Communication design support device, communication design support method, and program

Abstract

The communication design assistance device comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires point-group data on a structure and measurement data on radio wave intensity; a structure data generation unit that generates structure data indicating the shape and the material quality of the structure on the basis of a result of object recognition of the point-group data; a propagation loss calculation unit that calculates a propagation loss on the basis of the measurement data on the radio wave intensity in an environment including the structure; and an output unit that outputs data in which the structure data is associated with the propagation loss data.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for supporting the design of wireless communication in accordance with a user's intended use. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, as the importance of social transformation through digitalization has increased, the amount of communication on smartphones and other devices has increased, and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has connected a variety of things, making wireless communication a much more important part of our lives. On the other hand, various wireless communication standards have emerged to meet the diversifying applications of wireless communication, and the wireless frequency bands used have expanded from several hundred MHz to several tens of GHz, making it necessary to use radio waves with different characteristics and various wireless communication standards according to the situation. In such a complex heterogeneous wireless communication environment, it would be ideal for users to be able to use the appropriate wireless communication standard at any time in a natural way without being aware of it. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Wireless Network Optimization Technology: SON, July 2011, https: / / www.fujitsu.com / downloads / JP / archive / imgjp / jmag / vol62-4 / paper15.pdf Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the quality of wireless communication changes from moment to moment depending on the situation, and the quality may not be stable due to the influence of the surrounding environment such as the user and the base station. Therefore, technology to support the design of wireless communication is required to enable wireless communication with optimal quality according to the user's purpose.

[0005] The disclosed technology aims to support the design of wireless communication in accordance with the user's intended use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The disclosed technology is In the communication environment Point cloud data of structures and Each point in the communication environment An acquisition unit that acquires measurement data of radio wave intensity, a structure data generation unit that generates structure data indicating the shape and material of the structure based on the result of object recognition of the point cloud data, and The above communication use In The above Based on the measurement data of radio wave strength, The above locations Propagation Loss data and an output unit that outputs data in which the structure data and the propagation loss data are associated with each other. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to assist the user in designing wireless communication in accordance with their intended use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an overall configuration of a communication design support system and an example of a functional configuration of a communication design support device; [Diagram 2] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication design support process. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a 3D CAD data generation process. [Figure 4] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a ray tracing model tuning process. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a statistical model tuning process. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an environment label selection process based on threshold value judgment. [Figure 7]13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a learning process of a classifier. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an environment label selection process based on classifier determination. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a frequency correction process. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication design support process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a communication design support process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication design support process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication design support process according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication design support process according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication design support process according to the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is merely an example, and the embodiment to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0010] A communication design support system 1 according to this embodiment is a system that supports communication design work in various processes such as introduction, investigation, and proposal of a wireless communication system.

[0011] (Example of overall configuration of communication design support system 1) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a communication design support system and an example of the functional configuration of a communication design support device. The communication design support system 1 includes a communication design support device 10, an imaging device 20, a distance measuring device 30, and a wireless communication device 40.

[0012] The communication design support device 10 includes a site survey unit 11 , an environment label selection unit 12 , a data processing unit 13 , a radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 , and a propagation model storage unit 15 .

[0013] The photographing device 20 is, for example, a camera, which photographs the communication utilization environment to obtain image data and transmits the image data to the communication design support device 10.

[0014] The distance measuring device 30 is, for example, a sensor, LiDAR, or the like, and measures the distance between installed objects, inner walls, and the like in the communication usage environment, and transmits the measurement data to the communication design support device 10.

[0015] The wireless communication device 40 performs wireless communication in a communication utilization environment, acquires information indicating wireless communication characteristics such as reception power, and transmits the information to the communication design support device 10.

[0016] (Example of functional configuration of communication design support device 10) The communication design support device 10 includes a site survey unit 11 , an environment label selection unit 12 , a data processing unit 13 , a radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 , and a propagation model storage unit 15 .

[0017] The propagation model storage unit 15 stores a propagation model that specifies the process of estimating the radio wave intensity of wireless communication. The propagation model uses various models such as a ray trace model 101 and a statistical model 102. The propagation model storage unit 15 may store either the ray trace model 101 or the statistical model 102, or may store both and select one of them for use.

[0018] The ray tracing model 101 is a type of propagation model that estimates radio wave intensity by a method called the ray tracing method, which simulates an image observed at a certain point by tracing radio waves.

