Patent ID: 12219084

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

A detailed description will be given below of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to attached drawings. It should be noted that redundant description will be avoided by denoting constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration by the same reference sign in the present specification and drawings.

It should be noted that the description will be given in the following order.1. Schematic configuration1.1. Example of the system configuration1.2. Configuration example of the terminal apparatus2. Examination regarding communication assuming the use of millimeter waves3. Technical features3.1. Schematic configuration of the communication apparatus3.2. Schematic operation3.3. Working examples4. Hardware configuration5. Conclusion

1. Schematic Configuration

1.1. Example of the System Configuration

A description will be given first of an example of a schematic configuration of a system1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.1is an explanatory diagram for describing the example of the schematic configuration of the system1according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.1, the system1includes wireless communication apparatuses100and terminal apparatuses200. Here, the terminal apparatuses200are also referred to as users. The users in question are also referred to as UEs. A wireless communication apparatus100C is also referred to as a UE-Relay. Here, the UEs may be UEs defined in LTE or LTE-A, and the UE-Relay may be a Prose UE to Network Relay discussed in 3GPP or may, more commonly, mean communication equipment.

(1) Wireless Communication Apparatuses100

The wireless communication apparatuses100provide a wireless communication service to subordinate apparatuses. For example, a wireless communication apparatus100A is a base station of a cellular system (or mobile communication system). The base station100A conducts communication with an apparatus (e.g., terminal apparatus200A) located inside a cell10A of the base station100A. For example, the base station100A transmits a downlink signal to the terminal apparatus200A and receives an uplink signal from the terminal apparatus200A.

The base station100A is logically connected to another base station, for example, by an X2 interface, and can transmit and receive control information and the like. Also, the base station100A is logically connected to what is called a core network (not illustrated), for example, by an Si interface, and can transmit and receive control information and the like. It should be noted that communication between these apparatuses can be physically relayed by a variety of apparatuses.

Here, the wireless communication apparatus100A illustrated inFIG.1is a macrocell base station, and the cell10A is a macrocell. Meanwhile, wireless communication apparatuses100B and100C are master devices that operate small cells10B and10C, respectively. As an example, the master device100B is a small cell base station that is installed in a stationary manner. The small cell base station100B establishes a wireless backhaul link with the macrocell base station100A and an access link with each of one or more terminal apparatuses (e.g., terminal apparatus200B) inside the small cell10B. It should be noted that the wireless communication apparatus100B may be a relay node defined in 3GPP. The master device100C is a dynamic AP (access point). The dynamic AP100C is a mobile device that dynamically operates the small cell10C. The dynamic AP100C establishes a wireless backhaul link with the macrocell base station100A and an access link with each of one or more terminal apparatuses (e.g., terminal apparatus200C) inside the small cell10C. The dynamic AP100C may be a terminal apparatus equipped with hardware or software capable of operating as a base station or a wireless access point. In this case, the small cell10C is a dynamically formed local network (Localized Network/Virtual Cell).

The cell10A may be operated according to any wireless communication scheme such as NR, LTE, LTE-A (LTE-Advanced), LTE-ADVANCED PRO, GSM (registered trademark), a UMTS, W-CDMA, CDMA200, WiMAX, WiMAX2, or IEEE802.16.

It should be noted that a small cell is a concept that can include a variety of types of cells that are smaller than a macrocell and disposed in an overlapping manner or not in an overlapping manner (e.g., femtocell, nanocell, picocell, and microcell). In an example, the small cell is operated by a dedicated base station. In another example, the small cell is operated as a result of a temporary operation of a terminal, which is a master device, as the small cell base station. What is called a relay node can be also considered a mode of the small cell base station. The wireless communication apparatus that functions as a master station of the relay node is also referred to as a donor base station. The donor base station may mean a DeNB in LTE and, more commonly, the master station of the relay node.

(2) Terminal Apparatus200

The terminal apparatus200can communicate in a cellular system (or mobile communication system). The terminal apparatus200wirelessly communicates with a wireless communication apparatus of a cellular system (e.g., the base station100A, the master device100B, or the master device100C). For example, the terminal apparatus200A receives the downlink signal from the base station100A and transmits the uplink signal to the base station100A.

Also, as the terminal apparatus200, not only what is called the UE but also what is called low-cost terminals (Low cost UEs) such as an MTC terminal, an eMTC (Enhanced MTC) terminal, and an NB-IoT terminal may be applied.

(3) Supplement

Although the schematic configuration of the system1has been described above, the present technology is not limited to the example illustrated inFIG.1. For example, the configuration not including the master device, an SCE (Small Cell Enhancement), HetNet (Heterogeneous Network), an MTC network, and the like can be adopted as the configuration of the system1. Also, as another example of the configuration of the system1, the master device may be connected to the small cell so that the cell is built under the small cell.

An example of the schematic configuration of the system1according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference toFIG.1.

1.2. Configuration Example of the Terminal Apparatus

A description will be given next of an example of the configuration of the terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment of the present disclosure with reference toFIG.2.FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.2, the terminal apparatus200includes an antenna section2001, a wireless communication section2003, a storage section2007, an output section2009, a detection section2011, and a control section2005.

(1) Antenna Section2001

The antenna section2001radiates a signal, which is output from the wireless communication section2003, into space as a radio wave. Also, the antenna section2001converts the radio wave in space into the signal and outputs the signal in question to the wireless communication section2003.

(2) Wireless Communication Section2003

The wireless communication section2003transmits and receives the signals. For example, the wireless communication section2003receives the downlink signal from the base station and transmits the uplink signal to the base station.

(3) Storage Section2007

The storage section2007temporarily or permanently stores a program and a variety of pieces of data for operating the terminal apparatus200.

(4) Output Section2009

The output section2009presents various types of information to the user. The configuration of the output section2009may be changed as appropriate according to the method by which information to be presented is presented, and a plurality of types of devices may be applied as the output section2009in question. As a specific example, the output section2009may be configured as a display section such as what is called a display. In this case, the output section2009presents various types of information to the user by displaying display information such as an image (e.g., video or still image). Also, as another example, the output section2009may be configured as an acoustic output section such as what is called a speaker. In this case, the output section2009presents various types of information to the user by outputting acoustics such as voice. Also, the output section2009may include a vibration section such as an actuator, simulate a tactile sensation and a force sensation by vibrating the vibration section in question, and present various types of information to the user through presentation of the tactile sensation and the force sensation in question. Naturally, these are merely examples and do not necessarily limit the types of information to be presented, the method by which the information in question is presented, and the configuration of the output section2009involved in the presentation of the information in question.

(5) Detection Section2011

The detection section2011detects various states of the terminal apparatus200. As a specific example, the detection section2011may include various sensors such as an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor and detect a change in posture of a housing of the terminal apparatus200, a change in position of the terminal apparatus200, and the like.

