JP5372055B2 - Wireless communication apparatus and beam control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radio communication device which, when estimating an arrival direction of a radio signal in narrow beam width, can reduce the time required for estimation of the arrival direction to complete, without causing a signal processing load to increase. <P>SOLUTION: A radio communication device, or the one which uses an antenna capable of controlling a beam pattern to perform radio communication, comprises first transmit/receive means of transmitting and receiving a signal to and from the other party of communication, image acquisition means of acquiring image information on peripheral environment, and beam control means of identifying from image information acquired by the image acquisition means the direction of a radio communication device at the other party of communication and then controlling a beam pattern so that the beam faces toward the identified direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2013,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a beam control method for controlling a beam pattern in a wireless communication apparatus capable of controlling the beam pattern of an antenna.

  As a direction-of-arrival estimation method using an array antenna, a beam former method, a Capon method, a linear prediction method, and the like are known. In addition, the minimum norm method based on the eigen expansion of the correlation matrix of the array input is also known (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1).

Nobuyoshi Kikuma “Adaptive Antenna Technology” Ohm, 2003

  By the way, in a wireless communication apparatus that can control the beam pattern of an antenna, when the arrival direction of a wireless signal with a narrow beam width is estimated using conventional technology, high resolution processing is required and the number of search steps increases. There is a problem that the time required to complete the increase of the signal processing load and the arrival direction estimation becomes long.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in estimating the arrival direction of a radio signal having a narrow beam width, the time required to complete the arrival direction estimation without increasing the signal processing load. It is an object of the present invention to provide a radio communication apparatus and a beam control method that can shorten the time.

  The present invention is a wireless communication apparatus that performs wireless communication using an antenna capable of controlling a beam pattern, and acquires first image transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a communication partner and image information of the surrounding environment. And a beam control unit that specifies a direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit, and controls the beam pattern so that the beam is directed to the direction. It is provided with.

  The present invention further includes a communication deterioration detection unit that detects whether or not the communication quality of the first transmission / reception unit has deteriorated, and when the communication deterioration detection unit detects the deterioration of the communication quality, A beam control unit specifies a direction of the wireless communication apparatus of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit, and controls the beam pattern so that the beam is directed to the direction. .

  The present invention provides a second transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the communication partner using a frequency lower than that of the first transmitting / receiving means, the first transmitting / receiving means, and the second transmitting / receiving means. A communication switching unit that switches a transmission / reception unit to be used, and when the transmission / reception is performed by the first transmission / reception unit, the communication degradation detection unit detects the degradation of the communication quality. The communication switching means switches the transmission / reception means to be used to the second transmission / reception means, and when the transmission / reception is performed by the second transmission / reception means, the beam control means acquires the image acquisition means. When the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner is specified from the acquired image information, the communication switching unit can switch the transmission / reception unit to be used to the first transmission / reception unit. The features.

  The present invention further includes posture control means for controlling the direction and elevation angle of the wireless communication device, specifies the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquisition means, and relative to the direction The posture and the elevation angle are controlled by the posture control means so that the wireless communication device is directed.

  The present invention is characterized by comprising a light source or an image display device for causing the communication partner to recognize its own station.

  The present invention is characterized in that the first transmission / reception means performs wireless communication using millimeter waves.

  The present invention provides a first transmission / reception unit for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a communication partner and an image acquisition unit for acquiring image information of a surrounding environment in order to perform wireless communication using an antenna capable of controlling a beam pattern. And a beam control method for controlling a beam, wherein the beam control unit determines a direction of the communication partner wireless communication device from image information acquired by the image acquisition unit. A beam control step of controlling the beam pattern so that the beam is directed to the direction is specified.

