Electromagnetic field map generating apparatus, electromagnetic field map providing apparatus, electromagnetic field map acquisition and utilization apparatus

Abstract

A radio wave map generating device receives probe information from a probe information transmitting device mounted on a mobile body and generates a radio wave map, the radio wave map generating device having: a reception section that receives a plurality of probe information, the probe information including position information of the mobile body, propagation environment information at the position, and external communication device identification information; a communication speed calculation section that, based on the plurality of probe information, in a case where external communication devices at the position are a first external communication device and a second external communication device, calculates a first communication speed and a second communication speed in accordance with first propagation environment information between the first external communication device; a connection probability calculation section that calculates a probability of wireless communication with the first external communication device at the position, that is, a first connection probability and a second connection probability; and a storage section that stores the position information, the external communication device identification information, the first communication speed and the second communication speed, and the first connection probability and the second connection probability.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-178359 filed on October 23, 2020, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to an apparatus and the like related to a radio map and is a probe information transmission apparatus and a radio map acquisition and utilization apparatus mainly mounted on a mobile body, a radio map generation apparatus and a radio map provision apparatus mainly implemented by a server, and a method executed by these apparatuses and a program executable by these apparatuses. BACKGROUND

[0004] With the spread of wireless communication, opportunities for communication using wireless communication are increasing in various places. In particular, in a mobile body such as a vehicle, technologies for performing driving assistance, automatic driving control using V2X such as cellular communication, inter-vehicle communication, and inter-road-vehicle communication of large capacity are attracting attention. In conjunction therewith, vehicles are equipped with communication functions, and the so-called connection of vehicles is advancing.

[0005] Here, it is known that in wireless communication, radio waves interfere with each other, and as a result, the transmission level and the reception level of the radio waves vary in strength depending on the place, and this phenomenon is generally referred to as fading. In a mobile body such as a vehicle, movement is assumed as a premise, and thus the communication quality varies with movement, and thus if the communication quality in a certain place can be known in advance, countermeasures can be taken in advance.

[0006] For example, in Patent Literature 1, a communication resource map that indicates a correspondence relationship between a place and a communication resource amount that is inferred to be able to be used for communication at the place is described.

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-203823

[0008] Here, as a result of detailed research by the present inventors, the following problem was found.

[0009] In generating a radio map that indicates a state of a radio propagation path or an inference result at a certain place, base station apparatuses that can be connected at the place are not limited to one. Moreover, if the connected base station apparatuses are different, even at the same place, the state of the radio propagation path or the inference result is greatly different. SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present application is to generate a radio map that specifies a position and a connected external communication apparatus.

[0011] In addition, an object of the present application is to provide and utilize information corresponding to the use of a radio map.

[0012] The radio wave map generation device of one embodiment of the present application receives probe information from a probe information transmitting device mounted on a mobile object and generates a radio wave map, in which the radio wave map generation device includes a reception unit that receives a plurality of the probe information, the probe information including position information indicating a position of the mobile object, propagation environment information of a radio wave propagation path used in wireless communication between the mobile object and an external communication device at the position, and external communication device identification information identifying the external communication device, a communication speed calculation unit that, based on a plurality of the probe information, in the case where the external communication device with which the wireless communication is performed at the position is a first external communication device and a second external communication device, calculates a first communication speed from the propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path between the first external communication device, i.e., first propagation environment information, and a second communication speed from the propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path between the second external communication device, i.e., second propagation environment information, a connection probability calculation unit that, based on a plurality of the probe information, calculates a probability of wireless communication with the first external communication device at the position, i.e., a first connection probability, and a probability of wireless communication with the second external communication device at the position, i.e., a second connection probability, and a radio wave map storage unit that stores the position information, the external communication device identification information, the first and second communication speeds, and the first and second connection probabilities.

[0013] The other mode of the radio field map providing apparatus according to the present application receives a radio field map request from a radio field map acquisition utilization apparatus mounted on a mobile body and transmits required information, wherein the radio field map providing apparatus has: a radio field map storage section that stores reference position information indicating a reference position, a first communication speed that is a communication speed between a first external communication apparatus at the reference position, a second communication speed that is a communication speed between a second external communication apparatus at the reference position, a first connection probability that is a probability of wireless communication with the first external communication apparatus at the reference position, and a second connection probability that is a probability of wireless communication with the second external communication apparatus at the reference position; a reception section that receives the radio field map request, the radio field map request including request position information indicating a requested position and use information indicating a use of a radio field map; a minimum guaranteed speed calculation section that, in a case where the use information indicates real-time communication in which communication is performed in real time, selects a smaller one of the first communication speed and the second communication speed at the reference position corresponding to the request position information as minimum guaranteed speed information; an expected value speed calculation section that, in a case where the use information indicates other than the real-time communication, calculates an expected value of a communication speed, that is, expected value speed information, using the first connection probability, the second connection probability, the first communication speed, and the second communication speed at the reference position corresponding to the request position information; and a transmission section that transmits a radio field map response including the minimum guaranteed speed information or the expected value speed information.

[0014] The other mode of the radio field map acquisition utilization apparatus according to the present application is mounted on a mobile body and has: a request position information generation section that determines a requested position and generates request position information; a use information generation section that generates use information indicating a use of a radio field map; a transmission section that transmits a radio field map request including the request position information and the use information to a radio field map providing apparatus; a reception section that, in a case where the use information included in the radio field map request indicates real-time communication in which communication is performed in real time, receives a radio field map response including minimum guaranteed speed information at a reference position corresponding to the request position information from the radio field map providing apparatus, and in a case where the use information included in the radio field map request indicates other than the real-time communication, receives the radio field map response including expected value speed information at the reference position corresponding to the request position information from the radio field map providing apparatus; and a wireless communication section that performs wireless communication with an external communication apparatus based on the minimum guaranteed speed information or the expected value speed information included in the radio field map response.

[0015] The other mode of the probe information transmission device of the present application is mounted on a mobile body and has a position information acquisition section that acquires position information indicating a current position of the mobile body, a wireless communication section that performs wireless communication with an external communication device, a propagation environment information acquisition section that acquires propagation environment information of a wave propagation path used in the wireless communication at the current position and external communication device identification information that identifies the external communication device, and a transmission section that transmits the position information, the propagation environment information, and the external communication device identification information as probe information to a wave map generation device.

[0016] Further, the numbers in parentheses attached to the claims indicate the correspondence of the present application to the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0017] With the above-described structure, a wave map that specifies a position and a connected external communication device can be generated.

[0018] In addition, with the above-described structure, information corresponding to the use of the wave map can be provided and utilized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of an embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a structure example of a vehicle-mounted device, i.e., a probe information transmission device and a wave map acquisition utilization device, of an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a structure example of a server device, i.e., a wave map generation device and a wave map provision device, of an embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a wave map generated in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a wave map provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a probe information transmission device and a wave map generation device of an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of a wave map acquisition utilization device and a wave map provision device of an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] Furthermore, the present application shown below refers to the application recited in the claims, and is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, at least the statements within the double quotes refer to the statements recited in the claims, and are not limited to the following embodiments.

[0028] The structures and methods recited in the dependent claims of the claims are arbitrary structures and methods in the application recited in the independent claim of the claims. The structures and methods of the embodiments corresponding to the structures and methods recited in the dependent claims, and the structures and methods recited only in the embodiments and not recited in the claims are arbitrary structures and methods in the present application. The structures and methods recited in the embodiments in the case where the recitations of the claims are wider than the recitations of the embodiments are also examples of the structures and methods of the present application, and are arbitrary structures and methods in the present application. In any case, the structures and methods become necessary for the present application by reciting the independent claim of the claims.

[0029] The effects recited in the embodiments are effects in the case where the structures of the embodiments are examples of the present application, and are not necessarily effects possessed by the present application.

