Radio wave propagation estimation device and radio wave propagation estimation method

Abstract

To provide a radio wave propagation estimation device and a radio wave propagation estimation method that can achieve highly accurate estimation of propagation characteristics, on the premise of the use of reflected waves, or the use of a high gain antenna on the receiving side.SOLUTION: A radio wave propagation estimation device includes: a first propagation characteristic estimation unit that is connected to a wireless communication device including a radio wave receiving unit 30 and estimates propagation characteristics of a radio wave based on the reception state of the radio wave; and a second propagation characteristic estimation unit that estimates propagation characteristics of a radio wave in cyberspace that virtually reproduces a radio wave propagation environment using the propagation characteristics estimated by the first propagation characteristic estimation unit. The second propagation characteristic estimation unit outputs the estimated propagation characteristics to the wireless communication device or an external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radio wave propagation estimation device and a radio wave propagation estimation method for estimating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in a wireless communication system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to cope with the increasing traffic in wireless communication systems such as mobile communication systems, the use of high-frequency bands (for example, millimeter waves) capable of ultra-high-speed communication is expected. Since such high-frequency bands have large propagation losses, attention has been paid to the use of reflected waves or the use of high-gain antennas on the receiving side.

[0003] Also, a method has been proposed for estimating the reflection loss and propagation loss of radio waves by considering the unevenness of the wall surface (reflective surface) of a structure using point cloud data obtained by scanning the real space with electromagnetic waves (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, the material of the reflective surface and the like are not considered, and there is a limit to improving the estimation accuracy of reflection loss and the like. When using reflected waves as described above, the reflection loss varies greatly depending on the material and unevenness of the reflective surface. However, there are many types of reflective surfaces, and it is difficult to accurately estimate the reflection loss.

[0006] Also, when using a high-gain antenna on the receiving side, in a high-frequency band with large propagation loss and strong directivity, it is essential to select a communication path considering such characteristics for accurate estimation of propagation loss. However, it is not easy to select an appropriate communication path.

[0007] Therefore, the following disclosure is made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a radio wave propagation estimation device and a radio wave propagation estimation method that can achieve highly accurate estimation of propagation characteristics, while assuming the use of reflected waves or the use of a high-gain antenna on the receiving side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a radio wave propagation estimation device (radio wave propagation estimation device 10) connected to a wireless communication device including a radio wave receiving unit (e.g., receiving unit 30), which includes a first propagation characteristic estimation unit (reflection loss estimation unit 110) that estimates the propagation characteristics of radio waves based on the reception state of the radio waves, and a second propagation characteristic estimation unit (propagation loss estimation unit 230) that estimates the propagation characteristics of radio waves in a cyberspace (cyberspace 200) that virtually reproduces the propagation environment of the radio waves using the propagation characteristics estimated by the first propagation characteristic estimation unit, wherein the second propagation characteristic estimation unit is a radio wave propagation estimation device (radio wave propagation estimation device 10) that outputs the estimated propagation characteristics to the wireless communication device or an external device.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a radio wave propagation estimation method connected to a wireless communication device including a radio wave receiving unit, comprising the steps of: estimating the propagation characteristics of radio waves based on the radio wave reception state; and estimating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in cyberspace that virtually reproduces the radio wave propagation environment using the estimated propagation characteristics, wherein in the step of estimating the propagation characteristics of radio waves, the estimated propagation characteristics are output to the wireless communication device or an external device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a wireless communication system including a radio wave propagation estimation device 10. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the receiving side CPS function 100 and the cyberspace 200 functional blocks according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the receiving side CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of cyberspace 200 according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the receiving side CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of cyberspace 200 according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the configuration of the receiving side CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of cyberspace 200 according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the configuration of the receiving side's CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of cyberspace 200 related to Example 1 of estimating the reflective surface. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the receiving side's CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of cyberspace 200 related to the estimation example 2 of the reflective surface. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the receiving side's CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of cyberspace 200 related to the evaluation of the communication path. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the operation and effects of the radio wave propagation estimation device 10. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the CPS function 100 and cyberspace 200 that constitute the radio wave propagation estimation device 10. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or similar reference numerals are used to denote the same functions and components, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (1) Outline of the embodiment (1.1) Premise and Issues The wireless communication system according to this embodiment can utilize a high-frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave or terahertz wave) capable of ultra-high-speed communication. The wireless communication system according to this embodiment may be a wireless communication system compliant with 5G New Radio (NR), or may be a wireless communication system compliant with a system called Beyond 5G, 5G Evolution, or 6G standardized in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0013] Since such a high-frequency band has large propagation losses, the use of reflected waves or the use of a high-gain antenna on the receiving side, etc. are considered.

