Interference information output device, interference information output method, interference information output system, and interference information output program

Abstract

In order to enable the output of information for allowing easier determination as to whether the cause of degradation in service quality is radio interference, this interference information outputting device: receives signal information that is information related to the quality of a received signal that is a radio signal received by a radio receiving means; estimates whether or not radio interference has occurred at a location where the radio receiving means is located, on the basis of estimation conditions that are the conditions that are satisfied when the radio interference has occurred; outputs interference information that is information related to the radio interference; and, further, if the result of estimation is affirmative, calculates a reliability level that indicates the level of accuracy of the estimation. The estimation conditions include a condition related to the signal information. The interference information includes information related to the location, information related to the result of estimation, and, if the result of estimation is affirmative, information related to the reliability level.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interference information output device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] In wireless communication, one of the factors that reduces throughput is radio interference.

[0003] When radio wave interference occurs and throughput decreases, the quality of the services provided by wireless communication may be degraded, such as distortion of the video and audio being played back or a deterioration in the accuracy of remote control.

[0004] Therefore, when radio wave interference occurs, it is desirable to take measures to resolve the radio wave interference.

[0005] However, there may be other factors besides radio interference that cause a decrease in throughput. Therefore, in order to take measures against radio interference, it is first necessary to investigate whether radio interference is occurring.

[0006] A decrease in throughput is generally detected when a decrease in service quality occurs, and an investigator typically visits the site where the decrease in service quality occurs and investigates the surrounding radio wave conditions to determine whether radio wave interference is occurring.

[0007] Furthermore, a related technique is disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-044714 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, with the general method of investigating radio wave interference as described above, it is difficult to quickly determine whether radio wave interference is the cause of the degradation of service quality. As a result, it takes time to take measures against the radio wave interference. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to more easily determine whether radio wave interference is the cause of the degradation of service quality.

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present invention is to provide an interference information output device or the like that is capable of outputting information that makes it easier to determine whether radio wave interference is the cause of a decline in service quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, an interference information output device is an interference information output device connected to a wireless receiving means that receives a wireless signal, and is equipped with an information receiving means that receives from the wireless receiving means signal information that is information regarding the quality of the received signal, which is the wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means, an estimation means that estimates whether or not radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means is located based on estimation conditions that are conditions that are satisfied if radio wave interference is occurring, and an output means that outputs interference information that is information regarding radio wave interference, wherein if the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation means further calculates a reliability that indicates the degree of accuracy of the estimation, and the estimation conditions include conditions regarding the signal information, and the interference information includes information regarding the location, information regarding the result of the estimation, and if the result of the estimation is positive, information regarding the reliability.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, an interference information output method is an interference information output method of an interference information output device connected to a wireless receiving means that receives a wireless signal, and receives signal information from the wireless receiving means, which is information regarding the quality of a received signal, which is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means, and estimates whether radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located based on estimation conditions, which are conditions that are satisfied if radio wave interference is occurring, and the estimation conditions include conditions regarding the signal information, and if the result of the estimation is positive, further calculates a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation, and outputs interference information, which is information regarding the radio wave interference, and the interference information includes information regarding the location, information regarding the result of the estimation, and if the result of the estimation is positive, information regarding the reliability.

[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, an interference information output program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium causes a computer to realize an information receiving function of receiving signal information, which is information regarding the quality of a received signal, which is a radio signal received by a radio receiving means that receives a radio signal; an estimation function of estimating whether radio interference is occurring at the location where the radio receiving means is located based on estimation conditions, which are conditions that are satisfied if radio interference is occurring; and an output function of outputting interference information, which is information regarding radio interference, wherein the estimation function, if the result of the estimation is positive, further calculates a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation, the estimation conditions including conditions regarding the signal information, and the interference information including information regarding the location, information regarding the result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information regarding the reliability.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the interference information output system comprises an information receiving means that receives signal information from a wireless receiving means, the signal information being information regarding the quality of a received signal, which is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means that receives a wireless signal; an estimation means that estimates whether or not radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located based on estimation conditions that are conditions that are met if radio wave interference is occurring; and an output means that outputs interference information that is information regarding radio wave interference, wherein if the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation means further calculates a reliability that indicates the degree of accuracy of the estimation, the estimation conditions including conditions regarding the signal information, and the interference information includes information regarding the location, information regarding the result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information regarding the reliability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to output information that allows easier determination of whether or not radio wave interference is the cause of degradation in service quality. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an interference information output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of the interference information output device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system including an interference information output device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an interference information output device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the interference information output device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the interference information output device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device by an interference information output device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device by an interference information output device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a display device by an interference information output device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation flow of an interference information output device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration according to each embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0018] A specific example of the interference information output device 10 in the first embodiment is an interference information output device 20 in a second embodiment, which will be described later.

