Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

This technology enables proactive and reactive control of information transmission methods. [Solution] The control device includes a network usage mode determination unit that determines the network usage mode of a device based on a predicted value for the quality of information transmission and requirements for information transmission, and a network usage mode setting unit that sets the network usage mode determined by the network usage mode determination unit to the device, wherein the network usage mode determination unit changes the network usage mode based on the state of the network being used by the device or the state of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for controlling components related to information transmission via a network in a system where a terminal and an information processing infrastructure are connected via the network.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, edge / cloud computing has been utilized in various fields. In edge / cloud computing, information on the terminal side obtained by sensors such as cameras and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is transmitted via a network to an information processing infrastructure on the edge / cloud side, and information processing / processing is performed for information users such as humans and AI. In addition, a signal for controlling the terminal side from the information processing infrastructure side is transmitted in the downward direction as necessary.

[0003] In the related fields of smart agriculture and connected cars, use cases for remotely monitoring / controlling terminals based on information obtained on the terminal side have been studied, and the practical application of technologies for ensuring the safety of autonomous driving and creating dynamic maps has been progressing.

[0004] Among various types of sensor information, video has a wide variety of utilization purposes for humans and AI, and in addition, it is often regarded as intuitive visual information and is often handled. On the other hand, since video is relatively large-capacity information, various fields are studying related technologies for controlling video streaming from the aspect that ingenuity and a certain degree of cost are required to ensure real-time information transmission and its continuity.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] In smart agriculture and connected car applications, achieving remote monitoring and control, as well as autonomous driving, requires the continuous transmission of real-time information of a certain quality or higher. To achieve this, it is conceivable to use conventional technology (Non-Patent Literature 1) that detects network quality degradation and performs adaptive control.

[0007] However, conventional technologies that detect network quality degradation and perform follow-up control are event-driven and reactive, which causes delays in the response. During this delay, information transmitted is not properly configured / controlled, which can lead to quality degradation compared to the highest possible quality, or bandwidth congestion due to unexpected retransmissions.

[0008] This invention has been made in view of the above points, and aims to provide a technology that enables proactive and reactive control of information transmission methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to the disclosed technology, a network usage mode determination unit determines the network usage mode of a device based on a predicted value for the quality of information transmission and requirements for information transmission. The system includes a network usage configuration setting unit that sets the network usage configuration determined by the network usage configuration determination unit to the device, The network usage pattern determination unit changes the network usage pattern based on the state of the network being used by the device or the state of the device. A control device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The disclosed technology provides a method for proactively and reactively controlling the method of information transmission. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a system configuration according to this embodiment from a use case perspective. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of the overall configuration of a communication system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of the control device 100. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example configuration 2 of the control device 100. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the functional classification of the control device 100. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the functional classification of the control device 100. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an overview of the control operation in the control device 100. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration in the control device 100. [Figure 9] This diagram shows an overview of the control contents in the control device 100. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram for Configuration Example 1. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram for configuration example 2. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart for determining the network usage pattern and information settings. [Figure 13] This figure shows examples of information transmission requirements and network quality-related information. [Figure 14] This figure shows examples of information transmission requirements and information quality-related information. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating Example 1. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating Example 1. [Figure 17]It is a diagram for explaining Example 2. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining Example 2. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining Example 3. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining Example 3. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining Example 4. [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining Example 4. [Figure 23] It is a diagram for explaining Example 5. [Figure 24] It is a diagram for explaining Example 6. [Figure 25] It is a diagram for explaining Example 6. [Figure 26] It is a diagram for explaining Example 6. [Figure 27] It is a diagram for explaining Example 7. [Figure 28] It is a diagram for explaining Example 7. [Figure 29] It is a diagram for explaining Example 8. [Figure 30] It is a diagram for explaining Example 8. [Figure 31] It is a diagram for explaining Example 11. [Figure 32] It is a diagram showing the NW usage resources in ascending order of efficiency. [Figure 33] It is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in the storage unit 150. [Figure 34] It is a diagram showing an example of NW usage pattern candidates. [Figure 35] Showing an example of the information stored in the storage unit 150 [Figure 36] It is a diagram showing an example of NW usage pattern candidates. [Figure 37] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (this embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and the embodiments to which the present invention is applied are not limited to the embodiments described below. In the following description, " / " means "or". For example, "A / B" means "A or B". However, "A / B" does not mean "only one of A or B", but rather "both A and B" is also included in the meaning of "A / B".

[0013] Furthermore, any communication method may be used for the terminals in the multi-access network described in this embodiment. For example, ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching and Splitting) as defined by 3GPP (registered trademark) may be used.

[0014] (Summary of the embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration according to this embodiment, assuming a certain use case. The function names (device names) and the information exchanged between devices (functions) shown in Figure 1 are just examples.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, this system is located in a multi-access network environment where services are provided by multiple carriers. In this environment, there are three networks: Network A provided by Company A, Network B provided by Company B, and Network C provided by Company C.

[0016] Furthermore, specific examples of applications for this system include remote monitoring and control / autonomous operation of agricultural machinery such as tractors and combine harvesters, and autonomous buses that provide unmanned shuttle services.

[0017] In this system, the video encoder (information transmission function) 1 transmits video (transmission information) to the video decoder (information receiving function) 2. The video encoder (information transmission function) 1 also transmits the device location / radio wave propagation environment (current / future status of the device) to the multipath transmission control function (cooperative control function) 3.

[0018] Furthermore, the video decoder (information receiving function) 2 transmits video quality / subjective quality (current / future status on the information processing side) to the multipath transmission control function (cooperative control function) 3. The multipath transmission control function (cooperative control function) 3 also acquires network quality, network resource deployment / utilization status, and connection path information (current / future status on the network side) from the network. The multipath transmission control function (cooperative control function) 3 also receives service requirements / requests from users / providers. Note that the multipath transmission control function (cooperative control function) 3 corresponds to the control device 100 described later.

[0019] In this system, the multipath transmission control function (cooperative control function) 3 controls the information transmission method in a multi-access network environment in real time, thereby achieving both the satisfaction of information transmission requirements and the efficient utilization of network resources.

[0020] The above control performs control over multi-access network usage and multipath transmission. An example of this control is as follows:

[0021] • Selection of the optimal network (single path) • Connection path redundancy (multipath, redundant mode) • Bandwidth expansion of narrowband lines (multipath, bandwidth expansion mode) Furthermore, the above control includes real-time control of information generation methods such as packet duplication, and transmission methods such as distribution / gradient.

[0022] The technology according to this embodiment enables continuous real-time information transmission of a certain quality or higher, and improves resource utilization efficiency and reduces costs by selectively utilizing network resources that take into account the requirements for information transmission. Furthermore, it enables flexible and real-time switching of multi-access networks to maximize the scope in which requirements can be met.

[0023] The above features enable continued compliance with requirements, expansion of the scope of application, and reduction of resource costs (efficient resource utilization) for both users and providers of network resources.

[0024] (Regarding conventional technologies and challenges) The technology disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1 performs tracking control based on the detection of network quality degradation in relation to "continuing real-time information transmission of a certain quality or higher."

[0025] However, in follow-up control based on the detection of network quality degradation, the response is event-driven / reactive, which can cause delays in tracking. During this delay, information transmitted is not properly configured / controlled, which can lead to quality degradation compared to the highest possible quality, or bandwidth congestion due to unexpected retransmissions.

[0026] As a countermeasure to the above problems, proactive control based on future predictions of network quality is envisioned. However, whether the settings / controls of transmission information are properly performed depends on the accuracy of the future predictions of network quality. If the accuracy is poor, similar to the case of reactive control, quality degradation compared to the highest possible quality and bandwidth congestion due to unexpected retransmissions may occur.

[0027] The technology relating to this embodiment, which solves the above problems, will be described in detail below. The first and second embodiments will be described below.

[0028] [First Embodiment]

[0029] (Example system configuration) This embodiment solves the above problems by adopting a method that proactively and reactively controls the information transmission method. In other words, while conventional technology uses an event-driven / reactive approach, this embodiment uses proactive control based on future prediction.

[0030] Furthermore, while conventional technologies suffered from quality degradation and bandwidth congestion due to the poor accuracy of future predictions, this embodiment achieves high accuracy in reactive control based on analysis of the current situation based on past history, and high accuracy in proactive control based on future predictions that take into account past / present analysis and schedules / plans.

[0031] Figure 2 shows an example of the overall configuration of the communication system in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, this communication system includes a control device 100, a schedule / plan DB 200, and a past history / current status DB 300. Figure 2 also shows an information transmission device 10, an information receiving device 20, an information generation device 30, and an information utilization device 40 as devices that are controlled / sources of information collection.

[0032] The information transmitting device 10 and the information receiving device 20 can communicate via one or more of NW-A, NW-B, and NW-C, respectively. Note that the devices controlled by the control device 100 may be collectively referred to as "devices." Furthermore, the information transmitting device 10 and the information generating device 30 may be collectively referred to as a device.

[0033] The Past History / Current Status DB300 stores the information quality measurement results from the information utilization device 40 and the network quality measurement results from the information receiving device 20. The Past History / Current Status DB300 also contains settings for information / network usage patterns.

[0034] The schedule / plan DB200 stores information transmission requirements, event / construction schedules in the surrounding environment on the device side, device operation plans, information utilization plans on the information processing side, operation plans, etc., and at least one of these is used by the control device 100.

[0035] Furthermore, the past history / current status DB300 stores the results of information collection, the device's movement history, the surrounding environment conditions such as the radio wave propagation environment, the history of fluctuations in NW / information quality, and the results of relationship / correlation evaluations between the device / NW status and the control results, and at least one of these is used by the control device 100.

