Information processing device and information processing method

Abstract

To allow a base station which is no longer supplied with power due to a power outage to extend the state of being able to communicate with a terminal.SOLUTION: An information processing device 1 includes: a first identification unit 132 that refers to power storage residual quantity information indicating the power storage residual quantity of a storage battery 3 that is provided in each of a plurality of base stations 2 related to wireless communication and can supply power to the base station 2, and identifies a first base station 2A that is a base station 2 corresponding to a storage battery 3 whose power storage residual quantity is below a predetermined threshold; a second identification unit 133 that identifies a second base station 2B that is a base station 2 that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A based on base station location information indicating the position of each of the plurality of base stations 2 and the power storage residual quantity information; and an instruction unit 134 that controls power supply from the second base station 2B to the first base station 2A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a technology has been known in which a storage battery is installed in a base station related to communication with a mobile terminal, and when a failure occurs in the base station due to a power outage or disaster and power cannot be supplied to the base station from a commercial power source or the like, power is supplied from the storage battery to the base station (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-74631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a disaster causes a power outage and a base station is no longer supplying power, users may use their mobile devices to check on the safety of others. For this reason, it is desirable for the base station to remain in communication with the mobile device for as long as possible.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to enable a base station that has lost power due to a power outage to extend the period during which it can communicate with terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first identification unit that refers to remaining power storage information indicating the remaining power storage capacity of a storage battery that is provided in each of a plurality of base stations related to wireless communication and that can supply power to the base station, and identifies a first base station that is a base station corresponding to a storage battery whose remaining power storage capacity is below a predetermined threshold; a second identification unit that identifies a second base station that is a base station that can supply power to the first base station based on base station location information indicating the location of each of the plurality of base stations and the remaining power storage capacity information; and an instruction unit that controls the supply of power from the second base station identified by the second identification unit to the first base station.

[0007] When the second base station and the first base station are connected by a wired electrical path for power supply, the instruction unit may instruct the second base station to supply power to the first base station via a wired electrical path.

[0008] When the second base station and the first base station have antennas for wireless power supply, the instruction unit may instruct the second base station to wirelessly supply power to the first base station.

[0009] The instruction unit may instruct an aircraft capable of supplying power stored in the second base station to the first base station to supply power to the first base station.

[0010] The instruction unit may also instruct the aircraft to supply power to the first base station when the aircraft corresponds to the second base station and stores excess power at the second base station.

[0011] The instruction unit may control the power supply from the second base station to the first base station by instructing the second base station to supply power stored in the second base station to an aircraft capable of supplying power to the first base station.

[0012] The instruction unit may control the power supply from the second base station to the first base station by instructing the second base station to supply power to the first base station when an aircraft corresponding to the second base station is provided and in which surplus power at the second base station is stored.

[0013]

[0014]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020] An information processing method according to a second aspect of the present invention is executed by a computer and includes the steps of: referring to remaining power storage information indicating the remaining power storage of a storage battery that is installed in each of a plurality of base stations related to wireless communication and that can supply power to the base station, and identifying a first base station that is a base station corresponding to a storage battery whose remaining power storage is below a predetermined threshold; identifying a second base station that is a base station that can supply power to the first base station based on base station location information indicating the location of each of the plurality of base stations and the remaining power storage information; and controlling the power supply from the identified second base station to the first base station. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to extend the period during which a base station that has lost power due to a power outage can communicate with a terminal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of base station location information. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing related to the information processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] [Overview of information processing device 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 is a computer for wirelessly feeding power to a base station 2 that wirelessly communicates with a wireless communication terminal such as a mobile terminal. Hereinafter, the wireless communication terminal will be simply referred to as a terminal.

[0024] The information processing device 1 is communicably connected to a plurality of base stations 2 related to wireless communication. Each of the plurality of base stations 2 is a base station related to wireless communication such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), and performs wireless communication with terminals located around itself. Each of the plurality of base stations 2 operates using power provided from an external power source such as a commercial power source.

