Verification system and verification method

Abstract

A verification system (40) is provided with a reference radio wave intensity setting unit (42), a radio wave intensity information acquisition unit (41), and a verification processing unit (44). A reference radio wave intensity setting unit (42) sets a reference radio wave intensity at each of a plurality of observation points in a target region. A radio wave intensity information acquisition unit (41) acquires observation point radio wave intensity information, which is at least one of a predicted value of the radio wave intensity calculated for each observation point and a measured value of the radio wave intensity measured for each observation point. The verification processing unit (44) performs verification processing on the basis of the observation point radio wave intensity information. The verification process includes a removable access point extraction process that extracts a wireless access point that can be removed at the same time while satisfying a radio wave intensity condition in which a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than a reference radio wave intensity is secured at all of the observation points among the plurality of observation points.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a verification system and a verification method for a wireless communication system. BACKGROUND

[0002] One example of a wireless communication system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-160219 (Patent Literature 1). Hereinafter, in the description of the background art, symbols in Patent Literature 1 are quoted in parentheses. The wireless communication system described in Patent Literature 1 is provided with a plurality of wireless access points (APs) and is configured in a manner to perform wireless communication with terminals (T). In Patent Literature 1, it is described that, in a case where a configuration target area that is a configuration target of a wireless access point (AP) is an area having at least a wall surface (Sw) around, the wireless access point (AP) is configured in consideration of reflection at the wall surface (Sw) of an electric wave. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 of Patent Literature 1, it is described that a radius (Rcal) of a coverage area of a wireless access point (AP) at a region including a wall surface (Sw) is set to a value larger than a radius (Rca2) of a coverage area of a wireless access point (AP) at a region not including a wall surface (Sw), and configuration of a wireless access point (AP) corresponding to the configuration target area is performed in accordance with these radii (Rcal, Rca2). According to Patent Literature 1, by thus configuring the wireless access point (AP), it is possible to optimize the number of wireless access points (APs) configured in the configuration target area. FIG. 7 SUMMARY

[0003] However, propagation of an electric wave in a target area (an area in which an electric wave is provided from a wireless access point) is generally affected not only by a wall as considered in Patent Literature 1 but also by various objects such as devices configured in the target area. In addition, even if the objects are of the same kind, the magnitude of the effect can change for each object (for example, depending on the material of the wall surface). Therefore, merely making the radius of the coverage area different depending on the presence or absence of a wall surface as in the technology described in Patent Literature 1 does not necessarily optimize the configuration of a plurality of wireless access points, and for example, it can be possible to configure more wireless access points than necessary. In a case where more wireless access points than necessary are thus configured, by removing unnecessary wireless access points, it is possible to seek suppression of electric wave interference or reduction of cost. Therefore, it is desirable to verify the configuration of a plurality of wireless access points, and in a case where there is a wireless access point that can be removed, it is possible to appropriately extract it, but there is no description about such verification in Patent Literature 1.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to achieve a technology capable of verifying the configuration of a plurality of wireless access points and appropriately extracting a wireless access point that can be removed.

[0005] ​The verification system according to the present disclosure is a verification system for a wireless communication system that has a plurality of wireless access points configured in a manner to provide electric waves to an object region and performs wireless communication with a mobile body moving in the object region, sets information including a shape of the object region and information of a configuration of an object that affects propagation of the electric waves in the object region as layout information, sets information showing a configuration of the plurality of wireless access points as configuration information, and has: a reference electric wave intensity setting unit that sets a reference electric wave intensity as a reference value of an electric wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each observation point of a plurality of observation points within the object region; an electric wave intensity information acquisition unit that acquires observation point electric wave intensity information that is at least one of a predicted value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points based on the layout information and the configuration information for each observation point and a measured value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points measured for each observation point; and a verification processing unit that performs verification processing on the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points based on the observation point electric wave intensity information, the verification processing including removable access point extraction processing that extracts removable wireless access points that satisfy an electric wave intensity condition of ensuring the reference electric wave intensity or more at all of the plurality of observation points and that are simultaneously removable from the plurality of wireless access points.

[0006] The verification method according to the present disclosure is a verification method for a wireless communication system that has a plurality of wireless access points configured in a manner to provide electric waves to an object region and performs wireless communication with a mobile body moving in the object region, sets information including a shape of the object region and a configuration of an object that affects propagation of the electric waves in the object region as layout information, sets information showing a configuration of the plurality of wireless access points as configuration information, and includes a reference electric wave intensity setting step that sets a reference electric wave intensity as a reference value of an electric wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each of a plurality of observation points in the object region, an electric wave intensity information acquisition step that acquires observation point electric wave intensity information that is at least one of a predicted value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points calculated on a per-observation-point basis based on the layout information and the configuration information and a measured value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points measured on a per-observation-point basis, and a verification processing step that performs verification processing on the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points based on the observation point electric wave intensity information, the verification processing including removable access point extraction processing that extracts removable wireless access points that satisfy an electric wave intensity condition of ensuring the reference electric wave intensity or more at all of the plurality of observation points and that are simultaneously removable from the plurality of wireless access points.

[0007] According to these verification systems or verification methods, the verification processing on the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points can be performed based on the observation point electric wave intensity information that is at least one of the predicted value of the electric wave intensity calculated on a per-observation-point basis and the measured value of the electric wave intensity measured on a per-observation-point basis at each observation point, and thus the removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted in the removable access point extraction processing included in the verification processing. At this time, the observation point electric wave intensity information is at least one of the predicted value of the electric wave intensity calculated on a per-observation-point basis and the measured value of the electric wave intensity measured on a per-observation-point basis, and thus the removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted regardless of whether the wireless access points are actually provided or not. As described above, according to the above-described verification systems or verification methods, the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points can be verified and the removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the verification system and the verification method will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one example of an object region. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one example of a mobile body. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a verification system to which the embodiment is applied. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing one example of an observation site. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a pre-process and a verification process to which the embodiment is applied. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a removable access point extraction process to which the embodiment is applied. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing three examples (1st example, 2nd example, 3rd example) of a communication area of each access point. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 1st example. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 1st example. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 1st example. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 1st example. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 2nd example. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 2nd example. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 2nd example. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 2nd example. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 3rd example. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 3rd example. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 3rd example. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the removable access point extraction process with respect to the 3rd example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Implementation methods of a verification system and a verification method for a wireless communication system are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the following description focuses on the verification system, the various technical features of the verification system disclosed in this specification are also applicable to a verification method or a verification program (a program for causing a computer to function as a verification system). In addition to the verification system, verification method, and verification program, this specification also discloses a storage medium (e.g., a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disc or flash memory) storing the verification program.