(6) Control Section2005

The control section2005provides a variety of functions of the terminal apparatus200. The control section2005includes a communication control section2013, an estimation section2015, and an output control section2017. It should be noted that the control section2005can further include other constituent elements other than these constituent elements. That is, the control section2005can conduct another operation other than that of these constituent elements.

The communication control section2013controls communication with another apparatus (e.g., base station100) by controlling the operation of the wireless communication section2003. As a specific example, the communication control section2013may generate a transmission signal by modulating the data to be transmitted on the basis of a predetermined modulation scheme and cause the communication section2003to transmit the transmission signal in question to the base station100. Also, as another example, the communication control section2013may acquire, from the wireless communication section2003, a signal reception result (i.e., reception signal) from the base station100and demodulate the data transmitted from the base station100in question by subjecting the reception signal to a predetermined demodulation process.

The estimation section2015estimates, on the basis of the reception result of the wireless signal transmitted from another communication apparatus (e.g., base station100), an incoming direction of the wireless signal in question. At this time, the estimation section2015may use a detection result of the posture (posture of the housing) of the terminal apparatus200by the detection section2011to estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal. It should be noted that the method by which the incoming direction of the wireless signal is estimated will be described later in detail separately.

The output control section2017controls the presentation of information via the output section2009. As a specific example, the output control section2017may cause the output section2009to present various types of information according to a result of control over communication by the communication control section2013. Also, the output control section2017may cause the output section2009to present various types of information according to an estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal by the estimation section2015. As a specific example, the output control section2017may present, to the user, display information presented in a manner that permits identification of the incoming direction of the wireless signal to the terminal apparatus200via the output section2009that is configured as a display section such as a display. Also, at this time, the output control section2017may control information to be presented via the output section2009according to the detection result of the posture (posture of the housing) of the terminal apparatus200by the detection section2011. It should be noted that the processes related to the presentation of information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal will be described later in detail separately.

It should be noted that the configuration illustrated inFIG.2is merely an example and does not necessarily limit the functional configuration of the terminal apparatus200according to the present embodiment. As a specific example, some of constituents of the terminal apparatus200may be provided outside the terminal apparatus200in question. As a more specific example, a portion equivalent to the wireless communication section2003may be externally attached to the terminal apparatus200as an external apparatus. Also, as another example, a constituent equivalent to the control section2005or a constituent equivalent to part of the control section2005may be configured as an external apparatus such as a chip, and a function thereof may be realized as a result of the attachment to the terminal apparatus200. As described above, the wireless communication section2003and the control section2005may be provided in different apparatuses, and in this case, an apparatus having the control section2005is equivalent to an example of an “information processing apparatus.” Also, some of the constituents of the control section2005may be provided outside the terminal apparatus200. As a specific example, a constituent equivalent to the estimation section2015may be provided in other apparatus, and in this case, an apparatus having the constituent equivalent to the estimation section2015is equivalent to an example of the “information processing apparatus.” Also, of the constituents of the terminal apparatus200, at least some of the constituents may be realized as a result of the coordinated operation of a plurality of devices.

An example of the configuration of the terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference toFIG.2.

2. Examination Regarding Communication Assuming the Use of Millimeter Waves

In the communication system based on a standard such as LTE/LTE-A, the wireless signals at frequencies ranging approximately from 700 MHz to 3.5 GHz that are referred to as ultra high frequencies are used for communication. In contrast, in the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, which is the next step after LTE/LTE-A, the use of communication using the wireless signals at the frequencies such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz that are referred to as millimeter waves (hereinafter also simply referred to as “millimeter waves”) is under examination.

In communication using the ultra high frequencies such as LTE/LTE-A, adoption of a technology referred to as what is called MIMO (Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output) makes possible to improve communication performance even under a fading environment by using not only direct waves but also reflected waves for signal transmission and reception.

In contrast, while the millimeter waves can increase an amount of information to be transmitted as compared to the ultra high frequencies, the millimeter waves have the high straight traveling property, resulting in a tendency for greater propagation loss and reflection loss. Accordingly, in an environment where no obstacles are present on a route directly connecting antennas that transmit and receive the wireless signals (what is called an LOS: Line of Site), the direct waves primarily contribute to communication characteristics with almost no impact of reflected waves. Due to such characteristics, it becomes possible for communication terminals such as smartphones to improve their communication performance by receiving the wireless signals (i.e., millimeter waves) transmitted directly from the base stations (i.e., by receiving the direct waves) in communication using the millimeter waves.

Also, as described above, the millimeter waves are subject to relatively high propagation loss (spatial attenuation). Accordingly, high-gain antennas tend to be required in a case where the millimeter waves are used for communication. In order to meet such a demand, the use of a directional beam is under examination for communication between the base station and a terminal apparatus in a 5G mobile communication system by forming the directional beam by using a technology referred to as what is called beam forming. By using such a technology, it becomes possible to multiplex communication between the base station and the terminal apparatus not only in time and frequency but also in space.

Meanwhile, because of an extremely high straight traveling property of the millimeter waves, if the millimeter waves are shielded by a building, a human, a vehicle, or other shields, the situation where it is temporarily difficult to acquire the sufficient radio wave strength may be assumed to arise. In such a situation, for example, as a result of a change in position or posture of the terminal apparatus caused by a movement of the user or the like, it becomes possible for the terminal apparatus, in some cases, to receive the direct wave of the wireless signal transmitted from the base station again (i.e., becomes possible to acquire the sufficient radio wave strength). However, needless to say, it is difficult for the user to directly view the wireless signal. Against such a backdrop, there is a demand for a technology that feeds back the presence of the wireless signal to the user.

In consideration of such a situation, the present disclosure proposes a technology that, in the situation where the wireless signal such as millimeter wave that has the extremely high straight traveling property and can decline significantly in radio wave strength as a result of being shielded by the shield is used, makes it possible to feed back, to the user, the presence of the wireless signal in a more preferred manner.

3. Technical Features

A description will be given next of technical features of the communication apparatus (terminal apparatus200) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

3.1. Schematic Configuration of the Communication Apparatus

A description will be given first of an example of the configuration of the terminal apparatus200that assumes the use of the millimeter waves in particular as an example of the schematic configuration of the communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. For example,FIG.3is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the schematic configuration of the communication apparatus that assumes the use of the millimeter waves and illustrates, in particular, an example of a method by which an antenna apparatus (communication section) that transmits and receives the wireless signals is installed.

