Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide users with high-quality communication. [Solution] The information processing device includes a location acquisition unit that acquires location information of a moving object, a network identification unit that identifies a available network, which is a slice network that can be provided around the current location of the moving object, based on the provision areas of a plurality of slice networks that are virtually divided from the wireless communication network, and an output unit that outputs information about the identified available network.

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, 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 users with high priority 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, the slice network may not be applicable to the communication of user terminals. Furthermore, when a user terminal moves, the same problem occurs in a plurality of areas. For example, the user of the user terminal may consider moving in order to obtain a high-quality communication environment.

[0005] While information such as the presence or absence of a base station can determine whether a high-quality communication environment is available, it was not easy to simultaneously determine whether the area around the base station was accessible to users without stress and where they could stay for extended periods. For example, if a base station is located at a roadside rest area on a highway, it is not suitable for access on foot. Furthermore, the allocation status of the slice network is unknown, and even if one moves in search of a high-quality communication environment, it is possible that they may not be able to access the network.

[0006] 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 provide users with high-quality communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) One aspect of the present invention is an information processing device comprising: a position acquisition unit that acquires position information of a moving object; a network identification unit that identifies a available network, which is a slice network that can be provided around the position of the moving object, based on the provision areas of a plurality of slice networks obtained by virtually dividing a wireless communication network; and an output unit that outputs information relating to the identified available network. (2) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (1) above, the network identification unit identifies the time required when the mobile body moves from its current location to a point where the available network is available, and the output unit outputs the time required identified by the network identification unit. (3) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (2) above, the network identification unit identifies the time required when moving from the position of the mobile body to a point where each of the available networks can be used, identifies the slice network with the shortest required time, and the output unit outputs information regarding the slice network with the shortest required time. (4) In addition, one aspect of the present invention further comprises a request acquisition unit that acquires information relating to a request for the use of a planned slice network, which includes at least the scheduled start time, which is the time at which the use of the slice network is scheduled to begin, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (3) above, wherein the network identification unit identifies the scheduled arrival time when the mobile body moves from its current location to a point where the available network is available, and identifies the area of ​​the slice network where the identified scheduled arrival time is earlier than the scheduled start time as the available network. (5) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (4) above, each slice network is assigned a type of location where the slice network exists, and the network identification unit identifies the available network based on the type of the mobile body and the type of the slice network. (6) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (5) above, the position acquisition unit acquires route information which includes at least location information of the moving object and destination information, and the network identification unit identifies the available network in the vicinity of the route. (7) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (6) above, the network identification unit identifies the time required when the route passes through a point where the available network can be used, and the output unit outputs the time required identified by the network identification unit. (8) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (7) above, the network identification unit identifies the time required to travel from the route to a point where each of the available networks can be used, identifies slice networks with a short required time, and the output unit outputs information regarding slice networks with a short required time. (9) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, the information processing apparatus described in (6) above, the position acquisition unit comprises 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 routes connecting the acquired departure point and destination of the mobile body, passing through at least one or more service areas of the slice network, thereby acquiring route information which includes at least information relating to the position of the mobile body and information relating to the destination. (10) In another aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (9) 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. (11) In another aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device described in (9) 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. (12) In addition, in one aspect of the present invention, in any of the information processing devices described in (1) to (11) 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. (13) In addition, in the information processing device described in (12) above, the network identification unit predicts the number of users of a slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used at the time of arrival of the mobile body when it moves to the available network, and identifies the available network based on the predicted number of users of the slice network or the amount of wireless resources being used. (14) In addition, one aspect of the present invention further comprises an information processing device of any of (1) to (13) described above, which further includes a reservation unit that reserves the slice network based on the available network and the location and time at which the moving object is estimated to move in the future based on the location information of the moving object acquired by the location acquisition unit. (15) Another aspect of the present invention is an information processing method performed using a computer, comprising: a position acquisition step of acquiring information on the position of a moving object; a network identification step of identifying a available network, which is a slice network that can be provided around the position of the moving object, 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 information on the identified available network. (15) Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to perform a position acquisition step of acquiring information on the position of a moving object, a network identification step of identifying a available network which is a slice network that can be provided around the position of the moving object based on the provision areas of a plurality of slice networks which are virtually divided into wireless communication networks, and an output step of outputting information on the identified available network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the effect is obtained that high-quality communication can be provided to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [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 is a diagram for explaining an example of a provision area of a slice network existing near a movement route targeted by an information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an example of an allocation status at the scheduled arrival time for each slice provision area determined by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example when a possible network area is generated by aggregating slice provisionable areas obtained for all slices to be searched by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a diagram for explaining a route to a provision area of each slice network calculated by the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a functional configuration diagram showing a modified example of the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a position acquisition unit included in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes of the information processing method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [Embodiment] A preferred embodiment of an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program according to an aspect of the present invention 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. That is, the components described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and substantially identical components, and the components described below can be combined as appropriate. Also, various omissions, substitutions, or changes of the components can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easy to understand, the scale, number, etc. of each structure may be different from those of the actual structure.