[0011] The verification system 40 is a system that takes the wireless communication system 30 as an object (specifically, a verification object). FIG. 1 As shown in FIG, the wireless communication system 30 includes a plurality of wireless access points 31 arranged so as to provide radio waves to the target area TA. The target area TA is an area where the moving object 10 described later moves. FIG. 1 In the example shown, all wireless access points 31 are located within the target area TA. However, as long as the wireless access points 31 are positioned to provide radio waves to the target area TA, at least some of the multiple wireless access points 31 may be located outside the target area TA. Furthermore, in this specification, electromagnetic waves used for wireless communication are referred to as "radio waves." "Radio waves" are not limited to those in a specific frequency band. In this embodiment, "radio waves" are used, as an example, for electromagnetic waves at frequencies used in wireless LANs (Local Area Networks).

[0012] The wireless communication system 30 performs wireless communication with the mobile body 10 moving in the object area TA. Specifically, the wireless access point 31 that is connected to the mobile body 10 in a communicable manner among the multiple wireless access points 31 performs wireless communication with the mobile body 10. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication system 30 performs wireless communication with the multiple mobile bodies 10 moving in the object area TA. The mobile body 10 has a communication module that can perform wireless communication with the wireless access point 31. The mobile body 10 is connected to the wireless access point 31 in a communicable manner by establishing a communication link with any wireless access point 31 (for example, the wireless access point 31 with the strongest radio wave intensity). As the mobile body 10 moves, the mobile body 10 switches (roams) to the wireless access point 31 that becomes the other party to establish the communication link. FIG. 1 In FIG. 1 , the communication area A where radio wave strength exceeding the reference radio wave strength is provided from the wireless access point 31 (in other words, radio waves having a strength exceeding the reference radio wave strength) is simplified and represented by a circle centered on each wireless access point 31. The radio wave strength is represented, for example, by a value of RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator).

[0013] In the present embodiment, the mobile body 10 is configured in a self-moving manner. Therefore, the mobile body 10 is provided with a driving force source (for example, an electric motor) for movement. The mobile body 10 moves autonomously, for example, or moves by remote operation. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the mobile body 10 is an article transport body configured in a manner to move for the purpose of transporting an article 2. As the article transport body, an article transport vehicle as exemplified in FIG. 2 , or a flight body (for example, a drone) for article transport can be exemplified. Further, the mobile body 10 can also be configured in a manner to move for a purpose other than transporting the article 2 (for example, monitoring or collecting information, and the like). In addition, the target area TA as the area in which the mobile body 10 moves can also be an area outside a building (outdoors), but in the present embodiment, the target area TA is set to an area inside a building (indoors).

[0014] As the article transport vehicle of the mobile body 10 as exemplified in FIG. 2 , a ceiling transport vehicle that travels along a track 4 supported by being hung from a ceiling can be exemplified. This mobile body 10 is provided with a traveling portion 12 provided with a traveling wheel 13 that rolls on a traveling surface of the track 4, and a main body portion 14 coupled to the traveling portion 12. The traveling wheel 13 is rotationally driven by a driving force source such as an electric motor, whereby the traveling portion 12 travels along the track 4. Thereby, the mobile body 10 moves along a movement path 3 formed by the track 4. The article 2 is transported by the mobile body 10 in a state of being accommodated in the main body portion 14. The article 2 is provided as a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) that accommodates a semiconductor wafer, for example. Further, the article transport vehicle of the mobile body 10 is not limited to the ceiling transport vehicle, and can be a rail transport vehicle that travels along a track provided on the floor, or an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle), an AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot), or the like, which is a trackless transport vehicle. In a case where the mobile body 10 is a trackless transport vehicle, the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10 is set in a manner to connect a plurality of detected bodies (two-dimensional codes, wireless tags, or the like) provided on the floor, for example, or is freely set by calculation based on a recognition result of the surrounding environment.

[0015] FIG. 1 As one example of the device to which the wireless communication system 30 is applied, a transport device 1 that transports an article 2 by the mobile body 10 is shown (refer to FIG. 2 ). FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 indicate a planar layout (layout in a plan view) of the transport device 1, and a direction orthogonal to the paper surface corresponds to a vertical direction (height direction). In FIG. 1In the example shown, a plurality of devices 5 is provided in the target area TA, and the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10 is determined in advance in such a manner as to pass through the plurality of devices 5. As the device 5, a processing device that processes the article 2 (or a content housed in the article 2) as a processing target or a storage device that stores the article 2 can be exemplified. The device 5 can be a transport source of the article 2 or a transport destination of the article 2.

[0016] FIG. 1 The transport device 1 shown is provided with a control device 7 that controls the mobile body 10 (in this case, a plurality of mobile bodies 10). The control device 7 is provided with an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a peripheral circuit such as a memory, and each function of the control device 7 is realized by cooperation of the hardware such as the arithmetic processing device and a program executed on the hardware. The control device 7 assigns a task for transporting the article 2 to any one of the mobile bodies 10. The mobile body 10 to which the task has been assigned is controlled to execute the task. For example, the mobile body 10 to which a transport task of transporting the article 2 from a transport source to a transport destination has been assigned is controlled to move to the transport destination designated by the transport task after receiving the article 2 at the transport source designated by the transport task.

[0017] The control device 7 grasps the current position of the mobile body 10 (in this embodiment, the current position of each of the plurality of mobile bodies 10). In this embodiment, the mobile body 10 is configured to recognize the current position thereof, and the control device 7 acquires information of the current position of the mobile body 10 from the mobile body 10. Although the details are omitted, for example, it can be configured such that a detected body (for example, a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a wireless tag, or the like) that holds position information is provided at a plurality of positions along the movement path 3, and the mobile body 10 recognizes the current position thereof by reading the position information held by the detected body. The mobile body 10 recognizes the current position thereof, for example, on the basis of the read-out position information and a movement distance after the position information is read. The mobile body 10 can also be configured to recognize the current position thereof on the basis of an output of a position measuring device such as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver.