[0014] By using reflected waves, it is expected to secure a communication path while avoiding blocked propagation paths. On the other hand, in a high-frequency band, losses increase due to the scattering of radio waves caused by the unevenness of the reflecting surface, such as the walls of buildings.

[0015] Also, by using a directional antenna on the receiving side, etc., gain can be obtained, but in order to perform stable communication, the selection of the directional direction (communication path) is important.

[0016] There are the following problems in the use of such reflected waves and the use of a high-gain antenna on the receiving side. Specifically, although the loss due to the reflection of radio waves varies greatly depending on the material of the reflecting surface (e.g., whether it is concrete or not) or the unevenness, in the conventional method, there are many types of reflecting surfaces and it is difficult to accurately estimate the reflection loss.

[0017] Also, when using a high-gain antenna (directional antenna) on the receiving side, in a high-frequency band with large propagation losses and strong directivity, it is essential to select a communication path considering such characteristics for accurate estimation of propagation loss, but it is not easy to select an appropriate communication path.

[0018] In this embodiment, an example of a radio wave propagation estimation device and a radio wave propagation estimation method that can solve such problems will be described.

[0019] (1.2) Outline of Radio Propagation Estimation Device and Radio Propagation Estimation Method The radio propagation estimation device (and radio propagation estimation method) according to the present embodiment can reproduce data acquired in the physical space in the virtual space, and reflect the result of simulating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in area evaluation or control of a wireless communication device.

[0020] (1.2.1) Method for Estimating Reflecting Surface The radio propagation estimation device can estimate a reflecting surface based on information acquired on the physical space and information on the cyber space. Specifically, the radio propagation estimation device can estimate the unevenness and / or material of the reflecting surface by the following method.

[0021] · Estimate based on at least any one of the brightness, color, and usage environment of the reflecting surface such as a wall surface · Estimate based on the reception intensity and / or propagation delay time of reflected waves in a low frequency band lower than the high frequency band (for example, equivalent to FR1 of 3GPP, the same applies hereinafter).

[0022] (1.2.2) Method for Selecting Communication Path The radio propagation estimation device can evaluate each communication path in the usage environment of a wireless communication device (transceiver) based on information acquired on the physical space and information on the cyber space, and select a communication path in the high frequency band. Specifically, the radio propagation estimation device can select a communication path in the high frequency band by the following method.

[0023] · Acquire the arrival direction or fluctuation of reception intensity of radio waves in the low frequency band, and select a communication path by evaluating the stability of the communication path.

[0024] · Acquire information such as the reception level in the physical space, and decompose the fluctuation factors affecting high frequency band communication into static factors and dynamic factors. Among these, select a communication path by evaluating the arrival direction or reception intensity of the communication path only based on the static factors.

[0025] Furthermore, the system evaluates the dynamic elements in cyberspace and the stability of communications affected by these dynamic elements, and selects a communication path.

[0026] Depending on the intended use of the high-frequency band, the weighting of parameters such as the direction of radio wave arrival, received signal strength, and communication stability is determined, and the communication path is selected accordingly.

[0027] (1.2.3) Methods for updating information in cyberspace The radio wave propagation estimation device can improve the accuracy of propagation characteristic estimation and appropriate communication path selection by updating information in cyberspace. Specifically, the radio wave propagation estimation device can update information in cyberspace by the following method.

[0028] The estimated propagation characteristics in cyberspace are compared with information such as reception status acquired in physical space. This information is then corrected and reflected in the estimation results in cyberspace.

[0029] • The system periodically updates information about structures (buildings) around the receiving point to maintain a similar state between the configuration of cyberspace and the configuration of physical space.

