Radio wave visualization system, three-dimensional model simplification device, radio wave visualization method and program

Abstract

An electromagnetic wave visualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a model creation unit that creates a 3D scale model of an environment containing the landforms and buildings of a region serving as the subject of evaluation with respect to the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly; an evaluation condition creation unit that, on the basis of the capability of the wireless communication system, creates a plurality of evaluation conditions used to evaluate the subject region with respect to the propagation characteristics of the electromagnetic waves; and a simplification unit that, on the basis of each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit, reduces the subject region so as to make the same narrower and thereby simplifies the 3D scale model created by the model creation unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio wave visualization system, a three-dimensional model simplification device, a radio wave visualization method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of new wireless communication systems, such as 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System) and local 5G, has progressed explosively. When installing these wireless communication systems, evaluation using radio wave propagation simulation is essential. In addition, in order to efficiently evaluate radio wave propagation, technologies are being investigated that visualize the results of radio wave propagation simulation and optimize the settings of wireless communication systems.

[0003] For example, when visualizing the propagation of radio waves, a three-dimensional environmental model is created for the environment in which the wireless communication system is installed, and a propagation simulation is performed by setting the basic performance of the wireless communication system (center frequency, frequency band, transmission power, antenna conditions, installation position) and the evaluation conditions required for the propagation simulation (number of reflections, number of diffractions, transmission / reflection conditions, etc.) (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] It is desirable to perform radio wave propagation simulation and visualization before installing a wireless communication system. When installing a wireless communication system in an actual environment, the environment may change and the requirements may differ for each communication area, so a system that can evaluate radio wave propagation characteristics in real time is required. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Tetsuro Imai, "Mobile Radio Propagation Simulation Based on Ray-Tracing Method", IEICE, 2009, IEICE Transactions B Vol. J92-B No. 9, pp.1333-1347 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, to visualize radio wave propagation in real time, it is necessary to perform each step of the propagation simulation in real time. In particular, it is known that the calculations in propagation simulation become a bottleneck. Specifically, as the evaluation conditions for the propagation simulation become more complex, the calculation load increases exponentially, making real-time visualization difficult.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a radio wave visualization system, a three-dimensional model simplification device, a radio wave visualization method, and a program that can shorten the time required to visualize radio wave propagation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A radio wave visualization system according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having: a model creation unit that creates a three-dimensional scale model of an environment, including the topography and buildings, of an area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly; an evaluation condition creation unit that creates a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves for the area based on the performance of the wireless communication system; a simplification unit that reduces and simplifies the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit to narrow the area based on each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit; a propagation simulator that performs simulations of a plurality of propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model simplified by the simplification unit using each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit and outputs each of the simulation results; and a visualization unit that sequentially visualizes each of the simulation results of the propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator.

[0009] Furthermore, a three-dimensional model simplification device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having a model creation unit that creates a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the topography and buildings, of an area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly; an evaluation condition creation unit that creates a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves for the area based on the performance of the wireless communication system; and a simplification unit that reduces and simplifies the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit, narrowing the area based on each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit.

[0010] Furthermore, a radio wave visualization method according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including: a model creation step of creating a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the topography and buildings, of an area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly; an evaluation condition creation step of creating, based on the performance of the wireless communication system, a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves for the area; a simplification step of reducing and simplifying the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation step so as to narrow the area based on each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation step; a propagation simulation step of simplifying a plurality of propagation characteristics using each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation step for the three-dimensional scale model simplified by the simplification step, and outputting each of the simulation results; and a visualization step of sequentially visualizing each of the simulation results of the plurality of propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulation step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required to visualize the propagation of radio waves. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radio wave visualization system according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process of simplifying a target region by a simplification unit; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a radio wave visualization method in which the radio wave visualization system visualizes radio waves. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a three-dimensional model simplifying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A radio wave visualization system according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings: Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radio wave visualization system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0014] 1, the radio wave visualization system 1 includes, for example, a three-dimensional model simplification device 2, a propagation simulator 3, and a visualization unit 4. The radio wave visualization system 1 simulates and visualizes radio wave propagation in an environment including the topography and buildings of an area (target area) where a wireless communication system is planned to be installed, in which, for example, one or more base stations and one or more terminal stations perform wireless communication.