[0011] [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an information processing system according to an embodiment. First, the outline of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to the figure. The information processing system 1 includes a plurality of user terminals 20 and an information processing apparatus 10. In the figure, user terminal 20-1 and user terminal 20-2 are shown as examples of a plurality of user terminals 20. In the following description, when not specifying any one of the plurality of user terminals 20, it may be simply described as user terminal 20.

[0012] The user terminal 20 is connected to the information processing apparatus 10 via an information communication network NW. The user terminal 20 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet-type computer (tablet PC). The user terminal 20 makes a request for a communication spot to the information processing apparatus 10 via a predetermined information communication network NW. The user terminal 20 presents the available network obtained as a result of the request to, for example, the user of the user terminal 20.

[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 communication spot requests from each user terminal 20. In response to the received request, the information processing device 10 identifies an available network and presents the identified information to the user terminal 20 that sent the request.

[0015] The information processing device 10 may obtain the travel route of the user terminal 20 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 communication spot request to the information processing device 10. A communication spot request is a request to identify a communication spot that provides a communication environment of the quality desired by the user. The communication spot request may include information elements such as the location information of the user terminal 20 (e.g., current location or departure point), destination and surrounding area conditions, communication requirements, and method of travel. Location information refers to location coordinates that identify a point, and may be, for example, the coordinate information of the point where the user terminal 20 is currently located, obtained by the user terminal 20 using GPS (Global Positioning System), or it may be the coordinate information of the point from which the user terminal 20 will depart when it moves in the future. The destination is a location coordinate that identifies the point to which the user terminal 20 wishes to move. 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 departure point and destination included in the communication spot request may be names of places that can be identified by the information processing device 10.

[0018] In the following explanation, we describe an example of searching for communication spots based on the route connecting the departure point and the destination, but this embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, you may specify only your current location and search for communication spots around your current location.

[0019] The communication requirements included in a communication spot request include the service type, quality level (including desired quality and minimum quality), and planned usage time (or planned usage duration). 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. The quality level may be set in detail for both desired quality and minimum quality, and may be expressed in units of the number of data that can be transferred per second (bps: bits per second), for example, desired quality: 30 [Mbps], minimum quality: 10 [Mbps]. The planned usage time may specify the planned start time and planned end time, such as 14:00-15:00. If planned usage duration is used instead of planned usage time, only the period of use, such as 60 minutes, may be specified.

[0020] The method of transportation refers to the method of travel from the starting point to the communication spot. Specific examples of transportation methods include walking, cycling, driving a car, an autonomous vehicle, or a robot.

[0021] (Step S2) Next, the information processing device 10 identifies a route connecting the departure point and the destination based on the communication spot request received from the user terminal 20. The route identified by the information processing device 10 is the route that the user terminal 20 travels, and may therefore be referred to as the travel route. The travel route identified by the information processing device 10 includes the departure point 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 relay points. Information about relay points includes the coordinates of the relay point and the estimated time of arrival at the relay point. The location coordinates and names of the relay points may be included in the communication spot request transmitted from the user terminal 20 to the information processing device 10 in step S1.