[0025] Each of the multiple base stations 2 is also provided with a power feeding antenna, a storage battery 3, and a power receiving facility 4. The power feeding antenna is an antenna for wirelessly feeding power to other base stations 2, and is intended to supply power wirelessly in the future by, for example, transmitting highly directional high-frequency radio waves to the power receiving destination. The storage battery 3 is, for example, a rechargeable battery, and supplies stored power to the base station 2 when power is not provided to the base station 2 from an external power source due to a power outage or disaster. The power receiving facility 4 is a facility that receives wireless power, which is power supplied wirelessly from other base stations 2, and supplies the received power to at least one of the base station 2 and the storage battery 3.

[0026] In this embodiment, it is assumed that wireless power supply is performed by the power receiving equipment receiving radio waves supplied from the power supply antenna, but it is also possible to provide a light emitting device in the base station 2 to supply power wirelessly using laser light, and a conversion device to receive the laser light and convert it into electricity, and to realize wireless power supply between the base stations using these light emitting device and conversion device.

[0027] The information processing device 1 refers to remaining power storage information indicating the remaining power storage capacity of the storage batteries 3 provided in each of the multiple base stations 2, and identifies the first base station 2A, which is the base station 2 corresponding to the storage battery 3 whose remaining power storage capacity is below a predetermined threshold.

[0028] The information processing device 1 identifies a second base station 2B that is a base station 2 that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A, based on base station location information indicating the location of each of the multiple base stations 2 and remaining power storage information. Then, the information processing device 1 instructs the identified second base station 2B to supply power to the power receiving equipment provided in the first base station 2A via a power supply antenna. In this way, the information processing device 1 can extend the state in which a base station 2 that has lost power due to a power outage caused by a failure, disaster, or the like can communicate with a terminal.

[0029] [Functional configuration of information processing device 1] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 1. The information processing device 1 has a communication unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a control unit 13.

[0030] The communication unit 11 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from the base station 2 via a communication network such as a mobile phone line, the Internet, or a wireless LAN. The storage unit 12 is a storage medium that stores various types of data, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 12 stores programs executed by the control unit 13. The storage unit 12 stores programs that cause the control unit 13 to function as an acquisition unit 131, a first identification unit 132, a second identification unit 133, an instruction unit 134, and a notification unit 135.

[0031] The storage unit 12 also stores base station location information indicating the location of each of the multiple base stations 2. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of base station location information. As shown in Fig. 3, the base station location information is information that associates a base station ID for identifying a base station 2 with location information of the base station 2. The location information is, for example, information indicating the latitude and longitude of the base station 2. In addition to the information indicating the latitude and longitude of the base station 2, the location information may also include information indicating the altitude at which the base station 2 is located.

[0032] The control unit 13 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 13 executes a program stored in the storage unit 12, thereby functioning as an acquisition unit 131, a first identification unit 132, a second identification unit 133, an instruction unit 134, and a notification unit 135.

[0033] Before describing the details of each function of the control unit 13, the base station 2 will be described. Each of the multiple base stations 2 has multiple first antennas and a second antenna which is a power feeding antenna. The first antenna is an antenna that transmits radio waves at a first frequency which is a frequency used for wireless communication with terminals. By having multiple first antennas, each of the multiple base stations 2 can transmit radio waves corresponding to each of multiple frequency bands. The second antenna is an antenna that is used for wireless power feeding and transmits radio waves at a second frequency which is different from the first frequency.

[0034] Each of the plurality of base stations 2 operates on power supplied from an external power source such as a commercial power source different from the storage battery 3 installed in the base station 2. When power is not supplied from the external power source, each of the plurality of base stations 2 operates on power supplied from the storage battery 3 installed in the base station 2 itself or from power receiving equipment 4 that receives power from another base station 2.

