Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

This technology provides a way to further reduce power consumption in devices that are not frequently moved. [Solution] The system includes a first cell measurement execution unit that measures the electric field strength of the first cell which is the current connection destination, a second cell measurement execution unit that measures the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell, a measurement execution period setting unit that sets the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit, and the first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program, and provides an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for realizing a technology capable of further suppressing the power consumption of a terminal with low movement frequency.

Background Art

[0002] A terminal connected to a mobile communication network measures the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected, and, if necessary, the electric field strength of a cell adjacent to the cell. For example, when the terminal moves and the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected becomes small, the electric field strength of an adjacent cell is measured in preparation for handover or reselection.

[0003] On the other hand, the introduction of terminals for IoT having reduced communication capabilities compared to terminals carried by users such as smartphones is also progressing. In such terminals, technologies for power saving are often implemented. For example, a communication protocol corresponding to M2M is used.

[0004] In addition, in 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), it has been agreed to introduce a method for relaxing the measurement of radio quality for adjacent cells based on an RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) / RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality)-based stationarity criterion for specific user equipment in the RRC idle or connected state.

[0005] In addition, a technology has also been proposed that enables the network to know that at least one of the stationarity criterion and the non-cell end criterion is no longer satisfied for a specific user device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-10465 [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device that performs M2M communication, comprising: a first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of a first cell which is the current connection destination; a second cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell; a measurement execution period setting unit that sets the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit; and the first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result.

[0008] A data processing method according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing method for an information processing device that performs M2M communication, comprising the steps of: a first cell measurement execution unit performing a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell that is the current connection destination and which is detected at a preset period, and outputting the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result; a measurement execution period setting unit performing a setting related to the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement result of the first cell measurement execution unit; and a second cell measurement execution unit performing a measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell.

[0009] Each aspect of the present invention may be implemented by a computer, in which case a program that causes the computer to perform each step of the above method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example configuration of a communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates an example of the functional configuration of an IoT device. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of measurement results when the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit is set to the first measurement mode. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of measurement results when the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit is set to the second measurement mode. [Figure 5] This flowchart illustrates an example of the measurement mode selection process. [Figure 6] This flowchart illustrates an example of the process for setting the measurement execution cycle. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the transitions in the measurement mode settings. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates another example of the transitions in the measurement mode settings. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the triggers for performing relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement. [Figure 10] This diagram shows an example of a computer configuration that executes instructions for programs, which are software programs that implement various functions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] A terminal connected to a mobile communication network measures the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected, as well as the electric field strength of adjacent cells as needed. For example, if a terminal moves and the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected decreases, the electric field strength of adjacent cells is measured in preparation for handover or reselection.

[0012] On the other hand, the introduction of IoT terminals with reduced communication capabilities compared to terminals carried by users such as smartphones is also progressing. In such terminals, technologies for power saving are often implemented. For example, communication protocols corresponding to M2M are used.

[0013] Also, in 3GPP, it has been agreed to introduce a method for relaxing the measurement of radio quality for adjacent cells for specific user devices in the RRC idle or connected state based on the RSRP / RSRQ-based stationarity criterion. Note that the method for relaxing the above-mentioned radio quality measurement includes technologies referred to as "Relaxed monitoring" in 4G (LTE) and "Relaxed measurement" in 5G (NR).

[0014] However, in the case of terminals that do not move, such as IoT devices and M2M devices, the need to measure the electric field strength of adjacent cells is extremely low, and there has been a need to further suppress the power consumption associated with such measurements.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a technology that can further suppress the power consumption of terminals with low movement frequency.

[0016] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (Configuration of Communication System) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the communication system 10 shown in the figure, an IoT (Internet Of Thing) device 40 communicates via a mobile wireless communication network such as a base station or a backbone communication network of a predetermined mobile network operator (MNO). In this example, base stations 21-1 and 21-2 of a predetermined MNO are shown, and each base station is connected to a core network 22 of the predetermined MNO.

[0018] In mobile communication, a base station communicates with a UE (User Equipment), which is a terminal device located within a cell, which is a predetermined wireless communication area. In the example of FIG. 1, a cell 30-1 corresponding to the base station 21-1 and a cell 30-2 corresponding to the base station 21-2 are shown. In reality, one base station can communicate with hundreds of UEs simultaneously. In the example of FIG. 1, the IoT device 40 is connected to the cell 30-1 as a UE.