[0019] The statistical model 102 is a type of propagation model that estimates radio wave intensity by statistical calculation based on the distance between a transmitter and a receiver, the electric field intensity, and the like.

[0020] The site survey unit 11 acquires various information from the imaging device 20, the distance measuring device 30, the wireless communication device 40, etc., and generates data indicating the structure of buildings, installations, etc. in the communication usage environment, such as 3DCAD (Three Dimensional Computer Aided Design) data.

[0021] The environment label selection unit 12 selects an environment label to be assigned to the propagation model based on various information acquired from the image capture device 20, the distance measurement device 30, the wireless communication device 40, etc., and data indicating the structure generated by the site survey unit 11. The environment label is data indicating a classification of the characteristics of the communication environment.

[0022] The data processing unit 13 tunes various propagation models stored in the propagation model storage unit 15 by applying techniques such as machine learning.

[0023] The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 estimates the radio wave intensity in the communication usage environment to be designed by applying various propagation models.

[0024] Next, the basic operation of the communication design support system 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a communication design support process. Note that specific operations corresponding to various use cases will be described in Examples 1 to 4 described later.

[0025] In response to user operations, etc., the communication design support device 10 starts the communication design support process. The site survey unit 11 acquires relative coordinate information, point cloud data, and radio wave intensity data based on data received from each device (step S11). The relative coordinate information is information indicating the relative positional relationship of objects, facilities, etc. in the communication usage environment. The point cloud data is data indicating the three-dimensional coordinates of a large number of points that represent the surface position and shape of objects in the communication usage environment. The radio wave intensity data is data indicating the strength of wireless radio waves at each point in the communication usage environment.

[0026] For example, the site survey unit 11 applies a technique such as SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to the image captured by the imaging device 20 or the measurement data measured by the distance measuring device 30 to obtain information indicating the coordinates of the object, facility, etc. to be designed as relative coordinate information. Note that the site survey unit 11 may simply receive the relative coordinate information to which a technique such as SLAM has been applied.

[0027] Furthermore, the site survey unit 11 acquires point cloud data by analyzing images captured by the image capturing device 20. Note that the site survey unit 11 may simply receive point cloud data as a result of image analysis.

[0028] In addition, the site survey unit 11 extracts radio wave intensity data from the measurement data received from the wireless communication device 40.

[0029] Next, the site survey unit 11 converts the radio wave intensity data into propagation loss data (step S12). For example, the site survey unit 11 calculates the propagation loss PL by the following formula (1).

[0030] Propagation loss PL = power output Pt - transmission power loss Lt + transmission antenna gain Gt + reception antenna gain Gr - reception power loss Lr - radio wave intensity Pr (1)

[0031] The value on the right side of equation (1) is included in the measurement data received from wireless communication device 40.

[0032] Next, the site survey unit 11 converts the point cloud data into 3D CAD data (step S13). The 3D CAD data is data that represents the shape of an object using a three-dimensional coordinate system. The processing from step S11 to step S13 does not have to be in this order. Details of these processing will be described later.

[0033] Next, the environment label selection unit 12 selects an environment label to be assigned to the propagation model based on the set of 3D CAD data having coordinate information and propagation loss data (step S14). Specifically, the environment label selection unit 12 extracts features (for example, structure density when the communication usage environment is a factory) from the 3D CAD data with reference to past models, and selects an environment label to be assigned by threshold judgment. The environment label selection unit 12 may also select an environment label to be assigned using a classification-type machine learning device with an automatic propagation environment identification function. Details of these processes will be described later.

[0034] It should be noted that the propagation model may be different for each environmental label. In this case, the selection of the environmental label to be added may be considered as the selection of the propagation model.

[0035] Next, the data processing unit 13 uses the propagation loss data to tune the parameters of the propagation model (step S15). Specifically, the data processing unit 13 updates the parameters of the ray tracing model 101 and the statistical model 102. By tuning to a propagation model that is appropriate for the communication usage environment, it is possible to improve the estimation accuracy of the radio wave intensity. The process of step S15 will be described in detail later.

[0036] Next, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 receives the frequency band of the estimation system and calculates the propagation loss PL for the distance (step S16). The estimation system is a system of the communication usage environment to be estimated. Specifically, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 inputs the frequency band into a propagation model (ray tracing model 101 or statistical model 102) to which an environment label is assigned, and calculates the propagation loss PL by performing a simulation. Then, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio wave intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL using the following formula (2) (step S17).