[0022] Furthermore, if you specify only your current location and search for communication spots around that location, you can omit the process in step S2 described above.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] (Step S3) Next, the information processing device 10 identifies a available network, which is a slice network that can be provided to the travel route identified in step S2 or the current location specified in step S1. The information processing device 10 may also identify the area within which such a slice network can be provided as a available slice network area, depending on whether the communication requirements are met at each point on the travel route or at the starting point, and include this in the information about the available network.

[0027] More specifically, the information processing device 10 first determines the slice network to be searched. The slice network to be searched is determined based on the service type and quality level of the communication requirements obtained from the user terminal 20. For example, if the service type is a video service, the desired quality is 30 [Mbps], and the minimum quality is 10 [Mbps], then slice 1 (throughput 30 [Mbps]), slice 2 (throughput 20 [Mbps]), and slice 3 (throughput 10 [Mbps]) are identified as available slice network areas. Slices 1 through 3 all have communication speeds that meet the minimum quality requirements.

[0028] Next, for each slice network to be searched, the available slice area is obtained by using the travel path or current location and the surrounding area within the range specified by the surrounding area condition included in the communication spot request in step S1 as the search range.

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the service area of ​​a slice network located near a travel path targeted by the information processing device according to this embodiment. An example of identifying a serviceable slice network area will be explained with reference to this figure. The example shown in this figure corresponds to the travel path shown in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows the service area of ​​the slice network provided around each point on the route R. Specifically, there are base stations with cell ID 1, cell ID 2, and cell ID 3 around the route R. The base station with cell ID 1 is located near XX Station, the base station with cell ID 2 is located in the parking lot of YYSA (YY Service Area), and the base station with cell ID 3 is located in the parking lot of ZZ Roadside Station. Each base station provides at least one of the slice networks from slice 1, slice 2, or slice 3.

[0030] First, the information processing device 10 extracts all base station cells capable of providing slice 1 within the search range. The search range is a range based on route R, and is the range that includes all points along route R within a predetermined distance (e.g., 5 km). If route R is not required and the search is based only on the current location, it may be a range with a predetermined radius (e.g., 5 km) centered on the current location. In the example shown in the figure, it can be seen that base station cells with cell IDs 1 to 3 have been extracted. Next, the information processing device 10 narrows down the area where slice 1 is provided within the radio wave area of ​​the extracted base station cells. The area where slice 1 is provided is narrowed down based on statistical data such as communication performance and area electric field strength.

[0031] Next, the information processing device 10 determines the estimated arrival time for the slice 1 service area. In the illustrated example, the base stations providing slice 1 are the base stations for cell ID 1 and cell ID 2. Here, if there is a base station in a peripheral area outside of route R, such as the base station for cell ID 1, in addition to determining the estimated arrival time, the route from the relay point to that area may be calculated, and the time required to travel along that route may also be calculated. In the following explanation, the time required to travel along that route may be referred to as the time required off-route.

[0032] After identifying the estimated arrival time, the information processing device 10 determines whether or not each slice network's service area is a serviceable area. Specifically, the information processing device 10 designates a slice network as a serviceable area if the estimated arrival time is before the scheduled usage time (before the scheduled start time of use) and if it is possible to assign a slice to the user terminal 20. Whether or not a slice assignment is possible is determined by checking the slice assignment status of other terminals at the scheduled usage time.

[0033] If the communication requirements notified in step S1 were entered as "scheduled usage time" rather than "scheduled usage time," then the scheduled usage time may be used as the scheduled arrival time, and the slice allocation status of other terminals may be checked.

[0034] 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 areas where slices can be provided will be explained. Note that the symbols shown in this figure correspond to the symbols in Figure 4.

[0035] Figure 5(A) shows an example of a service area for slice 1. Base station cell ID 1 is available in area 1-1 shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 13:30, an off-route travel time of 10 minutes, an estimated usage time starting at 14:00, an allocation status of 1 / 2, and 1 cell available. In this case, the estimated arrival time is before the estimated usage time, and there is availability at the estimated usage time, so it is identified as a slice 1 service area. Base station cell ID 2 is available in area 2-1 shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 13:50, an off-route travel time of 3 minutes, an estimated usage time starting at 14:00, an allocation status of 3 / 3, and no cells available. In this case, although the estimated arrival time is before the estimated usage time, there is no availability at the estimated usage time, so it is not identified as a slice 1 service area.