[0019] Also, an IoT platform server 70 is connected to the core network 22. The IoT platform server 70 analyzes data collected from the IoT device 40 and performs software distribution to the IoT device 40.

[0020] The IoT device 40 may conform to any of the communication methods such as the 3G (3rd Generation) communication method, the LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication method, the 5G (5th Generation) communication method, and the communication methods after the 6G (6th Generation) communication method.

[0021] As an example, in the communication system 10, the IoT device 40 employs LwM2M (Lightweight M2M), an IoT protocol developed by the OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) for the purpose of saving power. In this embodiment, the IoT device 40 is given as an example of the UE, but the UE is not limited to IoT devices. For example, an information processing device that performs M2M communication may also be the UE. In other words, any device that performs wireless communication and is expected to move infrequently may be used.

[0022] (Functional configuration of IoT devices) Figure 2 illustrates an example of the functional configuration of an IoT device 40. In this example, the IoT device 40 includes a positioning function unit 101, a measurement mode determination unit 102, a measurement mode switching unit 103, a self-cell measurement execution unit 104, a smoothing calculation execution unit 105, a measurement execution cycle setting unit 106, and an adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107.

[0023] (Positioning function unit) The positioning function unit 101, for example, has a GPS function and measures the current location of the IoT device 40 and outputs location information.

[0024] (Measurement mode determination unit) The measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 based on location information relating to the current location of the IoT device 40 output from the positioning function unit 101, for example. As an example, the measurement mode determination unit 102 calculates the distance traveled by the IoT device 40 based on location information over a predetermined period of time (for example, t seconds), and if the calculated distance traveled is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, it determines the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the first measurement mode. On the other hand, if the calculated distance traveled is less than a preset threshold, it determines the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the second measurement mode.

[0025] (Measurement mode switching section) The measurement mode switching unit 103 switches the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 according to the determination made by the measurement mode determination unit 102.

[0026] (Self-cell measurement execution unit) The self-cell measurement execution unit 104 performs a measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell to which it is currently connected. That is, it measures the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected (for example, cell 30-1 in Figure 1) among a plurality of cells formed in response to radio waves from a base station, etc. As an example, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 performs the measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell by detecting the electric field strength at a predetermined period set in advance (for example, at intervals of a few milliseconds).

[0027] The measurement cycle for the first cell is defined by 3GPP and is determined according to the parameters notified by the base station. Furthermore, the electric field strength is just one example of a measurement target; instead, for example, electric field quality (RSRQ / SINR) may be measured. The following describes an example where electric field strength is measured.

[0028] For details of the cell measurement performed by the self-cell measurement execution unit 104, if the RAT (Radio Access Technology) is LTE, for example, it is described in TS36.133, a 3GPP standard, specifically in sections 4.2.2.1 (Measurement and evaluation of serving cell), 4.6.2.1 (NB-IoT Normal coverage), 4.6.2.3 (NB-IoT Enhanced coverage), 4.7.2.1.1 (Cat.M Normal coverage), and 4.7.2.2.1 (Cat.M Enhanced coverage). If the RAT is 5G, for example, it is described in TS38.133, a 3GPP standard, specifically in sections 4.2.2.2 (Idle) and 5.1.2.2 (Inactive).

[0029] (Smoothing calculation execution unit) The smoothing calculation execution unit 105 performs a calculation to smooth the changes in electric field strength for each of the first cells' electric field strengths detected at a predetermined period set in advance by the self-cell measurement execution unit 104, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength. As an example, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 performs a calculation to smooth the changes in electric field strength by calculating a moving average of the electric field strengths of the first cells detected at a predetermined period set in advance, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength. Here, the moving average may be calculated, for example, as the average value of the detected electric field strength over the past few seconds.

[0030] The smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may be configured, for example, as part of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104, and may operate according to the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104. For example, if the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is the second measurement mode, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may perform a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength and output the smoothed electric field strength. On the other hand, if the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is the first measurement mode, the calculation by the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may not be performed.

[0031] (Measurement execution cycle setting unit) The measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 sets the measurement cycle of the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 based on the measurement results of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104. For example, the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 selectively sets the measurement cycle of the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 by comparing the measurement results of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 with a preset threshold. As mentioned above, the measurement results of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 may or may not be smoothed by the smoothing calculation execution unit 105.

