Wireless communication device and method with diversity control

This invention, compared to in detail, regards the radio communication device, the image processing device and the radio communication manner which do diversity control making use of the multiple antennas and the antenna etc which possesses multiple directivity response patterns in regard to radio communication technology.

Recently, radio communication technology such as the wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication which for example is based on the standard of IEEE (the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers) 802.11 types and the radio PAN (Personal Area Network) communication which is based on wireless USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard is utilized, the various products are put out by the market, have spread quickly in the office and home etc. With wireless USB standard, the UWB (Ultra Wideband) mode which is promoted as a radio communication mode, by WiMedia Alliance is adopted. As for UWB, although being dissipation power low, from the fact that the high-speed communication which exceeds IEEE802.11a/b/g which presently has spread is possible, for convenience improvement of business improvement of efficiency and life at the office, it is expected that in the future it keeps being loaded by the various equipment.

In order to joint the peripheral equipment to the personal computer and the like with the radio PAN communication which conforms to the standard which it mentions, the radio PAN equipment of the radio board and the radio curd etc which conform to the standard of USB and the like generally is used. There are some where it internalizes the antenna of two or more to this radio PAN equipment, changing the switch to the antenna whose signal strength is high, communicate, adopt generally known choice diversity mode. This choice diversity mode is the technology which is widely used in field of mobile radio communication of wireless LAN equipment and portable telephone equipment etc not just the radio PAN equipment.

Multiple among the antennas which are provided, choosing the antenna whose reception signal strength is strongest, it receives the choice diversity mode which is adopted in former compared to mobile radio communication field, responding to the signal strength which the antenna receives being below fixed threshold, changing to the antenna which receives the signal strength above threshold, it is the mode that it receives.

For example, publication number 884104 number communique (patent literature 1) calculating the average of reception signal level, seeking those which assumed fixed proportion on reception signal average level, making threshold, when reception signal level this threshold compared to decreasing, changing to the antenna which has been received at bigger reception signal level than threshold it communicates, when deciding, that reception signal average level is lower than fixed value, the technology which halts the change of the antenna is disclosed. As for the technology which is disclosed in the above-mentioned patent literature 1, change was generated with only threshold of specification in choice diversity mode, when radio wave strength of all antennas is below threshold, change of the antenna occurring frequently, it is something which designates that the problem that is solved reception became impossible and/or was as purpose.

In addition, as for patent publication 2007143090 number communique (patent literature 2), precision choosing the antenna or directivity response pattern whose reception property is good well, changing, the MAC header analytical section and the MAC header analytical section which analyze the transmission original address and destination address of the packet while receiving the packet which is demodulated from the signal which the antenna receives the fact that it offers the radio communication terminal which it can receive as a purpose, are address of the access point where transmission original address is in the midst of jointing, at the same time, when it decides that destination address is not intraoffice, on the basis of the result of measuring the reception state of the antenna in the midst of reception of the packetThe configuration which has with the reception state test section which chooses the antenna is disclosed.

Furthermore publication number 11298384 number communique (patent literature 3) discloses the wireless installation which runs the antenna diversity which possesses the transmission antenna decisive means which decide the transmission antenna on the basis of the result signal analytical means and the signal analytical means which analyze the contents of the signal which is received with radio reception means and the radio reception means which receive the radio signal with the antenna of two or more analyzing. The technology which is disclosed in patent literature 3 choosing the transmission antenna due to the level and error contents of the signal which is received and the information etc of position, is something which will improve the reliability of transmission.