[0036] Figure 5(B) shows an example of a service area for slice 2. Base station cell ID 1 is available in area 1-2 shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 13:30, an off-route travel time of 9 minutes, an estimated usage time from 14:00, an allocation status of 2 / 4, and 2 available slots. In this case, the estimated arrival time is before the estimated usage time, and there is availability at the estimated usage time, so it is identified as a slice 2 service area. Similarly, base station cell ID 2 is available in area 2-2 shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 13:50, an off-route travel time of 2 minutes, an estimated usage time from 14:00, an allocation status of 3 / 5, and 2 available slots. In this case, the estimated arrival time is before the estimated usage time, and there is availability at the estimated usage time, so it is identified as a slice 2 service area. Furthermore, base station cell ID 3 is available in area 3-2 as shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 14:10, an off-route travel time of 5 minutes, an estimated usage time starting at 14:00, and an allocation status of 4 / 4 with no available slots. In this case, the estimated arrival time is later than the estimated usage time, and there are no available slots at the estimated usage time, so it is not identified as an area where slice 2 is available.

[0037] Figure 5(C) shows an example of a service area for slice 3. Base station cell ID 1 is available in areas 1-3 shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 13:30, an off-route travel time of 8 minutes, an estimated usage time from 14:00, an allocation status of 3 / 6, and 3 available slots. In this case, the estimated arrival time is before the estimated usage time, and there is availability at the estimated usage time, so it is identified as a slice 3 service area. Similarly, base station cell ID 2 is available in areas 2-3 shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 13:50, an off-route travel time of 1 minute, an estimated usage time from 14:00, an allocation status of 5 / 8, and 3 available slots. In this case, the estimated arrival time is before the estimated usage time, and there is availability at the estimated usage time, so it is identified as a slice 3 service area. Furthermore, base station cell ID 3 is available in area 3-3 shown in Figure 4, with an estimated arrival time of 14:10, an off-route travel time of 4 minutes, an estimated usage time starting at 14:00, an allocation status of 6 / 7, and 1 free slot. In this case, since the estimated arrival time is later than the estimated usage time, even if there is a free slot at the estimated usage time, it will not be identified as an area where slice 3 is available.

[0038] In this way, the information processing device 10 obtains slice-providing areas for all slice networks to be searched. Next, the information processing device 10 aggregates the slice-providing areas obtained for all slice networks to be searched.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of a case in which the information processing device according to this embodiment aggregates the slice provisionable areas obtained for all slice networks to be searched and generates a provisionable network area.

[0040] The figure shows that slice 1 is available at base station cell ID 1, and slice 2 is available at base station cell ID 2. The area covered by slice 1 at base station cell ID 1 (area 1-1 shown in Figure 4) is scheduled to arrive at 13:30, with an off-route travel time of 10 minutes, and an allocation status of 1 / 2 at the scheduled usage time of 14:00. The area covered by slice 2 at base station cell ID 2 (area 2-2 shown in Figure 4) is scheduled to arrive at 13:50, with an off-route travel time of 2 minutes, and an allocation status of 3 / 5 at the scheduled usage time of 14:00.

[0041] In this way, the information processing device 10 obtains the available network area by overlaying the slice-provided areas obtained for all slice networks to be searched and aggregating the overlapping areas, prioritizing those with higher quality levels. The information processing device 10 then presents the obtained available network area to the user terminal 20.

[0042] In step S1, the user's method of transportation may be specified. If a method of transportation is specified, the information processing device 10 may filter whether the available network area is accessible by that method of transportation. For example, if the method of transportation is walking or cycling, base station cells installed around train stations and in shopping malls can be accessed, but places that can only be accessed by car, such as parking lots, service areas, and rest areas, cannot be accessed. Also, if the method of transportation is by car, parking lots, service areas, and rest areas including those around train stations and shopping malls can be accessed, but pedestrian-only areas cannot be accessed.

[0043] Furthermore, if the user's mode of transportation is an autonomous vehicle, it is basically equivalent to that of a regular automobile, but it may be limited to the scope of the Operational Design Domain (ODD) for autonomous driving. Similarly, if the mode of transportation is a robot, it may also be limited to the scope of a predetermined operational design domain.

