Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide continuous, high-quality communication along the route a mobile object takes from its current location to its destination. [Solution] The information processing device includes a route acquisition unit that acquires the travel route of a mobile object from its departure point to its destination; a network identification unit that identifies available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting the travel route, based on the service areas of multiple slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network; and an output unit that outputs the travel route acquired by the route acquisition unit and the information of the available networks identified by the network identification unit in association.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, network slicing, which is a technique for virtually dividing a network, is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that acquires communication quality information indicating the bandwidth information and congestion level of each of a plurality of slice networks, which are networks obtained by virtually dividing a wireless communication network, and allocates high-priority users to a slice network in which quality is guaranteed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the communication capacity of a wireless communication network is finite, when providing a slice network in a specific range, the number of user terminals that can guarantee the communication quality corresponding to the slice network is limited. Therefore, depending on the usage status of the slice network, there may be cases where the slice network cannot be provided for user terminal communication. Furthermore, when a user terminal moves, similar problems occur in a plurality of areas. For example, when a user terminal desires to continuously have high-quality communication on a path from its current location to a destination, there is a problem that it is difficult to provide a single slice network throughout the entire path.

[0005] This invention has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that can continuously provide high-quality communication along the route a mobile object travels from its current location to its destination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a route acquisition unit that acquires a travel route from a departure point to a destination of a mobile object; a network identification unit that identifies available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting the travel route, based on the provision areas of a plurality of slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network; and an output unit that outputs the travel route acquired by the route acquisition unit and the information of the available networks identified by the network identification unit in association. (2) In addition, one aspect of the present invention further comprises the information processing device described in (1) above, which further includes a switching control unit that switches the slice network provided to the moving body to the slice network indicated by the available network based on the position of the moving body. (3) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (2) above, the network identification unit identifies a plurality of available networks, the output unit outputs information relating to the plurality of available networks identified by the network identification unit to the mobile device, thereby presenting it to the user operating the mobile device, and the switching control unit switches the slice network provided to the mobile device to the slice network indicated by the available network selected by the user's operation. (4) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (3) above, the route acquisition unit is equipped with a request acquisition unit that acquires request information which is information relating to the departure point and destination of the mobile body and the communication quality requested by the mobile body, and a route identification unit that identifies one or more travel routes from the departure point to the destination of the mobile body acquired based on the request information, thereby acquiring a travel route. (5) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (4) above, the network identification unit identifies a slice network that satisfies a communication quality equal to or greater than the communication quality included in the request information as the available network. (6) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (4) above, the network identification unit identifies a slice network that satisfies a communication quality equal to or greater than the communication quality included in the request information as the available network, and if there is no slice network that satisfies a communication quality equal to or greater than the communication quality included in the request information, it identifies a slice network that satisfies a communication quality equal to or greater than the minimum quality as the available network. (7) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (4) above, the request information includes information relating to the type of service requested by the mobile entity, information relating to the quality level, and information relating to the service level, and the network identification unit identifies the available network by determining the communication requirements based on the combination of the type of service and the quality level included in the request information, and determining the tolerance for cases where the communication requirements cannot be met based on the service level included in the request information. (8) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (7) above, the network identification unit identifies the available network based on the number of users of the slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used. (9) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (8) above, the network identification unit predicts the number of users of a slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used at a given time based on the time at which the mobile body moves to a point on its travel path, and identifies the available network based on the predicted number of users of the slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used. (10) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (9) above, the network identification unit identifies the available network at each point on the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit, sets the point on the travel path where the slice network switches as a slice switching point, and the output unit outputs information indicating the set slice switching point. (11) In addition, in the information processing apparatus described in (10) above, the network identification unit sets the slice switching point after passing the starting point of the high-quality slice when moving from a low-quality slice network to a high-quality slice network on the travel path acquired by the path acquisition unit, and sets the slice switching point before passing the ending point of the high-quality slice when moving from a high-quality slice network to a low-quality slice network. (12) In addition, one aspect of the present invention is an information processing device of any of the above-described (1) to (11), further comprising a switching control unit that switches the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network, wherein the network identification unit identifies the available network at each point on the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit, sets the point on the travel path where the slice network switches as a slice switching point, and the switching control unit switches the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network based on a switching request transmitted from the mobile body in accordance with the slice switching point and the current position of the mobile body. (13) In addition, one aspect of the present invention further comprises an information processing device of any of (1) to (12) described above, which further includes a reservation unit that reserves the slice network based on the available network and the location and time where the moving object is estimated to move in the future based on the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit. (14) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (13) above, the route acquisition unit acquires an alternative route, which is a new route from the current position of the moving object to the destination, when the position of the moving object deviates from the travel route, and the network identification unit identifies the available network in each section that constitutes the alternative route. (15) In another aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (13) above, the route acquisition unit acquires an alternative route, which is a new travel route from the current location of the mobile object to the destination, when it detects that the cell criteria of the reserved slice network have been exceeded, and the network identification unit identifies the available network in each section that constitutes the alternative route. (16) Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed using a computer, comprising: a route acquisition step of acquiring a travel route from a departure point to a destination of a mobile object; a network identification step of identifying available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting the travel route, based on the provision areas of a plurality of slice networks obtained by virtually dividing a wireless communication network; and an output step of outputting the travel route acquired by the route acquisition step and the information of the available networks identified by the network identification step in association with each other. (17) Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to execute a route acquisition step of acquiring a travel route from the departure point to the destination of a mobile object; a network identification step of identifying available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting the travel route, based on the provision areas of a plurality of slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network; and an output step of outputting the travel route acquired by the route acquisition step and the information of the available networks identified by the network identification step in association with each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the effect is obtained that high-quality communication can be continuously provided along the path a moving object takes from its current location to its destination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows a series of steps in the information processing method according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates an example of a travel path targeted by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates an example of a slice network provision area corresponding to the travel path targeted by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the allocation status at the scheduled arrival time for each slice provision area, as determined by the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a case in which a network route is generated by overlaying the slice provisionable areas obtained for all slices to be searched using the information processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a network path that can be provided according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a slice switching point according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing an example when there are multiple available network paths according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a path acquisition unit included in an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes of an information processing method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a series of processes of an information processing method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing a series of processes of an information processing method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [Embodiment] Regarding an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program according to an aspect of the present invention, preferred embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the aspects of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments, and also include those with various modifications or improvements added. That is, the constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially the same ones, and the constituent elements described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the constituent elements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Also, in the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easier to understand, the scale and number, etc. of each structure may be different from those in the actual structure.

