Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technology that enables further reduction in power consumption of terminals that move infrequently. [Solution] A first cell measurement execution unit performs measurements of the electric field strength of a first cell, which is the current connection destination; a second cell measurement execution unit performs measurements of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell; a measurement execution period setting unit sets the period of measurements by the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results by the first cell measurement execution unit; and the first cell measurement execution unit performs calculations to smooth changes in the electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program, and more particularly to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program that provide a technique for realizing further reduction in power consumption of a terminal that moves infrequently. [Background technology]

[0002] A terminal connected to a mobile communication network measures the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected, as well as the electric field strength of cells adjacent to that cell as needed. For example, if the terminal moves and the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected becomes weaker, the terminal measures the electric field strength of the adjacent cells in preparation for handover or reselection.

[0003] On the other hand, IoT devices with reduced communication capabilities compared to devices carried by users such as smartphones are increasingly being introduced. These devices often incorporate power-saving technologies, such as M2M compatible communication protocols.

[0004] In addition, the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) has agreed to introduce a method for relaxing the measurement of radio quality for neighboring cells based on an RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) / RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) based stationarity criterion for specific user equipment in an RRC idle or connected state.

[0005] Also, a technique has been proposed that enables a network to know when a specific user equipment no longer satisfies at least one of the stationary criterion and the non-cell edge criterion (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-10465 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that performs M2M communication, and includes a first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurements of the electric field strength of a first cell that is currently connected to, a second cell measurement execution unit that performs measurements of the electric field strength of a second cell that is different from the first cell, and a measurement execution period setting unit that sets the measurement period of the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results by the first cell measurement execution unit, and the first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth changes in the electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result.

[0008] A data processing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing method for an information processing device that performs M2M communication, and includes a step in which a first cell measurement execution unit performs an operation to smooth changes in electric field strength for each electric field strength of a first cell that is currently connected to, the electric field strength of the first cell being detected at a predetermined period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result; a step in which a measurement execution period setting unit sets the measurement period of a second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit; and a step in which the second cell measurement execution unit performs measurements of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell.

[0009] Each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program that causes a computer to execute each step of the above method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an IoT device. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result when the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit is the first measurement mode. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result when the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit is the second measurement mode. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a measurement mode selection process. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a measurement execution period setting process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the transition of measurement mode settings. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the transition of the measurement mode setting. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the trigger for performing relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A terminal connected to a mobile communication network measures the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected, as well as the electric field strength of cells adjacent to that cell as needed. For example, if the terminal moves and the electric field strength of the cell to which it is currently connected becomes weaker, the terminal measures the electric field strength of the adjacent cells in preparation for handover or reselection.

[0012] On the other hand, IoT devices with reduced communication capabilities compared to devices carried by users such as smartphones are increasingly being introduced. These devices often incorporate power-saving technologies, such as M2M compatible communication protocols.

[0013] In addition, 3GPP has agreed to introduce a method for relaxing radio quality measurements for neighboring cells based on RSRP / RSRQ based stationarity criterion for specific user equipment in RRC idle or connected state. Note that the above-mentioned method for relaxing radio quality measurements includes a technique called "Relaxed monitoring" in 4G (LTE) and "Relaxed measurement" in 5G (NR).

[0014] However, for stationary terminals such as IoT devices and M2M devices, there is very little need to measure the electric field strength of adjacent cells, and there has been a need to further reduce the power consumption associated with such measurements.

[0015] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables further reduction in power consumption of a terminal that moves infrequently.

[0016] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (Communication System Configuration) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the communication system 10 shown in the figure, an IoT (Internet of Things) device 40 communicates via a mobile wireless communication network such as a base station or backbone communication network of a predetermined mobile network operator (MNO). In this example, base stations 21-1 and 21-2 of the predetermined MNO are shown, and each base station is connected to a core network 22 of the predetermined MNO.

