Sony Patent | Communication control apparatus, communication control method, communication apparatus, and communication method
Drawings: Click to check drawins
Publication Number: 20210391901
Publication Date: 20211216
Applicant: Sony
Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
Abstract
The present technology relates to a communication control apparatus, a communication control method, a communication apparatus, and a communication method for improving communication robustness. A control section causes a wireless communication section performing wireless communication to execute beam forming setting in a manner linked with content. The present technology can be applied to wireless communication systems that use millimeter waves.
Claims
-
A communication control apparatus comprising: a control section configured to cause a communication section performing wireless communication to execute beam forming setting in a manner linked with content.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: the communication section configured to execute the beam forming setting.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section causes the beam forming setting to be executed, based on execution information regarding the beam forming setting.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the execution information includes trigger information indicative of a start of the beam forming setting.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the execution information includes at least one from among a start time of the beam forming setting, an end time of the beam forming setting, a beam forming count, a beam forming range, a beam forming pattern, a beam forming cycle, and a beam forming threshold value.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the execution information is included in the content.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the execution information includes information that indicates a scene in which a user of an apparatus conducting the wireless communication with the communication section is predicted to act.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the execution information is placed before data of the scene in the content.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: an analysis section configured to analyze the content, wherein the control section generates the execution information, based on a result of the analysis by the analysis section.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: an analysis section configured to analyze an image of the content, wherein the control section generates the execution information by predicting, on a basis of a result of the analysis by the analysis section, an activity of a user of an apparatus conducting the wireless communication with the communication section.
-
The communication control apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: an imaging section configured to generate an image by capturing a subject; and an analysis section configured to analyze at least either the image generated by the imaging section or information from a sensor arranged on an apparatus housing, wherein the control section generates the execution information by predicting, on a basis of the result of the analysis by the analysis section, an activity of a user of an apparatus conducting the wireless communication with the communication section.
-
A communication control method comprising: enabling a communication control apparatus to cause a communication section performing wireless communication to execute beam forming setting in a manner linked with content.
-
A communication apparatus comprising: a communication section configured to execute beam forming setting of wireless communication in conjunction with another communication apparatus, under such control that the beam forming setting is executed in a manner linked with content.
-
A communication method comprising: causing a communication apparatus to execute beam forming setting of wireless communication in conjunction with another communication apparatus, under such control that the beam forming setting is executed in a manner linked with content.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present technology relates to a communication control apparatus, a communication control method, a communication apparatus, and a communication method. More particularly, the present technology relates to a communication control apparatus, a communication control method, a communication apparatus, and a communication method for improving communication robustness.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Millimeter wave wireless communication is characterized by a very large amount of transmitted information, high linear propagation characteristics, and high distance attenuation. In millimeter wave wireless communication, transfer loss is reduced by use of beam forming (BF) technology that involves concentrating radio waves in a specific direction.
[0003] In the case where a communication target is moving, the use of BF tracking is essential in keeping with the activity of the communication target. In this case, executing BF too often can reduce actual data communication bandwidth. Thus, it has been proposed that BF be carried out in the case where communication status deteriorates (see PTL 1).
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
PTL 1
[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-open No. 2016-178625
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
[0005] In the case where BF is performed after communication status has deteriorated, the rate of transmission temporarily drops. This can result in deterioration or disturbance of images during communication.
[0006] The present technology has been devised in view of the above circumstances and is aimed at improving communication robustness.
Solution to Problem
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present technology, there is provided a communication control apparatus including a control section configured to cause a communication section performing wireless communication to execute beam forming setting in a manner linked with content.
[0008] Thus, according to the first aspect of the present technology, the beam forming setting is executed in a manner linked with content by the communication section performing wireless communication.
[0009] According to a second aspect of the present technology, there is provided a communication apparatus including a communication section configured to execute beam forming setting of wireless communication in conjunction with another communication apparatus, under such control that the beam forming setting is executed in a manner linked with content.
