Communication Design Support Device, Communication Design Support Method, and Program

Abstract

This communication design assistance device comprises: a propagation model storage unit for storing a propagation model; an acquisition unit for acquiring point group data for a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensity in a plurality of frequency bands; a parameter updating unit for updating a parameter in the propagation model on the basis of the acquired data; and an estimation unit for estimating a propagation loss on the basis of the propagation model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for assisting the design of wireless communication according to the usage purpose of a user.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as the importance of social transformation due to digitization has increased, the traffic of smartphones and the like has increased, and with the development of IoT (Internet of Things), various devices are connected, and the role played by wireless communication has been significantly enhanced in all aspects of life. On the other hand, various wireless communication standards have emerged according to the diversified applications of wireless communication, and the wireless frequency bands used have also expanded to high frequency bands from several 100 MHz to several 10 GHz. It has become necessary to appropriately use radio waves in frequency bands with different characteristics and various wireless communication standards according to the situation. In such a complex heterogeneous wireless communication environment, it is ideal that an appropriate wireless communication standard can be used at any time with a natural sense of use without the user being aware of it.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] The disclosed technology aims to assist in the design of wireless communication according to the user's usage purpose.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The disclosed technology includes a propagation model storage unit that stores a propagation model, an acquisition unit that acquires point cloud data of a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensities in a plurality of frequency bands, a parameter update unit that updates the parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data, an estimation unit that estimates propagation loss based on the propagation model, An output unit that outputs data in which structure data and data indicating propagation loss are associated with each other based on the point group data and the measurement data; The parameter update unit updates the parameters of the propagation model based on the output data. It is a communication design support device.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the disclosed technology, it becomes possible to assist in the design of wireless communication according to the user's usage purpose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments (the present embodiment) of the present invention 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 following embodiments.

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

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

[0012] The communication design support apparatus 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 apparatus 20 is, for example, a camera or the like, photographs the communication usage environment to acquire image data, and transmits it to the communication design support apparatus 10.

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

[0015] The wireless communication apparatus 40 performs wireless communication in the communication usage environment, acquires information indicating wireless communication identification such as received power, and transmits it to the communication design support apparatus 10.

[0016] (Functional Configuration Example of Communication Design Support Apparatus 10) The communication design support apparatus 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 defines a process for estimating the radio wave intensity of wireless communication. The propagation model uses various models such as a ray tracing model 101 and a statistical model 102. Note that the propagation model storage unit 15 may store either the ray tracing model 101 or the statistical model 102, store both, and select and use either one.

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

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

[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, for example, 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 imaging device 20, the distance measuring device 30, the wireless communication device 40, etc., data indicating the structure generated by the site survey unit 11, etc. The environment label is data indicating the classification of the characteristics of the communication environment.

[0022] The data processing unit 13 applies techniques such as machine learning to tune various propagation models stored in the propagation model storage unit 15.

[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 the communication design support process. Specific operations according to various use cases will be described in Examples 1 to 4 described later.

[0025] In response to a user operation or the like, the communication design support apparatus 10 starts communication design support processing. The site survey unit 11 acquires relative coordinate information, point cloud data, and radio wave intensity data based on the 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 representing the position and shape of the surface of an object in the communication usage environment. The radio wave intensity data is data indicating the intensity of 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, and acquires information indicating the coordinates of objects, facilities, 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] In addition, the site survey unit 11 analyzes the image captured by the imaging device 20 to acquire point cloud data. Note that the site survey unit 11 may simply receive the 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 = Output Pt - Transmission power supply loss Lt + Transmission antenna gain Gt + Reception antenna gain Gr - Reception power supply loss Lr - Radio wave intensity Pr (1)

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

[0032] Subsequently, the site survey unit 11 converts the point cloud data into 3D CAD data (step S13). The 3D CAD data is data representing the shape of an object in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The processing from step S11 to step S13 does not have to be in this order. Details of these processes 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 with coordinate information and propagation loss data (step S14). Specifically, the environment label selection unit 12 extracts a feature amount (for example, the structure density when the communication usage environment is a factory) from the 3D CAD data with reference to past models, and selects the environment label to be assigned by threshold determination. Also, the environment label selection unit 12 may select the environment label to be assigned using a classification type machine learning device having an automatic identification function of the propagation environment. Details of these processes will be described later.

