Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device according to the present invention is provided with a determination processing unit that performs parameter determination processing for determining a phase ranging-based parameter using a wireless communication band, on the basis of the use state of the wireless communication band.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present technology relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and particularly to a processing technology related to ranging by a phase-based method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, indoor positioning technology has attracted attention. Since radio waves from satellites do not reach indoors, there is a problem that signals from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as the global positioning system (GPS) cannot be received, and various methods have been proposed. For example, there are pedestrian dead reckoning (PDR) that measures the user's movement and movement amount through multiple sensors such as acceleration sensors and gyro sensors, a method of estimating the position by collating geomagnetic data, a method of estimating the distance by the flight time from when light is projected to when light is received (time of flight (ToF)), etc.

[0003] Note that the following patent documents can be cited as related conventional technologies.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-124181

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-223593 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0009] However, for example, in the PDR method, the ranging error is accumulated, but there is no means for correcting the ranging error. In addition, in the method requiring data collation of geomagnetic data, etc., it is essential to create a preliminary map, and there is a big problem in operation, for example, when the layout is changed or the map is changed, it is necessary to recreate the collated data. The ToF method is greatly affected by shadows (deterioration of ranging performance due to the human body), and there is a problem that the correct distance cannot be measured unless the environment is a good foreground environment.

[0010] In order to solve these problems, distance measurement technology using wireless signals has attracted more attention than before. Technologies for distance measurement using wireless communications such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE: Bluetooth is a registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Long Term Evolution (LTE) have been proposed. These methods do not require prior learning, etc., and are easy to develop into applications.

[0011] However, it is expected to further improve the ranging accuracy in the ranging technology using wireless signals. At present, a method using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) is commercialized as a solution. This is a method of determining if the signal is larger, the closer it is and if the signal is smaller, the farther it is, but it is known that the signal is susceptible to multipath (reflected waves). In addition, there is a problem of large errors in the received signal strength depending on the antenna angle.

[0012] As a method for solving these problems, a phase-based method has attracted attention. A phase-based method is a method for calculating a distance based on a phase characteristic of a signal propagation path used for communication relative to a frequency. Specifically, in a phase-based method, wireless signal communication is performed between at least two communication devices while changing the frequency, and a phase characteristic relative to the frequency of the signal propagation path is obtained. Then, the distance between the two communication devices can be obtained based on the phase characteristic.

[0013] Furthermore, by performing distance measurement between the target device and at least three communication devices, the position of the target device can be obtained from the distance information based on triangulation, that is, positioning can be performed.

[0014] Here, unlike the ranging method such as the RSSI method, the phase-based method requires wireless communication between two communication devices in two directions while changing the frequency at the time of distance measurement, and therefore, the occupancy rate of the wireless communication band is relatively high. Therefore, in the case where there are multiple groups of communication devices performing distance measurement in a certain space, communication conflicts (radio wave interference) are prone to occur, and as a result, there is a possibility that the ranging accuracy is deteriorated.

[0015] The present technology has been proposed in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present technology is to reduce the possibility of communication conflict and effectively use a limited wireless communication band when performing phase-based ranging.

[0016] Solution to the problem

[0017] An information processing device according to the present technology includes a determination processing unit that performs parameter determination processing for determining a parameter based on phase ranging for using a wireless communication frequency band based on a use status of the wireless communication frequency band.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the parameters based on phase ranging can be determined according to the congestion state of the wireless communication band. For example, if the wireless communication band is congested, measures such as extending the execution interval of the phase characteristic measurement process or reducing the number of frequencies and antennas to be used can be taken. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1: is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a positioning system including an information processing device according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0020] Figure 2 : is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of an information processing device as an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of a wireless communication module included in the information processing device as an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of a communication device in an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a pattern example of phase measurement in the phase-based method.

[0024] Figure 6 is an illustration of the phase of a signal propagation path measured in a phase-based method.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the phase characteristics of a signal propagation path with respect to frequency.

[0026] Figure 8 The following is an explanatory diagram of an example of a positioning method.

[0027] Fig. 9 A diagram for explaining an example of a specific communication technique between communication devices in a phase-based method.

[0028] Fig.10 This is a functional block diagram for explaining functions provided in the information processing device as an embodiment.

[0029] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure performed by an information processing apparatus to realize the first example of the technology.

[0030] Fig.12 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure performed by an information processing apparatus to realize the second example of the technology.

[0031] Fig.13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an information processing apparatus in a third example of the technology.

[0032] Fig.14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure to be performed by an information processing apparatus to implement the third example of the technology.

[0033] Fig.15is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure that the information processing apparatus performs to implement the fourth example of the technology.

[0034] Fig.16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure that the information processing apparatus performs to implement the fifth example of the technology.

[0035] Fig.17 is an explanatory diagram of a parameter determination method as a sixth example of the technology.

[0036] Fig.18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific processing procedure that the information processing apparatus performs to realize the sixth example of the technology.

[0037] Fig.19 is an explanatory diagram of a parameter determination method as another example in the sixth example of the technology.

[0038] Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the positioning system.

[0039] Fig.21 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the information processing apparatus in the first another example.

[0040] Fig. 22 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the information processing apparatus in the second another example.

[0041] Fig.23 : is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result of the amplitude of each frequency calculated in the process of the phase measurement of each frequency.

[0042] Fig.24 is a diagram showing waveforms of distances calculated at a plurality of points when phase-based ranging is performed for a predetermined time at the plurality of points in a stationary state.

[0043] Fig.25 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the information processing device in the third another example.

[0044] Fig.26 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the information processing device in the fourth another example.

[0045] Fig. 27 This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of process sharing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will be described in the following order with reference to the drawings.

[0047] <1. Overview of Positioning System of Embodiment>

[0048] (1-1. Configuration example of positioning system)

[0049] (1-2. Internal Configuration Example of Information Processing Device)

[0050] (1-3. Internal configuration example of communication equipment)

[0051] (1-4. Ranging and positioning by phase-based methods)

[0052] <2. Positioning Technology as an Implementation Method>

[0053] (2-1. First Example of Technology)

[0054] (2-2. Second Example of Technology)

[0055] (2-3. Third Example of Technology)

[0056] (2-4. Fourth Example of Technology)

[0057] (2-5. Fifth Example of Technology)

[0058] (2-6. Sixth Example of Technology)

[0059] <3. Another example of system configuration>

[0060] <4. Another Example of Using Status Information Generation>

[0061] (4-1. First another example)

[0062] (4-2. Second Another Example)

[0063] (4-3. Third Another Example)

[0064] (4-4. Fourth Another Example)

[0065] <5. Modifications>

[0066] <6. Overview of Implementation Methods>

[0067] <7. This technology>

[0068] <1. Overview of Positioning System of Embodiment>

[0069] (1-1. Configuration example of positioning system)

[0070] Figure 1 : is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a positioning system including the information processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0071] As shown in the figure, the positioning system includes an information processing device 1 and a plurality of communication devices 2 capable of wirelessly communicating with the information processing device 1 .

[0072] The information processing device 1 is configured as a computer device equipped with a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). In this example, the information processing device 1 is assumed to be a smart phone, but the information processing device 1 may be another computer device such as a tablet terminal or a personal computer (e.g., a notebook type, etc.).

[0073] In the present embodiment, wireless communication as short-range wireless communication can be performed between the information processing apparatus 1 and the communication device 2. Specifically, in the present example, wireless communication can be performed by the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE; Bluetooth is a registered trademark) method.

[0074] In this case, a device serving as a BLE beacon is used as the communication device 2 .

[0075] In this embodiment, the information processing device 1 performs wireless communication with multiple communication devices 2 via BLE, and performs distance measurement with multiple communication devices 2 using a phase-based method. Then, in this example, the information processing device 1 performs positioning processing on its own position by using these distance measurement results.

[0076] Note that specific techniques of ranging by a phase-based method and positioning using the ranging results will be described again later.

[0077] (1-2. Internal Configuration Example of Information Processing Device)

[0078] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the information processing device 1 .

[0079] As shown in the figure, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11. The CPU 11 executes various processes according to a program stored in a ROM 12 or a nonvolatile storage unit 14 such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEP-ROM) or a program loaded from a storage unit 19 to a RAM 13. In addition, the RAM 13 appropriately stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes.

[0080] The programs here may include: an application program for realizing positioning based on the ranging result of the phase-based method, and an application program for realizing various functions using the positioning result (such as a navigation function).

[0081] The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the nonvolatile storage unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 23. An input / output interface (I / F) 15 is also connected to the bus 23.

[0082] An input unit 16 including an operating element or operating means is connected to the input / output interface 15. As the input unit 16, for example, various types of operating elements and operating means such as a keyboard, a mouse, a key, a dial, a touch panel, a touch pad, and a remote controller are assumed.

[0083] The operation is detected by the input unit 16 , and a signal corresponding to the detected operation is interpreted by the CPU 11 .

[0084] Furthermore, a display unit 17 including a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence (EL) panel, or the like, and an audio output unit 18 including a speaker or the like are connected to the input / output interface 15 integrally or individually.

[0085] The display unit 17 is used to display various types of information, and includes, for example, a display device provided in the housing of the information processing device 1 , a separate display device connected to the information processing device 1 , or the like.

[0086] The display unit 17 performs display of images for various image processing, moving images to be processed, etc. on the display screen based on the instructions from the CPU 11. In addition, the display unit 17 displays various operation menus, icons, messages, etc. based on the instructions from the CPU 11, that is, performs display as a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0087] In some cases, a storage unit 19 including a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state memory, or the like, and a communication unit 20 including a modem or the like are connected to the input / output interface 15 .

[0088] The communication unit 20 communicates with external devices via a network line such as the Internet.

[0089] Furthermore, the drive 21 is also connected to the input / output interface 15 as necessary, and a removable recording medium 22 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory is appropriately mounted.

[0090] A data file such as a program for each process can be read from the removable recording medium 22 through the drive 21. The read data file is stored in the storage unit 19, and an image or audio included in the data file is output by the display unit 17 or the audio output unit 18. In addition, a computer program or the like read from the removable recording medium 22 is installed in the storage unit 19 as needed.

