Communication quality monitoring device, communication quality monitoring method, and communication quality monitoring program

Abstract

To provide a communication quality monitoring device, a communication quality monitoring method, and a communication quality monitoring program capable of quickly estimating a factor of degradation of communication quality.SOLUTION: A communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure includes a radio wave receiving unit that receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices, a first factor estimation unit that estimates a factor of degradation of communication quality from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to predetermined rules, a second factor estimation unit that estimates a factor of degradation of communication quality from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit using a machine learning model algorithm when the factor of degradation of communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, and a monitoring result output unit that outputs the factor of degradation of communication quality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication quality monitoring device, a communication quality monitoring method, and a communication quality monitoring program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for improving the electromagnetic wave handling capability of wireless devices. Specifically, in recent years, there has been a demand for quickly identifying the cause of degradation in communication quality between wireless devices and removing the cause of degradation. Related technology is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a factor estimation device that estimates a factor of degradation of communication quality between a first wireless station and a second wireless station by using an estimation model constructed by machine learning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 195755 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the estimation of the cause of degradation of communication quality is performed using an estimation model constructed by machine learning, so if the model becomes complicated, the estimation process time may increase. In other words, the device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot quickly estimate the cause of degradation of communication quality between wireless devices.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a communication quality monitoring device, a communication quality monitoring method, and a communication quality monitoring program that solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A communication quality monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a radio wave receiving unit that receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; a first factor estimation unit that estimates a cause of degradation of communication quality from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to predetermined rules; a second factor estimation unit that estimates the cause of degradation of communication quality from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit using a machine learning model algorithm when the cause of degradation of communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm; and a monitoring result output unit that outputs the cause of degradation of communication quality.

[0008] In a communication quality monitoring method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices, estimates a cause of degradation of communication quality from the received radio waves using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to predetermined rules, and if the cause of degradation of communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, estimates the cause of degradation of communication quality from the received radio waves using a machine learning model algorithm, and outputs the cause of degradation of communication quality.

[0009] A communication quality monitoring program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute the following processes: receiving radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; estimating a cause of degradation of communication quality from the received radio waves using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to predetermined rules; if the cause of degradation of communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, estimating the cause of degradation of communication quality from the received radio waves using a machine learning model algorithm; and outputting the cause of degradation of communication quality. Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure can provide a communication quality monitoring device, a communication quality monitoring method, and a communication quality monitoring program that can quickly estimate the cause of degradation of communication quality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication quality monitoring system provided with a first communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the first communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication quality monitoring system provided with a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an interference wave analysis operation by a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 11 is a waveform diagram of an interference wave analyzed by a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the frequency and reception level of an interference wave analyzed by a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the frequency and reception level of an interference wave analyzed by a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing a communication quality monitoring function of a first communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing a communication quality monitoring function of a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are simplified, and the technical scope of the embodiments should not be interpreted narrowly based on the description in the drawings. Also, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0013] In the following embodiments, when necessary for convenience, the description will be divided into multiple sections or embodiments. However, unless otherwise specified, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is a partial or complete modification, application example, detailed explanation, supplementary explanation, etc. of the other. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, when the number of elements (including the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc.) is mentioned, it is not limited to the specific number, and may be more or less than the specific number, unless otherwise specified or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0014] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the components (including operation steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly essential in principle. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the components, etc., it is intended to include those that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly not essential in principle. The same applies to the above numbers, etc. (including numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc.).

[0015] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication quality monitoring system 1 provided with a first communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the communication quality monitoring system 1 includes at least a communication quality monitoring device 11 and communication devices 12_1 to 12_2. In the example of Fig. 1, two communication devices 12_1 to 12_2 are provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two or more n communication devices 12_1 to 12_n may be provided.

[0017] The communication quality monitoring device 11 is a device that monitors the quality of wireless communication between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2. The communication quality monitoring device 11 estimates the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality, thereby making it possible to take appropriate measures to suppress the deterioration of the communication quality. The communication quality monitoring device 11 may be mounted on any of the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2, or may be provided separately from the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2.

[0018] Specifically, the communication quality monitoring device 11 includes a radio wave receiving unit 111 , a first factor estimating unit 112 , a second factor estimating unit 113 , and a monitoring result output unit 114 .

[0019] The radio wave receiving unit 111 receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2.