[0035] Furthermore, each of the plurality of base stations 2 acquires remaining power storage information of the storage battery 3 from the storage battery 3. Then, each of the plurality of base stations 2 transmits to the information processing device 1, at predetermined time intervals, a base station ID for identifying the base station 2 and the remaining power storage information in association with each other.

[0036] Next, the functions of the control unit 13 will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 131 acquires remaining power information indicating the remaining power of the storage battery 3 provided in each of the plurality of base stations 2 related to wireless communication. For example, the acquisition unit 131 receives the base station ID and the remaining power information transmitted from each of the plurality of base stations 2, thereby acquiring the remaining power information corresponding to each of the plurality of base stations 2.

[0037] The first identifying unit 132 refers to the remaining power storage information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 from each of the plurality of base stations 2, and identifies a first base station 2A that is a base station 2 corresponding to a storage battery 3 whose remaining power storage amount is below a first threshold as a predetermined threshold. The first identifying unit 132 refers to the latest remaining power storage information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 from each of the plurality of base stations 2, for example, at predetermined time intervals, and identifies remaining power storage information whose remaining power storage amount is below the first threshold. The first identifying unit 132 identifies the base station 2 indicated by the base station ID acquired by the acquisition unit 131 together with the identified remaining power storage information, as the first base station 2A corresponding to a storage battery 3 whose remaining power storage amount is below the first threshold.

[0038] The second identifying unit 133 identifies a second base station 2B that is a base station 2 that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A, based on base station location information indicating the location of each of the plurality of base stations 2 and remaining power storage amount information corresponding to each of the plurality of base stations 2 acquired by the acquiring unit 131. For example, the second identifying unit 133 refers to the base station location information stored in the storage unit 12, and identifies the location of the first base station 2A based on location information associated with the base station ID of the first base station 2A identified by the first identifying unit 132.

[0039] Furthermore, the second identifying unit 133 refers to the base station location information and identifies a plurality of base station IDs that are different from the base station ID of the first base station 2A identified by the first identifying unit 132. The second identifying unit 133 identifies the base station ID of a base station 2 located within a predetermined distance from the location of the first base station 2A, based on the location information associated with the identified plurality of base station IDs. Then, based on the remaining power storage amount information acquired by the acquiring unit 131 for the base station 2 with the identified base station ID, the second identifying unit 133 identifies the base station 2 whose remaining power storage amount of the storage battery 3 exceeds a second threshold that is higher than the first threshold, as the second base station 2B that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A.

[0040] When there are multiple base stations 2 that are located within a predetermined distance from the location of the first base station 2A and whose remaining power storage amount in the storage battery 3 indicated by the remaining power storage amount information exceeds the second threshold, the second identifying unit 133 may identify these base stations 2 as candidate base stations that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A. Then, the second identifying unit 133 may identify the second base station 2B from among the multiple candidate base stations. Here, the predetermined distance is, for example, the same as or shorter than the distance at which wireless power supply is feasible.

[0041] In this case, the second identifying unit 133 identifies the distance from the first base station 2A to each of a plurality of candidate base stations that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A, based on the base station location information, and identifies, among the plurality of candidate base stations, a candidate base station that is relatively close to the identified first base station 2A as the second base station 2B. In this way, the information processing device 1 can identify, as the second base station 2B, a candidate base station that is relatively close to the first base station 2A and has a high probability of efficiently supplying power to the power receiving equipment 4.

[0042] Furthermore, the second identifying unit 133 may identify one of the plurality of candidate base stations as the second base station 2B based on the efficiency of power supply to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A of each of the plurality of candidate base stations. In this case, the second identifying unit 133 identifies the efficiency of power supply to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A of each of the plurality of candidate base stations. The second identifying unit 133 causes each of the plurality of candidate base stations to transmit radio waves toward the first base station 2A, and identifies the power intensity of the received radio waves when the first base station 2A receives the radio waves.