[0034] Note that it can also be considered that the propagation model is different for each environment label. In this case, the selection of the environment label to be assigned can also be said to be the selection of the propagation model.

[0035] Next, the data processing unit 13 tunes the parameters of the propagation model using the propagation loss data (step S15). Specifically, the data processing unit 13 updates the parameters of each of the ray tracing model 101 and the statistical model 102. By tuning the propagation model according to the communication usage environment, the estimation accuracy of the radio wave intensity can be improved. Details of the processing in step S15 will be described later.

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

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

[0038] Next, the details of the processing of each of the above steps will be described.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of 3D CAD data generation processing. The 3D CAD data generation processing is the details of the processing 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 processing flows in parallel. Note that the site survey unit 11 may process all or some of the first to third processing flows in any order.

[0041] As the first processing flow, the site survey unit 11 merges the point cloud data (step S221). Specifically, regularly, when the site survey unit 11 acquires point cloud data from a plurality of devices, in order to align the respective coordinate systems, it performs parallel translation and rotation of the coordinates from the positions of three reference markers and merges them. Next, the site survey unit 11 separates the layers of the ceiling, floor, walls, and other structures from the distribution of the point cloud (step S222). This is because the distribution of the acquisition amount of the point cloud data is different with respect to the surface area.

[0042] The site survey unit 11 performs filter processing on the point cloud data (step S223). Specifically, the site survey unit 11 executes the filter processing by means of downsampling using "Voxel Grid Filter" or the like. In addition, when the collected measurement data is image data, the site survey unit 11 may model the pixels of the image as corresponding to a point cloud. Next, the site survey unit 11 divides the point cloud into structures by the region growing method (step S224).

[0043] Then, the site survey unit 11 performs object recognition by CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) and assigns typical material information of the recognized object (step S225). Subsequently, the site survey unit 11 executes plane detection by RANSAC (Random sample consensus) (step S234). In the process of step S234, the site survey unit 11 may subdivide the plane into plane elements by Delaunay triangulation after detecting the plane. By this first processing flow, 3D CAD data indicating various structures including structures associated with a building such as a ceiling, a floor, a wall, etc. and installations inside the building is generated.

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

[0045] As a third processing flow, the site survey unit 11 extracts 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 with coordinate information and propagation loss data (step S25).

[0047] In the propagation simulation used for conventional area design, the propagation characteristics are estimated using CAD data of buildings, structures, etc. However, in an indoor environment such as a factory, there are cases where there is no data indicating the layout of the structure, and in such cases, it was necessary to manually create the CAD of the environment.

[0048] On the other hand, according to the communication design support device 10 according to the present embodiment, since the 3D CAD data is automatically generated based on the measurement data, the wireless communication design can be performed without relying on the user's skills.

[0049] Note that the site survey unit 11 may also include an acquisition unit that acquires the point cloud data of the structure and the measurement data of the 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 the propagation loss based on the measurement data of the radio wave intensity in the 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.

[0050] Since the structure data indicating the shape and material of the structure includes information related to the quality of wireless communication, it can be said that the data is suitable for the propagation simulation of wireless communication.

[0051] Also, the site survey unit 11 may further include 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 102.

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

[0054] The data processing unit 13 acquires a set of 3D CAD data having coordinate information obtained by the process of step S26 of the 3D CAD data generation process described above and propagation loss data (step S31). The propagation loss data is (X, Y, Z, PL meas ). Also, when the frequency band of the wireless standard to be measured is different from the frequency band of the wireless standard to be estimated, it is necessary to estimate the frequency characteristics in the data processing unit 13, and PL meas needs to acquire propagation loss data of two or more different frequency bands.

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

[0056]

Equation

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

[0058]

Equation

[0059] Subsequently, the data processing unit 13 calculates the parameter ρ at which the optimization function is minimized 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 of 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 the coordinate information obtained by the process of step S26 of the 3D CAD data generation process described above and propagation loss data (step S41). The propagation loss data is (X, Y, Z, PL meas ). Also, when the frequency band of the wireless standard to be measured is different from the frequency band of the wireless standard to be estimated, it is necessary to estimate the frequency characteristics in the data processing unit 13. Therefore, PL meas is propagation loss data of 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 from the electric field strength E based on the following equation (step S43).

[0063] PL pred = 10α log 10 d + γ + 10β log 10 f

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

[0065] Subsequently, the data processing unit 13 calculates the parameters α, β, γ at which the optimization function is minimized at each coordinate (step S44). Note that when estimating the frequency characteristics, PL meas is propagation loss data of two or more different frequency bands.