[0036] The control device 100 uses the above information to configure the network usage mode for the information transmission device 10. It can also configure information settings for the information generation device 30. Furthermore, the control device 100 stores the information / network usage mode settings in the past history / current status DB 300.

[0037] The schedule / plan DB200 and the past history / current status DB300 may be located outside the control device 100, or they may be stored in the storage unit within the control device 100. In the example described later, the schedule / plan DB200 and the past history / current status DB300 are stored in the storage unit within the control device 100.

[0038] (Example of the configuration of the control device 100) <Configuration Example 1> Figure 3 shows Configuration Example 1 of the control device 100. Configuration Example 1 is a configuration example where the final decision authority for the network usage configuration rests with the network usage configuration determination unit 160. Configuration Example 1 is an example where there is only one network usage configuration candidate included in the network usage configuration determination result.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 100 includes a network quality measurement unit 110, an information quality measurement unit 120, a network quality prediction unit 130, an information quality prediction unit 140, a storage unit 150, a network usage mode determination unit 160, an information setting determination unit 170, a network usage mode setting unit 180, and an information setting unit 190. The network quality measurement unit 110 and the information quality measurement unit 120 may be collectively referred to as the measurement unit. The network quality prediction unit 130 and the information quality prediction unit 140 may be collectively referred to as the prediction unit. The network usage mode determination unit 160 and the information setting determination unit 170 may be collectively referred to as the determination unit. The network usage mode setting unit 180 and the information setting unit 190 may be collectively referred to as the setting unit.

[0040] Furthermore, the control device 100 may include a position acquisition unit (corresponding to the "time / location information acquisition / distribution function" described later).

[0041] The control device 100 may be implemented using one computer or multiple computers. The control device 100 may also be called a control system. The operation of each part is as follows.

[0042] The NW quality measurement unit 110 acquires NW quality measurement results from the information receiving device 20 and stores the acquired NW quality measurement results in the storage unit 150. The information quality measurement unit 120 acquires information quality measurement results from the information utilization device 40 and stores the acquired information quality measurement results in the storage unit 150.

[0043] The NW quality prediction unit 130 acquires information from the storage unit 150, such as "the status of the device area, the history of fluctuations in NW quality, and the results of the relationship / correlation evaluation between the NW quality prediction results and measurement results based on the status of the device side," and performs NW quality prediction based on one or more of this information, and stores the NW quality prediction results in the storage unit 150.

[0044] The information quality prediction unit 140 acquires "the status of the device / information processing area, the history of fluctuations in network / information quality, and the results of the relationship / correlation evaluation between the information quality prediction results and measurement results based on the status of the device / network area" from the storage unit 150, and performs information quality prediction based on one or more of these pieces of information, and stores the information quality prediction results in the storage unit 150.

[0045] The NW usage mode determination unit 160 acquires "information transmission requirements, device area status, NW quality fluctuation history, NW quality prediction results (including reliability / accuracy), relationship / correlation evaluation results between the NW usage mode determination result based on the device / NW area status and the NW / information quality measurement result, etc." from the storage unit 150, performs NW usage mode determination using one or more of this information, stores the NW usage mode determination result in the storage unit 150, and notifies the information setting determination unit 170 and the NW usage mode setting unit 180 of the NW usage mode determination result.

[0046] The information setting determination unit 170 acquires from the storage unit 150 "information transmission requirements, status of the device / information processing area, fluctuation history of NW / information quality, NW / information quality prediction results (including reliability / accuracy), and the relationship / correlation evaluation results between the information setting determination result and the information quality measurement result based on the status of the device / NW area and the NW usage form determination result," performs an information setting determination using one or more of these pieces of information, stores the information determination result in the storage unit 150, and notifies the information setting unit 190.

[0047] The NW usage configuration setting unit 180 receives the NW usage configuration determination result from the NW usage configuration determination unit 160 and sets it in the information transmission device 10. The information setting unit 190 receives the information setting determination result from the information setting determination unit 170 and sets the information in the information generation device 30 based on it.

[0048] From an implementation perspective, more specific examples will be explained. Note that the following examples are merely examples, and the technology according to the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0049] The information generating device 30 is, for example, a camera or an encoder. The information transmitting device 10 is, for example, a network device (communication device) such as a router. The information generating device 30 and the information transmitting device 10 may be a single device.

[0050] The information receiving device 20 and the network quality measurement unit 110 may be implemented as network devices such as routers. The information utilization device 40 and the information quality measurement unit 120 may be implemented, for example, as a display and a decoder. In some cases, the functions of the information quality measurement unit 120 may be performed by a human.

[0051] The control device 100 may be equipped with time / location information acquisition / distribution functions such as a GNSS receiver and a PNSS client. The time / location information acquisition / distribution function acquires a terminal identifier (EID), acquires NMEA (including information on the terminal's current location and current time) at a predetermined period (xHz), and stores these in the storage unit 150. The time / location information acquisition / distribution function also acquires the terminal's location in real time. The "time / location information acquisition / distribution function" may also be called the location acquisition unit. The location acquisition unit may be included in the measurement unit (for example, the NW quality measurement unit 110). Alternatively, the location acquisition unit may be provided within the terminal.

[0052] The "terminal" (which may also be called a "device") is, for example, the information transmission device 10 (or a device that includes the functions of the information transmission device 10).

[0053] The memory unit 150 has information transmission requirements pre-stored. These information transmission requirements include, for example, requirements related to video quality, requirements related to redundancy, and network-related requirements (such as usage priority).

[0054] The NW quality measurement unit 110 acquires NW quality measurement results, such as bandwidth, delay, and packet loss rate, from the information receiving device 20 (or the information transmitting device 10, or both the information transmitting device 10 and the information receiving device 20).

[0055] The information quality measurement unit 120 acquires information quality measurement results from the information utilization device 40 (or information generation device 30, or both the information generation device 30 and the information utilization device 40), such as MDI DF / MLR, frame rate, bit rate, and delay. The occurrence of video interruptions may also be monitored visually.

[0056] The NW quality prediction unit 130 obtains a set of "terminal identifier (EID), NMEA, NW quality prediction result, NW usage pattern, video transmission settings, and reception result" from the storage unit 150 before making a determination, and predicts the bandwidth, delay, and packet loss rate in xHz after t seconds based on one or more of this information.

[0057] The NW usage pattern determination unit 160 then performs a determination at predetermined intervals, for example, in the following procedure S1 to S4.

[0058] S1) The system refers to the corresponding device identifier (EID) and the latest NMEA to determine which region the device is in (imagine dividing the location into a grid) and which time zone the current time belongs to (imagine early morning, daytime, evening, late night, etc.).

[0059] S2) Refer to the past history of the relevant area (network usage patterns, video transmission settings, and reception result sets), and select the network usage pattern with the best reception result and the minimum network usage among the sets where the reception result was OK. The definitions of terms will be explained later.

[0060] S3) Refer to the predicted network quality results for the selected network usage configuration (e.g., NW-A and NW-B) and check if the quality of each network is below the default quality (e.g., predetermined bandwidth, bitrate of video transmission settings previously configured for the selected network usage configuration). If it is below the default quality, return to S2 to select the next best network usage configuration and repeat the process.

[0061] S4) The network usage pattern determination result (e.g., networks to be used / bonded, usage priority for each network, and maximum bandwidth to be set) is finalized. Note that "bonding" refers to using multiple networks.

[0062] Examples of the definitions of "reception result OK," "best reception result," and "minimum network usage" mentioned above are as follows:

[0063] • Reception result OK: Frame rate, bitrate, and latency, or all of them, meet the requirements, and no video interruptions occur.

[0064] • Best reception result: Maximum bitrate.

[0065] • Minimum network usage configuration: The maximum bandwidth setting is set to the lowest number of networks to bond and the lowest usage priority network.

[0066] The NW usage mode determination unit 160 notifies the information setting determination unit 170 of the NW usage mode determination result and the S2 history referenced as the basis for that determination (the video transmission settings for the best reception result in the determined NW usage mode).

[0067] The information setting determination unit 170 stores the video transmission settings, which are the information determination results, such as the codec, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and delay, in the storage unit 150 and notifies the information setting unit 190.

[0068] <Configuration Example 2> Figure 4 shows Configuration Example 2 of the control device 100. Configuration Example 2 is a configuration example where the final decision authority for the network usage mode rests with the information setting determination unit 170. Configuration Example 2 is an example where there are multiple network usage mode candidates included in the network usage mode determination result.

[0069] In Configuration Example 1 in Figure 3 and Configuration Example 2 in Figure 4, the functional components present are the same. The main differences between Configuration Example 1 in Figure 3 and Configuration Example 2 are explained below.

[0070] In Configuration Example 2, the NW Usage Mode Determination Unit 160 obtains an NW usage determination result including reliability / certainty and notifies the Information Setting Determination Unit 170 of it. The Information Setting Determination Unit 170 makes an information setting determination and notifies the NW usage mode used as the basis for the information setting determination to the NW Usage Mode Setting Unit 180.

[0071] <Functional classification, implementation example of function deployment> The following explanation of functional classification will use the configuration example 1 shown in Figure 3 as an example. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 100 can be classified into a control function having "NW quality prediction unit 130, information quality prediction unit 140, NW usage form determination unit 160, information setting determination unit 170, NW usage form setting unit 180, and information setting unit 190", and a database function having "NW quality measurement unit 110, information quality measurement unit 120, and storage unit 150" for acquiring past / present / future information including information transmission requirements.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the information setting determination unit 170 and the NW usage mode setting unit 180 in the control device 100 are the core parts that perform the determination, while the "NW quality measurement unit 110, information quality measurement unit 120, NW quality prediction unit 130, information quality prediction unit 140, and storage unit 150" are the parts that provide the information that forms the basis of the determination.