[0030] In the case where a plurality of embodiments exist, the structures disclosed in each of the embodiments are not closed only in each of the embodiments, and can be combined across the embodiments. For example, the structures disclosed in one embodiment can be combined with other embodiments. Also, the structures disclosed in each of a plurality of embodiments can be combined.

[0031] The problems recited in the present application are not problems known in the art, but are problems found by the present inventors alone, and are facts that confirm the inventiveness of the structures and methods of the present application.

[0032] 1. Embodiment

[0033] (1) Overall structure including related devices

[0034] Use Figure 1 First, the devices used in the present embodiment and the overall structure showing the mutual relationship thereof will be described.

[0035] The in-vehicle device A and the in-vehicle device C mounted on a vehicle as a "mobile body" are connected to the server device B via a communication network.

[0036] Here, the "mobile body" refers to an object that can move, and the moving speed is arbitrary. Also, of course, the case where the mobile body is stopped is included. For example, automobiles, motorized two-wheel vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, ships, aircraft, and objects mounted thereon are included, but are not limited thereto.

[0037] In addition, the so-called "mounting" includes a case where the mobile body is not fixed but moves together with the mobile body, in addition to a case where it is directly fixed to the mobile body. For example, a case where it is held by a person who rides on the mobile body, and a case where it is mounted on a cargo placed on the mobile body are exemplified.

[0038] The in-vehicle device A corresponds to the probe information transmission device 100 of the present embodiment, and transmits information required for generating a radio map, that is, probe information to the server device B via a communication network.

[0039] The server device B corresponds to the radio map generation device 200 of the present embodiment, and receives probe information from the in-vehicle device A via a communication network, and generates or updates a "radio map" based on the probe information.

[0040] Here, the "radio map" refers to a collection of states or inference results of a radio wave propagation path at a certain position, and for example, refers to a result obtained by mapping RSSI for each grid point on a map.

[0041] In addition, the server device B corresponds to the radio map provision device 250 of the present embodiment, and receives a radio map request from the in-vehicle device C via a communication network, and transmits information corresponding to the content of the radio map request, that is, a radio map response to the in-vehicle device C via a communication network.

[0042] The in-vehicle device C corresponds to the radio map acquisition and utilization device 150 of the present embodiment, and transmits a radio map request to the server device B via a communication network, and receives information corresponding to the content of the radio map request, that is, a radio map response from the server device B via a communication network.

[0043] The in-vehicle device A and the in-vehicle device C receive a positioning signal from a GNSS satellite, and acquire their own position information.

[0044] The in-vehicle device A and the in-vehicle device C perform wireless communication with a base station.

[0045] Here, in the above-described Figure 1 , wireless communication with a base station and communication based on a communication network are described as different communications, but they can be the same. That is, the in-vehicle device A and the in-vehicle device C can also be connected to the server device B by wireless communication via a base station.

[0046] The wireless communication method with the base station can use, for example, IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), HSPA (High Speed Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced), 4G, 5G, or the like. Alternatively, DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) can be used.

[0047] The communication network can use a wired communication method in addition to the wireless communication method described above. For example, LAN (Local Area Network), the Internet, a fixed telephone line can be used. As a case where the wired communication method is used, a case where the vehicle is parked in a parking lot at home or another place, a case where the vehicle is stored in a repair factory is assumed.

[0048] The communication network can also combine the wireless communication method and the wired communication method. For example, the in-vehicle device A can be connected to the base station in the cellular system by the wireless communication method, and from the base station, the wired communication method such as a backbone line of a communication carrier, the Internet, or the like can be used.

[0049] Further, the case where the in-vehicle device A and the in-vehicle device C are mounted on different vehicles is described, but they can be mounted on one vehicle. Also, in this case, the in-vehicle device A and the in-vehicle device C can be installed as different devices, or the functions of the in-vehicle device A, that is, the probe information transmitting device 100, and the in-vehicle device C, that is, the radio map acquisition utilizing device 150 can be installed as one in-vehicle device.

[0050] Further, the case where the server device B has both the functions of the radio map generating device 200 and the radio map providing device 250 of the present embodiment is described, but they can be provided separately in different server devices.

[0051] (2) Structure of in-vehicle device (probe information transmitting device 100, radio map acquisition utilizing device 150)

[0052] Use Figure 2 The structure of the in-vehicle device of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a case where the in-vehicle device is configured to realize both the functions of the probe information transmitting device 100 and the radio map acquisition utilizing device 150 will be described.

[0053] The vehicle-mounted device comprises a location information acquisition unit 101, a wireless communication unit 102, a propagation environment information acquisition unit 103, a control unit 104, a transmission unit 105, a receiving unit 106, an application program 107, and a storage unit 108. Furthermore, the control unit 104 implements a detection information generation unit 109, a request location information generation unit 110, and a purpose information generation unit 111.

[0054] Vehicle-mounted systems can consist of a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), volatile memory such as RAM, non-volatile memory such as ROM, flash memory, or hard disk, various interfaces, and internal buses connecting them. Furthermore, by executing software on this hardware, it is possible to configure the system to perform... Figure 2 The functions of each functional block are described in the document. These will be discussed later. Figure 3 The same applies to the server device shown.

[0055] Of course, dedicated hardware such as LSI can also be used to implement vehicle-mounted devices.

[0056] It is assumed in this embodiment that the vehicle-mounted device is in the form of an electronic control unit (ECU, hereinafter referred to as ECU) as a semi-finished product, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as a component, semiconductor circuits and semiconductor modules are listed; as a finished product, personal computers (PCs), smartphones, mobile phones, and navigation systems are listed.

[0057] Furthermore, the vehicle-mounted device can be composed of a single ECU or multiple ECUs. For example, a communication ECU can be responsible for communication with the outside world. Additionally, the detection information transmitting device 100 and the radio wave image acquisition and utilization device 150 can also be composed of different ECUs.

[0058] Figure 2 Each block of the vehicle-mounted device includes a block specifically used in the detection information transmitting device 100, a block specifically used in the radio wave map acquisition and utilization device 150, and a block used in both the detection information transmitting device 100 and the radio wave map acquisition and utilization device 150. Hereinafter, the block used in the detection information transmitting device 100 will be described first, and the block used in the radio wave map acquisition and utilization device 150 will be described next.

[0059] First, let me explain the blocks used in the detection information transmitting device 100.

[0060] The position information acquisition section 101 acquires position information indicating the current position of the vehicle. The position information acquisition section 101 mainly consists of a positioning receiver of a satellite positioning (GNSS) device. As for the positioning receiver, it is sufficient to set a positioning receiver corresponding to the satellite system to be used.

[0061] The position information acquisition section 101 includes, in addition to the positioning receiver, a device that supplies correction information for correction of the position information. For example, an inertial sensor such as a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a laser sensor, a map information database can also be mastered as the position information acquisition section 101.

[0062] The positioning accuracy of the position information differs depending on the positioning method of the satellite system to be used, the kind of data for correction, and the result of the positioning operation. For example, in the case of a single positioning method such as GPS, an error of 1 m to 10 m is always included. In contrast, there are positioning methods in which the error is less than 1 m, less than 10 cm, such as a relative positioning method, DGPS (Differential GPS), RTK (Real Time Kinematic)-GPS positioning, network-type RTK-GPS positioning. As less than 10 cm, there are RTK-GNSS / PPP-AR (Quasi-Zenith Satellite MADOCA method), PPP-RTK (Quasi-Zenith Satellite CLAS method). It is also possible to improve the positioning accuracy to less than 1 m, less than 10 cm by simultaneously using a gyro navigation method, a laser sensor in the single positioning method. As less than 1 m, there is a SLAS (Submeter Level Augmentation Service) method using correction data. In addition, in the case where a FIX solution is obtained in the positioning operation, even in the case where the accuracy of the positioning method to be used is low, it is sometimes possible to obtain a positioning accuracy of less than 1 m, less than 10 cm. In the case where a FLOAT solution is obtained, if the accuracy of the positioning method to be used is high, it is sometimes possible to obtain a positioning accuracy of less than 1 m. Furthermore, in the case where there are a FIX solution, a FLOAT solution in the positioning solution, it is a method in which AR (Ambiguity Resolution) is performed.

