Server, estimation method, and system

Abstract

To provide a technique for estimating a communication status in response to a user's request.SOLUTION: A server (1) includes: a mesh division unit (11) that divides a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes; a group division unit (12) that divides the range in which the radio waves from the base station can be received into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of meshes, on the basis of required calculation conditions; and an estimation unit (13) that estimates a communication status of a terminal group included in each of the plurality of groups.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server, an estimation method, and a system for estimating a communication situation. [Background technology]

[0002] Techniques for estimating a communication state of a network are known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method including a step of generating a model for predicting connectivity including a distribution of network resources over a network region, which is a collection of network elements, and simulating a network using the generated model to evaluate network traffic. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-278176 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In estimating the communication status of a network, when the area for estimating the communication status is set narrow, the accuracy of the simulation increases, but the simulation takes a long time. On the other hand, when the area for estimating the communication status is set narrow, the time required for the simulation is shortened, but the accuracy of the simulation decreases. Therefore, it is preferable that the user can select how much time to spend on the simulation and how accurate the simulation should be. However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to set the network area in advance, so the network area cannot be set according to the user's request. Therefore, the method described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is not possible to estimate the communication status according to the user's request.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and one example of a purpose thereof is to provide a technology that can estimate a communication situation according to a user's request. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mesh division means for dividing a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point, a group division means for dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions, and an estimation means for estimating the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimating the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0008] An estimation method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a server dividing a range into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to received power at each point within a range where radio waves from a base station can be received, dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions, estimating the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimating the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation results.

[0009] A system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mesh division means for dividing a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to received power at each point, a group division means for dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions, and an estimation means for estimating the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimating the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to estimate a communication situation according to a user's request. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the flow of an estimation method. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a range in which a terminal exists. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the flow of a method executed by a server. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process executed by a mesh dividing unit. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another example of the processing executed by the mesh dividing unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a process executed by a group dividing unit; [Figure 10] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a process executed by a determination unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a server and a system according to each exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, several exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be disclosed. However, the present invention is not limited to each of the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means employed in each of the exemplary embodiments disclosed below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0013] [First exemplary embodiment] The first exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment can be applied to other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. In addition, each technical means shown in each drawing referred to for explaining this exemplary embodiment can be applied to other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0014] (Server 1 configuration) The server 1 according to this exemplary embodiment is a server that estimates a communication situation. The configuration of the server 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 1.

[0015] 1, the server 1 includes a mesh division unit 11, a group division unit 12, and an estimation unit 13. In this exemplary embodiment, the mesh division unit 11, the group division unit 12, and the estimation unit 13 are components that respectively realize a mesh division means, a group division means, and an estimation means.

[0016] The mesh division unit 11 divides the range into a plurality of meshes based on an index relating to the received power at each point within the range in which radio waves from a base station can be received.

[0017] A mesh is a unit that indicates the range in which the communication situation is estimated. The shape and size of the mesh are not limited. As an example, the mesh division unit 11 divides the range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into multiple meshes so that multiple terminals whose estimated values ​​of received power are within a predetermined range are included in the same mesh.

[0018] Received power indicators are various parameters when a terminal receives radio waves emitted from a base station. Examples of received power indicators include received power, estimated received power, transmission equivalent isotropic radiation power (EIRP), loss, and receiving antenna gain.

[0019] The group division unit 12 divides the area in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on required calculation conditions.

[0020] The required calculation conditions are information indicating a request regarding a calculation for estimating a communication situation in the server 1. Examples of the required calculation conditions include information indicating the accuracy of the calculation and information indicating the time until the calculation is completed. The required calculation conditions may also include information regarding an index. As an example, the required calculation information may include information indicating whether to use the median value or the worst value of the index.

[0021] The estimation unit 13 estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the multiple groups, and estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0022] As described above, the server 1 is configured to include a mesh division unit 11 that divides a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point in the range, a group division unit 12 that divides the range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more meshes, based on required calculation conditions, and an estimation unit 13 that estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups and estimates the communication status of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result. Therefore, the server 1 has an effect of being able to estimate the communication status according to the user's request.

[0023] (Flow of estimation method S1) The estimation method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment is a method for estimating a communication situation. The flow of the estimation method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the estimation method S1.

[0024] (Step S11) In step S11, the mesh division unit 11 divides the range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point in the range in which the radio waves from the base station can be received.

[0025] (Step S12) In step S12, the group division unit 12 divides the area in which radio waves from the base station can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on the required calculation conditions.

[0026] (Step S13) In step S13, the estimation unit 13 estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the multiple groups, and estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0027] As described above, the estimation method S1 includes a step S11 in which the mesh division unit 11 divides the range where radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the receiving power at each point in the range, a step S12 in which the group division unit 12 divides the range where radio waves from the base station can be received into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of meshes, based on required calculation conditions, and a step S13 in which the estimation unit 13 estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimates the communication status of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result. Therefore, the estimation method S1 can obtain the same effect as the server 1 described above.

[0028] (System 2 Configuration) The system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment is a system for estimating a communication situation. The configuration of the system 2 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 2.

[0029] 3, the system 2 includes a mesh division unit 21, a group division unit 22, and an estimation unit 23. In this exemplary embodiment, the mesh division unit 21, the group division unit 22, and the estimation unit 23 are components that respectively realize a mesh division means, a group division means, and an estimation means.

[0030] The mesh division unit 21 divides the range into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point within the range in which radio waves from a base station can be received.

[0031] The group division unit 22 divides the area in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on required calculation conditions.

[0032] The estimation unit 23 estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the multiple groups, and estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0033] As described above, the system 2 is configured to include a mesh division unit 21 that divides a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point in the range, a group division unit 22 that divides the range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more meshes, based on required calculation conditions, and an estimation unit 23 that estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups and estimates the communication status of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result. Therefore, the system 2 can achieve the same effect as the server 1 described above.