[0073] Figure 7 shows an overview of the control operation in the control device 100. The control within the frame shown by the thick solid line represents A. proactive control based on future prediction, and the flow shown by the thick dotted line represents B. control for improving the accuracy of reactive / proactive control. In other words, the control device 100 improves accuracy by looping through the device status, network status, the result of the determination, and then determining how to make a determination for the next device / network status based on that.

[0074] Figure 8 shows an example of the functional deployment expected in the implementation. However, this is just one example. In the example shown in Figure 8, the parts "Information Quality Prediction Unit 140, Network Usage Mode Determination Unit 160, Information Setting Determination Unit 170, Network Usage Mode Setting Unit 180, and Information Setting Unit 190" are implemented by a cooperative control GW (which may also be called a control device). The parts "Network Quality Prediction Unit 130, Information Quality Prediction Unit 140, and Storage Unit 150" are implemented by a digital information infrastructure. The digital information infrastructure here refers to a platform that integrates high-precision location and time sensing data in real time onto a "high-precision, high-resolution geospatial information database" with rich semantic information, and performs high-speed analysis processing and future prediction.

[0075] The NW quality prediction unit 130 is implemented using multi-wireless proactive control technology, and the information quality measurement unit 120 is implemented using technologies and decoders that identify and visualize communication flows in real time. Furthermore, the NW quality measurement unit 110 is implemented, for example, using an E2E overlay NW.

[0076] Figure 9 shows how the control method for proactively and reactively controlling the information transmission method in the control device 100 is comprised of various control mechanisms. As illustrated, it is broadly divided into proactive control based on future prediction and high-precision (optimization / performance improvement) of reactive / proactive control, each performing the control shown in Figure 9.

[0077] In Figure 9, the description for "A" is: "Information transmission requirements, device / information processing domain status, network / information quality fluctuation history, network / information quality prediction results (including reliability / accuracy), and the results of the relationship / correlation evaluation between the information setting determination results and information quality measurement results based on the device / network domain status and network usage form determination results are reflected in the information setting determination."

[0078] The description for "B" states that "the results of the relationship / correlation evaluation between the NW usage mode determination result and the NW / information quality measurement result, taking into account the information transmission requirements, the status of the device area, the history of fluctuations in NW quality, the NW quality prediction results (including reliability / accuracy), and the status of the device / NW area, are reflected in the NW usage mode determination."

[0079] (Action sequence) Next, the operation sequences in the control device 100 will be explained for each of the following configuration examples: Configuration Example 1 (Figure 3) and Configuration Example 2 (Figure 4).

[0080] <Sequence in Configuration Example 1> First, let's explain the sequence in Configuration Example 1 with reference to Figure 10. As mentioned above, Configuration Example 1 is a configuration in which the "Network Usage Mode Determination Unit 160" has the final authority to determine the "Network Usage Mode".

[0081] In S101, the NW quality measurement unit 110 transmits the NW quality measurement results to the storage unit 150, and the storage unit 150 stores the received NW quality measurement results.

[0082] In S102, the information quality measurement unit 120 transmits the information quality measurement result to the storage unit 150, and the storage unit 150 stores the received information quality measurement result.

[0083] In S103 and S104, reference information requests and responses are sent and received between the NW quality prediction unit 130 and the storage unit 150.

[0084] In S105, the NW quality prediction unit 130 performs NW quality prediction based on the information obtained from the storage unit 150, transmits the NW quality prediction result to the storage unit 150, and the storage unit 150 stores the received NW quality prediction result.

[0085] In S106 and S107, reference information requests and responses are sent and received between the information quality prediction unit 140 and the storage unit 150.

[0086] In S108, the information quality prediction unit 140 performs information quality prediction based on the information acquired from the storage unit 150, transmits the information quality prediction result to the storage unit 150, and the storage unit 150 stores the received information quality prediction result.

[0087] In S109 and S110, reference information requests and responses are sent and received between the storage unit 150 and the network usage mode determination unit 160.

[0088] The NW usage mode determination unit 160 performs an NW usage mode determination based on the information obtained from the storage unit 150, and in steps S111 to S113, transmits the NW usage mode determination result to the information setting determination unit 170, the NW usage mode setting unit 180, and the storage unit 150, respectively.

[0089] In S114 and S115, reference information requests and responses are sent and received between the storage unit 150 and the information setting determination unit 170.

[0090] In S116 and S117, the information setting determination unit 170 performs an information setting determination based on the information obtained from the storage unit 150, and transmits the information setting determination result to both the information setting unit 190 and the storage unit 150.

[0091] <Sequence in Configuration Example 2> Next, with reference to Figure 11, the sequence in Configuration Example 2 will be explained. As mentioned above, Configuration Example 2 is a configuration in which the final decision authority for the "Network Usage Mode" rests with the "Information Setting Determination Unit 170". Steps S201 to S208 in Figure 11 are the same as steps S101 to S108 in Figure 10. The processing from S208 onwards will be explained.

[0092] In S209 and S210, reference information requests and responses are sent and received between the storage unit 150 and the network usage mode determination unit 160.

[0093] The NW usage mode determination unit 160 performs an NW usage mode determination based on the information obtained from the storage unit 150, and in S211 to S212, transmits the NW usage mode determination result to the information setting determination unit 170 and the storage unit 150, respectively.

[0094] In S213 and S214, reference information requests and responses are sent and received between the storage unit 150 and the information setting determination unit 170.

[0095] The information setting determination unit 170 performs an information setting determination based on the information obtained from the storage unit 150. In S215, the information setting determination unit 170 transmits the NW usage form determination result (the NW usage form used as the basis for the information setting determination) to the NW usage form setting unit 180.

[0096] In S216 and S217, the information setting determination unit 170 transmits the information setting determination result to the information setting unit 190 and the storage unit 150, respectively. The storage unit 150 receives the information setting determination result along with the underlying network usage configuration, and the storage unit 150 stores them.

[0097] In Configuration Example 2, the Information Setting Determination Unit 170 directly notifies the Network Usage Mode Setting Unit 180 of the "final network usage mode determination result," but this is just one example. Alternatively, the Information Setting Determination Unit 170 may notify the Network Usage Mode Determination Unit 160 of the "final network usage mode determination result," and the Network Usage Mode Determination Unit 160 may notify the Network Usage Mode Setting Unit 180 and the Storage Unit 150 of the "final network usage mode determination result."

[0098] (Example of a flow chart for determining network usage patterns and information settings) This section describes an example flow for determining network usage patterns and information settings. Here, the "information" to be controlled is assumed to be video.

[0099] First, the flow will be explained with reference to Figure 12. In S301, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 acquires information transmission requirements and NW quality-related information from the storage unit 150. In S302, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 performs NW usage mode determination based on the information acquired in S301.

[0100] In S303, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 notifies the information setting determination unit 170 of the NW usage pattern determination result.

[0101] In S304, the information setting determination unit 170 acquires information transmission requirements and information quality-related information from the storage unit 150. In S305, the information setting determination unit 170 performs an information setting determination based on the information acquired in S304.

[0102] Figure 13 shows an example of the information transmission requirements and network quality-related information acquired by the network usage mode determination unit 160 in S301. Here, for example, the "network usage mode" is defined as which network the information transmission device 10 will use in the future. In the example in Figure 13, since the information transmission requirements are a bandwidth of 120 Mbps and a delay of 100 ms, the network usage mode determination unit 160 determines that it will use NW-A and NW-B in the future, +1 second from now. In this case, the information that "NW-A and NW-B will be used in 1 second" is notified to the information setting determination unit 170.

[0103] The NW usage mode determination unit 160 may narrow down the candidate NW usage modes based on information transmission requirements or user / NW-side requests, or it may determine the NW usage mode after prioritizing individual NWs.

[0104] Figure 14 shows examples of information transmission requirements and information quality-related information acquired by the information setting determination unit 170 in S304. Here, for example, the information generation device 10 determines at what bitrate to encode the video. In the example in Figure 14, the information setting determination unit 170 determines, for example, to set the video transmission bitrate to 60 Mbps. The information setting determination unit 170 may perform the information setting determination while taking into account the network's requirements / policies, in addition to the information transmission requirements and user requests.

[0105] The following examples of network usage pattern determination / information setting determination are described in Examples 1 to 8. Examples 1 to 8 can be combined in any way.

[0106] (Example 1) In Example 1, the NW quality prediction unit 130 predicts the NW quality for a certain device (e.g., information transmission device 10) based on the device location, received signal strength (e.g., received strength on the transmitting side), and NW quality measurement results (e.g., quality measured on the receiving side). The NW usage mode determination unit 160 then determines the NW usage mode based on the prediction results. The information transmission device 10 is the target of the NW usage mode determination in subsequent examples as well.

[0107] Figure 15 shows an example of the information stored in the memory unit 150 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 15, the memory unit 150 stores past and present measurement results from the NW quality measurement unit 110, as well as future predicted values ​​from the NW quality prediction unit 130, for device location, received radio wave strength, and NW quality.

[0108] In Example 1, it is also assumed that "Bandwidth requirement: 120 Mbps, User request: NW-A priority" is stored in the memory unit 150. Figure 16 shows an example of a candidate network usage pattern determined based on the predicted values ​​shown in Figure 15 and "Bandwidth requirement: 120 Mbps, User request: NW-A priority".

[0109] As shown in Figure 16, based on predicted values ​​(such as poor quality for NW-C), multiple candidates are selected that meet bandwidth requirements while also considering user requests.

[0110] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on how the prediction unit predicts future values ​​based on past and present values; any method can be used. For example, it may predict using regression analysis or a neural network model.

[0111] (Example 2) Next, Example 2 will be described. In Example 2, for a certain device (e.g., information transmission device 10 and information generation device 30), the NW usage mode determination unit 160 / information setting determination unit 170 determines the NW usage mode / information setting based on the NW quality measurement / prediction results from the NW quality measurement unit 110 / NW quality prediction unit 130 and the information quality measurement / prediction results from the information quality measurement unit 120 / information quality prediction unit 140.