[0063] Furthermore, in the following description, the level of less than 10 m is described as 1 m or more, the level of less than 1 m is described as 10 cm to 1 m, and the level of less than 10 cm is described as less than 10 cm in terms of the error range.

[0064] The wireless communication unit 102 performs "wireless communication" with an external communication device, in this embodiment, a base station, and performs transmission and reception of required information. In this embodiment, a base station such as an eNB of a cellular communication system is assumed as the external communication device, but in the case of using Wi-Fi, it can be an AP, and in the case of using V2X, it can be another vehicle or a roadside machine. Of course, it can correspond to multiple communication systems.

[0065] Here, "wireless communication" means utilizing wireless transmission and / or reception of signals.

[0066] The propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 "acquires" propagation environment information of a radio wave propagation path used in wireless communication of the wireless communication unit 102 at the current position of the vehicle acquired by the position information acquisition unit 101. For example, the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 can use a device that measures the intensity of a reference signal.

[0067] Here, "propagation environment information" indicates a state or an inference result of a radio wave propagation path, and as an index indicating "propagation environment information", for example, RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ, SNR, SIR, BER, a propagation function, a propagation path matrix, an average bit rate per unit time (bits / s), and the like are exemplified.

[0068] In addition, "acquiring" includes either case of acquiring propagation environment information from an external communication device or the like or acquiring propagation environment information by being generated by the probe information transmission device itself.

[0069] The propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 acquires information for evaluating the reception quality of a downlink (downlink) by acquiring information related to the reception status in a frequency band allocated to the downlink. For example, RSSI, RSRP, RSRQ of a reference signal are equivalent thereto. By using this information, it is possible to generate or update a reception radio map at a certain position on a map in the radio map generation device 200 of the server device.

[0070] In addition, the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 acquires information for evaluating the reception quality of an uplink (uplink) by acquiring information related to the transmission status in a frequency band allocated to the uplink. For example, a transmission average bit rate per unit time (bits / s) is equivalent thereto. Alternatively, it is also possible to receive RSSI, RISP, RSRQ of a reference signal measured in a base station from the base station. By using this information, it is possible to generate or update a transmission radio map at a certain position on a map in the radio map generation device 200 of the server device.

[0071] In addition to propagation environment information, the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 also acquires external communication device identification information that identifies the base station. External communication identification information may be, for example, a base station ID assigned to each base station. When decoding packets sent from the base station, the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 acquires the base station ID contained in the packet.

[0072] Here, "acquisition" includes either the case of acquiring external communication device identification information from an external communication device or the case of acquiring external communication device identification information by generating it itself from the detection information transmitting device.

[0073] The propagation environment information unit 103 can also acquire frequency band information representing the frequency band of the radio wave propagation path used in wireless communication. For example, in the case of LTE wireless communication, frequency band information is distinguished by assigning numbers such as band 1 and band 2 based on the frequency band and dual mode. Regarding frequency band information, the frequency band information contained in the packet is acquired when decoding packets transmitted from the base station.

[0074] If the frequency band changes, the characteristics of the radio wave propagation path also change. Therefore, by generating a radio wave diagram that includes frequency band information, the state of the radio wave propagation path can be represented more accurately.

[0075] The propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 described above can also be used entirely or partially as a function of the wireless communication unit 102 and thus also serve as the wireless communication unit 102.

[0076] Furthermore, the propagation environment information acquired and output by the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103 may not be the absolute values ​​of the measured results, but rather obtained using standardized relative values. For example, it may be a value derived under ideal communication conditions without radio wave interference, with a maximum speed of 100 and a minimum of 0.

[0077] The control unit 104 controls the operation of the location information acquisition unit 101, the wireless communication unit 102, the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103, the transmission unit 105, the receiving unit 106, the application program 107, and the storage unit 108. In addition, the control unit 104 itself implements the detection information generation unit 109, the request location information generation unit 110, and the purpose information generation unit 111.

[0078] The detection information generation unit 109 generates detection information, which includes location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 101, propagation environment information acquired by the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103, and external communication device identification information. When frequency band information is acquired using the propagation environment information acquisition unit 103, it can also be included in the detection information.

[0079] The transmitting unit 105 transmits the detection information generated by the detection information generation unit 109 to the radio wave pattern generation device 200.

[0080] For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the following information is sent as probe information.

[0081] (Probe information)

[0082] Time stamp: time when the probe information is generated (UTC)

[0083] Position information: any one of coordinates positioned using GNSS, latitude / longitude / altitude (WGS-84), ID of a grid point on a map

[0084] Positioning accuracy information: level of positioning accuracy [1 m or more / 10 cm to 1 m / less than 10 cm]

[0085] Communication system ID: base station ID, frequency band information

[0086] Wave strength (propagation environment information): relative value of received wave strength (RSSI)

[0087] Further, information other than the above can also be sent as probe information.

[0088] In addition, the information sent as probe information can be generated by a determined block in addition to being generated by the control section 104.

[0089] With the probe information sending device 100 according to the present embodiment, external communication device identification information that identifies an external communication device is sent, so at the wave map generating device 200 side that receives this information, a wave map that determines the external communication device can be generated.

[0090] In addition, since the frequency band information is sent, at the wave map generating device 200 side that receives this frequency band information, a wave map that determines not only the external communication device but also the band used for communication can be generated.

[0091] In addition, by using a standardized relative value to obtain the propagation environment information, the proportion of the capabilities of each device can be used as an index, so the propagation environment information can be used directly in each device without correcting the deviation between devices.

[0092] Next, the block used in the wave map acquisition utilizing device 150 will be described.

[0093] The request position information generation section 110 generates request position information by taking the physical position determined by the radio map acquisition utilization device 150 using wireless communication as the requested position. The requested position can be, for example, the current position, or a position to be traveled to in the future based on a travel plan. In the case of using a travel plan, a single or multiple locations reached within a certain time based on the current vehicle speed can also be taken as the requested position. In the case of multiple locations, for example, positions every certain time or every certain distance can also be selected.

[0094] The use information generation section 111 generates use information indicating the use of the radio map. The use information is generated in accordance with the purpose and function of the application program 107 described later.

[0095] For example, in the case where the application program 107 is a program on the terminal side in a vehicle remote monitoring system, it is necessary to acquire information of the vehicle, such as an image of a vehicle-mounted camera, a vehicle speed, and the like, on the monitoring device side with low delay, that is, in real time. Therefore, the use information generation section 111 sets 1 to a flag indicating real-time communication that communicates in real time.

[0096] In addition, in the case where the application program 107 is a big data transmission program that transmits various data acquired from a vehicle-mounted sensor as big data, it is not necessary to communicate in real time, but rather it is necessary to transmit data at low cost. Therefore, the use information generation section 111 sets 0 to a flag indicating real-time communication that communicates in real time.

[0097] In the present embodiment, as the use information generation section 111, a flag indicating real-time communication is exemplified, but information indicating the kind of the application program 107 can also be transmitted.

[0098] The transmission section 105 transmits a radio map request including the request position information generated by the request position information generation section 110 and the use information generated by the use information generation section 111 to the radio map provision device 250.

[0099] For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the following information is transmitted as the radio map request.

[0100] (Radio map request)

[0101] Request position information: indicates latitude, longitude, and altitude (WGS-84) or an ID of a grid point on a map

[0102] Use information: real-time communication flag (1: ON, 0: OFF)

[0103] The radio field map providing apparatus 250 that receives the radio field map request selects information of a radio field map to be transmitted in accordance with the use information included in the radio field map request, and transmits the radio field map response to the radio field map acquisition using apparatus 150. Details of the operation in the radio field map providing apparatus 250 will be described later.