[0034] [Second exemplary embodiment] The second exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technical means adopted in this exemplary embodiment is applicable to other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. In addition, each technical means shown in each drawing referred to for explaining this exemplary embodiment is applicable to other exemplary embodiments included in this disclosure to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0035] (Overview and configuration of system 100) The outline and configuration of a system 100 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the system 100. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the presence range of a terminal 50.

[0036] 4, the system 100 includes a server 40 and a plurality of terminals 50 (terminals 50a to 50c). When no particular distinction is required, the plurality of terminals 50a to 50c are also simply referred to as terminals 50.

[0037] 5, the terminal 50 is present within a range in which it can receive radio waves from at least one of a plurality of base stations 60 (base stations 60a to 60c). That is, the terminal 50 communicates with the server 40 via the network N by receiving radio waves from the base station 60. When no particular distinction is required, the plurality of base stations 60a to 60c are also simply referred to as base stations 60.

[0038] The base station 60 may be a terrestrial base station (base station 60a and base station 60b) as shown in Fig. 5. The base station 60 may also be a LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite (base station 60c) as shown in Fig. 5. The base station 60 may also be a HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station) not shown in Fig. 5. The base station 60 may also be configured to radiate radio waves in any of a plurality of directions.

[0039] Specific examples of the network N include a public line network, a mobile data communication network (3G, LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, 5G, local 5G, etc.), or a combination of these networks. However, the network N is not limited to these.

[0040] The server 40 may be realized by one server, or may be realized by a plurality of servers having each of the functions of the server 40 (a system having a plurality of servers).

[0041] In the system 100, the server 40 acquires information indicating the value of an index related to the received power at each point within a range where radio waves from the base station 60 can be received. As an example, in the system 100, the server 40 acquires information indicating the values ​​of multiple indexes related to the received power from each of the multiple terminals 50. The server 40 refers to the values ​​of the indexes related to the received power and estimates the communication status of the terminals included in a predetermined range. The indexes related to the received power are as described above.

[0042] Furthermore, in the system 100, the server 40 determines the direction in which each base station 60 emits radio waves based on the estimation result.

[0043] Furthermore, in the system 100, each of the multiple terminals 50 transmits information indicating values ​​of multiple indicators to the server 40 under different conditions. Examples of different conditions include a condition where it is sunny and a condition where it is raining in the area where the terminal 50 is located, and a condition where there is no building blocking radio waves and a condition where there is a building blocking radio waves in the area where the terminal 50 is located.

[0044] Furthermore, in system 100, past indices and data calculated from the indices may be used by storing the acquired indices in storage unit 44, which will be described later. For example, in system 100, when server 40 estimates a communication situation in a certain situation in a certain area, it may estimate the communication situation by referring to past data in the same situation in the certain area. With this configuration, system 100 can increase the speed of the process of estimating the communication situation.

[0045] (Server 40 Configuration) As shown in FIG. 4, the server 40 includes a control unit 30, an input unit 41, an output unit 42, a communication unit 43, and a storage unit 44.

[0046] The input unit 41 is an interface that accepts user input. The input unit 41 supplies information indicating the accepted user input to the control unit 30. Examples of the input unit 41 include, but are not limited to, a keyboard, a touchpad, and a microphone.

[0047] The output unit 42 is an interface that outputs data. The output unit 42 outputs data supplied from the control unit 30. Examples of the output unit 42 include, but are not limited to, a display device and a speaker.

[0048] The communication unit 43 is an interface that transmits and receives data via the network N. As an example, the communication unit 43 transmits data supplied from the control unit 30 to another device, and supplies data received from another device to the control unit 30. Examples of the communication unit 43 include, but are not limited to, communication chips in various communication standards and a USB-compliant connector.

[0049] The storage unit 44 stores data referenced by the control unit 30. Examples of the data stored in the storage unit 44 include, but are not limited to, the distribution of terminals 50, the distribution of base stations 60, weather information, time information, location (city) information, radio wave maps, and accumulated index values. Examples of the storage unit 44 include, but are not limited to, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination thereof.

[0050] (Control unit 30) The control unit 30 controls each component included in the server 40. As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 30 also includes a mesh division unit 31, a group division unit 32, an estimation unit 33, an acquisition unit 34, and a determination unit 35. In this exemplary embodiment, the mesh division unit 31, the group division unit 32, the estimation unit 33, and the determination unit 35 are configured to realize a mesh division means, a group division means, an estimation means, and a determination means, respectively.

[0051] The mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes. As an example, the mesh division unit 31 first provisionally divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes for each index based on the respective values ​​of a plurality of indexes related to received power. Next, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an estimated value of received power based on the respective values ​​of the plurality of indexes for each of the plurality of meshes after provisional division. In calculating the estimated value of received power, the mesh division unit 31 may refer to the radio wave conditions stored in the radio wave map in addition to the plurality of indexes.

[0052] Furthermore, the mesh division unit 31 divides the area in which radio waves from each of the plurality of base stations 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes.

[0053] Furthermore, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from each base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes for each of a plurality of directions in which the base station 60 can radiate radio waves.

[0054] That is, for a certain base station 60, the mesh division unit 31 divides into a plurality of meshes the range in which radio waves from the certain base station 60 can be received for each of a plurality of directions in which the certain base station 60 can emit radio waves. The mesh division unit 31 executes the same process for all base stations 60. An example of the process executed by the mesh division unit 31 will be described later.

[0055] The group division unit 32 divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which consists of one or more meshes. As an example, the group division unit 32 divides the area in which radio waves from each of the plurality of base stations 60 can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which consists of one or more meshes, for each of the plurality of base stations 60, based on the required calculation conditions. The required calculation conditions are as described in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment.

[0056] In addition, the group division unit 32 divides the range in which radio waves can be received from each base station 60 into multiple groups, each group consisting of one or more meshes, based on the required calculation conditions for each of the multiple directions in which each base station 60 can emit radio waves.

[0057] That is, for a certain base station 60, the group division unit 32 divides the range in which radio waves from the certain base station 60 can be received into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of meshes, for each of a plurality of directions in which the certain base station 60 can emit radio waves. The group division unit 32 executes the same process for all base stations 60.