[0018] In mobile communications, a base station communicates with UEs (User Equipment), which are terminal devices located within a cell, which is a predetermined wireless communication area. In the example of FIG. 1, a cell 30-1 corresponding to a base station 21-1 and a cell 30-2 corresponding to a base station 21-2 are shown. In reality, one base station can communicate with several hundred UEs simultaneously. In the example of FIG. 1, an IoT device 40 is connected to cell 30-1 as a UE.

[0019] An IoT platform server 70 is also connected to the core network 22. The IoT platform server 70 analyzes data collected from the IoT devices 40, distributes software to the IoT devices 40, and so on.

[0020] The IoT device 40 may be compliant with any of the following communication methods: 3G (3rd Generation) communication method, LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication method, 5G (5th Generation) communication method, and 6G (6th Generation) communication method or later.

[0021] As an example, in the communication system 10, the IoT device 40 employs LwM2M (Lightweight M2M), a protocol for IoT established by OMA (Open Mobile Alliance), for the purpose of power saving. Note that, although the present embodiment uses the IoT device 40 as an example of a UE, the UE is not limited to an IoT device. For example, an information processing device that performs M2M communication may also be a UE. In other words, any device that performs wireless communication and is expected to move infrequently may be used.

[0022] (Functional configuration of IoT devices) 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the IoT device 40. In this example, the IoT device 40 includes a positioning function unit 101, a measurement mode determination unit 102, a measurement mode switching unit 103, a self-cell measurement execution unit 104, a smoothing calculation execution unit 105, a measurement execution period setting unit 106, and a neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107.

[0023] (Positioning function section) The positioning function unit 101 has, for example, a GPS function, measures the current position of the IoT device 40, and outputs the position information.

[0024] (Measurement mode determination unit) The measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 based on, for example, location information relating to the current location of the IoT device 40 output from the positioning function unit 101. As an example, the measurement mode determination unit 102 calculates the movement distance of the IoT device 40 based on the location information for a predetermined time period in the past (for example, t seconds), and if the calculated movement distance is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, determines the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the first measurement mode. On the other hand, if the calculated movement distance is less than the preset threshold, determines the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the second measurement mode.

[0025] (Measurement mode switching section) The measurement mode switching unit 103 switches the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 according to the determination by the measurement mode determination unit 102 .

[0026] (Own cell measurement execution unit) The own cell measurement execution unit 104 executes measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell to which the mobile station is currently connected. That is, it measures the electric field strength of the cell to which the mobile station is currently connected (e.g., cell 30-1 in FIG. 1) among multiple cells formed in response to radio waves from a base station, etc. As an example, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 executes measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell by detecting the electric field strength at a predetermined period (e.g., every few milliseconds).

[0027] The measurement period for the first cell is defined by 3GPP and is determined according to parameters notified by the base station. The field strength as the measurement target is an example, and instead of the field strength, for example, the field quality (RSRQ / SINR) may be measured. The following describes an example in which the field strength is measured.

[0028] Details of the cell measurements performed by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 are described in, for example, 4.2.2.1 (Measurement and evaluation of serving cell), 4.6.2.1 (NB-IoT Normal coverage), 4.6.2.3 (NB-IoT Enhanced coverage), 4.7.2.1.1 (Cat. M Normal coverage), and 4.7.2.2.1 (Cat. M Enhanced coverage) of TS36.133, a 3GPP standard, when the RAT is LTE. Also, details of the cell measurements performed by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 are described in, for example, 4.2.2.2 (Idle), 5.1.2.2 (Inactive) and the like of TS38.133, a 3GPP standard, when the RAT is 5G.

[0029] (Smoothing calculation execution unit) The smoothing calculation execution unit 105 executes a calculation to smooth the change in the field strength for each of the first cell field strengths detected by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 at a predetermined cycle, and outputs the smoothed field strength. As an example, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 executes a calculation to smooth the change in the field strength by calculating a moving average of the field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined cycle, and outputs the smoothed field strength. Here, the moving average may be calculated as, for example, an average value of the detected values ​​of the field strength over the past few seconds.