[0104] The reception section 106 receives the radio field map response from the radio field map providing apparatus 250. Specifically, in the case where the use information included in the radio field map request indicates real-time communication, the radio field map response including the minimum guaranteed speed information at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information is received. In addition, in the case where the use information included in the radio field map request indicates other than real-time communication, the radio field map response including the expected value speed information at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information is received.

[0105] Also, in the case where the use information included in the radio field map request indicates real-time communication, the reception section 106 can receive the radio field map response including the minimum guaranteed communication delay information at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information. In addition, in the case where the use information included in the radio field map request indicates other than real-time communication, the radio field map response including the expected value communication delay information at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information can be received.

[0106] Details of the minimum guaranteed speed information, the expected value speed information, the minimum guaranteed communication delay information, and the expected value communication delay information will be described in the structure and operation of the radio field map providing apparatus 250.

[0107] Further, the minimum guaranteed speed information, the expected value speed information, the minimum guaranteed communication delay information, and the expected value communication delay information received are part of the radio field map selected by the radio field map providing apparatus 250, and thus they are sometimes referred to as the radio field map.

[0108] For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the following information is received as the radio field map response.

[0109] (Radio field map response)

[0110] Timestamp: Time when the radio field map is generated (UTC)

[0111] Reference position information: Indicates latitude, longitude, altitude (WGS-84) or ID of a grid point on a map

[0112] Positioning accuracy information: Level of positioning accuracy [1 m or more / 10 cm to 1 m / Less than 10 cm]

[0113] Communication system ID: Base station ID, frequency band information

[0114] Reference propagation environment information: minimum guaranteed speed information or expected value speed information, and minimum guaranteed communication delay information or expected value communication delay information

[0115] Valid time period: time period in which the reference propagation environment information is valid (15 minutes unit)

[0116] The storage section 108 stores the received wave map response. The set of the reference position information and the reference propagation environment information stored in the storage section 108 is a part of the wave map stored in the wave map providing apparatus 250, and thus it can be said that a copy of the wave map is stored in the storage section 108. By storing the copy of the wave map in the storage section 108 for a certain period, the opportunity of accessing the wave map providing apparatus 250 through the wave map request can be reduced. In addition, an expiration date can be set, and information that has passed the expiration date can be discarded. Thus, the degree of the newness of the copy of the wave map can be maintained at a certain level or more.

[0117] The application program 107 is an application program that utilizes the wireless communication section 102. For example, as described above, a program on the terminal side in a vehicle remote monitoring system, a large data transmission program, and the like are cited.

[0118] The wireless communication section 102 performs wireless communication with an external communication apparatus based on the wave map response received by the reception section 106.

[0119] In a case where the minimum guaranteed speed information and the minimum guaranteed communication delay information are included in the wave map response, these information are used to change the amount of data transmitted using wireless communication. For example, in a case where the minimum guaranteed speed information is low, if the amount of data transmitted is large, the data cannot be received in real time on the monitoring apparatus side. Therefore, by changing the resolution of the data to be transmitted, or changing the compression rate, or changing the encoding method, the amount of data is reduced. Thus, the data can be transmitted with low delay.

[0120] In a case where the expected value speed information and the expected value communication delay information are included in the wave map response, these information are used to perform transmission of data at a place where the communication speed is a certain degree or more and the communication delay is a certain degree or less. Thus, the time required for data transmission can be reduced, and the communication cost can be reduced.

[0121] In addition, either the transmission wave map that is the wave map for the uplink or the reception wave map that is the wave map for the downlink can be specified in the wave map request. In the present embodiment, an example in which the reception wave map is acquired is shown.

[0122] In principle, the transmission electric wave map is used in the evaluation of the electric wave propagation path of the uplink, and the reception electric wave map is used in the evaluation of the electric wave propagation path of the downlink. However, in a case where it is possible to evaluate that the propagation environments of the uplink and the downlink are the same, it is also possible to use the reception electric wave map in the evaluation of the uplink, and it is also possible to use the transmission electric wave map in the evaluation of the downlink. For example, a case where the uplink and the downlink use the same frequency band in the TDD mode is cited. As another example, a case where the same change in the propagation environment is expected in the uplink and the downlink due to an obstacle such as a building is cited.

[0123] In the above, according to the electric wave map acquisition utilization device 150 of the present embodiment, since the transmission electric wave map is transmitted with the inclusion of the use information in the electric wave map request, it is possible to acquire the reference propagation environment information corresponding to the features of the application program 107 of the electric wave map acquisition utilization device 150.

[0124] In addition, by using information indicating real-time communication as the use information, it is possible to separately use communication that realizes low delay and communication that realizes low cost.

[0125] (3) Structure of server device (electric wave map generation device 200, electric wave map provision device 250)

[0126] Use Figure 3 The structure of the server device of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, an example in which the server device is configured to realize the functions of both the electric wave map generation device 200 and the electric wave map provision device 250 will be described.

[0127] The server device is constituted by a reception section 201, a probe information storage section 202, a control section 203, an electric wave map storage section 204, and a transmission section 205. In addition, the control section 203 realizes a communication speed calculation section 206, a communication delay calculation section 207, a connection probability calculation section 208, a minimum guaranteed speed calculation section 209, an expected value speed calculation section 210, a minimum guaranteed communication delay calculation section 211, and an expected value communication delay calculation section 212.

[0128] It is assumed that the server device in the present embodiment is in the form of a finished product, but is not limited thereto. For example, as a component, a semiconductor circuit, a semiconductor module is cited, as a semi-finished product, an ECU is cited, and as a finished product, a personal computer (PC), a workstation, a smartphone, a mobile phone is cited.

[0129] In addition, the server device can also be mounted on a mobile body. In a case where the server device is mounted on a mobile body, it is realized in vehicle-to-vehicle communication in which vehicles directly communicate with each other, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication in which vehicles indirectly communicate with each other via a base station or the like.

[0130] Figure 3 Each block of the server device includes blocks specifically used in the radio wave diagram generation device 200, blocks specifically used in the radio wave diagram providing device 250, and blocks used in both the radio wave diagram generation device 200 and the radio wave diagram providing device 250. Hereinafter, the blocks used in the radio wave diagram generation device 200 will be described first, and the blocks used in the radio wave diagram providing device 250 will be described next.

[0131] First, the blocks used in the radio wave pattern generation device 200 will be explained.

[0132] The receiving unit 201 receives multiple detection information, which includes: location information indicating the position of the vehicle as a moving body, propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path used by the vehicle at that position in wireless communication with a base station as an external communication device, and external communication device identification information identifying the base station. Furthermore, the multiple detection information may be received from the same vehicle, but it is preferable to receive it from multiple vehicles. The detection information used in this embodiment is the same as the example described in (2).

[0133] The detection information storage unit 202 stores the detection information received by the receiving unit 201. The detection information storage unit 202 retains all previously received detection information as long as it does not delete the information.

[0134] The control unit 203 controls the operation of the receiving unit 201, the detection information storage unit 202, the radio wave pattern storage unit 204, and the transmitting unit 205. Furthermore, the control unit 203 itself implements the communication speed calculation unit 206, the communication delay calculation unit 207, the connection probability calculation unit 208, the minimum guaranteed speed calculation unit 209, the expected speed calculation unit 210, the minimum guaranteed communication delay calculation unit 211, and the expected communication delay calculation unit 212.

[0135] Here, while using Figure 4 (a) Referring to the radio wave diagram generated in this embodiment, the functions of the communication speed calculation unit 206, the communication delay calculation unit 207, the connection probability calculation unit 208, and the radio wave diagram storage unit 204 will be explained. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing the radio wave diagram of this embodiment stored in the radio wave diagram storage unit 204.