[0043] The second identifying unit 133 identifies the power supply efficiency of each of the plurality of candidate base stations to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A based on the power intensity of the identified radio wave. Then, the second identifying unit 133 identifies, from among the plurality of candidate base stations, the candidate base station with the identified power supply efficiency that is relatively high as the second base station 2B.

[0044] If there is an obstacle such as a building between the first base station 2A and the second base station 2B, even if the first base station 2A and the second base station 2B are close to each other, it may not be possible to efficiently supply power from the second base station 2B to the power receiving equipment 4 of the first base station 2A. In response to this, the information processing device 1 selects the second base station 2B from among the candidate base stations based on the power supply efficiency determined based on the power intensity of the radio waves received by the first base station 2A, and therefore it is possible to prevent a decrease in power supply efficiency due to the presence of an obstacle between the second base station 2B and the first base station 2A.

[0045] Furthermore, the second identification unit 133 may identify the number of connected terminals, which is the number of terminals that are connected to and communicating with each of the plurality of candidate base stations. In this case, the acquisition unit 131 acquires connected terminal number information indicating the number of connected terminals from each of the plurality of base stations 2, and the second identification unit 133 identifies the number of connected terminals based on the connected terminal number information. The second identification unit 133 may identify the second base station 2B from among the plurality of candidate base stations based on the identified number of connected terminals. For example, the second identification unit 133 identifies the second base station 2B from among the plurality of candidate base stations whose number of connected terminals is below a predetermined number. The predetermined number is, for example, the number of connected terminals when the candidate base station can secure a minimum amount of power for power supply.

[0046] The greater the number of terminals connected to base station 2, the greater the power consumption of base station 2, which may result in a failure to secure power for power supply or a failure to maintain communication connections with terminals while power is being supplied. In response to this, second identification unit 133 identifies second base station 2B from among candidate base stations that can secure power for supply based on the number of connected terminals, and therefore can prevent a shortage of power required for communication connections with terminals or power for power supply while second base station 2B is supplying power.

[0047] Furthermore, the second specifying unit 133 may specify a predicted connection number, which is the number of terminals predicted to connect and communicate with each of the plurality of candidate base stations. In this case, for example, a management device (not shown) is provided that stores the number of terminals connected in the past in each of the plurality of time periods for each of the plurality of base stations 2, and predicts the predicted number of terminals connected in each of the plurality of time periods based on the number of terminals connected in the past.

[0048] The second identification unit 133 transmits the base station ID of each of the plurality of candidate base stations to the management device, and acquires from the management device prediction information indicating the predicted number of connections for one or more time periods after the current time corresponding to each of the plurality of candidate base stations, thereby identifying the predicted number of connections for each of the plurality of candidate base stations.The second identification unit 133 may then identify the second base station 2B from among the plurality of candidate base stations based on the identified predicted number of connections.In this way, the information processing device 1 can prevent a shortage of power required for communication connections with terminals and power for power supply, which may occur when an increase in terminals are connected to the second base station 2B while the second base station 2B is supplying power.

[0049] The instruction unit 134 instructs the second base station 2B identified by the second identification unit 133 to supply power to a power receiving facility 4 provided in the first base station 2A, which receives wireless power and supplies power to at least one of the first base station 2A and the storage battery 3 provided in the first base station 2A. The instruction unit 134 transmits instruction information to the second base station 2B to supply power to the power receiving facility 4 using a second antenna for wireless power supply. The instruction information includes, for example, direction information indicating the direction of the first base station 2A when the position of the second base station 2B is used as a reference. Upon receiving the instruction information, the second base station 2B performs, for example, tilt control to change the orientation of the second antenna, so that radio waves transmitted from the second antenna are transmitted in the direction indicated by the direction information, and starts supplying power to the power receiving facility 4 via the second antenna.

[0050] Furthermore, the instruction unit 134 specifies the number of connected terminals, which is the number of terminals that are connected to and communicating with the second base station 2 B. In this case, the acquisition unit 131 acquires connected terminal number information indicating the number of connected terminals from the second base station 2 B, and the instruction unit 134 specifies the number of connected terminals corresponding to the second base station 2 B based on the connected terminal number information.