In the example illustrated inFIG.3, the terminal apparatus200includes a plate-shaped housing201having approximately rectangular front and rear surfaces. It should be noted that, in the description given below, a thickness direction of the plate-shaped housing201is denoted as a z direction and that, in particular, a front surface side where the display section such as a display is provided is also referred to as a positive z direction and a rear surface side is also referred to as a negative z direction for reasons of convenience. Also, a long length direction of the front surface of the plate-shaped housing201is denoted as a y direction, and, in a case where the terminal apparatus200is used in a state of being held in a vertical orientation in particular, the direction equivalent to an upper side as seen from the user is also denoted as a positive y direction, and the direction equivalent to a lower side is also denoted as a negative y direction. Also, a short length direction of the front surface of the plate-shaped housing201is denoted as an x direction, and, in a case where the terminal apparatus200is used in a state of being held in the vertical orientation in particular, the direction equivalent to a right side as seen from the user is also denoted as a positive x direction, and the direction equivalent to a left side is also denoted as a negative x direction.

The terminal apparatus200illustrated inFIG.3includes a plurality of antenna apparatuses220as communication sections for transmitting and receiving the wireless signals (i.e., antenna apparatuses220ato220d). Each of the antenna apparatuses220ato220dis supported by a housing201of the terminal apparatus200in such a manner as to be able to receive the wireless signals arriving from different directions relative to the housing201in question. At this time, each of the antenna apparatuses220ato220dis held inside the housing201in question, for example, in such a manner as to be located in the vicinity of an edge portion of the housing201.

As a specific example, the antenna apparatus220ais held in the vicinity of the edge portion of the housing201in the positive y direction relative to the terminal apparatus200in such a manner as to be able to receive the wireless signals arriving from the positive y direction. Also, the antenna apparatus220dis held in the vicinity of the edge portion of the housing201in the negative x direction relative to the terminal apparatus200in such a manner as to be able to receive the wireless signals arriving from the negative x direction.

Also, some of the antenna apparatuses220(communication sections) may be configured in such a manner as to be able to receive the wireless signals arriving from the plurality of directions by including a plurality of communication modules. As a specific example, the antenna apparatus220bincludes two communication modules that are connected in the shape of a letter “L.” On the basis of such a configuration, the antenna apparatus220bis held in the vicinity of the edge portion of the housing201in the positive x direction relative to the terminal apparatus200in such a manner as to allow one of the modules to receive the wireless signals arriving from the positive x direction. Also, at this time, the antenna apparatus220bis held in the vicinity of the surface of the housing201in the negative z direction relative to the terminal apparatus200(rear surface) in such a manner as to allow the other module to receive the wireless signals arriving from the negative z direction. Similarly, the antenna apparatus220cincludes two communication modules that are connected in the shape of the letter “L.” On the basis of such a configuration, the antenna apparatus220cis held in the vicinity of the edge portion of the housing201in the negative y direction relative to the terminal apparatus200in such a manner as to allow one of the modules to receive the wireless signals arriving from the negative y direction. Also, at this time, the antenna apparatus220cis held in the vicinity of the surface of the housing201in the positive z direction relative to the terminal apparatus200(front surface) in such a manner as to allow the other module to receive the wireless signals arriving from the positive z direction.

A description will be given next, in particular, of an example of the case that assumes the formation of a directional beam by using beam forming as in a case where the millimeter waves are used for communication as an example of the configuration of the antenna apparatus220(communication section). For example,FIG.4is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the schematic configuration of the antenna apparatus applied to the terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment of the present disclosure and illustrates a schematic side view of the antenna apparatus according to the present embodiment. It should be noted that an upper direction inFIG.4corresponds to the direction in which the antenna apparatus220forms a radiation pattern.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the antenna apparatus220includes a substrate221, a plurality of antenna components223, and a control circuit225and is configured as an array antenna by combining the plurality of antenna components223in question into an array. In the example illustrated inFIG.4, for example, a planar element is applied as each of the antenna components223. Specifically, the substrate221is formed on an approximately flat plate. The plurality of antenna components223are held on the front surface of the substrate221in such a manner as to be arranged along the direction of extension of the substrate221in question. Also, the control circuit225is held on the rear surface of the substrate221(i.e., the surface on the opposite side of the surface on which the antenna components223are held). The control circuit225includes what is called an RFIC (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit). The control circuit225is electrically connected to the plurality of antenna components223and controls the driving of the antenna components223in question. It should be noted that, although not illustrated in detail inFIG.4, the control circuit225and each of the antenna components223are connected via an interconnect layer of the substrate221.

On the basis of the configuration as described above, it becomes possible, by controlling phases and power of the wireless signals transmitted and received by each of the plurality of antenna components223, to control the directivity of the wireless signals in question (i.e., perform the beam forming). For example, each of reference signs Rx01 to Rx05 schematically illustrates an example of a directional beam pattern related to the reception of the wireless signals formed by the antenna apparatus220.

It should be noted that the above is merely an example and that, as long as the directional beams related to the transmission and reception of the wireless signals can be formed, the configuration of the antenna apparatuses220is not necessarily limited to that illustrated inFIG.4. For example, other elements different from planar elements may be applied as the antenna component223.

Also,FIG.5is an explanatory diagram for outlining an example of the directional beam pattern formed by the terminal apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. The x, y, and z directions inFIG.5correspond to the x, y, and z directions inFIG.3, respectively. Also, in the example illustrated inFIG.5, the directional beam patterns formed in the x and y directions are illustrated, and that formed in the z direction is not illustrated for simpler description.

Each of the antenna apparatuses220ato220dis configured in such a manner that the directional beams related to the transmission and reception of the wireless signals described with reference toFIG.4can be formed. Also, as described with reference toFIG.3, each of the antenna apparatuses220ato220dis supported in such a manner as to be able to receive the wireless signals arriving from the different directions relative to the housing201of the terminal apparatus200. That is, the directional beam patterns, each pointing to a different direction relative to the housing201, are formed by the antenna apparatuses220ato220d, respectively.

Due to the configuration as described above, it becomes possible, regardless the directions relative to the housing201of the terminal apparatus200from which the wireless signal arrives, to receive the wireless signal in question by using the directional beam formed by any one of the antenna apparatuses220ato220d. As a result, by forming the directional beam through the beam forming as in a case where the millimeter waves are used for communication, it becomes possible for the terminal apparatus200to receive the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100even in the situation where communication between the base station100and the terminal apparatus200is multiplexed in space in a more preferred manner.

An example of the configuration of the terminal apparatus200assuming the use of the millimeter waves in particular has been described above as an example of the schematic configuration of the communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure with reference toFIGS.3to5.