[0019] First, the configuration of an interference information output device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] 1 shows an example of the configuration of an interference information output device 10 according to this embodiment. The interference information output device 10 includes an information receiving unit 11, an estimation unit 12, and an output unit 13.

[0021] The information receiving unit 11 receives signal information from the wireless receiving means. The signal information is information relating to the quality of the received signal. Here, the received signal is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means.

[0022] The estimation unit 12 estimates whether radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means is located. The estimation unit 12 performs the estimation based on estimation conditions. The estimation conditions are conditions that are met when radio wave interference is occurring. The estimation conditions also include conditions related to signal information. If the estimation result is positive, the estimation unit 12 further calculates a reliability that indicates the degree of accuracy of the estimation.

[0023] The output unit 13 outputs interference information, which is information about radio wave interference. The interference information includes information about the location, information about the estimation result, and, if the estimation result is positive, information about the reliability.

[0024] Next, the operation flow of the interference information output device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation flow of the interference information output device 10 of this embodiment.

[0026] The information receiving unit 11 receives signal information (step S101).

[0027] The estimation unit 12 estimates whether radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means is located. If the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation unit 12 further calculates the reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation (step S102).

[0028] Then, the output unit 13 outputs the interference information (step S103).

[0029] As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the interference information output device 10 includes an information receiving unit 11, an estimation unit 12, and an output unit 13. The information receiving unit 11 receives signal information. The signal information is information regarding the quality of a received signal, which is a radio signal received by a radio receiving means that receives a radio signal. The estimation unit 12 estimates whether radio interference is occurring at the location where the radio receiving means is located. The estimation unit 12 also performs estimation based on estimation conditions. The estimation conditions are conditions that are met when radio interference is occurring. The estimation conditions also include conditions related to the signal information. If the estimation result is positive, the estimation unit 12 further calculates a reliability that indicates the degree of accuracy of the estimation. The output unit 13 outputs interference information that is information regarding radio interference. The interference information includes information regarding the location, information regarding the estimation result, and, if the estimation result is positive, information regarding the reliability. In this way, the interference information output device 10 outputs information about the result of estimating whether or not radio wave interference is occurring at the location of the wireless receiving means, and information about the reliability of the estimation. Because information about the estimation result is output from the interference information output device 10, an investigator can refer to the output information and more easily determine whether or not radio wave interference is the cause of the degradation in service quality. Furthermore, because the information output from the interference information output device 10 includes information about the reliability of the estimation, it becomes easier for the investigator to make a determination. Therefore, it becomes possible to output information that enables an investigator to more easily determine whether or not radio wave interference is the cause of the degradation in service quality.

[0030] [Second embodiment] Next, a description will be given of an interference information output device 20 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the interference information output device 20 according to the second embodiment is a specific example of the interference information output device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0031] 3 shows an example of the configuration of a system including an interference information output device 20 of this embodiment. The interference information output device 20 is connected to wireless receiving means 50-i (i is an integer between 1 and N). The interference information output device 20 is also connected to display means 60.

[0032] The wireless receiving means 50-i receives a wireless signal. The wireless receiving means 50-i also outputs signal information to the interference information output device 20. The signal information is information related to the quality of the received signal. The received signal is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means 50-i.

[0033] The wireless receiving means 50-i may be installed fixedly or may be movable. The communication method for outputting the signal information from the wireless receiving means 50-i to the interference information output device 20 may be wired or wireless.

[0034] The signal information is information that is used by the interference information output device 20 to estimate whether or not radio wave interference is occurring. Specific examples of the signal information will be described later.

[0035] The display means 60 is a man-machine interface such as a display serving as an output device. The display means 60 displays an image. In this embodiment, the interference information output device 20 outputs the interference information to the display means 60. However, the output destination of the interference information is arbitrary. The interference information output device 20 may output the interference information to an output destination other than the display means 60. The interference information will be described later.

[0036] 4 shows an example of the configuration of the interference information output device 20 of this embodiment. The interference information output device 20 of this embodiment includes an information receiving unit 21, an estimation unit 22, and an output unit .