[0010] [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic of an information processing system according to one embodiment. First, the schematic of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to the figure. The information processing system 1 consists of a plurality of user terminals 20 and an information processing device 10. In the figure, user terminal 20-1 and user terminal 20-2 are shown as examples of the plurality of user terminals 20. In the following description, if one of the plurality of user terminals 20 is not specified, it may simply be referred to as user terminal 20.

[0012] The user terminal 20 is connected to the information processing device 10 via an information and communication network NW. The user terminal 20 is a mobile device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer (tablet PC). The user terminal 20 makes a request to the information processing device 10 for network route identification via a predetermined information and communication network NW. A network route is information that associates a geographical travel route, including a departure point and a destination, with the slice networks available at each point along that travel route. The user terminal 20 presents the network route obtained as a result of the request to the user of the user terminal 20, for example.

[0013] The information and communication network NW may be a communication network provided by a single carrier, or it may be multiple communication networks provided by multiple carriers. The information and communication network NW may be, for example, a mobile phone network that uses a method of wireless communication (5GSA method) that uses communication equipment dedicated to fifth-generation communication (5G) and 5G base stations.

[0014] The information processing device 10 is connected to each of the multiple user terminals 20 via the information communication network NW. Information communication between the information processing device 10 and each user terminal 20 is independent of each other. The information processing device 10 receives network route identification requests from each user terminal 20. In response to the received request, the information processing device 10 generates a network route and presents the generated information to the user terminal 20 that sent the request.

[0015] The information processing device 10 may obtain the travel route used to generate the network route from the user terminal 20, or it may generate it itself. For example, the information processing device 10 may generate the travel route itself using the departure and destination information obtained from the user terminal 20 and pre-prepared map information. In the following description, as an example, the case in which the information processing device 10 identifies the travel route will be described.

[0016] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a series of steps in the information processing method according to this embodiment. Next, the series of steps in the information processing method performed by the information processing system 1 described above will be explained with reference to the same figure.

[0017] (Step S1) First, the user terminal 20 transmits a route request to the information processing device 10. A route request is a request for the user terminal 20 to specify the route it will take in the future. The route request may include information elements such as the user terminal 20's current location, destination, and application type. The current location is a location coordinate that identifies a point, and may be, for example, coordinate information of the location where the user terminal 20 is currently located, obtained by the user terminal 20 using GPS (Global Positioning System), etc. The destination is a location coordinate that identifies the destination to which the user terminal 20 wishes to go. The destination is not limited to information that indicates a point, but may also be information that indicates a range. If the destination is information that indicates a range, it may be a circle, rectangle, or polygon centered on a point and a distance such as a radius. The current location and destination included in the route request may also be names of places that can be identified by the information processing device 10.

[0018] The application type included in the routing request includes the service type, quality level, service level, etc. The service type is the type of service that the user terminal 20 wishes to perform, and examples include video services, AR / VR services, or the metaverse. The quality level can be exemplified by high quality, medium quality, low quality, etc. Similarly, the service level can be exemplified by high or low, etc.

[0019] (Step S2) Next, the information processing device 10 identifies a route connecting the current location and the destination based on the route request received from the user terminal 20. The route identified by the information processing device 10 is the route that the user terminal 20 will travel, and may therefore be referred to as the travel route. The travel route identified by the information processing device 10 includes the current location and the destination, and preferably includes the estimated time of arrival at the destination. The travel route may also include information about one or more intermediate points. Information about intermediate points includes the coordinates of the intermediate point and the estimated time of arrival at the intermediate point. The location coordinates and names of intermediate points may be included in the route request transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the information processing device 10 in step S1.

[0020] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a travel path targeted by the information processing device according to this embodiment. Here, an example of a travel path identified by the information processing device 10 in step S2 will be described with reference to the figure.

[0021] As shown in the figure, the starting point S is the starting point of the travel route. The starting point S may also be the current location of the user terminal 20. The figure shows a vehicle 30. A user with a user terminal 20 is riding in the vehicle 30. The user terminal 20 may also be integrated into the vehicle 30. Looking at the figure, it can be seen that the vehicle 30 is located at the starting point S, so in this case the starting point S and the current location of the user terminal 20 are the same. However, this embodiment is not limited to this example, and the starting point S and the current location of the user terminal 20 may be different from each other. The destination G is the destination of the travel route. In the figure, the destination G is shown as a point, but this embodiment is not limited to this example, and the destination G may be specified as a range. Route R is the travel route connecting the starting point S and the destination G. The vehicle 30 moves from the starting point S to the destination G along route R.