[0020] The first factor estimation unit 112 estimates a factor of the deterioration of communication quality due to, for example, fluctuations in reception level according to physical laws, from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit 111, using a rule-based algorithm that is an analysis method according to a predetermined rule. Details of the method of estimating the factor of the deterioration of communication quality by the first factor estimation unit 112 will be described later.

[0021] When the second factor estimation unit 113 is unable to estimate the cause of the deterioration of communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, it estimates the cause of the deterioration of communication quality from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit 111 using an estimation model (machine learning model) constructed by machine learning.

[0022] The monitoring result output unit 114 outputs the factors of the degradation of communication quality estimated by the first factor estimation unit 112 and the second factor estimation unit 113. For example, the monitoring result output unit 114 displays information on the factors of the degradation of communication quality on a monitor or the like.

[0023] Next, the operation of the communication quality monitoring device 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication quality monitoring device 11.

[0024] First, the communication quality monitoring device 11 receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2 (step S101).

[0025] After that, the communication quality monitoring device 11 estimates the cause of the degradation of the communication quality from the received radio waves using a rule-based algorithm (steps S102 to S109). In estimating the cause of the degradation of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, for example, at least one of radio index values ​​and their statistics of RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), and RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is referenced. Note that SINR is expressed as S / (I+N) where S is the signal component, N is the noise component, and I is the interference component.

[0026] First, the communication quality monitoring device 11 judges whether or not the C / N (carrier-to-noise ratio) is less than a predetermined value when the reception level of the communication radio wave is equal to or greater than a set value (step S102).

[0027] For example, if the C / N is less than a predetermined value even though the reception level of the communication radio wave is equal to or greater than the set value (YES in step S102), the communication quality monitoring device 11 estimates that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by interference waves (step S103). At this time, the change in RSRP is small. The SINR decreases due to an increase in interference power. The RSRQ decreases. Also, the RSSI increases because radio waves from other communication devices are also received.

[0028] On the other hand, if the reception level of the communication radio waves is equal to or higher than the set value and the C / N is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (NO in step S102), the communication quality monitoring device 11 then determines whether the reception level of the communication radio waves has dropped sharply at a rate equal to or higher than a predetermined slew rate (step S104).

[0029] For example, when the reception level of the communication radio wave drops sharply at a predetermined slew rate or more (YES in step S104), the communication quality monitoring device 11 estimates that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by obstruction (step S105). At this time, the RSRP drops sharply. The SINR drops because the signal strength drops. Both the RSRQ and the RSSI drop.

[0030] On the other hand, if the reception level of the communication radio waves does not drop sharply at or above the predetermined through rate (NO in step S104), the communication quality monitoring device 11 then determines whether the reception level of the communication radio waves has attenuated to a level corresponding to the distance between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2 between which communication is being carried out (step S106).

[0031] For example, when the reception level of the communication radio wave attenuates to a level corresponding to the distance between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2 that are communicating (YES in step S106), the communication quality monitoring device 11 estimates that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by the attenuation due to distance (step S107). At this time, the RSRP gradually decreases according to the moving speed of the communication device. The SINR decreases because the signal strength decreases. Both the RSRQ and the RSSI gradually decrease. Furthermore, if the distance between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2 is r, the reception level attenuates at a rate of 1 / (r^2).

[0032] On the other hand, if the reception level of the communication radio waves has not attenuated to a level corresponding to the distance between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2 between which communication is being carried out (NO in step S106), the communication quality monitoring device 11 then determines whether or not the frequency distribution of the reception level of the communication radio waves shows a Rayleigh distribution (step S108).

[0033] For example, when the frequency distribution of the reception level of the communication radio wave shows a Rayleigh distribution (YES in step S108), the communication quality monitoring device 11 estimates that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by fading (step S109). At this time, the RSRP increases or decreases according to the fading state. The SINR decreases due to an increase in interference power. The RSRQ and RSSI increase or decrease according to the fading state.

[0034] On the other hand, if the frequency distribution of the reception level of the communication radio wave does not show a Rayleigh distribution (NO in step S108), the communication quality monitoring device 11 then estimates the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality from the received radio wave using the algorithm of the machine learning model (step S110). In other words, if the communication quality monitoring device 11 cannot estimate the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, it estimates the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality from the received radio wave using the algorithm of the machine learning model (step S110).

[0035] Thereafter, the communication quality monitoring device 11 outputs the estimated cause of the deterioration of the communication quality (step S111).

[0036] In addition, in the process of estimating the causes of degradation of communication quality using a rule-based algorithm, the multiple determination processes are not limited to being performed in the order described above, and may be performed in any order or in parallel.