[0032] The measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 sets a period that is determined in accordance with the comparison result between the measurement result by the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 and the threshold, and is the time interval at which the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 performs processing related to measuring the electric field strength of the cell. For example, the timing at which the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 performs processing related to measuring the electric field strength of the cell is set to once every minute or once every hour.

[0033] (Adjacent cell measurement execution unit) The adjacent cell measurement unit 107 performs measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell. For example, as the IoT device 40 moves, if the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected falls below a preset threshold, the electric field strength of an adjacent cell is measured in preparation for reselection. The adjacent cell measurement unit 107 performs measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell adjacent to the first cell (for example, cell 30-2 in Figure 1).

[0034] Details of the cell measurements performed by the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 are described, for example, in 3GPP standard TS36.133, specifically in sections 4.2.2.3 (LTE intra freq), 4.2.2.4 (LTE inter freq), 4.6.2.2 (NB-IoT intra freq Normal coverage), 4.6.2.4 (NB-IoT intra freq Enhanced coverage), 4.6.2.5 (NB-IoT inter freq Normal coverage), 4.6.2.6 (NB-IoT inter freq Enhanced coverage), 4.7.2.1.2 (Cat.M intra freq Normal coverage), 4.7.2.1.3 (Cat.M intra freq Enhanced coverage), 4.7.2.2.2 (Cat.M inter freq Normal coverage), and 4.7.2.2.3 (Cat.M inter freq Enhanced coverage) when the RAT is LTE. Furthermore, if RAT is 5G, this is described in sections 4.2.2.3 (Idle intra freq), 4.2.2.4 (Idle inter freq), 5.1.2.3 (Inactive intra freq), and 5.1.2.4 (Inactive inter freq) of the 3GPP standard TS38.133.

[0035] (Examples of measurement results from each measurement mode) Here, the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of measurement results when the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the first measurement mode. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents electric field strength, and a curve 151 is shown that shows the change in the electric field strength of the detected cell 30-1. As an example, the electric field strength of cell 30-1 is detected every few milliseconds, and the curve 151 shows the detected electric field strength in a time series. As shown in the figure, the electric field strength changes sharply in curve 151.

[0037] Figure 4 shows an example of measurement results when the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the second measurement mode. In this figure, the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is electric field strength, and a curve 152 is shown which represents the result of a calculation that smooths the change in the electric field strength of the detected cell 30-1. For example, the calculation that smooths the change in electric field strength may be a moving average calculation. For example, if the electric field strength of cell 30-1 is detected every few milliseconds, the curve 152 may be a moving average curve obtained by averaging the detected electric field strength over several seconds. As shown in the figure, the electric field strength changes more smoothly in curve 152 compared to the case of curve 151.

[0038] In other words, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 performs measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell using at least one of the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode. In the first measurement mode, each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period is output as a measurement result. In the second measurement mode, a calculation is performed to smooth the change in electric field strength in the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement mode, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as a measurement result.

[0039] As described above, for example, when the IoT device 40 moves and the electric field strength of the cell it is currently connected to falls below a preset threshold, the electric field strength of adjacent cells is measured in preparation for reselection. For example, when the electric field strength of the first cell falls below a preset threshold, the frequency of measuring the electric field strength of the second cell increases. In other words, when the electric field strength of cell 30-1 falls below the threshold, it triggers the measurement of the electric field strength of cell 30-2.

[0040] However, in reality, even if the IoT device 40 does not move, the radio waves may be temporarily blocked by the passage of vehicles or people, causing the electric field strength of cell 30-1 to fall below the threshold.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 3, since a portion of curve 151 falls below the threshold L1, the adjacent cell measurement unit 107 will perform a measurement of the electric field strength of cell 30-2.

[0042] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 4, since curve 152 never falls below the threshold L1, the adjacent cell measurement unit 107 does not measure the electric field strength of cell 30-2. If the adjacent cell measurement unit 107 were to measure the electric field strength of cell 30-2, the power consumption of the IoT device 40 would increase accordingly. For example, if the IoT device 40 is a fixedly installed device, it is preferable that the electric field strength of cell 30-2 is not measured even if the electric field strength of cell 30-1 falls below the threshold. In such cases, the power saving performance of the IoT device 40 can be improved by comparing the electric field strength of cell 30-1 with the threshold using measurement results that have been processed to smooth the changes in the detected electric field strength of cell 30-1.

[0043] Next, we will explain the measurement mode selection process in the IoT device 40. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the measurement mode selection process.