3.2. Schematic Operation

An outline will be given next, in particular, of the operation for feeding back the presence of the wireless signal, which has been transmitted from another communication apparatus, to the user, as the schematic operation of the terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

The terminal apparatus200according to the present embodiment estimates, on the basis of the reception result of the wireless signal transmitted from another communication apparatus (e.g., base station100), the incoming direction of the wireless signal in question relative to the terminal apparatus200and presents, to the user, notification information according to the estimation result in question. That is, the terminal apparatus200according to the present embodiment feeds back, to the user, the incoming direction of the wireless signal by presenting the notification information in question.

Here, an outline will be given of a mechanism for the terminal apparatus200to estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal transmitted from another communication apparatus with reference toFIG.6.FIG.6is an explanatory diagram for outlining the method by which the incoming direction of the wireless signal is estimated. In the example illustrated inFIG.6, an example of the case where the terminal apparatus200receives the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100is illustrated. InFIG.6, a reference sign Tx denotes the directional beam formed when the base station100transmits the wireless signal (downlink signal). Also, a reference sign Rx denotes the directional beam formed when the terminal apparatus200receives the wireless signal transmitted from another communication apparatus (e.g., base station100). It should be noted that, although a description will be given hereinafter with focus on a case where the terminal apparatus200receives the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100as in the example illustrated inFIG.6, this does not limit a party with which the terminal apparatus200communicates. That is, details of the description which will be given hereinafter are also applicable to a case where the terminal apparatus200communicates with another communication apparatus other than the base station100as long as the directional beam is formed on the basis of the beam forming technology.

In a case where the directional beam is formed on the basis of the beam forming technology as in a case where the millimeter waves are used for communication, communication takes place in the state where a BPL (Beam Pear Link) state by beam synchronization is established between the base station100and the terminal apparatus200. That is, the BPL state is established as a result of the base station100and the terminal apparatus200pointing the directional beams to each other as illustrated inFIG.6, thus making it possible for the base station100and the terminal apparatus200to communicate with each other. Because of such characteristics, for example, the terminal apparatus200can roughly estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100by discriminating which of the plurality of antenna apparatuses220is used to communicate with the base station100(e.g., which antenna apparatus220has higher reception sensitivity than the others).

Also, as illustrated inFIG.6, the terminal apparatus200forms the directional beam Rx to receive the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100. Accordingly, by identifying the directional beam Rx used for the reception of the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100, it becomes possible for the terminal apparatus200to more elaborately estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal in question. It should be noted that directional beams are formed by the antenna apparatuses220ato220das described with reference toFIG.5. Accordingly, for example, it becomes possible, by using identification information (e.g., beam ID) individually associated with the directional beams formed, respectively, by the antenna apparatuses220ato220d, to identify the directional beam used for the reception of the wireless signal.

It should be noted that the above is merely an example and that, as long as the incoming direction of the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100can be estimated, the estimation method is not necessarily limited to that described above. As a specific example, it is possible, by identifying the directional beam Tx formed by the base station100to transmit the wireless signal, to estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal relative to the terminal apparatus200. Specifically, it is possible, on the basis of information indicating the position where the base station100is installed and identification information of the directional beam Tx, to calculate the direction from which the wireless signal is transmitted from the base station100by using the directional beam Tx in question. The terminal apparatus200may estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100in question by using such characteristics.

As described above, the terminal apparatus200estimates the incoming direction of the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100and feeds back, to the user, the incoming direction of the wireless signal in question by notifying notification information according to the estimation result in question.

The outline of the operation for feeding back the presence of the wireless signal, which has been transmitted from another communication apparatus, to the user in particular will be described above as the schematic operation of the terminal apparatus200according to the embodiment of the present disclosure with reference toFIG.6.

3.3. Working Examples

A description will be given next of examples of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back, as working examples of the communication apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

Working Example 1

A description will be given of an example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back, as working example 1 with reference toFIG.7.FIG.7is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back by the communication apparatus according to the working example 1.FIG.7illustrates an example of a case where information is fed back to the user as display information by using, as the output section2009illustrated inFIG.2, a display section2019such as what is called a display for presenting information to the user by displaying display information such as an image (e.g., video or still image).

Specifically, in the example illustrated inFIG.7, display information V101and display information103are presented via the display section2019. The display information V103is information for feeding back, of the plurality of antenna apparatuses220(communication sections) included in the terminal apparatus200, the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal to the user. Specifically, an image imitating the terminal apparatus200is presented as the display information V103, and the position of each of the plurality of antenna apparatuses220provided in the terminal apparatus200is presented as an icon on the image in question. Also, of the icons corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of antenna apparatuses220, the icon corresponding to the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal is highlighted. That is, as a result of the presentation of the display information V103, the position where the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal is supported (e.g., the antenna apparatus220with higher reception sensitivity) is fed back to the user. Also, the display information V101is information for feeding back the incoming direction of the wireless signal to the user. Specifically, the display information V101indicates the direction from which the wireless signal arrives at the terminal apparatus200by using a relative position presented by using the display information V103, which imitates the terminal apparatus200, as a base point.

In the diagram illustrated on the left inFIG.7, for example, the display information V101is presented above the display information V103. That is, the example inFIG.7illustrates that the wireless signal arrives at the terminal apparatus200from the direction equivalent to the upper side in the figure and that the antenna apparatus220located on the side of the direction in question is used for the reception of the wireless signal in question.

Also, the diagram on the right inFIG.7illustrates, by rotating the terminal apparatus200from the state illustrated in the diagram on the left inFIG.7, the state in which the posture of the terminal apparatus200in question has changed. In this case, the incoming direction of the wireless signal relative to the terminal apparatus200changes relatively. Accordingly, in the diagram on the right inFIG.7, the position where the display information V101is presented has changed according to the incoming direction of the wireless signal relative to the terminal apparatus200in the state after the posture of the terminal apparatus200has changed. Also, in the diagram on the right inFIG.7, the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal changes, thus changing the icon to be highlighted in the display information V103from that in the diagram on the left.

An example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back has been described above as the working example 1 with reference toFIG.7.

Working Example 2

A description will be given of another example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back, as working example 2 with reference toFIG.8.FIG.8is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back by the communication apparatus according to the working example 2.FIG.8illustrates another example of a case where information is fed back to the user as display information via the display section2019.

Specifically,FIG.8illustrates another example of a case where information indicating the position of the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100and information indicating the incoming direction of the wireless signal in question are presented.

In the example illustrated inFIG.8, display information V111and display information V113are presented via the display section2019. The display information V113is information for feeding back, of the plurality of antenna apparatuses220(communication sections) included in the terminal apparatus200, the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal to the user. Specifically, icons corresponding to the plurality of antenna apparatuses220, are presented as the display information V113at the positions on the screen of the display section2019according to the positions where the antenna apparatuses220are held. That is, the provision of the antenna apparatuses220, respectively, in the vicinity of the upper, lower, leftward, and rightward edge portions of the housing201of the terminal apparatus200is illustrated by presenting icons, respectively, in the vicinity of the upper, lower, leftward, and rightward edge portions on the screen of the display section2019. Also, of the icons corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of antenna apparatuses220, the icon corresponding to the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal is highlighted. Also, the display information V111is information for feeding back the incoming direction of the wireless signal to the user. Specifically, the display information V111is presented as an image imitating a direction indicator such as a compass and indicates the incoming direction of the wireless signal by using the posture at the time of the presentation.