  The wireless communication apparatus may further include a communication deterioration detection unit that detects whether or not the communication quality of the first transmission / reception unit has deteriorated, and the beam control unit uses the communication deterioration detection unit to perform the communication. When quality deterioration is detected, the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner is specified from the image information acquired by the image acquisition means, and the beam pattern is controlled so that the beam is directed in the direction It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, the wireless communication device uses a lower frequency than the first transmission / reception unit, transmits / receives a signal to / from the communication partner, a second transmission / reception unit, the first transmission / reception unit, A communication switching unit that switches a transmission / reception unit to be used among the second transmission / reception units; and when the transmission / reception is performed by the first transmission / reception unit, the communication deterioration detection unit detects the communication quality. When the deterioration is detected, the communication switching unit switches the transmission / reception unit to be used to the second transmission / reception unit, and when the transmission / reception is performed by the second transmission / reception unit, the beam control unit, When the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner is specified from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit, the communication switching unit determines the transmission / reception unit to be used by the first transmission / reception unit. And switches the unit.

  The wireless communication device may further include posture control means for controlling a direction and an elevation angle of the wireless communication device, and the posture control means may perform wireless communication of the communication partner from image information acquired by the image acquisition means. The direction of the apparatus is specified, and the direction and the elevation angle are controlled so that the wireless communication apparatus faces the direction.

  According to the present invention, the direction of the wireless communication apparatus of the communication partner is specified from the acquired image information, and the beam pattern is controlled so that the beam is directed in the direction. When estimating the direction of arrival, the effect that the time required to complete the direction-of-arrival estimation can be shortened without increasing the signal processing load.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication device obtained by modifying the wireless communication device shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the wireless communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radio | wireless communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the radio | wireless communication apparatus shown in FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement of the communication start in the radio | wireless communication apparatus by 5th Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the operation | movement of the communication start in the radio | wireless communication apparatus by 6th Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a radio communication apparatus and a beam control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the embodiment. In this figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a wireless communication device. Here, it is assumed that there are two wireless communication devices 100 shown in FIG. 1 and these perform wireless communication with each other. The wireless communication apparatus 100 includes an antenna control unit 102 including an array antenna, a transmission / reception unit 104, a beam control value calculation unit 108, an image detection unit 110, and a self-display unit 111.

  The antenna control unit 102 forms an arbitrary beam by controlling each array element of the array antenna. The antenna control unit 102 controls the beam pattern according to the parameter notified from the beam control value calculation unit 108. Here, the parameter is a so-called weighting factor, and a weighting factor composed of an amplitude component and a phase component is set for each antenna so that the beam is directed to the communication partner. A beam forming method in which the beam is directed toward the communication partner can be realized by applying the detected direction of the communication partner to the beam former method, for example. Further, although an array antenna is used as an antenna, the antenna is not limited to this as long as the beam pattern can be controlled.

  The transmission / reception unit 104 performs demodulation processing, decoding processing, and the like of the received signal included in the received radio wave received via the antenna control unit 102 provided with the array antenna, and outputs the data to the outside. On the other hand, encoding and modulation processing are performed, and after digital-to-analog conversion, an analog signal is transmitted from the array antenna using a carrier wave, thereby realizing communication. Here, the outside is, for example, a computer to which the wireless communication device 100 is connected.

  The transmission / reception unit 104 measures the communication quality, and when the communication quality deterioration is detected, notifies the beam control value calculation unit 108 of the communication quality deterioration. Here, the deterioration of the communication quality is detected, for example, by detecting that the received power is below the threshold value. The image detection unit 110 acquires the surrounding situation of the wireless communication apparatus 100 as image information, and notifies the beam control value calculation unit 108 of the acquired image information. The beam control value calculation unit 108 analyzes the image information acquired by the image detection unit 110 and specifies the direction of the wireless communication device that is the communication partner. That is, the light emitted by the communication partner, the image to be displayed, or the shape and color of the wireless communication device itself that is the communication partner are detected by image processing.

  Then, the direction of the wireless communication device to be a communication partner is specified from the detection result, a value necessary for beam formation is calculated, and the antenna control unit 102 is notified. The antenna control unit 102 controls the beam pattern according to the parameter (weighting factor) notified from the beam control value calculation unit 108, adjusts the beam direction, and improves the communication quality. Here, as the image detection unit 110, an image pickup device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS image sensor can be applied. However, the light emitted from the communication partner, the image displayed by the communication partner, or the color of the communication partner. As long as the shape and shape can be detected and acquired as image information, it is not limited thereto.