[0022] In the example shown, no relay points are set, but one or more relay points may be set between the departure point S and the destination G. Route R connects the departure point S and the destination G, preferably passing through one or more relay points. Returning to Figure 2, we will continue the explanation of the series of steps in the information processing method performed by the information processing system 1.

[0023] (Step S3) Next, the information processing device 10 generates one or more available network paths for the travel path identified in step S2. First, the information processing device 10 determines the slice to be searched. Specifically, the slice to be searched may be determined based on the application type obtained from the user terminal 20. More specifically, the information processing device 10 may select the slice to be searched by determining the communication requirements based on the combination of service type and quality level included in the application type, and determining the tolerance for cases where the communication requirements cannot be met based on the service level.

[0024] For example, if, among the elements included in the application type, the service type is video service, the quality level is high quality, and the service level is low, then based on the service type (video service) and the quality level (high quality), the throughput is determined to be 30 [Mbps], and based on the low service level, quality changes are permitted, and the group of slices to be searched is determined. Note that this depends on the slice types provided by the telecommunications carrier, but for example, let's assume slice 1 (throughput 30 [Mbps]), slice 2 (throughput 20 [Mbps]), and slice 3 (throughput 10 [Mbps]) and continue the explanation below.

[0025] Next, for each slice to be searched, the area where the slice can be provided is obtained, with the search scope being the area that includes the entire route.

[0026] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the area of ​​a slice network provided according to a travel route targeted by the information processing device according to this embodiment. An example of determining a slice network according to a travel route will be explained with reference to this figure. The example shown in this figure corresponds to the travel route shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the area of ​​the slice network provided at each point on the route R. Specifically, at each point on the route R, one of the slice networks, slice 1, slice 2, or slice 3, is provided.

[0027] First, the information processing device 10 extracts all base station cells capable of providing slice 1 within the search range. The search range is the range based on route R, and includes all points along route R. In the example shown in the figure, it can be seen that base station cells with cell IDs 1 to 4 have been extracted. Next, the information processing device 10 narrows down the service area for slice 1 within the radio wave area of ​​the extracted base station cells. The service area for slice 1 is narrowed down based on statistical data such as communication performance and area field strength.

[0028] Next, the information processing device 10 overlays the area of ​​slice 1 provided with route information to obtain the area of ​​slice 1 provided on route R. For the slice 1 provided area on route R, the information processing device 10 checks the slice allocation status of other terminals at the expected arrival time of the user terminal 20 in a given area, and if a slice allocation to the user terminal 20 is possible, it sets that area as a slice 1 available area. The expected arrival time of the user terminal 20 may be, for example, within a range of about 5 minutes before or after. The width of this range may be determined according to the mode of transportation of the user terminal 20 (for example, car, train, etc.). The slice allocation status is information that shows the slice allocation status (reservation status) per unit of time, and can also be called the slice reservation status.

[0029] Figure 5 shows an example of the allocation status at the scheduled arrival time for each slice provision area, as determined by the information processing device according to this embodiment. Referring to this figure, an example of the allocation status in each slice provision area and the method for determining the slice provision area will be explained. Note that the symbols shown in this figure correspond to the symbols in Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 5(A) shows an example of the service area for slice 1. Base station cell ID 1 is available in area 1-1 shown in Figure 4 and is available on route 1-1 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 1-1, the allocation status is 1 / 2, with 1 slot available. Therefore, slice 1 can be allocated on route 1-1. Base station cell ID 2 is available in area 2-1 shown in Figure 4 and is available on route 2-1 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 2-1, the allocation status is 3 / 3, with no slots available. Therefore, slice 1 cannot be allocated on route 2-1. Base station cell ID 4 is available in area 4-1 shown in Figure 4 and is available on route 4-1 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 4-1, the allocation status is 0 / 1, with 1 slot available. Therefore, slice 1 can be allocated on route 4-1.

[0031] Figure 5(B) shows an example of the service area for slice 2. Base station cell ID 1 is available in area 1-2 shown in Figure 4, and is available on route 1-2 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 1-2, the allocation status is 2 / 4, meaning there are 2 available slots. Therefore, slice 2 can be allocated on route 1-2. Base station cell ID 2 is available in area 2-2 shown in Figure 4, and is available on route 2-2 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 2-2, the allocation status is 3 / 5, meaning there are 2 available slots. Therefore, slice 2 can be allocated on route 2-2. Base station cell ID 3 is available in area 3-2 shown in Figure 4, and is available on route 3-2 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 3-2, the allocation status is 4 / 4, meaning there are no available slots. Therefore, slice 2 cannot be allocated on route 3-2.

[0032] Figure 5(C) shows an example of the service area for slice 3. Base station cell ID 2 is available in area 2-3 shown in Figure 4, and is available on route 2-3 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 2-3, the allocation status is 5 / 8, with 3 slots available. Therefore, slice 3 can be allocated on route 2-3. Base station cell ID 3 is available in area 3-3 shown in Figure 4, and is available on route 3-3 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 3-3, the allocation status is 6 / 7, with 1 slot available. Therefore, slice 3 can be allocated on route 3-3. Base station cell ID 4 is available in area 4-3 shown in Figure 4, and is available on route 4-3 on route R. At the scheduled time when user terminal 20 is expected to arrive on route 4-3, the allocation status is 0 / 3, with 3 slots available. Therefore, slice 3 can be allocated on route 4-3.