[0030] Furthermore, cyberspace (C-space) can be interpreted as a space that virtually reproduces the location and shape of structures such as buildings in the real world (physical space), weather, direction of movement of moving objects such as vehicles, and their speed. In addition, information such as urban area information, traffic information, and disaster information may be superimposed on cyberspace. In a narrower sense, cyberspace can also be interpreted as a space that virtually reproduces the radio wave propagation environment.

[0031] Structures typically include buildings and other structures, but are not limited to these. Specifically, they may include all objects that contribute to the reflection (scattering) of radio waves, such as road signs, utility poles, and streetlights. Furthermore, they may include not only stationary objects but also moving objects, such as vehicles.

[0032] Furthermore, cyberspace may be interpreted as a component of a Cyber-Physical System (CPS). A CPS can be defined as a system that collects various data using sensors installed in the real world (physical space), analyzes that data in cyberspace using large-scale data processing and artificial intelligence (AI), and then utilizes that data.

[0033] The radio wave propagation estimation device according to this embodiment may be interpreted as utilizing Digital Twin Computing (DTC), which realizes future prediction and optimization by combining the real world and the digital world, and Cognitive Foundation (CF), which connects everything and realizes its control.

[0034] Furthermore, some parts of the radio wave propagation estimation device according to this embodiment may be implemented by Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC), while others may be implemented as a cloud service. MEC may be interpreted as a method of deploying servers and the like in a location close to the user (customer) on the communication network.

[0035] (2) Examples (2.1) Example 1 Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a wireless communication system including a radio wave propagation estimation device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the radio wave propagation estimation device 10 may include a CPS function 100 and cyberspace 200.

[0036] In this embodiment, the CPS function 100 and cyberspace 200 are provided on the transmitting and receiving sides of the radio waves (wireless signals), respectively. Specifically, there is a CPS function 100 connected to the transmitting unit 20 and a CPS function 100 connected to the receiving unit 30. Each CPS function 100 is connected to communicate with cyberspace 200. The transmitting unit 20 and the receiving unit 30 may constitute a wireless communication device.

[0037] The transmitting unit 20 transmits wireless signals. Specifically, the transmitting unit 20 can transmit wireless signals in the low frequency band. The transmitting unit 20 may also transmit wireless signals in the high frequency band.

[0038] The receiving unit 30 receives low-frequency band radio signals transmitted by the transmitting unit 20. The receiving unit 30 can acquire the received signal strength, propagation delay time, and direction of arrival of the received radio signal. The received signal strength may be RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) or RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), etc.

[0039] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the receiving side CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of the cyberspace 200 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the CPS function 100 includes a reflection loss estimation unit 110 and a directivity control unit 120. The cyberspace 200 includes a cyberspace information management unit 210, a reflective surface material estimation unit 220 and a propagation loss estimation unit 230.

[0040] The reflection loss estimation unit 110 estimates the reflection loss of radio waves reflected by structures such as buildings (reflected waves) based on the received signal strength and propagation delay time of the received radio signal. Specifically, the reflection loss estimation unit 110 may estimate the reflection loss based, for example, on the transmission power from the transmission unit 20 and the received signal strength (power) of the reflected waves at the reception unit 30.

[0041] The reflection loss estimation unit 110 may be connected to a wireless communication device including a radio wave receiver and function as a first propagation characteristic estimation unit that estimates the propagation characteristics of radio waves based on the radio wave reception state. Reflection loss may be interpreted as a type of propagation loss, and propagation loss may be interpreted as a type of propagation characteristic.

[0042] The reflection loss estimation unit 110 inputs the estimated reflection loss, along with the received signal strength, propagation delay time, and direction of arrival of the received radio signal, into cyberspace 200.

[0043] The directional control unit 120 controls the directivity of the receiving unit 30 based on the estimated propagation characteristics in cyberspace 200. Specifically, the directional control unit 120 controls the directivity of the receiving antenna constituting the receiving unit 30 to improve reception quality based on the estimated reflection loss in cyberspace 200.

[0044] The Cyberspace Information Management Unit 210 manages the information that constitutes the cyberspace 200. Specifically, the Cyberspace Information Management Unit 210 can store information such as the locations of the radio wave transmission point (transmitter 20) and reception point (receiver 30), surrounding structures, urban area information, and traffic information. If there is a discrepancy between the information held by the Cyberspace Information Management Unit 210 and the information that has been input, the Cyberspace Information Management Unit 210 can correct (this may be interpreted as updating) the information it holds. In addition, if there are any deficiencies in the input information, the Cyberspace Information Management Unit 210 may supplement that information using other information or AI.