For example, in the diagram illustrated on the left inFIG.8, the display information V111points to the direction equivalent to the upper side in the figure. Also, in the diagram illustrated on the left inFIG.8, of the icons corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of antenna apparatuses220presented as the display information V113, the icon corresponding to the direction equivalent to the upper side in the figure is highlighted. That is, the example inFIG.8illustrates that the wireless signal arrives at the terminal apparatus200from the direction equivalent to the upper side in the figure and that the antenna apparatus220located on the side of the direction in question is used for the reception of the wireless signal in question.

Also, the diagram on the right inFIG.8illustrates, by rotating the terminal apparatus200from the state illustrated in the diagram on the left inFIG.8, the state in which the posture of the terminal apparatus200in question has changed. In this case, the incoming direction of the wireless signal relative to the terminal apparatus200relatively changes. Accordingly, in the diagram on the right inFIG.8, the direction pointed to by the display information V111(relative direction relative to the terminal apparatus200) has changed according to the incoming direction of the wireless signal relative to the terminal apparatus200in question in the state after the posture of the terminal apparatus200has changed. Also, in the diagram on the right inFIG.8, the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal changes. As a result, of the icons presented as the display information V113, the highlighted icon changes from that in the diagram on the left.

Another example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back has been described above as the working example 2 with reference toFIG.8.

Working Example 3

A description will be given of still another example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back, as working example 3 with reference toFIG.9.FIG.9is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back by the communication apparatus according to the working example 3.FIG.9illustrates still another example of a case where information is fed back to the user as display information via the display section2019.

Specifically,FIG.9illustrates an example of a case where information indicating the incoming direction of the wireless signal is presented.

In the example illustrated inFIG.9, the display information V111is presented via the display section2019. The display information V111is information for feeding back the incoming direction of the wireless signal to the user and is equivalent to the display information Viii in the example illustrated inFIG.8. Accordingly, the detailed description of the display information Viii is omitted.

For example, in the diagram illustrated on the left inFIG.9, the display information Viii points upward. That is, the example illustrated inFIG.9illustrates that the wireless signal arrives at the terminal apparatus200from the direction equivalent to the upper side in the figure.

Also, the diagram on the right inFIG.9illustrates, by rotating the terminal apparatus200from the state illustrated in the diagram on the left inFIG.9, the state in which the posture of the terminal apparatus200in question has changed. In this case, the direction pointed to by the display information V111(relative direction relative to the terminal apparatus200) has changed according to the incoming direction of the wireless signal to the terminal apparatus200in question in the state after the posture of the terminal apparatus200has changed as in the example described with reference toFIG.8.

Still another example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back has been described above as the working example 3 with reference toFIG.9.

Working Example 4

A description will be given of yet another example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back, as working example 4 with reference toFIG.10.FIG.10is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back by the communication apparatus according to the working example 4.FIG.10illustrates yet another example of a case where information is fed back to the user as display information via the display section2019.

Specifically, the example inFIG.10illustrates an example of a case where the icon indicating the incoming direction of the wireless signal is presented in an area where various icons such as the icon indicating the radio wave strength are displayed.

InFIG.10, a reference sign V121schematically illustrates the area where various icons are presented. Also, also, an icon V123is presented in the area V121. The icon V123is information for feeding back the incoming direction of the wireless signal. Specifically, the icon V123is presented as an image imitating a direction indicator such as a compass and indicates the incoming direction of the wireless signal by using the posture at the time of the presentation.

Also, the diagram on the right inFIG.9illustrates, by rotating the terminal apparatus200from the state illustrated in the diagram on the left inFIG.9, the state in which the posture of the terminal apparatus200in question has changed. The position on the screen of the display section2019where the area V121is presented changes according to the change in posture of the terminal apparatus200. Also, the direction pointed to by the icon V123(relative direction relative to the terminal apparatus200) has changed according to the incoming direction of the wireless signal relative to the terminal apparatus200in question in the state after the posture of the terminal apparatus200has changed.

Yet another example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back has been described above as the working example 4 with reference toFIG.10.

Working Example 5

A description will be given of a further example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back, as working example 5 with reference toFIG.11.FIG.11is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back by the communication apparatus according to the working example 5.FIG.11illustrates a further example of a case where information is fed back to the user as display information via the display section2019.

Specifically, in the example illustrated inFIG.11, the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back to the user by causing display information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal to be displayed in a manner superimposed on a real space on the basis of AR technology.

In the example illustrated inFIG.11, a video image of the real space captured by an imaging apparatus or the like is displayed via the display section2019, and display information V131is presented in a manner superimposed on the video image in question. Also, display information V133may be presented in addition to the display information V131as illustrated inFIG.11. The display information V131is information for feeding back the incoming direction of the wireless signal to the user and is presented at the position within the screen of the display section2019according to the incoming direction of the wireless signal within an angle of view of the imaging apparatus that captures the video image of the real space. That is, it can be also said that the display information V131schematically illustrates the position of a transmitter of the wireless signal in the real space. Also, the display information V133is display information acquired by visualizing the directional beam related to the transmission of the wireless signal.

On the basis of such a configuration, as a result of the display information V131being displayed within the screen of the display section2019, it becomes possible for the antenna apparatus220(communication section) capable of forming the directional beam in the direction of an optical axis of the imaging apparatus that captures the video image of the real space to receive the wireless signal arriving from the direction of the optical axis. That is, it becomes possible for the terminal apparatus200in question to receive the wireless signal transmitted from the base station100if the user changes the posture of the terminal apparatus200in such a manner that the display information V131is displayed in the screen of the display section2019.

A further example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back has been described above as the working example 5 with reference toFIG.11.

Working Example 6

A description will be given of a still further example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back, as working example 6 with reference toFIGS.12and13.FIGS.12and13are explanatory diagrams for describing an example of the method by which information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal is fed back by the communication apparatus according to the working example 6.

As described earlier, if millimeter waves are shielded by a building, a human, a vehicle, or other shields, it becomes temporarily difficult in some cases to acquire sufficient radio wave strength. This also holds true for a user's hand gripping the housing201of the terminal apparatus200. That is, if the communication channels directly connecting some of the antenna apparatuses220and the base station100are shielded by the user's hand, according to the method by which the housing201is gripped, it becomes difficult in some cases for the antenna apparatuses220in question to receive the wireless signals transmitted from the base station100in question. In consideration of such a situation, in a case where, according to the method by which the housing201is gripped, at least some of the antenna apparatuses220are covered with the user's hand, the terminal apparatus200according to the present working example notifies the user of information in such a manner that the user in question can identify the antenna apparatuses220in question.