[0018] In FIG. 1 In the example shown, a wireless communication system 30 performs communication between the control device 7 and the mobile body 10. The wireless communication system 30 is configured to connect a plurality of wireless access points 31 and the control device 7 in a communicable manner. Specifically, the wireless communication system 30 is provided with a device (for example, a LAN cable or a hub, or the like) for constructing a communication network between the plurality of wireless access points 31 and the control device 7. The wireless access points 31 relay communication between the mobile body 10 and the control device 7.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the verification system 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 Fig. 1, the verification system 40 is provided with a radio field intensity information acquisition section 41, a reference radio field intensity setting section 42, and a verification processing section 44. In the present embodiment, the verification system 40 is also provided with an access point number threshold value setting section 43. These functional sections (41 to 44) provided in the verification system 40 are functional sections that are at least logically distinguished, and do not necessarily need to be distinguished physically. The verification system 40 (specifically, a control device provided in the verification system 40) is provided with an arithmetic processing device and peripheral circuits, and the functions of the respective functional sections provided in the verification system 40 are realized by cooperation of hardware such as the arithmetic processing device and a program executed on the hardware. Further, the verification system 40 can also be realized not by a single device (for example, a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation) but by a plurality of devices capable of communicating with each other.

[0020] The radio field intensity information acquisition section 41 is a functional section that acquires observation point radio field intensity information. The procedure of acquiring the observation point radio field intensity information corresponds to the "radio field intensity information acquisition procedure" in the verification method with the wireless communication system 30 as the object, and the "radio field intensity information acquisition function" is realized by executing this procedure. Details will be described later, but the observation point radio field intensity information is information of the radio field intensity of each observation point P. A plurality of observation points P are set within the target area TA. The observation points P are manually set by an operator or the like or automatically set by the verification system 40. In the latter case, for example, based on information of the shape of the target area TA and information of the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10, the observation points P are set by the verification system 40.

[0021] As shown in the example shown in FIG. 1 In the case where the mobile body 10 is configured to move along a movement path 3 that is determined in advance, it is appropriate that the observation points P are set at least at points along the movement path 3. In this case, the observation points P can also be set at points other than points along the movement path 3, but can also be configured such that the observation points P are set only at points along the movement path 3. In the case where the movement path 3 that can be set is narrowed to some extent even when the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10 is not determined in advance but is freely set each time, it is appropriate that the observation points P are set at least at points along the movement path 3 that can be set.

[0022] The observation points P are set, for example, at each of a plurality of meshes set by dividing (mesh division) the target area TA. For example, as shown in FIG. 4As shown in the example, the observation point P is set in each of a plurality of grids that are set by dividing the target area TA two-dimensionally (here, dividing it along two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions). In this case, the height (the position in the vertical direction) of the observation point P is set to the height of the movement path 3 (or the height of the moving body 10 moving along the movement path 3), for example. FIG. 4 , three types of observation points P, namely, a first point P1, a second point P2, and a third point P3 are shown. The first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3 will be described later.

[0023] exist FIG. 4 In the example shown, the observation point P is set to a point with the same range as the grid, but the observation point P may be set to a point with a narrower range than the grid. In this case, for example, a representative point (e.g., a center point) in the grid is set as the observation point P. FIG. 4 In the example shown, the entire target area TA is divided equally, but the size of the grid can also be made different according to the location within the target area TA. In addition, the observation point P does not need to be set throughout the entire target area TA, and it is sufficient to be set at least in the area of ​​the target area TA where wireless communication between the wireless communication system 30 and the mobile body 10 is required (for example, the area where the movement path 3 is configured). That is, the observation point P can also be set in a manner that is unevenly distributed according to the characteristics of each area within the target area TA (for example, whether the movement path 3 is configured). For example, the observation point P can be set only in the grid that includes the movement path 3 among multiple grids. In this case, the observation point P is set only at a location along the movement path 3.

[0024] As described above, the observation point electric wave strength information is information of the electric wave strength of each observation point P. Specifically, the observation point electric wave strength information is at least one of "a predicted value of the electric wave strength provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points 31 calculated for each observation point P" and "a measured value of the electric wave strength provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points 31 measured for each observation point P". In a case where the observation point electric wave strength information is the predicted value described above, the predicted value is given to all of the observation points P. In a case where the observation point electric wave strength information is the measured value described above, the measured value is given to all of the observation points P. In a case where the observation point electric wave strength information is both of the predicted value and the measured value described above, the following three cases are included. The first case is a case where both of the predicted value and the measured value are given to all of the plurality of observation points P. The second case is a case where both of the predicted value and the measured value are given to a part of the observation points P and one of the predicted value and the measured value is given to the remaining observation points P. The third case is a case where the predicted value is given to a part of the observation points P and the measured value is given to the remaining observation points P. As for the observation points P to which both of the predicted value and the measured value are given, for example, either of the predicted value and the measured value can be set as the electric wave strength of the observation point P or a value based on both of the predicted value and the measured value (for example, an average value thereof) can be set as the electric wave strength of the observation point P.

[0025] The predicted value or the measured value described above is given in a manner that can be distinguished for each wireless access point 31. Therefore, it is possible to determine the communication area A (an area in which an electric wave strength of a reference electric wave strength or more is provided) of each wireless access point 31 exemplified later based on the observation point electric wave strength information. FIG. 7 Further, in the present embodiment, the communication area A of each of the plurality of wireless access points 31 is determined based on the observation point electric wave strength information. FIG. 7

[0026] The predicted value of the electric wave strength included in the observation point electric wave strength information is a value calculated based on the layout information and the configuration information. By calculating the strength of the electric wave provided to each observation point P for each wireless access point 31 using a propagation model, it is possible to obtain the predicted value of the electric wave strength of each observation point P. Here, the layout information is information including information of the shape (a planar or a three-dimensional shape) of the target area TA and information of objects (in the present embodiment, the wireless access points 31 and the wireless communication terminal 32) that affect the propagation of the electric wave in the target area TA. FIG. 1 ​In the example shown, for example, information of the configuration of the track 4, the device 5, the wall 6) constituting the movement path 3. The configuration information is information showing the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points 31. The configuration information can also be information showing the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points 31 set for simulation, or information showing the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points 31 actually set. In the present embodiment, the track 4, the device 5, and the wall 6 each correspond to an "object".

[0027] In a case where the observation point radio field strength information that the radio field strength information acquisition section 41 acquires includes a predicted value of the radio field strength, the radio field strength information acquisition section 41 acquires a predicted value of the radio field strength after the calculation or acquires the layout information and the configuration information, and acquires a predicted value of the radio field strength based on the calculation based on the acquired layout information and the configuration information. FIG. 3 The latter case is exemplified. In this case, the layout information and the configuration information are transmitted to the radio field strength information acquisition section 41, for example, from a computer (for example, a computer for displaying a verification result using the verification system 40) operated by an operator or the like. The radio field strength information acquisition section 41 can also be configured to acquire the layout information and the configuration information from the control device 7 (refer to FIG. 1 ).