<p num="0008"> As mentioned, the choice diversity mode which is disclosed in the above-mentioned patent literature 1 - 3, using the signal strength and the like of the reception signal, is the mode which chooses the optimum antenna or directivity response pattern when receiving. Concerning the antenna choice when transmitting, there is no disclosure in the above-mentioned patent literature 1, the above-mentioned patent literature 2 when receiving has disclosed the antenna which is chosen or the effect which chooses directivity. The above-mentioned patent literature 3, when receiving has disclosed the effect which decides the transmission antenna you sent the data from each demodulation means to the control section of, on the basis of information, when it is the mode which uses the antenna which the technology which is disclosed in the above-mentioned patent literature 3 is used when receiving when transmitting it is recognized. </p><p num="0009"> When receiving which it mentions if with the mode which it chooses as the antenna and the like which uses the antenna and the like which is chosen when transmitting, when sending and receiving is done between 2 wireless installations, is, because the partner of transmission and reception is identical, the antenna and the like which is optimum when receiving even when transmitting it is possible, as for especially problem is not actualized to use for ideal. But, when communication is done between the wireless installation 3 or more, because the antenna which is chosen by the reception signal which is received immediately before, optimum choice it is with it does not limit always in when transmitting, trouble occurs. </p><p num="0010"> For example there was a controversial issue that it cannot choose the transmission antenna which with technology of the above-mentioned patent literature 3, using the analog characteristic quantity of the reception signal, the reception antenna, pulling, because it chooses the transmission antenna, when the wireless installation of the partner side which it communicates is a multiple, it is not possible, is correct to distinguish it is the signal from some device. As for the technology which is disclosed in the above-mentioned patent literature 3, we designate the sending and receiving timing in TDMA/TDD (Time Division Multiple Access/Time Division Duplex) mode as the basis, at the time of time transmission of reception it is both and it is effective to the case where the wireless installation of the partner side which sending and receiving is done is beforehand stipulated. But, generally with radio communication mode of wireless USB and the wireless LAN etc, because relation between the wireless installation of the partner side which sending and receiving is done and timing of sending and receiving it is not fixed, description above until recently when receiving the antenna which is chosen and when transmitting the antenna which is chosen, corresponding to the wireless installation of the communication partner, to agree it was not possible with technology. </p><p num="0011"> Drawing 11 is the figure which illustrates 3 radio communication devices data communication. As for figure 11(A), it is the figure which shows the busy condition of the antenna in data communication between wireless installation A, wireless installation B and wireless installation C typically, figure 11(B) is the timing chart which shows the communication state of wireless installation A when timing is not fixed in TDMA/TDD mode. With the example which is shown in drawing 11, when it communicates with wireless installation B regarding wireless installation A, antenna 1 is chosen by ideal, when it communicates with wireless installation C, antenna 2 is chosen to ideal. When timing of communication of sink wireless installation and transmission side wireless installation is known in TDMA/TDD mode, when receiving those which are chosen also it is possible to choose the same antenna when transmitting. But, way it shows in drawing 1, when timing of transmission and reception fixing it is not done, the case of reception immediately before there are times when differ from the communication partner and the transmission partner when transmitting, there is a possibility of making problem cause. </p><p num="0012"> From wireless installation B from transmission (BA) to wireless installation A and wireless installation C transmission (AB) to wireless installation B is illustrated to figure 11(B), from transmission (CA) to wireless installation A and wireless installation A. Antenna 1 is chosen when (BA) receiving from of wireless installation B, antenna 2 is chosen when (CA) receiving from of wireless installation C. And, until recently with technology, because it is chosen, as the antenna which the antenna which is chosen when receiving uses when transmitting the case where wireless installation A transmits to wireless installation B, it means with that antenna choice state of the reception data frame immediately before is maintained. With the example which is shown in figure 11(B), as for the reception data frame immediately before antenna 2 is chosen because it has received from wireless installation C, while this state is maintained means with to transmit the data frame to wireless installation B. Because of this, it means with that transmission is done when the optimum transmission antenna has not been chosen. </p><p num="0013"> Namely, when timing of sending and receiving is not fixed, at the time of communicating between the radio communication devices of 2 or more, directivity response pattern of the optimum antenna or the antenna which corresponds to the transmission partner was well chosen precision, pattern of the antenna or directivity was changed and development of the technology which can be transmitted was desired. </p><p num="0014"> As for this invention, considering to the above-mentioned controversial issue, it is something which you can do, as for this invention, being communication between the radio communication devices of 2 or more where timing of sending and receiving is not fixed, it is possible, changes to the optimum antenna or the pattern of directivity and precision to choose the directivity response pattern of the predominant antenna or the antenna which corresponds to the transmission partner well it designates that the radio communication manner which the image processing device and the said radio communication device which include the radio communication device and the said radio communication device whose it is possible to transmit, run is offered as purpose. </p>

<p num="0015"> With this invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned topic, below changing the use mode of one which has the feature which is demonstrated antenna at least, it offers the other device and the radio communication device data communication. As for the radio communication device of this invention, analyzing the reception frame data which is obtained from the signal which is received by one antenna at least, it selects transmission original address, ideally when it is something where transmission original address is in the midst of jointing, description above it measures the radio wave reception state of each use mode of one antenna at least, predominant use mode and the above-mentioned transmission original address which are decided according to the measurement result relation attaching, it stores. And, when transmitting, it chooses in order to use the use mode which in those which correspond to the destination of the transmission frame data among the transmission original addresses which are stored relation is attached, when transmitting. In the above-mentioned predominant use mode, for example, most big use mode of reception signal power and use mode of the frequency even property whose inside degree of dispersion of the respective frequency even property which was calculated degree of dispersion is smallest is decided. </p><p num="0016"> In addition with this invention, as for the radio communication device, furthermore you store the frequency of choice of use mode concerning transmission original address, you can choose the use mode where frequency of choice makes maximum concerning the transmission original address which corresponds to the destination of the transmission frame data. Furthermore, with this invention, periodic or to initialize irregularly it is possible the frequency of choice of the use mode which is stored concerning transmission original address. </p><p num="0017"> Description above one antenna includes the multiple antennas at least, at least to identify the antenna which among the multiple antennas is used it is possible the use mode of one antenna. Or, description above one antenna includes the alteration possible variable directivity antenna in multiple directivity response patterns at least, at least to identify the directivity response pattern of the variable directivity antenna it is possible the use mode of one antenna. </p><p num="0018"> In addition according to this invention, the image processing device which includes the above-mentioned radio communication device is offered. Furthermore according to this invention, the radio communication manner by the above-mentioned radio communication device is offered. With radio communication manner of this invention, the radio communication device, analyzing the reception frame data which is obtained from the signal which is received at the time of reception operation, description above by one antenna at least, predominant use mode and the transmission original address which are decided step and the description above which select transmission original address according to the measurement result of step and a radio wave reception state where at least it measures the radio wave reception state of one antenna relation attaching, it runs with the step which you store in storage means. When transmitting, as for the radio communication device, accessing storage means, the step which chooses the use mode which in those which correspond to the destination of the transmission frame data among the transmission original addresses which are stored relation is attached, the step which is changed to the case of transmission of the transmission frame data in the use mode which is chosen is run. </p>