[0058] Furthermore, the group division unit 32 determines whether or not there are any groups that can be combined. If it is determined that there are any groups that can be combined, the group division unit 32 combines the groups.

[0059] As an example, assume that there are a first group and a second group that are adjacent to each other. In this case, the group division unit 32 first determines whether the received power of the terminals 50 included in the first group is higher than the received power of the terminals 50 included in the second group.

[0060] If the received power of the terminals 50 included in the first group is higher than the received power of the terminals 50 included in the second group, the group division unit 32 next determines whether the size of the range of the first group is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ratio of the size of the range of the second group. The predetermined ratio is not particularly limited, but an example is 20%. The predetermined ratio may also be determined according to the positions of the first group and the second group and the weather.

[0061] When it is determined that the size of the range of the first group is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ratio with respect to the size of the range of the second group, the group dividing unit 32 includes the first group in the second group. An example of the process executed by the group dividing unit 32 will be described later.

[0062] The estimation unit 33 estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group divided by the group division unit 32. As an example, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the multiple groups divided by the group division unit 32. Then, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0063] Furthermore, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication conditions of the terminals included in each group for each of a plurality of directions in which each base station 60 can radiate radio waves.

[0064] Furthermore, for each of the plurality of base stations 60, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication conditions of the terminals included in each group.

[0065] That is, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group for a certain base station 60 in each of a plurality of directions in which the certain base station 60 can emit radio waves. The estimation unit 33 executes the same process for all base stations 60. An example of the process executed by the estimation unit 33 will be described later.

[0066] The acquisition unit 34 acquires data supplied from the input unit 41 or the communication unit 43. Examples of the data acquired by the acquisition unit 34 include, but are not limited to, information indicating required calculation conditions and values ​​of a plurality of indexes.

[0067] The determination unit 35 determines the direction in which the base station 60 will radiate radio waves. As an example, the determination unit 35 determines in which of a plurality of directions the base station 60 will radiate radio waves, based on the estimation result by the estimation unit 33. In addition, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which each base station 60 will radiate radio waves. An example of the process executed by the determination unit 35 will be described later.

[0068] (Flow of method S100 executed by server 40) The flow of the method S100 executed by the server 40 in the system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the method S100 executed by the server 40.

[0069] (Step S101) In step S101, the acquisition unit 34 acquires information indicating the required calculation conditions and the values ​​of each index. As an example of a configuration for acquiring the required calculation conditions, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the required calculation conditions input by the user via the input unit 41. As another example, the acquisition unit 34 acquires the required calculation conditions via the communication unit 43 from another device connected via the network N. As an example of a configuration for acquiring information indicating the values ​​of each index, the acquisition unit 34 acquires information indicating the values ​​of each index from each of the multiple terminals 50 via the communication unit 43. As another example, the acquisition unit 34 acquires information indicating the values ​​of each index stored in the storage unit 44.

[0070] (Step S102) In step S102, the mesh division unit 31 divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point in the area in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received. An example of the process executed by the mesh division unit 31 in step S102 will be described later.

[0071] As described above, in step S102, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from a certain base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes for each of a plurality of directions in which the certain base station 60 can emit radio waves. The mesh division unit 31 executes the same process for all base stations 60.

[0072] Also, the server 40 may not execute the process of step S102, and may execute the process of step S103 after step S101. That is, after acquiring the required calculation conditions, the server 10 may execute the process of step S103 without executing the process of step S102. In this case, in step S103 described later, the group division unit 32 may use meshes previously divided by the mesh division unit 31.

[0073] (Step S103) In step S103, the group division unit 32 divides the area in which radio waves from each of the base stations 60 can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on the required calculation conditions acquired by the acquisition unit 34 for each of the base stations 60. An example of the process executed by the group division unit 32 in step S103 will be described later.

[0074] As described above, in step S103, the group division unit 32 divides the range in which radio waves from a certain base station 60 can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, for each of a plurality of directions in which the certain base station 60 can emit radio waves. The group division unit 32 executes the same process for all base stations 60.

[0075] (Step S104) In step S104, the group division unit 32 determines whether or not there are any groups that can be merged.

[0076] (Step S105) If it is determined in step S104 that there are groups that can be merged (step S105: YES), the group dividing unit 32 merges the groups in step S105. An example of the process executed by the group dividing unit 32 in steps S104 and S105 will be described later.

[0077] (Step S106) If it is determined in step S104 that there are no groups that can be merged (step S105: NO), or after the process of step S105 is executed, in step S106, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication situation of one terminal included in each of the multiple groups divided by the group division unit 32. An example of the process executed by the estimation unit 33 in step S106 will be described later.

[0078] As described above, in step S106, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication conditions of the terminals included in each group for a certain base station 60 in each of a plurality of directions in which the certain base station 60 can emit radio waves. The estimation unit 33 executes the same process for all base stations 60.

[0079] (Step S107) In step S107, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which radio waves are emitted from each base station 60. An example of the process executed by the determination unit 35 in step S107 will be described later.

[0080] (Example 1 of the process executed by the mesh division unit 31 in step S102) An example of the process executed by the mesh dividing unit 31 in step S102 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the process executed by the mesh dividing unit 31.

[0081] First, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes based on the value of one of a plurality of indexes. For example, the mesh division unit 31 sets a threshold value, and provisionally divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes based on whether the value of the index exceeds the threshold value.

[0082] In this case, as an example of the threshold, the mesh division unit 31 may set the value of an index at which the value of MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) changes to the threshold. As another example, the mesh division unit 31 may set the value of an index at which the modulation scheme changes to the threshold.

[0083] For example, assume that the transmission EIRP is used as the index. The mesh division unit 31 sets a threshold value based on the value of the transmission EIRP as follows. Mesh 1: Transmit EIRP value ≦ 0 Mesh 2: 0<transmit EIRP value<20 Mesh 3: 20 ≦ Transmitted EIRP value Based on the value of the transmission EIRP, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes (meshes ms1_1a to ms3_1a) as shown in the upper left of FIG. 7. The mesh division unit 31 also associates a representative value with each mesh. Examples of the representative value include a median value and a worst value. On the left side of FIG. 7, the representative value of the mesh ms1_1a is -3, the representative value of the mesh ms2_1a is 9, and the representative value of the mesh ms3_1a is 21.