[0037] In this way, the communication quality monitoring device 11 according to the present disclosure estimates the cause of degradation of communication quality using a rule-based algorithm, which has a relatively light processing load, before estimating the cause of degradation of communication quality using an estimation model constructed by machine learning, which has a relatively heavy processing load. As a result, the communication quality monitoring device 11 according to the present disclosure can quickly estimate the cause of degradation of communication quality between communication devices. Then, by estimating the cause of degradation of communication quality by the communication quality monitoring device 11, appropriate measures for suppressing degradation of communication quality become possible. Such a communication quality monitoring device 11 can be applied to a system that requires real-time performance.

[0038] In addition, when only estimating the factors of degradation of communication quality using an estimation model constructed by machine learning, there is a problem that the accuracy of prediction deteriorates when the situation, environment, and time when the teacher data used for learning is created are different from those during actual operation due to the characteristics of machine learning including deep learning. If the accuracy of prediction deteriorates, maintenance such as re-learning is required, but there are many cases where maintenance cannot be easily performed in critical areas or fields that require urgency. In response to this, the communication quality monitoring device 11 according to the present disclosure is expected to accurately estimate the factors of degradation of communication quality by estimating the factors of degradation of communication quality using a rule-based algorithm before estimating the factors of degradation of communication quality using an estimation model constructed by machine learning.

[0039] <Embodiment 2> 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication quality monitoring system 2 provided with a second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure. The second communication quality monitoring device according to the present disclosure has an interference wave analysis function.

[0040] 3, the communication quality monitoring system 2 includes a communication quality monitoring device 21 instead of the communication quality monitoring device 11. Compared to the communication quality monitoring device 11, the communication quality monitoring device 21 further includes an interference wave analysis unit 215.

[0041] Specifically, the communication quality monitoring device 21 includes a radio wave receiving unit 211, a first factor estimating unit 212, a second factor estimating unit 213, an interference wave analyzing unit 215, and a monitoring result output unit 214. The radio wave receiving unit 211, the first factor estimating unit 212, the second factor estimating unit 213, and the monitoring result output unit 214 in the communication quality monitoring device 21 correspond to the radio wave receiving unit 111, the first factor estimating unit 112, the second factor estimating unit 113, and the monitoring result output unit 114 in the communication quality monitoring device 11, respectively.

[0042] The interference wave analysis unit 215 analyzes an interference wave that interferes with a communication radio wave used for wireless communication between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2. Specifically, when the first factor estimation unit 212 or the second factor estimation unit 213 estimates that the cause of deterioration of communication quality is an interference wave, the interference wave analysis unit 215 estimates the type of the interference wave based on the reception timing, continuous reception time, and reception level of each of the received communication radio wave and the interference wave. By estimating the type of the interference wave by the interference wave analysis unit 215, it becomes possible to deal with the interference wave according to the type of the interference wave, for example, appropriate measures to suppress deterioration of communication quality, and appropriate measures to prevent communication interference due to the interference wave when the interference wave is a jamming wave. Details of a method for estimating the type of interference wave by the interference wave analysis unit 215 will be described later.

[0043] In addition, the reception timing of the communication radio wave and the interference wave by the interference wave analysis unit 215 can be said to be the transmission timing of the communication radio wave by the communication device that transmits the communication radio wave among the communication devices 12_1-12_2 and the generation timing of the interference wave. Also, the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and the interference wave by the interference wave analysis unit 215 can be said to be the continuous transmission time of the communication radio wave by the communication device that transmits the communication radio wave among the communication devices 12_1-12_2 and the continuous generation time of the interference wave.

[0044] Other configurations of the communication-quality monitoring device 21 are similar to those of the communication-quality monitoring device 11, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication quality monitoring device 21. As shown in Fig. 4, when the communication quality monitoring device 21, as compared with the communication quality monitoring device 11, estimates that the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave (YES in step S102 → processing of step S103 and YES in step S110 → processing of step S110a), it further estimates the type of interference wave based on the reception timing, continuous reception time, and reception level of each of the communication radio wave and the interference wave (step S200).

[0046] Thereafter, the communication quality monitoring device 21 outputs the estimated cause of the deterioration of the communication quality, and, if the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave, the estimated type of the interference wave (step S111).