[0010] Thus, according to the second aspect of the present technology, beam forming setting of wireless communication is executed in conjunction with another communication apparatus, under such control that the beam forming setting is executed in a manner linked with content.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a configuration example of a wireless communication system to which the present technology is applied.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of an entertainment apparatus 11.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of a wireless repeating apparatus 12.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of an HMD 13.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting an example of BF training.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting an example of receive BF tracking on an initiator side.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting an example of transmit BF tracking on the initiator side.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram depicting an example of data placement in content reproduced by the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting a typical scene in content.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart explaining a first process of the wireless communication system.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining a BF setting detection process in step S11 of FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining a BF setting process in step S21 of FIG. 10.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining a second process of the wireless communication system.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a flowchart explaining a third process of the wireless communication system.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a flowchart explaining a fourth process of the wireless communication system.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0027] FIG. 17 is another flowchart explaining the BF setting detection process in step S11 of FIG. 10.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of the HMD 13.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a flowchart explaining processing of a wireless communication system of a third alternative example.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a block diagram depicting a hardware configuration example of a computer.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Preferred embodiments for implementing the present technology are described below. The description will be given in the following order.
[0032] 1. Wireless communication system
[0033] 2. Configuration example of individual apparatuses
[0034] 3. Examples of** BF**
[0035] 4. Content format example
[0036] 5. Operations of the wireless communication system
[0037] 6. Alternative examples of the wireless communication system
[0038] 7. Computer
<1. Wireless Communication System>
[0039] FIG. 1 depicts a configuration example of a wireless communication system as one embodiment of the present technology.
[0040] The wireless communication system in FIG. 1 includes an entertainment apparatus 11, a wireless repeating apparatus 12, and an HMD (Head Mount Display) 13. The entertainment apparatus 11 is connected with a controller 21, a display apparatus 22, and a camera/microphone unit 23.
[0041] The entertainment apparatus 11 is connected with the wireless repeating apparatus 12 by means of an HDMI (registered trademark) cable, a USB cable, or an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable, for example.
[0042] In FIG. 1, the entertainment apparatus 11 and the wireless repeating apparatus 12 are each configured as a single apparatus. Alternatively, the wireless repeating apparatus 12 may be built in the entertainment apparatus 11. That is, in the case where the wireless repeating apparatus 12 is incorporated in the entertainment apparatus 11, the wireless repeating apparatus 12 functions as a wireless communication section of the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0043] The wireless repeating apparatus 12 and the HMD 13 exchange data therebetween by millimeter wave wireless communication. Millimeter wave wireless communication is characterized by a very large amount of transmitted information, high linear propagation characteristics, and high distance attenuation. Given these characteristics, transfer loss in millimeter wave wireless communication is reduced by recourse to beam forming (BF) technology that involves concentrating radio waves in a specific direction.
[0044] The entertainment apparatus 11 includes a game console, a DVD player, a personal computer, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal, for example.
[0045] The entertainment apparatus 11 generates images and sounds by executing game programs stored in a memory or on a hard disk, for example. The entertainment apparatus 11 produces images and sounds by reproducing the content stored on optical disks, for example. Image signals corresponding to the images and sound signals corresponding to the sounds are transmitted to the HMD 13 by way of the wireless repeating apparatus 12.
[0046] Some content includes scenes (situations) that may cause the user of the HMD 13 to move or act while viewing or listening to the content. Such content may include such scenes as car chases, car collision, a hooligan threatening with a fist, or collective three cheers that may prompt or invite the user of the HMD 13 to move or to act. In the description that follows, such movements and actions of the user will be referred to as the user’s activity where appropriate. Such scenes inducing the user’s activity will be referred to as the scenes in which the user’s activity is predicted to occur.
[0047] In content, the data of the scenes in which the user’s activity is predicted to occur is prefixed with meta information. In the BF of millimeter wave wireless communication, the meta information is parameters related to BF setting, which involves setting the direction of radio waves. The parameters related to the BF setting include a BF setting start trigger, for example.
[0048] The entertainment apparatus 11 executes the BF setting in a manner linked with content. That is, the entertainment apparatus 11 extracts meta information by analyzing content and, on the basis of the extracted meta information, generates execution information regarding BF setting. The execution information regarding the BF setting is the information for executing the BF setting, and includes at least one of the parameters included in the meta information. The BF setting execution information is output to the wireless repeating apparatus 12.