[0033] In this way, the information processing device 10 obtains slice-providing areas for all slices to be searched. Next, the information processing device 10 superimposes the slice-providing areas obtained for all slices to be searched, and in the case of overlapping areas, prioritizes the one with the higher quality level to obtain the resulting path as a provideable network path. As mentioned above, assuming that slice 1 has a throughput of 30 [Mbps], slice 2 has a throughput of 20 [Mbps], and slice 3 has a throughput of 10 [Mbps], the quality levels are highest in the order of slice 1, slice 2, and slice 3.

[0034] Figure 6 shows an example of a case in which a network route is generated by overlaying the slice availability areas obtained for all slices to be searched using the information processing device according to this embodiment. In the figure, slice 1 is provided in route 1-1 and route 4-1, slice 2 is provided in route 1-2 and route 2-2, and slice 3 is provided in route 2-3, route 3-3, and route 4-3. Note that in route 1-2, the portion of route 1-1 is excluded from the provision of slice 2 because a higher quality slice 1 is available. Similarly, route 2-2 is excluded from route 2-3, and route 4-1 is excluded from route 4-3.

[0035] Figure 7 shows an example of a network route that can be provided according to this embodiment. The figure shows an example of which slice is provided at each point on route R. In order from closest to furthest from the starting point S, the slices are Slice 1, Slice 2, Slice 3, Slice 2, Slice 3, Not available, Slice 1. In this way, if no slice can be provided, there may be a range that is not available.

[0036] Returning to Figure 6, the figure shows slice switching points in addition to the available network paths. Smooth slice switching is important in available network paths composed of multiple slices, so the slice switching points are derived by the information processing device 10 and provided to the user terminal 20. When deriving the slice switching points, if moving from a low-quality slice to a high-quality slice, the slice switching point is set after passing the start point of the high-quality slice. Also, if moving from a high-quality slice to a low-quality slice, the slice switching point is set before passing the end point of the high-quality slice.

[0037] Specifically, the point where slice 1 switches from slice 1 to slice 2 is a point within path 1-1 near the boundary between path 1-1 and path 1-2, because slice 1 is of higher quality than slice 2. There are various methods for calculating this point depending on the format of path 1-1. If path 1-1 is an area represented by polygons, then one of the points where the line segments constituting the movement path intersect with the area of ​​path 1-1 becomes the boundary point from path 1-1 to path 1-2. Therefore, the point before that boundary point on the line segments of the movement path is used as the slice switching point. Alternatively, if path 1-1 is a set of line segments, then the final point of path 1-1 is the boundary point with path 1-2, and a point before that point is selected from the line segments to be the slice switching point.

[0038] Figure 8 shows an example of a slice switching point according to this embodiment. The figure shows a point that is identified as a slice switching point when the available network path described in Figure 7 is provided. As shown in the figure, it can be seen that the point where the slice switches is identified as the slice switching point.

[0039] Returning to Figure 6, let's explain how to score the available network routes. When comparing multiple available network routes, it can be difficult to judge the quality of each route because each route offers slices with different communication qualities. Therefore, the information processing device 10 scores the routes based on a predetermined standard and provides the calculated scores to the user terminal 20 along with the available network routes, thereby assisting the user terminal 20 in selecting a network route.

[0040] The figure shows the available network routes, along with their scores. The score indicates the degree to which communication quality can be obtained when traveling along the corresponding route; a higher score indicates better communication quality. The score is derived using a weighted scoring system based on the area occupancy rate along the route and the communication quality of each slice. For example, a score out of 100 points may be calculated using the following formula: Area occupancy rate of slice 1 on the route (%) + Area occupancy rate of slice 2 on the route (%) × (Communication quality of slice 2 / Communication quality of slice 1) + Area occupancy rate of slice 1 on the route (%) × (Communication quality of slice 3 / Communication quality of slice 1). In the example shown in the figure, the score calculated using this method is 53.

[0041] In Figure 8, the score of route R is shown to be 53. The distance of route R is 3.5 km, and the estimated time of arrival is 10:33. Here, the route from the departure point S to the destination G is not limited to the example of route R shown in the figure, and other routes may exist. In particular, even if route R is the shortest route, if the communication conditions are poor, it may be desirable to choose a route with better communication conditions (even if it is a little longer). Therefore, Figure 9 explains an example of a case where there are multiple routes.

[0042] Figure 9 shows an example of a case where there are multiple available network routes according to this embodiment. The figure shows route R1 and route R2. Route R1 is the same as route R shown in Figure 8. In addition to the information in Figure 8, route R2 is added to Figure 9 for comparison. The distance of route R2 is 3 [km], and the estimated arrival time is 10:30. Therefore, route R2 will get you to destination G faster than route R1. However, the score of route R2 is 15. In other words, route R1 has better communication conditions than route R2. Also, as is clear from the figure, when route R2 is used, there are more areas where slice provision is not possible than with route R1.

[0043] In this way, the information processing device 10 can allow the user to select their desired route by presenting multiple available network routes. It can also be said that the information processing device 10 can allow the user to select a route that suits their preferences by presenting the distance and communication quality in association. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, by giving each available network route an easy-to-understand name, such as "recommended route with good communication quality" or "route with improved communication quality," the user can easily select their desired route.

[0044] Returning to Figure 2, after identifying the available network routes, we will continue the explanation of the sequence of information processing methods performed by the information processing system 1.