[0045] The reflective surface material estimation unit 220 estimates the material of the radio wave reflective surface R (see Figure 1) based on information held by the cyberspace information management unit 210. Specifically, the reflective surface material estimation unit 220 acquires information such as the wall surface that constitutes the structure corresponding to the reflective surface R, and can estimate the material of the reflective surface R, for example, concrete, steel, or other metals.

[0046] The reflective surface material estimation unit 220 may function as a reflective surface estimation unit that estimates the characteristics of the reflective surface R of radio waves in cyberspace 200. The reflective surface material estimation unit 220 may function as a reflective surface estimation unit that estimates the material of the reflective surface R based on the propagation environment including the reflective surface R. The propagation environment may include structures, moving objects, etc., that exist between the radio wave transmission point and the reception point.

[0047] Furthermore, the characteristics of the reflective surface R may include not only the material of the reflective surface R, but also the shape and size of the irregularities, the angle with respect to a predetermined direction, and so on.

[0048] Furthermore, the reflective surface material estimation unit 220 may estimate the material of the reflective surface R based on at least one of the received intensity and propagation delay time of radio waves in a low-frequency band lower than a predetermined frequency band. For example, the free-space propagation loss value calculated based on the propagation path length of radio waves calculated from the delay time is compared with the propagation loss value calculated from the received intensity, and if there is only a small loss of a few dB, the material is estimated to be metal.

[0049] The propagation loss estimation unit 230 estimates the propagation loss of radio waves in cyberspace 200. Specifically, the propagation loss estimation unit 230 can estimate the propagation loss in cyberspace 200 using information on the material and surface irregularities of the reflective surface R estimated by the reflective surface material estimation unit 220, as well as the frequency of the radio waves and the reflection angle.

[0050] In particular, in this embodiment, the propagation loss estimation unit 230 estimates the reflection loss at the reflective surface R in cyberspace 200. The propagation loss estimation unit 230 may use the low-frequency reflection loss in real space estimated by the reflection loss estimation unit 110 of the CPS function 100 to estimate the high-frequency reflection loss at the reflective surface R in cyberspace 200.

[0051] The propagation loss estimation unit 230 may function as a second propagation characteristics estimation unit that estimates the propagation characteristics of radio waves in cyberspace 200 using the reflection loss (propagation characteristics) estimated by the reflection loss estimation unit 110 (first propagation characteristics estimation unit) of the CPS function 100.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the propagation loss estimation unit 230 can output the estimated propagation characteristics to the directivity control unit 120 of the CPS function 100. The propagation loss estimation unit 230 can also output the estimated propagation characteristics to a wireless communication device including the receiving unit 30 or to an external device (for example, an area evaluation tool).

[0053] (2.2) Example 2 Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the receiving-side CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of the cyberspace 200 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the CPS function 100 may include a camera 131, an image acquisition unit 132, a direction recognition unit 140, and a surface unevenness estimation unit 150, in addition to the reflection loss estimation unit 110 and the directionality control unit 120. Note that the same parts as in Embodiment 1 will not be explained (the same applies below).

[0054] Camera 131 photographs the terrain, structures, etc., in the direction (direction of arrival) of the radio waves arriving at the receiving unit 30 (receiving antenna).

[0055] The image acquisition unit 132 acquires image data of terrain, structures, etc., in the direction of approach, which has been captured by the camera 131.

[0056] The direction recognition unit 140 recognizes a reflective surface R in the direction of arrival and a variable element (such as a vehicle) that causes the radio wave reception intensity in the receiving unit 30 to fluctuate, based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 132.

[0057] The surface topography estimation unit 150 estimates the surface topography of the reflective surface R based on the image data of the reflective surface R recognized by the direction recognition unit 140. In this embodiment, the surface topography estimation unit 150 may function as a reflective surface estimation unit that estimates the surface topography of the reflective surface R based on at least one of the color, brightness, and propagation environment of the reflective surface.