[0051] Then, the instruction unit 134 may instruct the second base station 2B to supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 of the first base station 2A when the identified number of connected terminals is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and may instruct the second base station 2B to stop supplying power to the power receiving equipment 4 of the first base station 2A when the identified number of terminals exceeds the predetermined number. In this way, the information processing device 1 can prevent a shortage of power required for communication with a terminal connected to the second base station 2B, which would otherwise cause unstable communication with the terminal, due to power supply to the power receiving equipment 4.

[0052] The instruction unit 134 may instruct the second base station 2B to feed power to the power receiving equipment 4 using the second antenna, and may also instruct the second base station 2B to reduce the output of radio waves from the first antenna. Furthermore, when the second base station 2B is transmitting radio waves in each of a plurality of frequency bands, the instruction unit 134 may instruct the second base station 2B to reduce the number of frequency bands to one and transmit the radio waves.

[0053] When instructing the second base station 2B to transmit radio waves in one frequency band, the instructing unit 134 may identify a frequency band with the least power consumption among multiple frequency bands corresponding to radio waves transmitted by the second base station 2B, and instruct the second base station 2B to transmit radio waves in the identified frequency band. In this way, the information processing device 1 can cause the second base station 2B to secure power for feeding to the power receiving equipment 4.

[0054] Furthermore, the instruction unit 134 may instruct the first base station 2A to reduce the output of radio waves from the first antenna. When the first base station 2A is transmitting radio waves in multiple frequency bands, the instruction unit 134 may instruct the first base station 2A to reduce the number of frequency bands to one and transmit the radio waves. In this case, the instruction unit 134 may identify a frequency band with the lowest power consumption among multiple frequency bands corresponding to the radio waves transmitted by the first base station 2A, and instruct the first base station 2A to transmit radio waves in the identified frequency band. In this way, the information processing device 1 can reduce the power consumption per unit time of the first base station 2A and extend the operating time of the first base station 2A.

[0055] Note that, when instructing the first base station 2A or the second base station 2B to transmit radio waves in one frequency band, the instruction unit 134 instructs the first base station 2A or the second base station 2B to transmit radio waves in the frequency band with the lowest power consumption, but this is not limited to this. The instruction unit 134 may identify a frequency band with the largest number of terminals connected to it among multiple frequency bands corresponding to radio waves that the first base station 2A or the second base station 2B instructed to transmit radio waves in one frequency band can transmit, and instruct the first base station 2A or the second base station 2B to transmit radio waves in the identified frequency band. In this way, the information processing device 1 can reduce the number of terminals that cannot communicate by causing the first base station 2A or the second base station 2B to transmit radio waves in one frequency band.

[0056] Furthermore, when the instruction unit 134 has instructed the first base station 2A to transmit radio waves in one frequency band, the instruction unit 134 may determine, based on the latest remaining power information of the first base station 2A acquired by the acquisition unit 131, whether the remaining power of the storage battery 3 provided in the first base station 2A exceeds a third threshold that is equal to or greater than the first threshold. Then, when the instruction unit 134 determines that the remaining power of the storage battery 3 exceeds the third threshold, the instruction unit 134 may instruct the first base station 2A to transmit radio waves in multiple frequency bands. In this way, the information processing device 1 can restore the communication environment at the first base station 2A when the remaining power of the storage battery 3 corresponding to the first base station 2A is restored.

[0057] The notification unit 135 notifies a terminal connected to the first base station 2A of information indicating that the first base station 2A may become unavailable. For example, in response to the start of power supply to the power receiving equipment 4 of the first base station 2A, the notification unit 135 identifies the amount of power supplied to the power receiving equipment 4, the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 3 provided in the first base station 2A, and the amount of power consumed by the first base station 2A.