[0028] In a case where the observation point radio field strength information that the radio field strength information acquisition section 41 acquires includes a measured value of the radio field strength, as FIG. 3 shown in FIG. 6, the radio field strength information acquisition section 41 acquires radio field strength measured value information that is information of a measured value of the radio field strength. The measured value of the radio field strength can be a value measured by the mobile body 10 (specifically, a communication module mounted on the mobile body 10), or a value measured by a device different from the mobile body 10. In the former case, for example, it can be configured to refer to a log storage device that stores a log of the position of the mobile body 10, a log of the wireless access point 31 of the connection destination to which the mobile body 10 is connected, and a log of the strength of the radio wave received by the mobile body 10 from the wireless access point 31 of the connection destination, and acquire a measured value of the radio field strength for each observation point P. The log storage device is provided, for example, to the control device 7 (refer to FIG. 1 ).

[0029] The reference radio intensity setting unit 42 is a functional unit that sets the reference radio intensity. The process of setting the reference radio intensity corresponds to the "reference radio intensity setting process" in the verification method for the wireless communication system 30. This process implements the "reference radio intensity setting function." The reference radio intensity setting unit 42 sets the reference radio intensity, or reference radio intensity, as a reference value for the radio intensity from the wireless communication system 30 at each of the multiple observation points P within the target area TA. The reference radio intensity is, for example, set to the lower limit of the permissible radio intensity. The reference radio intensity setting unit 42 sets the reference radio intensity to a pre-set value or a value input by an operator or the like, for example.

[0030] The reference radio wave intensity may be set to the same value for all observation points P, or may be set to a different value for each observation point P. In the latter case, for example, the reference radio wave intensity may be set to a different value according to the characteristics of each observation point P. For example, whether the observation point P is located along the movement path 3, along a main line section of the movement path 3, or along a section other than the main line section of the movement path 3 is set as the characteristic of the observation point P. As an example, the reference radio wave intensity setting unit 42 may be configured as follows: a plurality of levels are set for each section S of the movement path 3, and the reference radio wave intensity is set to a different value according to the level. For example, the level may be set to a level corresponding to the moving speed of the moving object 10 or a level corresponding to the traffic volume of the moving object 10.

[0031] If specifically stated, FIG. 4 The moving path 3 shown has the following sections as sections S: a first section S1 which does not pass through the device 5 (see FIG. 1 ); and a second section S2, which passes through the device 5. In this case, the first section S1 becomes a trunk section, and the second section S2 becomes a section other than the trunk section. Moreover, there is a case where the moving speed (average moving speed) of the mobile body 10 in the first section S1 becomes higher, so that the radio wave intensity required in the first section S1 becomes higher. In view of this aspect, the reference radio wave intensity setting unit 42 can be configured as follows: a plurality of levels corresponding to the moving speed of the mobile body 10 are set for each section S of the moving path 3, and the reference radio wave intensity is set to a high value according to the level as the moving speed of the mobile body 10 becomes higher. In this case, the level set for the first section S1 becomes a level with a higher moving speed than the level set for the second section S2, and a higher reference radio wave intensity is set for the first point P1 as the observation point P along the first section S1 than for the second point P2 as the observation point P along the second section S2.

[0032] exist FIG. 4In the diagram, an observation point P that is not along the movement path 3 is designated as a third point P3. To distinguish the first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3, the third point P3 is shown in a solid color, and the first point P1 and the second point P2 are shown with different types of hatching. A configuration may be provided in which a lower reference radio wave intensity is set for the third point P3 than for the second point P2. Alternatively, the reference radio wave intensity set for the third point P3 may be set to zero (in other words, the third point P3 may be excluded from the observation points P).

[0033] In addition, FIG. 4 In the example shown, the amount of traffic (average traffic) of mobile objects 10 in the first section S1 increases, and thus the required radio wave intensity in the first section S1 increases. In view of this, the reference radio wave intensity setting unit 42 can also be configured to set multiple levels corresponding to the amount of traffic of mobile objects 10 for each section S of the movement path 3, and to set the reference radio wave intensity to a higher value as the amount of traffic of mobile objects 10 increases. In this case, the level set for the first section S1 is a level with a higher traffic volume than the level set for the second section S2, and a higher reference radio wave intensity is set for the first point P1, which is an observation point P along the first section S1, than for the second point P2, which is an observation point P along the second section S2.

[0034] The access point threshold setting unit 43 is a functional unit that sets the access point threshold. The process of setting the access point threshold corresponds to the "access point threshold setting process" in the verification method for the wireless communication system 30. The "access point threshold setting function" is implemented by executing this process. The access point threshold setting unit 43 sets the access point threshold, which serves as the threshold for the number of wireless access points 31 providing radio wave strength exceeding the reference radio wave strength at each of the multiple observation points P. The access point threshold can be set to "1," but for stable communication, a value of "2" or greater is preferably used. Furthermore, the access point threshold can be set to the same value for all observation points P or to a different value for each observation point P. The access point threshold setting unit 43 sets the access point threshold, for example, using a preset value or a value input by an operator or the like.

[0035] The verification processing section 44 is a functional section that performs verification processing regarding the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points 31. The procedure of the verification processing corresponds to the "verification processing procedure" in the verification method that targets the wireless communication system 30, and the "verification processing function" is realized by executing the procedure. The verification processing section 44 performs verification processing regarding the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points 31 based on the observed site radio field strength information. The verification processing includes the removable access point extraction processing described below. It is also possible to include processing other than the removable access point extraction processing in the verification processing. For example, it is possible to be configured so as to include, in the verification processing, addition site extraction processing that extracts sites at which wireless access points 31 should be added, or movement destination site extraction processing that extracts sites at which wireless access points 31 should be moved.

[0036] The removable access point extraction processing is processing that extracts, from the plurality of wireless access points 31, wireless access points 31 that are removable while satisfying the radio field strength condition of ensuring a radio field strength of the reference radio field strength or more at all of the plurality of observation sites P. It is also possible to be configured so as to extract wireless access points 31 that are removable on the basis of movement or addition of wireless access points 31, but in the present embodiment, in the removable access point extraction processing, wireless access points 31 that are removable are extracted without movement or addition of wireless access points 31.