[0066] In the conventional radio field strength estimation in area design, there is a problem that the characteristics unique to the location cannot be evaluated because the typical values of each parameter are calculated and used based on the measurement data in various environments. Also, there is a problem that the evaluation of the characteristics of the frequency band of the wireless standard is limited because the measurement data of the measured wireless standard is tuned.

[0067] According to the communication design support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, based on the set of relative coordinates, 3D CAD data, and propagation loss data obtained by a site survey, the result of simulation is used, and for each coefficient of the ray tracing parameter (effective reflection coefficient) or the statistical model from the propagation loss data obtained in the usage environment, the estimation accuracy of the radio field intensity is used as an index for optimization, and the propagation model is tuned according to the usage environment. Thereby, it is possible to evaluate the characteristics of a specific location and different frequency bands.

[0068] Note that the data processing unit 13 may also be said to include an acquisition unit that acquires data in which structure data including coordinate data and data indicating propagation loss are associated with each other, and a parameter update unit that updates parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data. The parameter update unit can be said to reflect the frequency characteristics by applying the propagation model to calculate the electric field strength and updating the parameters to minimize the propagation loss based on the calculated electric field strength.

[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 by threshold determination.

[0071] The environment label selection unit 12 acquires a set of 3D CAD data and propagation loss data having the coordinate information acquired by the process of step S26 of the 3D CAD data generation process described above (step S51). 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 S52). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 compares with a previously determined threshold X 0 and X, and the base station antenna height H BS and H and assigns a label (step S53). Specifically, it is determined as follows.

[0072] (1) X 0 > X, H BS When <H, low density - high clutter model (2) X 0 > X, H BS > H, low density - low clutter model (3) X 0 < X, H BS < H, high density - high clutter model (4) X 0 < 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 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 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 environmental label selection unit 12 acquires a set of 3D CAD data with coordinate information and propagation loss data obtained at the location where estimation is desired (step S71). Next, the environmental 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 S72). Subsequently, the environmental label selection unit 12 inputs a set of the propagation loss PL, the two-dimensional occupancy rate X (%), and the average height H (m) into the classifier (step S73). Then, the environmental label selection unit 12 determines which label the data set at the location where estimation is desired belongs to (step S74).

[0076] Regarding propagation characteristics, there are various propagation models such as multi-path reflection propagation and two-wave models depending on the usage environment (location, antenna height, frequency, etc.). In conventional actual use, the user had to select an appropriate model from various models based on the propagation measurement results. However, even for experts, it took time to make the selection, and it was difficult for ordinary people to make the discrimination in the first place.

[0077] According to the communication design support device 10 according to the present embodiment, by assigning an environmental label according to the usage environment, the same effect as selecting a propagation model along the usage environment can be obtained.

[0078] Note that the environmental label selection unit 12 can also be said to include an acquisition unit that acquires data in which structure data including coordinate data and data indicating propagation loss are associated with each other, and a selection unit that selects data indicating the classification of the characteristics of the communication environment in the structure shown in the structure data based on the acquired data.

[0079] Also, the acquisition unit further acquires information indicating the antenna height of the base station, and the selection unit calculates the occupancy rate of the structure and the statistical value of the height of the structure, and based on the comparison result between the predetermined threshold value and the occupancy rate and the comparison result between the antenna height and the statistical value, selects data indicating the classification of the characteristics of the communication environment.

[0080] Further, the selection unit can also calculate the occupancy rate of the structure and the statistical value of the height of the structure, input them to the classifier, and select data indicating the classification of the characteristics of the communication environment.

[0081] Further, the environment label selection unit 12 can also further include a learning unit that learns the classifier by classification-type machine learning.

[0082] Next, the details of the process of step S16 of the communication design support process will be described. 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). Then, the propagation loss output from the propagation model is acquired (step S82).

[0085] Conventionally, when evaluating the area of a new system, there is a method of installing a temporary new system and performing a site survey. However, for wireless standards that require a license, it is difficult to conduct a site survey, and there is a problem that area evaluation based on the survey results cannot be performed in advance.