[0030] The smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may be configured, for example, as part of the own cell measurement execution unit 104, and may operate according to the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104. For example, when the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is the second measurement mode, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may execute a calculation to smooth changes in field strength and output the smoothed field strength. On the other hand, when the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is the first measurement mode, the calculation by the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may not be executed.

[0031] (Measurement execution period setting section) The measurement execution period setting unit 106 sets the period of measurement by the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 based on the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104. The measurement execution period setting unit 106 selectively sets the period of measurement by the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107, for example, by comparing the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 with a preset threshold. As described above, the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 may or may not be smoothed by the smoothing calculation execution unit 105.

[0032] The measurement execution interval setting unit 106 sets the period as a time interval at which the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 executes the process related to measuring the electric field strength of the cell, which period is determined according to the result of comparing the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 with a threshold value, for example. For example, the timing at which the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 executes the process related to measuring the electric field strength of the cell is set to once per minute or once per hour.

[0033] (Neighboring cell measurement execution unit) The neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 executes measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell. For example, when the electric field strength of the cell to which the IoT device 40 is currently connected becomes smaller than a preset threshold as the IoT device 40 moves, the electric field strength of the neighboring cell is measured in preparation for reselection. The neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 executes measurement of the electric field strength of, for example, a second cell (e.g., cell 30-2 in FIG. 1) neighboring the first cell.

[0034] Details of the cell measurements performed by neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107, for example, when the RAT is LTE, are described in 4.2.2.3 (LTE intra freq), 4.2.2.4 (LTE inter freq), 4.6.2.2 (NB-IoT intra freq Normal coverage), 4.6.2.4 (NB-IoT intra freq Enhanced coverage), 4.6.2.5 (NB-IoT inter freq Normal coverage), 4.6.2.6 (NB-IoT inter freq Enhanced coverage), 4.7.2.1.2 (Cat. M intra freq Normal coverage), 4.7.2.1.3 (Cat. M intra freq Enhanced coverage), 4.7.2.2.2 (Cat. M inter freq Normal coverage), 4.7.2.2.3 (Cat. M inter freq Enhanced coverage), etc. of TS36.133, which is the 3GPP standard. Also, when the RAT is 5G, it is described in 4.2.2.3 (Idle intra freq) / 4.2.2.4 (Idle inter freq) / 5.1.2.3 (Inactive intra freq) / 5.1.2.4 (Inactive inter freq) of TS38.133, a 3GPP standard.

[0035] (Examples of measurement results for each measurement mode) Here, the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the measurement results when the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is the first measurement mode. In this diagram, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents electric field strength, and curve 151 is shown indicating the change in the detected electric field strength of cell 30-1. As an example, the electric field strength of cell 30-1 is detected every few milliseconds, and curve 151 is a curve showing the detected electric field strength over time. As shown in this diagram, curve 151 shows a steep change in electric field strength.

[0037] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a measurement result when the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is the second measurement mode. In this diagram, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents electric field strength, and curve 152 is shown, which indicates the result of a calculation to smooth the change in the electric field strength of the detected cell 30-1. As an example, the calculation to smooth the change in the electric field strength may be a moving average calculation. For example, if the electric field strength of cell 30-1 is detected every few milliseconds, curve 152 may be a moving average curve obtained by averaging the detected electric field strength every few seconds. As shown in the diagram, the electric field strength changes more smoothly in curve 152 than in curve 151.

[0038] That is, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 performs measurements of the electric field strength of the first cell using at least one of the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode, and in the first measurement mode, each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined period is output as a measurement result, and in the second measurement mode, an operation is performed to smooth the change in electric field strength in the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement mode, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result.

[0039] As described above, for example, when the electric field strength of the cell to which the IoT device 40 is currently connected falls below a preset threshold as the IoT device 40 moves, the electric field strength of adjacent cells is measured in preparation for reselection. For example, when the electric field strength of a first cell falls below a preset threshold, the frequency of measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell increases. In other words, the electric field strength of cell 30-1 falling below the threshold triggers measurement of the electric field strength of cell 30-2.