For example,FIG.12illustrates an example of a case where the housing201of the terminal apparatus200is held in such a posture that the long length direction of the housing201in question as seen from the user approximately agrees with a lateral direction of the user in question. In other words, in the example illustrated inFIG.12, the housing201is held in such a manner that the screen of the display section2019is in landscape orientation. Also, at this time, both of the edge portions of the housing201in question in the long length direction are gripped by the user's hand. That is,FIG.12schematically illustrates the state in which the antenna apparatuses220each provided in the vicinity of both of the edge portions of the housing201in the long length direction are covered with the user's hand. Accordingly, in the example illustrated inFIG.12, the terminal apparatus200feeds back, to the user, not only the incoming direction of the wireless signal but also the antenna apparatuses220having difficulty in receiving the wireless signal because of the covering with the hand.

Specifically, the terminal apparatus200feeds back, to the user, the incoming direction of the wireless signal by presenting display information V141. Also, the terminal apparatus200highlights, of the icons presented, respectively, in a manner associated with the plurality of antenna apparatuses220, an icon V143associated with the antenna apparatus220that is used for the reception of the wireless signal. This operation is similar to that described with reference toFIG.7.

In addition, in the example illustrated inFIG.12, the terminal apparatus200feeds back, to the user, the fact that it is difficult to use the antenna apparatuses220covered with the user's hand, by superimposing display information V145aand display information V145bon the icons associated with the antenna apparatuses220in question. It should be noted that the method by which the covering of some of the antenna apparatuses220with the user's hand is detected is not particularly limited. As a specific example, the covering of some of the antenna apparatuses220with the user's hand may be detected by using various sensors such as a contact sensor and a proximity sensor. Also, in a case where the covering of some of the antenna apparatuses220with the user's hand is detected, the terminal apparatus200may give priority to measurement of the reception sensitivity of the wireless signal by other antenna apparatuses220.

Also,FIG.13illustrates an example of a case where the housing201of the terminal apparatus200is held in such a posture that the long length direction of the housing201in question as seen from the user approximately agrees with the lateral direction of the user in question. In other words, in the example illustrated inFIG.13, the housing201is held in such a manner that the screen of the display section2019is in portrait orientation. Also, at this time, both of the edge portions of the housing201in question in the short length direction are gripped by the user's hand. That is,FIG.13schematically illustrates the state in which the antenna apparatuses220each provided in the vicinity of both of the edge portions of the housing201in the short length direction are covered with the user's hand. Accordingly, in the example illustrated inFIG.13, the terminal apparatus200feeds back, to the user, not only the incoming direction of the wireless signal but also the antenna apparatuses220having difficulty in receiving the wireless signal because of being covered with the hand.

Specifically, the terminal apparatus200feeds back, to the user, the incoming direction of the wireless signal by presenting display information V151. Also, the terminal apparatus200highlights, of the icons presented, respectively, in a manner associated with the plurality of antenna apparatuses220, an icon V153associated with the antenna apparatus220that is used for the reception of the wireless signal. This operation is similar to that described with reference toFIG.8.

In addition, in the example illustrated inFIG.13, the terminal apparatus200feeds back, to the user, the fact that it is difficult to use the antenna apparatuses220covered with the user's hand, by superimposing display information V155aand display information V155bon the icons associated with the antenna apparatuses220in question.

Also, the terminal apparatus200according to the present working example may present information regarding guidance as to the method by which the housing201is to be gripped, according to the posture in which the housing201in question is held and the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal (in other words, the identification result of the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal). For example,FIG.14is an explanatory diagram for outlining an example of an operation related to guidance given regarding the method by which the housing201is to be gripped, the operation being conducted by the communication apparatus according to the present working example.

Specifically, in the example illustrated inFIG.14, the wireless signal arrives from one of the long length directions of the housing201(left side inFIG.14), with the housing201held in such a posture that the screen of the display section2019is in landscape orientation. In such a case, it is not preferable for the antenna apparatus220used for the reception of the wireless signal (antenna apparatus220associated with the highlighted icon V143) to be covered with the hand. Accordingly, the terminal apparatus200may guide the user in question, by presenting information indicating the position by which the housing201is to be gripped or by other ways, in such a manner that the antenna apparatus220expected to be used for the reception of the wireless signal is not covered with the user' hand. For example, in a case of the example illustrated inFIG.14, the terminal apparatus200may guide the user in such a manner that, of the edge portions of the housing201in the long length directions, the edge portion in the direction equivalent to the right side inFIG.14is held by the user in question.

Also, in a case where it is possible to estimate, by a trigger such as activation of content, the posture in which the housing201is held, the terminal apparatus200may present, to the user, information regarding guidance as to the method by which the housing201in question is to be gripped, on the basis of the estimation result of the posture in question. As a specific example, in the situation where video image content is viewed, it is estimated that the housing201is held in such a manner that the screen of the display section2019is in landscape orientation. Accordingly, the terminal apparatus200may present, to the user, information indicating the method by which the housing201is to be gripped (e.g., the position at which the housing201is to be gripped), on the basis of the estimation result of the posture of the housing201in question and the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal in such a manner that the incoming direction of the wireless signal is not covered with the user's hand.

(Supplement)

Although the working examples of the communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure have been described above, those described above are merely examples and do not necessarily limit various functions of the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. That is, some of the functions and constituents may be changed without departing from a scope of a basic technical philosophy according to the present disclosure, i.e., the technical philosophy that the incoming direction of the wireless signal is estimated according to a reception result of the wireless signal and that information according to the estimation result in question is presented.

As a specific example, in the situation where the wireless signals arrive at the communication apparatus (terminal apparatus200) from the plurality of directions, a plurality of options of information may be presented as information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal. Also, at this time, all the options of information may be presented. Alternatively, some of the options of information (e.g., predetermined number of options in decreasing order of reception sensitivity) may be presented. Also, when the plurality of options of information are presented, the options of information with the higher reception sensitivity may be highlighted more. Naturally, in a case where there are two or more options, information of only one of the options may be presented. In this case, it is only necessary to identify one of the options from among the plurality of options on the basis of the predetermined condition and present information regarding the identified option in question. As a specific example, the option with the higher reception sensitivity may be identified as a target.