[0091] Furthermore, the wireless communication module 30 is connected to the input / output interface 15 .

[0092] The wireless communication module 30 is a communication module for performing short-range wireless communication with an external device. Specifically, in this example, the wireless communication module 30 is configured to be able to perform wireless communication with the communication device 2 through BLE.

[0093] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the wireless communication module 30 .

[0094] As shown in the figure, the wireless communication module 30 includes an operation unit 31, a modulator 32, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 33, a transmitting unit 34, a frequency synthesizer 37, an RF switch (SW) 38, an antenna 39, a receiving unit 40, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 47.

[0095] As described above, the wireless communication module 30 in this example can perform wireless communication via BLE, but in BLE, the time of operations requiring high power (such as connection establishment or data communication) can be reduced as much as possible. Therefore, power consumption can be suppressed and the wireless communication module 30 can be miniaturized.

[0096] The modulator 32 performs a signal modulation process for wireless communication with the communication device 2. Here, as the modulation process, for example, IQ modulation is performed. In IQ modulation, each signal of an I channel (in-phase: in-phase component) and a Q channel (quadrature: quadrature component) is used as a baseband signal.

[0097] The modulator 32 performs modulation processing as IQ modulation on the data to be transmitted supplied from the operation unit 31 .

[0098] The DAC 33 converts the digital signal from the modulator 32 into an analog signal. The analog signal converted by the DAC 33 is supplied to the transmission unit 34.

[0099] The transmission unit 34 is a block for transmitting a signal by wireless communication. As shown in the figure, the transmission unit 34 includes a band pass filter (BPF) 35 and a mixer 36. The BPF 35 passes only a signal of a specific frequency band. That is, for the analog signal from the DAC 33, the BPF 35 provides only a signal of a specific frequency band to the mixer 36.

[0100] The mixer 36 mixes the local oscillation frequency supplied from the frequency synthesizer 37 and the signal supplied from the BPF 35 to convert the signal into a transmission frequency for wireless communication.

[0101] The frequency synthesizer 37 provides frequencies for transmission and reception. Specifically, the frequency synthesizer 37 includes a local oscillator for converting high-frequency signals and baseband signals for wireless communication.

[0102] The RF switch 38 is a switch that switches a radio frequency (RF) signal. The RF switch 38 connects the transmission unit 34 to the antenna 39 when transmitting, and connects the reception unit 40 to the antenna 39 when receiving.

[0103] The antenna 39 is an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals by wireless communication.

[0104] The receiving unit 40 is a block that receives a signal through wireless communication. As shown in the figure, the receiving unit 40 includes a low noise amplifier (LNA) 41, a mixer 42, a BPF 43, a variable gain amplifier (VGA) 44, a BPF 45, and a VGA 46.

[0105] The LNA 41 amplifies the RF signal received by the antenna 39. The mixer 42 mixes the signal supplied from the LNA 41 with the local oscillation frequency supplied from the frequency synthesizer 37 to obtain each of an I channel signal and a Q channel signal. The I channel signal (indicated as "Ich" in the figure) is supplied to the BPF 43, and the Q channel signal (indicated as "Qch" in the figure) is supplied to the BPF 45.

[0106] The I channel signal obtained by the mixer 42 is input to the BPF 43, and only the signal in a specific frequency band is extracted and supplied to the VGA 44. On the other hand, the Q channel signal obtained by the mixer 42 is input to the BPF 45, and only the signal in a specific frequency band is extracted and supplied to the VGA 46.

[0107] The VGA 44 and the VGA 46 function as an analog variable gain amplifier that adjusts the gain of the I channel signal supplied from the BPF 43 and an analog variable gain amplifier that adjusts the gain of the Q channel signal supplied from the BPF 45 , respectively.

[0108] The ADC 47 converts the I channel signal and the Q channel signal from the receiving unit 40 (ie, the I channel signal and the Q channel signal output via the VGA 44 and the VGA 46 ) from analog signals to digital signals.

[0109] The I channel and Q channel signals converted into digital signals are supplied to the operation unit 31 .

[0110] The arithmetic unit 31 includes, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and the CPU executes various processes according to a program stored in the ROM or a program loaded from the ROM to the RAM.

[0111] For example, the operation unit 31 performs a process of supplying data to be transmitted to the modulator 32 and modulating the data. In addition, the operation unit 31 also performs a process of demodulating received data based on the data of each of the I channel signal and the Q channel signal supplied from the ADC 47, and the like.

[0112] Furthermore, the operation unit 31 may also perform communication error detection processing on a reception signal input via the antenna 39 based on an error detection code such as a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code.

[0113] In addition, the operation unit 31 in this example has Figure 3 The functions of the frequency-dependent phase characteristic acquisition unit 31 a and the distance calculation unit 31 b shown in FIG. 1 serve as a function for performing distance measurement using wireless communication.

[0114] The frequency-dependent phase characteristic acquisition unit 31a acquires phase characteristics related to the frequency of the signal propagation path of the communication device 2. In this example, as ranging using wireless communication, in order to perform ranging by a phase-based method, a process of acquiring phase characteristics regarding the frequency of the signal propagation path is performed.

[0115] The distance calculation unit 31 b calculates the distance to the communication device 2 based on the phase characteristic correlated with the frequency of the signal propagation path acquired by the frequency-correlated phase characteristic acquisition unit 31 a .

[0116] (1-3. Internal configuration example of communication equipment)

[0117] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration example of the communication device 2.

[0118] From Figure 3 It can be seen from the comparison that the internal configuration of the communication device 2 is similar to the internal configuration of the wireless communication module 30, and repeated description is avoided.

[0119] It should be noted that, in the communication device 2, although the distance calculation unit 31b is not essential and is not shown, a configuration including the distance calculation unit 31b is also possible.

[0120] (1-4. Ranging and positioning by phase-based methods)

[0121] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern of phase measurement in a phase-based method. In the phase-based method, the phase is measured based on the result of wireless communication while changing the frequency between two devices having a wireless communication function (i.e., between the information processing device 1 (wireless communication module 30) and the communication device 2 in this example).

[0122] At this time, first, if Figure 5 As shown in A in FIG. 1 , a measurement signal is sent from the information processing device 1 (initiator) to the communication device 2 (reflector).

[0123] Here, the initiator refers to a device on one side that performs a distance calculation process based on a measured phase, and the reflector refers to a device that pairs with the initiator and exchanges a measurement signal with the initiator.

[0124] It should be noted that Figure 5 The flow of measurement signals related to phase measurement is mainly shown, and, for example, the modulator 32 , the DAC 33 , the frequency synthesizer 37 , and the ADC 47 are not shown.

[0125] exist Figure 5 In A of FIG. 1 , in the information processing device 1 as the initiator, the operation unit 31 transmits the measurement signal from the antenna 39 via the transmission unit 34. In addition, in the communication device 2 as the reflector, the measurement signal is received by the reception unit 40 via the antenna 39.

[0126] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in B in FIG. 1 , the measurement signal is returned from the communication device 2 to the information processing device 1. That is, in the communication device 2, the operation unit 31 transmits the measurement signal from the antenna 39 via the transmission unit 34, and in the information processing device 1, the receiving unit 40 receives the measurement signal via the antenna 39. Therefore, the phase characteristic between the information processing device 1 and the communication device 2 is measured in the operation unit 31. By performing reciprocating communication in this way, the phase characteristic between the two devices can be appropriately measured.

[0127] Figure 6 is an illustration of the phase θ of a signal propagation path measured in the phase-based method.

[0128] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown in A in FIG. 1 , when the measurement signal is transmitted from the information processing device 1 side to the communication device 2 side, the communication device 2 measures the signal phase φ of the measurement signal. Here, the signal phase φ measured when the measurement signal is transmitted from the information processing device 1 (initiator) side to the communication device 2 (reflector) side in this way is referred to as “φ IR ”.

[0129] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown in B in FIG. 1 , when the measurement signal is transmitted from the communication device 2 side to the information processing device 1 side, the information processing device 1 measures the signal phase φ of the measurement signal. The signal phase φ measured when the measurement signal is transmitted from the communication device 2 side to the information processing device 1 side in this way is referred to as “φ RI ”.

[0130] Here, when the I channel signal and the Q channel signal obtained by receiving the measurement signal are set to "I" and "Q", respectively, the signal phase φ is obtained by the following [Formula 1].

[0131] φ=tan -1 ×Q / I......[Formula 1]

[0132] Then, in the phase-based method, based on the above signal phase φ IR Sum signal phase φ RI The phase θ of the signal propagation path is obtained. Specifically, by IR Sum signal phase φ RI The phase θ is obtained by averaging. In addition to obtaining the signal phase φ IR Sum signal phase φ RI In addition to calculating the average value, the signal phase φ can also be calculated. IR Sum signal phase φ RI The calculation of addition.

[0133] In the phase-based method, while the frequency of the measurement signal is sequentially changed within a predetermined frequency band, the measurement of the phase θ as described above is performed for each frequency. In other words, the measurement of the phase θ is performed for each of the multiple frequencies. It should be noted that as the "predetermined frequency band" here, for example, in the case of BLE, it is conceivable to use a frequency band determined as a use frequency band on the communication standard, such as the 2.4 GHz band (a frequency band from 2400 MHz to 2480 MHz).

[0134] When the phase θ is measured for each frequency within a predetermined frequency band as described above, the Figure 7 The measurement results are shown in A in FIG. The black circles in the figure represent the measurement results of the phase θ at each frequency.

[0135] Figure 7 The results shown in A can be rephrased as the phase characteristics relative to the frequency of the signal propagation path.

[0136] In the phase-based method, the distance is measured based on the change pattern of the phase θ when the frequency changes. Specifically, in the characteristics of the phase θ relative to the frequency change, such as Figure 7 The magnitude of the inclination of the phase θ shown in B in FIG. 1 is related to the magnitude of the distance. At this time, the steeper the inclination of the phase θ, the greater the distance. Therefore, the distance can be calculated based on the inclination of the phase θ.