[0058] Specifically, the surface roughness estimation unit 150 can identify the color of the reflective surface R from the image data and estimate the shape and size of the surface roughness of the reflective surface R from the identified color. Alternatively, the surface roughness estimation unit 150 may estimate the surface roughness of the reflective surface R based on at least one of the received intensity and propagation delay time of radio waves in a low-frequency band lower than a predetermined frequency band. The effect of the surface roughness becomes more pronounced as the wavelength decreases to the size of the surface roughness. Therefore, for example, if no loss due to the effect of surface roughness is observed at 3 GHz, but loss due to the effect of surface roughness is observed at 30 GHz, it can be estimated that there are surface roughnesses of several centimeters. Further details on the estimation of the surface roughness of the reflective surface R will be explained in the detailed embodiment.

[0059] The propagation loss estimation unit 230 in cyberspace 200 can estimate propagation characteristics in cyberspace using the characteristics of the reflective surface R estimated by the surface irregularity estimation unit 150.

[0060] (2.3) Example 3 Figure 4 shows an example configuration of the CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of the cyberspace 200 on the receiving side according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, a transmitting / receiving unit 20A and a transmitting / receiving unit 30A capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals are used.

[0061] The transmitting / receiving unit 20A is connected to the CPS function 100 and may transmit its position information to the CPS function 100. The transmitting / receiving unit 30A is also connected to the CPS function 100 and may transmit its position information to the CPS function 100. In addition, the transmitting / receiving unit 30A can acquire the received signal strength, directivity direction (direction of arrival), and temporal fluctuations of the received signal strength (level) of the received radio signal.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the CPS function 100 connected to the transmitting / receiving unit 30A may include a directional control unit 120, a communication path selection unit 160, and a cyberspace information exchange unit 170.

[0063] The communication path selection unit 160 selects a communication path between the transmitting / receiving unit 20A and the transmitting / receiving unit 30A based on information obtained from the cyberspace information exchange unit 170. As shown in Figure 4, there are multiple communication paths (propagation routes) between the transmitting / receiving unit 20A (for example, the transmitting point) and the transmitting / receiving unit 30A (the receiving point), using either direct waves or reflected waves.

[0064] The communication path selection unit 160 can select one of several communication paths from among several communication paths based on information such as received signal strength obtained from the cyberspace information exchange unit 170. The selection of a communication path may be based on a single piece of information such as received signal strength, or it may be based on a comprehensive determination result of multiple pieces of information, including received signal strength and other information.

[0065] The communication path selection unit 160 may select a communication path applicable to a predetermined frequency band (for example, a high-frequency band) based on the communication path estimated by the propagation loss estimation unit 230 (second propagation characteristic estimation unit) in cyberspace 200.

[0066] The communication path selection unit 160 may select a communication path applicable to a predetermined frequency band (high frequency band) from among communication paths estimated using only static elements of cyberspace whose position and shape are constant. Alternatively, the communication path selection unit 160 may determine the stability of communication based on dynamic elements of cyberspace whose position and shape change, and select a communication path applicable to a predetermined frequency band (high frequency band).

[0067] The cyberspace information exchange unit 170 provides the cyberspace 200 with information such as the positions of the transmitting / receiving units 20A and 30A, the received strength of radio waves, the directivity direction (direction of arrival of the communication path), and the temporal fluctuations of propagation characteristics. The cyberspace information exchange unit 170 can also obtain evaluation results of the communication path from the cyberspace 200.

[0068] The cyberspace 200 may correct the cyberspace information it holds based on the information provided by the cyberspace information exchange unit 170. Furthermore, the cyberspace 200 can evaluate the communication path based on information about reflective surfaces R, such as building walls, around the transmitting / receiving units 20A and 30A, and temporal variations in propagation characteristics. The propagation loss estimation unit 230 of the cyberspace 200 may thus estimate the communication path between the radio wave transmission point and the radio wave reception point via the reflective surface R.

[0069] The directional control unit 120 on the transmitting / receiving unit 30A side can control the directivity of the transmitting / receiving unit 30A (antenna) in the direction of the communication path selected by the communication path selection unit 160. Similarly, the CPS function 100 (directional control unit 120) on the transmitting / receiving unit 20A side may also control the directivity of the transmitting / receiving unit 20A (antenna) in the direction of the selected communication path.