  The self-display unit 111 gives a trigger for the communication partner to detect its own direction. That is, when the self-display unit 111 is realized by a light source, the communication partner detects the light emitted from the light source, thereby specifying the direction of the light source as the direction of the communication partner. Further, when the self display unit 111 performs image display, the QR code may be displayed as an image. Note that the self-display unit 111 is not substantially mounted when the communication partner is detected by the shape and color of the wireless communication device 100 itself.

  Next, a wireless communication device 200 obtained by modifying the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The wireless communication device 200 shown in FIG. 2 is different from the wireless communication device 100 shown in FIG. 1 in that a communication partner is specified using the light source 206, and communication is performed using millimeter-wave radio waves instead of the transmission / reception unit 104. The millimeter wave communication unit 204 is provided, and the image detection unit 110 includes an image sensor 210. The antenna control unit 202 and the beam control value calculation unit 208 are the same as the antenna control unit 102 and the beam control value calculation unit 108 shown in FIG.

  The light source 206 emits visible light or not visible light. The antenna control unit 202 forms an arbitrary beam by controlling the array elements of the array antenna. The antenna control unit 202 controls the antenna according to the parameter (weight coefficient) notified from the beam control value calculation unit 208. The millimeter wave communication unit 204 performs demodulation processing, decoding processing, and the like of the received signal included in the received radio wave received by the antenna, outputs data to the outside, and encodes and modulates data input from the outside. Then, after digital-to-analog conversion, an analog signal is transmitted from the antenna using a millimeter-wave carrier wave, thereby realizing communication using millimeter waves.

  Also, the millimeter wave communication unit 204 measures the communication quality, and when the communication quality deterioration is detected, notifies the beam control value calculation unit 208 of the deterioration. The image sensor 210 acquires the peripheral situation of the wireless communication device 200 as image information. The acquired data is notified to the beam control value calculation unit 208. The beam control value calculation unit 208 analyzes the image information acquired by the image sensor 210 and detects the light source output from the wireless communication device that is the communication partner by image processing. The direction of the wireless communication device that is the communication partner is specified from the detection result, the weighting coefficient necessary for beam formation is calculated, and the antenna control unit 202 is notified.

  Next, the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 200 shown in FIG. First, the image sensor 210 acquires image information and outputs it to the beam control value calculation unit 208 (step S1). In response to this, the beam control value calculation unit 208 determines the presence or absence of a light source for the acquired image information (step S2), and if a light source is detected, the light source is determined based on the positional relationship between the detected light source and the wireless communication device. The position and direction are calculated (step S3). The direction of the communication partner is specified by using the wavelength information of the light source of the communication device that performs the opposite communication in advance, the shape of the light source, or the image information of the wireless communication device including the light source.

  Then, the beam control value calculation unit 208 outputs an instruction to the antenna control unit 202 so as to form a beam based on the calculation result. In response to this, the antenna control unit 202 performs beam tracking by performing beam formation of the transmission radio wave based on the calculation result notified from the beam control value calculation unit 208 (step S4).

  Thus, by analyzing the image information acquired by the image sensor 210, the direction of the communication partner can be detected in a short time. In the prior art, for example, when a frequency band with high straightness such as millimeter wave is used, it takes time to perform sensing processing for acquiring data such as received power from each direction. However, when acquiring image information with the image sensor 210, for example, if a wide-angle image sensor is used, an image with a field of view of 90 degrees in the horizontal direction can be acquired four times (360 degrees / 90 degrees). ) Image acquisition in the horizontal direction can be acquired. Further, if the resolution of the image sensor 210 used at this time is high, it becomes possible to specify a light source or the like irradiated by a communication partner with high accuracy by subsequent analysis of image information. Therefore, it is possible to realize high-speed beam control by greatly reducing the time required for sensing processing and specifying the direction in which the communication partner is located by image processing.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the radio | wireless communication apparatus and beam control method by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention are demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the wireless communication apparatus 300 according to the second embodiment. The wireless communication apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 4 is different from the wireless communication apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 in that an attitude control unit 306 is newly provided. The wireless communication apparatus 300 is configured to specify a communication partner using the light source 308 and perform antenna control by the antenna control unit 302 by posture control by the posture control unit 306. The light source 308 emits visible light or invisible light. The antenna control unit 302 forms an arbitrary beam by controlling each array element of the array antenna. The antenna control unit 302 controls the antenna according to the parameter notified from the beam control value calculation unit 310.