[0045] (Step S4) The information processing device 10 presents the user terminal 20 with one or more available network routes that it has generated. The elements constituting the available network route provided by the information processing device 10 include at least the slice provision area and the estimated arrival time along the route. In addition, the elements constituting the available network route may also include elements for GUI (Graphical User Interface) display. Examples of GUI display elements include the route name and the communication quality score. Furthermore, the elements constituting the available network route may also include slice switching information, such as coordinate information indicating the slice switching point.

[0046] (Step S5) When one or more available network routes are presented, the user terminal 20 selects one of the presented available network routes. The selection of a network route may be performed, for example, by user operation. The user selects their preferred route, taking into consideration, for example, communication quality, travel distance, etc. The user terminal 20 transmits the selected network route to the information processing device 10. Note that this is not limited to the example in which a network route is selected by the user; a configuration in which a network route is automatically selected by a program can also be adopted.

[0047] (Step S6) Next, the information processing device 10 reserves resources based on the selected available network route. Specifically, resource reservations are made for each slice to the base station corresponding to the slice provision area on the route. The information processing device 10 reserves resources for the user in the slice allocation status at the expected arrival time of the user terminal 20. The expected arrival time may have a range of approximately 5 minutes before or after.

[0048] (Step S7) After the resource reservation, the information processing device 10 notifies the user terminal 20 of the result of the resource reservation, whether or not it was secured. However, if the user terminal 20 takes time to make a selection, another person may reserve the resource first, in which case resource allocation may fail. If resource allocation fails, the process may return to step S3 and another route may be searched for.

[0049] (Step S8) If resource allocation is successful, the user terminal 20 begins moving along the determined path. When the user terminal 20 reaches a slice switching point during its movement, it sends a slice switching request to the information processing device 10. Here, the slice switching point is derived in step S3 described above. Furthermore, it may also be notified to the user terminal 20 in steps S4 or S7. Note that even if the slice switching point is not derived in step S3, the user terminal 20 may derive the slice switching point.

[0050] (Step S9) When a slice switching request is received, the information processing device 10 performs a slice switching according to the location of the user terminal 20. Specifically, the information processing device 10 may perform the actual slice switching after checking the validity of the target slice and the current location based on the switching request from the user terminal 20 in step S8.

[0051] In another embodiment, the information processing device 10 may initiate the slice switching without requiring a switching request from the user terminal 20 to the information processing device 10. In this case, for example, the information processing device 10 can acquire the location information of the user terminal 20 at predetermined intervals and determine the timing of the slice switching based on the location information of the user terminal 20 and the coordinates of the switching point that have been derived in advance.

[0052] Figure 10 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. An example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 10 will be described with reference to the figure. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 10 includes a route acquisition unit 11, a network identification unit 12, an output unit 13, a switching control unit 14, and a reservation unit 15.

[0053] Each of these functional units may be implemented, for example, using electronic circuits. Furthermore, each functional unit may internally incorporate storage means such as semiconductor memory or magnetic hard disk drives, as needed. Alternatively, each function may be implemented by a computer with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and software. In addition, all or part of each functional unit may be implemented using hardware (e.g., circuitry) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Furthermore, all or part of each functional unit may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

[0054] The information processing device 10 may function as a device having the functions described above by, for example, running an application installed on the device itself. A concrete example of such an application is an application provided to the information processing device 10. Another concrete example of such an application is a web browser application. Such an application may be pre-installed on the information processing device 10, or it may be downloaded each time the information processing device 10 is run.

[0055] The route acquisition unit 11 acquires the travel route from the departure point to the destination of the mobile object. Here, the mobile object may be, for example, the user terminal 20 described above, or a vehicle 30. The mobile object is preferably a device capable of information communication, but this embodiment is not limited to this example, and it is sufficient that the mobile object is equipped with a device that performs information communication, and the mobile object itself does not have to perform information communication.

[0056] The network identification unit 12 identifies available networks based on the service areas of multiple slice networks, which are virtually divided from the wireless communication network. Available networks are slice networks that can be provided in each section that constitutes the travel path.

[0057] The output unit 13 outputs the travel route acquired by the route acquisition unit 11 and the information on available networks identified by the network identification unit 12, in association with each other. The output unit 13 may also output information that can be used to create a display screen, for example, as shown in Figure 9, to the user terminal 20.

[0058] The network identification unit 12 may identify multiple available networks, as shown in Figure 9. In this case, the output unit 13 may output information about the multiple available networks identified by the network identification unit 12 to the mobile device, presenting it to the user operating the mobile device. The user operating the mobile device selects one of the presented multiple available networks. The switching control unit 14 switches the slice network provided to the mobile device to the slice network indicated by the available network selected by the user.

[0059] The network identification unit 12 may also identify slice networks based on communication quality requirements. That is, the network identification unit 12 may identify slice networks that meet or exceed the communication quality specified in the request information obtained from the user terminal 20 as available networks.

[0060] Furthermore, when identifying a slice network based on communication quality requirements, there may be cases where no slice network exists that meets the requirements. In this case, a slice network that meets a communication quality of at least the minimum quality can be selected. That is, the network identification unit 12 identifies a slice network that meets a communication quality of at least the communication quality included in the request information obtained from the user terminal 20 as a available network, and if no slice network that meets a communication quality of at least the communication quality included in the request information exists, it identifies a slice network that meets a communication quality of at least the minimum quality as a available network.