[0136] The communication speed calculation unit 206 reads the detection information stored in the detection information storage unit 202 and calculates the communication speed based on the propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path between the base station and the station. Here, in this embodiment, as... Figure 4As shown in (a), it is assumed that even at the same position, the connected base station is different. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the communication speed is separately calculated individually in the case where the base station is different even at the same position. That is, in the case where at the same position, there are the base station A (corresponding to "first external communication device") and the base station B (corresponding to "second external communication device") as the base stations that perform wireless communication, the communication speed calculation section 206 calculates the communication speed (corresponding to "first communication speed") according to the propagation environment information (corresponding to "first propagation environment information") of the wave propagation path between the base station A, and calculates the communication speed (corresponding to "second communication speed") according to the propagation environment information (corresponding to "second propagation environment information") of the wave propagation path between the base station B.

[0137] As a specific example of the calculation method of the communication speed, a table that shows the relationship between the wave intensity (RSRP) as the propagation environment information and the communication speed as in (b) is cited. Figure 4

[0138] In this example, the RSRP is used as the wave intensity, but the SINR, the RSSI, or the like as other propagation environment information can be used.

[0139] In addition, instead of using the table, the communication speed can be calculated by a prescribed operation.

[0140] Here, in the case where there are a plurality of pieces of probe information at the same position and the same base station, the communication speed is concentrated into one information for the determined position and the determined base station by statistical processing. As the method of the statistical processing, the average value, the median value, the variance, or the like is cited, but is not limited thereto. In the case where the statistical processing is performed, the communication speed is calculated according to the statistical processing result. Figure 4 In (a), in the case where there are 7 samples that are connected to the base station A at the position p, the average value of the communication speeds of the 7 samples is taken as the communication speed of the position p and the base station A (1.5 Mbps). In addition, in the case where there are 3 samples that are connected to the base station B at the position p, the average value of the communication speeds of the 3 samples is taken as the communication speed of the position p and the base station B (0.9 Mbps).

[0141] Instead, the statistical processing can be performed at the stage of the propagation environment information before the communication speed is calculated, and the communication speed can be calculated according to the statistical processing result.

[0142] ​Further, the so-called same position means a position within a certain range from a reference position. In the present embodiment, the probe information within a certain range from a grid point on a map determined in advance based on the map information and the positioning accuracy is regarded as the probe information of the same position. For example, if the positioning accuracy is 1 m or more, the interval of the grid points is 10 m, and if the positioning accuracy is 10 cm to 1 m, the interval of the grid points is 1 m. Further, in the present embodiment, the grid point is regarded as the reference position. That is, Figure 4 the position indicated by (a) of FIG. 9 corresponds to the reference position.

[0143] The communication delay calculating section 207 reads the probe information stored in the probe information storage section 202 and calculates the communication delay value based on the propagation environment information of the wave propagation path between the base station. The communication delay calculating section 207 also calculates the communication delay value for each base station. That is, in the case where, at the same position, there are the base station A (corresponding to the "first external communication device") and the base station B (corresponding to the "second external communication device") as the base stations that perform wireless communication, the communication delay calculating section 207 calculates the communication delay value (corresponding to the "first communication delay value") based on the propagation environment information (corresponding to the "first propagation environment information") of the wave propagation path between the base station A and the communication delay value (corresponding to the "second communication delay value") based on the propagation environment information (corresponding to the "second propagation environment information") of the wave propagation path between the base station B.

[0144] The communication delay value is assumed to be a so-called End-to-End delay. For example, the communication delay value of the present embodiment can be calculated by calculating the communication delay value between the probe information transmission device 100 as the probe vehicle and the wave map generating device 200 and the communication delay value between the probe information transmission device 100 and the base station. In this case, in the downlink communication, for example, the difference between the transmission time information and the reception time within the downlink packet can be calculated. In the uplink communication, for example, Ack in the TCP communication can be used to measure and calculate, or RTT in PING in the same environment can be used to calculate. The information necessary to calculate the communication delay value is transmitted from the probe information transmission device 100 as the propagation environment information and stored in the probe information storage section 202.

[0145] Alternatively, as in the case of calculating the communication speed, a table indicating the relationship between the wave intensity and the communication delay value can be prepared in advance, and the uplink communication delay value and the downlink communication delay value corresponding to the range to which the wave intensity of each probe information belongs can be calculated.

[0146] The communication delay value is also preferably one information for the determined position and the determined base station by statistical processing. In Figure 4In (a) of FIG. 10, in a case where there are 7 samples that are connected with base station A at position p, the average of the communication delay values of the 7 samples is set as the communication delay value of position p and base station A (100 ms). In addition, in a case where there are 3 samples that are connected with base station B at position p, the average of the communication delay values of the 3 samples is set as the communication delay value of position p and base station B (150 ms).

[0147] The connection probability calculating section 208 reads out the probe information stored in the probe information storing section 202, and calculates the probability of wireless communication with a base station at a certain position, that is, the connection probability. The connection probability calculating section 208 also calculates the connection probability for each base station. That is, at the same position, the probability of wireless communication with base station A (corresponding to "first connection probability") and the probability of wireless communication with base station B (corresponding to "second connection probability") are calculated.

[0148] For example, in a case where there are 10 samples that are connected with a base station at position p, of which 7 samples are connected with base station A and 3 samples are connected with base station B, the connection probability of base station A is 0.7 and the connection probability of base station B is 0.3. Figure 4

[0149] The electric wave map storing section 204 stores the probe information read out from the probe information storing section 202 and the results calculated by the communication speed calculating section 206, the communication delay calculating section 207, and the connection probability calculating section 208 as an electric wave map. In the example of (a) of FIG. 10, the position (corresponding to "position information"), the time period, the connected base station (corresponding to "external communication device identification information"), the communication speed (corresponding to "first communication speed" and "second communication speed"), the communication delay value (corresponding to "first communication delay value" and "second communication delay value"), and the connection probability to the base station (corresponding to "first connection probability" and "second connection probability") are stored. Figure 4

[0150] The probe information can be read out from the probe information storing section 202 to perform statistical processing, and the frequency of processing for calculating the communication speed, the communication delay value, and the connection probability can be appropriately determined. For example, in a case where the processing is performed every day, the probe information received on the day can be read out from the probe information storing section 202 at a time decided in the day to perform the processing, and the electric wave map can be generated. If the update is performed at a certain degree of long span like every day, it is possible to prevent the existence of old and new electric wave maps that cross the update timing at the same time at the electric wave map acquisition utilizing device 150 side as the user of the electric wave map.

[0151] Of course, the processing can be performed every time the probe information is received by the reception section 201.

[0152] ​​As for the radio map of the radio map storage section 204, it is also possible to newly generate by deleting the existing radio map for each processing frequency, but it is also possible to process while including the data of the existing radio map, update the radio map, and generate a new radio map. That is, in the present embodiment, although the word "generate" is used, the generation is a concept including the update.

[0153] Further, in the present embodiment, as Figure 4 The radio map is generated up to the base station as shown in (a) of FIG. 10, but it is also possible to further generate the radio map up to the band information of the same base station. Thereby, it is possible to generate accurate information in the level of the band information unit.

[0154] Further, in the above description, the case where the connected base stations are two, base station A and base station B, is described, but the same processing is performed in the case where the same position can be connected to three or more base stations, like the position r of (a) of FIG. 10. If any two base stations in the case where three or more base stations exist are focused on, the same processing as the above description is performed. Figure 4

[0155] As above, according to the radio map generation device 200 of the present embodiment, the external communication device identification information that identifies the external communication device is received and the radio map is generated, so it is possible to generate the radio map having accurate information in the level of the connected base station unit.

[0156] Further, according to the radio map generation device 200 of the present embodiment, the communication speed, the communication delay value, and the connection probability are calculated, so it is possible to easily calculate the minimum guaranteed value and the expected value of the communication speed and the communication delay value of the determined place.

[0157] Next, the block used in the radio map provision device 250 is described.