[0047] Next, the interference wave analysis operation by the communication quality monitoring device 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the interference wave analysis operation by the communication quality monitoring device 21. Fig. 6 is a waveform diagram of an interference wave analyzed by the communication quality monitoring device 21. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the frequency and reception level of an interference wave analyzed by the communication quality monitoring device 21. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the frequency and reception level of an interference wave analyzed by the communication quality monitoring device 21.

[0048] First, the communication quality monitoring device 21 receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between the communication devices 12_1 and 12_2 and interference waves interfering with the communication radio waves (step S201).

[0049] After that, the communication quality monitoring device 21 judges whether the continuous reception time of the interference wave and the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave match (step S202). If the difference between the continuous reception time of the interference wave and the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave is within an allowable error range (first predetermined range), the communication quality monitoring device 21 judges that the continuous reception time of the interference wave and the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave match.

[0050] For example, if the continuous reception time of the interference wave and the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave match (YES in step S202), the communication quality monitoring device 21 then judges whether the reception timing of the interference wave and the reception timing of the communication radio wave match (step S203). Note that if the difference between the reception timing of the interference wave and the reception timing of the communication radio wave is within an allowable error range (second predetermined range), the communication quality monitoring device 21 judges that the reception timing of the interference wave and the reception timing of the communication radio wave match.

[0051] For example, when the reception timing of the interference wave coincides with the reception timing of the communication radio wave (YES in step S203), the communication quality monitoring device 21 then judges whether or not at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes following an intentional change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave (step S204). Note that an intentional change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave means an intentional change in at least one of the transmission timing and frequency of the communication radio wave by a communication device that transmits the communication radio wave among the communication devices 12_1-12_2.

[0052] For example, if at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes in accordance with an intentional change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave (YES in step S204), the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference wave is caused by repeater interference (step S205) and outputs the estimation result (step S210).

[0053] On the other hand, if neither the reception timing nor the frequency of the interference wave changes in accordance with any intentional change in the reception timing or frequency of the communication radio waves (NO in step S204), the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference wave is caused by the communication radio waves in use and is not an external interference wave (step S206), and outputs the estimation result (step S210).

[0054] Also, in the processing of step S203, even if the timing of receiving the interference wave does not match the timing of receiving the communication radio wave (NO in step S203), the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference wave is caused by the communication radio wave in use and is not an external interference wave (step S206), and outputs the estimation result (step S210).

[0055] In the process of step S202, if the continuous reception time of the interference wave does not match the continuous reception time of the communication wave (NO in step S202), the communication quality monitoring device 21 then judges whether the radio wave forming the interference wave shows a reception level equal to or higher than a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency range (step S207). In other words, the communication quality monitoring device 21 judges whether the radio wave forming the interference wave shows a wide frequency range that includes the communication wave and a large reception level.

[0056] For example, if the radio waves forming the interference waves show a reception level above a threshold level in a frequency range above a predetermined frequency range (YES in step S207), the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference waves are caused by coverage interference (step S208) and outputs the estimation result (step S210).

[0057] On the other hand, if the radio waves forming the interference waves do not show a reception level above the threshold level in a frequency range above the specified frequency range (NO in step S207), the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference waves are caused by other communication radio waves and are not jamming waves from outside (step S209), and outputs the estimation result (step S210).

[0058] Here, a method for estimating the types of interference waves A to C in FIG. 6 by the communication quality monitoring device 21 will be described.

[0059] For example, the continuous reception time and reception timing of the interference wave A are the same as those of the communication radio wave in use (YES in step S202 of FIG. 5, YES in step S203). Therefore, as shown in the example of FIG. 7, when the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave A change following the intentional change of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave (YES in step S204), the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference wave A is caused by repeater interference (step S205). On the other hand, when the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave A do not change following the intentional change of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave (NO in step S204), the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference wave A is caused by the communication radio wave in use and is not an external interference wave (step S206).

[0060] As for the interference wave B, the continuous reception time matches when compared with the communication radio waves in use, but the reception timing does not match (YES in step S202 in FIG. 5 → NO in step S203). Therefore, the communication quality monitoring device 21 estimates that the interference wave B is caused by the communication radio waves in use and is not an external interference wave (step S206).

[0061] Furthermore, the continuous reception time of the interference wave C does not match the communication radio wave in use (NO in step S202 in FIG. 5). Therefore, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 8, when the radio wave forming the interference wave C shows a reception level equal to or higher than the threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency range (threshold range) (YES in step S207), the communication quality monitoring device 21 presumes that this interference wave is caused by coverage interference (step S208). On the other hand, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 8, when the radio wave forming the interference wave C does not show a reception level equal to or higher than the threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency range (threshold range) (NO in step S207), the communication quality monitoring device 21 presumes that this interference wave is caused by other communication radio waves and is not an external interference wave (step S209).