[0061] Here, the request information acquired by the information processing device 10 from the user terminal 20 preferably includes information about the type of service requested by the mobile entity, information about the quality level, and information about the service level. The network identification unit 12 can identify available networks based on this request information. Specifically, the network identification unit 12 may determine the communication requirements based on the combination of the service type and quality level included in the request information. Alternatively, the network identification unit 12 may identify available networks by determining the tolerance for cases where the communication requirements cannot be met based on the service level included in the request information.

[0062] Furthermore, the network identification unit 12 may identify available slice networks and specify available networks based on the number of users of the slice. Specifically, the network identification unit 12 may specify available networks based on the number of users of the slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used.

[0063] The number of users of a slice network, or the amount of wireless resources being used, may be the current situation, but it is preferable to use the situation at the time the mobile object moves. In this case, the network identification unit 12 first predicts the number of users of the slice network, or the amount of wireless resources being used, at the time the mobile object moves to a point on its travel path. Based on the predicted number of users of the slice network, or the amount of wireless resources being used, the network identification unit 12 can identify the available network.

[0064] Based on the available networks identified by the network identification unit 12, it is conceivable that the slice network provided to the user terminal 20 will be actually switched. In this case, the network identification unit 12 identifies the available networks at each point along the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit 11, and sets the points along the travel path where the slice network switches as slice switching points. The output unit 13 outputs information indicating the set slice switching points.

[0065] Furthermore, when the network identification unit 12 transitions from a low-quality to a high-quality slice network at each point along the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit 11, it is preferable to set the slice switching point after passing the starting point of the high-quality slice. Alternatively, when the network identification unit 12 transitions from a high-quality to a low-quality slice network at each point along the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit 11, it is preferable to set the slice switching point before passing the ending point of the high-quality slice.

[0066] The switching control unit 14 switches the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network identified by the network identification unit 12, based on the mobile body's position. For example, the available network may include information about a slice switching point, and the slice switching may be performed based on the slice switching point and the mobile body's position. That is, the switching control unit 14 may switch the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network, based on a switching request transmitted from the mobile body, according to the slice switching point set by the network identification unit 12 and the mobile body's current position.

[0067] The reservation unit 15 reserves a slice network based on the available network identified by the network identification unit 12 and the travel route acquired by the route acquisition unit 11, and based on the estimated location and time where the moving object will travel in the future. The switching control unit 14 described above may switch the slice network provided to the user terminal 20 according to the reservation result.

[0068] Figure 11 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the route acquisition unit provided in the information processing device according to this embodiment. The functional configuration shown in the figure is an example of the functional configuration of the route acquisition unit 11 described above. In the example shown in the figure, the route acquisition unit 11 acquires the travel route of the user terminal 20 by searching for a route based on a request received from the user terminal 20. Note that this embodiment is not limited to this example, and the user terminal 20 may identify a route itself and provide the identified route to the information processing device 10. In the example shown in the figure, the route acquisition unit 11 includes a request acquisition unit 111 and a route identification unit 112.

[0069] The request acquisition unit 111 acquires request information from the user terminal 20. The request information includes the application information described above. The request information includes at least the departure point and destination of the mobile device, as well as information regarding the communication quality requested by the mobile device.

[0070] The route identification unit 112 identifies one or more travel routes from the departure point to the destination of the acquired mobile object based on the request information acquired by the request acquisition unit 111. The route acquisition unit 11 may also identify travel routes based on map information or the like acquired from a server (not shown) or the like.

[0071] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of steps in the information processing method according to this embodiment. Referring to this figure, an example of a series of steps in the information processing method performed by the information processing device 10 as described above will be explained.

[0072] (Step S101) First, the information processing device 10 acquires information about the route that the user terminal 20 will travel, specifically the route from the departure point to the destination.

[0073] (Step S102) Next, the information processing device 10 identifies a available network, which is a slice network that can be provided at each point on the travel path, and generates a available network path.

[0074] (Step S103) Furthermore, the information processing device 10 outputs the generated available network routes to the user terminal 20, associating them with the travel routes.

[0075] (Step S104) The information processing device 10 switches the connection destination of the user terminal 20 according to the current location of the user terminal 20.

[0076] [Summary of the first embodiment] According to the embodiment described above, the information processing device 10 includes a route acquisition unit 11 to acquire the travel route from the departure point to the destination of a mobile object, includes a network identification unit 12 to identify available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting the travel route, based on the service areas of multiple slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network, and includes an output unit 13 to output the travel route acquired by the route acquisition unit 11 and the information on available networks identified by the network identification unit 12 in association. By adopting such a configuration, the information processing device 10 can provide continuous high-quality communication to the user terminal 20 along the route it travels from the departure point to the destination.

[0077] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. As described in the first embodiment, while the user terminal 20 is moving along the travel path shown in the available network, it may deviate from the planned travel path. In such cases, it is common to re-search for the travel path (rerouting). In the second embodiment, an example of the processing when the user terminal 20 deviates from the planned travel path while moving will be described.

[0078] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a series of steps in the information processing method according to the second embodiment. Of the processes shown in the figure, step S24 corresponds to step S4 described above, and steps S27 to S29 correspond to steps S2 to S9 described above. For the sake of simplification, explanations of matters that have already been explained may be omitted.

[0079] (Step S21) First, assume that the user terminal 20 is traveling along a selected travel path and has deviated from that path. In this case, the user terminal 20 detects the deviation from the travel path. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may detect the deviation from the travel path instead of the user terminal 20.