Also, in a case where the plurality of communication sections (e.g., antenna apparatuses220) are used for the reception of the wireless signal, pieces of information each associated with the plurality of communication sections in question may be highlighted. Also, at this time, the manner in which the pieces of information each corresponding to the plurality of communication sections in question are presented may be controlled according to an extent to which each of the plurality of communication sections used for the reception of the wireless signal contributes to the reception in question. As a specific example, of the plurality of communication sections used for the reception of the wireless signal, the piece of information corresponding to the communication section that contributes more to the reception in question may be highlighted.

Also, an occasion related to the estimation of the incoming direction of the wireless signal and the presentation of information according to the estimation result in question is not particularly limited. As a specific example, the incoming direction of the wireless signal may be estimated in real time. In this case, information according to the estimation result in question may be presented in real time in conjunction with the estimation of the incoming direction of the wireless signal, or the information may be presented in response to the predetermined trigger. Also, the estimation of the incoming direction of the wireless signal and the presentation of information according to the estimation result in question may be conducted in response to the predetermined trigger. As a specific example, in a case where the position or the posture of the communication apparatus (terminal apparatus200) changes abruptly, the estimation of the incoming direction of the wireless signal and the presentation of information according to the estimation result in question may be conducted by using the change in question in the detection result as the trigger. Also, the method by which the incoming direction of the wireless signal is estimated may be changed as appropriate in consideration of a use case. As a specific example, the estimation of the incoming direction of the wireless signal may be conducted on the basis of the reception result of the wireless signal at that time. Also, as another example, information according to the reception result of the wireless signal may be accumulated sequentially, thus statistically estimating the incoming direction of the wireless signal in question on the basis of a tallying result of the information in question for a predetermined period of time.

Also, although the examples of the cases where the feedback to the user is realized by the presentation of display information have been described above, information types and the method by which information is presented are not particularly limited as long as it is possible to feed back desired information to the user. As a specific example, information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal may be presented via an acoustic output section such as a speaker as a voice or acoustics. As another example, information according to the estimation result in question may be presented as a tactile sensation or a force sensation by vibrating the vibration section such as an actuator, according to the estimation result of the incoming direction of the wireless signal.

4. Hardware Configuration

A description will be given next of an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus (e.g., the terminal apparatus200illustrated inFIG.2) included in the system according to the present embodiment with reference toFIG.15.FIG.15is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus included in the system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

An information processing apparatus900included in an imaging system according to the present embodiment primarily includes a CPU901, a ROM902, and a RAM903. Also, the information processing apparatus900further includes a host bus907, a bridge909, an external bus911, an interface913, an input apparatus915, an output apparatus917, a storage apparatus919, a drive921, a connection port923, and a communication apparatus925.

The CPU901functions as an arithmetic processing apparatus and a control apparatus and controls the overall or partial operation in the information processing apparatus900according to various programs recorded in the ROM902, the RAM903, the storage apparatus919, or a removable recording medium927. The ROM902stores the programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU901. The RAM903temporarily stores the programs used by the CPU901, parameters that change as appropriate during execution of the programs, and the like. These are connected to each other by the host bus907that includes internal buses such as CPU buses. It should be noted that each of the constituents (i.e., the communication control section2013, the estimation section2015, and the output control section2017) of the control section2005described earlier with reference toFIG.2can be realized, for example, by the CPU901.

The host bus907is connected to the external bus911such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect/Interface) bus via the bridge909. Also, the input apparatus915, the output apparatus917, the storage apparatus919, the drive921, the connection port923, and the communication apparatus925are connected to the external bus911via the interface913.

The input apparatus915is manipulating means, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a button, a switch, a lever, and a pedal, manipulated by the user. Also, the input apparatus915may be, for example, remote control means (what is called a remote control) using infrared rays or other radio waves or external connection equipment929such as a mobile phone or a PDA corresponding to the manipulation of the information processing apparatus900. Further, the input apparatus915includes, for example, an input control circuit that generates an input signal on the basis of information input by the user by using the above manipulating means and outputs the signal to the CPU901. The user of the information processing apparatus900can input various pieces of data to the information processing apparatus900and instruct that processing an operation be conducted by manipulating the input apparatus915.

The output apparatus917includes apparatuses that are able to visually or audibly inform the user of acquired information. Such apparatuses are display apparatuses such as a CRT display apparatus, a liquid crystal display apparatus, a plasma display apparatus, an EL display apparatus, and lamps, audio output apparatuses such as a speaker and a headphone, and printer apparatuses. The output apparatus917outputs the result acquired by various processing tasks conducted by the information processing apparatus900. Specifically, the display apparatus displays the result acquired by various processing tasks conducted by the information processing apparatus900in the form of a text or an image. Meanwhile, the audio output apparatus converts an audio signal including reproduced sound data, acoustic data, or the like into an analog signal and outputs the analog signal. It should be noted that the output section2009described earlier with reference toFIG.2can be realized, for example, by the output apparatus917.

The storage apparatus919is an apparatus for storing data configured as an example of the storage section of the information processing apparatus900. The storage apparatus919includes, for example, a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor storage device, an optical storage device, a magneto-optical storage section device, or the like. The storage apparatus919stores the programs executed by the CPU901, various types of data, and the like. It should be noted that the storage section2007described earlier with reference toFIG.2can be realized, for example, by the storage apparatus919.

The drive921is a reader/writer for a recording medium and incorporated in or attached externally to the information processing apparatus900. The drive921reads out information recorded in the attached removable recording medium927such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory and outputs the information to the RAM903. Also, the drive921can write a record to the attached removable recording medium927such as a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. The removable recording medium927is, for example, DVD media, HD-DVD media, Blu-ray (registered trademark) media, or the like. Also, the removable recording medium927may be a CompactFlash (CF) (registered trademark), a flash memory, an SD memory card (Secure Digital memory card), or the like. Also, the removable recording medium927may be an IC card (Integrated Circuit card) having a non-contact IC chip, electronic equipment, or the like.

The connection port923is a port for direct connection to the information processing apparatus900. Examples of the connection port923are USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, IEEE1394 port, and SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) port. Other examples of the connection port923are an RS-232C port, an optical audio terminal, and an HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port. The information processing apparatus900can directly acquire various pieces of data from the external connection equipment929or provide various types of data to the external connection equipment929by connecting the external connection equipment929to the connection port923.

The communication apparatus925is a communication interface that includes a communication device for connection to a communication network931, for example. The communication apparatus925is, for example, a communication card for a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network), Bluetooth (registered trademark), a WUSB (Wireless USB), or the like. Also, the communication apparatus925may be a router for optical communication, a router for an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), a modem for various types of communication, or the like. This communication apparatus925can transmit and receive a signal and the like to and from the Internet or another communication equipment in conformity with a predetermined protocol such as a TCP/IP. Also, the communication network931connected to the communication apparatus925includes a network connected in a wired or wireless manner or the like and may be, for example, the Internet, a home LAN, infrared communication, radio wave communication, satellite communication, or the like. It should be noted that the wireless communication section2003described earlier with reference toFIG.2can be realized, for example, by the communication apparatus925.