  The millimeter wave communication unit 304 performs demodulation processing, decoding processing, and the like of the received signal included in the received radio wave received from the antenna, outputs data to the outside, and encodes and modulates data input from the outside. After digital-to-analog conversion, an analog signal is transmitted from an antenna using a millimeter-wave carrier wave, thereby realizing communication using millimeter waves. Also, the millimeter wave communication unit 304 measures the communication quality, and when the communication quality deterioration is detected, notifies the beam control value calculation unit 310 of the deterioration. The image sensor 312 acquires the peripheral situation of the wireless communication device 300 as image information. The acquired image information is output to the beam control value calculation unit 310.

  The beam control value calculation unit 310 analyzes the image information acquired by the image sensor 312 and detects the light source output from the wireless communication device as the communication partner by image processing. The direction of the wireless communication device that is the communication partner is specified from the detection result, the attitude control amount of the wireless communication device and the weighting coefficient necessary for beam forming are calculated, and notified to the attitude control unit 306 and the antenna control unit 302, respectively. The attitude control unit 306 performs attitude control of the radio communication apparatus based on the attitude control amount notified from the beam control value calculation unit 310 based on the absolute reference (azimuth, vertical / horizontal, etc.) of the radio communication apparatus 300. . Note that posture control involves physical control, and there are cases where posture control cannot sufficiently turn the direction of the communication partner due to structural limitations. In such a case, the quality of the received signal is improved by using the beam forming by the antenna control unit 302 together.

  Next, the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 300 shown in FIG. First, the image sensor 312 acquires image information and outputs it to the beam control value calculation unit 310 (step S11). In response to this, the beam control value calculation unit 208 determines whether or not there is a light source in the acquired image information (step S12), and if a light source is detected, the light source is determined from the positional relationship between the detected light source and the wireless communication device. The position and direction are calculated (step S13). The direction of the communication partner is specified by using the wavelength information of the light source of the wireless communication device that performs the opposite communication in advance, the shape of the light source, or the image information of the wireless communication device including the light source.

  Then, the beam control value calculation unit 208 calculates the attitude control amount of the wireless communication apparatus 300 and the control value for performing beam forming from the calculated direction (step S14), and sends the control values to the antenna control unit 302 and the attitude control unit 306. Information on the calculated direction is notified. In response to this, the posture control unit 306 performs posture control of the wireless communication device 300 (step S15). On the other hand, the antenna control unit 202 performs beam tracking by performing beam formation of a transmission radio wave based on the calculation result notified from the beam control value calculation unit 208 (step S16).

<Third Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the radio | wireless communication apparatus and beam control method by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention are demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a wireless communication apparatus 400 according to the third embodiment. The wireless communication device 300 illustrated in FIG. 6 is different from the wireless communication device 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 in that a microwave communication unit 402 and a communication method switching unit 408 are newly provided. The wireless communication device 400 is configured to switch to microwave communication when the communication partner is specified using the light source 410 and communication quality deteriorates.

  The light source 410 emits visible light or not visible light. The antenna control unit 404 forms an arbitrary beam by controlling each array element of the array antenna. The antenna control unit 404 controls the antenna according to the parameter notified from the beam control value calculation unit 412. The millimeter wave communication unit 406 performs demodulation processing, decoding processing, and the like of the received signal included in the received radio wave received from the antenna, and outputs data to the outside. Further, encoding or modulation processing is performed on data input from the outside, and after digital-to-analog conversion, an analog signal is transmitted from the antenna using a millimeter wave carrier wave. As a result, communication using millimeter waves is realized. The microwave communication unit 402 performs transmission / reception using microwaves. Further, the millimeter wave communication unit 406 measures the communication quality, and when the communication quality deterioration is detected, notifies the beam control value calculation unit 412 of the communication quality deterioration. The image sensor 414 acquires the peripheral situation of the wireless communication device 400 as image information. The acquired data is notified to the beam control value calculation unit 412.