<p num="0019"> According to the above-mentioned configuration, the use mode which is chosen when receiving (directivity of antenna or antenna is identified.)The communication partner of that reception time, in other words relation attaching to the transmission origin, it is recorded, this record is utilized, the use mode which is used the case of the transmission for the identical communication partner is chosen. If it is the identical communication partner, at when receiving and when transmitting as for directivity of the optimum antenna because it agrees, it becomes possible, pulls, to choose best use mode also when transmitting concerning the identical communication partner it is possible to decrease generation such as the communication error with the fact that inadequate use mode is chosen it becomes possible for communication efficiency to improve. </p>

<figref num="1">The figure which shows the execution configuration of telecommunication network environment. </figref><figref num="2">The figure which shows the outline configuration of the radio communication device of 1st execution configuration. </figref><figref num="3">The flowchart which shows the operation when receiving which the radio communication device of 1st execution configuration runs. </figref><figref num="4">The figure which shows the basic format of the MAC frame in wireless USB. </figref><figref num="5">The figure which shows the data structure of the address - antenna corresponding attaching table which when receiving the 1st execution configuration is stored in the antenna selective information storage section. </figref><figref num="6">The flowchart which shows the operation when transmitting which the radio communication device of 1st execution configuration runs. </figref><figref num="7">The figure which shows the outline configuration of the radio communication device of 2nd execution configuration. </figref><figref num="8">The figure which shows the data structure of the address - antenna corresponding attaching table which when receiving the 2nd execution configuration is stored in the antenna selective information storage section. </figref><figref num="9">The figure which shows the outline configuration of the radio communication device of 3rd execution configuration. </figref><figref num="10">The figure which shows the data structure of the address - antenna corresponding attaching table which when receiving the 3rd execution configuration is stored in the directivity selective information storage section. </figref><figref num="11">The figure which illustrates 3 radio communication devices until recently data communication technology.</figref>

Below, execution configuration of this invention is demonstrated, but execution configuration of this invention is not something which is limited to the execution configuration below.

Drawing 1 is the figure which shows the execution configuration of telecommunication network environment. The laptop die personal computer which shows in drawing 1 (below, note PC you access.)110, printer 120 and digital camera 130 following to the radio communication protocol which conforms to wireless USB standard, is the radio communication device radio communication. Below, note PC110, printer there are also times when you access generic name 120 and digital camera 130 the radio communication device. With the execution configuration which you demonstrate, as for radio communication, you follow the protocol which conforms to wireless USB standard, but with other execution configuration, it is possible to make you follow various radio communication protocol such as mobile radio communication such as Bluetooth, PHS and the portable telephone which are stipulated in wireless LAN communication and IEEE802.15.1 which are stipulated in IEEE802.11.

The radio communication device 110,120,130 which shows in drawing 1 each one has one antenna at least, changing the use mode of one antenna at least with diversity control, runs data communication. Note PC110, has two antennas 112a and 112b, changing the antenna which is used for sending and receiving, with diversity control runs data communication. Also digital camera 130 in the same way, has two antennas 132a and 132b. When the multiple antennas are used, use mode, is something which is identified you use each antenna.

On the one hand, printer 120 has multiple directivity response patterns, directivity has variable variable directivity antenna 122 electrically, changing the directivity response pattern of the antenna with diversity control, runs data communication. When the variable directivity antenna which possesses multiple directivity response patterns is used, use mode, is something which is identified you use each directivity response pattern.

You demonstrate below, the radio communication device concerning details. Drawing 2 is the figure which shows the outline configuration of the radio communication device of 1st execution configuration. Furthermore, the radio communication device 200 which shows in drawing 2, it has multiple antennas 202a and 202b, changes to one inside multiple antennas and 202 it corresponds to the execution configuration data communication. Furthermore, in drawing 2, we have shown the functional department regarding antenna change on the center, concerning the functional department regarding reception and transmission we would like to consider by being abbreviated.