[0137] A method of obtaining a group delay τ from the inclination of the phase θ and multiplying the group delay τ by the speed of light (=299792458 m / s) can be considered as an example of a specific distance calculation method. The group delay τ is used to eliminate the influence of the 2π uncertainty of the phase. It should be noted that the group delay τ is obtained by differentiating the phase θ with the angular frequency ω.

[0138] Here, the calculation method of the distance based on the characteristics of the phase θ relative to the frequency (that is, the phase characteristics relative to the frequency of the signal propagation path) is not limited to the above method, and various methods can be considered. For example, it is conceivable to adopt a method of acquiring not only the characteristics of the phase θ relative to the frequency but also the characteristics of the amplitude relative to the frequency, in other words, acquiring not only the frequency characteristics of the phase θ but also the frequency characteristics of the amplitude, converting the frequency characteristics of the phase θ and the amplitude into a time response waveform by an inverse Fourier transform such as an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT), and obtaining the distance based on the time response waveform.

[0139] Since the phase θ changes according to the frequency, in principle, ranging by the phase-based method can be performed by measuring the phase θ of at least two or more frequencies.

[0140] like Figure 6 As shown, the phase-based method is a method of calculating the distance by obtaining the phase θ from the measurement results of the signal phase φ in both directions from the information processing device 1 to the communication device 2 and from the communication device 2 to the information processing device 1, and this method, in other words, can be said to be a method of obtaining the distance based on the relative difference information of the signal phase φ. Therefore, the phase-based method has an advantage in that the distance measurement accuracy can be prevented from being deteriorated due to the absolute value of the circuit delay of each block related to signal transmission and reception and the change value caused by temperature characteristics.

[0141] Here, in this specification, Figure 7 The measurement of "phase characteristics with respect to the frequency of the signal propagation path" shown in A in FIG. 1 is called "phase characteristic measurement". In addition, the communication processing performed between the communication devices as the initiator and the reflector of the "phase characteristic measurement", that is, the communication processing performed while changing the frequency between the communication devices in order to measure the phase θ of each frequency while changing the frequency is called "phase characteristic measurement communication processing".

[0142] Furthermore, in the following description, the distance obtained by the phase-based method is referred to as “distance D”.

[0143] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 Describe the positioning.

[0144] If the information processing device 1 can measure the distance to each of at least three communication devices 2 and can specify the distance D to each of the three communication devices 2, the information processing device 1 can specify the position of the information processing device 1 by the triangulation method. Specifically, because the arrangement position of each communication device 2 as a beacon is known, such as in Figure 8 As shown in A in FIG. 1 , the position of the information processing device 1 can be obtained as the intersection of three circles (× marks in the figure), each circle being centered at the position of the communication device 2 and having a distance D (D1 to D3 in the figure) to the communication device 2 as a radius.

[0145] However, in reality, it is rare for three circles to intersect at a single point. That is, even if the circles intersect, there are usually multiple intersection points P. Figure 8 B in FIG. 1 shows a state in which the three circles do not intersect at a single point and a total of six intersection points P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, and P6 are generated by the three circles. In this case, the position of the positioning target device (i.e., the information processing device 1) can be calculated based on the area formed by these intersection points P. Specifically, a method can be mentioned in which three points that can be selected from the six intersection points P are specified, and the three points minimize the area of ​​the triangle formed by connecting these points, in other words, the three intersection points P (three points, i.e., the intersection points P2, P4, and P5 in the example of the figure) that form the portion where the three circles overlap each other, and the centroid position of the triangle formed by the three points is obtained as the position of the positioning target device.

[0146] Note that the positioning calculation method of specifying the position of the positioning target device by using the distance D to each of the plurality of communication apparatuses 2 is not limited to the positioning calculation method by the centroid method (center of mass method) as described above, and various methods can be considered and are not limited to a specific method.

[0147] <2. Positioning technology as an implementation method>

[0148] As reference Figures 5 to 7 As described above, in phase-based ranging, since wireless communication must be performed bidirectionally between two communication devices while changing frequency, the occupancy rate of a wireless communication band is higher than that of a ranging method such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) method.

[0149] Reference Fig. 9 An example of a specific communication method between communication devices in a phase-based scheme is described.

[0150] Fig. 9A timing diagram of communication and phase measurement in a phase-based method is shown, and a case where two communication devices 2 are present as base stations and two information processing devices 1 are present as terminals in a target space is shown. Here, the two communication devices 2 are referred to as "communication device_A" and "communication device_B", and the two information processing devices 1 are referred to as "information processing device_1" and "information processing device_2".

[0151] Before starting phase characteristic measurement for ranging, preliminary communication is performed between the base station and the terminal. In this preliminary communication, necessary information is exchanged to achieve timing alignment for phase characteristic measurement and the like.

[0152] As shown in the accompanying drawings, in pre-communication, first, information processing device_1 and communication device_A communicate with each other, and information processing device_2 and communication device_B communicate with each other at the same time ("communication_1A" and "communication_2B" in the accompanying drawings). This is because different frequency channels are used, so they can communicate at the same time without interfering with each other. Next, in pre-communication, information processing device_1 and communication device_B, and information processing device_2 and communication device_A communicate with each other at the same time ("communication_1B" and "communication_2A" in the figure).

[0153] After the pre-communication, communication for phase characteristic measurement is performed between the communication devices. In the phase characteristic measurement, for example, a frequency band with a constant width such as a frequency band of 2400 MHz to 2480 MHz is used, and therefore there is a possibility that interference occurs when multiple groups of communication devices perform measurement at the same time. Fig. 9 In the example of , phase characteristic measurement is performed for each group of communication devices in a time-division manner. Specifically, phase characteristic measurement is performed in a time-division manner in the order of phase characteristic measurement between information processing device_1 and communication device_A ("Phase characteristic measurement_1A" shown in the figure), phase characteristic measurement between information processing device_2 and communication device_A ("Phase characteristic measurement_2A" in the figure), phase characteristic measurement between information processing device_1 and communication device_B ("Phase characteristic measurement_1B" in the figure), and phase characteristic measurement between information processing device_2 and communication device_B ("Phase characteristic measurement_2B" in the figure).

[0154] Based on the above premise, the upper limit value of the number of terminals that can be measured simultaneously in the case of BLE will be considered.

[0155] [Formula 2] described below is a formula that represents an example of the relationship between the wireless communication band and the number of terminals in the target space.

[0156] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0157]

[0158] In [Formula 2], N term represents the number of terminals (in this example, terminal devices: information processing device 1), N base represents the number of base stations (in this example, the base station: communication device 2), k represents the radio wave occupancy rate, T pos Represents the positioning cycle, T adv represents the advertising communication time of each positioning cycle of a base station, T ACL represents the access control list (ACL) communication time of each positioning cycle of a terminal, and T pmes Indicates the time required for one phase characteristic measurement.

[0159] For example, let N base (The number of communication devices 2 arranged in the target space) = 4. In addition, it is assumed that the radio wave occupancy rate = 1 and T pos = 1 second (second). In addition, assuming that T ACL = 21.16 msec and T pmes =7.449 msec (in the case of frequency channel for phase characteristic measurement = 80 ch) corresponds to the case of BLE.

[0160] Under this condition, according to [Formula 2], N term Less than or equal to "19". That is, in a certain target space, when 19 terminals attempt to perform phase characteristic measurement in the same period to achieve a positioning period T pos = When positioning with a periodicity of 1 second, communication conflicts may occur logically.

[0161] As understood from the above-described example, in phase-based ranging, the occupancy rate of the wireless communication band is relatively high, and communication conflicts (radio interference) tend to occur easily.

[0162] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when performing phase-based ranging, the possibility of communication collision is reduced, and a limited wireless communication band is effectively used.

[0163] Fig.10 This is a functional block diagram for explaining functions of an embodiment of the CPU 11 in the information processing device 1 .

[0164] As shown in the figure, the CPU 11 has a function as a determination processing unit F1. The determination processing unit F1 performs parameter determination processing for determining parameters of phase-based ranging using the wireless communication band based on the usage status of the wireless communication band. In this example, the parameter determination processing is performed based on usage status information indicating the usage status of the wireless communication band.

[0165] For example, it is conceivable that the information processing device 1 performs carrier sensing on the wireless communication band to obtain usage information. Carrier sensing is commonly used in the field of wireless communication and is widely known as a function of confirming whether the wireless channel (frequency channel) to be transmitted is in use before starting transmission to prevent collision.

[0166] Specifically, the CPU 11 in this example sends Figure 3 The operation unit 31 shown in issues an instruction causing the operation unit to perform carrier sensing on each frequency of the wireless communication band used in phase-based ranging and acquire information indicating use / non-use of each frequency obtained as a result of the carrier sensing as use status information.

[0167] Note that the use of the status information is not limited to using the information indicating the execution result of the carrier sense. This point will be described again later.

[0168] Here, the parameters of phase-based ranging broadly refer to various parameters that can be adjusted in phase-based ranging, such as parameters related to time elements such as the execution interval of phase characteristic measurement communication processing and the phase measurement time in phase-based ranging, parameters related to the frequency used in phase-based ranging, and parameters related to the number of antennas used in phase-based ranging.

[0169] As a technique for determining parameters, for example, six techniques from the first example of the technique to the sixth example of the technique described below can be exemplified. Through these parameter determination techniques, for a limited wireless communication band, the band occupancy in the frequency domain and the time band occupancy are reduced. As a result, in the case where there are multiple groups of communication devices performing distance measurement in the target space, the possibility of communication conflict is reduced.

[0170] (2-1. First Example of Technology)

[0171] In the first example of the technique, a process of determining the number of frequencies at which phase measurement is performed is performed as a parameter determination process.

[0172] Specifically, in this case, the CPU 11 determines whether the wireless communication band is congested based on the usage status information. For example, as in this example, in the case where the execution result information of the carrier sensing is used as the usage status information, it is conceivable that, for example, a determination is performed to determine whether the number of frequencies in use is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0173] Then, in the case where it is determined that the wireless communication band is not congested, the CPU 11 determines the frequency channel for performing phase measurement (measurement of the above-mentioned phase θ) as a full frequency channel. That is, for example, as an example of description, assuming that there are a total of 80 available frequency channels from 2401 MHz to 2480 MHz in increments of 1 MHz, 80 channels are determined as frequency channels for phase measurement.