  The beam control value calculation unit 412 analyzes the image information acquired by the image sensor 414, and detects a light source output from the wireless communication device as a communication partner by image processing. The direction of the wireless communication device that is the communication partner is specified from the detection result, a value necessary for beam formation is calculated, and the antenna control unit 404 is notified. Here, if the direction of the communication partner is specified by the light source, the image displayed by the communication partner, the shape and color of the wireless communication device itself of the communication partner, if there is no prospect with the communication partner, the communication The other party cannot be detected. Therefore, the communication method switching unit 408 switches between the microwave communication unit 402 and the millimeter wave communication unit 406. If the communication quality deteriorates during millimeter wave communication, the communication is first switched to microwave communication. In this way, continuity of communication can be ensured. Thereafter, when the beam control value calculation unit 412 newly discovers a light source during microwave communication, the detection result is notified to the communication method switching unit 408, and the process proceeds to millimeter wave communication.

  Next, the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 400 shown in FIG. First, the millimeter wave communication unit 406 performs communication quality measurement (step S22) during communication using millimeter waves (step S21), and determines whether or not a deterioration in communication quality is detected. (Step S23). As a result of this determination, if no communication quality deterioration is detected, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the degradation of the communication quality is detected, the millimeter wave communication unit 406 notifies the communication method switching unit 408 that the communication quality has deteriorated. In response to this, the communication system switching unit 408 instructs the microwave communication unit 402 to start communication, and switches the communication system from communication using millimeter waves to communication using microwaves. (Step S24).

  Next, the image sensor 414 is powered on (step S25), and the image sensor 414 acquires image information and outputs it to the beam control value calculation unit 412 (step S26). In response to this, the beam control value calculation unit 412 determines whether or not there is a light source in the acquired image information (step S27), and if a light source is detected, the light source is determined from the positional relationship between the detected light source and the wireless communication device. The position and direction are calculated (step S28). The beam control value calculation unit 412 outputs an instruction to the antenna control unit 404 so as to form a beam based on the calculation result. In response to this, the antenna control unit 404 performs beam tracking by performing beam formation of the transmission radio wave based on the calculation result notified from the beam control value calculation unit 412 (step S29).

  Next, the beam control value calculation unit 412 instructs the communication method switching unit 408 to switch the communication method. The communication method switching unit 408 instructs the millimeter wave communication unit 406 to start communication using millimeter waves and instructs the microwave communication unit 402 to end communication. In response, the millimeter wave communication unit 406 starts communication using millimeter waves (step S30), and the microwave communication unit 402 ends communication using microwaves (step S31). Then, the power source of the image sensor is turned off (step S32), and the process ends.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the image sensor is turned off while communicating with millimeter waves to save power. However, the image sensor is also operated without turning off the power during millimeter wave communication. You may utilize for the beam control at the time of millimeter wave communication.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 8, a radio communication apparatus and a beam control method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless communication apparatus 500 according to the fourth embodiment. The wireless communication apparatus 500 illustrated in FIG. 8 is different from the wireless communication apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 6 in that an attitude control unit 510 is newly provided. The wireless communication apparatus 500 uses the light source 512 to identify a communication partner, and when the light source cannot be detected by the beam control value calculation unit 514, switches to microwave communication and performs antenna control by attitude control. It is the structure which performs.

  The light source 512 emits visible light or invisible light. The antenna control unit 504 forms an arbitrary beam by controlling each array element of the array antenna. The antenna control unit controls the antenna according to the parameter notified from the beam control value calculation unit 514. The millimeter wave communication unit 506 performs demodulation processing, decoding processing, and the like on the received signal included in the received radio wave received from the antenna, and outputs data to the outside. In addition, data input from the outside is encoded and modulated, and after digital-to-analog conversion, an analog signal is transmitted from the antenna using a millimeter wave carrier wave. As a result, communication using millimeter waves is realized. The microwave communication unit 502 performs transmission / reception using microwaves.