[0112] Figure 17 shows an example of the information stored in the storage unit 150 in Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 17, the storage unit 150 stores prediction results and measurement results for network quality and information quality. Note that the prediction results and measurement results shown in Figure 17 may also store information for each network.

[0113] In Example 2, it is also assumed that "Video quality requirement: 120Mbps or higher, User request: NW-A priority" is stored in the memory unit 150. In this case, the information setting determination unit 170 determines, for example, that the video transmission bitrate setting is 180Mbps. The NW usage form determination unit 160 also determines, for example, the candidate shown in Figure 18 as a candidate for the NW usage form.

[0114] (Example 3) Next, we will describe Example 3. Example 3 is an example of improving the accuracy of the decision logic based on the information managed by the memory unit 150.

[0115] As shown in Figure 19, in Embodiment 3, device location, radio wave propagation environment, base station congestion status, network quality, device operation plan, event information, information (video) quality, subjective evaluation, cost, etc., are stored in the memory unit 150. Figure 20 shows an example of the information stored in the memory unit 150.

[0116] As shown in Figure 20, by taking surrounding event information (information on future events) into account during the determination process, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 / information setting determination unit 170 can make accurate determinations. For example, if the time of a large-scale event that will affect network traffic is known, the determination can be made to avoid using the network of the service provider used for that event at that time.

[0117] By using detailed information as shown in Figure 20, and looping through the device status, network status, and the results of the determination, and then considering how to determine the next device / network status based on that, the determination by the network usage mode determination unit 160 / information setting determination unit 170 can be made more accurate.

[0118] (Example 4) Next, we will describe Example 4. Example 4 describes an example in which the differentiating use of a multi-access network is implemented by assigning a "priority" to the usage of each network.

[0119] In Example 4, as shown in Figure 21, there are NW-A (Company A), NW-B (Company B), and NW-C (Company C), and the information transmitting device 10 / information receiving device 20 can be connected to any of the networks. Furthermore, the information transmitting device 10 and the information receiving device 20 can be connected to two or three networks simultaneously. This is also true for Examples 5 to 8. It is assumed that Company A is a telecommunications carrier operating the control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0120] Referring to Figure 22, an example of the determination logic used by the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 to determine which network the information transmission device 10 will use will be explained. Note that the information receiving device 20 may also use the same network as the information transmission device 10, or the network used by the information receiving device 20 may be determined using the same determination logic as the information transmission device 10.

[0121] In the tables shown in Figure 22, the network type, network provider, network usage pattern, and priority are information pre-stored in the storage unit 150, and the usage rate indicates the usage rate of each network determined by the network usage pattern determination unit 160. The same is basically true for Examples 5 to 8. However, in Examples 7 and 8, the priority is changed by the network usage pattern determination unit 160 (or other functional unit).

[0122] Furthermore, as already explained, the determination of whether the following requirements are met can be made based on measurement results, prediction results, bandwidth requirements, quality requirements, user requests, etc.

[0123] The priority settings shown in each table in Figure 22 may be set according to user requests or according to network provider requests. The priority values ​​shown in each table in Figure 22 mean that normally all packets are sent via NW-A, and other network providers' networks are used in response to network quality degradation or packet redundancy requests on NW-A. Note that the utilization percentages shown in each table are examples. Instead of utilization percentages, the maximum bandwidth may be used to define the priority.

[0124] In S401, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be satisfied using only NW-A, which has priority 1. If the determination in S401 is Yes, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines that only NW-A will be used. The determination process in S401 is performed repeatedly, for example, periodically.

[0125] For example, if a quality degradation or network outage occurs in NW-A (current event), or if a quality degradation or network outage is predicted for NW-A (future event), the S401 judgment result will be No.

[0126] The above current issues can be determined by obtaining current information from the decoder (application layer) or CPE: Customer Premises Equipment (network layer) (examples of reference information: MDI, VMAF, video bitrate, latency, packet loss rate).

[0127] Furthermore, the above-mentioned future events can be determined by obtaining future information from the wireless network quality prediction function (Network Layer) (examples of reference information: throughput, latency, packet loss rate, jitter).

[0128] Note that both current network quality degradation or disconnections, and future network quality degradation or disconnections, are examples of "network state."

[0129] If the result of the determination in S401 is No, the process proceeds to S402. In S402, the NW usage type determination unit 160 determines whether NW-A with priority 1 is available. If the result of the determination in S402 is Yes, the process proceeds to S403; otherwise, the process proceeds to S404.

[0130] In S403, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be met by using both NW-A (priority 1) and NW-B (priority 2). If the determination result in S403 is Yes, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines that both NW-A and NW-B will be used. In other words, the utilization rate of NW-B (priority 2) is increased from 100% utilization of NW-A (priority 1) to meet the requirements.

[0131] Alternatively, instead of using usage ratios, the maximum bandwidth could be defined as, for example, NW-A: unlimited, NW-B: 10Mbps, NW-C: 0Mbps.

[0132] If the result of the determination in S403 is No, the process proceeds to S404. In S404, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be met using only NW-B, which has priority 2. If the result of the determination in S404 is Yes, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines that only NW-B will be used. In other words, the utilization rate of NW-B is set to 100%.

[0133] Alternatively, instead of using usage ratios, the maximum bandwidth may be defined as, for example, NW-A: 0Mbps, NW-B: 10Mbps, and unlimited: 0Mbps.

[0134] If the S404 determination result is No, the same determination as described above is made for other network combinations. As a result, for example, communication is performed with a 50% utilization rate for network B and a 50% utilization rate for network C.

[0135] If the requirements cannot be met by the referenced network conditions, one or more of the following actions (1) to (4) may be performed. The same applies to Example 5.

[0136] (1) Information transmission in the form that most asymptotically satisfies the requirements (2) Information transmission in the default form (default setting form) (3) The information generating device 30 reconstructs the information (the information transmitting device 10 rejects / returns the transmission request from the information generating device 30). (4) Alert notification to user / business (Example 5) Next, we will describe Example 5 with reference to Figure 23. Example 5 uses the same processing logic as Example 4, but with different priority values. In other words, in Example 5, all packets are normally sent via a network other than NW-A. The percentages shown in each table are examples only. Here, we prioritize resource efficiency / economic rationality on the NW-A side, and NW-A is used in response to quality degradation of the network being used or requests for packet redundancy.

[0137] In S501, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be met using only NW-B, which has priority 1. If the determination in S501 is Yes, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 determines that only NW-B will be used. The determination process in S501 is performed repeatedly, for example, periodically.

[0138] If the result of the determination in S501 is No, triggered in the same way as in Example 4, the process proceeds to S502. In S502, the NW usage form determination unit 160 determines whether or not NW-B with priority 1 is available. If the result of the determination in S502 is Yes, the process proceeds to S503; otherwise, the process proceeds to S504.

[0139] In S503, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be met by using both NW-B (priority 1) and NW-C (priority 2). If the determination result in S503 is Yes, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines that both NW-B and NW-C will be used. In other words, the utilization rate of NW-C (priority 2) is increased from 100% utilization of NW-B (priority 1) to meet the requirements.

[0140] If the result of the S503 determination is No, the process proceeds to S504. In S504, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be met using only NW-C, which has priority 2. If the result of the S504 determination is Yes, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines that only NW-C will be used. In other words, the utilization rate of NW-C is set to 100%.

[0141] If the S504 judgment result is No, the same judgment as described above is performed for other network combinations. As a result, for example, communication is performed with a 50% utilization rate for network A and a 50% utilization rate for network C.

[0142] (Example 6) Next, we will explain Example 6 with reference to Figure 24. Example 6 is also an example of implementing the differentiation of multi-access networks by assigning usage "priorities" to each network. However, the "priorities" in Example 6 are priorities from the perspective of the service users (resource users such as agricultural businesses).

[0143] In Example 6, all packets are normally sent via the unlimited flat-rate NW-A, and a different network with different coverage is used in response to network quality degradation or packet redundancy requests on the unlimited flat-rate NW-A. Therefore, the priority of NW-A is set to 1.

[0144] In S601, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be satisfied using only NW-A, which has priority 1. If the determination in S601 is Yes, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 determines that only NW-A will be used. The determination process in S601 is performed repeatedly, for example, periodically.

[0145] If the result of the determination in S601 is No, the process proceeds to S602. In S602, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be met by using both NW-A (priority 1) and NW-B (priority 2). If the result of the determination in S603 is Yes, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines that both NW-A and NW-B will be used. In other words, the utilization rate of NW-B (priority 2) is increased from 100% utilization of NW-A (priority 1) to meet the requirements.

[0146] Alternatively, instead of using usage ratios, the maximum bandwidth could be defined as, for example, NW-A: unlimited, NW-B: 10Mbps, NW-C: 0Mbps.

[0147] If the result of S602 is No, the process proceeds to S603. In S603, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines whether the requirements can be met by using all of NW-A (priority 1), NW-B (priority 2), and NW-C (priority 3). If the result of S603 is Yes, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 determines that NW-A, NW-B, and NW-C will be used. In the example in Figure 24, the usage ratio is set to "50%:36%:14%".

[0148] Alternatively, instead of the usage ratio, the maximum bandwidth may be set as, for example, NW-A: unlimited, NW-B: 10Mbps, unlimited: 5Mbps. If the result of S603 is No, S604 determines that the service cannot be provided.

[0149] When using multiple networks, an example of transmission control according to the usage ratio will be explained with reference to Figures 25 and 26. Here, it is assumed that the information transmission device 10 transmits 14 frames, as shown in Figure 25.