[0040] However, in reality, even if the IoT device 40 does not move, the electric field strength of the cell 30-1 may fall below the threshold due to temporary blocking of radio waves caused by the passing of vehicles or people.

[0041] In the example of FIG. 3, a portion of curve 151 is below threshold value L1, so neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 will measure the field strength of cell 30-2.

[0042] On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 4 , curve 152 never falls below threshold L1, and therefore neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 does not measure the electric field strength of cell 30-2. If neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 measures the electric field strength of cell 30-2, the power consumption of IoT device 40 increases accordingly. For example, if IoT device 40 is a fixedly installed device, it is preferable not to measure the electric field strength of cell 30-2 even if the electric field strength of cell 30-1 falls below the threshold. In such a case, it is possible to improve the power saving performance of IoT device 40 by comparing the electric field strength of cell 30-1 with the threshold using measurement results that have been subjected to a calculation to smooth the change in the detected electric field strength of cell 30-1.

[0043] Next, a description will be given of a measurement mode selection process in the IoT device 40. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the measurement mode selection process.

[0044] In step S101, the measurement mode determination unit 102 acquires, from the positioning function unit 101, position information for the past t seconds.

[0045] In step S102, the measurement mode determination unit 102 calculates the travel distance of the IoT device 40 based on the position information acquired in step S101, and determines whether the calculated travel distance is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0046] If it is determined in step S102 that the moving distance is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the first measurement mode.

[0047] If it is determined in step S102 that the moving distance is less than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 to be the second measurement mode.

[0048] In step S105, the measurement mode switching unit 103 switches the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 to the measurement mode determined in step S103 or step S104 by the measurement mode determination unit 102. Note that if the measurement mode currently set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is the same as the measurement mode determined by the measurement mode determination unit 102 in step S103 or step S104, there is no need to switch in step S105.

[0049] In this way, the measurement mode selection process is performed.

[0050] Next, a description will be given of a measurement execution period setting process in the IoT device 40. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the measurement execution period setting process. This process may be executed in parallel with the measurement mode selection process of Fig. 5.

[0051] In step S121, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 executes measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell, which is the currently connected cell. At this time, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 measures the electric field strength of the first cell by detecting the electric field strength at a predetermined period. Here, the predetermined period may be, for example, several milliseconds.

[0052] In step S122, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 checks whether the currently set measurement mode is the first measurement mode or the second measurement mode. If it is determined in step S122 that the currently set measurement mode is the second measurement mode, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 causes the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 to execute processing.

[0053] In step S123, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 executes a calculation to smooth the change in the electric field strength of the first cell detected in step S121, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength.

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S122 that the currently set measurement mode is the first measurement mode, the process of step S123 is skipped, i.e., the electric field strength of the first cell detected in step S121 is output as is.

[0055] In step S124, the measurement execution period setting unit 106 compares the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 with a preset threshold. As described above, the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 may or may not have been smoothed by the processing in step S123.

[0056] If it is determined as a result of the comparison in the process of step S124 that the measurement result is below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0057] In step S126, the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 sets a short cycle (for example, one minute) for the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 to execute the process related to measuring the electric field strength of the second cell. That is, since the electric field strength corresponding to the first cell, which is the current connection destination, has become weaker, it is necessary to increase the frequency of measuring the electric field strength of the second cell in preparation for reselection.

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined as a result of the comparison in the process of step S124 that the measurement result is not below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S125.

[0059] In step S125, the measurement execution cycle setting unit 106 sets a long cycle (for example, one hour) for the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 to execute the process related to measuring the electric field strength of the second cell. That is, if the electric field strength corresponding to the first cell, which is the current connection destination, is sufficiently large, the possibility of reselection being performed is low, so it is necessary to reduce the frequency of measuring the electric field strength of neighboring cells to suppress power consumption.

[0060] In this way, when the electric field strength within a predetermined time in the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 changes below a predetermined threshold, the measurement execution period setting unit 106 sets the measurement period by the second cell measurement execution unit to be shorter.