[0044] In step S101, the measurement mode determination unit 102 acquires location information for the past t seconds from the positioning function unit 101.

[0045] In step S102, the measurement mode determination unit 102 calculates the distance traveled by the IoT device 40 based on the location information acquired in step S101, and determines whether the calculated distance traveled is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0046] If it is determined in step S102 that the travel distance is greater than or equal to a threshold, the process in step S103 is executed. In step S103, the measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the first measurement mode.

[0047] If it is determined in step S102 that the travel distance is less than the threshold, the process in step S104 is executed. In step S104, the measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the second measurement mode.

[0048] In step S105, the measurement mode switching unit 103 switches the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 to the measurement mode determined by the measurement mode determination unit 102 in step S103 or step S104. Note that if the measurement mode currently set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is the same as the measurement mode determined by the measurement mode determination unit 102 in step S103 or step S104, it is not necessary to switch in step S105.

[0049] In this way, the measurement mode selection process is executed.

[0050] Next, the measurement execution cycle setting process in the IoT device 40 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the measurement execution cycle setting process. This process may be executed in parallel with the measurement mode selection process in Figure 5.

[0051] In step S121, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 performs measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell, which is the current connection destination. At this time, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 measures the electric field strength of the first cell by detecting the electric field strength at a predetermined period. Here, the predetermined period may be, for example, a few milliseconds.

[0052] In step S122, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 checks whether the currently set measurement mode is the first measurement mode or the second measurement mode. If it is determined in step S122 that the currently set measurement mode is the second measurement mode, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 causes the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 to execute the process.

[0053] In step S123, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 performs a calculation to smooth the change in the electric field strength of the first cell detected in step S121 and outputs the smoothed electric field strength.

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S122 that the currently set measurement mode is the first measurement mode, the process in step S123 is skipped. In other words, the electric field strength of the first cell detected in step S121 is output as is.

[0055] In step S124, the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 compares the measurement result from the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 with a preset threshold. As mentioned above, the measurement result from the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 may or may not be smoothed by the processing in step S123.

[0056] If the comparison in step S124 determines that the measurement result is below the threshold, the process in step S126 is executed.

[0057] In step S126, the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 shortens the period (for example, to 1 minute) during which the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 performs the process related to measuring the electric field strength of the second cell. In other words, because the electric field strength corresponding to the first cell, which is the current connection destination, has decreased, it is necessary to increase the frequency of measuring the electric field strength of the second cell in preparation for reselection.

[0058] On the other hand, if the comparison in step S124 determines that the measurement result did not fall below the threshold, the process in step S125 is executed.

[0059] In step S125, the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 sets the period for which the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 performs the process related to measuring the electric field strength of the second cell to be longer (for example, 1 hour). That is, if the electric field strength corresponding to the first cell, which is the current connection destination, is sufficiently large, the possibility of reselection is low, so it is necessary to reduce the frequency of measuring the electric field strength of adjacent cells to suppress power consumption.

[0060] Thus, the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 shortens the measurement cycle of the second cell measurement execution unit if the electric field strength within a preset time period in the measurement results from the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 changes to a preset threshold.

[0061] In step S127, the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 measures the electric field strength of the second cell at a period set in the processing of step S125 or step S126.

[0062] In this way, the measurement execution cycle setting process is executed.

[0063] Figure 7 illustrates the transition of the measurement mode settings. The figure shows the IoT device 40, the base station 21, and the IoT platform server 70, with the state of the IoT device 40 indicated on the right side of the figure as "stationary" or "moving". In Figure 7, time progresses vertically. In this example, the line is activated when the IoT device 40 is powered on for the first time, and the IoT device 40 and the IoT platform server 70 are connected for the first time (initial connection).

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 7, after the IoT device 40 is initially powered on, it remains stationary for a while, for example, in the RRC Idle state. Then, the IoT device 40 moves, and a reselection is performed. The reselection changes the cell to which the IoT device 40 is connected. After that, the IoT device 40 remains stationary again, for example, in the RRC Idle state.

[0065] In this case, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the second measurement mode while the IoT device 40 is idle after being powered on for the first time. That is, the change in the electric field strength of the first cell is smoothed, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result. For this reason, for example, when the IoT device 40 is in the RRC Idle state, the measurement frequency of the electric field strength of the second cell by the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 is likely to be set low, resulting in a greater power saving effect.