[0150] <Example 1> In Example 1, control is based solely on usage ratios. In this case, if the usage ratios are "50%:36%:14%", the number of frames transmitted by each network in 14 frames will be as follows:

[0151] NW-A(50%)=7 NW-B(36%)=5 NW-C(14%)=2 The control in Example 1 can be achieved, for example, by notifying the information transmission device 10 of the usage ratio from the NW usage pattern setting unit 180.

[0152] <Example 2> In Example 2, based on the determined usage ratio, information as shown in Figure 26 is created and notified from the NW usage pattern setting unit 180 to the information transmission device 10.

[0153] Figure 26 shows information specifying the transmission path for each frame according to the characteristics of the frame. In a redundant configuration, multiple transmission paths are specified for each frame. In this case, the number of frames to be transmitted is 19. Actual control involves, for example, setting an upper limit for each path and distributing the frames to asymptotically approach the set information, and the final utilization ratio is determined by the transmission results.

[0154] In addition to Examples 1 and 2, it is also possible to set n (number of redundancies) and their respective transmission paths by considering both frame type and network quality, and various variations are conceivable for controlling information replication and distribution / sloping in multipath configurations.

[0155] (Example 7) Next, Example 7 will be described. Example 7 describes an example in which the "priority" of using the wireless access network is varied according to the base station deployment status. Here, an example is described in particular for operation under a quality-first policy. In Examples 7 and 8, the change in priority / utilization ratio (determining the priority / utilization ratio) may be performed by the network usage pattern determination unit 160 or by other functional units.

[0156] In Example 7, we assume the network configuration shown in Figure 27. The bands used by each of the networks, NW-A (5G), NW-B (5G), NW-A (LTE), NW-B (Platinum), and NW-C (Platinum), are predetermined.

[0157] In Example 7, the focus is on revenue, and normally all packets are sent via NW-A. Other companies' networks are used in response to NW-A network quality degradation or packet redundancy requirements. The usage ratio is adjusted gradually, for example, according to a quality-focused policy.

[0158] Figure 28 shows that A represents the normal state. In other words, under normal circumstances, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 determines that the information transmission device 10 should utilize NW-A 100%.

[0159] For example, if the information transmission device 10 moves or the wireless conditions change, a handover of the base station to which the information transmission device 10 is connected occurs (current event), or if a handover is predicted to occur (future event), the situation changes. Examples of the changed situation are shown in Figures 28B and 28C.

[0160] The above-mentioned current events can be determined by obtaining current information from the device and the function that manages resource status (examples of reference information: time / location information, base station deployment status).

[0161] Furthermore, the aforementioned future events can also be determined by obtaining future information from functions that manage device and resource status (examples of reference information: time / location information, base station deployment status).

[0162] As shown in Figure 28B, when the information transmission device 10 moves to a coverage area of ​​n79 (4.5-4.6GHz) or n257 (27.4-27.8GHz) operated by NW-A (5G), the priority is set to "1:2:2" to utilize broadband communication, for example, by setting the utilization rate of NW-A to 100%.

[0163] As shown in C, when the information transmission device 10 moves to a coverage area of ​​n77 (3.7 GHz band) operated by NW-B (5G) and NW-C (5G), the priority is set to "3:1:2" and the utilization ratio is set to, for example, "0%:80%:20%".

[0164] As shown in D, if the information transmission device 10 moves to the coverage area of ​​Band 18 (815-830MHz, 860-875MHz) operated by NW-B (Platinum), the priority is set to "2:1:3" and the utilization ratio is set to, for example, "20%:80%:0%".

[0165] As shown in E, if the information transmission device 10 moves to the coverage area of ​​Band 8 (880-915MHz, 925-960MHz) operated by NW-C (Platinum), the priority will be set to "2:3:1" and the utilization ratio will be, for example, "20%:0%:80%".

[0166] (Example 8) Next, we will describe Example 8. Example 8 describes an example in which the "priority" of wireless access network usage is changed according to the capacity consumption status of the network usage contract.

[0167] Example 8 assumes that the network pricing model for each network is a flat-rate system based on capacity. An example of a flat-rate network pricing model is shown in Figure 29. In Figure 29, the thick solid line shows the fee that increases in stages according to the capacity used (left side of the vertical axis), and the thick dotted line shows the bit price at each stage (right side of the vertical axis). The maximum capacity for which the fee remains fixed is called the "flat-rate capacity."

[0168] The cost per bit for additional data (from the second stage onward) is typically higher than the cost for the initial stage. In the case of a two-tiered flat-rate service (with unlimited data for the second stage), as offered by some companies, it is also possible to switch to the same operation as in Example 5 (prioritizing the use of the unlimited data network).

[0169] In Example 8, the system is normally operated to level out network usage. Under the same conditions, network A is given priority. In addition, priority is given to using up the fixed-rate capacity to minimize the need for additional capacity (in the example in Figure 29, an increase in the rate tier). In other words, the priority is changed before and after the need for additional capacity.

[0170] The following describes an example of control for a certain information transmission device 10, with reference to Figure 30. Note that the priority and usage ratios shown in Figure 30 are just examples. In the following example, the trigger is the exhaustion of the fixed-rate capacity (the capacity has been used up), but the trigger can also be a set threshold before the capacity is exhausted (e.g., 10% remaining contracted capacity).

[0171] Figure 30 shows A as the normal state. In other words, under normal circumstances, the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 sets the priority of NW-A, NW-B, and NW-C to "1:2:3" and the usage ratio to "40%:30%:30%".

[0172] When the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 detects that the information transmission device 10 has used up the fixed-rate capacity of NW-A, it sets the priority to "3:1:2" and the usage ratio to "0%:60%:40%", as shown in B.

[0173] Next, when the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 detects that the information transmission device 10 has further exhausted the fixed-rate capacity of NW-B, it sets the priority to "2:3:1" and the usage ratio to "0%:0%:100%", as shown in C.

[0174] Then, when the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 detects that the information transmission device 10 has used up the fixed-rate capacity of all NWs, it sets the priority to "1:2:3" and the usage ratio to "100%:0%:0%", as shown in D. Note that here, it is assumed that capacity addition is carried out only by NW-A (Company A).

[0175] Subsequently, when the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 detects that the information transmission device 10 has used up the additional fixed-rate capacity of NW-A, it sets the priority to "3:1:2" and the usage ratio to "0%:100%:0%", as shown in E. It should be noted that, in this case, capacity additions are also assumed to be leveled out.

[0176] As demonstrated in Example 8, assuming that the requirements regarding the quality of information transmission are met, the resource utilization costs for service users can be reduced.

[0177] Regarding the dynamic change of priority as performed in Example 8, in addition to the automated change method on the system in response to service usage requests, a user-driven change method based on notifications (recommendations) to service users (separation of detection and control functions) may also be adopted.

[0178] Note that the data usage (current value, predicted value), current location, and future location on a device are all examples of "device status."

[0179] (Other examples) In the control device 100 according to this embodiment, it is also possible to perform the operations described in <Example 1> to <Example 10> below. The following operations may be performed by any of the prediction unit, measurement unit, determination unit, or setting unit in the control device 100.

[0180] <Example 1> The control device 100 predicts the future location of a device with high accuracy based on one or more of the following: past movement history, current surrounding environmental conditions (event information, traffic light status, road construction schedule, etc.), operation plan, and device characteristics. Based on this, it also predicts network quality and video / information quality and determines the network usage pattern. In addition, it may determine and set video / information settings.

[0181] <Example 2> The control device 100 predicts network quality and video information quality by referring to the history of fluctuations in device status (location, surrounding environment, etc.), network quality (bandwidth, delay, etc.), and video and other information quality (MDI, VMAF, bitrate, MOS value, etc.) and determines the settings. If the difference between the previous prediction result (or setting result) and the measurement result is x% (e.g., 5%) or less, the prediction result is multiplied by a large coefficient close to 1 (e.g., 1-x / 100). If the difference is y% (e.g., 20%) or more, the prediction result is multiplied by a small coefficient close to 0 (e.g., 1-2y / 100). This value is referenced as the prediction value and reflected in the determination result. This makes it possible to avoid unexpected quality degradation of video and other information.

[0182] <Example 3> The control device 100 may set a confidence level / certainty level for future predictions and use the confidence level as a coefficient or threshold when making a decision. For example, the confidence level may be converted into a coefficient and multiplied by the predicted value, a particularly low coefficient may be applied if the confidence level falls below a certain level, or it may be treated as 0.

[0183] <Example 4> The control device 100 may set its decision logic not only based on cost-minimizing decisions that may be considered as user requests, but also based on the response policies and billing policies of the provider of wireless access networks and server resources. For example, it may prioritize providing resources with a buffer that emphasizes mission criticality, or prioritize the use of resources on a pay-as-you-go basis.

[0184] <Example 5> The control device 100 may not only be configured based on pre-measurement or judgment logic based on fixed rules, but may also be configured to dynamically change the configuration mechanism itself using a machine learning approach / AI, thereby enabling more flexible configuration.

[0185] <Example 6> The control device 100 may anticipate situations where the determination result of the network usage mode cannot be applied due to sudden changes in circumstances, and may extract second and third determination results at the determination stage, and apply the second or third determination result as a trigger when an event that makes it impossible to apply occurs.

[0186] <Example 7> In the control device 100, the NW usage mode setting unit 180 may detect a situation where the NW usage mode determination result cannot be applied due to a sudden change in circumstances, and notify the NW usage mode determination unit 160. At the same time, it may temporarily apply a predetermined fail-safe mechanism or attempt to apply a second or third determination result that has been notified in advance.

[0187] <Example 8> The control device 100 may determine the most cost-effective network usage configuration (including the timing and method of network switching / bonding) based on the total amount of information transmitted over a certain period and the bit cost / fee structure of the network used for transmission, and apply it. Alternatively, it may present the user with a selection of recommended network usage configurations to improve transmission quality or reduce costs, and select / apply the network usage configuration based on the selection result.