[0037] In the present embodiment, in the removable access point extraction processing, wireless access points 31 that are removable while satisfying the access point number condition of the number of wireless access points 31 that satisfy the radio field strength condition being the access point number threshold value or more in addition to the radio field strength condition are extracted at all of the plurality of observation sites P. Further, in the case where "1" is set as the access point number threshold value for all of the observation sites P, the access point number condition is satisfied by satisfying the radio field strength condition. Therefore, in this case, by extracting wireless access points 31 that are removable while satisfying the radio field strength condition, wireless access points 31 that are removable while satisfying the access point number condition in addition to the radio field strength condition can be extracted.

[0038] Hereinafter, the pre-process and the verification processing relating to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 The pre-process and the verification processing relating to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5As shown, the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 41 performs radio wave intensity information acquisition processing to acquire radio wave intensity information of the observation point as a preliminary process (step #01), and the reference radio wave intensity setting unit 42 performs reference radio wave intensity setting processing to set the reference radio wave intensity at each of the plurality of observation points P (step #02). In this embodiment, the access point number threshold value setting unit 43 further performs access point number threshold value setting processing to set the access point number threshold at each of the plurality of observation points P as a preliminary process (step #03). In addition, FIG. 5 The execution order of these three processes (steps #01 to #03) is an example. These three processes may be executed in any order, or two or three processes may be executed in parallel. Furthermore, after the preliminary processing, the verification processing unit 44 executes a removable access point extraction process as the verification process (step #04).

[0039] like FIG. 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the verification processing unit 44 sets all the wireless access points 31 from the plurality of wireless access points 31 as target access points and all the observation points P from the plurality of observation points P as target points TP (see FIG. FIG. 8 In other words, the verification processing unit 44 sets all wireless access points 31 as target access points (step #10) and all observation points P as target points TP (step #11). FIG. 6 The execution order of the two processes (steps #10 and #11) shown is an example, and either one of the two processes may be executed first, or the two processes may be executed in parallel.

[0040] The non-removable access point setting process (steps #12 to #14) involves setting a non-removable access point as an irremovable access point if the wireless access point 31 (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum coverage access point") that provides the largest number of target locations TP with radio wave strength exceeding the reference radio wave strength provides radio wave strength exceeding the reference radio wave strength for one or more target locations TP, among the wireless access points 31 set as target access points. Specifically, the verification processing unit 44 searches the target access points for the maximum coverage access point that covers the largest number of target locations TP (step #12). Here, "coverage" means providing radio wave strength exceeding the reference radio wave strength. If the maximum coverage access point covers one or more target locations TP (step #13: Yes), the verification processing unit 44 sets the maximum coverage access point as a non-removable access point and excludes it from the target access points (step #14).

[0041] The object place setting process is a process (step #15) in which, each time a non-removable access point is newly set, an observation place P in which a reference electric wave intensity or more is provided by a non-removable access point of the access point number threshold or more among the observation places P set as the object place TP is set as a wave-ensured place PX and excluded from the object place TP. That is, the verification processing section 44, after the maximum coverage access point is set as a non-removable access point (step #14), excludes the observation place P covered by the non-removable access point of the access point number threshold or more from the object place TP (step #15).

[0042] The object place TP is initially all of the observation places P and gradually decreases along with the progress of the removable access point extraction process (specifically, by excluding a part of the observation places P from the object place TP in the object place setting process). The verification processing section 44 repeatedly executes the non-removable access point setting process and the object place setting process (steps #12 to #15) while the object place TP exists (step #16: Yes). Also, the verification processing section 44, in the non-removable access point setting process, extracts the object access point for which the object place TP in which a reference electric wave intensity or more is not provided as a removable wireless access point 31 (hereinafter, referred to as "removable access point") (step #17). That is, if the object place TP does not exist (step #16: No), the verification processing section 44 extracts the object access point for which the covered object place TP does not exist (i.e., the wireless access point 31 set as the object access point at that time) as a removable access point (step #17). Further, at the time when the object place TP does not exist (step #16: No), in the case where the object access point does not exist (i.e., in the case where all of the wireless access points 31 are set as non-removable access points), it is determined that the removable access point does not exist.

[0043] However, in the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points 31 set as the object of the verification process, there are sometimes observation places P that are not provided with a reference electric wave intensity or more from the wireless access point 31 of the access point number threshold or more. In this case, during the period until the object place TP does not exist (step #16: Yes), it is determined that the object place TP covered by the maximum coverage access point is not one or more (step #13: No). That is, for the remaining wireless access points 31 that are not judged as non-removable access points at that time, it is determined that the object place TP cannot be reduced (in other words, the wave-ensured place PX cannot be increased). In the case where such a determination is made (step #13: No), the verification processing section 44 determines that the wave-intensity-deficient place PY exists in the plurality of observation places P (step #18) and ends the removable access point extraction process. In step #18, it is determined that the observation place P set as the object place TP at that time is the wave-intensity-deficient place PY.

[0044] In this embodiment, as an example, the verification process includes the following: if, based on the observation point radio intensity information, it is determined that there is an insufficient radio intensity location PY among multiple observation points P that does not provide radio intensity above the reference radio intensity (in this embodiment, an observation point P where radio intensity above the reference radio intensity is not provided by wireless access points 31 that exceeds the access point number threshold), the verification process generates corrected data for adding a new wireless access point 31 at a location that can provide radio intensity above the reference radio intensity for insufficient radio intensity location PY. This corrected data may be, for example, data identifying insufficient radio intensity location PY or data with corrected configuration information added to add a wireless access point 31 at the aforementioned location. The verification system 40, for example, uses the corrected configuration information to re-execute the radio intensity information acquisition process and the verification process (removable access point extraction process).

[0045] Next, refer to FIG. 7 to FIG. 19 Here, it is assumed that the removable access point extraction process is executed for four wireless access points 31 (the first access point AP1, the second access point AP2, the third access point AP3, and the fourth access point AP4). FIG. 7 The communication area A of the four wireless access points 31 is shown for three examples (the first example, the second example, and the third example). In these examples, FIG. 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the target area TA is divided into 64 (=8×8) grids, and an observation point P is set in each of the 64 grids. FIG. 7 The communication area A shown indicates an arrangement area of ​​observation points P that are determined for each wireless access point 31 based on observation point radio wave intensity information and provide radio wave intensity that is equal to or greater than a reference radio wave intensity.