As for the radio communication device 200 which shows in drawing 2, the antenna change section through 204 which, changes the antenna 202 which is used at the time of sending and receiving and antenna change section 204 the high frequency treatment section which is jointed with antenna 202 (below, you access making RF section.)As 206 and transmission antenna choice section 208 and reception antenna choice section modulation treatment and demodulation treatment of 210 and the transmission data are run, the baseband media access control treatment section which runs the protocol control of MAC (Media Access Control) formation (below, you access making BB MAC section.)Including with 220, it is constituted.

As BB MAC section 220 is jointed, through bus 250, the radio communication device 200 computer functional side configuration of CPU240, NVRAM242, RAM244, ROM246 and printer engine 248 etc runs the digital modulation and demodulation treatment of the transmission data and the protocol control of MAC formation, with computer functional side configuration input/output of the frame data is done.

Furthermore, when wireless USB is adopted as radio communication, it can adopt MBOFDM (Multi-Band Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) mode and DSUWB (Direct Spread-Ultra Wide Band) mode, but with the execution configuration due to other radio communication protocol, in addition, can also modulation and demodulation mode, adopt DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) mode, FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) mode and PBCC (Packet Binary Convolution Code) mode etc.

As for BB MAC section 220, further in details, the RF signal from of antenna 202 the demodulation section 222 which demodulates and the RF signal demodulating, the reception MAC header analytical section it includes with the reception state test section 224 where measures the radio wave reception state of 228 which analyzes the MAC header which is included in the frame data which can and antenna 202. As for reception state test section 224, radio wave reception state of the antenna 202 which can as a measurement result, the case of reception antenna choice in order to make the judgment material, it posts to reception antenna choice section 210. Reception antenna choice section 210, receiving posting the radio wave reception state of the antenna, choosing, as the antenna which uses the predominant antenna whose inside multiple antennas 202 radio wave reception state is most desirable when receiving makes antenna change section change 204.

When the predominant antenna is chosen, the identification value which identifies the antenna which reception antenna choice section 210 chooses, relation being attached by the transmission original address which is selected from the MAC header of the above-mentioned reception frame data, when receiving it is stored in antenna selective information storage section, 212 it is utilized the occasion where the antenna which transmission antenna choice section 208 uses when transmitting is decided. Furthermore, in case of the reception frame data which is addressed to this radio communication device 200, through bus 250, it is output to CPU240. As for reception state test section 224, the measurement means in this execution configuration are formed, as for reception MAC header analytical section 228, the reception analytical means in this execution configuration are formed. In addition, when receiving antenna selective information storage section 212 is implemented by the memory storage of RAM and NVRAM, etc forms the storage means in this execution configuration.

BB MAC section 220, furthermore, through bus 250 from CPU240, the transmission MAC header analytical section modulates 230 which analyzes the MAC header of the transmission frame data which is input and the transmission frame data in the RF signal and through antenna change section 204, includes with the modulation section 226 which is output to antenna 202. Transmission MAC header analytical section 230 analyzes the MAC header which is included in the transmission frame data, selects destination address, posts that to transmission antenna choice section 208. As for transmission antenna choice section 208, when receiving accessing the information which is recorded to antenna selective information storage section 212, when receiving which in the destination address which is posted relation is attached it reads out the identification value of the antenna which makes predominant, choosing, as the transmission antenna which uses that antenna when receiving it makes antenna change section change 204. And, as for the RF signal of the transmission frame data, to be transmitted it means with as radio wave from the predominant antenna which is changed. Furthermore, as for transmission antenna choice section 208, the choice means in this execution configuration are formed.

Below, while accessing the flowchart and is shown in drawing 4 and drawing 5 data structure which is shown in drawing 3 and drawing 6, you demonstrate in detail concerning the radio communication manner in this execution configuration. Drawing 3 is the flowchart which shows the operation when receiving which the radio communication device of 1st execution configuration runs. For example antenna 202 receiving the radio wave from the other device, it starts the treatment which is shown in drawing 3, from step S100.

With step S101, as for reception MAC header analytical section 228, the RF signal demodulating, you analyze the MAC header of the reception frame data which can, select the transmission original address of the reception frame data. As for drawing 4, the basic format of the frame data in wireless USB is shown. As shown in drawing 4, frame data 260 is formed, physical layer (PHY) preamble and physical layer (PHY) header and MAC header and payload and including with FCS (Frame Check Sequence). The destination address which shows the address of the destination radio communication device of the MAC frame and the transmission original address which shows the address of the transmission original radio communication device of the MAC frame are included in the MAC header of the MAC frame.

Again when you access drawing 3, with step S102, it decides reception MAC header analytical section 228, whether or not the destination address which is included in the MAC header of the reception frame data, is the intraoffice address. When it is decided that with step S102, it is the intraoffice address, to (YES), treatment is advanced to step S109. In order that with this execution configuration, when it is the frame data of the intraoffice address, it does not do antenna choice operation, with step S109, treats the body part after the MAC header, the reception data frame is output to computer functional side, this reception operation ends with step S108. Furthermore, decision of step S102 is optional, with other execution configuration, when it is the frame data of the intraoffice address even, it is possible to do antenna choice operation.