[0058] In this case, the acquisition unit 131 receives, from the first base station 2A, power supply amount information indicating the amount of power supplied to the power receiving equipment 4, remaining power storage amount information corresponding to the first base station 2A, and power consumption information indicating the amount of power consumed in the first base station 2A. The notification unit 135 determines whether the remaining power storage amount of the first base station 2A is decreasing, based on the power supply amount indicated by the power supply amount information and the power consumption indicated by the power consumption information. Note that the notification unit 135 may cause the acquisition unit 131 to acquire remaining power storage amount information corresponding to the first base station 2A at predetermined time intervals, and determine whether the remaining power storage amount of the first base station 2A is decreasing, based on the multiple pieces of remaining power storage amount information.

[0059] When the notification unit 135 determines that the remaining power storage capacity of the first base station 2A is decreasing, the notification unit 135 identifies the time when the operation of the first base station 2A will end based on the amount of power supplied to the power receiving equipment 4 indicated by the power supply amount information, the remaining power storage capacity of the storage battery 3 of the first base station 2A, and the amount of power consumed by the first base station 2A indicated by the power consumption information. Then, the notification unit 135 notifies the terminal connected to the first base station 2A of prediction information indicating that communication will become unavailable at the identified time. In this way, the information processing device 1 can make the user of the terminal connected to the first base station 2A aware that communication will become unavailable with the first base station 2A.

[0060] Furthermore, the notification unit 135 may notify surrounding cover area information related to the cover area of ​​a base station 2 corresponding to a storage battery 3 whose remaining power storage amount is equal to or greater than a second threshold and that is located within a predetermined range from the first base station 2A. For example, the notification unit 135 notifies a mobile terminal that is communicatively connected with the first base station 2A of the surrounding cover area information by instructing the first base station 2A to notify the mobile terminal of the surrounding cover area information. In this way, the information processing device 1 can prompt the user of the mobile terminal that is connected with the first base station 2A to move to the surrounding cover area to continue communication.

[0061] [Operation flow] Next, a description will be given of the flow of processing related to the information processing device 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing related to the information processing device 1.

[0062] First, the acquisition unit 131 acquires remaining power information indicating the remaining power of the storage battery 3 provided in each of the plurality of base stations 2 (S1). Next, the first identification unit 132 identifies, from among the plurality of base stations 2, a first base station 2A that is a base station 2 whose remaining power is below a first threshold, based on the remaining power information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 from each of the plurality of base stations 2 (S2).

[0063] Next, the second identification unit 133 identifies a second base station 2B that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A based on the base station location information stored in the memory unit 12 and the remaining power storage information corresponding to each of the multiple base stations 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 131 (S3).

[0064] Next, the instruction unit 134 instructs the second base station 2B identified in S3 to wirelessly feed power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A (S4).

[0065] Next, the acquisition unit 131 acquires remaining power storage information corresponding to each of the first base station 2A and the second base station 2B (S5). Next, the instruction unit 134 determines whether the first remaining power storage amount, which is the remaining power storage amount of the storage battery 3 corresponding to the first base station 2A, has exceeded a third threshold value based on the remaining power storage information of the first base station 2A (S6). If the instruction unit 134 determines that the first remaining power storage amount has exceeded the third threshold value (YES in S6), the process proceeds to S8, where it instructs the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A to end power supply. If the instruction unit 134 determines that the first remaining power storage amount has not exceeded the third threshold value (NO in S6), the process proceeds to S7.

[0066] Next, the instruction unit 134 determines whether the second remaining amount of stored power, which is the remaining amount of stored power of the storage battery 3 corresponding to the second base station 2B, has fallen below the first threshold based on the remaining amount of stored power information of the second base station 2B (S7). If the instruction unit 134 determines that the second remaining amount of stored power has fallen below the first threshold, that is, that the second base station 2B has run out of power to supply (YES in S7), the process proceeds to S8, where the instruction unit 134 instructs the first base station 2A to end power supply to the power receiving equipment 4. If the instruction unit 134 determines that the second remaining amount of stored power exceeds the first threshold (NO in S7), the process proceeds to S5.