[0015] The environment of the target area includes reflectors or relay stations that reflect or relay radio waves emitted by the base station or terminal station.

[0016] The three-dimensional model simplification device 2 includes a model creation unit 20, an evaluation condition creation unit 22, and a simplification unit .

[0017] The model creation unit 20 acquires environmental information indicating the environment of the target area and creates a scale model for reproducing the environment of the target area. For example, the model creation unit 20 creates a reduced three-dimensional scale model that reproduces the environment, including the topography and buildings, of the area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly, using a predetermined material, for example, with a 3D (three-dimensional) printer.

[0018] The evaluation condition creating unit 22 creates a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves for the target area based on wireless communication system information indicating the performance of the wireless communication system, and outputs them to the simplification unit 24 and the propagation simulator 3.

[0019] The simplification unit 24 reduces and simplifies the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit 20 so as to narrow the target area based on each of the multiple evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit 22.

[0020] 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the process of simplifying the target area by the simplification unit 24. For example, the simplification unit 24 reduces and simplifies the target area so as to leave only an area surrounded by circles of a predetermined radius centered on the base station and the terminal station, respectively, and two straight lines tangent to the circles so as to include the Fresnel zones of the base station and the terminal station.

[0021] The simplification unit 24 may also simplify the target area by removing areas that are a predetermined distance or more away from the base station and the terminal station, respectively.The simplification unit 24 may also simplify the target area by including areas included in circles of a predetermined radius centered on the base station and the terminal station, respectively, and an area reached by a first reflected wave of a radio wave emitted from the base station or the terminal station.

[0022] The simplification unit 24 may perform simplification only along the X and Y axes (horizontal directions), or may perform simplification over a spherical range including the Z axis (vertical direction).

[0023] The propagation simulator 3 performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model simplified by the simplification unit 24 using multiple evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit 22, and outputs the simulation results to the visualization unit 4.

[0024] The visualization unit 4 is, for example, a display (display device) and sequentially visualizes the simulation results of the multiple propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator 3.

[0025] Next, a description will be given of an example of a radio wave visualization method in which the radio wave visualization system 1 visualizes radio waves. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a radio wave visualization method in which the radio wave visualization system 1 visualizes radio waves.

[0026] 3, in order to visualize radio waves, the model creation unit 20 first creates a three-dimensional scale model (S100) in the radio wave visualization system 1. Next, the radio wave visualization system 1 sets the evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit 22 in the propagation simulator 3 (S102).

[0027] Next, the simplification unit 24 reduces and simplifies the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit 20 so as to narrow the target area based on each of the multiple evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit 22 (S104).

[0028] The propagation simulator 3 performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model simplified by the simplification unit 24 using multiple evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit 22, and outputs the simulation results to the visualization unit 4 (S106).

[0029] The visualization unit 4 then sequentially visualizes the simulation results of the multiple propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator 3 (S108). Note that the visualization unit 4 performs visualization in such a way that no new paths are generated as a result of the simplification performed by the simplification unit 24.

[0030] If it becomes necessary to change the evaluation conditions due to a change in the target environment or the like, the radio wave visualization system 1 returns to the process of S102, and if it becomes necessary to create a three-dimensional scale model again, it returns to the process of S100.

[0031] In this way, the radio wave visualization system 1 can reduce the time required to visualize radio wave propagation by the simplification unit 24 reducing and simplifying the target area so as to narrow it.

[0032] In addition, each part of the radio wave visualization system 1 may be configured in part or in whole by hardware such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be configured as a program executed by a processor such as a CPU.

[0033] For example, each component of the radio wave visualization system 1 can be realized using a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a storage medium or provided via a network.