[0044] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the routes to the service areas of each slice network calculated by the information processing device according to this embodiment. The figure shows an example of a route to the service areas of each slice network when the travel route is not determined. The example shown in Figure 7 differs from the example shown in Figure 4, etc., in that the travel route is not specified and only the current location is specified.

[0045] In the example shown in the figure, base station cell ID1, base station cell ID2, and base station cell ID3 are identified as available network units. These base stations are located within a circle with radius X [km] (where X is any natural number) of the surrounding area. Route R1 is the travel route to base station cell ID1, route R2 is the travel route to base station cell ID2, and route R3 is the travel route to base station cell ID3.

[0046] Base station cell ID1 is located in the parking lot of service area SA-1, with an estimated arrival time of 13:40 and a travel time off the route of 20 minutes. Base station cell ID2 is located near XX Station, with an estimated arrival time of 13:50 and a travel time off the route of 30 minutes. Base station cell ID3 is located in the parking lot of roadside station RS-2, with an estimated arrival time of 13:50 and a travel time off the route of 30 minutes.

[0047] Based on this information, even if the travel route has not been determined, the information processing device 10 can identify available networks in the surrounding area based on the current location information and present the user terminal 20 with the estimated time required to reach the identified available network and the route to that network.

[0048] As a concrete example of a case where the destination is not determined and processing is based on the current location, for example, a user or robot (including an autonomous vehicle) may search for a communication spot that is close to its current location and meets the desired quality for purposes such as downloading large amounts of data, and then select one communication spot from among several candidate locations obtained from the search results and move to it.

[0049] Returning to Figure 2, after identifying the available networks, we will continue the explanation of the sequence of information processing methods performed by Information Processing System 1.

[0050] (Step S4) The information processing device 10 presents the user terminal 20 with one or more of the generated available networks. The information provided by the information processing device 10 includes at least the slice service area along the route and the estimated arrival time. The available networks may also include elements for GUI (Graphical User Interface) display. Examples of GUI display elements include the communication spot name and the time taken off-route.

[0051] (Step S5) When one or more available networks are presented, the user terminal 20 selects one of the presented available networks. The selection of available networks may be performed, for example, by user operation. The user selects their preferred communication spot, taking into consideration, for example, communication quality, distance traveled, etc. The user terminal 20 transmits the selected available network to the information processing device 10. Note that this is not limited to the example in which the available network is selected by the user; a configuration in which the available network is automatically selected by the program can also be adopted.

[0052] (Step S6) Next, the information processing device 10 reserves resources based on the selected available network. Specifically, resource reservations are made for each slice to the corresponding base station. The information processing device 10 reserves resources for the user in the slice allocation status at the user terminal 20's scheduled arrival time. The scheduled arrival time may have a range of approximately 5 minutes before or after.

[0053] (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.

[0054] (Step S8) If resource allocation is successful, the user terminal 20 begins moving toward the determined available network. As the user terminal 20 moves, when it reaches the area of ​​the target available network, it sends a slice switching request to the information processing device 10. Here, the slice switching point may be one that was derived in advance in step S3 or the like. Even if the slice switching point was not derived in step S3, the user terminal 20 may derive the slice switching point.

[0055] (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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Figure 8 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 position acquisition unit 11, a network identification unit 12, an output unit 13, a switching control unit 14, and a reservation unit 15.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The position acquisition unit 11 acquires the current location of the mobile object or the travel route from the mobile object's starting point to its destination. 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.

[0061] 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 around the current location of the mobile object, or at each point along the travel path acquired by the location acquisition unit 11.

[0062] The output unit 13 outputs information about the available networks identified by the network identification unit 12. The output unit 13 may also output location information acquired by the location acquisition unit 11 in association with the information about the available networks identified by the network identification unit 12. The output unit 13 may also output information that can be used to create a display screen, for example, as shown in Figure 4 or Figure 7, to the user terminal 20.

[0063] The network identification unit 12 may identify multiple available networks, as shown in Figures 4 and 7. 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, thereby 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.