On the one hand, with step S102, destination address is not intraoffice, when it is decided that the reception frame data is the frame of the other station address, to (NO), treatment is advanced to step S103. With step S103, it decides reception MAC header analytical section 228, whether or not furthermore, transmission original address of the reception frame data, agrees to the address of the other radio communication device which presently is in the midst of jointing. When it is decided that with step S103, it is something of no radio communication device where transmission original address is in the midst of jointing, to (NO), because it is not necessary to execute especially antenna choice concerning that transmission original address, direct processing is advanced to step S108, this reception operation ends.

On the one hand, when it is decided that with step S103, it is something of each radio communication device where transmission original address is in the midst of jointing, to (YES), treatment is advanced to step S104. With step S104, as for reception state test section 224, radio wave reception state of respective antenna 202a and 202b is measured, the measurement result is posted to reception antenna choice section 210. Radio wave reception state when demonstration is added in regard to measurement, with this execution configuration, during packet receiving because antenna choice operation is done, when the antenna is decided with reception power, it is supposed that some dispersion occurs with the difference of symbol. Because of this, as for reception state test section 224 of this execution configuration, to measure the radio wave reception state of the antenna ideally by taking average it is possible the reception power of the reception signal of each antenna. Or, with other execution configuration, as for reception state test section 224, it is possible to measure the radio wave reception state of the antenna ideally by calculating the frequency even property which corresponds to every antenna.

With step S105, as for reception antenna choice section 210, the predominant antenna where reception radio wave state among the multiple antennas makes best according to the radio wave reception state of each antenna which is posted, is chosen. When radio wave reception state of the antenna is measured due to the reception power (or the average) of the reception signal of the above-mentioned antenna, it is possible to choose the antenna whose reception power (or average) is largest. In addition with the execution configuration which measures the radio wave reception state of the antenna by calculating the above-mentioned frequency even property, inside degree of dispersion of the respective frequency even property which was calculated, it is possible to choose the antenna of the frequency even property whose degree of dispersion is smallest. With step S106, it changes antenna change section 204, to the best antenna which is chosen. With step S107, identification value of the best antenna which is chosen by reception antenna choice section 210, relation being attached by the transmission original address which is selected from the reception frame data in antenna selective information storage section 212, when receiving it is stored, with step S108, this reception operation ends.

Drawing 5 shows the data structure of the address - antenna corresponding attaching table which when receiving this execution configuration is stored in antenna selective information storage section 212. The address - antenna corresponding attaching table 270 which shows in drawing 5 is formed with that the field 270b where, the transmission original MAC address which is selected from field 270a and the reception data frame where the information number where sequence number is attached is input is input and it is something which is best when receiving the field 270c where identification value of the predominant antenna which is chosen is input including. With normal joint, because the other radio communication equipment which is in the midst of jointing is a multiple, as for transmission original address and the corresponding record of the antenna multiple it exists, in addition targeting identical in order to do multiple time reception operations, value of the corresponding record means to keep being overwritten.

Furthermore, in the demonstration which is mentioned, when destination address of the reception frame data is something of intraoffice, does not do antenna choice, but reception antenna choice mode itself because it is not something which especially is limited, doing, also vis-a-vis the frame data of the intraoffice address it may administer reception antenna choice e.g., the preamble signal of the frame is utilized.

Drawing 6 is the flowchart which shows the operation when transmitting which the radio communication device of 1st execution configuration runs. For example through bus 250 from computer functional side configuration, responding to the transmit data frame being input, it starts the treatment which is shown in drawing 6, from step S200. With step S201, as for transmission MAC header analytical section 230, you analyze the MAC header of the transmission frame data which is input, select the destination address of the transmission frame data, post to transmission antenna choice section 208.

With step S202, as for transmission antenna choice section 208, when receiving you access the address - antenna corresponding attaching table 270 which, is stored in antenna selective information storage section 212 you read out the record which corresponds to the destination address which is posted, that it is best when receiving which designates particular address as the communication partner you read out the identification value of the antenna which is chosen when transmitting you choose as the antenna which is used. Shows in drawing 5 when it illustrates with the address - antenna corresponding attaching table 270 which, destination address [xx: xx: xx: xx: xx: When 0A] is, the antenna of identification value 2 is chosen. Generally as for performance of the antenna, because it is thought, that it is similar performance with sending and receiving, can the antenna which is best when receiving concerning that communication partner, think that it is the best antenna, in when transmitting. Therefore, to be able to obtain best performance by the fact that the predominant antenna which is chosen at the time of data reception from the radio communication device of destination of the transmission frame data, is used even when transmitting the particular transmission frame data means.

With step S203, it changes antenna change section 204, to the best antenna which is chosen. After step S201 which it mentions, the transmission frame data being modulated with modulation section 226 according to wireless USB standard, is converted to the RF signal in RF section 206. And, with step S204, the antenna which is changed being used, it is modulated from the transmission frame data and it outputs the RF signal which is converted to the antenna, ends this transmission operation with step S205.