[0037] The information receiving unit 21 receives signal information from the wireless receiving means 50-i. The signal information is information about the quality of the received signal received by the wireless receiving means 50-i. The signal information includes wireless information, which is information about the wireless characteristics of the received signal, and reception information, which is information about the quality of the reception status of the received signal. The wireless information includes, for example, the received signal level, the direction of arrival of the received signal, the direction of arrival of the interference wave, etc. Furthermore, the reception information includes, for example, throughput, PER (Packet Error Rate), BER (Bit Error Rate), SINR (Signal to Interference Plus Noise Ratio), etc.

[0038] The estimation unit 22 estimates whether radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means 50-i is located. Hereinafter, estimating whether radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means 50-i is located may be simply referred to as "estimation."

[0039] The estimation unit 22 performs estimation based on estimation conditions. The estimation conditions are conditions that are met when radio wave interference is occurring. The estimation conditions also include conditions related to signal information received from the wireless receiving means 50-i. The estimation unit 22 estimates that radio wave interference is occurring when the estimation conditions are met. The estimation unit 22 also estimates that radio wave interference is not occurring when the estimation conditions are not met.

[0040] Furthermore, if the estimation result is positive, i.e., if it is estimated that radio wave interference is occurring, the estimation unit 22 further calculates the reliability. The reliability indicates the degree of accuracy of the estimation. The method for estimating radio wave interference and the method for calculating the reliability will be described later.

[0041] The output unit 23 outputs interference information, which is information related to radio wave interference. The interference information includes information related to the result of the estimation performed by the estimation unit 22 and information related to the location of the wireless receiving means 50-i. If the result of the estimation is positive, the interference information further includes information related to the reliability.

[0042] In this embodiment, the output unit 23 outputs the interference information to the display means 60. Also, in this embodiment, the interference information is image information for causing the display means 60 to display an image showing information related to the estimation result of radio wave interference. That is, the output unit 23 outputs the interference information to the display means 60, thereby causing the display means 60 to display an image showing information related to the estimation result.

[0043] Next, examples of estimation conditions will be described.

[0044] The estimation condition is, for example, that the received signal level is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the throughput is equal to or less than a second threshold. This condition indicates that the signal level is sufficient but the throughput is reduced. In such a case, there is a high possibility that radio interference is occurring. Note that the estimation condition may be, instead of the throughput, PER or BER.

[0045] Furthermore, for example, the estimation condition is that the received signal level is equal to or greater than a first threshold and the SINR is equal to or greater than a third threshold.

[0046] Furthermore, the estimation condition may be a condition based on date and time. For example, it is known that an interference source passes near a specific wireless receiving means at a specific time on a specific day of the week, causing radio wave interference at the location of the wireless receiving means. In such a case, the estimation condition may be a specific time (time period) on a specific day of the week for the wireless receiving means.

[0047] The estimation conditions may also be generated based on a history of past estimation results. For example, the estimation unit 22 stores information on the date and time when radio interference is estimated to be occurring for each location of the wireless receiving means 50-i in a storage unit (not shown). Then, the condition generation unit 34 generates a condition for the date and time when radio interference is estimated to be occurring based on the history of information on the date and time when radio interference is estimated to be occurring. The condition generation unit may be included inside the interference information output device or may be external to the interference information output device 20. The condition generation unit 34 may also generate the estimation conditions by machine learning, for example. Note that FIG. 5 shows an example configuration of the interference information output device 30 including the condition generation unit 34.

[0048] The estimation condition may be a combination of two or more of the individual estimation conditions described above. Hereinafter, the individual estimation condition will be referred to as an individual condition. For example, the estimation condition may be the satisfaction of one or more of the individual conditions, or the satisfaction of a predetermined number or more of the individual conditions.

[0049] Next, a specific example of a method for calculating the reliability will be described.

[0050] For example, the estimation unit 22 performs estimation at predetermined time intervals (for example, one second).The estimation unit 22 increases the reliability of the location of the wireless receiving means 50-i as the number of consecutive positive estimation results increases.In this way, the reliability decreases when the throughput temporarily drops, and increases when radio wave interference occurs continuously.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, if the estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, the estimation unit 22 increases the reliability as the number of satisfied individual conditions increases.

[0052] Furthermore, the estimation unit 22 may increase the reliability as the accuracy rate of the satisfied individual condition increases. The accuracy rate is associated with each individual condition. The accuracy rate is the ratio of the number of times that radio wave interference actually occurs when an individual condition is satisfied to the number of times that the individual condition is satisfied. The accuracy rate may be set in advance in the interference information output device 20.