[0064] The network identification unit 12 may also identify available networks based on the 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.

[0065] Furthermore, when identifying available networks 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 an 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 an available network.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Furthermore, the network identification unit 12 may identify available slice networks and specify available networks based on the number of users of the slice network. 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Furthermore, the network identification unit 12 may also identify the time required to move from the mobile device's current location to a point where an available network can be used. In this case, the wireless receiving unit 13 may output the time required identified by the network identification unit 12.

[0070] Furthermore, the network identification unit 12 may identify available networks that are close in distance from the current location. In addition, the network identification unit 12 may calculate the time required to travel from the current location of the mobile object to a point where each available network can be used, and identify the slice network with the shortest calculated travel time. Note that these processes may only be performed if there are multiple available networks.

[0071] Furthermore, when the location acquisition unit 11 acquires information about the travel route, the network identification unit 12 may determine the travel time if the travel route passes through a point where an available network is available. In this case, the output unit 13 may output the travel time determined by the network identification unit 12.

[0072] Furthermore, the network identification unit 12 may identify the time required to travel from the travel path to a point where each available network is usable, and identify the slice network with the shortest travel time. In this case, the output unit 13 may output information regarding the slice network with the shortest travel time.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The reservation unit 15 reserves a slice network based on the available network identified by the network identification unit 12 and the location information of the moving object acquired by the location acquisition unit 11, and based on the location and time when the moving object is estimated to move in the future. The switching control unit 14 described above may switch the slice network provided to the user terminal 20 according to the result of the reservation.

[0075] Figure 9 is a functional configuration diagram showing a modified example of the functional configuration of the information processing device according to this embodiment. The functional configuration of the information processing device 10A will be described with reference to this figure. The information processing device 10A is a modified example of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10A differs from the information processing device 10 in that it further includes a request acquisition unit 16. In the description of the information processing device 10A, components similar to those of the information processing device 10 may be omitted from the description by using the same reference numerals as those of the information processing device 10.

[0076] The request acquisition unit 16 acquires information from the user regarding network usage. Specifically, the request acquisition unit 16 acquires information regarding requests for the planned use of the slice network. This information includes at least the planned start time, which is the time when the slice network is scheduled to begin using it.

[0077] The network identification unit 12 identifies the estimated arrival time when the mobile object moves from its current location to a point where an available network is available, and identifies the service area of ​​a slice network where the identified estimated arrival time is earlier than the planned start time as an available network.

[0078] Furthermore, it is preferable that each slice network is pre-assigned a type of location where the slice network exists. Specifically, examples of locations where a slice network exists include highways, general roads, train stations, shopping malls, parking lots, service areas, etc. Also, the request information acquired by the request acquisition unit 16 may include information regarding the type of moving object. Examples of moving object types include walking (when a user walks with the user terminal 20), vehicles, robots, autonomous vehicles, etc. The network identification unit 12 may identify the available networks based on the type of moving object and the type of location where the slice network exists.

[0079] Figure 10 is a functional configuration diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the location acquisition unit of the information processing device according to this embodiment. The functional configuration shown in the figure is an example of the functional configuration of the location acquisition unit 11 described above. In the example shown in the figure, the location acquisition unit 11 acquires the travel path of the user terminal 20 by searching for a path 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 path itself and provide the identified path to the information processing device 10. In the example shown in the figure, the location acquisition unit 11 includes a request acquisition unit 111 and a path identification unit 112.

[0080] 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 location information and destination of the mobile device, as well as information regarding the communication quality requested by the mobile device.

[0081] 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 position acquisition unit 11 may also identify travel routes based on map information or the like acquired separately from a server or the like (not shown).

[0082] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of steps in the information processing method according to this embodiment. Referring to the figure, an example of a series of steps in the information processing method performed by the information processing device 10 when only the current location is specified and communication spots around the current location are searched will be explained.

[0083] (Step S101) First, the information processing device 10 acquires location information regarding the current location of the user terminal 20.

[0084] (Step S102) Next, the information processing device 10 identifies a available network, which is a slice network available in the vicinity of the current location.

[0085] (Step S103) Furthermore, the information processing device 10 outputs the identified available network to the user terminal 20.