[0062] In this way, the communication quality monitoring device 21 according to the present disclosure estimates the cause of degradation of communication quality using a rule-based algorithm, which has a relatively light processing load, before estimating the cause of degradation of communication quality using an estimation model constructed by machine learning, which has a relatively heavy processing load. This allows the communication quality monitoring device 21 according to the present disclosure to quickly estimate the cause of degradation of communication quality between communication devices. Furthermore, by estimating the cause of degradation of communication quality by the communication quality monitoring device 21, appropriate measures for suppressing degradation of communication quality become possible.

[0063] Furthermore, the communication quality monitoring device 21 according to the present disclosure can not only detect interference waves but also estimate the type of interference waves, which enables measures to be taken against the interference waves according to the type of interference waves, such as appropriate measures to suppress deterioration of communication quality, and appropriate measures to prevent communication disruption caused by the interference waves when the interference waves are jamming waves.

[0064] (Hardware configuration for realizing the communication quality monitoring function of the communication quality monitoring device 11) The communication quality monitoring process performed by the communication quality monitoring device 11 can be realized by a general-purpose computer system, which will be briefly described below with reference to FIG.

[0065] 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the communication quality monitoring function of the communication quality monitoring device 11. The computer 300 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 301, which is a control device, a random access memory (RAM) 302, and a read only memory (ROM) 303. The computer 300 further includes an interface (IF) 304, which is an interface with the outside, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 305, which is an example of a non-volatile storage device. Furthermore, the computer 300 may include input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse, and a display device such as a display, as other components not shown.

[0066] The HDD 305 stores an OS (Operating System) (not shown) and a communication quality monitoring program 306. The communication quality monitoring program 306 is a computer program in which the communication quality monitoring process of the communication quality monitoring device 11 is implemented.

[0067] The CPU 301 controls various processes in the computer 300, and access to the RAM 302, ROM 303, IF 304, and HDD 305. In the computer 300, the CPU 301 reads and executes the OS and the communication quality monitoring program 306 stored in the HDD 305. In this way, the computer 300 realizes the communication quality monitoring function of the communication quality monitoring device 11.

[0068] (Hardware configuration for realizing the communication quality monitoring function of the communication quality monitoring device 21) Similarly, the communication quality monitoring process performed by the communication quality monitoring device 21 can be realized by a general-purpose computer system, which will be briefly described below with reference to FIG.

[0069] 10 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the communication quality monitoring function of the communication quality monitoring device 21. In addition to a communication quality monitoring program 306, an interference wave analysis program 307 is stored in the HDD 305. The interference wave analysis program 307 is a computer program in which the interference wave analysis process of the communication quality monitoring device 21 is implemented. In the computer 300, the CPU 301 reads and executes the OS, the communication quality monitoring program 306, and the interference wave analysis program 307 stored in the HDD 305. In this way, the computer 300 realizes the communication quality monitoring function of the communication quality monitoring device 21, including the interference wave analysis function.

[0070] The above-mentioned programs include instructions (or software codes) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in this disclosure. The programs may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media or tangible storage media include RAM, ROM, flash memory, Solid-State Drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disk or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The programs may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagating signals.

[0071] The above describes in detail the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0072] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0073] (Appendix 1) a radio wave receiving unit that receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; a first factor estimation unit that estimates a factor of degradation of communication quality from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit by using a rule-based algorithm that is an analysis method according to a predetermined rule; a second factor estimation unit that, when a factor of the degradation of the communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, estimates a factor of the degradation of the communication quality from the radio wave received by the radio wave receiving unit by using an algorithm of a machine learning model; a monitoring result output unit that outputs a cause of the deterioration of the communication quality; A communication quality monitoring device comprising:

[0074] (Appendix 2) the first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration of communication quality is caused by an interference wave when a carrier-to-noise ratio is less than a predetermined value while a reception level of the communication radio wave is equal to or greater than a set value; 2. A communication quality monitoring device as claimed in claim 1.

[0075] (Appendix 3) The first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration of communication quality is caused by obstruction when the reception level of the communication radio wave decreases at a rate equal to or greater than a predetermined slew rate. 2. A communication quality monitoring device as claimed in claim 1.