[0084] Similarly, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60b can be received into a plurality of meshes (mesh ms1_1b to mesh ms3_1b) as shown in the lower left of Fig. 7. As shown in the left of Fig. 7, the size of the meshes may differ depending on the base station 60. Also, as described above, the shape of the meshes may differ depending on the base station 60.

[0085] Similarly, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes based on the loss value as another index. In this case, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes based on the loss value as follows, for example. Mesh 1: Loss≦160 Mesh 2: 160<Loss<180 Mesh 3: 180≦Loss Based on the loss value, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes (mesh ms1_2a to mesh ms3_2a) as shown in the upper center of Fig. 7. Furthermore, the mesh division unit 31 associates a representative value with each mesh in the same manner as in the above-mentioned process.

[0086] Then, the mesh division unit 31 calculates an estimate of the received power in each mesh by combining the meshes provisionally divided for each index. That is, the mesh division unit 31 calculates an estimate of the received power in each mesh by using a representative value in each mesh. Based on the estimate of the received power, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes (mesh 1a to mesh 4a), as shown in the upper right of FIG. 7.

[0087] In this way, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes for each index based on the values ​​of the plurality of indexes related to the received power. Then, for each of the plurality of meshes after provisional division, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an estimated value of the received power based on the values ​​of the plurality of indexes. With this configuration, the mesh division unit 31 can set a threshold value for each index and set the size of the meshes to be divided by the provisional division.

[0088] Moreover, the mesh division unit 31 uses the transmission EIRP, loss, and receiving antenna gain as the multiple indices. Moreover, the mesh division unit 31 calculates an estimate of the received power using the median or worst value of the indices. With this configuration, the mesh division unit 31 can suitably calculate the estimate of the received power.

[0089] The mesh division unit 31 may divide the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes based on the required calculation conditions. As an example, the mesh division unit 31 sets the value of an index at which the value of the MCS changes as a threshold value based on the required calculation conditions. As an example, when the required calculation conditions indicate that the calculation is performed with high accuracy (or when the time until the calculation is completed is long), the mesh division unit 31 sets the value of an index at which the value of the MCS changes as a threshold value. As another example, when the required calculation conditions indicate that the calculation is performed with low accuracy (or when the time until the calculation is completed is short), the mesh division unit 31 may set the value of an index at which the modulation method (such as QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) or 16QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)) indicated by the MCS changes as a threshold value.

[0090] (Example 2 of the process executed by the mesh division unit 31 in step S102) The mesh division unit 31 may divide the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes for each situation. A configuration of the mesh division unit 31 for dividing the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes for each situation will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the process executed by the mesh division unit 31.

[0091] As an example, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into meshes ms1_3 to ms3_3 based on the loss value in clear skies, as shown in the upper left of Fig. 8. Then, the mesh division unit 31 divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes in clear skies.

[0092] Furthermore, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into meshes ms1_4 to ms3_4 based on the loss value in rainy weather, as shown in the upper right of Fig. 8. Then, the mesh division unit 31 divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes in rainy weather conditions.

[0093] As another example, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into meshes ms1_5 to ms3_5 based on the loss value when there are no buildings (when there are no objects blocking radio waves) within the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received, as shown in the lower left of Fig. 8. Then, in a situation in which there are no buildings, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes.

[0094] Furthermore, the mesh division unit 31 provisionally divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into meshes ms1_5 to ms3_5 based on the loss value when buildings are present within the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received, as shown in the lower right side of Fig. 8. Then, in a situation in which buildings are present, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60a can be received into a plurality of meshes.

[0095] In this way, the mesh division unit 31 divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes for each situation. Therefore, the mesh division unit 31 can use the meshes for each divided situation when the same situation occurs.

[0096] (Example of Processing Executed by Group Dividing Unit 32 in Step S103) An example of the process executed by the group dividing unit 32 in step S103 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the process executed by the group dividing unit 32.

[0097] First, the group division unit 32 acquires information about the meshes divided by the mesh division unit 31. For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 9, the group division unit 32 acquires information indicating that the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received has been divided into a plurality of meshes. In addition, the group division unit 32 acquires an estimate of the received power in each mesh.

[0098] In the following, the mesh in Fig. 9 that is M-th from the top and N-th from the left is represented as mesh msMN. For example, as shown in the upper part of Fig. 9, the mesh that is first from the top and first from the left is represented as mesh ms11. In Fig. 9, the numbers written on each mesh are the estimated values ​​of the received power in each mesh. In Fig. 9, adjacent meshes with the same received power are also written as individual meshes, but meshes with the same received power may be treated as one mesh.

[0099] First, the group division unit 32 sets a threshold based on the required calculation conditions. Then, the group division unit 32 divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on whether the estimated value of the received power exceeds the threshold.

[0100] As an example, the group division unit 32 sets the value of the received power at which the MCS value changes as the threshold value based on the required calculation conditions. As an example, when the required calculation conditions indicate that the calculation is to be performed with high accuracy (or when the time until the calculation is completed is long), the group division unit 32 sets the value of the received power at which the MCS value changes as the threshold value. As another example, when the required calculation conditions indicate that the calculation is to be performed with low accuracy (or when the time until the calculation is completed is short), the group division unit 32 sets the value of the received power at which the modulation method (QPSK, 16QAM, etc.) indicated by the MCS changes as the threshold value. With this configuration, the group division unit 32 can suitably set the threshold value for dividing the groups.

[0101] For example, the group division unit 32 divides the groups as follows based on the required calculation conditions. Group gr1: Estimated received power is 0 to 4 Group gr2: Estimated received power is 5 to 9 Group gr3: Estimated received power is 10 to 14 The group division unit 32 divides the group into groups gr1 to gr3 based on the estimated value of the received power, as shown in the center of Fig. 9. For example, mesh ms11, mesh ms21, etc. are included in group gr1. In addition, mesh ms31 and mesh ms14 are both included in group gr2, but since they are not adjacent, mesh ms31 is included in group gr2_1, and mesh ms14 is included in group gr2_2. In addition, mesh ms16 is included in group gr3.