[0053] The accuracy rate may be calculated by the accuracy rate calculation unit 45. FIG. 6 shows an example configuration of the interference information output device 40 including the accuracy rate calculation unit 45. For example, when the estimation unit 22 estimates that radio wave interference is occurring, it stores information on the location and date and time of the wireless receiving means 50-i where the radio wave interference is occurring, and information indicating the individual conditions that served as the basis for the estimation, in the storage unit. The accuracy rate calculation unit 45 also receives accuracy information, which is information on the date, time, and location where the radio wave interference actually occurred. Then, the accuracy rate calculation unit 45 calculates the accuracy rate of the individual conditions based on the information stored in the storage unit and the accuracy information. The accuracy information is input to the interference information output device 40 from outside the interference information output device 40.

[0054] Next, a specific example of an image that the output unit 23 causes the display means 60 to display will be described.

[0055] For example, the image may display the estimated result of radio wave interference at the position of the wireless receiving means 50-i on a map. In this case, the estimated result of radio wave interference may be displayed in the image in a manner that distinguishes whether or not radio wave interference has occurred and its reliability. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed image. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the image displays a screen item representing the wireless receiving means 50-i at the position of the wireless receiving means 50-i on the map. The display format of the screen item, for example, color or shade of color, is displayed in a manner that distinguishes the estimated result of whether or not radio wave interference has occurred and its reliability.

[0056] The image may also display the estimated results of radio wave interference in an area near the wireless receiving means 50-i on a map. The display of the estimated results of radio wave interference may be differentiated according to the estimated results regarding the presence or absence of radio wave interference and their reliability. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a displayed image. In FIG. 8, black dots indicate the locations of the wireless receiving means 50-i. Circles indicate the estimated results of radio wave interference. The display format of the circles indicating the estimated results, such as colors or shades of colors, is differentiated according to the estimated results regarding the presence or absence of radio wave interference and their reliability.

[0057] In FIG. 8, the radius of the circle showing the estimation result may be fixed or variable. Also, the area showing the estimation result may not be a circle, but may be an area of ​​any shape. For example, the area showing the estimation result may be the range in which the wireless receiving means 50-i can receive wireless signals. Also, the area showing the estimation result may be a circle whose radius is the distance to the nearest other wireless receiving means. Furthermore, when the displayed areas overlap, the areas may be displayed according to a rule such as giving priority to the area with higher reliability or the area with lower reliability.

[0058] Furthermore, the area showing the estimation result may display the direction of arrival of the interference wave in addition to the display of the estimation result and reliability. For example, the estimation result and reliability may be displayed using different colors, and the direction of arrival of the interference wave may be displayed using different shades of color. For example, the area may be displayed so that the color of the direction of arrival of the interference wave is dark and the color becomes lighter as it moves away from the direction of arrival. Note that the direction of arrival of the interference wave can be estimated by the wireless receiving means 50-i when the wireless receiving means 50-i uses a variable directivity antenna or two or more directional antennas. Any method can be used to estimate the direction of arrival.

[0059] Furthermore, the image that the output unit 23 causes the display means 60 to display may be one that displays signal information and reliability at a predetermined location. FIG. 9 shows an example of a display image. In FIG. 9, received signal level and throughput are displayed as signal information. The horizontal axis represents time. Furthermore, reliability may be displayed not as a graph but by the color of the received signal level, throughput, display area, etc. For example, if it is estimated that no radio wave interference is occurring in the throughput, it may be displayed in a normal color, and if it is estimated that radio wave interference is occurring, it may be displayed in a color according to the reliability. Furthermore, it may be possible for the user to specify which wireless receiving means 50-i's location information is to be displayed.

[0060] Furthermore, the output unit 23 may output the interference information to an output destination other than the display means 60. For example, the interference information may be data including the estimation result and reliability information for each of the wireless receiving means 50-i. The interference information may also include information on the location of the wireless receiving means 50-i (information such as latitude and longitude) and information on the direction of arrival of the interference wave. The information included in the interference information may also be sorted in descending order of reliability, for example.

[0061] Next, FIG. 10 shows an example of the operation flow of the interference information output device 20 of this embodiment.

[0062] The information receiving unit 11 receives signal information (step S201). In this embodiment, the signal information is transmitted from the wireless receiving means 50-i at predetermined time intervals.