[0037] Radio wave strength Pr = power output Pt - transmission power loss Lt + transmission antenna gain Gt + reception antenna gain Gr - reception power loss Lr - propagation loss PL (2)

[0038] Next, the process of each of the above steps will be described in detail.

[0039] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the 3D CAD data generation process, which is a detailed explanation of the processes from step S11 to step S13 described above.

[0040] The site survey unit 11 collects measurement data from each device (step S21). Next, the site survey unit 11 executes the first to third process flows in parallel. The site survey unit 11 may process all or some of the first to third process flows in any order.

[0041] In the first process flow, the site survey unit 11 merges the point cloud data (step S221). Specifically, when the site survey unit 11 acquires point cloud data from multiple devices, it translates and rotates the coordinates from the positions of three reference markers to match the respective coordinate systems, and then merges the data. Next, the site survey unit 11 separates layers of ceilings, floors, walls, and other structures from the distribution of the point cloud (step S222). This is because the distribution of the amount of acquired point cloud data differs with respect to the surface area.

[0042] The site survey unit 11 filters the point cloud data (step S223). Specifically, the site survey unit 11 performs filtering by downsampling using a "Voxel Grid Filter" or the like. If the collected measurement data is image data, the site survey unit 11 may model the pixels of the image as equivalent to the point cloud. Next, the site survey unit 11 divides the point cloud into structures by a region growing method (step S224).

[0043] Then, the site survey unit 11 recognizes objects using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and assigns typical material information of the recognized objects (step S225). Next, the site survey unit 11 executes plane detection using Random sample consensus (RANSAC) (step S234). In the process of step S234, the site survey unit 11 may subdivide the plane into surface elements using Delaunay triangulation after detecting the plane. This first process flow generates 3D CAD data indicating various structures including structures associated with the building such as ceilings, floors, and walls, and installations inside the building.

[0044] In the second process flow, the site survey unit 11 calculates the average received power for each measurement point based on the measurement data such as the received radio wave intensity (step S231). Then, the site survey unit 11 converts the average received power into receiving antenna terminal power (step S232), subtracts the gain of the receiving antenna (step S233) and the transmission EIRP (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power) (step S234), and converts it into propagation loss data.

[0045] As a third process flow, the site survey unit 11 executes extraction of coordinate data by SLAM (step S241).

[0046] The site survey unit 11 integrates the results of the first to third processing flows to obtain a set of 3D CAD data having coordinate information and propagation loss data (step S25).

[0047] Conventional propagation simulations used in area design estimate propagation characteristics using CAD data of buildings, structures, etc. However, in indoor environments such as factories, data showing the layout of structures may not be available, and in such cases it was necessary to manually create a CAD of the environment.

[0048] In contrast, according to the communication design support device 10 of the present embodiment, 3D CAD data is automatically generated based on measurement data, making it possible to design wireless communication without relying on the skills of the user.

[0049] In addition, the site survey unit 11 can also be said to include an acquisition unit that acquires point cloud data of the structure and measurement data of radio wave intensity, a structure data generation unit that performs object recognition and material determination of the point cloud data to generate structure data indicating the shape and material of the structure, a propagation loss calculation unit that calculates propagation loss based on the measurement data of radio wave intensity in the environment including the structure, and an output unit that outputs data that corresponds the structure data and the propagation loss data.

[0050] Structure data indicating the shape and material of a structure includes information related to the quality of wireless communication, and is therefore suitable for wireless communication propagation simulation.

[0051] It can also be said that the site survey unit 11 further includes an extraction unit that executes extraction of coordinate data by SLAM.

[0052] Next, the details of the process of step S15 of the communication design support process will be described. In step S15, the data processing unit 13 tunes the ray tracing model 101 or the statistical model .

[0053] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the ray tracing model tuning process.

[0054] The data processing unit 13 acquires a set of 3D CAD data having coordinate information acquired by the process of step S26 of the above-mentioned 3D CAD data generation process and propagation loss data (step S31). meas In addition, when the frequency band of the wireless standard to be measured differs from the frequency band of the wireless standard to be estimated, the data processing unit 13 must estimate the frequency characteristics, and the PL meas It is necessary to obtain propagation loss data for two or more different frequency bands.