[0102] In this way, the group division unit 32 sets a threshold based on the required calculation conditions, and divides the range in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on whether the estimated value of the received power exceeds the threshold. With this configuration, the group division unit 32 can divide the number of groups into a large number when the required calculation conditions indicate that the calculation should be performed with high accuracy. Also, with this configuration, the group division unit 32 can divide the number of groups into a small number when the required calculation conditions indicate that the time until the calculation is completed is short.

[0103] (Example of Processing Executed by Group Dividing Unit 32 in Steps S104 and S105) An example of the process executed by the group division section 32 in steps S104 and S105 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 again.

[0104] When a predetermined condition is satisfied for a first group and a second group, which are two adjacent groups, the group dividing section 32 may include the first group in the second group.

[0105] As an example, the group division unit 32 first determines whether or not the received power of the terminals 50 included in the first group is higher than the received power of the terminals 50 included in the second group.

[0106] For example, in the diagram shown in the middle of Fig. 9, the group division unit 32 judges whether the estimated value of the received power of the group gr2_1 is higher than the received power of the group gr1. The group division unit 32 makes the same judgment for the adjacent groups gr1 and gr2_2, and the adjacent groups gr2_2 and gr3.

[0107] In the diagram shown in the middle of Fig. 9, the group division unit 32 determines that the reception power of group gr2_1 (first group) is higher than the reception power of group gr1 (second group). The group division unit 32 also determines that the reception power of group 2_2 (first group) is higher than the reception power of group gr1 (second group). The group division unit 32 also determines that the reception power of group gr3 (first group) is higher than the reception power of group gr2_2 (second group).

[0108] Next, the group division unit 32 judges whether the size of the range of the group gr2_1 with high reception power is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ratio to the size of the range of the group gr1 with low reception power. As described above, the predetermined ratio is not limited and may be determined according to the location of the group or the weather. In this example, a case where the predetermined ratio is 20% will be described. The group division unit 32 makes the same judgment for the groups gr2_2 and gr1, and the groups gr3 and gr2_2.

[0109] In the diagram shown in the middle of Fig. 9, the group dividing unit 32 determines that the size of the range of group gr2_1 is 20% or less of the size of the range of group gr1. Also, the group dividing unit 32 determines that the size of the range of group gr3 is 20% or less of the size of the range of group gr2_2. That is, in Fig. 9, the group dividing unit 32 determines in step S104 that there are groups that can be merged.

[0110] 9, the group dividing unit 32 determines that the size of the range of the group gr2_2 is not equal to or less than 20% of the size of the range of the group gr1, and therefore does not execute the process of step S105 for the combination of the group gr2_2 and the group gr1.

[0111] Next, in step S105, the group dividing unit 32 includes the group gr2_1 in the group gr1. Similarly, the group dividing unit 32 includes the group gr3 in the group gr2_2. Through this process, the group dividing unit 32 divides the group into the group gr1 and the group gr2, as shown in the lower part of FIG.

[0112] In this way, for the first group and the second group, which are two adjacent groups, the group first, which has high reception power and a narrow range, is included in the adjacent second group. In other words, the group division unit 32 processes the mesh included in the group first, which has high reception power and a narrow range, as the mesh included in the second group, which has poor conditions. With this configuration, the group division unit 32 can reduce the number of groups and maintain the accuracy of the estimation, so that the speed of the process of estimating the communication status of the terminals included in each group by the estimation unit 33 can be increased while maintaining accuracy.

[0113] (Example 2 of process executed by the estimation unit 33 in step S106) An example of the process executed by the estimation unit 33 in step S106 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0114] Assume that the groups are divided by the group division unit 32 as shown in the lower part of Fig. 9. The estimation unit 33 first obtains the number of terminals included in each group. As an example, the estimation unit 33 may obtain the number of terminals included in each group from the distribution of the terminals 50 stored in the storage unit 44.

[0115] Next, the estimation unit 33 acquires a target communication speed, which is a target value of the communication speed of one terminal 50. The target communication speed may be acquired by the acquisition unit 34, or may be stored in the storage unit 44 in advance.

[0116] Next, the estimation unit 33 calculates the product of the target communication speed and the number of terminals. For example, if the target communication speed is 40 Mbps and the number of terminals included in the range of the group gr1 is 100, the estimation unit 33 calculates 40×100=4000 Mbps.

[0117] Then, the estimation unit 33 determines whether the base station 60 can communicate with the group gr1 at 4000 Mbps or more, and outputs the result as an estimation result. An example of a method in which the estimation unit 33 determines whether the base station 60 can communicate with the group gr1 at 4000 Mbps or more will be described below.

[0118] The estimation unit 33 first sets a representative value of the received power of the group gr1. For example, since the group gr1 includes meshes with received power values ​​of 0 to 4, the estimation unit 33 sets the representative value to 2, which is the median value of 0 to 4. The representative value is not limited to the median value, and may be the median value or the worst value. That is, the estimation unit 33 may set the value of the received power calculated using the median or worst value of an index such as a propagation loss or an amount of interference as the representative value. With this configuration, the estimation unit 33 can refer to an appropriate value of the received power. Furthermore, when the group is divided using the value of the received power at which the MCS value changes as a threshold, the estimation unit 33 may set a representative value of the MCS value of each group.

[0119] Next, based on the representative value of the received power (or MCS), the estimation unit 33 calculates the estimated communication speed of the representative terminal 50. As an example, the estimation unit 33 may calculate the estimated communication speed of the terminal 50 using a known technique.

[0120] Then, the estimation unit 33 calculates the product of the calculated estimated communication speed and the number of terminals included in the range of group gr1, determines whether the calculated value is 4000 Mbps or more, and outputs it as the estimation result.