[0188] <Example 9> The control device 100 may utilize one or more of the NW usage mode determination results, the determination results for setting information such as video, and various measurement / prediction values ​​for other cooperative operation / control functions other than the system involved in the transmission of information such as video (for example, device control). Furthermore, when utilizing the determination results, the reliability / accuracy of future predictions may also be notified.

[0189] <Example 10> The control device 100 may utilize the congestion status (and expected congestion) of wireless base stations as a specific example of the network conditions to be referenced. It may also analyze the correlation between these and device conditions such as the radio wave propagation environment, or actual network quality, and reflect this in network quality prediction and network usage pattern determination.

[0190] <Example 11> As shown in Figure 31, the technology according to this embodiment can also be applied to automatically moving objects such as autonomous vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "mobile object A"). This mobile object A may be an automobile, agricultural machinery, construction vehicles such as excavators, or other objects. Furthermore, mobile object A may also be referred to as a "device."

[0191] Mobile unit A includes the functions of the information transmission device 10 and the information generation device 30 in this embodiment, along with the automatic driving unit 2A, which is a functional unit for performing automatic driving.

[0192] Specifically, mobile device A includes a communication unit 1A that communicates wirelessly via a network, and a camera 3A. The video captured by the camera (video of the surroundings of mobile device A) is sent to the control device 100 by the communication unit 1A. Note that the video is an example of "information".

[0193] In Example 11, the control device 100 includes a mobile unit control B. The mobile unit control B analyzes the video received from the mobile unit A and, for example, if it detects that the mobile unit A is in a dangerous situation (e.g., an oncoming vehicle is approaching), it can instruct the automatic driving unit 2A of the mobile unit A to stop or take other action. Since the mobile unit control B includes a setting function, it may also be called a setting unit.

[0194] As described above in this embodiment, the communication unit 1A and the camera 3A can each receive reactive and proactive control from the control device 100.

[0195] In Example 11, it is possible to implement coordinated control of three types of control: network control for the communication unit 1A, video control for the camera 3A, and control related to autonomous driving. An example of the control is shown in S1 to S3 below. Note that the control below is just one example. In addition, the "decision based on actual measured values" and the "decision based on predicted values" shown below may be combined.

[0196] <s1> When network quality deteriorates, the video transmitted from mobile device A to mobile device control unit B deteriorates, potentially preventing mobile device control unit B from properly controlling mobile device A. Video deterioration can include, for example, video freezing due to a decrease in network bandwidth (throughput).

[0197] Therefore, when the NW quality prediction unit 130 of the control device 100 predicts that the NW quality (e.g., bandwidth, delay, packet loss, etc.) of the mobile device A's communication will deteriorate below a predetermined threshold (for example, predicting deterioration after 1 second), the NW usage mode determination unit 160 determines an NW usage mode to improve the NW quality (e.g., changing from one NW connection to two NW connections), and sets the NW usage mode to the communication unit 1A from the NW usage mode setting unit 180. Here, "bandwidth, delay, packet loss, etc." are examples of "quality related to information transmission," and "threshold" is an example of "requirements related to information transmission."

[0198] If the network quality improves as a result of the above setting changes and no problems occur with the video, then this state will be maintained.

[0199] <s2> If, with control by S1 alone, the network quality remains below the threshold, or if there are problems with the quality of the video received by the mobile control unit B (e.g., the video is intermittently interrupted) (judgment based on actual measured values), or if, with control by S1 alone, it is predicted that the network quality will remain below the threshold, or if it is predicted that there will be problems with the quality of the video received by the mobile control unit B (judgment based on, for example, a predicted value after 1 second), the information determination unit 170 makes a decision to reduce the video quality of camera 3A (e.g., resolution, frame rate), and sets the setting information after the decision from the information setting unit 190 to camera 3A. When setting the above reduction in video quality, for example, the reduction may be limited to a predetermined amount (e.g., changing the frame rate from 30 FPS to 10 FPS) in a single reduction setting.

[0200] If no problems occur with the video after making the above setting changes, continue in this state.

[0201] <s3> If, "the network quality remains below the threshold even with control in S1 and S2 alone, or if there is a problem with the quality of the video received by the mobile unit control B" (judgment based on actual measured values), or "it is predicted that the network quality will remain below the threshold even with control in S1 and S2 alone, or if it is predicted that there will be a problem with the quality of the video received by the mobile unit control B" (judgment based on, for example, a predicted value after 1 second), the mobile unit control B instructs the automatic driving unit 2A of the mobile unit A to reduce speed, change route, or stop, etc., in order to ensure safety even if sufficient video is not obtained.

[0202] The first embodiment has been described above.

[0203] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment adds the NW's QoS (Quality of Service) control level as the target of cooperative control compared to the first embodiment. Except for this point, the first and second embodiments are the same. In the second embodiment, the NW's QoS control level can be the target of control in any of the configurations and operations described in the first embodiment. The control method for the QoS control level is not limited to a specific method, and may be dynamic control or static control.

[0204] In the second embodiment, a QoS control level is used as an example of communication priority. Something other than a "QoS control level" may also be used as "communication priority."

[0205] More specifically, in the second embodiment, the measurement and prediction of network quality are performed for each network QoS control level, and the network usage mode to be determined includes the network QoS control level.

[0206] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the network usage pattern can be controlled for each QoS control level of the network. For example, in Examples 4 to 8 of the first embodiment, the network usage pattern can be controlled by setting priorities and usage ratios among "Network-A with QoS control level 1", "Network-A with QoS control level 2", "Network-A with QoS control level 3", "Network-B with QoS control level 1", "Network-B with QoS control level 2", and "Network-C". That is, each network is assigned a priority for each QoS control level, and the network usage pattern determination unit 160 can determine the usage ratio for each QoS control level of each network as the network usage pattern based on the priority.

[0207] The system configuration, device configuration, and operation sequence (processing flow) in the second embodiment are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the QoS control level of the network is added as a target of cooperative control.

[0208] Referring to Figures 3 (Configuration Example 1) and 4 (Configuration Example 2), an example of information exchanged between functional units in the second embodiment will be described.

[0209] <Figure 3: Configuration Example 1>

[0210] The NW quality measurement unit 110 acquires NW quality measurement results for each QoS control level from the information receiving device 20 and stores the acquired NW quality measurement results for each QoS control level in the storage unit 150. The information quality measurement unit 120 acquires information quality measurement results from the information utilization device 40 and stores the acquired information quality measurement results in the storage unit 150.

[0211] The NW quality prediction unit 130 acquires information from the storage unit 150, such as "device area status, NW quality fluctuation history, and relationship / correlation evaluation results between NW quality prediction results and measurement results based on device status," for each QoS control level. Based on one or more of this information, it performs NW quality prediction for each QoS control level and stores the NW quality prediction results for each QoS control level in the storage unit 150.

[0212] The information quality prediction unit 140 acquires "the status of the device / information processing area, the history of fluctuations in network / information quality, and the results of the relationship / correlation evaluation between the information quality prediction results and measurement results based on the status of the device / network area" from the storage unit 150, and performs information quality prediction based on one or more of these pieces of information, and stores the information quality prediction results in the storage unit 150.

[0213] The NW usage mode determination unit 160 acquires from the storage unit 150 "information transmission requirements, device area status, NW quality fluctuation history, NW quality prediction results (including reliability / accuracy), and results of relationship / correlation evaluation between the NW usage mode determination result based on the device / NW area status and the NW / information quality measurement results, etc." Note that the NW quality fluctuation history and NW quality prediction results are information for each QoS control level.

[0214] The NW usage mode determination unit 160 uses one or more of the above information to determine the NW usage mode, stores the NW usage mode determination result in the storage unit 150, and notifies the information setting determination unit 170 and the NW usage mode setting unit 180 of the NW usage mode determination result. The NW usage mode determination result determined by the NW usage mode determination unit 160 includes the QoS control level for the NW that performs QoS control.

[0215] The information setting determination unit 170 acquires from the storage unit 150 the following information: information transmission requirements, status of the device / information processing area, fluctuation history of network / information quality, network / information quality prediction results (including reliability / accuracy), and the relationship / correlation evaluation results between the information setting determination results and information quality measurement results based on the status of the device / network area and the network usage mode determination results. Note that the network quality fluctuation history and network quality prediction results are information specific to each QoS control level.

[0216] The information setting determination unit 170 uses one or more of the above information to determine the information setting, stores the information determination result in the storage unit 150, and notifies the information setting unit 190.

[0217] The NW usage mode setting unit 180 receives the NW usage mode determination result from the NW usage mode determination unit 160 and sets it in the information transmission device 10. As described above, the NW usage mode determination result includes the QoS control level. The information setting unit 190 receives the information setting determination result from the information setting determination unit 170 and sets the information in the information generation device 30 based on it.

[0218] <Figure 4: Configuration Example 2> As described in the first embodiment, Configuration Example 2 is an example where there are multiple candidate network usage forms included in the network usage form determination result. In the second embodiment as well, the functional parts present in Configuration Example 1 in Figure 3 and Configuration Example 2 in Figure 4 are the same. The main differences from Configuration Example 1 in Figure 3 will be explained below. Note that even if there are multiple candidate network usage forms included in the network usage form determination result, the processing in Configuration Example 1 may be performed.

[0219] In Configuration Example 2, the NW Usage Mode Determination Unit 160 obtains an NW usage determination result (including QoS control level) including reliability / certainty, and notifies the Information Setting Determination Unit 170 of this result. The Information Setting Determination Unit 170 makes an information setting determination and notifies the NW usage mode (including QoS control level) used as the basis for the information setting determination to the NW Usage Mode Setting Unit 180.