[0070] (2.4) Example 4 Figure 5 shows an example configuration of the receiving CPS function 100 and the functional blocks of the cyberspace 200 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the cyberspace 200 may include an information collection unit 205, a cyberspace information management unit 210, and a cyberspace information unit 240.

[0071] The information gathering unit 205 can connect to cameras and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and collects information from the cameras and sensors.

[0072] The Cyberspace Information Management Unit 210 can correct any discrepancies between the information collected by the Information Collection Unit 205 and the information held by the Cyberspace Information Unit 240, and update the information to the latest version. The Cyberspace Information Management Unit 210 may also function as a second propagation characteristics estimation unit that compares the propagation characteristics estimated in cyberspace with information acquired in real space and corrects the propagation characteristics estimated in cyberspace.

[0073] The Cyberspace Information Unit 240 acquires data on maps (topographic maps) including radio wave transmission and reception points, as well as data on structures such as buildings, and provides an environment in cyberspace that closely resembles the real world. The Cyberspace Information Unit 240 may also function as an information management unit that manages cyberspace information, including information on structures that constitute cyberspace.

[0074] The cyberspace information unit 240 may also retain information previously collected by the information collection unit 205, and such information may be used to provide an environment similar to the real world. The cyberspace information unit 240 may update the above-mentioned cyberspace information based on information about structures that constitute the real world.

[0075] (3) Detailed Examples (3.1) Example of Estimation of Reflective Surfaces 1 Figure 6 shows an example configuration of the receiving side's CPS function 100 and the cyberspace 200 function block related to Example 1 of Reflection Surface Estimation. As shown in Figure 6, the image acquisition unit 132 acquires an image of the direction of arrival of the radio waves captured by the camera 131. In this case, there is a building with a concrete surface (outer wall) in the direction of arrival of the radio waves. Specifically, the outer wall is light gray. The direction recognition unit 140 recognizes a reflective surface, etc., existing in the direction of arrival based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 132 and information on the shooting direction.

[0076] The surface irregularity estimation unit 150 estimates the irregularities from the image (color) of the reflective surface. In this case, the surface irregularity estimation unit 150 may estimate from the image that the building's exterior wall has irregularities.

[0077] The cyberspace information management unit 210 may correct (update) the information it holds if there is a discrepancy between the information it holds and the information input from the surface contour estimation unit 150. Furthermore, the cyberspace information management unit 210 may supplement any missing information in the input data.

[0078] Here, the cyberspace information management unit 210 may determine that the radio wave reflection surface acquired by the image acquisition unit 132 is the exterior wall of a building, based on the measured location information and the building data it holds.

[0079] The reflective surface material estimation unit 220 may estimate the material of the reflective surface based on the information from the cyberspace information management unit 210. Specifically, the reflective surface material estimation unit 220 can estimate the reflective surface to be a building exterior wall and the material to be concrete based on the information from the cyberspace information management unit 210. In this way, the reflective surface material estimation unit 220 may estimate the material of the reflective surface from the image acquisition location and the image of the reflective surface (saturation, brightness, and unevenness).

[0080] (3.2) Example of Estimation of Reflective Surfaces 2 Figure 7 shows an example configuration of the receiving side's CPS function 100 and the cyberspace 200 functional blocks related to Example 2 of Reflective Surface Estimation. As shown in Figure 7, the image acquisition unit 132 acquires an image of the direction of arrival of the radio waves captured by the camera 131. In this case, there is a metal indoor furniture in the direction of arrival of the radio waves. Specifically, its surface is dull gray. The direction recognition unit 140 recognizes a reflective surface or the like present in the direction of arrival based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 132 and information on the shooting direction.

[0081] The surface topography estimation unit 150 estimates the topography from the image (color) of the reflective surface. In this case, the surface topography estimation unit 150 may estimate from the image that the metal fixture has a flat surface.

[0082] The cyberspace information management unit 210 may correct (update) the information it holds if there is a discrepancy between the information it holds and the information input from the surface contour estimation unit 150. Furthermore, the cyberspace information management unit 210 may supplement any missing information in the input data.

[0083] Here, the cyberspace information management unit 210 may determine that the radio wave reflective surface acquired by the image acquisition unit 132 is a metal fixture, based on the measured location information and the data of fixtures and other items it holds.