[0067] [Variation 1] In the above-described embodiment, the instruction unit 134 instructs the second base station 2B to wirelessly feed power to the first base station 2A, but this is not limiting. If the second base station 2B and the first base station 2A are connected by a wired electrical path for feeding power, the instruction unit 134 may instruct the second base station 2B to feed power to the first base station 2A via a wire.

[0068] [Variation 2] In the above-described embodiment, the second base station 2B identified by the second identification unit 133 uses the second antenna to supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided at the first base station 2A. However, this is not limited to this. For example, one or more air vehicles, such as drones, provided corresponding to the second base station 2B and capable of supplying power to the power receiving equipment 4 may supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided at the first base station 2A. In this case, the air vehicle has a storage battery different from the storage battery provided at the second base station 2B and is waiting at a charging station attached to the base station that can charge the storage battery of the air vehicle. Here, the storage battery provided at the second base station 2B may have a charging control unit that functions as the charging station. Surplus power at the second base station 2B is stored in the storage battery of the air vehicle via the charging station. Note that the charging control unit may contactlessly supply power to the storage battery of the air vehicle. Note that the air vehicle is waiting at the charging station, but this is not limited to this. The aircraft may fly or land at a location different from the second base station 2B, such as in the vicinity of the second base station 2B.

[0069] The instruction unit 134 instructs the aircraft waiting at the charging station attached to the second base station 2B identified by the second identification unit 133 to supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided at the first base station 2A. Note that the instruction unit 134 may instruct the second base station 2B to supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 of the first base station 2A, and the second base station 2B may instruct the aircraft waiting at the charging station attached to itself to supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided at the first base station 2A.

[0070] The flying object has a reception unit that receives a power supply instruction from the instruction unit 134 of the information processing device 1 or the second base station 2B to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A, a position determination unit that determines its own position, a flight control unit that flies to the installation location of the power receiving equipment 4 in response to the reception unit receiving the power supply instruction, and a power supply control unit that determines whether or not the flying object has arrived at the installation location of the power receiving equipment 4 based on its own position determined by the position determination unit, and supplies power from the storage battery to the power receiving equipment 4 in response to determining that the flying object has arrived at the installation location of the power receiving equipment 4.

[0071] The power supply control unit identifies the stored power, which is the power stored in the storage battery of the air vehicle, and also identifies the power consumption required for the air vehicle to travel back and forth between the charging station and the power receiving equipment 4. Then, the power supply control unit supplies power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A, with the power obtained by subtracting the power consumption from the identified stored power as the upper limit. Note that the power supply control unit may supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 wirelessly. Also, if the storage battery provided in the first base station 2A is a storage battery that can supply power wirelessly, the power supply control unit may supply power to the storage battery wirelessly. In this way, it is possible to use the air vehicle to supply power to the first base station 2A that has lost power due to a power outage, thereby extending the period during which the first base station 2A can communicate with terminals.

[0072] When the aircraft is flying or landing at a position near the second base station 2B, the instruction unit 134 or the second base station 2B may instruct the aircraft to charge at a charging station attached to the second base station 2B. After charging of the storage battery of the aircraft is completed, the instruction unit 134 or the second base station 2B may instruct the aircraft to supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A.

[0073] Furthermore, although the charging station is assumed to be installed adjacent to the base station, this is not limiting and the charging station may be installed in a location different from the base station. In this case, the acquisition unit 131 of the information processing device 1 acquires the remaining battery charge information corresponding to each of the multiple aircraft by receiving the aircraft ID for identifying the aircraft and the remaining battery charge information transmitted from each of the multiple aircraft. The second identification unit 133 acquires aircraft position information indicating the current position of each of the multiple aircraft from the aircraft.