[0086] According to the communication design support apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the sensed channel data of an existing (for example, license-free wireless standard) is calibrated to the propagation loss, and a frequency-dependent parameter (for example, reflection coefficient in ray tracing) in a ray tracing or statistical model is tuned (tuning by the data processing unit 13). Then, by inputting the frequency of a new installation (for example, a wireless standard that requires a license) to the tuned ray tracing model 101 or statistical model 102 and simulating the propagation loss, the radio wave intensity can be estimated.

[0087] Note that the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 can also be said to include an acquisition unit that acquires data in which structure data including coordinate data is associated with data indicating propagation losses in a plurality of frequency bands, an input reception unit that receives an input of a frequency band for which radio wave intensity is to be estimated, and an estimation unit that inputs the frequency band to a propagation model and estimates the propagation loss.

[0088] In addition, 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 radio wave transmission point to the reception point in order to speed up the estimation process, and use the height information of the transmission point and the reception point to obtain a three-dimensional ray trace corresponding to the two-dimensional ray trace. This makes it possible to search for the main rays, suppress deterioration in accuracy, and speed up the process compared to obtaining a three-dimensional ray trace from the beginning.

[0089] In addition, when estimating the radio wave intensity based on the 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.) within the target area into two-dimensional mesh data. Since the mesh data has the format of image data, it 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 a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensity in a plurality of frequency bands, a parameter update unit that updates the parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data, and an estimation unit that estimates the 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 the present embodiment can be realized, for example, by causing a computer to execute a program describing the processing contents described in the present embodiment.

[0092] The above program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium (such as a portable memory), saved, and distributed. It is also possible to provide the above program through a network such as the Internet or e-mail.

[0093] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the above computer. The computer in FIG. 10 includes 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 mutually connected by a bus B.

[0094] A program for realizing the processing on the computer is provided by a recording medium 1001 such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, for example. 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 installation of the program does not necessarily have to be performed from the recording medium 1001, and it may be downloaded from another computer via a network. The auxiliary storage device 1002 stores the installed program and also stores necessary files, data, etc.

[0095] When there is an instruction to start a program, the memory device 1003 reads and stores the program from the auxiliary storage device 1002. The CPU 1004 realizes the functions related to each part 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, a mouse, buttons, a touch panel, or the like, and is used to input various operation instructions. The output device 1008 outputs the calculation result. Note that in the communication design support device 10, it may be configured not to include either or both of the display device 1006 and the input device 1007.

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

[0097] (Example 1) In Example 1, for the purpose of automating on-site survey work, a local person moves around the site and uses a tablet terminal such as a smartphone to take photos, acquire Lidar, and measure the radio wave intensity of a wireless standard for measurement. The communication design support device 10 creates and displays 3D CAD data from the measurement results.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of communication design support processing according to Example 1.

[0099] Local users such as on-site personnel input account information and information indicating the wireless standard. For example, the user inputs account information and inputs information such as 2.4GHz WLAN, 5GHz WLAN, 60GHz WiGig, etc. as the wireless standard for measurement. Based on the input information, the site survey unit 11 acquires relative coordinate information, point cloud data, and radio field intensity data (step S91). Note that since the point cloud data, radio field intensity, and coordinates are acquired by different modules, they are matched with time stamps. Subsequently, based on the wireless standard information, the site survey unit 11 refers to the conversion table of received power - received antenna terminal power of the measuring device, transmission EIRP information, etc., and converts the radio field intensity data into propagation loss data (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 3D CAD data with coordinate information and propagation loss data (step S94).

[0101] The on-site personnel or the sales / SE personnel can refer to the created set of 3D CAD data and propagation loss data or call and use it for design.

[0102] (Example 2) Example 2 shows an example in which on-site personnel simply estimate the propagation quality of a wireless standard different from that at the time of measurement based on the measurement results of the wireless standard for measurement and use it for estimating the equipment scale, etc.

[0103] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the communication design support process according to Example 2.

[0104] Users such as on-site personnel input the estimated base station location, terminal station design conditions (e.g., location information, etc.), the radio standards used for measurement and estimation, and account information. For example, the user inputs account information, and as the radio standards for measurement, inputs information such as 2.4GHz WLAN, 5GHz WLAN, 60GHz WiGig, etc., and as the radio standards for estimation, inputs information such as 4.8GHz L5G, 28GHz L5G, etc.