[0174] On the other hand, when it is determined that the wireless communication band is congested, the CPU 11 determines the frequency channel for phase measurement as a frequency channel obtained by excluding a part of the frequency channels from the full frequency channels. For example, when a total of 80 channels are available as in the above example, for example, it is conceivable that 40 channels as half are determined as frequency channels for phase measurement.

[0175] Then, the CPU 11 controls the arithmetic unit 31 to perform phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using the determined frequency channel.

[0176] Note that, in the above, as an example of description, an example has been described in which available frequencies exist at uniform intervals of 1 MHz. However, there are cases where channels are not allowed to be used, such as advertising channels in BLE, and available frequencies are not limited to uniform intervals.

[0177] By performing parameter determination as the first example of the technology as described above, it is possible to reduce the frequency band occupancy in the frequency domain related to ranging in response to the situation where the wireless communication band is congested. Specifically, in the case where there are multiple information processing devices 1 that perform phase-based ranging in the target space, if each information processing device 1 determines the parameter as the first example of the technology, the possibility of communication conflict can be reduced.

[0178] Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure executed by the CPU 11 to realize the first example of the technology.

[0179] In step S101, the CPU 11 performs a usage status information acquisition process. In this example, as described above, the usage status information is information on the execution result of carrier sensing, and therefore, in step S101, the CPU 11 causes the operation unit 31 to perform carrier sensing on each frequency of the wireless communication frequency band used in phase-based ranging, and acquires information indicating use / non-use of each frequency obtained as a result of carrier sensing as usage status information.

[0180] In step S102 after step S101, the CPU 11 determines whether the frequency band is congested. That is, in this example, the CPU 11 determines whether the number of used frequencies is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value in response to using the carrier sense execution result information as the use status information.

[0181] In step S102, for example, when the number of used frequencies is not greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value and a judgment result indicating that the frequency band is not congested is obtained, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S103 and performs execution control of phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using all frequency channels (ch). That is, in the above example of all channels = 80 channels, the control operation unit 31 performs phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using 80 channels.

[0182] On the other hand, in step S102, for example, when the number of frequencies in use is greater than a predetermined threshold value and a judgment result indicating that the frequency band is congested is obtained, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S104 to perform execution control of phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using frequency bands other than a part of the frequency bands. That is, in the case of the above-mentioned example of all channels = 80 channels, for example, the control operation unit 31 performs phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using half of the 40 channels.

[0183] The CPU 11 terminates the process in response to the execution of either the process of step S103 or the process of step S104. Fig.11 A series of processes shown in .

[0184] It should be noted that in Fig.11 In the series of processes shown in , the frequencies for which phase measurement is to be performed are divided into all frequencies or a part of the frequencies (steps S103 and S104) according to the result of the determination process of whether the frequency band is congested in step S102. In this sense, the processes of steps S102, S103, and S104 correspond to the process of determining the parameters of phase-based ranging based on the usage status information.

[0185] (2-2. Second Example of Technology)

[0186] In the second example of the technique, a process of determining a frequency range in which phase measurement is performed is performed as a parameter determination process.

[0187] Here, in the second example of the technology, it is assumed that the frequency in the phase characteristic measurement is changed as a frequency sweep. Specifically, the frequency in the phase characteristic measurement is changed in one of an up sweep in which the frequency gradually increases and a down sweep in which the frequency gradually decreases.

[0188] First, in this case, the CPU 11 also determines whether the wireless communication band is congested based on the usage status information. In this example, corresponding to using the information about the execution result of the carrier sensing as the usage status information, a determination is performed, for example, as a determination as to whether the number of frequencies in use is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0189] Then, in the case where it is determined that the wireless communication band is not congested, the CPU 11 determines the frequency range (i.e., the frequency scanning range) for performing phase measurement as the first scanning range in this case. Specifically, for example, in the case where the available frequency band is 2401 MHz to 2480 MHz, the first scanning range is, for example, the range of 2401 MHz to 2480 MHz, which is the full frequency range (however, in the case where there is a frequency that is not allowed to be used in the full frequency range, the frequency is excluded).

[0190] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the wireless communication band is congested, the CPU 11 determines the frequency range for performing phase measurement to be a second scanning range narrower than the first scanning range. For example, the second scanning range may be a half frequency range of the first scanning range. For example, in this case, the second scanning range may be a range from 2401 MHz to 2440 MHz, a range from 2441 MHz to 2480 MHz, etc.

[0191] Then, the CPU 11 controls the arithmetic unit 31 to perform phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation within the determined frequency range.

[0192] By performing parameter determination as the second example of the technology as described above, the band occupancy in the frequency domain related to ranging can be reduced in response to the situation where the wireless communication band is congested. Specifically, in the case where there are multiple information processing devices 1 that perform phase-based ranging in the target space, if each information processing device 1 performs parameter determination as the second example of the technology, the possibility of communication conflict can be reduced.

[0193] Fig.12 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure to be executed by the CPU 11 to realize the second example of the technology.

[0194] In this case, the CPU 11 also first performs the use status information acquisition processing in step S101 and then determines whether the band is congested in step S102. Since the details of the processing in steps S101 and S102 have been described in the first example of the technology, redundant description is avoided.

[0195] In the case where the judgment result that the frequency band is not crowded is obtained in step S102, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S105 to perform the execution control of the phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation within the first scanning range. That is, in this example, for example, the control operation unit 31 performs the phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation within the frequency range of 2400MHz to 2480MHz.

[0196] On the other hand, in the case where the judgment result of the frequency band congestion is obtained in step S102, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S106 to perform the execution control of the phase characteristic measurement and the distance calculation in the second scanning range. That is, for example, the operation unit 31 is controlled to perform the phase characteristic measurement and the distance calculation in the second scanning range which is a frequency range half of the first scanning range.

[0197] The CPU 11 ends the processing in step S105 or the processing in step S106 in response to the execution of either one of the processing in step S105 or the processing in step S106. Fig.12 A series of processes shown in .

[0198] It should be noted that in Fig.12 In the series of processes shown, the frequency range for performing phase measurement is divided into the full frequency range or a frequency range narrower than the full frequency range (steps S105 and S106) according to the result of the determination process of whether the frequency band is congested in step S102. In this sense, the processes of steps S102, S105, and S106 correspond to the process of determining the parameters of phase-based ranging based on the usage status information.

[0199] (2-3. Third Example of Technology)

[0200] In the third example of the present technology, as the parameter determination process, a process of determining the number of antennas used for ranging is performed.

[0201] In the third example of the technique, suppose that Fig.13 As shown, the information processing apparatus 1 includes a plurality of antennas 39. Note that, although an example in which the number of antennas = 2 is shown in the drawing, the number of antennas may be three or more.

[0202] In this case, in the information processing device 1, for example, as shown in the figure, the switch SW is inserted between the RF switch 38 and the multiple antennas 39, and through the path switching of the switch SW, the switching of the antenna 39 that sends the transmission signal from the transmission unit 34 (i.e., the switching of the transmission antenna) and the switching of the antenna 39 that provides the reception signal to the receiving unit 40 (i.e., the switching of the reception antenna) can be performed.

[0203] The antenna switching signal for instructing the switching of the antenna 39 is input to the switch SW. For example, the antenna switching signal is Figure 3 The operation unit 31 shown in FIG.

[0204] In this case, the operation unit 31 is capable of performing phase characteristic measurement on each antenna 39, and as a ranging mode, it is possible to selectively execute a "ranging mode using multiple antennas" and a "distance measurement mode using a single antenna". In the "ranging mode using multiple antennas", a distance value obtained by, for example, averaging the distances calculated from the results of phase characteristic measurement using any multiple antennas 39 is set as the ranging result, and in the "distance measurement mode using a single antenna", a distance value calculated from the results of phase characteristic measurement using only any one antenna 39 is set as the ranging result.

[0205] In the third example of the present technology, the CPU 11 determines whether the wireless communication band is congested based on the usage status information. Here, this also corresponds to using the information of the execution result of the carrier sensing as the usage status information, and the judgment is performed as, for example, a judgment of whether the number of frequencies in use is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0206] Moreover, in the case where the CPU 11 of the third example of the present technology determines that the wireless communication band is not congested, the number of antennas 39 used for ranging is determined to be N (N is a natural number greater than 2), and in the case where the CPU 11 determines that the wireless communication band is congested, the number of antennas 39 used for ranging is determined to be M (M < N). Specifically, in this example, as described above, as a "ranging mode using multiple antennas" and a "ranging mode using a single antenna", the number of antennas 39 used for ranging can be switched between "multiple" and "single". Therefore, in this case, the CPU 11 determines the number of antennas 39 used for ranging to be "multiple" (for example, N = 2) when determining that the wireless communication band is not congested, and determines the number of antennas 39 used for ranging to be "1" (M = 1) when determining that the wireless communication band is congested.

[0207] Then, the CPU 11 controls the arithmetic unit 31 to perform phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using the determined number of antennas 39 .

[0208] By performing parameter determination as the third example of the technology as described above, the time-frequency band occupancy rate related to distance measurement can be reduced in response to the situation of wireless communication band congestion. Specifically, in the case where there are multiple information processing devices 1 that perform phase-based distance measurement in the target space, if each information processing device 1 performs parameter determination as the third example of the technology, the possibility of communication conflict can be reduced.

[0209] Fig.14 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure executed by the CPU 11 to realize the third example of the technology.

[0210] In this case, the CPU 11 also first performs the use status information acquisition processing in step S101 and then determines whether the band is congested in step S102. Since the details of the processing in steps S101 and S102 have been described in the first example of the technology, redundant description is avoided.

[0211] If it is determined in step S102 that the frequency band is not congested, the process proceeds to step S107 to perform control of executing phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using N antennas. That is, in this example, the control operation unit 31 executes phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using, for example, N=2 antennas 39, that is, executes phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation in the above-mentioned "distance measurement mode using multiple antennas".