[0055] The data processing unit 13 calculates the electric field intensity E for each relative coordinate by ray tracing based on the following equation (step S32).

[0056]

number

[0057] Next, the data processing unit 13 calculates the propagation loss PL from the electric field strength E based on the following formula: pred Calculate (step S33).

[0058]

number

[0059] Next, the data processing unit 13 calculates a parameter ρ that minimizes the optimization function at each coordinate (step S34). The optimization function is, for example, Σ(PL meas -PL pred ) 2 When estimating the frequency characteristics, PL meas uses propagation loss data from two or more different frequency bands.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the statistical model tuning process.

[0061] The data processing unit 13 acquires a set of 3D CAD data having coordinate information acquired by the process of step S26 of the above-mentioned 3D CAD data generation process and propagation loss data (step S41). meas In addition, when the frequency band of the wireless standard to be measured differs from the frequency band of the wireless standard to be estimated, the data processing unit 13 needs to estimate the frequency characteristics. meas is propagation loss data for two or more different frequency bands.

[0062] Next, the data processing unit 13 calculates the transmission / reception distance d for each relative coordinate (step S42). Then, the data processing unit 13 calculates the propagation loss PL pred Calculate (step S43).

[0063] PL pred =10αlog 10 d+γ+10βlog 10 f

[0064] Here, the parameter β has frequency characteristics and is a correction coefficient for correcting the frequency characteristics.

[0065] Next, the data processing unit 13 calculates parameters α, β, and γ that minimize the optimization function at each coordinate (step S44). meas is propagation loss data for two or more different frequency bands.

[0066] Conventional radio wave strength estimation in area design has the problem that it is not possible to evaluate location-specific characteristics because it uses typical values ​​of each parameter calculated based on measurement data in various environments. In addition, there is a problem that it is limited to evaluating characteristics of the frequency band of the wireless standard because it is tuned to the measurement data of the wireless standard.

[0067] According to the communication design support device 10 of this embodiment, the results of a simulation based on a set of relative coordinates, 3D CAD data, and propagation loss data obtained by a site survey, and propagation loss data obtained in the usage environment are used to optimize the ray tracing parameters (effective reflection coefficients) or each coefficient of a statistical model using the estimated accuracy of radio wave intensity as an index, and the propagation model is tuned according to the usage environment. This makes it possible to evaluate the characteristics of different frequency bands and locations.

[0068] It can also be said that the data processing unit 13 includes an acquisition unit that acquires data in which structure data including coordinate data is associated with data indicating propagation loss, and a parameter update unit that updates parameters of a propagation model based on the acquired data. The parameter update unit calculates the electric field strength by applying the propagation model, and updates the parameters to those that minimize the propagation loss based on the calculated electric field strength, thereby reflecting the frequency characteristics.

[0069] Next, the details of the process of step S14 of the communication design support process will be described. In step S14, the environment label selection unit 12 tunes the ray tracing model 101 or the statistical model 102.

[0070] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the environment label selection process based on threshold value judgment.

[0071] The environment label selection unit 12 acquires a set of 3D CAD data having coordinate information acquired by the process of step S26 of the above-mentioned 3D CAD data generation process and propagation loss data (step S51). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S52). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S53). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the predefined thresholds X0 and X, the base station antenna height H BS The label is assigned by comparing with H (step S53). Specifically, the label is determined as follows.

[0072] (1) X0 > X, H BS When <H, low density - high clutter model (2) X0 > X, H BS > H, low density - low clutter model (3) X0 < X, H BS < H, high density - high clutter model (4) X0 < X, H BS > H, high density - low clutter model

[0073] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the learning process of the classifier. The environment label selection unit 12 acquires a set of 3D CAD data with coordinate information and propagation loss data obtained at a plurality of locations (step S61). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two - dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and the average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S62). Subsequently, the environment label selection unit 12 generates a set of propagation loss PL, two - dimensional occupancy rate X (%), and average height H (m) for each location (step S63). Then, the environment label selection unit 12 generates a classifier by classification - type machine learning and assigns labels to the generated groups (step S64). The method of machine learning may be any classification - type learner, for example, the k - nearest neighbor method, SVM (support vector machine), linear discriminant method, etc.

[0074] Using the classifier learned in this way, the environment label selection unit 12 selects an environment label. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the environment label selection process by classifier determination.