[0105] 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 S101). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 compares the previously determined threshold values X 0 with X, the base station antenna height H BS and H to assign a label (step S102). Here, in the radio field strength estimation unit 14, the statistical model and the ray tracing model are significantly different in terms of their calculation time and the characteristics of the propagation quality information output. In the ray tracing model, the propagation loss can be estimated for each location, while in the statistical model, only the change in the propagation loss with respect to distance can be estimated. However, the ray tracing model has the characteristic that it requires more calculation time than the statistical model. Therefore, when simply estimating the equipment scale, etc. on-site, the statistical model is used. The data processing unit 13 tunes the parameters of the statistical model using the propagation loss data (step S103). Subsequently, the radio field strength estimation unit 14 receives the input of 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 field strength estimation unit 14 calculates the radio field strength Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S105).

[0106] Note that the on-site personnel or the sales / SE personnel can perform design or estimation, etc. based on the estimated radio field strength Pr.

[0107] (Example 3) In Example 3, an example is shown in which an operator in charge of the operation design of radio equipment estimates the propagation quality of a radio standard different from that at the time of measurement for each specified terminal station position based on the measurement results of the radio standard for measurement, and designs radio parameters.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of communication design support processing according to Example 3.

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

[0110] 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 S111). Next, the environment label selection unit 12 compares with the previously determined threshold values X 0 and X, and the base station antenna height H BS and H to assign a label (step S112). Here, in the radio field strength estimation unit 14, since a ray tracing model capable of estimation for each terminal station position is used, the data processing unit 13 tunes the parameters of the ray tracing model using the propagation loss data (step S113). Subsequently, the radio field strength estimation unit 14 receives the input of 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 S114). The radio field strength estimation unit 14 calculates the radio field strength Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S115).

[0111] Note that the operator in charge of the operation design of the radio equipment can perform design of radio parameters based on the estimated radio field strength Pr.

[0112] (Example 4) In Example 4, an example is shown in which a local staff member or a sales / SE staff member determines whether a system change is necessary in the wireless standard operation phase in an indoor local area.

[0113] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of communication design support processing according to Example 4.

[0114] The site survey unit 11 acquires relative coordinate information, point cloud data, and radio field intensity data (step S121). Next, the site survey unit 11 converts the radio field intensity data into propagation loss data (step S122). Subsequently, 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 the average height (m) of the structure from the 3D CAD data (step S124). The environment label selection unit 12 compares the previously determined threshold values X 0 with X, the base station antenna height H BS and H and assigns a label (step S125).

[0115] Here, since the radio field intensity estimation unit 14 uses a statistical model with a short calculation time, the data processing unit 13 tunes the parameters of the statistical model using the propagation loss data (step S126). Subsequently, the radio field intensity estimation unit 14 receives the input of 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 S127). The radio field intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio field intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S128).

[0116] Note that instead of the processing from step S121 to step S123 described above, the communication design support apparatus 10 may use the 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] The local staff member or the sales / SE staff member can determine whether a design change of the operating wireless standard is necessary based on the estimated radio field intensity Pr.

[0118] (Example 5) Example 5 shows an example of estimating the propagation quality of a newly established wireless standard when a new indoor local area (such as a factory) is being set up.

[0119] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of communication design support processing according to Example 5.

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

[0121] 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 S141). The environment label selection unit 12 compares with the previously determined threshold values X 0 and X, and the base station antenna height H BS and H to assign a label (step S142).

[0122] Then, in response to the user's operation, the data processing unit 13 extracts the measurement data in which the corresponding label is accumulated (step S143). 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 S144). Subsequently, the radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 receives the input of 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 S145). The radio wave intensity estimation unit 14 calculates the radio wave intensity Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S146).

[0123] The local person in charge or the sales / SE person in charge can estimate the propagation quality of the newly established wireless standard based on the estimated radio wave intensity Pr and use it for estimation, sales, design, etc.

[0124] (Example 6) In Example 6, an example is shown in which, when a new indoor local area (such as a factory) is being established and there is no layout data and radio standard measurement is not possible, the propagation quality of the radio standard is estimated and used for estimating the facility scale and the like.

[0125] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of communication design support processing according to Example 6.

[0126] A local staff member or a sales / SE staff member manually creates the environment of a typical indoor local area as 3D CAD data and activates the environment label selection unit 12.

[0127] 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 S131). The environment label selection unit 12 compares the previously determined threshold values X 0 with X and the base station antenna height H BS with H and assigns a label (step S132). Next, in the radio field strength estimation unit 14, the propagation loss PL is calculated using a ray tracing model that can be estimated for each terminal station position (step S133).