An example of the hardware configuration that can realize the functions of the information processing apparatus900included in the imaging system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. Each of the above constituents may be configured by using a general-purpose member or include hardware tailored to the functions of the constituent. Accordingly, it is possible to change the hardware configuration to be used as appropriate according to a technical level at the time when the present embodiment is carried out. It should be noted that, although not illustrated inFIG.15, various constituents corresponding to the information processing apparatus900included in the imaging system according to the present embodiment are naturally provided.

It should be noted that it is possible to create computer programs for realizing the respective functions of the information processing apparatus900included in the imaging system according to the present embodiment as described above and implement the programs in a personal computer or the like. Also, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium having such computer programs stored therein. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Also, the above computer programs may be delivered, for example, via the network without using the recording medium. The number of computers for executing the computer programs in question is not particularly limited. For example, the computer programs in question may be executed in coordination between the plurality of computers (e.g., plurality of servers). It should be noted that a single computer or a plurality of computers working in a coordinated manner will be also referred to as a “computer system.”

5. Conclusion

As described above, in the system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication apparatus (terminal apparatus200) includes the one or more communication sections, the estimation section, and the output control section. Each of the communication sections communicates with other communication apparatuses via the wireless communication channel. The estimation section estimates, on the basis of the reception result of the wireless signal by at least some of the one or more communication sections, the incoming direction of the wireless signal. The output control section exercises control in such a manner that the notification information according to the estimation result of the incoming direction is presented via the output section. The configuration as described above makes it possible to present the wireless signal, which is difficult for the user to directly view, to the user in an identifiable manner. That is, according to the communication apparatus according to the present embodiment, even in the situation where the wireless signals such as millimeter waves that have the extremely high straight traveling property and can decline significantly in radio wave strength as a result of being shielded by a shield is used for communication, it is possible to feed back, to the user, the presence of the wireless signal in question in a more preferred manner.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, a technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. It is apparent that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present disclosure can conceive of various examples of changes or modifications within a category under which the basic technical philosophy described in the claims falls and that these are also naturally construed as belonging to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

For example, although, in the embodiment described above, the case was primarily described where the plurality of communication sections (antenna apparatuses220) for receiving the wireless signal are provided, it is possible to estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal and present, to the user, information according to the estimation result in question as long as at least one communication section is provided. As a specific example, in a case where one communication section is provided, it is also possible to estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal when the communication section in question receives the wireless signal in question. That is, it is only necessary for the terminal apparatus200guide the user in such a manner as to change the posture of the housing201and estimate the incoming direction of the wireless signal when the communication section becomes able to receive the wireless signal on the basis of the detection result of the posture of the housing201at that time and the reception result of the wireless signal in question.

Also, an advantageous effect described in the present specification is explanatory or illustrative and not restrictive. That is, the technology according to the present disclosure can provide other advantageous effects apparent to a person skilled in the art from the description of the present specification together with or in place of the above advantageous effect.

It should be noted that the following configurations also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

(1)

A communication apparatus including:one or more communication sections each configured to communicate with other communication apparatuses via a wireless communication channel;an estimation section configured to estimate, on the basis of reception results of a wireless signal by at least some of the one or more communication sections, an incoming direction of the wireless signal; andan output control section configured to exercise control in such a manner that notification information according to an estimation result of the incoming direction is presented via an output section.
(2)

The communication apparatus of feature (1), in whichthe output control section exercises control in such a manner that information indicating the incoming direction is presented as the notification information.
(3)

The communication apparatus of feature (2), in whichthe output control section exercises control in such a manner that information indicating the incoming direction is presented in a manner superimposed on a real space.
(4)

The communication apparatus of any one of features (1) to (3) including:a plurality of the communication sections; anda housing configured to support the plurality of communication sections in such a manner that the plurality of communication sections receive, respectively, the wireless signals arriving from relatively different directions, in whichthe estimation section estimates, on the basis of reception results of the wireless signal by at least some of the plurality of communication sections, the incoming direction of the wireless signal in question.
(5)

The communication apparatus of feature (4), in whichthe estimation section identifies, on the basis of the reception results of the wireless signal by at least some of the communication sections, the communication section of the at least some of the communication sections that has higher reception sensitivity, andthe output control section exercises control in such a manner that information according to the identification result of the communication section having the higher reception sensitivity is presented as the notification information.
(6)

The communication apparatus of feature (5), in whichthe output control section exercises control in such a manner that a position where the identified communication section having the higher reception sensitivity is supported is presented as the notification information.
(7)

The communication apparatus of feature (5) or (6), in whichthe output control section exercises control in such a manner that information regarding guidance as to a method by which the housing is to be gripped according to the identification result of the communication section having the higher reception sensitivity is presented as the notification information.
(8)

The communication apparatus of feature (7), in whichthe output control section exercises control in such a manner that the position by which the housing is to be gripped is presented as information regarding the guidance as to the method by which the housing in question is to be gripped.
(9)

The communication apparatus of feature (7) or (8), in whichthe output control section exercises control in such a manner that information regarding the guidance as to the method by which the housing is to be gripped according to a posture of the housing in question is presented.
(10)

The communication apparatus of any one of features (1) to (9), in whichthe communication section is configured in such a manner as to be able to control a directional beam pattern related to the reception of the wireless signal, andthe estimation section estimates, on the basis of identification information associated with the directional beam used by the communication section for the reception of the wireless signal, the incoming direction of the wireless signal in question.
(11)

The communication apparatus of feature (10), in whichthe wireless signal is a downlink signal transmitted by a base station by selectively switching between a plurality of beam patterns.
(12)

An information processing apparatus including:an estimation section configured to estimate, on the basis of reception results of a wireless signal by at least some of one or more communication sections each of which communicates with other communication apparatuses via a wireless communication channel, an incoming direction of the wireless signal in question; andan output control section configured to exercise control in such a manner that notification information according to an estimation result of the incoming direction is presented via an output section.
(13)

An information processing method including, by a computer:estimating, on the basis of reception results of a wireless signal by at least some of one or more communication sections each of which communicates with other communication apparatuses via a wireless communication channel, an incoming direction of the wireless signal in question; and exercising control in such a manner that notification information according to an estimation result of the incoming direction is presented via an output section.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1: System100: Base station200: Terminal apparatus201: Housing220: Antenna apparatus221: Substrate223: Antenna component225: Control circuit2001: Antenna section2003: Wireless communication section2005: Control section2007: Storage section2009: Output section2011: Detection section2013: Communication control section2015: Estimation section2017: Output control section2019: Display section