According to the radio communication device 200 of the 1st execution configuration which it mentions, the antenna which is chosen when receiving, the communication partner of that reception time, in other words relation attaching to the transmission origin, it is recorded, this record is utilized, means with that the antenna which is used the case of the transmission for the identical communication partner is chosen. As mentioned, if it is the identical communication partner, at when receiving and when transmitting as for the optimum antenna because it agrees, it becomes possible, pulls, to choose the best antenna also when transmitting concerning the identical communication partner it is possible to decrease generation such as the communication error with the fact that the inadequate antenna is chosen it becomes possible for communication efficiency to improve.

Furthermore, in the radio communication device 200 which mentions, the case where it has two antennas 202 was explained to one example, but it is not something which 2 to numbers of antennas which have is limited, until you call, there are no times when it can expand three or more. In addition, with the execution configuration which is mentioned, it has made the functional department which separates the above-mentioned reception state test section 224 from demodulation section 222, but with other execution configuration, as had the function of the above-mentioned reception state test section 224 inside demodulation section 222, it is possible to constitute.

With the 1st execution configuration which it mentions, because it means with that identification value of the antenna which is chosen in every reception operation is overwritten, reflecting up-to-date state, it becomes possible to choose the optimum transmission antenna. But, when the transmitting and receiving condition is unstable, reception signal strength and the like fluctuates, it is supposed that the dispersion occurs in the antenna which is chosen to every reception operation. When below, this kind of transmitting and receiving condition is unstable, while corresponding to the change of the status flexiblly, you demonstrate concerning the 2nd execution configuration which makes that it chooses the best antenna that occasionally in possible.

Drawing 7 is the figure which shows the outline configuration of the radio communication device of 2nd execution configuration. Furthermore, the radio communication device 300 which shows in drawing 7, because it has possessed the configuration which is similar to the radio communication device 200 of 1st execution configuration, below, demonstrates point of difference on the center. Furthermore, attaching the code number of the 300th unit whose lower two-digit are identical concerning the functional department which possesses the function which is similar to those of 1st execution configuration. Also the radio communication device 300 which shows in drawing 7, changing to one among the multiple antennas, corresponds to the execution configuration data communication.

The radio communication device 300 which shows in drawing 7 is formed choice frequency maximum sensing station furthermore including with 314 and timer section 316, antenna change section 304, RF section 306, transmission antenna choice section 308, reception antenna choice section 310, when receiving antenna selective information storage section 312, in addition to BB MAC section 320.

In radio communication device 300 of this execution configuration, when the antenna is chosen by reception antenna choice section 310, the identification value which identifies the antenna which is chosen relation attaching to transmission original address, when receiving as it is stored in antenna selective information storage section 312, frequency of that choice is done, calculation relation attaches to particular transmission original address and the choice antenna and is recorded.

Drawing 8 shows the data structure of the address - antenna corresponding attaching table which when receiving this execution configuration is stored in antenna selective information storage section 312. The address - antenna corresponding attaching table 370 which shows in drawing 8 is formed furthermore including the field 370d where, the frequency where that antenna is chosen in addition to information number field 370a, transmission original MAC address field 370b and choice antenna field 370c, concerning that transmission original MAC address is input.

With normal joint, because the other radio communication equipment which is in the midst of jointing is a multiple, as for the corresponding record of transmission original address and the choice antenna multiple it exists. In addition reception operation of the multiple times is done vis-a-vis the identical target, because there are times when the multiple antennas are chosen by the change and the like of communication status, when entry of the antenna where multiple differs vis-a-vis one transmission original address exists, it is.

The transmission and reception characteristic in radio communication generally changes timewise according to the status around. When the radio communication device or our machine of the communication partner moved physically, as the example where change becomes remarkable, is. In this kind of case, such as before the moving it is obsolete the information regarding the choice antenna when receiving before the big condition, or there is a possibility of becoming error information.

Then, radio communication device 300 of this execution configuration adopts the configuration which has timer section 316. Timer section 316 when receiving address - antenna corresponding attaching table 370 of antenna selective information storage section 312 predetermined time elapses initializes field 370d at least every. When receiving as it copes with the unstable transmitting and receiving condition by initializing the information inside selective information storage section 312 antenna periodically, when there is change of big status even, it becomes possible to correspond flexiblly. Furthermore, as for initialization of information, limiting to being done periodically, it is possible to be done irregularly. For example, with other execution configuration, calculation it does the frequency of all entire choices, as is initialized when frequency of entire choice exceeds one fixed-command it is good.

The above-mentioned choice frequency maximum sensing station 314 when receiving detects those whose frequency of choice is maximum from midst of the entry which is registered to the address - antenna corresponding attaching table 370 of antenna selective information storage section 312, concerning each transmission original address. As an operation when transmitting, transmission antenna choice section 308 receives posting the destination address of the transmission frame data from of transmission MAC header analytical section 330, frequency of the choice which corresponds to that destination address inquires maximum antenna identification value to choice frequency maximum sensing station 314.