[0061] In step S127, the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 measures the electric field strength of the second cell at the period set in the process of step S125 or step S126.

[0062] In this way, the measurement execution period setting process is executed.

[0063] 7 is a diagram illustrating the transition of measurement mode settings. The diagram shows an IoT device 40, a base station 21, and an IoT platform server 70, with the state of the IoT device 40 indicated as "stationary" or "moving" on the right side of the diagram. It should be noted that the vertical direction in FIG. 7 represents the passage of time. In this example, the line is opened when the IoT device 40 is powered on for the first time, and the IoT device 40 and the IoT platform server 70 are connected for the first time (initial connection).

[0064] 7, after the IoT device 40 is initially powered on, it remains stationary for a while, for example, in an RRC idle state. After that, the IoT device 40 moves and reselection is performed. The reselection changes the cell to which the IoT device 40 is connected. After that, the IoT device 40 remains stationary again, for example, in an RRC idle state.

[0065] In this case, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the second measurement mode while the IoT device 40 is stationary after being powered on for the first time. That is, the change in the electric field strength of the first cell is smoothed, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result. Therefore, for example, when the IoT device 40 is in the RRC idle state, the frequency of measuring the electric field strength of the second cell by the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 is likely to be set low, resulting in a greater power saving effect.

[0066] Furthermore, as the IoT device 40 moves, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the first measurement mode, which increases the likelihood that the frequency of measurements of the electric field strength of the second cell by the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 will be set high, thereby preparing for reselection.

[0067] Then, when the IoT device 40 becomes stationary again, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the second measurement mode again. Therefore, for example, when the IoT device 40 enters the RRC Idle state, the frequency of measuring the electric field strength of the second cell by the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 is likely to be set low, resulting in a greater power saving effect.

[0068] (Effects of the embodiment) According to this embodiment, when the IoT device 40 is stationary, the own cell measurement execution unit 104 executes a calculation to smooth the change in the field strength of each of the first cell detected at a preset period, and outputs the smoothed field strength as the measurement result. Therefore, when the IoT device 40 is in the RRC idle state, the frequency of measuring the field strength of the second cell by the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 is likely to be set low, resulting in a greater power saving effect.

[0069] That is, according to this embodiment, when there is little need to measure the electric field strength of neighboring cells, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption associated with such measurements. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the power consumption of terminals that do not move frequently.

[0070] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the measurement mode determination unit 102 determines the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 based on, for example, location information relating to the current location of the IoT device 40 output from the positioning function unit 101. However, the measurement mode determination unit 102 may set the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 based on, for example, a command from an external device. For example, the measurement mode to be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 may be switched based on, for example, data transmitted from the IoT platform server 70.

[0071] For example, the IoT platform server 70 manages information such as the installation location and power consumption of the IoT device 40. For example, when it is determined by referring to the installation location of the IoT device 40 that the IoT device 40 is unlikely to move, the IoT platform server 70 may transmit to the IoT device 40 a command to set the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit 104 to the second measurement mode.

[0072] Then, upon receiving the command from the IoT platform server 70, the IoT device 40 may switch the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 so that the measurement mode corresponding to the command received by the measurement mode switching unit 103 is set. In this case, the IoT device 40 may not be provided with the positioning function unit 101 and the measurement mode determination unit 102.

[0073] In this way, the measurement mode switching unit 103 may switch the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit 104 based on data received from other devices connected via the network.

[0074] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the transition of measurement mode settings in this embodiment. This figure corresponds to Fig. 7. In the example of Fig. 8, when the IoT device 40 is powered on for the first time and a line is opened, and the IoT device 40 and the IoT platform server 70 are connected for the first time (initial connection), the IoT platform server 70 transmits a command to the IoT device 40 to set the measurement mode to the second measurement mode. As a result, the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit 104 becomes the second measurement mode, the change in the electric field strength of the first cell is smoothed, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result.