[0212] On the other hand, if the result of the judgment that the frequency band is congested is obtained in step S102, the process proceeds to step S108 to perform the execution control of the phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using M antennas. That is, in this example, the control operation unit 31 is to perform the phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using, for example, M=1 antenna 39, that is, to perform the phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation in the above-mentioned "distance measurement mode using a single antenna".

[0213] The CPU 11 terminates the processing in step S107 or the processing in step S108 in response to the execution of either one of the processing in step S107 or the processing in step S108. Fig.14 A series of processes shown in .

[0214] It should be noted that in Fig.14 In the series of processing shown, the number of antennas used for ranging is divided into N or M (steps S107 and S108) according to the result of the determination processing of whether the frequency band is congested in step S102. In this sense, the processing of steps S102, S107 and S108 corresponds to the processing of determining the parameters of phase-based ranging based on the usage status information.

[0215] (2-4. Fourth Example of Technology)

[0216] In the fourth example of the technique, a process of determining a phase measurement time for each frequency is performed as a parameter determination process.

[0217] The phase measurement time of each frequency is the measurement time of the phase θ of each frequency. In the measurement of the phase θ, the measurement signal is sent and received between the initiator and the reflector and between the reflector and the initiator, and the measurement time of the phase θ can be rewritten as the signal length of the measurement signal.

[0218] In this case, the CPU 11 also determines whether the wireless communication band is congested based on the usage status information. In this example, corresponding to using the information on the execution result of the carrier sensing as the usage status information, the judgment is performed as, for example, a judgment on whether the number of frequencies in use is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0219] In this case, the CPU 11 determines the phase measurement time of each frequency to be X msec when it is determined that the wireless communication band is not congested, and determines the phase measurement time to be Y msec (Y<X) when it is determined that the wireless communication band is congested. For example, Y is conceivably half the value of X.

[0220] Then, the CPU 11 controls the operation unit 31 to perform phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation, in which the phase measurement time for each frequency is set to the determined time.

[0221] By performing parameter determination as the fourth example of the technology as described above, the time-frequency band occupancy rate related to the distance measurement can be reduced in response to the situation of wireless communication band congestion. Specifically, in the case where there are multiple information processing devices 1 that perform phase-based distance measurement in the target space, if each information processing device 1 performs parameter determination as the fourth example of the technology, the possibility of communication conflict can be reduced.

[0222] Fig.15 : is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure executed by the CPU 11 to realize the fourth example of the technology.

[0223] In this case, the CPU 11 also first performs the use status information acquisition processing in step S101 and then determines whether the band is congested in step S102. Since the details of the processing in steps S101 and S102 have been described in the first example of the technology, redundant description is avoided.

[0224] If the result of determination that the frequency band is not congested is obtained in step S102, the process proceeds to step S109, and execution control of phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation is performed for a phase measurement time = X msec for each frequency.

[0225] On the other hand, when the determination result that the frequency band is congested is obtained in step S102, the process proceeds to step S110, and execution control of phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation for the phase measurement time = Y msec for each frequency is performed.

[0226] In response to the execution of either the process of step S109 or the process of step S110, the CPU 11 ends the process. Fig.15 A series of processing shown.

[0227] It should be noted that Fig.15 In the series of processes shown, the phase measurement time for each frequency is divided into X milliseconds and Y milliseconds (steps S109 and S110) according to the result of the determination process of step S102 as to whether the frequency band is congested. In this sense, the processes of steps S102, S109, and S110 correspond to the process of determining the parameters based on the phase ranging based on the usage status information.

[0228] (2-5. Fifth Example of Technology)

[0229] In the fifth example of the technique, a process of determining an execution interval of a phase characteristic measurement communication process is performed as a parameter determination process.

[0230] In this case, the CPU 11 also determines whether the wireless communication band is congested based on the usage status information. In this example, corresponding to using the information on the execution result of the carrier sensing as the usage status information, the judgment is performed as, for example, a judgment on whether the number of frequencies in use is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0231] Then, in this case, the CPU 11 determines that the execution interval of the phase characteristic measurement is α when it is determined that the wireless communication band is not congested, and determines that the execution interval of the phase characteristic measurement is β (β>α) when it is determined that the wireless communication band is congested. For example, it can be imagined that β is an interval that is twice as long as α.

[0232] Then, the CPU 11 controls the arithmetic unit 31 to execute the phase characteristic measurement and the distance calculation according to the determined execution interval.

[0233] By performing parameter determination as the fifth example of the technology as described above, the time-frequency band occupancy related to distance measurement can be reduced in response to the situation of wireless communication band congestion. Specifically, in the case where there are multiple information processing devices 1 that perform phase-based distance measurement in the target space, if each information processing device 1 performs parameter determination as the fifth example of the technology, the possibility of communication conflict can be reduced.

[0234] Fig.16 : is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure executed by the CPU 11 to realize the fifth example of the technology.

[0235] In this case, the CPU 11 first resets the number of ranging times C to 0 in step S201. As is apparent from the following description, the number of ranging times C is managed here so that the use status of the wireless communication band is re-determined each time ranging is performed a predetermined number of times (threshold value TH_C), and the phase characteristic is measured at an execution interval corresponding to the latest use status.

[0236] In response to the execution of the process of step S201 , the CPU 11 executes the processes of steps S101 and S102 (these processes have been described above, and therefore repeated descriptions are omitted).

[0237] If it is determined in step S102 that the frequency band is not crowded, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S202, sets the timer value T according to the execution interval of the phase characteristic measurement = α, and then proceeds to step S204 to perform execution control of the phase characteristic measurement and the distance calculation. That is, the CPU 11 controls the operation unit 31 to perform the phase characteristic measurement and the distance calculation.

[0238] On the other hand, when the judgment result of frequency band congestion is obtained in step S102, CPU 11 proceeds to step S203, sets the timer value T according to the execution interval = β of phase characteristic measurement, and then proceeds to step S204 to perform execution control of phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation.

[0239] Processing in and after step S205 following step S204 is processing for achieving management of execution intervals of phase characteristic measurements using the timer value T and resetting the execution intervals of phase characteristic measurements based on usage status information whenever the number of ranging measurements C reaches the threshold value TH_C.

[0240] Specifically, in step S205, the CPU 11 increases the number of distance measurement times C by 1, and in the next step S206, it is determined whether the distance measurement process is terminated. That is, for example, when the power of the information processing device 1 is turned off, or when the application program using the positioning result of the above-mentioned navigation function or the like is terminated, it is determined whether the predetermined condition that the distance measurement process of the operation unit 31 should be terminated is satisfied.

[0241] In the case where a determination result indicating that the distance measurement process has not ended is obtained in step S206, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S207 and determines whether the number of distance measurement times C is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH_C. In the case where a determination result indicating that the number of distance measurement times C is less than or equal to the threshold value TH_C is obtained, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S208 and determines whether the timer value T is less than or equal to 0. If the timer value T is not less than or equal to 0, as the timer subtraction process of step S209, a process of subtracting a predetermined value from the timer value T after waiting for a predetermined time is performed, and the process returns to step S206.

[0242] Through the loop process of steps S206 → S207 → S208 → S209 → S206 , when the positioning process is not completed and the number of distance measurements C is less than the threshold TH_C, the timer value T is gradually subtracted as time passes.

[0243] When determining in step S208 that the timer value T is equal to or less than 0, the CPU 11 executes a timer value reset process in step S210 , that is, a process of resetting the timer value T to the value set in the last executed step S202 or S203 , and returns to step S204 .

[0244] As a result, the phase characteristic measurement is performed again according to the execution interval of the processing in steps S202 and S203. In addition, just before the phase characteristic measurement is re-executed, the timer value T according to the execution interval of the last processing in steps S202 and S203 is reset.

[0245] Through a series of processes as described above, in a state where the positioning process is not completed and the number of ranging times C is less than the threshold TH_C, the phase characteristic measurement and the distance calculation are repeated according to the execution interval of the last one of steps S202 and S203.

[0246] If it is determined in step S207 that the number of distance measurements C is greater than or equal to the threshold value TH_C, the CPU 11 returns to step S201. As a result, each time the predetermined number of distance measurements are performed, the usage status of the wireless communication band is reconfirmed (S101, S102), and the execution interval of the appropriate phase characteristic measurement is determined according to the latest usage status (S202, S203).

[0247] Here, it is conceivable to set the threshold value TH_C to a value greater than, for example, 2. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to set the threshold value TH_C=1.

[0248] The CPU 11 terminates the distance measurement process in response to determining in step S206 that the distance measurement process is terminated. Fig.16 Processing of the examples shown in .

[0249] (2-6. Sixth Example of Technology)

[0250] Here, in the above description, an example of performing carrier sensing when confirming the use status of the wireless communication frequency band has been described. However, in the case of performing carrier sensing in this manner, parameters can also be determined so that phase measurement is performed for frequency channels other than the frequency channels identified as being used by carrier sensing among multiple frequency channels in the wireless communication frequency band.

[0251] For example, in Fig.17 In the example of FIG. 1 , in the case where the frequency channels available in the communication standard range from 2400 MHz to 2480 MHz in increments of 8 MHz, this corresponds to the case where a channel of 2408 MHz is being used as identified by carrier sensing ( Fig.17 A), frequency channels excluding the 2408 MHz channel are determined as channels for phase measurement ( Fig.17 B).

[0252] By performing parameter determination as the sixth example of the technique, it is possible to efficiently use the wireless communication band while avoiding collision.

[0253] Fig.18 : is a flowchart showing an example of a specific processing procedure executed by the CPU 11 to realize the sixth example of the technology.

[0254] In this case, first, in step S301 , the CPU 11 executes a process of controlling the operation unit 31 to execute carrier sensing for each frequency as an instruction to execute carrier sensing for each frequency.

[0255] In step S302 following step S301, it is determined whether there is a frequency in use by the CPU 11. That is, the result information of the carrier sensing performed in step S301 is acquired, and it is determined based on the result information whether there is a frequency in use.

[0256] In the case where it is determined in step S302 that there is no frequency in use, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S303 and performs execution control of phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using all frequencies.

[0257] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S302 that there is a frequency being used, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S304 and performs execution control of phase characteristic measurement and distance calculation using a frequency not being used.