[0063] The estimation unit 12 estimates whether radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means is located. If the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation unit 12 further calculates a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation (step S202). In this embodiment, the estimation unit 12 performs the estimation and the calculation of the reliability at predetermined time intervals.

[0064] The output unit 13 outputs the interference information (step S203). In this embodiment, the output unit 13 outputs the interference information at predetermined time intervals. The output unit 13 may output the interference information at any timing, rather than at predetermined time intervals. For example, the output unit 13 may output the interference information when requested by the device to which the interference information is to be output, or when it is estimated that radio wave interference is occurring.

[0065] As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the interference information output device 20 includes an information receiving unit 21, an estimation unit 22, and an output unit 23. The information receiving unit 21 receives signal information. The signal information is information regarding the quality of a received signal, which is a radio signal received by a radio receiving means that receives a radio signal. The estimation unit 22 estimates whether radio interference is occurring at the location where the radio receiving means is located. The estimation unit 22 also performs estimation based on estimation conditions. The estimation conditions are conditions that are met when radio interference is occurring. The estimation conditions also include conditions related to the signal information. If the estimation result is positive, the estimation unit 22 further calculates a reliability that indicates the degree of accuracy of the estimation. The output unit 23 outputs interference information that is information regarding radio interference. The interference information includes information regarding the location, information regarding the estimation result, and, if the estimation result is positive, information regarding the reliability. In this way, the interference information output device 20 outputs information about the result of estimating whether or not radio wave interference is occurring at the location of the wireless receiving means, and information about the reliability of the estimation. Because information about the estimation result is output from the interference information output device 20, an investigator can more easily determine whether or not radio wave interference is the cause of the degradation in service quality by referring to the output information. Furthermore, because the information output from the interference information output device 20 includes information about the reliability of the estimation, it becomes easier for the investigator to make a determination. Therefore, it becomes possible to output information that enables an investigator to more easily determine whether or not radio wave interference is the cause of the degradation in service quality.

[0066] Furthermore, the estimation unit 22 of this embodiment performs estimation at predetermined time intervals, and the greater the number of consecutive positive estimation results for the location, the higher the reliability of the location. This allows for estimation that radio wave interference is occurring continuously, and increases the reliability when there is a high possibility that radio wave interference is occurring, making it easier for investigators to make judgments.

[0067] In this embodiment, the estimation condition may be that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied. The estimation unit 22 increases the reliability as the number of satisfied individual conditions increases. This increases the reliability when many individual conditions are satisfied and there is a high possibility that radio wave interference is occurring, making it easier for the investigator to make a judgment.

[0068] In this embodiment, the estimation condition may be that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied. Furthermore, the estimation unit 22 increases the reliability based on the accuracy rate associated with each individual condition, the higher the accuracy rate of the satisfied individual condition. The accuracy rate is the ratio of the number of times that radio wave interference actually occurred when the individual condition was satisfied to the number of times that the individual condition was satisfied. This increases the reliability when an individual condition with a high accuracy rate is satisfied and there is a high possibility that radio wave interference is occurring, making it easier for the investigator to make a judgment.

[0069] The interference information output device 40 of this embodiment further includes a correct answer rate calculation unit 45 that calculates a correct answer rate. The correct answer rate calculation unit 45 calculates the correct answer rate based on correct answer information, which is information about the date, time, and location where radio wave interference actually occurred, information about the location and date and time where radio wave interference is estimated to be occurring, and information indicating the individual conditions that served as the basis for the estimation. This allows the interference information output device 40 to calculate the correct answer rate.

[0070] In this embodiment, the output unit 23 outputs interference information to the display means 60, which displays an image. The interference information is image information for displaying an image on the display means 60. The image displays the estimation results at the position of the wireless receiving means 50-i on the map. The estimation results are displayed in the image, distinguished according to their reliability. This allows the investigator to more easily grasp the locations where radio wave interference is likely to occur.

[0071] In this embodiment, the output unit 23 outputs interference information to the display means 60, which displays an image. The interference information is image information for displaying an image on the display means 60. The image displays signal information and reliability for a predetermined location. This allows the investigator to understand the possibility of radio wave interference occurring and the signal information at that time.

[0072] In this embodiment, the signal information includes radio information, which is information about the radio characteristics of the received signal, and reception information, which is information about the quality of the reception status of the received signal, thereby making it possible to easily estimate whether radio interference is occurring.