Choice frequency maximum sensing station 314 when receiving accessing the address - antenna corresponding attaching table 370 which is recorded to antenna selective information storage section 312 vis-a-vis this inquiry, the association, reads out the identification value of the antenna whose at the same time frequency of choice is maximum in the destination address which is posted, identification value of that antenna responds to transmission antenna choice section 308. Shows in drawing 8 when it illustrates with the address - antenna corresponding attaching table 370 which, destination address [xx: xx: xx: xx: xx: When 0A] is, the antenna of identification value 2 of the antenna of the one whose frequency of choice [21] is large is chosen. Destination address [xx: xx: xx: xx: xx: When 08] is, because entry does not die one, the antenna of the identification value 1 is chosen.

The transmission antenna choice section 308 which receives response choosing, as the transmission antenna which uses that antenna when receiving makes antenna change section change 304. And, as for the RF signal of the transmission frame data, to be transmitted it means with as radio wave from the antenna which is changed.

When with the 2nd execution configuration which it mentions, the transmitting and receiving condition is unstable, there is a dispersion in antenna choice, because frequency of choice when receiving largest ones it is chosen, as those when transmitting it becomes possible to cope with this kind of unstable transmitting and receiving condition. In addition with 2nd execution configuration, as for timer section 316 it is optional configuration, but because in every time lapse which is configurated by having timer section 316, the information which is the judgment material of transmission antenna choice is refreshed, it becomes possible to cope with the time fluctuation which corresponds to the movement and the like of the radio communication device flexiblly.

The 1st execution configuration which it mentions and the radio communication device of 2nd execution configuration, changing to one among the multiple antennas, corresponds to the execution configuration data communication. Below, it possesses multiple directivity response patterns, directivity has the variable variable directivity antenna electrically, changes the directivity response pattern of the antenna and demonstrates concerning the 3rd execution configuration which runs data communication.

Drawing 9 is the figure which shows the outline configuration of the radio communication device of 3rd execution configuration. Furthermore, the radio communication device 400 which shows in drawing 9, because it has possessed the configuration which is similar to the radio communication device 200 of 1st execution configuration, below, demonstrates point of difference on the center. Furthermore, attaching the code number of the 400th unit whose lower two-digit are identical the function which is similar to those of 1st execution configuration or concerning the functional department which possesses the function which corresponds.

The radio communication device 400 which shows in drawing 9 is formed, the multiple antennas, the antenna change section, the transmission antenna choice section, the reception antenna choice section and when receiving replacing to the antenna selective information storage section, single variable directivity antenna 402, antenna directivity control section 404, transmission directivity choice section 408, reception directivity choice section at the time of 410 and reception including directivity selective information storage section 412. As for variable directivity antenna 402, it can use for ideal those which can change directivity with the electronic control of esupaantena and the like, but it is not something which especially is limited. With other execution configuration, it is possible to implement the variable directivity antenna in the form which changes the antenna which possesses the directivity where multiple differs.

When reception MAC header analytical section 428 the RF signal demodulating, you analyze the MAC header which is included in the frame data which can, it is decided, that it agrees to the address of the other radio communication device where destination address is not intraoffice, at the same time presently is in the midst of jointing antenna choice operation is done. Reception state test section 424 measures the radio wave reception state of each directivity of variable directivity antenna, 402 posts radio wave reception state of the variable directivity antenna 402 which can as a measurement result to reception directivity choice section 410. Reception directivity choice section 410, receiving posting the radio wave reception state of the antenna, choosing, as those which use the predominant directivity whose among multiple directivity of variable directivity antenna 402 radio wave reception state is most desirable when receiving makes antenna directivity control section change 404.

When predominant directivity is chosen, the identification value which identifies the directivity of the antenna which reception directivity choice section 410 chooses, relation attaching to the transmission original address which is selected from the MAC header of the above-mentioned reception frame data, when receiving it is stored in directivity selective information storage section, 412 it is utilized the occasion where the antenna which transmission directivity choice section 408 uses when transmitting is decided. Furthermore, in case of the reception frame data which is addressed to this radio communication device 400, through bus 450, it is output to CPU.

Drawing 10 shows the data structure of the address - antenna corresponding attaching table which when receiving this execution configuration is stored in directivity selective information storage section 412. The address - antenna corresponding attaching table 470 which shows in drawing 10 is formed, including with information number field 470a and transmission original MAC address field 470b and the field 470c where identification value of predominant antenna directivity is input. With normal joint, because the other radio communication equipment which is in the midst of jointing is a multiple, as for transmission original address and the corresponding record of the antenna multiple it exists, in addition targeting identical in order to do multiple time reception operations, value of the corresponding record means to keep being overwritten. Furthermore, when receiving as for directivity selective information storage section 412, the storage means in this execution configuration are formed.