[0084] The reflective surface material estimation unit 220 may estimate the material of the reflective surface based on the information from the cyberspace information management unit 210. Specifically, the reflective surface material estimation unit 220 can estimate the reflective surface to be a piece of furniture (cabinet) and its material to be metal, based on the information from the cyberspace information management unit 210. In this way, the reflective surface material estimation unit 220 may estimate the material of the reflective surface from the image acquisition location and the image of the reflective surface (saturation, brightness, and unevenness).

[0085] (3.3) Evaluation of the communication path (stability) Figure 8 shows an example configuration of the receiving-side CPS function 100 and the cyberspace 200 functional blocks related to the evaluation of the communication path. As shown in Figure 8, the transmitting / receiving unit 20A may transmit its position information to the CPS function 100 on the transmitting / receiving unit 20A side (not shown in Figure 8, see Figure 4) and / or the transmitting / receiving unit 30A. The transmitting / receiving unit 20A also transmits a wireless signal over a certain period of time.

[0086] The transmitting / receiving unit 30A receives the radio signal transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 20A and acquires the temporal variation in the reception level of multiple communication paths from the transmitting / receiving unit 20A.

[0087] The cyberspace information exchange unit 170 on the transmitting / receiving unit 30A side provides information such as the location of the transmitting / receiving unit 20A and the transmitting / receiving unit 30A, the received signal strength, the direction of directivity, and the temporal variation of the received signal level to cyberspace 200.

[0088] Cyberspace 200 may correct the information it holds based on the information provided. Furthermore, cyberspace 200 evaluates the communication path based on information about reflective surfaces (such as building walls) around the transmitting / receiving units 20A and 30A, and on the temporal fluctuations of the reception level.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, for example, if stable reception is desired even at low reception levels in cyberspace 200, the communication path indicated by the solid line for reception levels may be selected. If a strong reception level (CDF: Cumulative Distribution Function) is required, even if the reception level drops momentarily, the communication path indicated by the dotted line for reception levels may be selected.

[0090] (4) Action and Effects According to the embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the effects of the radio wave propagation estimation device 10 according to the embodiment described above.

[0091] Conventional radio wave propagation estimation devices (radio wave propagation estimation methods) do not consider both the material and surface irregularities of the reflective surface, and do not include scattering elements that have a significant impact in the high-frequency band. Therefore, propagation loss, delay characteristics, and arrival angle characteristics of radio waves (communication paths) cannot be accurately estimated.

[0092] On the other hand, the radio wave propagation estimation device 10 according to the above embodiment estimates propagation characteristics by considering both material and surface irregularities in cyberspace, thereby enabling more accurate estimation of propagation loss, delay characteristics, and arrival angle characteristics of radio waves (communication paths).

[0093] Furthermore, conventional radio wave propagation estimation devices (radio wave propagation estimation methods) do not take into account the presence or absence of diffraction and reflection, and may select unstable paths due to large diffraction and scattering losses in the high-frequency band. On the other hand, the radio wave propagation estimation device 10 according to the above embodiment evaluates including diffraction, reflection, and fluctuations in cyberspace, so it can select a more stable communication path in the high-frequency band.

[0094] Furthermore, conventional radio wave propagation estimation devices (radio wave propagation estimation methods) do not take into account surrounding building information, and only evaluate communication paths that reach the receiving point, which means that even if a more stable communication path exists, it may not be usable. On the other hand, the radio wave propagation estimation device 10 according to the embodiment described above can evaluate all available communication paths in cyberspace, including past communication information, so a more appropriate communication path can be selected.

[0095] (5) Other embodiments Although the present invention has been described above in accordance with the examples, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these descriptions and that various modifications and improvements are possible.

[0096] For example, in the embodiment described above, propagation loss, specifically reflection loss, was estimated as a propagation characteristic. However, the radio wave propagation estimation device 10 may estimate losses other than reflection loss along the propagation path. Furthermore, other propagation characteristics may be estimated, not limited to such propagation loss.