[0080] (Step S22) If a deviation from the travel path is detected, the user terminal 20 requests the information processing device 10 to provide an alternative route. The request for an alternative route may be sent to the information processing device 10 after the user terminal 20 has identified the travel path, including information about that travel path, or it may be sent to the information processing device 10 including at least the starting point after the deviation from the travel path (i.e., the current location). The route identification unit 112 may also obtain an alternative route, which is a new travel path from the current location of the mobile object to the destination, if the position of the mobile object deviates from the travel path. Note that the request information for network route generation has already been sent from the user terminal 20 to the information processing device 10, so it is not necessarily required to retransmit it.

[0081] (Step S23) The information processing device 10 generates an alternative available network route based on the acquired alternative route. The network identification unit 12 may also identify the available network in each section that constitutes the alternative route. The method for generating the route may be the same as the procedure described in the first embodiment.

[0082] (Step S25) The user terminal 20 presents the user with alternative available network routes and allows the user to select one. The user terminal 20 also obtains the result of the slice network route selection from the user. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the route selection is made while the user is driving the vehicle 30, so manual selection by the user is not necessarily required. If manual selection is not made, a method can be considered in which one alternative route is presented and if there is no response from the user for a certain period of time, the system automatically switches to the alternative route.

[0083] (Step S26) Next, the information processing device 10 reserves resources based on alternative available network routes. Specifically, resource reservations are made for each slice to the base station corresponding to the slice provision area on the route. The information processing device 10 reserves resources for the user in the slice allocation status at the user terminal 20's expected arrival time. The expected arrival time may have a range of about 5 minutes before or after. If the user terminal 20 moves to an alternative route, the already reserved resources will not be used (because the user terminal 20 will not be able to arrive by the reserved time). Therefore, in the second embodiment, the reserved resources that are no longer needed are released.

[0084] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 14. In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the route is changed to an alternative route because the user terminal 20 deviates from its travel path. However, the reason why the slice network provided to the user terminal 20 must be changed is not limited to the user terminal 20 deviating from its travel path, but may also be due to network-side circumstances, for example. For example, if the cell criteria reserved by the information processing device 10 are exceeded, it becomes necessary to provide an alternative slice network. In the third embodiment, an example of the process when an alternative slice network is provided due to network-side circumstances will be described.

[0085] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a series of steps in the information processing method according to the third embodiment. Of the processes shown in the figure, step S34 corresponds to step S4 described above, and steps S37 to S39 correspond to steps S2 to S9 described above. For the sake of simplification, explanations of matters that have already been explained may be omitted.

[0086] (Step S30) In this embodiment, resource management and resource reservation for the target network slice are performed on the information processing device 10. On the other hand, it is foreseeable that an increase in the utilization load of other slices (including those with lower priority) may cause communication degradation for users communicating on other slices when users who have reserved those slices communicate on them. In such cases, it is conceivable that users who have reserved the slices may be asked to perform a route recalculation.

[0087] For example, before performing slice communication in a cell reserved by Mobility, it is conceivable that the resource block (RB) utilization in that cell exceeds a pre-set threshold. More specifically, if the RB utilization is 80% and slice users utilize 30%, the remaining 10% could cause communication degradation for users other than slice users.

[0088] Furthermore, the amount of RB usage used by slice users can be estimated by accumulating historical data on how much resources were occupied in the target cell for slices that guarantee certain values ​​such as throughput, and then referring to that history. Alternatively, it is also possible to accumulate trends in wireless quality and RB usage rate, and then estimate the amount of resources used based on the wireless quality at the slice user's location.

[0089] (Step S31) If the resource reservation cell threshold is detected to be exceeded, the information processing device 10 requests the user terminal 20 to perform a route search again.

[0090] (Step S32) The user terminal 20 approves the request from the information processing device 10. It is preferable that the current location information of the user terminal 20 is also notified to the information processing device 10 at the time of approval.

[0091] (Step S33) Once approval is granted by the user terminal 20, the information processing device 10 generates an alternative available network route. The alternative available network route is generated based on the current location information of the target user terminal 20. The method for generating the available network route is as described above.

[0092] (Step S35) Next, the user terminal 20 presents the user with alternative available network routes and allows the user to select one. The user terminal 20 also obtains the result of the slice network route selection from the user. In this third embodiment, it is assumed that the route selection is made while the user is driving the vehicle 30, so manual selection by the user is not necessarily required. If manual selection is not made, a method can be considered in which one alternative route is presented and if there is no response from the user for a certain period of time, the system automatically switches to the alternative route.

[0093] (Step S26) Next, the information processing device 10 reserves resources based on alternative available network routes. Specifically, resource reservations are made for each slice to the base station corresponding to the slice provision area on the route. The information processing device 10 reserves resources for the user in the slice allocation status at the expected arrival time of the user terminal 20. The expected arrival time may have a range of approximately 5 minutes before or after.

[0094] In the third embodiment, the route acquisition unit 11 can acquire an alternative route, which is a new travel route from the current location of the moving object to its destination, if it detects that the cell criterion of the reserved slice network has been exceeded. The network identification unit 12 can also identify the available networks in each section that constitutes the alternative route.