[0049] The controller 21 outputs signals reflecting the user’s operations to the entertainment apparatus 11. The display apparatus 22 displays images corresponding to the image signals generated by the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0050] The camera/microphone unit 23 includes an imaging section and a microphone. The imaging section generates images by capturing a subject. The images thus generated are output to the entertainment apparatus 11. The microphone picks up sounds. The sounds thus picked up are output to the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0051] The wireless repeating apparatus 12 transmits image signals and sound signals to the HMD 13 by millimeter wave wireless communication. The wireless repeating apparatus 12 executes the BF setting in conjunction with the HMD 13 on the basis of the BF setting execution information supplied from the entertainment apparatus 11. The BF setting is carried out by an apparatus on the initiator side and by an apparatus on the responder side. It is to be noted that explained in the ensuing paragraphs are cases in which the wireless repeating apparatus 12 is the apparatus on the initiator side. The HMD 13 is the apparatus on the responder side.
[0052] The HMD 13 displays images corresponding to the image signals supplied from the wireless repeating apparatus 12, and outputs sounds corresponding to the sound signals supplied therefrom.
[0053] The HMD 13 is worn on the user’s head. The user views images displayed by the HMD 13 in front of the eyes while hearing the sounds output therefrom. Depending on the scene of the content displayed by the HMD 13, the user may move or act over a wide range.
[0054] The HMD 13 executes the BF setting in conjunction with the wireless repeating apparatus 12 on the basis of the BF setting execution information. As described above, the BF setting is triggered by the BF setting execution information generated by the entertainment apparatus 11 on the basis of the meta information extracted by analyzing content.
[0055] In the wireless communication system, the BF setting is thus executed prior to scenes in which the user’s activity is predicted to occur. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in the transmission rate of wireless communication or the occurrence of an error even if the user of the HMD 13 moves or acts over a wide range due to the scene of the content displayed on the HMD 13.
[0056] That in turn improves the robustness of millimeter wave wireless communication. This prevents deterioration of image quality or irregularities of images attributable to a decrease in transmission rate.
<2. Configuration Example of Individual Apparatuses>
[0057] FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0058] The entertainment apparatus 11 includes a control section 51, a content analysis section 52, a wireless communication section 53, an operation input section 54, an input/output section 55, an external IF (interface) section 56, and a storage section 57. The content analysis section 52, the wireless communication section 53, the operation input section 54, the input/output section 55, the external IF section 56, and the storage section 57 are connected with the control section 51.
[0059] The control section 51 causes a CPU to execute predetermined programs to perform diverse arithmetic processing and operation control of the various sections. By so doing, the control section 51 controls the operations of the entertainment apparatus 11 as a whole.
[0060] For example, the control section 51 generates images and sounds by executing game programs stored in the storage section 57. The control section 51 generates images and sounds by reproducing content stored on optical disks, for example. The image signals and sound signals corresponding to the images and sounds are transmitted to the wireless repeating apparatus 12 via the external IF section 56.
[0061] The control section 51 generates BF setting execution information, based on the meta information supplied from the content analysis section 52. The BF setting execution information is transmitted to the wireless repeating apparatus 12 via the external IF section 56.
[0062] The content analysis section 52 analyzes the currently reproduced content so as to extract the meta information included in the content. The meta information is output to the control section 51.
[0063] The wireless communication section 53 wirelessly communicates with a mobile terminal such as a smartphone by Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection or via a wireless LAN module, for example.
[0064] The operation input section 54 includes the controller 21, switches, a touch sensor panel, and an operation panel, for example. The operation input section 54 accepts input of instructions or settings, based on the user’s operations.
[0065] The input/output section 55 includes sensors, indicators, and speakers, for example.
[0066] The external IF section 56 transmits to the wireless repeating apparatus 12 the image signals and sound signals corresponding to the images and sounds supplied from the control section 51. The external IF section 56 transmits to the wireless repeating apparatus 12 the BF setting execution information supplied from the control section 51.
[0067] The storage section 57 includes a memory and a hard disk, for example. The storage section 57 stores game programs, content, predetermined programs, or various kinds of data. The game programs and predetermined programs are executed by the control section 51.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of the wireless repeating apparatus 12.
[0069] The wireless repeating apparatus 12 includes a control section 71, an external IF section 72, a storage section 73, and a wireless communication section 74. The external IF section 72, the storage section 73, and the wireless communication section 74 are connected with the control section 71.
[0070] The control section 71 causes a CPU to execute predetermined programs to perform diverse arithmetic processing and operation control of the various sections. By so doing, the control section 71 controls the operations of the wireless repeating apparatus 12 as a whole.