  Also, the millimeter wave communication unit 506 measures the communication quality, and when the communication quality deterioration is detected, notifies the beam control value calculation unit 514 of the deterioration. The image sensor 516 acquires the situation around the wireless communication device 500 as image information. The acquired image information is notified to the beam control value calculation unit 514. The beam control value calculation unit 514 analyzes the image information acquired by the image sensor 516, and detects a light source output from the wireless communication device as a communication partner by image processing. The direction of the wireless communication device to be a communication partner is identified from the detection result, the attitude control amount of the wireless communication device 500 and the value necessary for beam forming are calculated, and notified to the attitude control unit 510 and the antenna control unit 504, respectively. Attitude control unit 510 performs attitude control of the wireless communication apparatus based on the attitude control amount notified from attitude control unit 510 based on the absolute reference (azimuth, vertical, horizontal, etc.) of radio communication apparatus 500.

  Here, if the direction of the communication partner is specified by the light source, the image displayed by the communication partner, the shape and color of the wireless communication device itself of the communication partner, if there is no prospect with the communication partner, the communication The other party cannot be detected. Therefore, the communication system switching unit 508 switches between the microwave communication unit 502 and the millimeter wave communication unit 506. If the communication quality deteriorates during millimeter wave communication, the communication is first switched to microwave communication. In this way, continuity of communication can be ensured. Thereafter, when the beam control value calculation unit 514 newly discovers a light source during microwave communication, the detection result is notified to the communication method switching unit 508, and the process proceeds to millimeter wave communication.

  Next, the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless communication apparatus 500 shown in FIG. First, the millimeter wave communication unit 506 performs communication quality measurement (step S42) during communication using millimeter waves (step S41), and determines whether or not communication quality deterioration is detected. (Step S43). As a result of this determination, if no communication quality deterioration is detected, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the communication quality deterioration is detected, the millimeter wave communication unit 506 notifies the communication method switching unit 508 that the communication quality has deteriorated. In response to this, the communication system switching unit 508 instructs the microwave communication unit 502 to start communication, and switches the communication system from communication using millimeter waves to communication using microwaves. (Step S44).

  Next, the image sensor 516 is powered on (step S45), and the image sensor 516 acquires image information and outputs it to the beam control value calculation unit 514 (step S46). In response, the beam control value calculation unit 514 determines whether or not there is a light source in the acquired image information (step S47), and if a light source is detected, the light source is determined from the positional relationship between the detected light source and the wireless communication device. The position and direction are calculated (step S48). Then, the beam control value calculation unit 514 calculates the attitude control amount of the wireless communication apparatus 500 and the control value for performing beam forming from the calculated direction (step S49), and transmits the control values to the antenna control unit 504 and the attitude control unit 510. Information on the calculated direction is notified. In response to this, the attitude control unit 510 performs attitude control of the wireless communication apparatus 500 (step S50). On the other hand, the antenna control unit 504 performs beam tracking by performing beam formation of a transmission radio wave based on the calculation result notified from the beam control value calculation unit 514 (step S51).

  Next, the beam control value calculation unit 514 instructs the communication method switching unit 508 to switch the communication method. The communication method switching unit 508 instructs the millimeter wave communication unit 506 to start communication using millimeter waves, and instructs the microwave communication unit 502 to end communication. In response, the millimeter wave communication unit 506 starts communication using millimeter waves (step S52), and the microwave communication unit 502 ends communication using microwaves (step S53). Then, the power of the image sensor is turned off (step S54), and the process is terminated.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the image sensor is turned off while communicating with millimeter waves to save power. However, the image sensor is turned off without turning off the image sensor even during millimeter wave communication. You may utilize for the beam control at the time of millimeter wave communication.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the radio | wireless communication apparatus and beam control method by the 5th Embodiment of this invention are demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of starting communication in the wireless communication device according to the fifth embodiment. Here, one of the wireless communication devices is referred to as a wireless communication device A, and the wireless communication device with which the wireless communication device A communicates is referred to as a wireless communication device B. First, at time t11, the wireless communication apparatus A that receives a wireless communication start request and starts communication emits light including an authentication signal from the light source included in the wireless communication apparatus A at time t12. Then, at time t13, the wireless communication device B that has detected the light by the image detection unit analyzes a signal included in the light, and starts communication with the wireless communication device A when the signal is addressed to itself. .