[0074] Then, based on the air vehicle position information and remaining power storage information of each of the multiple air vehicles acquired by the acquisition unit 131, the second identification unit 133 identifies an air vehicle that can fly to the installation location of the first base station 2A and can wirelessly feed power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided at the first base station 2A. For example, based on the air vehicle position information and remaining power storage information of each of the multiple air vehicles acquired by the acquisition unit 131, the second identification unit 133 identifies an air vehicle whose storage battery has a stored amount of power greater than the power required for a round trip between the charging station and the installation location of the first base station 2A and whose chargeable amount from the storage battery to the power receiving equipment 4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold as an air vehicle that can wirelessly feed power to the power receiving equipment 4. The instruction unit 134 instructs the air vehicle identified by the second identification unit 133 to feed power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided at the first base station 2A.

[0075] [Effects of information processing device 1] As described above, the information processing device 1 according to the present embodiment refers to remaining power information indicating the remaining power of the storage battery 3 provided in each of a plurality of base stations 2 related to wireless communication, identifies the first base station 2A, which is the base station 2 corresponding to the storage battery 3 whose remaining power is below a predetermined threshold, identifies the second base station 2B, which is a base station that can wirelessly supply power to the first base station 2A, based on the base station location information and the remaining power information, and instructs the identified second base station 2B to supply power to the power receiving equipment 4 provided in the first base station 2A, which receives wireless power and supplies power to at least one of the first base station 2A and the storage battery 3 provided in the first base station 2A. In this way, the information processing device 1 can extend the state in which the first base station 2A, which is no longer supplied with power due to a power outage, can communicate with terminals.

[0076] Furthermore, this invention will make it possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promote innovation and resilience."

[0077] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating any unit. Furthermore, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Information processing equipment 11 Communications Department 12 Storage section 13 Control Unit 131 Acquisition Department 132 1st Specific Part 133 Second Specific Part 134 Instruction section 135 Notification Department 2 base station

Claims

1. a first identification unit that refers to remaining power storage amount information indicating remaining power storage amounts of storage batteries that are provided in each of a plurality of base stations involved in wireless communication and that can supply power to the base station, and identifies a first base station that is a base station corresponding to a storage battery whose remaining power storage amount is below a predetermined threshold; a second identification unit that identifies a second base station that is capable of supplying power to the first base station based on base station location information indicating a location of each of a plurality of base stations and the remaining power storage information; an instruction unit that controls power supply from the second base station identified by the second identification unit to the first base station; An information processing device having the above.

2. the instruction unit instructs the second base station to supply power to the first base station via a wired line when the second base station and the first base station are connected by a wired line for power supply; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the instruction unit instructs the second base station to wirelessly feed power to the first base station when the second base station and the first base station have antennas for wireless power feeding. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the instruction unit instructs an aircraft capable of supplying power stored in the second base station to the first base station to supply power to the first base station. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the instruction unit corresponds to the second base station, and when the flying object in which surplus power of the second base station is stored is provided, instructs the flying object to supply power to the first base station. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. the instruction unit controls the power supply from the second base station to the first base station by instructing the second base station to supply power stored in the second base station to an aircraft capable of supplying power to the first base station. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. the instruction unit, when the flying object corresponding to the second base station and storing surplus power at the second base station is provided, controls the power supply from the second base station to the first base station by instructing the second base station to supply power to the flying object. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The computer executes a step of referring to remaining power storage amount information indicating remaining power storage amounts of storage batteries provided in each of a plurality of base stations involved in wireless communication and capable of supplying power to the base station, and identifying a first base station that is a base station corresponding to a storage battery whose remaining power storage amount is below a predetermined threshold; Identifying a second base station that is capable of supplying power to the first base station based on base station location information indicating the location of each of a plurality of base stations and the remaining power storage information; controlling power supply from the specified second base station to the first base station; An information processing method comprising:

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