[0071] For example, the control section 71 causes the wireless communication section 74 to transmit the image signals and sound signals received via the external IF section 72. Further, the control section 71 causes the wireless communication section 74 to execute the BF setting, based on the BF setting execution information received via the external IF section 72.
[0072] The external IF section 72 receives the image signals and sound signals transmitted from the entertainment apparatus 11, and outputs the image signals and sound signals to the control section 71. The external IF section 72 receives the BF setting execution information transmitted from the entertainment apparatus 11, and outputs the BF setting execution information to the control section 71.
[0073] The storage section 73 includes a memory and a hard disk, for example. The storage section 73 stores predetermined programs or various kinds of data to be executed by the control section 71.
[0074] The wireless communication section 74 exchanges data with the HMD 13 by millimeter wave wireless communication. The wireless communication section 74 transmits to the HMD 13 the image signals and sound signals supplied via the external IF section 72. The wireless communication section 74 executes the BF setting in conjunction with the HMD 13, according to the timing supplied from the control section 71.
[0075] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting a configuration example of the HMD 13.
[0076] The HMD 13 includes a control section 91, an imaging section 92, an output section 93, an operation input section 94, a sensor section 95, an external IF section 96, a storage section 97, and a wireless communication section 98. The imaging section 92, the output section 93, the operation input section 94, the sensor section 95, the external IF section 96, the storage section 97, and the wireless communication section 98 are connected with the control section 91.
[0077] The control section 91 causes a CPU to execute predetermined programs to perform diverse arithmetic processing and operation control of the various sections. By so doing, the control section 91 controls the operations of the HMD 13 as a whole.
[0078] For example, the control section 91 superposes two kinds of images one on top of the other, one kind of image corresponding to the image signal supplied from the wireless communication section 98, the other kind of image corresponding to the image signal fed from the imaging section 92, the superposed images being output to an LCD of the output section 93. The control section 91 outputs to speakers of the output section 93 the sounds corresponding to the sound signals supplied from the wireless communication section 98. The control section 91 outputs to a vibrator of the output section 93 vibrations corresponding to the image signals or sound signals supplied from the wireless communication section 98.
[0079] The imaging section 92 generates images by capturing a subject. The imaging section 92 supplies the control section 91 with the image signals representing the generated images.
[0080] The output section 93 includes a display, speakers, and a vibrator, for example. The display outputs images corresponding to the image signals supplied from the control section 91. The speakers output sounds corresponding to the sound signals supplied from the control section 91. The vibrator outputs vibrations corresponding to the image signals or sound signals supplied from the control section 91.
[0081] The operation input section 94 includes switches and a touch sensor panel, for example. The operation input section 94 accepts input of instructions or settings, based on the user’s operations.
[0082] The sensor section 95 is arranged on the housing of the HMD 13, for example. The sensor section 95 includes at least one of such sensors as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an illuminance sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and a positioning sensor. The sensor section 95 performs measurement at predetermined time intervals and supplies sensor data representing the measurement results to the control section 91.
[0083] The external IF section 96 receives the image signals and sound signals from other apparatuses, and outputs the image signals and sound signals to the control section 91.
[0084] The storage section 97 includes a memory and a hard disk, for example. The storage section 97 stores predetermined programs or various kinds of data to be executed by the control section 91.
[0085] The wireless communication section 98 exchanges data with the wireless repeating apparatus 12 by millimeter wave wireless communication. The wireless communication section 98 outputs to the control section 91 the image signals and sound signals transmitted from the wireless repeating apparatus 12. The wireless communication section 98 executes the BF setting which is started by the wireless repeating apparatus 12, in conjunction therewith.
<3. Examples of BF>
[0086] FIG. 5 depicts an example of BF training.
[0087] The BF training depicted in FIG. 5 is an example of BF including Sector-Level Sweep and Beam refinement prescribed by IEEE 802.11-2016.
[0088] The BF training is executed between an initiator and a responder. The initiator starts the BF. Upon receipt of an instruction from the initiator, the responder executes the BF.
[0089] Sector-Level Sweep includes Initiator Sector Sweep, Responder Sector Sweep, Sector Sweep Feedback, and Sector Sweep Ack.
[0090] Upon start of the BF training, Initiator Sector Sweep is performed. In Initiator Sector Sweep, the initiator transmits an SSW (sector sweep) packet a predetermined number of times while changing the directions of the antenna and radio waves. The responder receives the packets transmitted from the initiator.