[0220] Below, we will describe two specific operational examples when the QoS control level of the network is included as the control target: Example 2-1 (the intent of Example 1 in the second embodiment) and Example 2-2. In both Examples 2-1 and 2-2, the system configuration and device configuration are the same as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, for example. That is, as shown in Figure 2, the information transmission device 10 can communicate with the information receiving device 20 using one, two, or all three of the networks NW-A, NW-B, and NW-C. In these embodiments, the information transmission device 10 may be referred to as a "device".

[0221] Furthermore, in the following embodiment, QCI (QoS Class Identifier) ​​is used as the value for the NW's QoS control level. The QCI identifies the extent to which the NW's bandwidth (speed), latency, packet loss rate, etc., are guaranteed (or not guaranteed). Using QCI as the value for the NW's QoS control level is an example, and information other than QCI may be used as the value for the NW's QoS control level.

[0222] (Example 2-1) In Example 2-1, the NW quality prediction unit 130 predicts the NW quality of a certain device (information transmission device 10) based on the time, device location, and NW quality measurement results (e.g., quality measured on the receiving side), and the NW usage mode determination unit 160 determines the NW usage mode of the device based on the prediction results. In other words, Example 2-1 describes an example of proactive control.

[0223] In the process described in Example 2-1 below, it is assumed that the NW quality prediction result from the NW quality prediction unit 130 is temporarily stored in the storage unit 150, and the NW usage mode determination unit 160 reads the NW quality prediction result from the storage unit 150 and uses it for determination. However, the process is not limited to this. The NW quality prediction result obtained by the NW quality prediction unit 130 may be directly notified to the NW usage mode determination unit 160.

[0224] Figure 32 shows the efficiency of network resource utilization in ascending order for the networks used in Example 2-1 (including QCI in the case of networks with QoS control). In other words, network A, where QoS control is performed with QCI=131, has the worst resource efficiency, while network C has the best resource efficiency.

[0225] Poor resource efficiency refers to situations where, for example, due to bandwidth guarantees, the bandwidth cannot be fully utilized by other communications even when there is no communication traffic covered by the guaranteed bandwidth. Good resource efficiency refers to situations such as best-effort communications without QoS control. Even among multiple QCIs with bandwidth guarantees, the level of resource efficiency varies depending on the degree of bandwidth guarantee.

[0226] Hereafter, when QoS control is performed with QCI=m, NW-X will be described as NW-X(QCI:m).

[0227] Figure 33 shows an example of the information stored in the memory unit 150 in Example 2-1. As shown in Figure 33, the memory unit 150 stores device location and time (past, present, and future) values ​​for network quality prediction results. Past and present values ​​are stored for network quality measurement results.

[0228] The above values ​​are for each network. For networks where QoS control is performed, the above values ​​are for each QCI. For example, at a future time (09:10:13), the predicted network quality result (in this case, the predicted bandwidth result) for NW-A (QCI=131) is 100Mbps, the predicted network quality result for NW-A (QCI=130) is 50Mbps, and the predicted network quality result for NW-A (QCI=9) is 5Mbps. Also, the predicted network quality result for NW-B is 20Mbps, and the predicted network quality result for NW-C is 1Mbps.

[0229] Furthermore, in Example 2-1, the requirements / requests for the device subject to NW usage pattern determination are "bandwidth requirement: 120Mbps, user request: NW-A priority, preference for highly efficient resource utilization," and this information is stored in the storage unit 150. Figure 34 shows an example of a candidate NW usage pattern determined by the NW usage pattern determination unit 160 based on the predicted values ​​shown in Figure 33 and "bandwidth requirement: 120Mbps, user request: NW-A priority, preference for highly efficient resource utilization."

[0230] In Figure 34, the network usage configuration for NW-A (QCI=131), "100Mbps (priority 1)," means that NW-A (QCI=131) will be used with the highest priority for 100Mbps of communication out of the bandwidth requirement (=120Mbps). In this example, NW-B, which is "oriented towards highly efficient resource utilization" and does not perform QoS control, has a predicted bandwidth of 20Mbps, and therefore, NW-B is determined to have a network usage configuration of "20Mbps (priority 2)."

[0231] Based on the candidates shown in Figure 34 obtained through the determination, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 can basically determine that the NW usage mode for the device will be "using NW-A (CQI=131) and NW-B".

[0232] In this case, the determination result, "Use NW-A (CQI=131) and NW-B," is notified from the NW usage mode determination unit 160 (or information setting determination unit 170) to the NW usage mode setting unit 180, and the NW usage mode setting unit 180 sets "Use NW-A (CQI=131) and NW-B" to the device. As a result, the device performs information transmission using NW-A (CQI=131) and NW-B.

[0233] Alternatively, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 may notify the NW usage mode setting unit 180 of the information shown in Figure 34, and the NW usage mode setting unit 180 may set the information shown in Figure 34 on the device.

[0234] A device that receives the information shown in Figure 34 will, based on the priority information, basically use NW-A (CQI=131) and NW-B to transmit the information. If bandwidth is insufficient, it can use "NW-A (QCI=9)" or "both NW-A (QCI=9) and NW-C" in addition to NW-A (CQI=131) and NW-B.

[0235] When using both NW-A (QCI=9) and NW-C, you can alternate between them using a weighted round-robin approach. Note that, due to the weighting, one of the networks will have a longer usage time.

[0236] Furthermore, proactive control as in Example 2-1 may be performed at predetermined time intervals, or it may be performed when the network quality prediction result for the network currently in use changes above a predetermined threshold.

[0237] (Example 2-2) Next, we will describe Example 2-2. Example 2-2 describes an example in which the NW usage mode determination unit 160 changes the NW usage mode for a certain device (information transmission device 10) based on the time, device location, and NW quality measurement results (e.g., quality measured on the receiving side). In other words, Example 2-2 describes an example of reactive control.

[0238] In the process described in Example 2-2 below, it is assumed that time / location information and the NW quality measurement results acquired by the NW quality measurement unit 130 are temporarily stored in the storage unit 150, and the NW usage mode determination unit 160 reads this information from the storage unit 150 and uses it for determination. However, the process is not limited to this. The time / location information and the NW quality measurement results acquired by the NW quality measurement unit 130 may also be directly notified to the NW usage mode determination unit 160.

[0239] The efficiency of NW utilization resources in Example 2-2 is the same as in Example 2-1, as shown in Figure 32. Also, as in Example 2-1, when QoS control is performed with QCI=m, NW-X is described as NW-X(QCI:m).

[0240] Figure 35 shows an example of the information stored in the storage unit 150 in Example 2-2. As shown in Figure 35, the storage unit 150 stores past and current values ​​for device location, network quality measurement results, and network quality prediction results.

[0241] The above values ​​are for each network. Furthermore, for networks where QoS control is performed, the above values ​​are for each QCI. For example, at the current time (09:10:12.134), the network quality measurement result for NW-A (QCI=131) is 100Mbps, for NW-A (QCI=130) it is 50Mbps, and for NW-A (QCI=9) it is 5Mbps. Also, the network quality measurement result for NW-B is 5Mbps, and for NW-C it is 1Mbps.

[0242] In Example 2-2, the requirements / requests for the device subject to NW usage pattern determination are the same as in Example 2-1, and "Bandwidth requirement: 120Mbps, User request: NW-A priority, resource efficiency utilization orientation" is stored in the memory unit 150.

[0243] In Example 2-2, first, the device is assumed to be transmitting information using NW-A (QCI=131) and NW-B based on the determination and settings in Example 2-1.

[0244] Now, let's assume that at a given time, the network quality measurement result on NW-B has deteriorated from 25 Mbps to 5 Mbps, as shown in Figure 35. Such a situation could be caused, for example, by the device moving to the periphery of the NW-B area (cell) at that time, or by the presence of a tall building or other structure between the NW-B base station and the device. Alternatively, it could be that NW-B has become congested due to an increase in other devices in the NW-B area at that time.

[0245] For example, the NW usage mode determination unit 160 changes the NW usage mode when it detects that the NW quality falls below a certain threshold based on the NW quality measurement results. Here, the NW used for comparison with the threshold is the NW currently in use (in this example, NW-A (CQI=131) and NW-B), but is not limited to this.

[0246] In this example, for instance, assuming that the threshold value for the NW quality measurement result of NW-B is 10 Mbps, at the current time in FIG. 35, since the NW quality measurement result of NW-B is 5 Mbps, it is below the threshold value.

[0247] Therefore, based on the current NW quality, the NW usage form determination unit 160 changes the NW usage form candidate to the form as shown in FIG. 36.

[0248] As shown in FIG. 36, in this example, the determination result for "NW-A (QCI = 130)" changes from "0 Mbps (not used)" to "50 Mbps (priority 2)", and the determination result for "NW-B" changes from "20 Mbps (priority 2)" to "unlimited (weighted round robin (priority 5)".

[0249] That is, the information transmission mainly between NW-A (QCI = 131) and NW-B is switched to the information transmission mainly between NW-A (QCI = 131) and NW-A (QCI = 130).

[0250] Specifically, the determination result "utilize NW-A (QCI = 131) and NW-A (QCI = 130)" is notified from the NW usage form determination unit 160 (or the information setting determination unit 170) to the NW usage form setting unit 180, and "utilize NW-A (QCI = 131) and NW-A (QCI = 130)" is set for the device from the NW usage form setting unit 180.

[0251] Also, similar to Example 2-1, when the bandwidth is insufficient, in addition to NW-A (QCI = 131) and NW-A (QCI = 130), the device can use any one or a plurality or all of NW-A (QCI = 9), NW-C, and NW-A (QCI = 9) according to the priority.

[0252] The above changes to the network usage determination are just examples. For instance, if a device is using only one line, the change might involve switching from a best-effort line to a QoS-controlled priority line, or adding a QoS-controlled priority line (changing to the use of multiple lines).