[0158] The radio map storage section 204 stores the radio map including the communication speed, the communication delay value, and the connection probability in the level of the base station unit as described in the radio map generation device 200.

[0159] The reception section 201 receives the radio map request from the radio map acquisition device 150 that receives the radio map including the request position information indicating the requested position and the use information indicating the use of the radio map. The radio map request used in the present embodiment is the same as the example described in (2). The use information is the real-time communication flag in the present embodiment, and is set to 1 in the case of indicating the real-time communication, and is set to 0 in the case of indicating the non-real-time communication.

[0160] The description of the minimum guaranteed speed calculation section 209, the expected value speed calculation section 210, the minimum guaranteed communication delay calculation section 211, and the expected value communication delay calculation section 212 is performed using the Figure 5 ​(a) and Figure 5 The explanation will be made. Figure 5 is a graph showing the radio map provided from the radio map providing device 250. Figure 5 (a) of the radio map provided in the case where the use information indicates real-time communication, Figure 4 (b) of the radio map provided in the case where the use information indicates other than real-time communication.

[0161] In the case where the use information received by the reception section 201 "indicates" real-time communication in which communication is performed in real time, the minimum guaranteed speed calculating section 209 selects the smaller one of the first communication speed and the second communication speed at the reference position corresponding to the request position information received by the reception section 201, thereby calculating the minimum guaranteed speed information. In the case where the radio map of (a) is used, Figure 5 (a) of the radio map, as shown in (a) of the radio map, Figure 4 (a), the smaller one of the communication speeds at the position p, that is, the communication speed with the base station B (0.9 Mbps) is selected.

[0162] Here, the "indicates" means that, in addition to the case where the use is directly indicated, the use can be determined as long as it is indicated in the case other than the use.

[0163] In addition, "corresponding to the request position information" means the same as or in the vicinity of the position indicated by the request position information.

[0164] The minimum guaranteed speed has the meaning of guaranteeing the minimum communication speed at the determined place. That is, if the minimum guaranteed speed is used, the communication plan can be made on the premise of the worst communication situation. Therefore, for example, it can be used for a vehicle remote monitoring system which needs to acquire information from a vehicle in real time.

[0165] In the case where the use information received by the reception section 201 "indicates" other than real-time communication in which communication is performed in real time, the expected value speed calculating section 210 calculates the expected value of the communication speed, that is, the expected value speed information, using the first connection probability, the second connection probability, the first communication speed, and the second communication speed at the reference position corresponding to the request position information received by the reception section 201. In the case where the radio map of (a) is used, Figure 5 (a) of the radio map, as shown in (b) of the radio map, Figure 4 (b), 1.5 Mbps x 0.7 + 0.9 Mbps x 0.3 = 1.3 Mbps is used as the expected value speed using the communication speed and the connection probability with the base station A at the position p and the communication speed and the connection probability with the base station B at the position p.

[0166] Here, "other than" means the meaning other than real-time communication, and it is all or a part other than real-time communication.

[0167] The expected speed has the meaning of a communication speed typically assumed at a given location. That is, if the expected speed is used, a communication plan can be formulated using the communication speed that can be used on average. Therefore, it can be used, for example, in a large data transmission program to determine the timing of sending large amounts of data.

[0168] In the case of real-time communication where the purpose information received by the receiving unit 201 "indicates" real-time communication, the minimum guaranteed communication delay calculation unit 211 selects the larger of a first communication delay value and a second communication delay value at a reference position "corresponding to the requested location information" received by the receiving unit 201, and thereby calculates the minimum guaranteed communication delay information. Figure 5 In the case of radio wave diagram (a), such as Figure 4 As shown in (a), the larger of the communication delays at location p is selected, which is the communication delay value with base station B (150ms).

[0169] In cases other than real-time communication where the usage information received by the receiving unit 201 "indicates" real-time communication, the expectation value communication delay calculation unit 212 uses the first connection probability, second connection probability, first communication delay value, and second communication delay value at a reference location "corresponding to the requested location information" received by the receiving unit 201 to calculate the expectation value of the communication delay, i.e., the expectation value communication delay information. Figure 5 In the case of radio wave diagram (a), such as Figure 4 As shown in (b), using the communication delay value and connection probability between location p and base station A, and the communication delay value and connection probability between location p and base station B, 100ms×0.7+150ms×0.3=115ms is taken as the expected communication delay value.

[0170] In addition, Figure 4 In the radio wave diagram of (a), if there is only one base station connected to positions o and q, even if the calculations in the minimum guaranteed speed calculation unit 209, the expected value speed calculation unit 210, the minimum guaranteed communication delay calculation unit 211, and the expected value communication delay calculation unit 212 are performed, the communication speed and communication delay values ​​at positions o and q will be the same as those at positions o and q. Therefore, the communication speed and communication delay values ​​at positions o and q can be directly output.

[0171] In addition, Figure 6 In the radio wave diagram of (a), if there are three or more base stations connected like at position r, the calculation can be performed on all base stations. In this case, if we focus on any two base stations, the same calculation as at position p is included.

[0172] The transmission section 205 transmits a radio map response including the minimum guaranteed speed information calculated by the minimum guaranteed speed calculation section 209 or the expected value speed information calculated by the expected value speed calculation section 210, and the minimum guaranteed communication delay information calculated by the minimum guaranteed communication delay calculation section 211 or the expected value communication delay information calculated by the expected value communication delay calculation section 212. The radio map response used in the present embodiment is the same as the example explained in (2).

[0173] In the present embodiment, in a case where the use information indicates real-time communication, the transmission section 205 transmits the minimum guaranteed value, that is, the minimum guaranteed speed information and / or the minimum guaranteed communication delay information. In addition, in a case where the use information indicates other than real-time communication, the transmission section 205 transmits the expected value, that is, the expected value communication speed information and / or the expected value communication delay information. Moreover, the combination can be changed according to the kind of the application program 107 of the radio map acquisition utilization device 150, the content of the radio map request.

[0174] For example, in a case of automatic driving control belonging to real-time communication, the communication delay is more important than the communication speed. Therefore, in a case where the use information indicates real-time communication, the transmission section 205 transmits the minimum guaranteed communication delay information.

[0175] In addition, in a case of animation, sensor data transfer belonging to non-real-time communication, the communication speed is more important than the communication delay. Therefore, in a case where the use information indicates other than real-time communication, the transmission section 205 transmits the expected value speed information.

[0176] As described above, according to the radio map providing device 250 of the present embodiment, since the minimum guaranteed speed information or the expected value speed information is transmitted according to the use information included in the radio map request, information suitable for the utilization mode of the radio map can be provided.

[0177] (4) Actions of the probe information transmission device 100 and the radio map generation device 200 in the radio map generation process

[0178] Both the probe information transmission device 100 and the radio map generation device 200 participate in the generation of the radio map. Hereinafter, the actions of the probe information transmission device 100 and the radio map generation device 200 in the radio map generation process of the present embodiment will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. 12. Figure 6

[0179] ​Further, the following actions represent not only a probe information transmission method executed by the probe information transmission device 100, but also a processing order of a probe information transmission program that can be executed by the probe information transmission device 100. In addition, the following actions represent not only an electric wave map generation update method executed by the electric wave map generation device 200, but also a processing order of an electric wave map generation update program that can be executed by the electric wave map generation device 200.

[0180] Further, these processes are not limited to Figure 7 the order shown. That is, the order can be changed as long as there is no constraint in a certain step using the result of the step of the previous stage, or the like.

[0181] The position information acquisition section 101 of the probe information transmission device 100 acquires position information indicating a current position of the vehicle (S101).

[0182] The propagation environment information acquisition section 103 acquires propagation environment information of a wave propagation path used in wireless communication between the external communication device at the current position (S102).

[0183] The propagation environment information acquisition section 103 acquires external communication device identification information that identifies the external communication device (S103).

[0184] Further, the transmission section 105 transmits the position information acquired in S101, the propagation environment information acquired in S102, and the external communication identification information acquired in S103 to the electric wave map generation device 200 as probe information (S104).