[0128] Subsequently, the data processing unit 13 tunes the parameters of the statistical model using the calculated propagation loss data (step S134). Next, the radio field strength estimation unit 14 receives the input of 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 S135). The radio field strength estimation unit 14 calculates the radio field strength Pr based on the calculated propagation loss PL (step S136).

[0129] Note that a local staff member or a sales / SE staff member can estimate the propagation quality of the radio standard and estimate the facility scale and the like when a new indoor local area (such as a factory) is being established and there is no layout data and radio standard measurement is not possible.

[0130] (Effect of the Embodiment) According to the technology related to this embodiment, it is possible to assist in the design of wireless communication according to the usage purposes of various users such as from Example 1 to Example 6. Each functional unit (site survey unit 11, environment label selection unit 12, data processing unit 13, and radio field strength estimation unit 14) of the communication design support device 10 executes a function appropriately selected according to the user's operation as shown in each of Examples 1 to 6.

[0131] (Summary of the embodiment) This specification discloses at least a communication design support device, a communication design support method, and a program according to the following respective items. (Item 1) A propagation model storage unit that stores a propagation model; An acquisition unit that acquires point cloud data of a structure and measurement data of radio field strength; A parameter update unit that updates parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data; An estimation unit that estimates propagation loss based on the propagation model, comprising a communication design support device. (Item 2) Further comprising an output unit that outputs data in which structure data and data indicating propagation loss are associated based on the point cloud data and the measurement data, The parameter update unit updates the parameters of the propagation model based on the output data. The communication design support device according to Item 1. (Item 3) The parameter update unit calculates electric field strength by applying the propagation model, and updates the parameters to those for which the propagation loss based on the calculated electric field strength is minimized. The communication design support device according to Item 2. (Item 4) The propagation model is a ray tracing model, The parameter update unit calculates the electric field strength for each relative coordinate by ray tracing. The communication design support device according to Item 3. (Item 5) The propagation model is a statistical model, The parameter update unit calculates the electric field strength according to the transmission-reception distance for each relative coordinate. The communication design support device according to claim 3. (Claim 6) A communication design support method executed by a computer that stores a propagation model, acquiring point cloud data of a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensity; updating parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data; estimating propagation loss based on the propagation model, A communication design support method. (Claim 7) A program for causing a computer to function as the communication design support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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

Explanation of Signs

[0133] 1 Communication design support system 10 Communication design support device 11 Site survey unit 12 Environment label selection unit 13 Data processing unit 14 Radio wave intensity estimation unit 15 Propagation model storage unit 20 Imaging device 30 Distance measuring device 40 Wireless communication device 101 Ray tracing model 102 Statistical model 1000 Drive device 1001 Recording medium 1002 Auxiliary storage device 1003 Memory device 1004 CPU 1005 Interface device 1006 Display device 1007 Input device 1008 Output device

Claims

1. A propagation model storage unit that stores a propagation model; An acquisition unit that acquires point cloud data of a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensities in a plurality of frequency bands; A parameter update unit that updates parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data; An estimation unit that estimates propagation loss based on the propagation model; An output unit that outputs data in which structure data and data indicating propagation loss are associated based on the point cloud data and the measurement data, comprising: The parameter update unit updates the parameters of the propagation model based on the output data. A communication design support apparatus.

2. The parameter update unit calculates electric field intensities in a plurality of frequency bands by applying the propagation model, and updates the parameters to minimize the propagation losses in the plurality of frequency bands based on the calculated electric field intensities. The communication design support apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The propagation model is a ray tracing model, and The parameter update unit calculates the electric field intensity for each relative coordinate by ray tracing. The communication design support apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The propagation model is a statistical model, and The parameter update unit calculates the electric field intensity according to the transmission-reception distance for each relative coordinate. The communication design support apparatus according to claim 2.

5. A communication design support method executed by a computer that stores a propagation model, comprising: A step of acquiring point cloud data of a structure and measurement data of radio wave intensities in a plurality of frequency bands; A parameter update step of updating parameters of the propagation model based on the acquired data; A step of estimating propagation loss based on the propagation model; A step of outputting data in which structure data and data indicating propagation loss are associated based on the point cloud data and the measurement data, wherein In the parameter update step, the computer updates the parameters of the propagation model based on the output data. A communication design support method.

6. A program for causing a computer to function as the communication design support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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