[0046] exist FIG. 8 to FIG. 19In the diagram, the numbers (circled numbers) assigned to observation points P (specifically, within the grid where observation points P are defined) indicate wireless access points 31 that provide radio intensity exceeding the reference radio intensity for each observation point P. Specifically, at observation point P designated by a circled "1," radio intensity exceeding the reference radio intensity is provided by the first access point AP1. At observation point P designated by a circled "2," radio intensity exceeding the reference radio intensity is provided by the second access point AP2. At observation point P designated by a circled "3," radio intensity exceeding the reference radio intensity is provided by the third access point AP3. At observation point P designated by a circled "4," radio intensity exceeding the reference radio intensity is provided by the fourth access point AP4. Multiple circled numbers are assigned to observation points P where radio intensity exceeding the reference radio intensity is provided by multiple wireless access points 31.

[0047] exist FIG. 8 to FIG. 19 In the state shown in each figure, the number of target points TP covered by each wireless access point 31 (AP1 to AP4) is shown on the right side. FIG. 8 to FIG. 19 In FIG. 1 , the observation point P set as the target point TP among the plurality of observation points P is surrounded by a thick frame to distinguish the observation point P set as the target point TP from the observation point P set as the radio wave secured point PX and excluded from the target point TP.

[0048] <Example 1> FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 Regarding the first example (see FIG. 7 ) is an explanatory diagram of the extraction process of removable access points. In the first example, it is assumed that the access point number threshold is set to "1" for all observation points P. FIG. 6 Each step is shown and explained simultaneously.

[0049] First, if FIG. 8 As shown, all four wireless access points 31 (AP1 to AP4) are set as target access points (step #10), and all 64 observation points P are set as target points TP (step #11). In this state, the third access point AP3 is selected as the access point with the largest coverage (step #12). The number of target points TP covered by the third access point AP3 (=40) is one or more (step #13: Yes), so the third access point AP3 is set as an irremovable access point and excluded from the target access points (step #14). Furthermore, the observation points P covered by irremovable access points exceeding the access point number threshold (here, the observation points P covered by the third access point AP3) are set as radio wave secured points PX and excluded from the target points TP (step #15), becomingFIG. 9 The status shown.

[0050] exist FIG. 9 In the state shown, there are also target points TP (step #16: Yes). In this state, three wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) are set as target access points. In addition, some observation points P are excluded from the target points TP. As a result, the number of target points TP covered by these three wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) is the same as FIG. 8 The number of access points P covered by the second access point AP2 is reduced compared to the state shown. Furthermore, the second access point AP2 is selected as the access point with the largest coverage (step #12). The number of target points TP covered by the second access point AP2 (=19) is one or more (step #13: Yes). Therefore, the second access point AP2 is set as an irremovable access point and excluded from the target access points (step #14). Furthermore, the observation points P covered by irremovable access points exceeding the access point number threshold (here, the observation points P covered by the second access point AP2) are set as radio wave secured points PX and excluded from the target points TP (step #15), becoming FIG. 10 The status shown.

[0051] exist FIG. 10 In the state shown, there is also a target point TP (step #16: Yes), and in this state, two wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP4) are set as target access points. Furthermore, the first access point AP1 is selected as the access point with the largest coverage (step #12), and the number of target points TP covered by the first access point AP1 (=5) is one or more (step #13: Yes), so the first access point AP1 is set as an irremovable access point and excluded from the target access points (step #14). Furthermore, the observation point P covered by irremovable access points exceeding the access point number threshold (here, the observation point P covered by the first access point AP1) is set as a radio wave secured point PX and excluded from the target point TP (step #15), becoming FIG. 11 The status shown.

[0052] exist FIG. 11 In the state shown, there is no target point TP (step #16: No). In this state, one wireless access point 31 (AP4) is set as the target access point. Therefore, the fourth access point AP4, which is the target access point that does not cover the target point TP, is extracted as a removable access point (step #17). FIG. 11 As can be seen, even if the fourth access point AP4 is removed (see FIG. 11 ), radio wave intensities greater than the reference radio wave intensity are also provided to all observation points P from wireless access points 31 having a number of access points greater than or equal to the threshold value (in this example, one or more).

[0053] <2nd example> FIG. 12 to FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the removable access point extraction process of the 2nd example (refer to FIG. 7 ). In the 2nd example, a case where the access point number threshold is set to "1" for all observation points P is assumed. Hereinafter, each step shown in FIG. 6 will be explained while referring thereto.

[0054] First, as shown in FIG. 12 , all of the 4 wireless access points 31 (AP1 to AP4) are set as the target access points (step #10), and all of the 64 observation points P are set as the target points TP (step #11). In this state, the 3rd access point AP3 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), and the number of the target points TP covered by the 3rd access point AP3 (=32) is one or more (step #13: YES), so the 3rd access point AP3 is set as the non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (step #14). Also, the observation points P covered by the non-removable access point which is one or more in number (here, the observation points P covered by the 3rd access point AP3) are set as the wave-secured points PX and excluded from the target points TP (step #15), becoming the state shown in FIG. 13 .

[0055] In the state shown in FIG. 13 , there are also target points TP (step #16: YES), in which state 3 wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) are set as the target access points. Also, the 2nd access point AP2 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), and the number of the target points TP covered by the 2nd access point AP2 (=21) is one or more (step #13: YES), so the 2nd access point AP2 is set as the non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (step #14). Also, the observation points P covered by the non-removable access point which is one or more in number (here, the observation points P covered by the 2nd access point AP2) are set as the wave-secured points PX and excluded from the target points TP (step #15), becoming the state shown in FIG. 14 .

[0056] In the state shown in FIG. 14In the state shown, there also exists an object place TP (step #16: Yes), in which state, 2 wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP4) are set as object access points. Further, the first access point AP1 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), and the number of object places TP covered by the first access point AP1 (=10) is one or more (step #13: Yes), so the first access point AP1 is set as an irremovable access point and excluded from the object access points (step #14). Further, the observation place P covered by the irremovable access point which is one or more than the access point number threshold (here, the observation place P covered by the first access point AP1) is set as a wave-secured place PX and excluded from the object places TP (step #15), becoming FIG. 15 the state shown.

[0057] In FIG. 15 the state shown, there also exists an object place TP (step #16: Yes), in which state, 1 wireless access point 31 (AP4) is set as an object access point. Further, the fourth access point AP4 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), and the number of object places TP covered by the fourth access point AP4 (=0) is not one or more (step #13: No), so it is determined that the object place TP is a wave-intensity insufficient place PY (step #18).

[0058] <3rd Example> FIG. 16 to FIG. 19 is a diagram of the removable access point extraction process regarding the 3rd example (refer to FIG. 7 ). In the 3rd example, a case is assumed in which the access point number threshold is set to "2" for all of the observation places P. Hereinafter, each step shown in FIG. 6 will be explained while being referred to.