[0075] The environment label selection unit 12 acquires a set of 3D CAD data having coordinate information and propagation loss data acquired at a location to be estimated (step S71). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S72). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 inputs the set of the propagation loss PL, the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%), and the average height H (m) to a classifier (step S73). Then, the environment label selection unit 12 determines which label the data set of the location to be estimated belongs to (step S74).

[0076] There are various propagation models for propagation characteristics, such as multi-reflection propagation and two-wave model, depending on the usage environment (location, antenna height, frequency, etc.). In conventional practical use, users had to select an appropriate model from a variety of models based on the propagation measurement results, but even experts took time to select, and it was difficult for ordinary people to distinguish in the first place.

[0077] According to the communication design support device 10 of this embodiment, by assigning an environment label according to the usage environment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as selecting a propagation model suited to the usage environment.

[0078] In addition, the environment label selection unit 12 can also be said to include an acquisition unit that acquires data that associates structure data including coordinate data with data indicating propagation loss, and a selection unit that selects data indicating a classification of the characteristics of the communication environment in the structure indicated in the structure data based on the acquired data.

[0079] In addition, the acquisition unit further acquires information indicating the antenna height of the base station, and the selection unit calculates the occupancy rate of the structures and statistical values ​​of the structure heights, and selects data indicating a classification of the characteristics of the communication environment based on the comparison results between the occupancy rate and a predetermined threshold value and the comparison results between the antenna height and the statistical values.

[0080] The selection unit may also calculate statistics of the occupancy rate of structures and the height of structures, input the calculated values ​​to a classifier, and select data indicating a classification of the characteristics of the communication environment.

[0081] It can also be said that the environment label selection unit 12 further includes a learning unit that learns a classifier by classification-type machine learning.

[0082] Next, the process of step S16 of the communication design support process will be described in detail. In step S16, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the propagation loss PL.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the frequency correction process.

[0084] The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 inputs the frequency band of the estimation system to the propagation model tuned by the data processing unit 13 (step S81), and obtains the propagation loss output from the propagation model (step S82).

[0085] Conventionally, when conducting an area assessment for a newly installed system, one method would be to temporarily install the new system and conduct a site survey. However, for wireless standards that require a license, it is difficult to conduct a site survey, and there was a problem that area assessment based on the survey results could not be performed in advance.

[0086] According to the communication design support device 10 of this embodiment, sensed channel data of an existing system (for example, a wireless standard that does not require a license) is calibrated to propagation loss, and a parameter having frequency dependency in ray tracing or a statistical model (for example, reflection coefficient in ray tracing) is tuned (tuned by the data processing unit 13). Then, a frequency of a new system (for example, a wireless standard that requires a license) is input to the tuned ray tracing model 101 or statistical model 102, and the propagation loss is simulated, thereby making it possible to estimate radio wave intensity.

[0087] In addition, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 can also be said to include an acquisition unit that acquires data that associates structure data including coordinate data with data indicating propagation losses in multiple frequency bands, an input receiving unit that receives input of a frequency band for which radio wave intensity is to be estimated, and an estimation unit that inputs the frequency band into a propagation model to estimate the propagation loss.

[0088] Furthermore, in order to speed up the estimation process when estimating the radio wave intensity based on the ray tracing model, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 may obtain a two-dimensional ray trace from the transmission point to the reception point of the radio wave, and obtain a three-dimensional ray trace corresponding to the two-dimensional ray trace using height information of the transmission point and the reception point. This makes it possible to search for the main rays, and speed up the process while suppressing deterioration of accuracy compared to obtaining a three-dimensional ray trace from the beginning.

[0089] Furthermore, when estimating the radio wave intensity based on a ray tracing model, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 may convert data indicating the width, height, shape, position, etc. of each surface of an object (structure, building, etc.) in the target area into two-dimensional mesh data. Mesh data has an image data format, and therefore has the characteristic that it can be read and processed at high speed using a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).

[0090] The communication design support device 10 can be said to include a propagation model storage unit that stores a propagation model, an acquisition unit that acquires point cloud data of structures and measurement data of radio wave intensity in multiple frequency bands, a parameter update unit that updates parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data, and an estimation unit that estimates propagation loss based on the propagation model. This makes it possible to realize communication design that does not rely on the skills of the user.

[0091] (Hardware configuration example) The communication design support device 10 according to this embodiment can be realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a program in which the processing contents described in this embodiment are described.