[0066] Furthermore, as the IoT device 40 moves, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the first measurement mode. This increases the likelihood that the frequency of measurement of the electric field strength of the second cell by the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 will be set higher, thus preparing the system for reselection.

[0067] Then, when the IoT device 40 becomes still again, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is set back to the second measurement mode. For this reason, for example, when the IoT device 40 is in the RRC Idle state, the frequency of measurement of the electric field strength of the second cell by the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 is likely to be set to a low value, resulting in a greater power saving effect.

[0068] (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, when the IoT device 40 is stationary, the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result. Therefore, when the IoT device 40 is in the RRC Idle state, the measurement frequency of the electric field strength of the second cell by the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 is likely to be set low, resulting in a greater power saving effect.

[0069] In other words, according to this embodiment, when there is little need to measure the electric field strength of adjacent cells, it is possible to further suppress the power consumption associated with such measurements. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption of terminals that are not moved frequently.

[0070] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 based on location information relating to the current location of the IoT device 40 output from the positioning function unit 101. However, the measurement mode determination unit 102 may also be configured to set the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 based on, for example, a command from an external device. For example, the measurement mode to be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 may be switched based on data transmitted from the IoT platform server 70.

[0071] For example, the IoT platform server 70 manages information such as the installation location and power consumption of the IoT device 40. For instance, if the IoT platform server 70 determines that the IoT device 40 is unlikely to move by referring to its installation location, it may send a command to the IoT device 40 to set the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 to the second measurement mode.

[0072] Furthermore, the IoT device 40, upon receiving a command from the IoT platform server 70, may switch the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 so that the measurement mode is set to the measurement mode corresponding to the command received by the measurement mode switching unit 103. In this case, the IoT device 40 does not need to be equipped with a positioning function unit 101 and a measurement mode determination unit 102.

[0073] Thus, the measurement mode switching unit 103 may switch the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 based on data received from other devices connected via the network.

[0074] Figure 8 illustrates the transition of the measurement mode settings in this embodiment. This figure corresponds to Figure 7. In the example in Figure 8, when the IoT device 40 is powered on for the first time, the line is activated and the IoT device 40 and the IoT platform server 70 are connected for the first time (initial connection). At this time, the IoT platform server 70 sends a command to the IoT device 40 to set the measurement mode to the second measurement mode. As a result, the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 becomes the second measurement mode, the change in the electric field strength of the first cell is smoothed, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result.

[0075] In this way, after the initial power-on operation of the IoT device 40, the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the second measurement mode. In this case, even if the IoT device 40 moves, the electric field strength of the first cell will continue to be measured in the second measurement mode. However, since the possibility of the IoT device 40 moving is low, the possibility of actually needing reselection is also low, and there is little risk of disruption to the communication of the IoT device 40.

[0076] For example, if the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the first measurement mode after it has been set to the second measurement mode, the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 may be set to the first measurement mode.

[0077] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, examples were described in which the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 is determined and switched. However, for example, the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 may be set to the second measurement mode when the IoT device 40 is shipped. For example, if it is clear that the IoT device 40 will be fixedly installed in a building or the like, it is considered unnecessary to deliberately switch the measurement mode set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104.

[0078] In this embodiment, the IoT device 40 does not necessarily have to include a positioning function unit 101, a measurement mode determination unit 102, and a measurement mode switching unit 103.

[0079] In this way, the measurement mode of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 of the IoT device 40 is fixed to the second measurement mode. Of course, in this case, even if the IoT device 40 moves, the electric field strength of the first cell will continue to be measured in the second measurement mode. However, since the possibility of the IoT device 40 moving is low, the possibility of actually needing reselection is also low, and there is little risk of disruption to the communication of the IoT device 40.

[0080] (Fourth embodiment) In the first, second, and third embodiments, an example was described in which the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 selectively sets the measurement cycle of the adjacent cell measurement execution unit 107 by comparing the measurement result of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 with a preset threshold. However, it is also possible to determine whether or not Relaxed monitoring (or relaxed measurement) is performed on the IoT device 40 based on the measurement result of the self-cell measurement execution unit 104. When Relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement is performed, the measurement cycle for the reception quality (e.g., electric field strength) of the second cell becomes longer.