[0258] In response to the execution of the processing in step S303 or S304, the CPU 11 determines in step S305 whether the distance measurement processing has ended. The determination processing in step S305 is a process of determining whether the distance measurement processing end condition similar to the processing in step S206 described above is satisfied.

[0259] If it is determined in step S305 that the distance measurement process has not been completed, the CPU 11 returns to step S301. That is, in the next distance measurement, a process of determining a frequency channel recognized as unused in carrier sensing as a channel to be used for phase measurement is performed.

[0260] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S305 that the distance measurement process is completed, the CPU 11 ends the process. Fig.18 A series of processing shown in .

[0261] It should be noted that Fig.18In the series of processes shown, whether the full frequency is used or the unused frequency is distinguished (steps S303 and S304) according to the determination processing result of whether there is a frequency in use in step S302. In this sense, the processing of steps S302, S303 and S304 corresponds to the processing of determining the parameters based on phase ranging based on the usage status information.

[0262] It should be noted that although Fig.18 An example of performing carrier sensing for each distance measurement is shown, but it is also conceivable to perform carrier sensing for each of a plurality of ranging measurements.

[0263] Furthermore, in the sixth example of the above technology, it is assumed that in the case where there is a frequency channel being used, such as Fig.17 The total number of frequency channels for which phase measurements are made is reduced. Fig.19 As shown in , by performing phase measurement on a frequency different from the frequency in use, the total number of frequency channels for which phase measurement is performed can be kept unchanged between the case where there is a frequency channel in use and the case where there is no frequency channel in use. At this time, it goes without saying that the frequency of the alternative channel that has been determined as the channel in use is selected so as not to overlap with the frequency of another channel that is not determined to be in use. In the figure, an example is shown, in which the frequency of the alternative channel is selected as 2410 MHz (to avoid frequency overlap with other channels identified as not in use) with respect to the frequency = 2408 MHz of the channel determined to be in use.

[0264] <3. Another example of system configuration>

[0265] In the above-described example, the positioning process based on the distance D is performed in the information processing apparatus 1 . However, the positioning process based on the distance D is also conceivably performed in the server device 100 configured to be able to communicate with the information processing apparatus 1 .

[0266] Fig. 20 A configuration example is shown as another example of the positioning system in the case where positioning processing based on the distance D is performed in the server device 100 as described above.

[0267] The positioning system in this case is Figure 1 The positioning system in the case of is similar in that a plurality of communication devices 2 and an information processing device 1 are provided, but Figure 1 The positioning system in the case of is different in that a server device 100 is further added. The server device 100 is configured as a computer device including a CPU, and has, for example, the same Figure 2The server device 100 can perform data communication with the information processing apparatus 1 via a network line such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

[0268] Fig. 20 An example is shown in which a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 exist in a target space where a plurality of communication devices 2 are arranged.

[0269] In this case, the server device 100 may manage not only the information of the distance D calculated by the information processing device 1 but also information other than the distance D obtained by the information processing device 1. Fig. 20 In the case where there are multiple information processing devices 1 in the target space shown, the server device 100 can also perform positioning processing on each information processing device 1 based on the information about the distance D received from the information processing device 1.

[0270] Furthermore, in this case, it is also conceivable that the server device 100 manages the number of information processing apparatuses 1 existing in the target space and the ID (identification information) of each information processing apparatus 1 .

[0271] <4. Another Example of Using Status Information Generation>

[0272] Although the case where the use status information of the wireless communication frequency band is generated based on the execution result of carrier sensing has been described above, the use status information is not limited to the information based on the execution result of carrier sensing.

[0273] Hereinafter, another example of generation of usage status information will be described.

[0274] (4-1. First another example)

[0275] First, as a first another example, the usage status information may be information on the number of simultaneous connections of communication devices that perform communication using a wireless communication frequency band.

[0276] For example, in BLE, a communication device can be connected to multiple other communication devices at the same time. As used herein, the "connection" of "simultaneous connection" refers to a state in which a connection in communication is established.

[0277] For example, in a state where the information processing apparatus 1 configured as a smartphone or the like is simultaneously connected to a plurality of BLE-compatible accessory devices such as earphones, headphones, and microphones, communication using the wireless communication band is performed with these accessory devices. Therefore, it can be said that the more communication devices are connected simultaneously, the more crowded the wireless communication band tends to be.

[0278] Therefore, the number of simultaneous connections of other communication devices is used as an indicator indicating the degree of congestion of the wireless communication band.

[0279] In this case, if Fig.21 As shown, the information processing apparatus 1 has a function as a usage status information generating unit F11. The usage status information generating unit F11 generates information indicating the number of simultaneous connections of communication devices that communicate using the target wireless communication frequency band as usage status information.

[0280] For example, it is conceivable that the processing for detecting the number of simultaneous connections is performed by the calculation unit 31. In this case, the usage status information generation unit F11 is a function of the calculation unit 31. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the processing for detecting the number of simultaneous connections is performed by the CPU 11, in which case the usage status information generation unit F11 is a function of the CPU 11.

[0281] Here, in the case of adopting the first other example, the CPU 11 performs the above-mentioned processing of acquiring the usage status information indicating the number of simultaneous connections as the usage status information acquisition processing of the above-mentioned step S101. In addition, for example, the determination processing of step S102 can be performed as the determination processing of determining whether the number of simultaneous connections indicated by the usage status information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0282] Note that, in the above, an example has been described in which the number of simultaneous connections of other communication devices to the information processing device 1 as the positioning target device is used. However, for example, in the case where the communication device 2 is set as the master device in communication, the communication device 2 can be simultaneously connected to a plurality of information processing devices 1. For example, there is a case where the communication device 2 as the master device simultaneously connects to a plurality of information processing devices 1 as slave devices and performs phase characteristic measurement with each of the information processing devices 1. In this case, it is also conceivable to use information about the number of simultaneous connections of other communication devices to the communication device 2 as the usage status information.

[0283] (4-2. Second Another Example)

[0284] In the second another example, information on the number of communication error detections in communications using a wireless communication frequency band in a target space is used as the use status information.

[0285] The number of communication error detections can be considered as the number of collisions that occur in a wireless communication frequency band, and can be used as an index indicating the degree of congestion of the frequency band.

[0286] In this case, if Fig. 22 As shown, the information processing device 1 has a function as a use status information generating unit F11A. The use status information generating unit F11A generates information indicating the number of communication error detections for communications using the target wireless communication frequency band as use status information.

[0287] For example, it is conceivable that the communication error detection process is performed by the operation unit 31, and it is conceivable that the use status information generation unit F11A is a function of the operation unit 31. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the CPU 11 generates information on the number of communication error detections (for example, counting the number of communication error detections per unit time by the operation unit 31) based on the result of the communication error detection process performed by the operation unit 31. In this case, the use status information generation unit F11A is a function of the CPU 11.

[0288] Here, in the case of adopting the second other example, the CPU 11 performs the above-mentioned processing of acquiring the usage status information indicating the number of communication error detections as the usage status information acquisition processing of the above-mentioned step S101. In addition, for example, the determination processing in step S102 can be performed as a determination processing as to whether the number of communication error detections indicated by the usage status information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, etc.

[0289] (4-3. Third Another Example)

[0290] In another third example, information obtained based on a measurement value based on phase ranging performed in the target space in the past is used as the usage status information.

[0291] Fig.23 An example of the measurement result of the amplitude of each frequency (the above-mentioned I channel signal "I") calculated during the phase measurement process of each frequency is shown. Specifically, the amplitude measurement results for multiple frequencies are shown in an overlapping manner.

[0292] In the drawing, a portion where the amplitude is prominent, indicated by "P", is a portion where a collision occurs. Singular points in past amplitude measurement results may be counted and used as usage status information.

[0293] also, Fig.24 The waveform of the distance D calculated at each point when phase-based ranging is performed between each of a plurality of points and the target communication device 2 in a stationary state for a predetermined time is shown. Here, the calculated distance waveforms of 10 points whose distances D to the target communication device 2 are d1, d2, d3, ..., and d10 are shown.

[0294] As can be seen from the figure, even in a stationary state, it is possible to identify a portion where the waveform of distance D is greatly disturbed. As described above, the portion where the waveform of distance D is greatly disturbed, in other words, the portion where the abnormality of distance D occurs, is a portion where an error in distance D occurs due to collision.

[0295] Therefore, such abnormal values ​​of the distance D can be counted and used as usage status information.

[0296] As described above, the measurement value based on the phase ranging performed in the target space in the past can be used as information for estimating the usage status of the wireless communication frequency band.

[0297] In the third another example, Fig.25 As shown, the information processing device 1 has a function as a use situation information generation unit F11B. The use situation information generation unit F11A generates use situation information based on a measurement value in phase-based ranging performed in the past in the target space.

[0298] Specifically, for example, Fig.23 As shown, the usage status information is generated based on the amplitude of each frequency measured in the past, or as shown Fig.24 As shown, the usage status information is generated based on the value of the distance D measured in the past.

[0299] As the usage status information based on the amplitude, for example, the number of times or frequency of the amplitude exceeding a predetermined threshold value may be detected for the amplitude of each frequency calculated by the operation unit 31 within a predetermined period in the past, and the usage status information may be generated as information indicating the detected number of times or frequency.

[0300] In addition, as usage status information based on the value of the distance D, for example, the number or frequency of values ​​whose change from the previous value in the distance D calculated by the operation unit 31 within a past specified period is greater than a specified threshold value can be detected to generate usage status information as information representing the number of times or frequency detected.

[0301] The function of the use status information generating means F11A may be the function of the calculation unit 31 or the function of the CPU 11 .

[0302] In the case of adopting the third another example, as the usage status information acquisition processing of the above-mentioned step S101, the CPU 11 performs a process of acquiring usage status information indicating the number or frequency of the singular points of the acquired amplitude or the abnormal points of the above-mentioned distance D. In addition, for example, the determination processing of step S102 may be performed as a determination processing of determining whether the value of the number or frequency indicated by the usage status information is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.