[0092] The above program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (such as a portable memory) and can be stored or distributed. The above program can also be provided via a network such as the Internet or e-mail.

[0093] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the computer. The computer in Fig. 10 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., which are all connected to each other via a bus B.

[0094] The program for realizing the processing on the computer is provided by a recording medium 1001 such as a CD-ROM or a memory card. When the recording medium 1001 storing 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, but may be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 1002 stores the installed program as well as necessary files, data, etc.

[0095] The memory device 1003 reads out and stores the program from the auxiliary storage device 1002 when an instruction to start the program is received. The CPU 1004 realizes the functions related to each unit described in this embodiment according to the program stored in the memory device 1003. The interface device 1005 is used as an interface for connecting to a network. The display device 1006 displays a GUI or the like according to a program. The input device 1007 is composed of a keyboard and mouse, buttons, a touch panel, or the like, and is used to input various operation instructions. The output device 1008 outputs the calculation results. Note that the communication design support device 10 may not include either or both of the display device 1006 and the input device 1007.

[0096] Hereinafter, as specific examples of the technology according to the present embodiment, examples 1 to 6 will be described. Note that each of examples 1 to 6 can be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0097] Example 1 In the first embodiment, the purpose is to automate the on-site survey work, and the on-site person in charge takes photographs, acquires Lidar data, and measures the radio wave intensity of the wireless standard for measurement while moving around the site using a tablet terminal such as a smartphone. The communication design support device 10 creates and displays 3D CAD data from the measurement results.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication design support process according to the first embodiment.

[0099] A user such as a local staff member inputs account information and information indicating a wireless standard. For example, the user inputs account information and inputs information such as 2.4GHz WLAN, 5GHz WLAN, and 60GHz WiGig as wireless standards for measurement. The site survey unit 11 acquires relative coordinate information, point cloud data, and radio wave intensity data based on the input information (step S91). Note that the point cloud data, radio wave intensity, and coordinates are acquired by different modules, so they are matched by time stamps. Next, the site survey unit 11 converts the radio wave intensity data into propagation loss data based on the wireless standard information by referring to a conversion table of the measurement device's received power-receiving antenna end power, transmitted EIRP information, and the like (step S92). Next, the site survey unit 11 converts the point cloud data into 3D CAD data (step S93).

[0100] Next, the site survey unit 11 displays a set of the 3D CAD data having the coordinate information and the propagation loss data (step S94).

[0101] Field staff or sales / SE staff can refer to or call up the created 3D CAD data and propagation loss data sets and use them in their designs.

[0102] Example 2 In the second embodiment, an example is shown in which an on-site person in charge simply estimates the propagation quality of a wireless standard different from that at the time of measurement based on the measurement result of the wireless standard used for measurement, and uses the estimation of the facility size and the like.

[0103] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication design support process according to the second embodiment.

[0104] A user such as a field staff member inputs an estimated base station position, terminal station design conditions (e.g., position information, etc.), wireless standard and account information used for measurement and estimation. For example, the user inputs account information, inputs information such as 2.4GHzWLAN, 5GHzWLAN, 60GHzWiGig as wireless standards for measurement, and inputs information such as 4.8GHzL5G, 28GHzL5G as wireless standards for estimation.

[0105] The environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S101). Next, the ... BS and H, and assigns a label (step S102). Here, in the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14, the statistical model and the ray tracing model are significantly different in the calculation time and the characteristics of the propagation quality information output. The ray tracing model can estimate the propagation loss for each location, while the statistical model can only estimate the change in the propagation loss with respect to the distance. However, the ray tracing model is characterized in that it requires more calculation time than the statistical model. Therefore, the statistical model is used when estimating the facility size, etc., simply on-site. The data processing unit 13 uses the propagation loss data to tune the parameters of the statistical model (step S103). Next, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 receives the base station-terminal distance and the frequency band of the estimation system and calculates the propagation loss PL with respect to the distance (step S104). The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio wave intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S105).

[0106] In addition, the local staff or sales / system engineers can carry out design or estimates based on the estimated radio wave strength Pr.

[0107] Example 3 In the third embodiment, an example is shown in which a wireless equipment operation and design engineer estimates the propagation quality of a wireless standard different from that at the time of measurement for each specified terminal station position based on the measurement result of the wireless standard used for measurement, and designs wireless parameters.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication design support process according to the third embodiment.