When transmitting, as for transmission MAC header analytical section 430, through bus 450, you analyze the MAC header of the transmission frame data which is input, select destination address, post that to transmission directivity choice section 408. As for transmission directivity choice section 408, when receiving accessing the information which is recorded to directivity selective information storage section 412, when receiving which in the destination address which is posted relation is attached it reads out the identification value of directivity of the antenna which makes predominant, choosing, as the directivity which uses that antenna when receiving it makes antenna directivity control section change 404. Shows in drawing 10 when it illustrates with the address - antenna corresponding attaching table 470 which, destination address [xx: xx: xx: xx: xx: When 0A] is, antenna directivity of identification value 2 is chosen. And, as for the RF signal of the transmission frame data, to be transmitted it means with as radio wave from the predominant antenna which is changed. Furthermore, as for transmission directivity choice section 408, the choice means in this execution configuration are formed.

According to the radio communication device 400 of the 3rd execution configuration which it mentions, directivity of the antenna which is chosen when receiving, the communication partner of that reception time, in other words relation attaching to the transmission origin, it is recorded, this record is utilized, means with that directivity of the antenna which is used the case of the transmission for the identical communication partner is chosen. If it is the identical communication partner, at when receiving and when transmitting as for directivity of the optimum antenna because it agrees, it becomes possible, pulls, to choose best directivity also when transmitting concerning the identical communication partner it is possible to decrease generation such as the communication error with the fact that inadequate directivity is chosen it becomes possible for communication efficiency to improve. In addition, by the fact that the directivity antenna is used, emission of radio wave to unnecessary direction is decreased, radio wave interference of the other terminal is eased, it becomes possible to improve transmission electricity efficiency. Furthermore, replacing to using the multiple antennas of 2nd execution configuration, until you say, there are no times when it can use the variable directivity antenna 402 which it uses with 3rd execution configuration.

As above explained, according to the execution configuration to description above, being communication between the radio communication devices of 2 or more where timing of sending and receiving is not fixed, it is possible, changes to the optimum antenna or the pattern of directivity and precision to choose the directivity response pattern of the predominant antenna or the antenna which corresponds to the transmission partner well it is possible to offer the radio communication manner which the image processing device and the said radio communication device which include the radio communication device and the said radio communication device whose it is possible to transmit, run.

Furthermore the radio communication device is not something which is limited to note PC, the printer and the digital camera etc which are mentioned, as other image pickup device such as other image processing device such as digital compound machine and network scanner etc, other information processing equipment and digital video camera of desktop die PC and the like it is possible to constitute.

In addition, with execution configuration to description above, the radio communication device accessing the whole device which, includes computer functional side configuration it explained, but it is possible to form the radio communication board or the radio communication curd which consists of the formative which is surrounded with short 200A for example in drawing 2 it shows in the broken line as this radio communication device. It is possible to form this radio communication device and, as a radio communication board or the radio communication curd which is installed in the image processing device, the information processing equipment or the image pickup device which mention.

In addition be able to implement the above-mentioned function, the assembler, C, C++, C# and Java (registered trade mark), and so on with the computer feasibility program which is described with regashipuroguramingu language and object-oriented programming language etc, the fact that ROM, EEPROM, EPROM and flash memory, flexible disk, CDROM, CDRW, DVD and the SD curd, it stores in device legible record media and such as MO distributes it is possible.

So far, it explained concerning the execution configuration of this invention, but execution configuration of this invention is not something which is limited to the execution configuration which is mentioned, other execution configuration, if it is possible, alteration inside the range where can, this trader such as addition, alteration and deletion think it plays the operation effect of this invention regarding each feature, it is something which is included in the range of this invention.

110Note PC, 112Antenna, 120Printer, 122Antenna, 130Digital camera, 132Antenna, 200,300,400Radio communication device, 202,302Antenna, 204,304Antenna change section, 206,306,406RF section, 208,308Transmission antenna choice section, 210,310Reception antenna choice section, 212,312When receiving antenna selective information storage section, 220,320,440BB MAC section, 222,322,422Demodulation section, 224,324,424Reception state test section, 226,326,426Modulation section, 228,328,428Reception MAC header analytical section, 230,330,430Transmission MAC header analytical section, 240CPU, 242NVRAM, 244RAM, 246ROM, 248Printer engine, 250,350,450Bus, 260Frame data, 270Address - antenna corresponding attaching table, 314Choice frequency maximum sensing station, 316Timer section, 370Address - antenna corresponding attaching table, 402Variable directivity antenna, 404Antenna directivity control section, 408Transmission directivity choice section, 410Reception directivity choice section, 412When receiving directivity selective information storage section, 470Address - antenna corresponding attaching table

<p><patcit num="1"><text>Publication number 884104 number communique</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text> patent publication 2007143090 number communique</text></patcit><patcit num="3"><text> publication number 11298384 number communique</text></patcit></p>