[0095] [Internal structure] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an information processing device according to this embodiment. The computer shown in the figure shows an example of a specific hardware configuration for realizing the information processing device 10. The computer consists of a central processing unit (processor) 901, RAM 902, input / output ports 903, input / output devices 904 and 905, etc., and a bus 906. The computer itself can be realized using existing technology. The central processing unit 901 executes instructions contained in programs read from RAM 902, etc. The central processing unit 901 writes data to RAM 902, reads data from RAM 902, and performs arithmetic and logical operations according to each instruction. RAM 902 stores data and programs. Each element contained in RAM 902 has an address and can be accessed using that address. RAM stands for "Random Access Memory". Input / output ports 903 are ports for the central processing unit 901 to exchange data with external input / output devices, etc. Input / output devices 904 and 905 are input / output devices. Input / output devices 904 and 905 exchange data with the central processing unit 901 via input / output ports 903. Bus 906 is a common communication channel used within the computer. For example, the central processing unit 901 reads and writes data to RAM 902 via bus 906. Also, for example, the central processing unit 901 accesses input / output ports via bus 906. Furthermore, all or part of the information processing device 10 may be implemented using hardware such as ASICs, PLDs, or FPGAs. Furthermore, all or part of each functional unit may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

[0096] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment makes it possible to "continuously provide high-quality communication along the route a user terminal travels from its current location to its destination." Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to contribute to Goal 9 of the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation."

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and design modifications and the like are also included within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0098] Alternatively, computer programs for realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to writable non-volatile memory such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, and flash memory, portable media such as DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system.

[0099] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time. In addition, the above program may be transmitted from the computer system that stores the program in a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be for the purpose of realizing a part of the above-mentioned functions. Moreover, it may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0100] 1... Information processing system, 10... Information processing device, 20... User terminal, 30... Vehicle, 11... Route acquisition unit, 12... Network identification unit, 13... Output unit, 14... Switching control unit, 15... Reservation unit, 111... Request acquisition unit, 112... Route identification unit, NW... Information communication network, S... Departure point, G... Destination, R... Route

Claims

1. A route acquisition unit that acquires the travel route of a moving object from its starting point to its destination, A network identification unit identifies available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting a travel path, based on the service areas of multiple slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network. An output unit that outputs the travel route acquired by the route acquisition unit and the information of the available network identified by the network identification unit in association with each other, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a switching control unit that switches the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network based on the position of the mobile body. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The network identification unit identifies a plurality of available networks, The output unit outputs information regarding the multiple available networks identified by the network identification unit to the mobile unit, thereby presenting this information to the user operating the mobile unit. The switching control unit switches the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network, which is selected by the user's operation. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned route acquisition unit, A request acquisition unit acquires request information which is information regarding the departure point and destination of the mobile body, and the communication quality requested by the mobile body. A route identification unit identifies one or more travel routes from the departure point to the destination of the acquired mobile body based on the aforementioned request information, By providing this, the movement path is obtained. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The network identification unit identifies a slice network that satisfies a communication quality equal to or greater than the communication quality included in the request information as the available network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The network identification unit identifies slice networks that meet a communication quality equal to or greater than the communication quality included in the request information as the available networks, and if no slice networks that meet a communication quality equal to or greater than the communication quality included in the request information exist, it identifies slice networks that meet a communication quality equal to or greater than the minimum quality as the available networks. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

7. The request information includes information regarding the type of service requested by the mobile entity, information regarding the quality level, and information regarding the service level. The network identification unit identifies the available network by determining the communication requirements based on the combination of the type of service and the quality level included in the request information, and by determining the tolerance for cases where the communication requirements cannot be met based on the service level included in the request information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

8. The network identification unit identifies the available network based on the number of users of the slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The network identification unit predicts the number of users of a slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used at a given time based on the time the mobile body moves along a point on its travel path, and identifies the available network based on the predicted number of users of the slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8.

10. The network identification unit identifies the available network at each point on the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit, and sets the points on the travel path where the slice network switches as slice switching points. The output unit outputs information indicating the set slice switching point. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. The network identification unit sets the slice switching point after passing the starting point of the high-quality slice when moving from a low-quality slice network to a high-quality slice network on the travel path acquired by the path acquisition unit, and sets the slice switching point before passing the ending point of the high-quality slice when moving from a high-quality slice network to a low-quality slice network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The system further comprises a switching control unit that switches the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network, The network identification unit identifies the available network at each point on the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit, and sets the points on the travel path where the slice network switches as slice switching points. The switching control unit switches the slice network provided to the mobile body to the slice network indicated by the available network, based on a switching request transmitted from the mobile body in accordance with the slice switching point and the current position of the mobile body. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

13. The system further includes a reservation unit that reserves the slice network based on the available network and the location and time where the moving object is estimated to move in the future based on the travel path acquired by the route acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

14. The route acquisition unit acquires an alternative route, which is a new route from the current position of the moving object to the destination, if the position of the moving object deviates from the travel path. The network identification unit identifies the available network in each section that constitutes the alternative route. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

15. If the route acquisition unit detects that the reserved slice network cell criteria have been exceeded, it acquires an alternative route, which is a new travel route from the current location of the moving object to its destination. The network identification unit identifies the available network in each section that constitutes the alternative route. The information processing apparatus according to claim 13.

16. A method of information processing performed using a computer, A route acquisition process to obtain the travel route of a moving object from its starting point to its destination, A network identification step involves identifying available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting a travel path, based on the service areas of multiple slice networks obtained by virtually dividing the wireless communication network; An output step that outputs the travel route obtained by the route acquisition step and the information of the available network identified by the network identification step in association with each other, An information processing method having

17. On the computer, A path acquisition step to obtain the travel path from the origin to the destination of a moving object, A network identification step that identifies available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided in each section constituting a travel path, based on the service area of ​​multiple slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network, An output step that outputs the travel route obtained by the route acquisition step and the information of the available network identified by the network identification step in association with each other, A program that executes the command.

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