[0109] A user such as a local person in charge inputs estimated base station and terminal station design conditions (e.g., location information, etc.), wireless standards to be used for measurement and estimation, and account information. For example, the user inputs account information, inputs information such as 2.4 GHz WLAN, 5 GHz WLAN, and 60 GHz WiGig as wireless standards for measurement, and inputs information such as 4.8 GHz L5G and 28 GHz L5G as wireless standards for estimation.

[0110] The environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S111). Next, the ... BS and H and assign a label (step S112). Here, in the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14, in order to use a ray trace model that can estimate for each terminal station position, the data processing unit 13 uses the propagation loss data to tune the parameters of the ray trace model (step S113). Next, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 receives inputs of the base station-terminal distance and the frequency band of the estimation system, and calculates the propagation loss PL for the distance (step S114). The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio wave intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S115).

[0111] In addition, the person in charge of operation and design of wireless equipment can design wireless parameters based on the estimated radio field strength Pr.

[0112] Example 4 In the fourth embodiment, an example will be shown in which a local person or a sales / system engineer determines in advance whether or not a system change is required during the wireless standard operation phase in an indoor local area.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication design support process according to the fourth embodiment.

[0114] The site survey unit 11 acquires relative coordinate information, point cloud data, and radio wave intensity data (step S121). Next, the site survey unit 11 converts the radio wave intensity data into propagation loss data (step S122). Next, the site survey unit 11 converts the point cloud data into 3D CAD data (step S123). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structures from the 3D CAD data (step S124). The ... based on the predetermined thresholds X0 and X, the base station antenna height H BS and H and assigns a label (step S125).

[0115] Here, in order for the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 to use a statistical model with a short calculation time, the data processing unit 13 uses the propagation loss data to tune the parameters of the statistical model (step S126). Next, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 receives the base station-terminal distance and the frequency band of the estimation system, and calculates the propagation loss PL for the distance (step S127). The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio wave intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S128).

[0116] Instead of the above-mentioned processes from step S121 to step S123, the communication design support device 10 may use 3D CAD data of the corresponding area manually edited by the user. The site survey unit 11 may have a function of accepting editing of the 3D CAD data by the user.

[0117] Based on the estimated radio wave strength Pr, local staff or sales / system engineers can determine whether or not design changes are required for the wireless standard currently in operation.

[0118] Example 5 In the fifth embodiment, an example will be described in which the propagation quality of a new wireless standard is estimated when an indoor local area is newly established (in a factory, etc.).

[0119] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a communication design support process according to the fifth embodiment.

[0120] A user such as a local person in charge or a sales / system engineer creates 3D CAD data from layout data of the new environment and starts the environment label selection unit 12 .

[0121] The environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S131). The environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S131). BS and H and assigns a label (step S132).

[0122] Then, in response to the user's operation, the data processing unit 13 extracts the accumulated measurement data of the corresponding label (step S133). Here, since the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 uses a statistical model with a fast calculation time, the data processing unit 13 tunes the parameters of the statistical model using the propagation loss data (step S134). Next, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 receives inputs of the base station-terminal distance and the frequency band of the estimation system, and calculates the propagation loss PL for the distance (step S135). The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio wave intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S136).

[0123] Based on the estimated radio wave strength Pr, local staff or sales / system engineers can estimate the propagation quality of the new wireless standard and use it for quotations, sales, design, etc.

[0124] Example 6 In the sixth embodiment, when an indoor local area is newly established (such as in a factory), if there is no layout data and it is not possible to measure the wireless standard, the propagation quality of the wireless standard is estimated and used for estimating the facility size and the like.

[0125] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a communication design support process according to the sixth embodiment.

[0126] A field staff member or a sales / system engineer manually creates a typical indoor local area environment as 3D CAD data, and starts the environment label selection unit 12 .

[0127] The environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S141). The environment label selection unit 12 calculates the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%) and average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S141). BS and H and assign a label (step S142). Next, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the propagation loss PL using a ray tracing model that allows estimation for each terminal station position (step S143).

[0128] Next, the data processing unit 13 uses the calculated propagation loss data to tune the parameters of the statistical model (step S144). Next, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 receives the base station-terminal distance and the frequency band of the estimation system, and calculates the propagation loss PL for the distance (step S145). The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio wave intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S146).