[0073] [Hardware configuration example] An example of the configuration of hardware resources for realizing the interference information output device (10, 20) in each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention using one information processing device (computer) will be described. Note that the interference information output device may be physically or functionally realized using at least two information processing devices. The interference information output device may also be realized as a dedicated device. Also, only some of the functions of the interference information output device may be realized using an information processing device.

[0074] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can realize the interference information output device according to each embodiment of the present invention. The information processing device 90 includes a communication interface 91, an input / output interface 92, a calculation device 93, a storage device 94, a nonvolatile storage device 95, and a drive device 96.

[0075] For example, the information receiving unit 11 and the output unit 13 in FIG. 1 can be realized by a communication interface 91 and a computing device, and the estimation unit 12 can be realized by a computing device 93.

[0076] The communication interface 91 is a communication means for the interference information output device of each embodiment to communicate with an external device via a wired or / and wireless connection. When the interference information output device is realized using at least two information processing devices, the devices may be connected via the communication interface 91 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0077] The input / output interface 92 is a man-machine interface including a keyboard as an example of an input device and a display as an output device.

[0078] The arithmetic device 93 is realized by a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, or other arithmetic processing device, and a plurality of electric circuits. The arithmetic device 93 can, for example, read various programs stored in a nonvolatile storage device 95 into the storage device 94 and execute processing in accordance with the read programs.

[0079] The storage device 94 is a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) that can be accessed by the arithmetic device 93, and stores programs, various data, etc. The storage device 94 may be a volatile memory device.

[0080] The nonvolatile storage device 95 is a nonvolatile storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and is capable of storing various programs, data, and the like.

[0081] The drive device 96 is, for example, a device that processes reading and writing of data from and to a recording medium 97, which will be described later.

[0082] The recording medium 97 is any recording medium capable of recording data, such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor flash memory.

[0083] Each embodiment of the present invention may be realized, for example, by configuring an interference information output device using the information processing device 90 illustrated in FIG. 11 and supplying to this interference information output device a program capable of realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

[0084] In this case, the embodiment can be realized by having the arithmetic device 93 execute a program supplied to the interference information output device. Also, it is possible to configure some, but not all, of the functions of the interference information output device in the information processing device 90.

[0085] Furthermore, the interference information output device may be configured so that the program is recorded on a recording medium 97 and is stored in the nonvolatile storage device 95 as appropriate when the interference information output device is shipped or when it is in operation. In this case, the program may be supplied by installing it in the interference information output device using an appropriate jig during the manufacturing stage before shipping or during operation. The program may also be supplied by a general procedure such as downloading it from an external source via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0086] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0087] (Appendix 1) An interference information output device connected to a wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless signal, an information receiving means for receiving signal information from the wireless receiving means, the signal information being information relating to the quality of a received signal, the wireless signal being received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation means for estimating whether radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; an output means for outputting interference information, which is information related to radio wave interference; Equipped with When the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation means further calculates a reliability indicating a degree of accuracy of the estimation; the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; Interference information output device.

[0088] (Appendix 2) the estimation means performs the estimation at predetermined time intervals, and increases the reliability of the location as the number of consecutive times the estimation result is positive for the location increases; 2. An interference information output device according to claim 1.

[0089] (Appendix 3) The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, The estimation means increases the reliability as the number of satisfied individual conditions increases. 10. The interference information output device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0090] (Appendix 4) The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, the estimation means increases the reliability as the correct answer rate of the individual condition that is satisfied increases based on the correct answer rate associated with each of the individual conditions; The accuracy rate is a ratio of the number of times that radio wave interference actually occurred when the individual condition was satisfied to the number of times that the individual condition was satisfied. 4. An interference information output device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3.

[0091] (Appendix 5) further comprising a correct answer rate calculation means for calculating the correct answer rate, the accuracy rate calculation means calculates the accuracy rate based on accuracy information, which is information on the date, time, and location where radio wave interference actually occurred, information on the location and date and time when it was estimated that radio wave interference was occurring, and information indicating the individual conditions that served as the basis for the estimation; 5. An interference information output device according to claim 4.

[0092] (Appendix 6) the output means outputs the interference information to a display means that displays an image; the interference information is image information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the result of the estimation at the position of the wireless receiving means on a map; The estimation results are displayed in the image in a differentiated manner according to the reliability. An interference information output device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5.