[0303] (4-4. Fourth Another Example)

[0304] A fourth another example is an example in which, separate from a communication device that performs phase characteristic measurement communication processing as an information processing device 1, a communication device 2, etc., another device configured to communicate with the communication device uses information generated based on the communication results with the communication device as usage status information.

[0305] Specifically, it can be listed in the assumption that Fig. 20In the case of the positioning system shown as another example, the information is generated by the server device 100 based on the result of communication with the information processing apparatus 1 .

[0306] More specifically, as described above, in the case where the server device 100 manages the number of times of existence of a plurality of information processing apparatuses 1 existing in a target space, information indicating the number of times of existence is used as the usage status information.

[0307] In this case, the server device 100 has a Fig.26 The use situation information generation unit F11C generates information such as the above-mentioned number of existence counts as use situation information based on the result of communication with the information processing apparatus 1 .

[0308] In the case of adopting the fourth alternative example, as the usage status information acquisition process of the above step S101, the CPU 11 performs the following process: acquiring the usage status information indicating the number of times the information processing device 1 exists in the object space from the server device 100. In addition, as the judgment process of judging whether the value indicated by the usage status information is greater than a predetermined threshold value, for example, the judgment process of step S102 is considered.

[0309] It should be noted that although the information about the number of existing communication devices managed by the server device 100 has been exemplified above as an example of "information generated based on the results of communication with the communication device" by "another device", the "information generated based on the results of communication with the communication device" by "another device" may be other information, such as information on the number of communication error detections and the total number of simultaneous connections in the target space generated based on information on the number of communication error detections and the number of simultaneous connections obtained by the "another device" from each "communication device", for example.

[0310] <5. Modifications>

[0311] It should be noted that the embodiments are not limited to the above-described specific examples, and may have configurations that are various modified examples.

[0312] For example, in the above description, when the processing before obtaining the distance D by phase-based ranging by applying the parameter determination method as an embodiment is roughly divided into the following four processing:

[0313] According to the terms

[0314] Generation and processing of usage status information;

[0315] Parameter determination processing based on usage status information;

[0316] <c>measuring a communication process based on a phase characteristic of the determined parameter; and

[0317] <d>Based on the calculation process of the distance of the phase θ of each frequency obtained by the communication process,

[0318] The information processing apparatus 1 has been described as executing all< / d> < / c> 、 、 <c>and <d> and an example in which the server device 100 only executes< / d> < / c> And the information processing device 1 executes 、 <c>and <d> Example (the fourth another example above), however, regarding which device executes< / d> < / c> 、 、 <c>and <d>Various modifications may be considered.

[0319] This is summarized in< / d> < / c> Fig. 27 in the table.

[0320] As shown in the figure, it can be considered that the variations shown as configuration examples 1 to 12 are which device is responsible for processing 、 、 <c>as well as <d>.

[0321] Configuration examples 1 to 7 are executed by a device other than the server device 100< / d> < / c> An example of a generation process of, and configuration examples 8 to 12 are executed by the server device 100 An example of a generation process of. Among them, configuration example 1 and configuration example 8 have been exemplified, and the information processing device 1 performs all 、 、 <c>and <d> The example and server device 100 only executes< / d> < / c> And the information processing device 1 executes 、 <c>and <d>.

[0322] Here, <c>The communication processing is performed by the information processing device 1 and the communication device 2.

[0323] In configuration examples 1 to 7, execute< / c> < / d> < / c> as a process of generating usage status information according to a result of carrier sensing, or a process of generating usage status information by any one of the methods described in the other first example to the third example.

[0324] On the other hand, in configuration examples 8 to 12, execution The generation processing is as the processing of generating the usage status information by the method described in the fourth one of another example.

[0325] In addition, if Fig. 27 As shown, in addition to the information processing device 1 executing In addition to the parameter determination processing, the communication device 2 or the server device 100 may also perform At this time, as in configuration examples 2 and 3, the communication device 2 performs and the information processing device 1 performs In the case of generation processing of the communication device 2, the communication device 2 obtains the usage status information generated by the information processing device 1, and uses the usage status information for In addition, as in configuration example 11, the communication device 2 performs The server device 100 performs In the case of the generation process of The usage information generated by the processing is used to Parameter determination process.

[0326] Furthermore, as in configuration examples 9, 10, and 12, when the server device 100 executes In the case of parameter determination processing, the server device 100 will The parameters determined in the parameter determination process are indicated to the information processing device 1 or the communication device 2, and the information processing device 1 and the communication device 2 execute the process based on the parameters. <c>The phase characteristics of the communication process are measured.

[0327] In addition, in addition to being executed by the information processing device 1, <d>The distance calculation process of may also be performed by the communication device 2 or the server device 100 (configuration examples 3, 6, 7, 10, and 11). At this time, as in configuration example 10, the server device 100 performs <d>In the case of distance calculation processing, the server device 100 obtains the communication processing information from the information processing device 1 or the communication device 2. <c>The phase θ information of each frequency is obtained as a result, and this information is used to <d>The distance calculation process.

[0328] Here, in the above description, performing wireless communication based on phase ranging has been described as an example of communication based on the BLE standard, but the wireless communication may also be communication based on another wireless communication standard such as ultra wideband (UWB).

[0329] <6. Overview of Implementation Methods>

[0330] As described above, the information processing device (information processing device 1, or communication device 2, or server device 100) as an implementation method includes a determination processing unit (determination processing unit F1), which performs parameter determination processing for determining phase ranging-based parameters for using the wireless communication frequency band based on the usage status of the wireless communication frequency band.

[0331] According to the above configuration, parameters based on phase ranging can be determined according to the congestion state of the wireless communication band. For example, if the wireless communication band is congested, measures such as increasing the execution interval of the phase characteristic measurement process or reducing the frequency and number of antennas to be used can be taken.

[0332] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility of communication collision and effectively use the limited wireless communication band.

[0333] Furthermore, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit performs a process of determining an execution interval of a phase characteristic measurement process as a parameter determination process based on a usage condition, the process being a process of measuring a phase for each frequency in the phase-based distance measurement (a fifth example of the technique: see< / d> < / c> < / d> < / d> < / c> Fig.16 ).

[0334] As a result, when the wireless communication band is congested, the time band occupancy rate related to distance measurement can be appropriately adjusted according to the congestion state of the wireless communication band, for example, by extending the execution interval of the phase characteristic measurement process to reduce the time band occupancy rate related to distance measurement.

[0335] Therefore, a limited wireless communication band can be used effectively.

[0336] Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus as an embodiment, the determination processing unit performs a process of determining the number of frequencies at which phase measurement is to be performed as a parameter determination process based on a usage condition (a first example of the technique: see Fig.11 ).

[0337] As a result, in the case of congestion in the wireless communication band, the band occupancy on the frequency plane related to distance measurement can be appropriately adjusted according to the congestion condition of the wireless communication band, such as reducing the number of frequencies for performing phase measurement to reduce the band occupancy on the frequency plane related to distance measurement.

[0338] Therefore, a limited wireless communication band can be used effectively.

[0339] Furthermore, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit performs a process of determining the phase measurement time for each frequency as a parameter determination process based on the usage status (a fourth example of the technology: see Fig.15 ).

[0340] As a result, when the wireless communication band is congested, the time-band occupancy rate related to distance measurement can be appropriately adjusted according to the congestion state of the wireless communication band, such as shortening the phase measurement time of each frequency to reduce the time-band occupancy rate related to distance measurement.

[0341] Therefore, a limited wireless communication band can be used effectively.

[0342] Furthermore, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit performs a process of determining a frequency range in which phase measurement is performed as a parameter determination process based on a usage condition (a second example of the technique: see Fig.12 ).

[0343] Therefore, the band occupancy on the frequency plane related to distance measurement can be appropriately adjusted according to the congestion state of the wireless communication band. For example, when the wireless communication band is congested, the frequency range for performing phase measurement is narrowed to reduce the band occupancy on the frequency plane related to distance measurement.

[0344] Therefore, a limited wireless communication band can be used effectively.

[0345] Furthermore, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit performs a process of determining the number of antennas used for ranging as a parameter determination process based on the usage status (a third example of the technique: see Fig.14 ).

[0346] As a result, in the case of congestion in the wireless communication band, the time-band occupancy associated with the distance measurement can be appropriately adjusted according to the congestion status of the wireless communication band, for example, by reducing the time-band occupancy associated with the distance measurement by performing redundant distance measurements using only a single antenna instead of using multiple antennas.

[0347] Therefore, a limited wireless communication band can be used effectively.

[0348] Furthermore, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit uses result information of carrier sensing performed on the wireless communication frequency band in the target space as the use status information indicating the use status.

[0349] By performing carrier sensing, the use status of the wireless communication frequency band can be appropriately identified.

[0350] Therefore, it is possible to determine parameters based on phase ranging based on usage status information appropriately indicating the usage status of the wireless communication frequency band, and to achieve efficient use of the wireless communication frequency band with high accuracy.

[0351] In addition, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit determines a parameter so that phase measurement in the phase-based distance measurement is performed for a frequency channel other than a frequency channel identified as being in use by carrier sensing among a plurality of frequency channels in the wireless communication frequency band (a sixth example of the technology: see Fig.18 ).

[0352] As a result, the wireless communication band can be used efficiently while avoiding conflicts.

[0353] In addition, in the information processing apparatus as an embodiment, the determination processing unit uses information on the number of simultaneous connections of the communication device that communicates using the wireless communication frequency band as the usage status information indicating the usage status (first another example: refer to Fig.21 ).

[0354] If the number of simultaneous connections of communication devices performing communication using the same wireless communication band is large, this means that there are many communication devices using the wireless communication band, and the number of simultaneous connections can be used as an indicator indicating the degree of congestion of the wireless communication band in the target space.

[0355] Therefore, by using information on the number of simultaneous connections as usage status information, parameters based on phase ranging can be determined based on usage status information that appropriately represents the usage status of the wireless communication band, and efficient use of the wireless communication band with high accuracy can be achieved.

[0356] In addition, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit uses information on the number of communication error detections in the communication using the wireless communication frequency band in the target space as the usage status information indicating the usage status (another example: see Fig. 22 ).