[0059] First, as shown in FIG. 16 , all of the wireless access points 31 of the 4 wireless access points 31 (AP1 to AP4) are set as object access points (step #10), and all of the observation places P of the 64 observation places P are set as object places TP (step #11). In this state, the third access point AP3 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), and the number of object places TP covered by the third access point AP3 (=53) is one or more (step #13: Yes), so the third access point AP3 is set as an irremovable access point and excluded from the object access points (step #14). In this state, the number of wireless access points 31 set as irremovable access points is "1" which is less than the access point number threshold, so there is no observation place P covered by an irremovable access point which is one or more than the access point number threshold. Therefore, the exclusion of the observation place P from the object places TP is not performed, and the state shown in FIG. 17 becomes.

[0060] In FIG. 17 the state shown, there is also an object place TP (step #16: YES), in which state, 3 wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) are set as object access points. Also, the 1st access point AP1 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), the number of object places TP covered by the 1st access point AP1 (=49) is 1 or more (step #13: YES), so the 1st access point AP1 is set as an irremovable access point and excluded from the object access points (step #14). Also, the observation places P covered by the irremovable access points above the access point number threshold (here, the observation places P covered by at least one of the 1st access point AP1 and the 3rd access point AP3 and the 2nd access point AP2) are set as the wave-ensured places PX and excluded from the object places TP (step #15), becoming the state shown in FIG. 18 .

[0061] In FIG. 18 the state shown, there is also an object place TP (step #16: YES), in which state, 2 wireless access points 31 (AP2, AP4) are set as object access points. Also, the 2nd access point AP2 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), the number of object places TP covered by the 2nd access point AP2 (=26) is 1 or more (step #13: YES), so the 2nd access point AP2 is set as an irremovable access point and excluded from the object access points (step #14). Also, the observation places P covered by the irremovable access points above the access point number threshold (here, the observation places P covered by at least one of the 1st access point AP1 and the 3rd access point AP3 and the 2nd access point AP2) are set as the wave-ensured places PX and excluded from the object places TP (step #15), becoming the state shown in FIG. 19 .

[0062] In FIG. 19 the state shown, there is no object place TP (step #16: NO), in which state, 1 wireless access point 31 (AP4) is set as an object access point. Therefore, the 4th access point AP4, which is the object access point having no covered object place TP, is extracted as a removable access point (step #17). As can be clearly seen from FIG. 19 , even if the 4th access point AP4 is removed (refer to the × mark in FIG. 19 , the reference wave intensity or more is provided from the wireless access points 31 above the access point number threshold (2 or more in this example) for all the observation places P.

[0063] The embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects and various modifications can be appropriately made within the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the gist thereof.

[0064] 〔Summary of Embodiments〕 Hereinafter, a summary of the embodiments related to the verification system described in the above explanation is explained.

[0065] The verification system is a verification system that targets a wireless communication system that has a plurality of wireless access points configured in a manner to provide electric waves to a target area and performs wireless communication with a mobile body moving in the target area, sets information including information of a shape of the target area and information of a configuration of an object that influences propagation of electric waves in the target area as layout information, sets information showing a configuration of the plurality of wireless access points as configuration information, and has: a reference electric wave intensity setting section that sets a reference electric wave intensity as a reference value of an electric wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each observation point of a plurality of observation points within the target area; an electric wave intensity information acquisition section that acquires observation point electric wave intensity information that is at least one of a predicted value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points by each of the observation points calculated based on the layout information and the configuration information and a measured value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points by each of the observation points measured; and a verification processing section that performs verification processing on the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points based on the observation point electric wave intensity information, the verification processing including removable access point extraction processing that extracts removable wireless access points that satisfy an electric wave intensity condition of ensuring the reference electric wave intensity or more at all of the observation points of the plurality of observation points and are simultaneously removable from the plurality of wireless access points.

[0066] According to the present configuration, the verification processing on the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points can be performed based on the observation point electric wave intensity information that is the electric wave intensity of each observation point, and thus in the removable access point extraction processing included in the verification processing, the removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted. At this time, the observation point electric wave intensity information is at least one of the predicted value of the electric wave intensity calculated by each of the observation points and the measured value of the electric wave intensity measured by each of the observation points, and thus the removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted regardless of whether the wireless access points are actually provided or not. As described above, according to the present configuration, the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points can be verified and the removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted.

[0067] In this case, it is appropriate to further provide an access point number threshold setting unit that sets an access point number threshold that is a threshold for the number of the wireless access points that provide the electric wave intensity of the reference electric wave intensity or more at each of the observation sites of the plurality of observation sites, and in the removable access point extraction processing, extract the wireless access points that are removable in a manner that, in addition to the electric wave intensity condition, the number of the wireless access points that provide the electric wave intensity of the reference electric wave intensity or more at all of the observation sites of the plurality of observation sites is the access point number threshold or more.

[0068] According to the present configuration, in the removable access point extraction processing, it is possible to extract the wireless access points that are removable in addition to the electric wave intensity condition and the access point number condition at all of the observation sites of the plurality of observation sites. Therefore, it is possible to ensure stable wireless communication at all of the observation sites of the plurality of observation sites and appropriately extract the wireless access points that are removable at the same time.

[0069] In addition, it is appropriate that the verification processing unit, in the removable access point extraction processing, repeatedly execute an irremovable access point setting processing that is a processing of setting a wireless access point that provides the reference electric wave intensity or more to all of the observation sites of the plurality of observation sites as an irremovable access point and excluding the wireless access point from the object access points, and an object site setting processing that is a processing of setting an observation site that is provided with the reference electric wave intensity or more by the irremovable access point from the object access points as a wave ensured site and excluding the observation site from the object sites, from a state in which all of the wireless access points of the plurality of wireless access points are set as the object access points and all of the observation sites of the plurality of observation sites are set as the object sites, and in the irremovable access point setting processing, extract the object access point in which there is no object site that provides the reference electric wave intensity or more as the wireless access point that is removable.

[0070] According to the present configuration, it is possible to preferentially retain the wireless access points that provide the reference electric wave intensity or more at many observation sites and appropriately extract the wireless access points that are removable at the same time.

[0071] Further, it is appropriate that the aforementioned mobile body is configured to move along a predetermined movement path, and the aforementioned observation points are set as points along at least the aforementioned movement path.