[0076] (Appendix 4) the first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration in communication quality is caused by distance attenuation when the reception level of the communication radio wave attenuates to a level corresponding to the distance between two communication devices communicating among the plurality of communication devices; 2. A communication quality monitoring device as claimed in claim 1.

[0077] (Appendix 5) The first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration of communication quality is caused by fading when the frequency distribution of the reception level of the communication radio wave shows a Rayleigh distribution. 2. A communication quality monitoring device as claimed in claim 1.

[0078] (Appendix 6) an interference wave analysis unit that, when it is estimated by either the first factor estimation unit or the second factor estimation unit that the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave, estimates a type of the interference wave based on reception timings, continuous reception times, and reception levels of the communication radio waves and the interference wave, respectively; The monitoring result output unit outputs a type of interference wave when the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave. 2. A communication quality monitoring device as claimed in claim 1.

[0079] (Appendix 7) When a difference between the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and the continuous reception time of the interference wave is within a first predetermined range, and when a difference between a reception timing of the communication radio wave and a reception timing of the interference wave is within a second predetermined range, the interference wave analysis unit estimates a type of the interference wave based on whether or not at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave. 7. A communication quality monitoring device according to claim 6.

[0080] (Appendix 8) The interference wave analysis unit estimates that the interference wave is caused by repeater interference when at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave, and estimates that the interference wave is caused by a communication radio wave in use when neither the reception timing nor the frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in either the reception timing or the frequency of the communication radio wave. 8. A communication quality monitoring device according to claim 7.

[0081] (Appendix 9) When the difference between the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and the continuous reception time of the interference wave is within a first predetermined range, and when the difference between the reception timing of the communication radio wave and the reception timing of the interference wave is outside a second predetermined range, the interference wave analysis unit estimates that the interference wave is caused by the communication radio wave in use. 7. A communication quality monitoring device according to claim 6.

[0082] (Appendix 10) When the difference between the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and the continuous reception time of the interference wave is outside a first predetermined range, the interference wave analysis unit estimates the type of the interference wave based on whether or not the radio wave forming the interference wave exhibits a reception level equal to or higher than a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency range. 7. A communication quality monitoring device according to claim 6.

[0083] (Appendix 11) The interference wave analysis unit estimates that the interference wave is caused by coverage interference when the radio waves forming the interference wave show a reception level equal to or higher than a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency range, and estimates that the interference wave is caused by other communication radio waves when the radio waves forming the interference wave do not show a reception level equal to or higher than a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than the predetermined frequency range. 11. The communication quality monitoring device of claim 10.

[0084] (Appendix 12) The plurality of communication devices that wirelessly communicate with each other; A communication quality monitoring device according to claim 1; An interference wave analysis system comprising:

[0085] (Appendix 13) The communication quality monitoring device is provided in any one of the plurality of communication devices. 13. An interference wave analysis system as described in appendix 12.

[0086] (Appendix 14) The computer receiving radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; From the received radio waves, a factor of the deterioration of communication quality is estimated using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to a predetermined rule; When the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is estimated from the received radio wave using an algorithm of a machine learning model; outputting a cause of the deterioration of the communication quality; Communication quality monitoring method.

[0087] (Appendix 15) In the estimation of the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when the reception level of the communication radio wave is equal to or higher than a set value and the carrier-to-noise ratio is less than a predetermined value, it is estimated that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by an interference wave. 15. A communication quality monitoring method as claimed in claim 14.

[0088] (Appendix 16) In the estimation of the cause of the degradation of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when the reception level of the communication radio wave decreases at a rate equal to or greater than a predetermined slew rate, it is estimated that the degradation of the communication quality is caused by obstruction. 15. A communication quality monitoring method as claimed in claim 14.

[0089] (Appendix 17) In the estimation of the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when the reception level of the communication radio wave attenuates to a level corresponding to the distance between two communication devices among the plurality of communication devices that are communicating, it is estimated that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by distance attenuation. 15. A communication quality monitoring method as claimed in claim 14.

[0090] (Appendix 18) In the estimation of the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when a frequency distribution of the reception level of the communication radio wave shows a Rayleigh distribution, it is estimated that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by fading. 15. A communication quality monitoring method as claimed in claim 14.

[0091] (Appendix 19) The computer further comprises: When it is estimated that the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave, estimating a type of the interference wave based on a reception timing, a continuous reception time, and a reception level of each of the communication radio wave and the interference wave; outputting, in addition to the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality, a type of the interference wave when the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave; 15. A communication quality monitoring method as claimed in claim 14.