[0185] The reception section 201 of the electric wave map generation device 200 receives a plurality of probe information, and saves the probe information in the probe information saving section 202, the probe information including position information indicating a position of the vehicle, propagation environment information of a wave propagation path used in wireless communication between the external communication device at the position indicated by the position information, and external communication identification information that identifies the external communication device (S201).

[0186] The communication speed calculation section 206 calculates, based on the plurality of probe information, a first communication speed from the first external communication device in accordance with the propagation environment information of the wave propagation path between the first external communication device, that is, first propagation environment information, and a second communication speed from the second external communication device in accordance with the propagation environment information of the wave propagation path between the second external communication device, that is, second propagation environment information, in a case where the external communication device performing wireless communication is the first external communication device and the second external communication device at the position indicated by the position information (S202).

[0187] The connection probability calculation section 208 calculates a probability of wireless communication with the first external communication device, i.e., a first connection probability, and a probability of wireless communication with the second external communication device, i.e., a second connection probability, at the position indicated by the position information (S203).

[0188] The radio map storage section 204 stores the position information and the external communication device identification information received in S201, the first communication speed and the second communication speed calculated in S202, and the first connection probability and the second connection probability calculated in S203 (S204).

[0189] (5) Actions of the radio map providing device 250 and the radio map acquisition utilization device 150 in the radio map utilization process

[0190] Both the radio map providing device 250 and the radio map acquisition utilization device 150 participate in the utilization of the radio map. Hereinafter, the actions of the radio map providing device 250 and the radio map acquisition utilization device 150 in the radio map utilization process of the present embodiment will be described using the flowchart of Figure 7

[0191] Further, the following actions represent not only a radio map providing method executed by the radio map providing device 250, but also a processing order of a radio map providing program executable by the radio map providing device 250. In addition, the following actions represent not only a radio map acquisition utilization method executed by the radio map acquisition utilization device 150, but also a processing order of a radio map acquisition utilization program executable by the radio map acquisition utilization device 150.

[0192] Moreover, these processes are not limited to the order shown in ​ . That is, the order can be changed as long as there is no constraint in a certain step on the use of the results of the steps of its preceding stage, etc.

[0193] The request position information generation section 110 of the radio map acquisition utilization device 150 decides a requested position and generates request position information (S151).

[0194] The use information generation section 111 generates use information indicating the use of the radio map (S152).

[0195] Further, the transmission section 105 transmits a radio map request including the request position information generated in S151 and the use information generated in S152 to the radio map providing device 250 (S153).

[0196] The reception section 201 of the radio map providing device 250 receives a radio map request including request position information indicating a requested position and use information indicating the use of the radio map (S251).

[0197] ​The control section 203 determines whether the use information included in the radio map request indicates real-time communication (S252).

[0198] In a case where the use information indicates real-time communication (S252: YES), the smaller one of the first communication speed and the second communication speed at the reference position corresponding to the request position information is selected as the minimum guarantee speed information (S253).

[0199] In a case where the use information indicates other than real-time communication (S252: NO), the expected value speed information, which is the expected value of the communication speed, is calculated using the first connection probability, the second connection probability, the first communication speed, and the second communication speed at the reference position corresponding to the request position information (S254).

[0200] Further, the transmission section 205 transmits a radio map response including the minimum guarantee speed information acquired in S253 or the expected value speed information acquired in S254 (S255).

[0201] The reception section 106 of the radio map acquisition utilization device 150 receives the radio map response from the radio map provision device 250 (S154).

[0202] Further, based on the radio map response received in S154, wireless communication is performed between the communication device and an external communication device (S155). For example, the application program 107 is executed, and vehicle information collected by the vehicle is transmitted to the external communication device.

[0203] 2. SUMMARY

[0204] The above describes the features of the probe information transmission device, the radio map generation device, the radio map provision device, and the radio map acquisition utilization device according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0205] The terms used in the embodiments are examples, and can be replaced with synonymous terms or terms including synonymous functions.

[0206] The block diagrams used in the description of the embodiments are classified and organized by the structure of the device for each function. The blocks representing the functions are implemented by any combination of hardware or software. In addition, since the functions are represented, the block diagrams can also be grasped as a disclosure of the invention of the method and the invention of the program implementing the method.

[0207] For the functional blocks that can be grasped as the processes, flows, and methods described in the embodiments, the order can be exchanged as long as there is no constraint in one step on the use of the results of other steps in the preceding steps, and the like.

[0208] The terms first, second, and Nth (N is an integer) are used in the various embodiments and claims to distinguish two or more structures or methods of the same kind, and do not limit the order, superiority, or inferiority.

[0209] The embodiments assume that the probe information transmission device and the radio map acquisition utilization device are mounted on a vehicle, but the present application includes devices other than those for vehicles, unless specifically limited in the claims.

[0210] In the embodiments, the probe information transmission device and the radio map acquisition utilization device disclosed in the embodiments are mounted on a vehicle, but can be held by a pedestrian.

[0211] In addition, as examples of the form of the device of the present application, the following forms are given.

[0212] As the form of the component, a semiconductor element, an electronic circuit, a module, and a microcomputer are given.

[0213] As the form of the semi-finished product, an electronic control device (ECU (Electric Control Unit)), and a system board are given.

[0214] As the form of the finished product, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer (PC), a workstation, and a server are given.

[0215] In addition to the above, devices having a communication function and the like are given, for example, a video camera, a still camera, and a car navigation system.

[0216] In addition, the necessary functions such as an antenna and a communication interface can be added to each device.

[0217] The radio map generation device and the radio map provision device of the present application are assumed to be used for the purpose of providing various services. Along with the provision of the services, the device of the present application, the method of the present application, and / or the program of the present application are used.

[0218] In addition to the above, the present application can be realized not only by a dedicated hardware having the structure and the function described in the embodiments, but also by a combination of a program for realizing the present application recorded on a recording medium such as a memory, a hard disk, and the like, and a general-purpose hardware having a dedicated or general-purpose CPU and a memory or the like capable of executing the program.

[0219] A program stored in a non-transitory physical recording medium of a dedicated or general-purpose hardware (for example, an external storage device (hard disk, USB memory, CD / BD, or the like), or an internal storage device (RAM, ROM, or the like)) can also be provided from a server to a dedicated or general-purpose hardware via a communication line via a recording medium or without a recording medium. Thus, by upgrading the program, the latest function can be provided at all times.

[0220] Industrial Applicability

[0221] The probe information transmission device and the electric wave map acquisition utilization device of the present application have been described mainly as an electronic control device for a vehicle mounted on an automobile, but of course, can be applied to all moving bodies moving, such as a motorcycle, a bicycle with a motor, a railway, a pedestrian, a ship, an aircraft, and the like.

[0222] In addition, can be applied to a mobile phone, a tablet, a game machine, and the like for various uses.

Claims

1. A radio wave image generation apparatus, comprising receiving detection information from a detection information transmitting device mounted on a moving body and generating a radio wave image, wherein, The radio wave image generation device has the following features: The receiving unit receives a plurality of the detection information, the detection information including location information indicating the position of the mobile body, propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path used by the mobile body in wireless communication with an external communication device at the location, external communication device identification information for identifying the external communication device, and a timestamp indicating the time when the detection information was generated, wherein the propagation environment information includes radio wave intensity. The communication speed calculation unit, based on multiple detection information, calculates a first communication speed according to the propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path between the first external communication device and the second external communication device, i.e., first propagation environment information, and calculates a second communication speed according to the propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path between the first external communication device and the second external communication device, i.e., second propagation environment information. The communication speed calculation unit prepares a table in advance representing the relationship between the radio wave intensity and the communication speed, and calculates the communication speed corresponding to the range to which the radio wave intensity belongs. A connection probability calculation unit, based on multiple pieces of the detection information, calculates the probability of wireless communication with the first external communication device at the location, i.e., the first connection probability, and the probability of wireless communication with the second external communication device, i.e., the second connection probability; and The radio wave image storage unit stores the location information, the external communication device identification information, the first communication speed and the second communication speed, as well as the first connection probability and the second connection probability.