[0091] After Initiator Sector Sweep, Responder Sector Sweep is carried out. In Responder Sector Sweep, the responder transmits an SSW packet a predetermined number of times while changing the directions of the antenna and radio waves.
[0092] After Responder Sector Sweep, the initiator transmits to the responder information constituting Sector Sweep Feedback indicative of the packet received by optimum radio waves from among the packets transmitted from the responder. The responder transmits to the responder information constituting Sector Sweep Ack indicative of the packet received by optimum radio waves from among the packets received from the initiator.
[0093] After Sector-Level Sweep, Beam refinement (beam adjustment) is performed. The initiator adjusts the intensity and direction of radio waves as Beam refinement, and transmits a BRP (Beam refinement Protocol)-RX packet.
[0094] The responder receives the BRP-RX packet transmitted from the initiator and adjusts a reception beam accordingly. The responder adjusts the intensity and direction of radio waves and transmits a BRP-RX packet. The initiator receives the BRP-RX packet transmitted from the responder, and adjusts the reception beam accordingly.
[0095] The initiator finely adjusts the intensity and direction of radio waves and transmits a BRP-TX packet. The responder receives the BRB-TX packet transmitted from the initiator. The responder finely adjusts the intensity and direction of radio waves and transmits a BRP-TX packet.
[0096] The initiator receives the BRP-TX packet transmitted from the responder. The initiator transmits, using a BRP packet, information indicative of the sector received by optimum radio waves. The responder receives the BRP packet transmitted from the initiator, and adjusts the transmission beam accordingly. The responder transmits, using a BRP packet, information indicative of the sector received by optimum radio waves. The initiator receives the BRP packet transmitted from the responder, and adjusts a transmission beam accordingly.
[0097] In the manner described above, the initiator side identifies the direction of optimum radio waves transmitted from the initiator side. The responder side identifies the direction of optimum radio waves transmitted from the responder side. In the wireless communication system, the above-described BF training is executed as the BF setting.
[0098] FIG. 6 depicts an example of receive BF tracking on the initiator side.
[0099] As depicted in FIG. 6, the responder transmits Data 1. In the case of receiving Data 1 transmitted from the responder, the initiator transmits Ack 1. Ack is information indicating that Data has been received. In the case where Ack is not received by the Data transmitting side, Data is retransmitted.
[0100] In the case of receiving Ack 1 transmitted from the initiator, the responder transmits Data 2. In the case of receiving Data 2 transmitted from the responder, the initiator transmits Ack 2. Ack 2 includes a receive BF tracking request from the initiator side.
[0101] In the case of receiving the request included in Ack 2 transmitted from the initiator, the responder transmits Data 3 and TRN-R fields. TRN-R fields constitute receive BF-use data for the initiator side. In the case of receiving Data 3 and TRN-R fields, the initiator tracks radio waves to adjust their intensity and direction, before transmitting Ack 3.
[0102] In the manner described above, the initiator side identifies the direction in which optimum radio waves transmitted from the responder side is to be received. In the wireless communication system, the above-described BF tracking may be executed as the BF setting.
[0103] FIG. 7 depicts an example of transmit BF tracking on the initiator side.
[0104] As depicted in FIG. 7, the initiator transmits Data 11. In the case of receiving Data 11 transmitted from the initiator, the responder transmits Ack 11. In the case of receiving Ack 11 transmitted from the responder, the initiator transmits Data 12. In the case of receiving Data 12 transmitted from the initiator, the responder transmits Ack 12.
[0105] The initiator receives Ack 12 transmitted from the responder. In the case of adjusting the transmission beam, the initiator transmits Data 13 and TRN-T fields. At this time, Data 13 includes a transmit BF tracking request as a packet type from the initiator side. TRN-T fields constitute BF-use data for the transmitting side.
[0106] In the case of receiving Data 13 and TRN-R fields transmitted from the initiator, the responder transmits Ack 13 and a BRP frame. The BRP frame is added with a feedback of the information indicative of the sector received by optimum radio waves.
[0107] In the manner described above, the initiator side identifies the direction of optimum radio waves transmitted from the initiator side. In the wireless communication system, the above-described BF tracking may be executed as the BF setting.