[0075] By doing this, after the initial power-on operation of the IoT device 40, the measurement mode of the local cell measurement execution unit 104 is set to the second measurement mode. In this case, even if the IoT device 40 moves, the electric field strength of the first cell continues to be measured in the second measurement mode. However, since the IoT device 40 is unlikely to move, it is unlikely that reselection will actually be required, and there is little risk of communication of the IoT device 40 being affected.

[0076] For example, after being set to the second measurement mode once, if a command is received again from the IoT platform server 70, the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit 104 may be set to the first measurement mode.

[0077] (Third embodiment) In the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is determined and switched. However, for example, the measurement mode of the own cell measurement execution unit 104 may be set to the second measurement mode when the IoT device 40 is shipped. For example, if it is clear that the IoT device 40 will be fixedly installed on a building or the like, it is considered unnecessary to purposely switch the measurement mode set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104.

[0078] In this embodiment, the IoT device 40 does not necessarily have to include the positioning function unit 101, the measurement mode determination unit 102, and the measurement mode switching unit 103.

[0079] By doing so, the measurement mode of the local cell measurement execution unit 104 of the IoT device 40 is fixed to the second measurement mode. Of course, in this case, even if the IoT device 40 moves, the electric field strength of the first cell will continue to be measured in the second measurement mode. However, since the IoT device 40 is unlikely to move, it is unlikely that reselection will actually be required, and there is little risk of communication of the IoT device 40 being affected.

[0080] (Fourth embodiment) In the first, second, and third embodiments, an example has been described in which the measurement execution period setting unit 106 selectively sets the period of measurement by the neighboring cell measurement execution unit 107 by comparing the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 with a preset threshold. However, whether or not relaxed monitoring (or relaxed measurement) is performed in the IoT device 40 may be determined based on the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104. When relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement is performed, the period for measuring the reception quality (e.g., field strength) of the second cell becomes longer.

[0081] For example, as shown in Fig. 9, it is determined whether the measurement result Vo by the own-cell measurement execution unit 104 has changed beyond a range defined by a preset upper limit value L12 and lower limit value L11 within a predetermined time. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined time is referred to as "TSearchDeltaP" in the case of 4G (LTE) and as "TSearchDeltaPStationary" in the case of 5G (NR). Furthermore, the range defined by the above-mentioned upper limit value L12 and lower limit value L11 is referred to as "SSearchDeltaP" in the case of 4G (LTE) and as "SSearchDeltaPStationary" in the case of 5G (NR).

[0082] 9, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the value of the measurement result Vo. If the measurement result Vo does not change beyond SsearchDeltaP(Stationary) during TsearchDeltaP(Stationary), the IoT device 40 executes relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement.

[0083] If the measurement result Vo by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 falls below the lower limit L11 or exceeds the upper limit L12, relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement will not be executed in the IoT device 40. Even in such a case, by executing a calculation to smooth the change in the measurement result Vo by the own cell measurement execution unit 104, the possibility of the change exceeding the range SsearchDeltaPStationary within the time TsearchDeltaPStationary is reduced. Therefore, the power saving performance of the IoT device 40 can be improved.

[0084] In this way, when the change in field strength within a preset time period in the measurement result by the own cell measurement execution unit 104 is within a preset range, relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement may be executed.

[0085] (Other embodiments) In the above-described embodiments, examples have been described in which the first measurement mode and the second measurement mode are set as the measurement modes in the own cell measurement execution unit 104. However, more measurement modes may be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104.

[0086] For example, the smoothing calculation execution unit 105 may be configured not to operate in the first measurement mode, and to operate in the second and third measurement modes. In this case, for example, in the second measurement mode, the moving average may be calculated as the average value of the detected values ​​of the field strength over the past three seconds, and in the third measurement mode, the moving average may be calculated as the average value of the detected values ​​of the field strength over the past ten seconds.

[0087] Also, for example, the travel distance of the IoT device 40 may be calculated based on location information for a predetermined time period in the past (for example, t seconds), and a measurement mode determined according to the magnitude of the calculated travel distance may be set in the own cell measurement execution unit 104. In this case, for example, a table that associates the range of the calculated travel distance with the measurement mode may be stored, and the measurement mode determination unit 102 may determine the measurement mode by referring to the table.