[0121] In this way, the estimation unit 33 judges whether or not the communication speed obtained by multiplying the target communication speed by the number of terminals can be realized for each group. Therefore, the estimation unit 33 does not judge whether or not the target communication speed can be realized for each individual terminal 50 included in each group, but judges whether or not the target communication speed can be realized for each group (terminal group). With this configuration, the estimation unit 33 can suitably estimate the communication status of the terminal group included in each group.

[0122] As described above, the estimation unit 33 determines whether or not a communication speed obtained by multiplying the target communication speed by the number of terminals in each group can be realized for each of the multiple base stations 60. With this configuration, the estimation unit 33 can appropriately estimate the communication status of the terminal group for each group of each base station 60.

[0123] (Example of process executed by the determination unit 35 in step S107) An example of the process executed by the determination unit 35 in step S107 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the process executed by the determination unit 35.

[0124] First, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which each of the multiple base stations 60 emits radio waves. The method by which the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which each of the multiple base stations 60 emits radio waves is not particularly limited, and the determination unit 35 may determine the direction in which each of the multiple base stations 60 emits radio waves by a predetermined method. However, as a premise, the determination unit 35 preferentially determines, as the direction in which the base station 60 emits radio waves, one of the base stations 60 determined by the estimation unit 33 to be capable of achieving the target communication speed and the direction in which the base station 60 emits radio waves. In other words, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which each of the multiple base stations 60 emits radio waves based on the estimation result.

[0125] As an example, the determination unit 35 first determines the radio wave emission direction of the base station 60 capable of emitting radio waves to the mesh containing the largest number of terminals to be the direction including that mesh. Next, the determination unit 35 determines the radio wave emission direction of the base station 60 capable of emitting radio waves to the mesh containing the largest number of terminals among the meshes that cannot receive the radio wave emission of the determined base station 60 to be the direction including that mesh. The determination unit 35 repeats this process to determine the direction in which each of the multiple base stations 60 emits radio waves.

[0126] Next, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which the base stations 60 radiate radio waves for the meshes that receive radio waves from the base stations 60. For example, in the diagram shown in Fig. 10, the determination unit 35 determines which of the base stations 60a and 60c will radiate radio waves to meshes ms31, ms32, and ms41, which are meshes that receive radio waves radiated by the base station 60a and radio waves radiated by the base station 60c.

[0127] As an example, for a mesh receiving radio waves from multiple base stations 60, the determination unit 35 determines which of the multiple base stations 60 will radiate radio waves to the mesh based on at least one of the number of base stations 60 (balance in the placement of the base stations 60) and characteristics within the mesh (e.g., the presence or absence of buildings that block radio waves).

[0128] As an example, assume that the radio waves emitted by the base station 60c have low reception power at the terminals 50 (terminals 50a to 50c, etc.) included in the meshes ms31 and ms41 as shown in the lower part of Fig. 10. In this case, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which the base station 60a emits radio waves to be upward as shown in the upper part of Fig. 10 so that the terminals 50 included in the meshes ms31 and ms41 can receive the radio waves emitted by the base station 60a, which has high reception power.

[0129] As another example, as shown in the lower part of Fig. 10, assume that some terminals 50 (not shown in Fig. 10) included in the mesh ms61 cannot receive radio waves emitted by the base station 60c. In this case, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which the base station 60a emits radio waves to the left (broken line) so that the terminals 50 included in the mesh ms61 can receive the radio waves. In this case, the terminals 50 included in the meshes ms31, ms32, and ms41 receive the radio waves emitted by the base station 60c.

[0130] In this way, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which each of the multiple base stations 60 emits radio waves based on the estimation result. With this configuration, the determination unit 35 can enable the terminals 50 included in each mesh to receive radio waves with appropriate reception power.

[0131] Furthermore, for a mesh receiving radio waves from a plurality of base stations 60, the determination unit 35 determines which of the plurality of base stations 60 will radiate radio waves to that mesh based on at least one of the number of base stations 60 and characteristics within the mesh. With this configuration, the determination unit 35 can enable the terminals 50 included in each mesh to receive radio waves with appropriate reception power in all ranges receiving radio waves from the plurality of base stations 60.

[0132] (System 100 Effects) As described above, in the system 100, the server 40 divides the area in which radio waves from the base station 60 can be received into a plurality of meshes, divides the area into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on the required calculation conditions, and estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group. Therefore, the server 40 can increase or decrease the number of groups according to the required calculation conditions. Therefore, the server 40 can estimate the communication status according to the user's request.

[0133] (Variation 1) In this modification, the process of the server 40 when the number of terminals 50 included in the group changes will be described.

[0134] When the number of terminals 50 included in the group changes, the server 40 may execute the above-mentioned method S100, or may execute the following process instead of the method S100.

[0135] As an example, when the number of terminals 50 included in a group increases from N to N+1, the estimation unit 33 first multiplies the target communication speed of the group by (N+1) / N. Then, the estimation unit 33 determines whether the calculated target communication speed can be realized by the base station 60 and the group of terminals. The determination process is as described above.

[0136] As another example, when the number of terminals 50 included in a group is reduced from N to N-1, the server 40 may not need to execute the process again. Alternatively, when it is determined that the process is necessary (for example, when a user requests the process), the estimation unit 33 multiplies the target communication speed of the group by (N-1) / N. Then, the estimation unit 33 determines whether the calculated target communication speed can be realized by the base station 60 and the group of terminals.

[0137] In this way, when the number of terminals 50 included in a group changes from N, the estimation unit 33 estimates the communication situation in the group after the change, using the target communication speed for N. That is, the estimation unit 33 refers to communication situations estimated in the past, and estimates the communication situation in the group after the change in the number of terminals 50. With this configuration, the estimation unit 33 can reduce the processing when the number of terminals 50 included in a group changes.

[0138] (Variation 2) In this modified example, a case in which the processing by the server 40 is omitted or simplified will be described.

[0139] The server 40 may be configured to process only a specified range partially. Examples of the specified range include a range directly specified by a user, a range where the situation has changed (a range where the weather has changed, a range where a new building has been built, a range including a group where the number of vehicles has changed, etc.).