[0072] According to the present configuration, it is possible to ensure stable wireless communication between the mobile body and the wireless access points, and at the same time, appropriately extract removable wireless access points.

[0073] Further, it is appropriate that the aforementioned reference radio wave intensity setting section sets a plurality of levels for each section of the aforementioned movement path, and sets the aforementioned reference radio wave intensity to different values in correspondence with the aforementioned levels.

[0074] According to the present configuration, even in a case where the required radio wave intensity differs depending on the section of the movement path, by setting the reference radio wave intensity to different values in correspondence with the levels of the sections, it is possible to ensure stable wireless communication between the mobile body and the wireless access points, and at the same time, appropriately extract removable wireless access points.

[0075] Further, it is appropriate that the aforementioned verification process includes a process of generating data for adding a new wireless access point at a position where the aforementioned radio wave intensity of at least one of the aforementioned observation points is less than the aforementioned reference radio wave intensity.

[0076] According to the present configuration, in a case where there is a radio wave intensity deficient point, it is possible to generate data for making a correction to add a new wireless access point in a manner to provide a radio wave intensity of the reference radio wave intensity or more with respect to the radio wave intensity deficient point in the verification process. Therefore, in a case where it is determined in the verification process that there is a radio wave intensity deficient point, by using the data to correct the arrangement of the plurality of wireless access points, it is possible to arrange the plurality of wireless access points in a manner to satisfy the radio wave intensity condition at all of the plurality of observation points.

[0077] The verification system according to the present disclosure can exhibit at least one of the effects described above.

SYMBOL EXPLANATION

[0078] 3: movement path 4: track (object) 5: device (object) 6: wall (object) 10: mobile body 30: wireless communication system 31: wireless access point 40: verification system 41: Radio field intensity information acquisition section 42: Reference radio field intensity setting section 43: Access point number threshold setting section 44: Verification processing section P: Observation point PX: Radio field ensured point PY: Radio field insufficient point S: Section TA: Target area TP: Target point

Claims

1. A verification system that is a verification system that targets a wireless communication system that has a plurality of wireless access points configured in a manner that provides electric waves to a target area and performs wireless communication with a mobile body that moves in the target area, the verification system characterized by: information including information of a shape of the target area and information of a configuration of an object that affects propagation of electric waves in the target area is set as layout information, and information showing a configuration of the plurality of wireless access points is set as configuration information, the verification system having: a reference electric wave intensity setting section that sets a reference electric wave intensity that is a reference value of an electric wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each of a plurality of observation points that are observation points in the target area; an electric wave intensity information acquisition section that acquires observation point electric wave intensity information that is at least one of a predicted value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points per each of the observation points calculated based on the layout information and the configuration information and a measured value of the electric wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points per each of the observation points measured; and a verification processing section that performs a verification process on the configuration of the plurality of wireless access points based on the observation point electric wave intensity information, the verification process including a removable access point extraction process that extracts the wireless access points that are removable from the plurality of wireless access points that satisfy an electric wave intensity condition of ensuring the reference electric wave intensity or more at all of the observation points of the plurality of observation points and are removable at the same time.

2. The verification system according to claim 1, further having an access point number threshold value setting section that sets an access point number threshold value that is a threshold value of a number of the wireless access points that provide the electric wave intensity of the reference electric wave intensity or more at each of the observation points of the plurality of observation points, in the removable access point extraction process, the wireless access points that are removable are extracted in a manner that satisfies an access point number condition of the number of the wireless access points that provide the electric wave intensity of the reference electric wave intensity or more at all of the observation points of the plurality of observation points being the access point number threshold value or more in addition to the electric wave intensity condition. Will 3. The verification system according to claim 2, wherein the verification processing section repeatedly performs an irremovable access point setting process and an object point setting process from a state in which all of the wireless access points of the plurality of wireless access points are set as target access points and all of the observation points of the plurality of observation points are set as target points in the removable access point extraction process. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the unremovable access point setting process is a process of setting, as an unremovable access point, a wireless access point that provides the radio wave intensity of the reference radio wave intensity or more to the maximum number of the subject locations among the subject locations of the wireless access points set as the subject access points and excluding the wireless access point from the subject access points in a case where the wireless access point provides the radio wave intensity of the reference radio wave intensity or more to one or more of the subject locations, the subject location setting process is a process of setting, as a radio wave ensured location, and excluding from the subject locations, the observation location that is provided with the radio wave intensity of the reference radio wave intensity or more by the unremovable access point of the number of access points or more among the observation locations set as the subject locations each time the unremovable access point is newly set, the verification processing section extracts, as the wireless access point that is removable, the subject access point that does not have the subject location that provides the radio wave intensity of the reference radio wave intensity or more in the unremovable access point setting process.

4. The verification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mobile body is configured to move along a predetermined movement path, the observation locations are set as locations along at least the movement path.

5. The verification system according to claim 4, wherein the reference radio wave intensity setting section sets a plurality of levels for each section of the movement path, and sets the reference radio wave intensity to different values corresponding to the levels.

6. The verification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the verification processing includes a process of generating data for adding a new wireless access point at a position where the radio wave intensity of the reference radio wave intensity or more can be provided for a radio wave intensity insufficient location that is determined to exist as the observation location that is not provided with the radio wave intensity of the reference radio wave intensity or more among the observation locations based on the observation location radio wave intensity information.

7. A verification method that is a verification method for a wireless communication system that has a plurality of wireless access points configured to provide radio waves to a subject area and performs wireless communication with a mobile body that moves in the subject area, the verification method has the following features: information including information of a shape of the subject area and information of a configuration of an object that affects propagation of radio waves in the subject area is set as layout information, and information showing a configuration of a plurality of the wireless access points is set as configuration information, the verification method has: a reference radio wave intensity setting process that sets a reference radio wave intensity that is a reference value of a radio wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each observation location that is a plurality of observation locations in the subject area, a radio wave intensity information acquisition step of acquiring observation point radio wave intensity information that is at least one of a predicted value of the radio wave intensity provided from each of a plurality of radio access points calculated per each of the observation points based on the layout information and the configuration information and a measured value of the radio wave intensity provided from each of the plurality of radio access points measured per each of the observation points; and a verification processing step of performing verification processing on the configuration of the plurality of radio access points based on the observation point radio wave intensity information, the verification processing including a removable access point extraction processing of extracting, from the plurality of radio access points, a removable radio access point that satisfies a radio wave intensity condition of ensuring the reference radio wave intensity or more at all of the observation points of the plurality of observation points and is removable at the same time.

Images