[0092] (Appendix 20) In estimating the type of the interference wave, if a difference between a continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and a continuous reception time of the interference wave is within a first predetermined range, and if a difference between a reception timing of the communication radio wave and a reception timing of the interference wave is within a second predetermined range, the type of the interference wave is estimated based on whether or not at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave. 20. A communication quality monitoring method as claimed in claim 19.

[0093] (Appendix 21) In estimating the type of interference wave, if at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by repeater interference, and if neither the reception timing nor the frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in either the reception timing or the frequency of the communication radio wave, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by a communication radio wave in use. 21. A communication quality monitoring method as recited in claim 20.

[0094] (Appendix 22) In estimating the type of interference wave, if a difference between a continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and a continuous reception time of the interference wave is within a first predetermined range, and if a difference between a reception timing of the communication radio wave and a reception timing of the interference wave is outside a second predetermined range, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by a communication radio wave in use. 20. A communication quality monitoring method as recited in claim 19.

[0095] (Appendix 23) in estimating the type of the interference wave, when a difference between a continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and a continuous reception time of the interference wave is outside a first predetermined range, estimating the type of the interference wave based on whether or not the radio wave forming the interference wave exhibits a reception level equal to or higher than a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency range. 20. A communication quality monitoring method as recited in claim 19.

[0096] (Appendix 24) In estimating the type of the interference wave, if the radio waves forming the interference wave show a reception level equal to or above a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or above a predetermined frequency range, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by coverage interference, and if the radio waves forming the interference wave do not show a reception level equal to or above a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or above the predetermined frequency range, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by radio waves for other communication. 24. A communication quality monitoring method as claimed in claim 23.

[0097] (Appendix 25) A process of receiving radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; A process of estimating a cause of deterioration of communication quality from the received radio waves using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to a predetermined rule; a process of estimating a cause of the degradation of the communication quality from the received radio wave using an algorithm of a machine learning model when the cause of the degradation of the communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm; A process of outputting a cause of the deterioration of the communication quality; A communication quality monitoring program that causes a computer to execute the above.

[0098] (Appendix 26) In the process of estimating the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when the reception level of the communication radio wave is equal to or higher than a set value and the carrier-to-noise ratio is less than a predetermined value, it is estimated that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by an interference wave. 26. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 25.

[0099] (Appendix 27) In the process of estimating a cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when a reception level of the communication radio wave decreases at a rate equal to or greater than a predetermined slew rate, it is estimated that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by obstruction. 26. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 25.

[0100] (Appendix 28) In the process of estimating the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when the reception level of the communication radio wave attenuates to a level corresponding to the distance between two communication devices among the plurality of communication devices that are communicating, it is estimated that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by distance attenuation. 26. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 25.

[0101] (Appendix 29) In the process of estimating the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality using the rule-based algorithm, when a frequency distribution of the reception level of the communication radio wave shows a Rayleigh distribution, it is estimated that the deterioration of the communication quality is caused by fading. 26. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 25.

[0102] (Appendix 30) When it is estimated that the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave, a process of estimating a type of the interference wave based on a reception timing, a continuous reception time, and a reception level of each of the communication radio wave and the interference wave; a process of outputting, in addition to the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality, a type of the interference wave when the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave; and further causing the computer to execute the steps: 26. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 25.

[0103] (Appendix 31) In the process of estimating the type of the interference wave, if a difference between a continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and a continuous reception time of the interference wave is within a first predetermined range, and if a difference between a reception timing of the communication radio wave and a reception timing of the interference wave is within a second predetermined range, the type of the interference wave is estimated based on whether or not at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave. 31. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 30.

[0104] (Appendix 32) In the process of estimating the type of interference wave, if at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in at least one of the reception timing and frequency of the communication radio wave, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by repeater interference, and if neither the reception timing nor the frequency of the interference wave changes following a change in either the reception timing or the frequency of the communication radio wave, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by a communication radio wave in use. 32. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 31.

[0105] (Appendix 33) In the process of estimating the type of interference wave, if the difference between the continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and the continuous reception time of the interference wave is within a first predetermined range, and if the difference between the reception timing of the communication radio wave and the reception timing of the interference wave is outside a second predetermined range, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by the communication radio wave in use. 31. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 30.