[0140] As an example, when a range is specified by the user, the server 40 executes the above-mentioned method S100 for the range. Furthermore, when a part of the range is specified by the user, the server 40 executes the above-mentioned method S100 for the part of the range. That is, the estimation unit 33 of the server 40 can improve the efficiency of processing by estimating the communication status in the part of the range specified by the user, compared to estimating the entire communication status.

[0141] As another example, when there is a low possibility that any of the base stations 60 among the multiple base stations 60 will radiate radio waves in a direction including the range in which the multiple base stations 60 can radiate radio waves, the above-described method S100 may not be executed for the direction in question for the base station 60. Examples of cases in which the base station 60 is unlikely to radiate radio waves in a certain direction include the presence of a building in the certain direction that blocks radio waves from the base station 60, or the presence of a direction in which the base station 60 preferentially radiates radio waves other than the certain direction.

[0142] In this way, when a certain base station 60 is unlikely to radiate radio waves into a range in which a different base station 60 can radiate radio waves, the estimation unit 33 does not estimate the communication status of the terminals included in the group including the range in the case where the certain base station 60 radiates radio waves into the range. With this configuration, the estimation unit 33 can make processing more efficient.

[0143] As yet another example, when a request to maintain the line speed is received from a terminal 50 included in a range where the communication situation is predicted to deteriorate, the determination unit 35 determines the direction in which the base station 60 that has a good communication situation with the range will radiate radio waves to a direction including the range. The server 40 further executes the above-mentioned method S100 for base stations 60 other than the base station 60.

[0144] That is, when the estimation unit 33 receives a request to maintain the line speed for a certain range, the estimation unit 33 does not estimate the communication status with other groups for the base station 60 that is estimated to have a good communication status with the certain range. With this configuration, the estimation unit 33 can improve the efficiency of processing.

[0145] [Software implementation example] A part or all of the functions of the servers 1, 40 and the systems 2, 100 may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or may be realized by software.

[0146] In the latter case, the servers 1, 40 and the systems 2, 100 are realized, for example, by a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter, referred to as computer C) is shown in FIG. 11. The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for operating the computer C as the servers 1, 40 and the systems 2, 100. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing each function of the servers 1, 40 and the systems 2, 100.

[0147] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0148] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may further include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may further include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0149] Furthermore, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can obtain the program P via such a recording medium M. Furthermore, the program P can be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also obtain the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0150] [Additional Note 1] The present invention is supported by the above-mentioned embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means included in the above-mentioned embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0151] [Additional Note 2] The present disclosure may be expressed as the following appendices. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following appendices.

[0152] (Appendix 1) A server comprising: a mesh division means for dividing a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point; a group division means for dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions; and an estimation means for estimating the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimating the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0153] (Appendix 2) The server described in Appendix 1, wherein, for adjacent first and second groups, when the received power of a terminal included in the first group is higher than the received power of a terminal included in the second group and the size of the range of the first group is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ratio of the size of the range of the second group, the group division means includes the first group in the second group.

[0154] (Appendix 3) The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the group division means divides the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, based on the required calculation conditions, using the value of the index at which the MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) value changes as a threshold.

[0155] (Appendix 4) The server according to any of appendices 1 to 3, further comprising a determination means for determining in which of a plurality of directions the base station will radiate radio waves based on an estimation result by the estimation means, wherein the mesh division means divides the range into a plurality of meshes for each of the plurality of directions, the group division means divides the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, for each of the plurality of directions, and the estimation means estimates the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group for each of the plurality of directions.

[0156] (Appendix 5) The server described in Appendix 4, wherein the determination means determines, for a mesh capable of receiving radio waves from a plurality of base stations, which of the plurality of base stations will radiate radio waves to the mesh based on at least one of the number of the plurality of base stations and characteristics within the mesh.

[0157] (Appendix 6) The server according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the mesh division means provisionally divides the range into a plurality of meshes for each index based on the values ​​of a plurality of indexes related to received power, and for each of the plurality of meshes after provisional division, divides the range into a plurality of meshes based on an estimated value of received power based on the values ​​of the plurality of indexes.

[0158] (Appendix 7) The server according to claim 6, wherein the mesh division means uses a transmission equivalent isotropic tadiation power (EIRP), loss, and a receiving antenna gain as the multiple indicators, and calculates an estimate of the received power using a median or worst value of the indicators.

[0159] (Appendix 8) The server according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the mesh division means divides the range into a plurality of meshes for each of a plurality of base stations, the group division means divides the range into a plurality of groups for each of the plurality of base stations, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, and the estimation means estimates the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group for each of the plurality of base stations.

[0160] (Appendix 9) An estimation method including: a server dividing an area into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to reception power at each point within a range where radio waves from a base station can be received; dividing the area into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions; estimating, for each of the plurality of groups, a communication status of one terminal included in the group; and estimating the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation results.

[0161] (Appendix 10) A system comprising: a mesh division means for dividing a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to the received power at each point; a group division means for dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions; and an estimation means for estimating the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimating the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0162] (Appendix 11) The server according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a storage means for storing each of the acquired values ​​of the plurality of indicators.

[0163] (Appendix 12) The server according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the estimation means estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group using a median or a worst value of the index.

[0164] (Appendix 13) 13. The server according to any one of appendices 1 to 12, wherein when the number of terminals included in a group changes, the estimation means estimates the communication status of the terminals included in the group by referring to communication status estimated in the past.

[0165] (Appendix 14) 14. The server according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the estimation means estimates an estimated situation in a partial range designated by a user.

[0166] (Appendix 15) A server as described in any of Appendices 1 to 14, wherein, when a certain base station among the plurality of base stations is likely to radiate radio waves into a range in which a different base station can radiate radio waves, the estimation means does not estimate the communication status of a group of terminals included in a group including the range in which the certain base station radiates radio waves.

[0167] (Appendix 16) A server as described in any one of appendices 1 to 15, wherein for a base station that is estimated to have good communication conditions with respect to a range in which a request to maintain the line speed has been received, the estimation means does not estimate the communication conditions of terminals included in groups other than the group that includes the range in question.