[0253] (Example hardware configuration) The control device 100 described in the first and second embodiments can be realized, for example, by having a computer execute a program that describes the processing content described in this embodiment. This computer may be a physical computer or a virtual machine on the cloud.

[0254] In other words, the control device 100 can be realized by using hardware resources such as the CPU and memory built into the computer to execute a program corresponding to the processing performed by the device. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (such as portable memory), saved, and distributed. It can also be provided via a network such as the Internet or email.

[0255] Figure 37 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the computer described above. The computer in Figure 37 has a drive device 1000, an auxiliary storage device 1002, a memory device 1003, a CPU 1004, an interface device 1005, a display device 1006, an input device 1007, an output device 1008, etc., all of which are interconnected by a bus BS.

[0256] The program that enables processing on the computer is provided, for example, on a recording medium 1001 such as a CD-ROM or memory card. When the recording medium 1001 containing the program is set in the drive device 1000, the program is installed from the recording medium 1001 to the auxiliary storage device 1002 via the drive device 1000. However, the program does not necessarily have to be installed from the recording medium 1001; it may also be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 1002 stores the installed program as well as necessary files and data.

[0257] The memory device 1003 reads and stores a program from the auxiliary storage device 1002 when a program startup command is received. The CPU 1004 implements the functions related to the control device 100 according to the program stored in the memory device 1003. The interface device 1005 is used as an interface for connecting to a network, etc. The display device 1006 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) etc. generated by a program. The input device 1007 consists of a keyboard and mouse, buttons, or a touch panel etc., and is used to input various operation commands. The output device 1008 outputs the calculation results.

[0258] (Effects of the embodiment) The technology according to this embodiment makes it possible to proactively and reactively control the information transmission method. Specifically, it enables highly accurate reactive control based on analysis of the current situation based on past history, and highly accurate proactive control based on future predictions based on past / present analysis and schedules / plans.

[0259] <Note 1> With respect to the above embodiments, the following additional information is disclosed as Appendix 1. (Additional note 1) A determination unit that determines the network usage mode of a device based on predicted quality values ​​for information transmission and requirements for information transmission, The system comprises a setting unit that sets the network usage pattern determined by the determination unit to the device, The determination unit changes the network usage pattern based on the state of the network being used by the device or the state of the device. Control device. (Additional note 2) The determination unit determines the transmission quality of the information based on the predicted value regarding the quality of the information and the requirements regarding the quality of the information. The setting unit sets the transmission quality determined by the determination unit to the device. The control device described in Appendix 1. (Additional note 3) The determination unit determines the network usage pattern based on information about future plans that will affect the network. The control device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Additional note 4) The network usage configuration includes one or more networks used by the device, each network being assigned a priority, and the determination unit determines the usage ratio of each network based on the priority. A control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Additional note 5) The determination unit changes the priority for each network based on the status of the device. The control device described in Appendix 4. (Additional note 6) The aforementioned device is a mobile body that moves, The determination unit determines whether or not to perform the driving control on the device based on the measured or predicted value of the quality of the information after the change in the network usage pattern. If the determination unit determines that control related to the driving should be performed, the setting unit performs the control related to the driving on the device. A control device as described in any one of the appendices 1 through 5. (Additional note 7) A position acquisition unit that acquires position information of the device as the state of the device The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the above. (Claim 8) A control method executed by a control device, comprising: A determination step of determining a network usage mode of a device based on a predicted value of quality related to information transmission and requirements related to information transmission; A setting step of setting the network usage mode determined in the determination step in the device; A change step of changing the network usage mode based on the state of the network used by the device or the state of the device The control method comprising the above. (Claim 9) A non-temporary storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as each part in the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0260] <Appendix 2> (Claim 1) A determination unit that determines a network usage mode of a device based on a predicted value of network quality for each communication priority and requirements related to information transmission; A setting unit that sets the network usage mode determined by the determination unit in the device, The determination unit changes the network usage mode based on the quality measurement result for each communication priority of the network used by the device The control device. (Claim 2) The determination unit determines the transmission quality of the information based on a predicted value related to the quality of the information and requirements related to the quality of the information, The setting unit sets the transmission quality determined by the determination unit in the device The control device according to claim 1. (Claim 3) The determination unit determines the network usage pattern based on information about future plans that will affect the network. The control device described in Appendix 1. (Additional note 4) Each network subject to the determination of the network usage pattern is assigned a priority according to its communication priority, and the determination unit determines the usage ratio for each communication priority of each network based on the priority. The control device described in Appendix 1. (Additional note 5) The aforementioned device is a mobile body that moves, The determination unit determines whether or not to perform the driving control on the device based on the measured or predicted value of the quality of the information. If the determination unit determines that control related to the driving should be performed, the setting unit performs the control related to the driving on the device. The control device described in Appendix 1. (Additional note 6) Location acquisition unit that acquires location information of the aforementioned device The control device according to Appendix 1, further comprising: (Additional note 7) A control method performed by a control device, A determination step that determines the network usage pattern of a device based on predicted network quality values ​​for each communication priority and requirements for information transmission, A setting step to set the network usage pattern determined by the determination step to the device, Based on the quality measurement results for each communication priority of the network used by the device, a change step is taken to change the network usage pattern. A control method comprising the following features. (Additional note 8) A non-temporary storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as a component of a control device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 6.

[0261] Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention as described in the claims.

[0262] This patent application claims priority based on the international patent application PCT / JP2022 / 023862 filed on June 14, 2022, and the entire contents of the international patent application PCT / JP2022 / 023862 are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0263] A Mobile Unit 1A Communications Department 2A Automated Driving Unit 3A Camera B Mobile Unit Control 10. Information transmission device 20 Information receiving device 30 Information generation device 40 Information utilization device 100 Control device 110 NW Quality Measurement Unit 120 Information Quality Measurement Department 130 NW Quality Prediction Department 140 Information Quality Prediction Department 150 Storage section 160 NW usage type determination unit 170 Information setting judgment section 180 NW usage configuration setting section 190 Information Setting Section 200 Schedule / Plan DB 300 Past History / Current Status Database 1000 drive unit 1001 Recording media 1002 Auxiliary storage device 1003 Memory device 1004 CPU 1005 Interface device 1006 Display device 1007 Input device 1008 Output device

Claims

1. A network usage mode determination unit determines the network usage mode of a device based on predicted quality values ​​for information transmission and requirements for information transmission. The system includes a network usage configuration setting unit that sets the network usage configuration determined by the network usage configuration determination unit to the device, The network usage pattern determination unit changes the network usage pattern based on the state of the network being used by the device or the state of the device. Control device.

2. An information setting determination unit determines the information settings of a device based on predicted values ​​for the quality of information transmission, predicted values ​​for the quality of information, and requirements for information transmission. The system includes an information setting unit that sets the information setting determined by the information setting determination unit to the device, The information setting determination unit changes the information settings based on the network status used by the device, the status of the device, or the status of the information quality. Control device.

3. A network usage mode determination unit determines the network usage mode of a device based on predicted quality values ​​for information transmission and requirements for information transmission. A network usage configuration setting unit sets the network usage configuration determined by the network usage configuration determination unit to the device, An information setting determination unit determines the information settings of a device based on a predicted value for the quality of information transmission, a predicted value for the quality of information, requirements for information transmission, and the network usage form determined by the network usage form determination unit. The system includes an information setting unit that sets the information setting determined by the information setting determination unit to the device. Control device.

4. A network usage mode determination unit determines the network usage mode of a device based on predicted quality values ​​for information transmission and requirements for information transmission. An information setting determination unit determines the information settings of a device based on a predicted value for the quality of information transmission, a predicted value for the quality of information, requirements for information transmission, and the network usage form determined by the network usage form determination unit. A network usage configuration setting unit sets the network usage configuration, which is the basis for the information configuration determined by the information configuration determination unit, on the device. The system includes an information setting unit that sets the information setting determined by the information setting determination unit to the device, The network usage mode determination unit selects the network usage mode based on the state of the network being used by the device or the state of the device. The information setting determination unit changes the information settings and the network usage pattern based on the network status used by the device, the status of the device, or the quality of the information. Control device.

5. The network usage pattern determination unit determines the network usage pattern based on information about future plans that will affect the network. The control device according to claim 1, 3, or 4.

6. The network usage pattern includes one or more networks used by the device, each network being assigned a priority, and the network usage pattern determination unit determines the usage ratio of each network based on the priority. The control device according to claim 1, 3, or 4.

7. The aforementioned device is a mobile body that moves, The control device further includes a mobile control unit that determines whether or not to perform the driving control on the device based on the measured or predicted value of the quality of the information after the change in the network usage mode, and performs the driving control on the device if it is determined that the driving control should be performed. The control device according to claim 1, 3, or 4.

8. The network usage pattern determination unit determines the network usage pattern of the device based on the relationship between the determined network usage pattern, the predicted value of the quality of the information transmission, and the measurement results of the information transmission. The information setting determination unit determines the device's information setting based on the relationship between the determined information setting determination result, the predicted value regarding the quality of the information, and the measurement result regarding the quality of the information. The control device according to claim 3 or 4.

9. The network usage pattern determination unit determines the network usage pattern of the device based on the predicted quality of information transmission for each network communication priority at the device's predicted future location, and the requirements for information transmission. The control device according to claim 1, 3, or 4.

10. The network usage mode determination unit changes the network usage mode if the measured value of the quality of information transmission on the network used by the device falls below a predetermined threshold. The control device according to claim 1, 3, or 4.

11. A control method performed by a control device, A network usage mode determination step that determines the network usage mode of a device based on predicted quality values ​​for information transmission and requirements for information transmission, A network usage configuration setting step, which sets the network usage configuration determined in the network usage configuration determination step to the device, A change step to change the network usage pattern based on the network status used by the device, or the status of the device. A control method comprising the following features.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as a component of the control device described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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