[0034] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the three-dimensional model simplification device 2. As shown in Fig. 4, for example, the three-dimensional model simplification device 2 has an input unit 90, an output unit 91, a communication unit 92, a CPU 93, a memory 94, and an HDD 95 connected via a bus 96, and is equipped with the functions of a computer. In addition, the three-dimensional model simplification device 2 is configured to be able to input and output data to and from a computer-readable storage medium 97.

[0035] The input unit 90 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, etc. The output unit 91 is, for example, a display device such as a display, etc. The communication unit 92 is, for example, a network interface, etc.

[0036] The CPU 93 controls each component constituting the three-dimensional model simplifying device 2 and performs predetermined processing, etc. The memory 94 and HDD 95 are storage units that store data, etc.

[0037] The storage medium 97 is capable of storing programs and the like that cause the three-dimensional model simplification device 2 to execute the functions of the three-dimensional model simplification device 2. Note that the architecture that constitutes the three-dimensional model simplification device 2 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1 Radio wave visualization system, 2 Three-dimensional model simplification device, 3 Propagation simulator, 4 Visualization unit, 20 Model creation unit, 22 Evaluation condition creation unit, 24 Simplification unit, 90 Input unit, 91 Output unit, 92 Communication unit, 93 CPU, 94 Memory, 95 HDD, 96 Bus, 97 Storage medium

Claims

1. a model creation unit that creates a three-dimensional scale model of an environment including topography and buildings in an area to be evaluated for propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly; an evaluation condition creating unit that creates a plurality of evaluation conditions used to evaluate radio wave propagation characteristics for the area based on performance of the wireless communication system; a simplification unit that reduces and simplifies the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit so as to narrow the region based on each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit; a propagation simulator that executes a plurality of propagation characteristic simulations on the three-dimensional scale model simplified by the simplification unit using the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit, and outputs the respective simulation results; a visualization unit that sequentially visualizes the simulation results of the plurality of propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator; A radio wave visualization system comprising:

2. The simplification unit The area is reduced and simplified so as to leave only an area surrounded by circles of a predetermined radius centered on the base station and the terminal station, respectively, and two straight lines tangent to the circles so as to include the Fresnel zones of the base station and the terminal station. The radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 ,

3. The simplification unit Simplifying the area by removing areas that are farther away from the base station and the terminal station than a predetermined distance from the area.

3. The radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 or 2,

4. The simplification unit The area is simplified so that the area is defined as an area included in each of circles of a predetermined radius centered on the base station and the terminal station, and an area where a first reflected wave of a radio wave emitted from the base station or the terminal station arrives. The radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 ,

5. The environment is Including a reflector or relay station that reflects or relays radio waves emitted by the base station or the terminal station 3. The radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 or 2,

6. a model creation unit that creates a three-dimensional scale model of an environment including topography and buildings in an area to be evaluated for propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly; an evaluation condition creating unit that creates a plurality of evaluation conditions used to evaluate radio wave propagation characteristics for the area based on performance of the wireless communication system; a simplification unit that reduces and simplifies the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit so as to narrow the region based on each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit; A three-dimensional model simplification device comprising:

7. a model creation step of creating a three-dimensional scale model of an environment including topography and buildings of an area to be evaluated for propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which a base station and a terminal station communicate wirelessly; an evaluation condition creating step of creating a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating propagation characteristics of radio waves for the area based on performance of the wireless communication system; a simplification step of reducing and simplifying the three-dimensional scale model created in the model creation step so as to narrow the region based on each of the plurality of evaluation conditions created in the evaluation condition creation step; a propagation simulation step of executing a plurality of propagation characteristic simulations on the three-dimensional scale model simplified by the simplification step using the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation step, and outputting the respective simulation results; a visualization step of sequentially visualizing the simulation results of the plurality of propagation characteristics outputted by the propagation simulation step; A radio wave visualization method comprising:

8. A program for causing a computer to function as each part of the three-dimensional model simplifying device according to claim 6.

Images