[0129] Furthermore, when establishing a new indoor local area (such as in a factory), if there is no layout data and it is not possible to measure the wireless standard, on-site staff or sales / system engineers can estimate the propagation quality of the wireless standard and make estimates for the size of the equipment, etc.

[0130] (Effects of the embodiment) According to the technology of this embodiment, it becomes possible to support the design of wireless communication according to various user purposes as in Example 1 to Example 6. Each functional unit (site survey unit 11, environment label selection unit 12, data processing unit 13, and radio wave intensity estimation unit 14) of the communication design support device 10 executes a function appropriately selected according to a user operation as shown in each of Examples 1 to 6.

[0131] (Summary of the embodiment) This specification discloses at least the following communication design support device, communication design support method, and program. (Section 1) An acquisition unit that acquires point cloud data of a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensity; a structure data generation unit that generates structure data indicating a shape and a material of the structure based on a result of object recognition of the point cloud data; a propagation loss calculation unit that calculates a propagation loss based on measurement data of radio wave intensity in an environment including the structure; and an output unit that outputs data in which the structure data and the propagation loss data are associated with each other. Communication design support equipment. (Section 2) The structure data generation unit identifies the shape and material of the structure by plane detection. 2. A communication design support device according to claim 1. (Section 3) the structure data generation unit detects a plane and then subdivides the plane into surface elements by Delaunay triangulation; 3. A communication design support device according to claim 2. (Section 4) An extraction unit is further provided for extracting coordinate data based on photographed data of the structure, The output unit outputs data in which the structure data including coordinate data and the propagation loss data are associated with each other. 4. A communication design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. (Section 5) A computer-implemented communication design support method, comprising: A step of acquiring point cloud data of a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensity; generating structure data indicating a shape and a material of the structure based on a result of object recognition of the point cloud data; Calculating a propagation loss based on measurement data of radio wave intensity in an environment including the structure; and outputting data in which the structure data and the propagation loss data are associated with each other. Communication design support method. (Section 6) A program for causing a computer to function as the communication design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0132] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to such a specific embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1. Communication design support system 10 Communication design support equipment 11 Site Survey Department 12 Environmental Label Selection Section 13 Data Processing Department 14 Radio wave strength estimation unit 15 Propagation model memory section 20 Imaging Equipment 30 Ranging device 40 Wireless communication devices 101 Raytrace Model 102 Statistical Models 1000 Drive Device 1001 Recording media 1002 Auxiliary storage 1003 Memory device 1004 CPU 1005 Interface device 1006 Display device 1007 Input Device 1008 Output device

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires point cloud data of structures in a communication usage environment and measurement data of radio wave intensity at each point in the communication usage environment; a structure data generation unit that generates structure data indicating a shape and a material of the structure based on a result of object recognition of the point cloud data; a propagation loss calculation unit that calculates propagation loss data for each point based on measurement data of the radio wave intensity in the communication usage environment including the structure; and an output unit that outputs data in which the structure data and the propagation loss data are associated with each other. Communication design support equipment.

2. A selection unit that selects a propagation model according to characteristics of a communication usage environment from different propagation models based on data that associates the structure data with the propagation loss data; a data processing unit that uses the propagation loss data to tune parameters of the propagation model according to characteristics of the communication usage environment; a signal strength estimation unit that estimates signal strength in the communication usage environment by applying the propagation model in which the parameters have been tuned; The communication design support device according to claim 1 .

3. The structure data generation unit identifies the shape and material of the structure by plane detection. The communication design support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the structure data generation unit detects a plane and then subdivides the plane into surface elements by Delaunay triangulation; The communication design support device according to claim 3.

5. An extraction unit is further provided for extracting coordinate data based on photographed data of the structure, The output unit outputs data in which the structure data including coordinate data and the propagation loss data are associated with each other. The communication design support device according to claim 1 .

6. A computer-implemented communication design support method, comprising: A step of acquiring point cloud data of structures in a communication usage environment and measurement data of radio wave intensity at each point in the communication usage environment; generating structure data indicating a shape and a material of the structure based on a result of object recognition of the point cloud data; Calculating propagation loss data for each point based on measurement data of the radio wave intensity in the communication usage environment including the structure; and outputting data in which the structure data and the propagation loss data are associated with each other. Communication design support method.

7. A program for causing a computer to function as the communication design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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