[0106] (Appendix 34) In the process of estimating the type of the interference wave, when a difference between a continuous reception time of the communication radio wave and a continuous reception time of the interference wave is outside a first predetermined range, the type of the interference wave is estimated based on whether or not the radio wave forming the interference wave exhibits a reception level equal to or higher than a threshold level in a frequency range equal to or higher than a predetermined frequency range. 31. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 30.

[0107] (Appendix 35) In the process of estimating the type of interference wave, if the radio waves forming the interference wave show a reception level above a threshold level in a frequency range above a predetermined frequency range, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by coverage interference, and if the radio waves forming the interference wave do not show a reception level above a threshold level in a frequency range above the predetermined frequency range, it is estimated that the interference wave is caused by other communication radio waves. 35. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 34. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Communication quality monitoring system 2. Communication quality monitoring system 11 Communication quality monitoring device 12_1 Communication equipment 12_2 Communication equipment 21 Communication quality monitoring device 111 Radio wave receiving unit 112 First factor estimation part 113 Second factor estimation section 114 Monitoring result output section 211 Radio wave receiving unit 212 First factor estimation part 213 Second factor estimation section 214 Monitoring result output section 215 Interference Wave Analysis Unit 300 Computers 301 CPU 302 RAM 303 ROM 304 IF 305 HDD 306 Communication Quality Monitoring Program 307 Interference Wave Analysis Program

Claims

1. a radio wave receiving unit that receives radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; a first factor estimation unit that estimates a factor of deterioration of communication quality from the radio waves received by the radio wave receiving unit by using a rule-based algorithm that is an analysis method according to a predetermined rule; a second factor estimation unit that, when a factor of the deterioration of the communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, estimates a factor of the deterioration of the communication quality from the radio wave received by the radio wave receiving unit by using an algorithm of a machine learning model; and a monitoring result output unit that outputs a cause of the deterioration of the communication quality; A communication quality monitoring device comprising:

2. the first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration of communication quality is caused by an interference wave when a carrier-to-noise ratio is less than a predetermined value while a reception level of the communication radio wave is equal to or greater than a set value; The communication quality monitoring device according to claim 1.

3. The first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration of communication quality is caused by obstruction when the reception level of the communication radio wave decreases at a rate equal to or greater than a predetermined slew rate. The communication quality monitoring device according to claim 1.

4. the first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration in communication quality is caused by distance attenuation when a reception level of the communication radio wave attenuates to a level corresponding to a distance between two communication devices communicating with each other among the plurality of communication devices; The communication quality monitoring device according to claim 1.

5. The first factor estimation unit estimates that the deterioration of communication quality is caused by fading when a frequency distribution of the reception level of the communication radio wave shows a Rayleigh distribution. The communication quality monitoring device according to claim 1.

6. an interference wave analysis unit that, when it is estimated by either the first factor estimation unit or the second factor estimation unit that the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave, estimates a type of the interference wave based on reception timings, continuous reception times, and reception levels of the communication radio waves and the interference wave, respectively; The monitoring result output unit outputs a type of interference wave when the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave. The communication quality monitoring device according to claim 1.

7. The computer receiving radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; From the received radio waves, a factor of the deterioration of communication quality is estimated using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to a predetermined rule; When the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is estimated from the received radio wave using an algorithm of a machine learning model; outputting a cause of the deterioration of the communication quality; Communication quality monitoring method.

8. The computer further comprises: When it is estimated that the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave, estimating a type of the interference wave based on a reception timing, a continuous reception time, and a reception level of each of the communication radio wave and the interference wave; outputting, in addition to the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality, a type of the interference wave when the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave; The communication quality monitoring method according to claim 7.

9. A process of receiving radio waves including communication radio waves used for wireless communication between a plurality of communication devices; A process of estimating a cause of deterioration of communication quality from the received radio waves using a rule-based algorithm, which is an analysis method according to a predetermined rule; When the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality cannot be estimated using the rule-based algorithm, a process of estimating the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality from the received radio wave using an algorithm of a machine learning model; A process of outputting a cause of the deterioration of the communication quality; A communication quality monitoring program that causes a computer to execute the above.

10. When it is estimated that the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave, a process of estimating a type of the interference wave based on a reception timing, a continuous reception time, and a reception level of each of the communication radio wave and the interference wave; a process of outputting, in addition to the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality, a type of the interference wave when the cause of the deterioration of the communication quality is an interference wave; and further causing the computer to execute the steps:

10. The communication quality monitoring program according to claim 9.

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