[0093] (Appendix 7) the output means outputs the interference information to a display means that displays an image; the interference information is image information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the signal information and the confidence level for a given location. An interference information output device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5.

[0094] (Appendix 8) the signal information includes radio information that is information about radio characteristics of the received signal, and reception information that is information about the quality of the reception status of the received signal; 2. An interference information output device according to claim 1.

[0095] (Appendix 9) An interference information output method for an interference information output device connected to wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless signal, comprising: receiving, from the wireless receiving means, signal information that is information regarding the quality of a received signal that is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation of whether radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; If the result of the estimation is positive, a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation is further calculated; Outputting interference information, which is information about radio wave interference; the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; Interference information output method.

[0096] (Appendix 10) The estimation is performed at predetermined time intervals, and the reliability of the location is increased as the number of consecutive times that the estimation result is positive for the location increases. 10. The interference information output method according to claim 9.

[0097] (Appendix 11) The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, The greater the number of satisfied individual conditions, the higher the reliability. 11. An interference information output method according to claim 9 or 10.

[0098] (Appendix 12) The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, based on the correct answer rate associated with each of the individual conditions, the higher the correct answer rate for the individual conditions that are satisfied, the higher the reliability; The accuracy rate is a ratio of the number of times that radio wave interference actually occurred when the individual condition was satisfied to the number of times that the individual condition was satisfied. An interference information output method according to any one of Supplementary Note 9 to Supplementary Note 11.

[0099] (Appendix 13) Calculating the accuracy rate based on correct answer information, which is information on the date, time, and location where radio wave interference actually occurred, information on the location and date and time when it was estimated that radio wave interference was occurring, and information indicating the individual conditions that served as the basis for the estimation. 13. The interference information output method according to claim 12.

[0100] (Appendix 14) outputting the interference information to a display means for displaying an image; the interference information is image information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the result of the estimation at the position of the wireless receiving means on a map; The estimation results are displayed in the image in a differentiated manner according to the reliability. An interference information output method according to any one of Supplementary Note 9 to Supplementary Note 13.

[0101] (Appendix 15) outputting the interference information to a display means for displaying an image; the interference information is information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the signal information and the confidence level for a given location. An interference information output method according to any one of Supplementary Note 9 to Supplementary Note 13.

[0102] (Appendix 16) the signal information includes radio information that is information about radio characteristics of the received signal, and reception information that is information about the quality of the reception status of the received signal; 10. The interference information output method according to claim 9.

[0103] (Appendix 17) On the computer, an information receiving function of receiving, from a wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless signal, signal information that is information regarding the quality of a received signal that is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation function for estimating whether radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; An output function that outputs interference information, which is information related to radio wave interference. Realize this, When the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation function further calculates a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation; the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; A computer-readable recording medium on which an interference information output program is recorded.

[0104] (Appendix 18) the estimation function performs the estimation at predetermined time intervals, and increases the reliability of the location as the number of consecutive times the estimation result is positive for the location increases; A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the interference information output program described in Appendix 17.

[0105] (Appendix 19) The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, The estimation function increases the reliability as the number of satisfied individual conditions increases. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the interference information output program according to Supplementary Note 17 or Supplementary Note 18.

[0106] (Appendix 20) The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, the estimation function increases the reliability as the accuracy rate of the satisfied individual condition increases based on the accuracy rate associated with each of the individual conditions; The accuracy rate is a ratio of the number of times that radio wave interference actually occurred when the individual condition was satisfied to the number of times that the individual condition was satisfied. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon an interference information output program according to any one of Supplementary Note 17 to Supplementary Note 19.

[0107] (Appendix 21) The correct answer rate calculation function for calculating the correct answer rate is further implemented in the computer, The accuracy rate calculation function calculates the accuracy rate based on accuracy information, which is information on the date, time, and location where radio wave interference actually occurred, information on the location and date and time when it was estimated that radio wave interference was occurring, and information indicating the individual conditions that served as the basis for the estimation. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the interference information output program according to Supplementary Note 20.

[0108] (Appendix 22) the output function outputs the interference information to a display means for displaying an image; the interference information is image information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the result of the estimation at the position of the wireless receiving means on a map; The estimation results are displayed in the image in a differentiated manner according to the reliability. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon an interference information output program according to any one of Supplementary Note 17 to Supplementary Note 21.

[0109] (Appendix 23) the output function outputs the interference information to a display means for displaying an image; the interference information is image information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the signal information and the confidence level for a given location. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon an interference information output program according to any one of Supplementary Note 17 to Supplementary Note 21.