[0081] For example, as shown in Figure 9, it is determined whether the measurement result Vo from the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 has changed beyond the range defined by the preset upper limit L12 and lower limit L11 within a predetermined time. The predetermined time is referred to as "TSearchDeltaP" in the case of 4G (LTE) and as "TSearchDeltaPStationary" in the case of 5G (NR). The range defined by the upper limit L12 and lower limit L11 is referred to as "SSearchDeltaP" in the case of 4G (LTE) and as "SSearchDeltaPStationary" in the case of 5G (NR).

[0082] In Figure 9, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the measurement result Vo value. If the measurement result Vo does not change beyond SsearchDeltaP(Stationary) during TsearchDeltaP(Stationary), Relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement is performed on IoT device 40.

[0083] If the measurement result Vo from the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 falls below the lower limit L11 or exceeds the upper limit L12, Relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement will not be performed on the IoT device 40. In such cases, by performing a calculation to smooth the change in the measurement result Vo from the self-cell measurement execution unit 104, the possibility of it changing beyond the range SsearchDeltaPStationary within the time TsearchDeltaPStationary becomes less likely. Therefore, the power saving performance of the IoT device 40 can be improved.

[0084] Thus, if the change in electric field strength within a preset time period in the measurement results from the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 falls within a preset range, Relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement may be performed.

[0085] (Other embodiments) In the embodiments described above, examples were given in which the measurement modes set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104 were a first measurement mode and a second measurement mode. However, more measurement modes may be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104.

[0086] For example, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may be kept inactive in the first measurement mode, while it may be activated in the second and third measurement modes. In this case, for example, in the second measurement mode, the moving average may be calculated as the average value of the detected electric field strength over the past 3 seconds, and in the third measurement mode, the moving average may be calculated as, for example, the average value of the detected electric field strength over the past 10 seconds.

[0087] Alternatively, for example, the distance traveled by the IoT device 40 may be calculated based on location information over a predetermined period of time (e.g., t seconds), and a measurement mode determined according to the magnitude of the calculated distance traveled may be set in the self-cell measurement execution unit 104. In this case, for example, a table that associates the range of the calculated distance traveled with the measurement mode may be stored, and the measurement mode determination unit 102 may determine the measurement mode by referring to the table.

[0088] By doing so, for example, it becomes possible to set an appropriate measurement mode according to the scale and frequency of movement of the IoT device 40, thereby enabling smooth reselection and reducing power consumption.

[0089] (Example of implementation using software) The IoT device 40 described above is a program for making a computer function, and can be realized by a program for making a computer function as an IoT device 40. In this case, the IoT device 40 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., memory) as hardware for executing the above program. An example of such a computer is shown in Figure 10.

[0090] The computer 500 includes at least one processor 501 and at least one memory 502. The memory 502 stores a program 520 that causes the computer 500 to operate as an IoT device 40. In the computer 500, the processor 501 reads this program 520 from the memory 502 and executes it, thereby realizing the various functions of the IoT device 40.

[0091] The processor 501 can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPU (Floating Point Number Processing Unit), a PPU (Physics Processing Unit), a microcontroller, or a combination thereof.

[0092] For memory 502, for example, flash memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or a combination of these can be used.

[0093] Furthermore, the computer 500 may also be equipped with RAM (Random Access Memory) for deploying the program 520 at runtime and for temporarily storing various data. The computer 500 may also be equipped with a communication interface for sending and receiving data with other devices. Furthermore, the computer 500 may also be equipped with an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0094] Furthermore, the program 520 can be recorded on a non-temporary, tangible recording medium 530 that is readable by the computer 500. Such a recording medium 530 could be, for example, a tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer 500 can retrieve the program 520 via such a recording medium 530.

[0095] Furthermore, program 520 can be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium could be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. Computer 500 can also acquire program 520 via such a transmission medium.

[0096] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the IoT device 40 can also be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which logic circuits that function as the above-mentioned control blocks are formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is also possible to realize the functions of the above-mentioned control blocks by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0097] According to each aspect of the present invention described above, by achieving the effects described above, it is possible to contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster technological innovation."

[0098] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0099] 〔summary〕 An information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is an information processing device that performs M2M communication, comprising: a first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of a first cell which is the current connection destination; a second cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell; a measurement execution period setting unit that sets the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit; and the first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result.

[0100] In the information processing apparatus according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, in embodiment 1 described above, the first cell measurement execution unit performs measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell by at least one of the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode, in the first measurement mode each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period is output as a measurement result, and in the second measurement mode, a calculation is performed to smooth the change in electric field strength in the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement mode, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as a measurement result.