[0086] (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. Specifically, the information processing device 10 may switch the connection destination of the user terminal 20 when the user terminal 20 enters the service area of ​​a specified slice network.

[0087] [Internal structure] Figure 12 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.

[0088] [Summary of Embodiments] According to the embodiment described above, the information processing device 10 includes a location acquisition unit 11 to acquire information on the current location of a mobile object, includes a network identification unit 12 to identify available networks, which are slice networks that can be provided around the current location of the mobile object, based on the service areas of multiple slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network, and includes an output unit 13 to output information on the identified available networks. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to provide the user with information on locations that offer high-quality communication as desired by the user, as well as the distance and travel time to such locations.

[0089] Furthermore, the above-described embodiment makes it possible to "provide users with high-quality communication." 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."

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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]

[0093] 1... Information processing system, 10... Information processing device, 20... User terminal, 30... Vehicle, 11... Location acquisition unit, 12... Network identification unit, 13... Output unit, 14... Switching control unit, 15... Reservation unit, 16... Request acquisition unit, 111... Request acquisition unit, 112... Route identification unit, NW... Information and communication network, S... Departure point, G... Destination, R... Route

Claims

1. A position acquisition unit that acquires the position information of a moving object, A network identification unit identifies a network that is a slice network that can be provided around the location of the mobile object, based on the service area of ​​multiple slice networks that virtually divide the wireless communication network. An output unit that outputs information about the identified available network, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The network identification unit identifies the time required for the mobile object to move from its current location to a point where the available network can be used. The output unit outputs the required time determined by the network identification unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The network identification unit identifies the time required to move from the mobile body's position to a point where each of the available networks can be used, and identifies the slice network with the shortest required time. The output unit outputs information regarding slice networks that require a short time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a request acquisition unit that acquires information regarding requests for the planned use of a slice network, including at least the scheduled start time, which is the time when the slice network is scheduled to be used. The network identification unit identifies the estimated arrival time when the mobile body moves from its current location to a point where the available network is available, and identifies the service area of ​​the slice network where the identified estimated arrival time is earlier than the estimated start time as the available network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. Each slice network is pre-assigned the type of location where that slice network exists. The network identification unit identifies the available network based on the type of mobile body and the type of location where the slice network exists. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The position acquisition unit acquires route information, which includes at least the position information of the moving object and information about the destination. The network identification unit identifies the available networks in the vicinity of the route. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The network identification unit identifies the time required when the route passes through a point where the available network can be used, The output unit outputs the required time determined by the network identification unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The network identification unit identifies the time required to travel from the route to a point where each of the available networks can be used, and identifies the slice network with the shortest travel time. The output unit outputs information regarding slice networks that require a short time. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The position acquisition unit, A request acquisition unit acquires the location information and destination of the mobile body, as well as request information which is information regarding the communication quality requested by the mobile body. A route identification unit identifies one or more routes connecting the acquired location of the mobile object and the destination, based on the aforementioned request information, passing through at least one of the service areas of the slice network. By providing this, information about the route is obtained, which includes at least the location information of the moving object and information about the destination. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

10. 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 9.

11. 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 9.

12. 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.

13. The network identification unit predicts the number of users or the amount of wireless resources being used in a slice network at the time of estimated arrival of the mobile body when it moves to the available network, and identifies the available network based on the predicted number of users or the amount of wireless resources being used in the slice network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The system further includes a reservation unit that reserves the slice network based on the available network and the location and time at which the moving object is estimated to move in the future, based on the location information of the moving object acquired by the location acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

15. A method of information processing performed using a computer, A position acquisition process to obtain information about the current location of a moving object, A network identification step involves identifying a network that is a slice network available for provision in the vicinity of the mobile object's current location, based on the provision areas of multiple slice networks obtained by virtually dividing the wireless communication network; An output step which outputs information about the identified available network, An information processing method having

16. On the computer, A position acquisition step to obtain information about the current location of a moving object, A network identification step to identify a network that is a slice network that can be provided in the vicinity of the current location of the mobile object, based on the service area of ​​multiple slice networks obtained by virtually dividing the wireless communication network, An output step that outputs information about the identified available network, A program that executes the command.

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