  As a means for starting communication, the wireless communication apparatus B may emit light including a signal for authentication or may emit radio waves for communication. In the sequence illustrated in FIG. 10, light including a communication start permission signal is emitted at time t14. Since the sequence example shown in FIG. 10 is an example combined with a wireless LAN authentication sequence, the sequence from time t15 to t110 is a wireless LAN authentication sequence. The authentication sequence described in FIG. 10 is a form in which the wireless LAN authentication sequence is strengthened, but it is also possible to start data communication between wireless communication devices after the end of authentication using an optical signal. According to this embodiment, security is improved because authentication is performed using light that is highly straight and does not transmit through walls or the like.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the radio | wireless communication apparatus and beam control method by the 6th Embodiment of this invention are demonstrated. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation of starting communication in the wireless communication apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. Here, one of the wireless communication devices is referred to as a wireless communication device A, and the wireless communication device with which the wireless communication device A communicates is referred to as a wireless communication device B. First, at a time t21, the wireless communication device A that receives a wireless communication request and starts communication displays an authentication image on the image display device included in the wireless communication device A at a time t22. Then, at time t23, the wireless communication device B that has detected this image by the image detection unit starts communication with the wireless communication device A when it recognizes that this image indicates a signal addressed to itself.

  As a means for starting communication, in the sequence shown in FIG. 11, the wireless communication apparatus B displays an authentication image at time t24, but communication radio waves may be emitted. Since the sequence example shown in FIG. 11 is an example combined with a wireless LAN authentication sequence, the sequence from time t25 to t210 is a wireless LAN authentication sequence. The authentication sequence illustrated in FIG. 11 is a form in which the wireless LAN authentication sequence is strengthened, but it is also possible to start data communication between wireless communication devices after the end of authentication by image. According to the present embodiment, since authentication is performed using an image that has high straightness and does not transmit through a wall or the like, security can be improved.

  In this way, the light emitted by the wireless communication device, the image to be displayed, or the color and shape of the wireless device are detected using an image sensor, and the direction of the partner station is specified by analyzing the detected image information. It becomes possible to do. By controlling the array antenna using this result, the arrival direction can be estimated and the beam pattern can be controlled. In addition, in a wireless device having both microwave and millimeter wave functions, it is possible to perform sensing on the availability of millimeter wave communication using an image sensor while communicating with microwaves. Switching from the used wireless system to a wireless communication system using millimeter waves can be easily performed. By doing this, the directivity using millimeter waves is strong, and even for radio signals with a narrow beam width, it is possible to detect the direction of arrival and control the beam pattern at high speed, so communication starts. Takes less time.

  Conventionally, as a method of estimating the direction of arrival when controlling an array antenna, for example, a method of estimating the direction mainly based on the received power level has been used. However, when the direction of arrival of a radio signal having a narrow beam width is estimated. However, since high-resolution processing is required and the number of search steps increases, there is a problem that the time required for completing the increase in signal processing load and arrival direction estimation is increased.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the direction in which the communication partner exists is specified by using a light source such as an image sensor separately provided in the wireless communication device or a means for recognizing an image without using the reception power level of the wireless signal. By specifying the direction as the arrival direction of the radio wave, the signal processing load is increased and the time required for estimating the arrival direction is shortened. The present invention is particularly effective in a wireless communication system that uses radio waves having high straightness such as millimeter waves. This is because when using radio waves with high straightness, there is no fading due to multipath waves, and the direction of the communication partner recognized by the image sensor or the like matches the direction in which the received power level of the radio signal is highest. . If the communication partner cannot be identified by an image sensor, etc., it is considered that there is an obstacle between the communication partner, and in this case, the communication is continued by switching to communication using microwaves with low straightness. Sexuality can be increased.

  1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 are recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is stored in the computer. The beam control process may be performed by reading and executing the system. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. In addition, those holding programs for a certain period of time are also included.

  The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

  The present invention can be applied to applications in which it is indispensable to perform communication by specifying a communication partner using a wireless communication apparatus capable of controlling the antenna beam pattern.