[0168] (Appendix 17) A program for causing a computer to operate as the server according to any one of appendices 1 to 8 and 11 to 16, the program causing the computer to function as each of the means.

[0169] A program for causing a computer to operate as the system described in appendix 10, the program causing the computer to function as each of the means.

[0170] [Additional Note 3] The present disclosure may further be expressed as the following appended claims. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following appended claims.

[0171] (Appendix 1) A server having at least one processor, the at least one processor executing a mesh division process that divides a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to received power at each point in the range, a group division process that divides the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions, and an estimation process that estimates the communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimates the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result.

[0172] (Appendix 2) The server described in Appendix 1, wherein, for adjacent first and second groups, if the received power of a terminal included in the first group is higher than the received power of a terminal included in the second group and the size of the range of the first group is equal to or smaller than a predetermined percentage of the size of the range of the second group, the at least one processor includes the first group in the second group in the group division process.

[0173] (Appendix 3) The server according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the group division process, the at least one processor divides the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, using the value of the index at which the value of MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) changes as a threshold based on the required calculation conditions.

[0174] (Appendix 4) The server of any of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the at least one processor further executes a determination process to determine in which of a plurality of directions the base station will radiate radio waves based on an estimation result in the estimation process, and in the mesh division process, the range is divided into a plurality of meshes for each of the plurality of directions, and in the group division process, the range is divided into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, for each of the plurality of directions, and in the estimation process, the communication status of a group of terminals included in each group is estimated for each of the plurality of directions.

[0175] (Appendix 5) The server described in Appendix 4, wherein, in the determination process, the at least one processor determines, for a mesh capable of receiving radio waves from a plurality of base stations, which of the plurality of base stations will radiate radio waves to the mesh based on at least one of the number of the plurality of base stations and characteristics within the mesh.

[0176] (Appendix 6) The server according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein, in the mesh division process, the at least one processor provisionally divides the range into a plurality of meshes for each index based on the values ​​of each of a plurality of indexes related to received power, and for each of the plurality of meshes after provisional division, divides the range into a plurality of meshes based on an estimated value of received power based on the values ​​of each of the plurality of indexes.

[0177] (Appendix 7) The server of claim 6, wherein the at least one processor uses a transmission equivalent isotropic tadiation power (EIRP), loss, and a receiving antenna gain as the multiple indicators in the mesh division process, and calculates an estimate of the received power using a median or worst value of the indicators.

[0178] (Appendix 8) The server according to any of appendices 1 to 7, wherein, in the mesh division processing, the at least one processor divides the range for each of the plurality of base stations into a plurality of meshes, in the group division processing, the range for each of the plurality of base stations into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or more of the meshes, and in the estimation processing, estimates the communication status of the terminals included in each group for each of the plurality of base stations.

[0179] The server may further include a memory that stores a program for causing the processor to execute the mesh division process, the group division process, the estimation process, and the determination process. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable, non-transitory, tangible recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1, 40 servers 2,100 systems 11, 21, 31 Mesh division section 12, 22, 32 Group division section 13, 23, 33 Estimation part 34 Acquisition Department 35 Decision Section 41 Input section 42 Output section 43 Communications Department 44 Storage section 50 terminals 60 base station gr group ms Mesh

Claims

1. a mesh division means for dividing the range into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to a reception power at each point in a range where radio waves from a base station can be received; a group division means for dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group being composed of one or a plurality of the meshes, based on a required calculation condition; an estimation means for estimating a communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimating a communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result; A server comprising:

2. For adjacent first and second groups, The reception power of one terminal included in the first group is higher than the reception power of one terminal included in the second group, and When the size of the range of the first group is equal to or smaller than a predetermined ratio of the size of the range of the second group, The group dividing means includes the first group in the second group. The server of claim 1 .

3. the group division means divides the range into a plurality of groups, each of which is made up of one or a plurality of meshes, based on the required calculation conditions and using a value of the index at which a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) value changes as a threshold value; The server according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a determining unit that determines, based on a result of estimation by the estimating unit, in which of a plurality of directions the base station will radiate radio waves; the mesh division means divides the range into a plurality of meshes for each of the plurality of directions; the group dividing means divides the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, for each of the plurality of directions; the estimation means estimates a communication status of terminals included in each group for each of the plurality of directions; The server according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the determining means determines, for a mesh capable of receiving radio waves from a plurality of base stations, which of the plurality of base stations will radiate radio waves to the mesh based on at least one of the number of the plurality of base stations and characteristics within the mesh; The server according to claim 4.

6. The mesh division means based on the respective values ​​of a plurality of indices related to received power, the range is provisionally divided into a plurality of meshes for each of the indices; Dividing the range into a plurality of meshes based on an estimated value of a received power based on each value of the plurality of indexes for each of the plurality of meshes after the provisional division; 3. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The mesh division means The multiple indicators include a transmission equivalent isotropic tadiation power (EIRP), a loss, and a receiving antenna gain. Calculating an estimate of the received power using the median or worst value of the index. The server according to claim 6.

8. The mesh division means divides the range into a plurality of meshes for each of a plurality of base stations; The group division means divides the range of each of the plurality of base stations into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes; the estimation means estimates a communication status of terminals included in each group for each of the plurality of base stations; 3. The server according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The server Dividing the range into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to a reception power at each point in a range in which radio waves from a base station can be received; Dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group consisting of one or a plurality of the meshes, based on required calculation conditions; For each of the plurality of groups, estimating a communication status of one terminal included in each group, and estimating a communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result; An estimation method including:

10. a mesh division means for dividing the range into a plurality of meshes based on an index related to a reception power at each point in a range where radio waves from a base station can be received; a group division means for dividing the range into a plurality of groups, each group being composed of one or a plurality of the meshes, based on a required calculation condition; an estimation means for estimating a communication status of one terminal included in each of the plurality of groups, and estimating a communication status of a group of terminals included in each group based on the estimation result; A system comprising:

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