[0088] By doing this, for example, an appropriate measurement mode can be set depending on the scale and frequency of movement of the IoT device 40, making it possible to complete reselection smoothly and reduce power consumption.

[0089] (Software implementation example) The above-described IoT device 40 is a program for causing a computer to function, and can be realized by the program for causing a computer to function as the IoT device 40. In this case, the IoT device 40 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. An example of such a computer is shown in FIG. 10.

[0090] The computer 500 includes at least one processor 501 and at least one memory 502. The memory 502 stores a program 520 for causing the computer 500 to operate as an IoT device 40. In the computer 500, the processor 501 reads and executes the program 520 from the memory 502, thereby realizing each function of the IoT device 40.

[0091] The processor 501 may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an FPU (Floating point number Processing Unit), a PPU (Physics Processing Unit), a microcontroller, or a combination thereof.

[0092] The memory 502 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination of these.

[0093] The computer 500 may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program 520 during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer 500 may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer 500 may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, and a printer.

[0094] Furthermore, the program 520 can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium 530 that can be read by the computer 500. For example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit can be used as such a recording medium 530. The computer 500 can acquire the program 520 via such a recording medium 530.

[0095] The program 520 can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Examples of such a transmission medium include a communication network and broadcast waves. The computer 500 can also acquire the program 520 via such a transmission medium.

[0096] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the IoT device 40 can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the above control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0097] According to each aspect of the present invention described above, the above-mentioned effects can be achieved, thereby contributing to the achievement of Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and build resilient infrastructure."

[0098] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0099] 〔summary〕 An information processing device according to aspect 1 of the present invention is an information processing device that performs M2M communication, and includes a first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurements of the electric field strength of a first cell to which the device is currently connected, a second cell measurement execution unit that performs measurements of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell, and a measurement execution period setting unit that sets the period of measurements by the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results by the first cell measurement execution unit, and the first cell measurement execution unit performs a calculation to smooth changes in the electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as the measurement result.

[0100] In an information processing device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, the first cell measurement execution unit performs measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell in at least one of a first measurement mode and a second measurement mode, and in the first measurement mode, each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined period is output as a measurement result, and in the second measurement mode, an operation is performed to smooth changes in the electric field strength in the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement mode, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result.

[0101] An information processing device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in accordance with aspect 2 above, further includes a measurement mode switching unit that switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit, and the measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on data received from another device connected via a network.

[0102] An information processing device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in accordance with aspect 2 above, further comprises a location information output unit that outputs location information that identifies the location of the information processing device, a measurement mode determination unit that determines the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on the location information output by the location information output unit, and a measurement mode switching unit that switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit, wherein the measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit according to the measurement mode determined by the measurement mode determination unit.

[0103] In an information processing device according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 4, the measurement mode determination unit determines the movement distance of the information processing device within a unit time based on the location information, and if the determined movement distance is smaller than a predetermined threshold, determines the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit to be the second measurement mode.

[0104] In an information processing device according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 5 above, the measurement execution period setting unit sets a longer measurement period for the second cell measurement execution unit when the electric field strength within a predetermined time in the measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit changes below a predetermined threshold.

[0105] In an information processing device according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 6 above, relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement is performed when the change in electric field strength within a predetermined time in the measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit is within a predetermined range.

[0106] An information processing device according to aspect 8 of the present invention is any one of aspects 1 to 7 above, wherein the first cell measurement execution unit performs an operation to smooth changes in the electric field strength by calculating a moving average of the electric field strength over a predetermined period of time.

[0107] An information processing method according to aspect 9 of the present invention is an information processing method of an information processing device that performs M2M communication, and includes a step in which a first cell measurement execution unit performs an operation to smooth changes in electric field strength for each electric field strength of a first cell that is currently connected to, which is detected at a predetermined period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result; a step in which a measurement execution period setting unit sets the period for measurement by a second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit; and a step in which the second cell measurement execution unit performs measurements of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell.