[0101] An information processing device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention further comprises a measurement mode switching unit for switching the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit, in the embodiment 2 described above, wherein the measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on data received from other devices connected via a network.

[0102] An information processing device according to embodiment 4 of the present invention further comprises, in embodiment 2 above, a position information output unit that outputs position information for identifying the position of the information processing device, a measurement mode determination unit that determines the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on the position information output by the position information output unit, and a measurement mode switching unit that switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit, wherein the measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit according to the measurement mode determined by the measurement mode determination unit.

[0103] In the information processing device according to embodiment 5 of the present invention, in embodiment 4 described above, the measurement mode determination unit determines the distance traveled by the information processing device within a unit of time based on the position information, and if the determined distance traveled is smaller than a preset threshold, the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit is determined to be the second measurement mode.

[0104] In the information processing device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 5 described above, the measurement execution period setting unit sets the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit to be longer if the electric field strength within a preset time in the measurement result of the first cell measurement execution unit changes to a preset threshold.

[0105] In the information processing device according to embodiment 7 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 6 described above, if the change in electric field strength within a predetermined time in the measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit is within a predetermined range, relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement is performed.

[0106] In the information processing device according to embodiment 8 of the present invention, in any of embodiments 1 to 7 described above, the first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength by calculating a moving average of the electric field strength over a predetermined period.

[0107] An information processing method according to aspect 9 of the present invention is an information processing method for an information processing device that performs M2M communication, comprising the steps of: a first cell measurement execution unit performing a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell that is the current connection destination and is detected at a preset period, and outputting the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result; a measurement execution period setting unit performing a setting related to the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement result of the first cell measurement execution unit; and a second cell measurement execution unit performing a measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell.

[0108] A program according to embodiment 10 of the present invention provides a computer as an information processing device for performing M2M communication, comprising: a first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of a first cell which is the current connection destination; a second cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell; a measurement execution period setting unit that sets the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit; and the first cell measurement execution unit, in a first measurement mode, performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 10 Communication Systems 21-1, 21-2 base station Cells 30-1 and 30-2 40 IoT devices 70 IoT Platform Servers 101 Positioning Function Unit 102 Measurement mode determination unit 103 Measurement mode switching section 104 Self-cell measurement execution unit 105 Smoothing Calculation Execution Unit 106 Measurement execution cycle setting unit 107 Adjacent Cell Measurement Execution Unit

Claims

1. An information processing device that performs M2M communication, A first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell, which is the current connection destination, A second cell measurement unit performs measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell, A measurement execution cycle setting unit sets the measurement cycle of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit, The first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result. Information processing device.

2. The first cell measurement execution unit performs measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell using at least one of the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode. In the first measurement mode, each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period is output as a measurement result. In the second measurement mode, a calculation is performed to smooth the change in electric field strength in the measurement results corresponding to the first measurement mode, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a measurement mode switching unit that switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit, The measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on data received from other devices connected via the network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. A location information output unit that outputs location information to identify the location of the information processing device, A measurement mode determination unit determines the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on the position information output by the position information output unit, The system further comprises a measurement mode switching unit that switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit, The measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit according to the measurement mode determined by the measurement mode determination unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The measurement mode determination unit is, Based on the aforementioned location information, the distance traveled by the information processing device within a unit of time is determined. If the identified travel distance is smaller than a preset threshold, the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit is set to the second measurement mode. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The measurement execution cycle setting unit shortens the measurement cycle of the second cell measurement execution unit if the electric field strength within a preset time period in the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit falls below a preset threshold. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. If the change in electric field strength within a preset time period in the measurement results from the first cell measurement execution unit is within a preset range, Relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement is executed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength by calculating a moving average of the electric field strength over a predetermined period. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. An information processing method for an information processing device that performs M2M communication, The first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell that is the current connection destination and is detected at a preset period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result. The measurement execution cycle setting unit sets the measurement cycle of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit, The second cell measurement unit includes the step of performing a measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell that is different from the first cell. Information processing methods.

10. Computers, An information processing device that performs M2M communication, A first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell, which is the current connection destination, A second cell measurement unit performs measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell, A measurement execution cycle setting unit sets the measurement cycle of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results of the first cell measurement execution unit, The first cell measurement execution unit functions as an information processing device that, in the first measurement mode, performs a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a preset period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result. program.

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