[0108] Incidentally, not only the above-described BF training or BF tracking but also all BF methods suitable for executing the BF setting may be used as the method for the BF setting.
<4. Content Format Example>
[0109] FIG. 8 depicts an example of data placement in content reproduced by the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0110] In FIG. 8, a right-pointing arrow indicates the passage of time.
[0111] In the content data, hatched portions carry the data of scenes in which the user’s vigorous activity is predicted to occur. Dark rectangles under the content data represent meta information placed preceding the scenes where the user’s vigorous activity is predicted to occur. Blank rectangles each pointed to by an arrow extending from the meta information represent the BF setting execution information generated on the basis of the meta information.
[0112] FIG. 9 depicts a typical scene in the content.
[0113] Depicted in FIG. 9 is a scene in which two cars are racing at high speed in a zigzag.
[0114] When viewing such a highly active scene as the one in FIG. 9, the user may lean forward or sway his or her body right and left. Thus, the meta information, as indicated by the dark rectangles in FIG. 8, is placed temporally before the data of each scene in which the user’s vigorous activity is predicted to occur.
[0115] Alternatively, the meta information may be placed preceding scenes in which not only the vigorous activity but also any activity is predicted to occur.
[0116] The entertainment apparatus 11 analyzes the content to extract the meta information placed therein in the above manner.
[0117] The meta information placed in the content includes BF-related parameters such as a BF setting start trigger (start time), a BF setting end trigger (end time), a BF sequence count, a BF range, a BF pattern, a BF cycle, and a BF threshold value.
[0118] The BF sequence count is the number of times the BF setting is to be executed. The BF range is an amplitude of the direction of radio waves. The BF pattern is information indicative of combinations of the direction of the antenna for transmitting radio waves and the direction of radio waves, for example.
[0119] The BF cycle means a cycle of the BF setting. The BF threshold value is a threshold value used for determining the optimum radio waves for reception. For example, in the case where the intensity of received radio waves is less than the threshold value, the BF setting is executed again or stopped.
[0120] The entertainment apparatus 11 generates BF setting execution information, based on meta information. The BF setting execution information includes at least one of the parameters included in the meta information. The BF setting execution information may include all parameters included in the meta information or only necessary parameters included therein. The BF setting execution information generated by the entertainment apparatus 11 is output to the wireless repeating apparatus 12.
<5. Operations of the Wireless Communication System>
[0121] FIG. 10 is a flowchart explaining a first process of the wireless communication system.
[0122] The first process depicted in FIG. 10 is performed in the case where a BF setting start trigger is included as the meta information. The process in FIG. 10 is started when content is being reproduced by the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0123] In step S11, the entertainment apparatus 11 performs a BF setting detection process. The BF setting detection process will be discussed later with reference to FIG. 11. When the BF setting detection process is carried out in step S11, the BF setting start trigger is output to the wireless repeating apparatus 12 as the BF setting execution information.
[0124] Incidentally, the start trigger may be an instruction using a message or a physical electric signal.
[0125] The wireless repeating apparatus 12 receives the BF setting execution information transmitted from the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0126] In step S21, the wireless repeating apparatus 12 performs a BF setting process. The BF setting process will be discussed later with reference to FIG. 12. The BF setting process causes the BF setting to be executed.
[0127] Corresponding to the processing of the wireless repeating apparatus 12, the HMD 13 executes the BF setting in step S31 in conjunction with the wireless repeating apparatus 12. It is to be noted that the execution of the BF setting involves BF training described above with reference to FIG. 5 or BF tracking explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0128] At the end of the BF setting, the process comes to an end for the moment. Thereafter, in the case where meta information is detected in the content (for example, in step S12), the same steps as those described above are repeated.
[0129] That is, in the case where, in step S12, the BF setting detection process is performed and meta information is detected in the content, a BF setting start trigger is output to the wireless repeating apparatus 12 as the BF setting execution information.
[0130] In steps S22 and S32, the HMD 13 and the wireless repeating apparatus 12 perform the BF setting process. Thereafter, in the case where meta information is detected in the content, the same steps as those described above are repeated.
[0131] FIG. 11 is a flowchart explaining the BF setting detection process performed in step S11 of FIG. 10.
[0132] The BF setting detection process in FIG. 11 is a process performed by the entertainment apparatus 11.
[0133] In step S51, the content analysis section 52 analyzes the currently reproduced content.
……
……
……