  100, 200, 300, 400, 500 ... wireless communication device, 102, 202, 302, 404, 504 ... antenna control unit, 104 ... transmission / reception unit, 204, 304, 406, 506 ... mm Wave communication unit, 108, 208, 310, 412, 514 ... Beam control value calculation unit, 110 ... Image detection unit, 210, 312, 414, 516 ... Image sensor, 111 ... Self-display unit 206, 308, 410, 512 ... light source, 306,510 ... attitude control unit, 402,502 ... microwave communication unit, 408,508 ... communication system switching unit

Claims (9)

A wireless communication device that performs wireless communication using an antenna capable of controlling a beam pattern,
First transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving signals to / from a communication partner;
A light source that emits light of a known wavelength for causing the communication partner to recognize its own station, or an image display device that displays a known identification code;
Image acquisition means for acquiring image information of the surrounding environment;
By detecting a light source that emits light of a known wavelength included in the communication partner or an image display device that displays a known identification code from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit, the wireless communication device of the communication partner A radio communication apparatus comprising: a beam control unit that specifies a direction and controls the beam pattern so that the beam is directed to the direction. Communication deterioration detecting means for detecting whether or not the communication quality of the first transmission / reception means has deteriorated;
When the deterioration of communication quality is detected by the communication deterioration detection means, the beam control means specifies the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquisition means, and the direction The radio communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beam pattern is controlled so that the beam is directed toward the beam. Second transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from the communication partner using a frequency lower than that of the first transmission / reception means;
A communication switching means for switching a transmission / reception means to be used among the first transmission / reception means and the second transmission / reception means;
When transmission / reception is performed by the first transmission / reception means, when the communication deterioration detection means detects the deterioration of the communication quality, the communication switching means uses the transmission / reception means to be used as the second transmission / reception means. Switch to sending and receiving means,
When the transmission / reception is performed by the second transmission / reception unit, the beam control unit determines the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the transmission / reception means to be used is switched to the first transmission / reception means by the switching means. It further comprises posture control means for controlling the direction and elevation angle of the wireless communication device,
Identifying the orientation of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquiring means, with respect to the direction such that said directed radio communications device, by the attitude control means, the direction and elevation the wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1, characterized in that control 3. It said first transmitting and receiving means, the wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 4, characterized in that performs radio communication using millimeter waves. In order to perform wireless communication using an antenna capable of controlling a beam pattern, a first transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a signal to / from a communication partner, and a known for causing the communication partner to recognize the own station Beam control in a wireless communication apparatus comprising: a light source that emits light of a wavelength; or an image display device that displays a known identification code; an image acquisition unit that acquires image information of the surrounding environment; and a beam control unit that controls a beam A method,
The beam control unit detects, from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit, a light source that emits light of a known wavelength included in the communication partner or an image display device that displays a known identification code. A beam control method comprising: a beam control step of specifying a direction of a counterpart wireless communication apparatus and controlling the beam pattern so that the beam is directed in the direction. The wireless communication apparatus further includes communication deterioration detection means for detecting whether communication quality of the first transmission / reception means has deteriorated,
When the communication control unit detects the deterioration of the communication quality by the communication deterioration detection unit, the beam control unit specifies the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit, and The beam control method according to claim 6 , wherein the beam pattern is controlled so that the beam is directed toward the beam. The wireless communication device uses a lower frequency than the first transmission / reception unit, transmits / receives a signal to / from the communication partner, a second transmission / reception unit, the first transmission / reception unit, and the second transmission / reception unit Of the transmission / reception means, further comprising a communication switching means for switching the transmission / reception means to be used,
When transmission / reception is performed by the first transmission / reception means, when the communication deterioration detection means detects the deterioration of the communication quality, the communication switching means uses the transmission / reception means to be used as the second transmission / reception means. Switch to sending and receiving means,
When the transmission / reception is performed by the second transmission / reception unit, the beam control unit determines the direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information acquired by the image acquisition unit. The beam control method according to claim 7 , wherein the transmission / reception means to be used is switched to the first transmission / reception means by the switching means. The wireless communication device further includes posture control means for controlling the direction and elevation angle of the wireless communication device,
Said attitude control means, specifies a direction of the wireless communication device of the communication partner from the image information obtained by the image obtaining means, with respect to the direction, the to face wireless communications device, the direction and elevation beam control method according to any one of claims 6 8, characterized in that control.

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