2. The radio waveform generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The radio waveform generation device further includes a communication delay calculation unit, which calculates a first communication delay value based on the first propagation environment information and a second communication delay value based on the second propagation environment information at the location, based on multiple pieces of the detection information. The radio wave image storage unit also stores the first communication delay value and the second communication delay value.

3. A radio wave image providing device, which receives a radio wave image request from a radio wave image acquisition and utilization device mounted on a mobile body and sends the required information, wherein... The radio wave image providing device has: The radio wave image storage unit stores reference position information representing a reference position, the communication speed between the reference position and a first external communication device (i.e., the first communication speed), the communication speed between the reference position and a second external communication device (i.e., the second communication speed), the probability of wireless communication between the reference position and the first external communication device (i.e., the first connection probability), and the probability of wireless communication between the reference position and the second external communication device (i.e., the second connection probability). The receiving unit receives the radio wave map request, which includes request location information indicating the requested location and purpose information indicating the purpose of the radio wave map, wherein the purpose information is a real-time communication flag indicating real-time communication or non-real-time communication. The minimum guaranteed speed calculation unit selects the smaller of the first communication speed and the second communication speed at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information as the minimum guaranteed speed information when the purpose information indicates real-time communication. The expected value speed calculation unit, when the usage information indicates non-real-time communication other than real-time communication, calculates the expected value of the communication speed, i.e., the expected value speed information, using the first connection probability, the second connection probability, the first communication speed, and the second communication speed at the reference location corresponding to the requested location information; and The transmitting unit transmits a radio waveform response containing either the minimum guaranteed speed information or the expected speed information.

4. The radio waveform providing device according to claim 3, wherein, The radio wave image storage unit stores the communication delay value (i.e., the first communication delay value) between the reference position and the first external communication device, and the communication delay value (i.e., the second communication delay value) between the reference position and the second external communication device. The radio wave image providing device also has: A minimum guaranteed communication delay calculation unit, when the usage information indicates real-time communication, selects the larger of the first communication delay value and the second communication delay value at the reference location corresponding to the requested location information as the minimum guaranteed communication delay information; and The expected value communication delay calculation unit calculates the expected value of the communication delay, i.e., the expected value communication delay information, using the first connection probability, the second connection probability, the first communication delay value, and the second communication delay value at the reference position corresponding to the requested location information when the usage information indicates non-real-time communication other than real-time communication. The transmitting unit sends a radio waveform response containing either the minimum guaranteed communication delay information or the expected value communication delay information.

5. A radio wave image acquisition and utilization device, mounted on a mobile body, wherein, The radio wave image acquisition and utilization device has the following features: The location information generation unit determines the requested location and generates the requested location information. Application information generation unit, which generates application information indicating the application of the radio wave diagram; The transmitting unit sends a radio chart request containing the requested location information and the usage information to the radio chart providing device. The receiving unit receives a radio chart response from the radio chart providing device that includes minimum guaranteed speed information at a reference position corresponding to the requested position information when the purpose information included in the radio chart request indicates real-time communication; and receives a radio chart response from the radio chart providing device that includes expected speed information at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information when the purpose information included in the radio chart request indicates non-real-time communication other than real-time communication. as well as The wireless communication unit communicates wirelessly with an external communication device based on the minimum guaranteed speed information or the expected speed information contained in the radio wave response. The radio wave diagram includes location information, external communication device identification information, a first communication speed, a second communication speed, a first connection probability, and a second connection probability.

6. The radio wave image acquisition and utilization device according to claim 5, wherein, When the purpose information included in the radio chart request indicates real-time communication, the receiving unit receives from the radio chart providing device a radio chart response containing minimum guaranteed communication delay information at a reference position corresponding to the requested position information; when the purpose information included in the radio chart request indicates non-real-time communication other than real-time communication, the receiving unit receives from the radio chart providing device a radio chart response containing expected value communication delay information at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information. The wireless communication unit communicates wirelessly with the external communication device based on the minimum guaranteed communication delay information or the expected value communication delay information contained in the radio wave response.

7. A method for generating a radio wave map, performed by a radio wave map generating device that receives detection information from a detection information transmitting device mounted on a moving body and generates a radio wave map, wherein, In the radio wave diagram generation method, The system receives multiple detection messages, each containing location information indicating the location of the moving body, propagation environment information indicating the radio wave propagation path used by the moving body in wireless communication with an external communication device at that location, external communication device identification information for identifying the external communication device, and a timestamp indicating the time when the detection messages were generated. The propagation environment information includes radio wave intensity. Based on multiple detection information, when the external communication device performing the wireless communication at the location is a first external communication device and a second external communication device, a first communication speed is calculated based on the propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path between the first external communication device and the second external communication device, i.e., the first propagation environment information. A second communication speed is calculated based on the propagation environment information of the radio wave propagation path between the second external communication device and the third external communication device, i.e., the second propagation environment information. The communication speed calculation unit prepares a table in advance representing the relationship between the radio wave intensity and the communication speed, and calculates the communication speed corresponding to the range to which the radio wave intensity belongs. Based on the multiple detection information, the probability of wireless communication with the first external communication device at the location, i.e., the first connection probability, and the probability of wireless communication with the second external communication device, i.e., the second connection probability, are calculated. The location information, the external communication device identification information, the first communication speed and the second communication speed, and the first connection probability and the second connection probability are stored.

8. A method for providing radio waveforms, performed by a radio waveform providing device that receives a radio waveform request from a radio waveform acquisition and utilization device mounted on a mobile body and sends the required information, wherein... The radio wave image providing device includes a radio wave image storage unit, which stores reference position information representing a reference position, the communication speed (i.e., a first communication speed) between the reference position and a first external communication device, the communication speed (i.e., a second communication speed) between the reference position and a second external communication device, the probability of wireless communication with the first external communication device at the reference position (i.e., a first connection probability), and the probability of wireless communication with the second external communication device at the reference position (i.e., a second connection probability). In the method for providing the radio wave map, The radio wave map request is received. The radio wave map request includes request location information indicating the requested location and purpose information indicating the purpose of the radio wave map. The purpose information is a real-time communication flag, indicating whether it is real-time or non-real-time communication. In the case of real-time communication where the usage information indicates real-time communication, the smaller of the first communication speed and the second communication speed at the reference location corresponding to the requested location information is selected as the minimum guaranteed speed information. When the purpose information indicates non-real-time communication other than real-time communication, the expected value of the communication speed, i.e., the expected value speed information, is calculated using the first connection probability, the second connection probability, the first communication speed, and the second communication speed at the reference location corresponding to the requested location information. Send a radio waveform response containing the minimum guaranteed speed information or the expected speed information.

9. A method for acquiring and utilizing radio waves, performed by a radio wave acquisition and utilization device mounted on a moving body, wherein, In the method for acquiring and utilizing radio waves, Determine the location of the request and generate the request location information. Generate application information indicating the intended use of the radio wave diagram. The radio wave map request, which includes the requested location information and the usage information, is sent to the radio wave map providing device. If the purpose information included in the radio chart request indicates real-time communication, the radio chart provider receives a radio chart response containing minimum guaranteed velocity information at a reference position corresponding to the requested position information. If the purpose information included in the radio chart request indicates non-real-time communication other than real-time communication, the radio chart provider receives a radio chart response containing expected velocity information at the reference position corresponding to the requested position information. Based on the minimum guaranteed velocity information or the expected velocity information contained in the radio wave response, wireless communication is conducted with an external communication device. The radio wave diagram includes location information, external communication device identification information, a first communication speed, a second communication speed, a first connection probability, and a second connection probability.

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