example of <FIG>. In this case, the antenna switch <NUM> may be omitted from the configuration of the car navigation device <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> supplies electric power to each of the blocks of the car navigation device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> via power supply lines partially indicated by dashed lines in the drawing. In addition, the battery <NUM> accumulates electric power supplied from the vehicle side.

In the car navigation device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless communication unit <NUM>, the data processing unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> may be mounted on the wireless communication interface <NUM>. In addition, at least some of these functions may be mounted on the processor <NUM>.

In addition, the wireless communication interface <NUM> may operate as the AP <NUM> described above, and provide wireless communication for a terminal of a user on the vehicle.

Further, the technology of the present disclosure may be realized as an in-vehicle system (or a vehicle) <NUM> including one or more blocks of the above-described car navigation device <NUM>, the in-vehicle network <NUM>, and a vehicle-side module <NUM>. The vehicle-side module <NUM> generates vehicle-side data such as a vehicle speed, the number of engine rotations, or failure information and outputs the generated data to the in-vehicle network <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a wireless access point <NUM> to which the technology of the present disclosure can be applied. The wireless access point <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, a network interface <NUM>, a wireless communication interface <NUM>, an antenna switch <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> may be, for example, a CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP) and operates various functions (for example, access limitation, routing, encryption, a fire wall, and log management) of the Internet Protocol (IP) layer and higher layers of the wireless access point <NUM>. The memory <NUM> includes RAM and ROM and stores a program executed by the controller <NUM> and various kinds of control data (for example, a terminal list, a routing table, an encryption key, security settings, and a log).

The input device <NUM> includes, for example, a button or a switch, and receives operation performed by a user. The display device <NUM> includes an LED lamp and displays an operation status of the wireless access point <NUM>.

The network interface <NUM> is a wired communication interface that connects the wireless access point <NUM> with a wired communication network <NUM>. The network interface <NUM> may include a plurality of connection terminals. The wired communication network <NUM> may be a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark) or may be a wide area network (WAN).

The wireless communication interface <NUM> supports one or more wireless LAN standards of IEEE <NUM>. 11a, 11b, <NUM>, 11n, 11ac, 11ad, and the like to supply wireless connection to a nearby terminal as an access point. The wireless communication interface <NUM> can typically include a baseband processor, an RF circuit, and a power amplifier. The wireless communication interface <NUM> may be a one-chip module in which memory storing a communication control program, a processor executing the program, and relevant circuits are integrated. The antenna switch <NUM> switches a connection destination of the antenna <NUM> among a plurality of circuits included in the wireless communication interface <NUM>. The antenna <NUM> includes one antenna element or a plurality of antenna elements and is used to transmit and receive a wireless signal through the wireless communication interface <NUM>.

In the wireless access point <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the wireless communication unit <NUM>, the data processing unit <NUM>, and the control unit <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> may be mounted on the wireless communication interface <NUM>. In addition, at least some of these functions may be mounted on the controller <NUM>.

The application examples of the present disclosure have been described above. Now, supplemental remarks about parameter information collection processing by the STA <NUM> will be described.

As described above, the STA <NUM> collects parameter information of a BSS in unclaimed example or an OBSS in the claimed embodiment, but does not need to always perform the collection processing in an unclaimed example, present for illustration purposes only. For example, the STA <NUM> may refrain from collecting parameter information in the case where error occurrence frequency in transmission/reception processing is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, and collect parameter information in the case where error occurrence frequency is greater than the predetermined threshold. Thus, the STA <NUM> can reduce an amount of power consumed by trying to collect parameter information even in the case where interference has not occurred.

In addition, the STA <NUM> may refrain from collecting parameter information in the case where the own device is not connected to a power supply and is operated by a mobile battery, and collect parameter information in the case where the own device is connected to a power supply. Thus, the STA <NUM> can prevent the mobile battery from being exhausted by collecting parameter information.

In addition, in the case where the STA <NUM> is moving, an interference situation with an OBSS changes frequently; hence, there is a possibility that appropriate parameter information is not acquired. Consequently, the STA <NUM> may use a global positioning system (GPS) sensor or the like, refrain from collecting parameter information in the case of determining that the own device is moving by being carried by a user, and collect parameter information in the case of determining that the own device is not moving. Thus, the STA <NUM> can collect appropriate parameter information, and can reduce an amount of power consumed by acquiring inappropriate parameter information.

As described above, the AP <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can grasp interference information without using a management device. Then, the AP <NUM> can exchange the interference information with another AP <NUM>. Furthermore, the AP <NUM> can appropriately perform interference control on the basis of the interference information.

For example, steps in the operation of the STA <NUM> according to the present embodiment need not be always processed in chronological order in accordance with the order described as a flow chart. For example, steps in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be processed in an order different from the order described in the drawing, or may be concurrently processed, as appropriate. For example, steps S1000 to S1012 in <FIG> may be processed in a different order, or may be concurrently processed.

In addition, part of the configuration of the STA <NUM> may be provided outside the STA <NUM> as appropriate. Similarly, part of the configuration of the AP <NUM> may be provided outside the AP <NUM> as appropriate.

Claim 1:
A station device (<NUM>) comprising:
a reception unit configured to receive a signal transmitted from a second network other than a first network to which the station device (<NUM>) belongs, the first network being a basic service set, BSS, constituted by an access point (<NUM>) and at least the station device (<NUM>), the second network being an overlap basic service set, OBSS, that overlaps with the BSS;
an acquisition unit configured to acquire parameter information regarding the signal; and
a reporting unit configured to report the parameter information to the access point (<NUM>) that performs interference control in the BSS based on the parameter information,
the parameter information including
detection time information,
modulation and coding scheme, MCS, information,
BSS Color information,
received signal strength indicator, RSSI, information,
wireless local area network, LAN, version information,
data type information, and
duration information regarding transmission path utilization time.