[0110] (Appendix 24) the signal information includes radio information that is information about radio characteristics of the received signal, and reception information that is information about the quality of the reception status of the received signal; A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the interference information output program described in Appendix 17.

[0111] (Appendix 25) an information receiving means for receiving, from the wireless receiving means, signal information that is information regarding the quality of a received signal that is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation means for estimating whether radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; an output means for outputting interference information, which is information related to radio wave interference; Equipped with When the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation means further calculates a reliability indicating a degree of accuracy of the estimation; the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; Interference information output system.

[0112] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10, 20, 30, 40 Interference information output device 11, 21 Information receiving section 12, 22 Estimation part 13, 23 Output section 34 Condition generator 45 Correct answer rate calculation section 50-i wireless receiving means 60 Display means 90 Information processing equipment 91 Communication Interface 92 Input / Output Interface 93 Arithmetic unit 94 Storage device 95 Non-volatile storage devices 96 Drive Device 97 Recording Media

Claims

1. An interference information output device connected to a wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless signal, an information receiving means for receiving, from the wireless receiving means, signal information that is information regarding the quality of a received signal that is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation means for estimating whether radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; an output means for outputting interference information, which is information related to radio wave interference; Equipped with When the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation means further calculates a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation; The reliability is high when there is a high possibility that radio wave interference is occurring at the location, the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; Interference information output device.

2. the estimation means performs the estimation at predetermined time intervals, and increases the reliability of the location as the number of consecutive times the estimation result is positive for the location increases; The interference information output device according to claim 1 .

3. The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, The estimation means increases the reliability as the number of satisfied individual conditions increases.

3. The interference information output device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The estimation condition is that a predetermined number or more of individual conditions are satisfied, the estimation means increases the reliability as the correct answer rate of the individual condition that is satisfied increases based on the correct answer rate associated with each of the individual conditions; The accuracy rate is a ratio of the number of times that radio wave interference actually occurred when the individual condition was satisfied to the number of times that the individual condition was satisfied.

4. The interference information output device according to claim 1.

5. further comprising a correct answer rate calculation means for calculating the correct answer rate, the accuracy rate calculation means calculates the accuracy rate based on accuracy information, which is information on the date, time, and location where radio wave interference actually occurred, information on the location and date and time when it was estimated that radio wave interference was occurring, and information indicating the individual conditions that served as the basis for the estimation; The interference information output device according to claim 4 .

6. the output means outputs the interference information to a display means that displays an image; the interference information is image information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the result of the estimation at the position of the wireless receiving means on a map; The estimation results are displayed in the image in a differentiated manner according to the reliability.

6. The interference information output device according to claim 1.

7. the output means outputs the interference information to a display means that displays an image; the interference information is image information for displaying the image on the display means, the image displays the signal information and the confidence level for a given location.

6. The interference information output device according to claim 1.

8. An interference information output method for an interference information output device connected to wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless signal, comprising: receiving, from the wireless receiving means, signal information that is information regarding the quality of a received signal that is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation of whether radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; If the result of the estimation is positive, a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation is further calculated; Outputting interference information, which is information about radio wave interference; The reliability is high when there is a high possibility that radio wave interference is occurring at the location, the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; Interference information output method.

9. On the computer, an information receiving function of receiving, from a wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless signal, signal information that is information regarding the quality of a received signal that is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation function for estimating whether radio wave interference is occurring at the location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; An output function that outputs interference information, which is information related to radio wave interference. To achieve this, When the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation function further calculates a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation; The reliability is high when there is a high possibility that radio wave interference is occurring at the location, the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; Interference information output program.

10. an information receiving means for receiving, from the wireless receiving means, signal information that is information regarding the quality of a received signal that is a wireless signal received by the wireless receiving means; an estimation means for estimating whether radio wave interference is occurring at a location where the wireless receiving means is located, based on an estimation condition that is a condition that is satisfied when radio wave interference is occurring; an output means for outputting interference information, which is information related to radio wave interference; Equipped with When the result of the estimation is positive, the estimation means further calculates a reliability indicating the degree of accuracy of the estimation; The reliability is high when there is a high possibility that radio wave interference is occurring at the location, the estimation condition includes a condition regarding the signal information; the interference information includes information about the location, information about a result of the estimation, and, if the result of the estimation is positive, information about the reliability; Interference information output system.

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