[0357] In the target space, if there are many communication conflicts, the number of communication error detections also increases, and the number of communication error detections can be used as an index indicating the degree of congestion of the wireless communication band in the target space.

[0358] Therefore, by using the information on the number of communication error detections as usage status information, parameters for phase-based distance measurement can be determined based on usage status information that appropriately represents the usage status of the wireless communication band, and efficient use of the wireless communication band with high accuracy can be achieved.

[0359] Furthermore, in the information processing device as an embodiment, the determination processing unit uses information obtained based on a measurement value based on phase ranging performed in the past in the target space as the usage status information indicating the usage status (third another example: see Fig.25 ).

[0360] If there are many communication conflicts in the target space, errors also occur in the measurement values ​​in the phase-based ranging, and the congestion degree of the wireless communication band can be estimated based on the number of occurrences, the frequency of occurrence, etc. of the errors.

[0361] Therefore, by using information of measurement values ​​in the past phase-based method as usage status information, parameters based on phase ranging can be determined based on usage status information that appropriately represents the usage status of the wireless communication band, and efficient use of the wireless communication band can be achieved with high accuracy.

[0362] Furthermore, in the information processing apparatus as an embodiment, the determination processing unit uses information generated based on a result of communication between another device that is separate from the communication device that performs phase characteristic measurement communication processing and is configured to be communicable with the communication device, and the communication device, as the usage status information indicating the usage status, the phase characteristic measurement communication processing being a communication processing for measuring the phase for each frequency in phase ranging (fourth another example: see Fig.26 ).

[0363] The above-mentioned other device is a device capable of managing information on the congestion status of a measurable wireless communication frequency band based on the results of communication with the communication device, such as the number of communication devices existing in the target space, the number of communication errors detected in the communication device, the number of simultaneous connections, etc.

[0364] Therefore, by using the usage status information as the generated information of such other devices, it is possible to determine parameters based on phase ranging based on the usage status information that appropriately indicates the usage status of the wireless communication band, and to achieve efficient use of the wireless communication band with high accuracy.

[0365] Furthermore, in the information processing device as an embodiment, phase-based distance measurement is performed through wireless communication using BLE.

[0366] As a result, the possibility of communication collision corresponding to the case where phase-based distance measurement is performed through wireless communication of BLE can be reduced, and a limited wireless communication band can be effectively used.

[0367] Furthermore, the information processing method as an embodiment is an information processing method in which an information processing device performs parameter determination processing based on phase ranging to determine the use of a wireless communication frequency band based on the use status of the wireless communication frequency band.

[0368] This information processing method can produce functions and effects similar to those produced by the information processing apparatus of the above-described embodiment.

[0369] Here, as an embodiment, for example, a method for making a CPU, a digital signal processor (DSP), or a device including a CPU, a DSP, etc. Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.14 , Fig.15 , Fig.16 , Fig.18 The determination processing unit F1 executes the processing procedure described above.

[0370] That is, the program of the embodiment is a program that can be read by a computer device, and enables the computer device to implement a function of performing parameter determination processing based on the usage status of the wireless communication frequency band, wherein the parameter determination processing is used to determine the parameters of phase-based distance measurement using the wireless communication frequency band.

[0371] With such a program, the function of the above-described determination processing unit F1 can be realized in a device such as the information processing device 1 .

[0372] The above-mentioned program may be recorded in advance in a HDD as a recording medium built into a computer device or the like, a ROM in a microcomputer including a CPU, or the like.

[0373] Alternatively, the program may be temporarily or permanently stored (recorded) in a removable recording medium such as a floppy disk, a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical (MO) disk, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a Blu-ray disk (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, or a memory card. Such a removable recording medium may be provided as so-called packaged software.

[0374] Furthermore, such a program may be installed from a removable recording medium into a personal computer or the like, or may be downloaded from a download site via a network such as a LAN or the Internet.

[0375] In addition, such a program is suitable for providing the determination processing unit F1 according to the present embodiment in a wide range. For example, by downloading the program to a personal computer, a mobile information processing device, a mobile phone, a game device, a video device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc., it is possible to make the personal computer, etc. function as a device that realizes the processing of the determination processing unit F1 according to the present disclosure.

[0376] It should be noted that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may be provided.

[0377] <7. This technology>

[0378] It should be noted that the present technology may also have the following configurations. (1)

[0380] An information processing device, comprising:

[0381] The determination processing unit performs parameter determination processing for determining a parameter based on phase ranging for using the wireless communication frequency band based on a use status of the wireless communication frequency band. (2)

[0383] The information processing device according to (1) above, wherein:

[0384] The determination processing unit performs a process of determining an execution interval of a phase characteristic measurement process that is a process of measuring a phase for each frequency in phase-based ranging as a parameter determination process based on a usage situation. (3)

[0386] The information processing device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein:

[0387] The determination processing unit performs a process of determining the number of frequencies at which phase measurement is to be performed as a parameter determination process based on the use situation. (4)

[0389] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein:

[0390] The determination processing unit performs a process of determining a phase measurement time for each frequency as a parameter determination process based on a use situation. (5)

[0392] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein:

[0393] The determination processing unit performs a process of determining a frequency range in which phase measurement is performed as a parameter determination process based on the use situation. (6)

[0395] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein:

[0396] The determination processing unit performs a process of determining the number of antennas used for ranging as a parameter determination process based on the use situation. (7)

[0398] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein:

[0399] The determination processing unit uses result information of carrier sensing performed on the wireless communication frequency band in the target space as usage status information indicating the usage status. (8)

[0401] The information processing device according to (7) above, wherein:

[0402] The determination processing unit determines parameters so that phase measurement in phase-based ranging is performed on a frequency channel other than a frequency channel identified as being used by carrier sensing among a plurality of frequency channels in a wireless communication frequency band. (9)

[0404] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein:

[0405] The determination processing unit uses information on the number of simultaneous connections of the communication devices that communicate using the wireless communication frequency band as usage status information indicating the usage status. (10)

[0407] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (9) above, wherein:

[0408] The determination processing unit uses information on the number of communication error detections regarding communication using the wireless communication frequency band in the target space as usage status information indicating the usage status. (11)

[0410] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (10) above, wherein:

[0411] The determination processing unit uses information obtained based on a measurement value in phase-based ranging performed in the past in the target space as usage status information indicating the usage status. (12)

[0413] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (11) above, wherein:

[0414] A determination processing unit uses information generated based on a result of communication with a communication device that performs phase characteristic measurement communication processing as usage status information representing a usage status. The phase characteristic measurement communication processing is a communication processing based on the phase of each frequency measured in phase ranging, and the information is generated by another device that is separated from the communication device and configured to communicate with the communication device. (13)

[0416] An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein:

[0417] Phase-based ranging is performed via wireless communication via BLE. (14)

[0419] An information processing method, comprising:

[0420] Through information processing devices,

[0421] Based on the usage status of the wireless communication band, a parameter determination process is performed to determine a parameter based on phase ranging that uses the wireless communication band. (15)

[0423] A program readable by a computer device, which enables the computer device to implement the following functions:

[0424] Based on the usage status of the wireless communication band, a parameter determination process is performed to determine a parameter based on phase ranging that uses the wireless communication band.

[0425] Reference Symbols List

[0426] 1Information processing device 2Communication device 11CPU 12ROM 13RAM

[0427] 19 Storage unit 20 Communication unit 21 Drive 22 Removable recording medium

[0428] 30 wireless communication module 31 operation unit 31a frequency-dependent phase characteristic acquisition unit

[0429] 31b distance calculation unit 32 modulator 33 DAC 34 transmission unit

[0430] 35BPF 36 Mixer 37 Frequency Synthesizer 38 RF Switch

[0431] 39 Antenna 40 Receiving unit 41 LNA 42 Mixer 43, 45 BPF

[0432] 44,46VGA47ADC F1 determines the processing unit SW switch

[0433] 100 The server devices F11, F11A, F11B, F11C use status information generating units.

Claims

1. An information processing device, comprising: The determination processing unit performs parameter determination processing for determining a parameter based on phase ranging for using the wireless communication frequency band based on a use status of the wireless communication frequency band.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit performs a process of determining an execution interval of a phase characteristic measurement process that is a process of measuring a phase for each frequency in phase-based ranging as the parameter determination process based on the use situation.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit performs a process of determining the number of frequencies at which phase measurement is to be performed as the parameter determination process based on the use condition.

4. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit performs a process of determining a phase measurement time for each frequency as the parameter determination process based on the use situation.

5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit performs a process of determining a frequency range in which phase measurement is performed as the parameter determination process based on the use condition.

6. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit performs a process of determining the number of antennas used for ranging as the parameter determination process based on the use situation.

7. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit uses result information of carrier sensing performed on the wireless communication frequency band in the target space as usage status information indicating the usage status.

8. The information processing device according to claim 7, wherein: The determination processing unit determines the parameter so that the phase measurement in the phase-based ranging is performed on a frequency channel other than a frequency channel identified as being used by the carrier sensing among a plurality of frequency channels in the wireless communication frequency band.

9. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit uses information on the number of simultaneous connections of communication devices that communicate using the wireless communication frequency band as usage status information indicating the usage status.

10. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit uses information on the number of communication error detections regarding communication using the wireless communication frequency band in a target space as usage status information indicating the usage status.

11. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit uses information obtained based on a measurement value in phase-based ranging performed in the past in the target space as usage status information indicating the usage status.

12. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination processing unit uses information generated based on the result of communication with a communication device that performs phase characteristic measurement communication processing as usage status information representing the usage status, wherein the phase characteristic measurement communication processing is a communication processing that measures the phase of each frequency in the phase-based ranging, and the information is generated by another device that is separate from the communication device and configured to communicate with the communication device.

13. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The phase-based ranging is performed through wireless communication via BLE.

14. An information processing method, comprising: Through information processing devices, Based on the usage status of the wireless communication frequency band, a parameter determination process is performed to determine a parameter based on phase ranging using the wireless communication frequency band.

15. A program readable by a computer device, the program causing the computer device to implement the following functions: Based on the usage status of the wireless communication frequency band, a parameter determination process is performed to determine a parameter based on phase ranging using the wireless communication frequency band.

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