[0108] A program according to aspect 10 of the present invention causes a computer to function as an information processing device that performs M2M communication, comprising a first cell measurement execution unit that performs measurements of the electric field strength of a first cell that is the current connection destination, a second cell measurement execution unit that performs measurements of the electric field strength of a second cell that is different from the first cell, and a measurement execution period setting unit that sets the period of measurements by the second cell measurement execution unit based on the measurement results by the first cell measurement execution unit, wherein the first cell measurement execution unit, in a first measurement mode, performs calculations to smooth changes in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined period and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10. Communication Systems 21-1, 21-2 base station 30-1, 30-2 cells 40 IoT devices 70 IoT Platform Server 101 Positioning function unit 102 Measurement mode determination unit 103 Measurement mode switching section 104 Own cell measurement execution unit 105 Smoothing calculation execution unit 106 Measurement execution period setting section 107 Neighboring cell measurement execution unit

Claims

1. An information processing device that performs M2M communication, a first cell measurement execution unit that executes measurement of the electric field strength of a first cell to which the mobile station is currently connected; a second cell measurement execution unit that executes measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell; a measurement execution period setting unit that sets a period for measurement by the second cell measurement execution unit based on a measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit; The first cell measurement execution unit executes a calculation to smooth a change in electric field strength for each of the electric field strengths of the first cell detected at a predetermined period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result. Information processing device.

2. the first cell measurement execution unit executes measurement of the electric field strength of the first cell in at least one of a first measurement mode and a second measurement mode; In the first measurement mode, the electric field strength of the first cell detected at a predetermined period is output as a measurement result, In the second measurement mode, a calculation is performed to smooth the change in the electric field strength in the measurement result corresponding to the first measurement mode, and the smoothed electric field strength is output as the measurement result. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. a measurement mode switching unit that switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit; The measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on data received from another device connected via a network. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. a position information output unit that outputs position information that identifies the position of the information processing device; a measurement mode determination unit that determines a measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit based on the location information output by the location information output unit; a measurement mode switching unit that switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit, The measurement mode switching unit switches the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit in accordance with the measurement mode determined by the measurement mode determination unit. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The measurement mode determination unit Identifying a moving distance of the information processing device within a unit time based on the location information; If the specified moving distance is smaller than a preset threshold, the measurement mode of the first cell measurement execution unit is determined to be a second measurement mode. The information processing device according to claim 4 .

6. The measurement execution cycle setting unit sets a shorter cycle of measurement by the second cell measurement execution unit when the electric field strength within a predetermined time in the measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit changes to be below a predetermined threshold. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. When the change in the electric field strength within a predetermined time period in the measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit is within a predetermined range, relaxed monitoring / relaxed measurement is executed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

8. The first cell measurement execution unit executes a calculation to smooth the change in the electric field strength by calculating a moving average of the electric field strength for a predetermined period. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. An information processing method for an information processing device that performs M2M communication, a step in which the first cell measurement execution unit executes a calculation to smooth the change in electric field strength of the first cell, which is the currently connected cell, for each electric field strength of the first cell detected at a predetermined period, and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result; a measurement execution period setting unit setting a period for measurement by a second cell measurement execution unit based on a measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit; The second cell measurement execution unit includes a step of executing measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell. Information processing methods.

10. Computer, An information processing device that performs M2M communication, a first cell measurement execution unit that executes measurement of the electric field strength of a first cell to which the mobile station is currently connected; a second cell measurement execution unit that executes measurement of the electric field strength of a second cell different from the first cell; a measurement execution period setting unit that sets a period for measurement by the second cell measurement execution unit based on a measurement result by the first cell measurement execution unit; The first cell measurement execution unit functions as an information processing device that, in a first measurement mode, executes a calculation to smooth a change in electric field strength for each of the first cell electric field strengths detected at a preset period and outputs the smoothed electric field strength as a measurement result. program.

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