[0097] Furthermore, each aspect / embodiment described herein may be applied to at least one of the following: Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), Future Radio Access (FRA), New Radio (NR), W-CDMA®, GSM®, CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi®), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX®), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth®, and other appropriate systems, as well as next-generation systems extended based thereon. Multiple systems may also be applied in combination (for example, a combination of at least one of LTE and LTE-A with 5G).

[0098] The processing procedures, sequences, flowcharts, etc., of each aspect / embodiment described herein may be reordered, provided they are consistent with each other. For example, the methods described herein present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not limited to that specific order.

[0099] Each aspect / embodiment described herein may be used individually, in combination, or switched between as needed during implementation. Furthermore, notification of specific information (e.g., notification that "X is") is not limited to explicit notification, but may also be implicit (e.g., by not providing such notification).

[0100] The information, signals, etc. described in this disclosure may be represented using any of the various different technologies. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, chips, etc. that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, optical fields or photons, or any combination thereof.

[0101] In addition, terms used in this disclosure and terms necessary for understanding this disclosure may be replaced with terms having the same or similar meanings. For example, at least one of the channel and symbol may be a signal (signaling). Also, a signal may be a message. Furthermore, a component carrier (CC) may be called a carrier frequency, cell, frequency carrier, etc.

[0102] The terms “system” and “network” as used in this disclosure are interchangeable.

[0103] Furthermore, the information, parameters, etc., described in this disclosure may be expressed using absolute values, relative values ​​from a given value, or other corresponding information. For example, wireless resources may be indicated by an index.

[0104] The terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variation thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” with each other. The coupling or connection between elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. For example, “connection” may be reinterpreted as “access.” As used in this disclosure, two elements may be considered to be “connected” or “coupled” with each other using at least one of one or more wires, cables, and printed electrical connections, and, in some non-limiting and non-exclusive examples, electromagnetic energy having wavelengths in the radio frequency domain, microwave domain, and optical (both visible and invisible) domain.

[0105] In the configuration of each of the above devices, "means" may be replaced with "part," "circuit," "device," etc.

[0106] Any reference to elements using designations such as “First,” “Second,” etc., as used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations may be used in this disclosure as a convenient way to distinguish between two or more elements. Accordingly, references to the First and Second elements do not imply that only two elements may be employed therein, or that the First element must precede the Second element in any way.

[0107] Where the terms “include,” “including,” and variations thereof are used in this disclosure, these terms are intended to be inclusive, as is the term “comprising.” Furthermore, the term “or” as used in this disclosure is not intended to mean exclusive OR.

[0108] In this disclosure, if articles are added through translation, such as a, an, and the in English, this disclosure may include the fact that the noun following these articles is plural.

[0109] The terms “determining” and “determining” as used in this disclosure may encompass a wide variety of actions. “Determining” and “determining” may include, for example, judging, calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up, searching, or inquiring (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), or ascertaining. “Determining” and “determining” may also include, for example, receiving (e.g., receiving information), transmitting (e.g., sending information), inputting, outputting, or accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory). Furthermore, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having "judgmented" or "decided" after resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, comparing, etc. In other words, "judgment" and "decision" can include considering something as having "judgmented" or "decided" about some action. Also, "judgment (decision)" can be reinterpreted as "assuming," "expecting," or "considering."

[0110] In this disclosure, the term "A and B are different" may mean "A and B are different from each other." The term may also mean "A and B are each different from C." Terms such as "separate" and "combine" may be interpreted similarly to "different."

[0111] Furthermore, the CPS function 100 and cyberspace 200 (the device) that constitute the radio wave propagation estimation device 10 described above may function as a computer that processes the wireless communication method of this disclosure. Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the device. As shown in Figure 10, the device may be configured as a computer device including a processor 1001, memory 1002, storage 1003, communication device 1004, input device 1005, output device 1006, and bus 1007.

[0112] In the following explanation, the term "device" can be replaced with "circuit," "device," "unit," etc. The hardware configuration of the device may include one or more of the devices shown in the diagram, or it may be configured to omit some of the devices.

[0113] Each functional block of the device (Figures 2 and 3, etc.) is implemented by any hardware element of the computer device, or a combination of such hardware elements.

[0114] Furthermore, each function in the device is realized by loading predetermined software (programs) onto hardware such as the processor 1001 and memory 1002, which allows the processor 1001 to perform calculations, control communication by the communication device 1004, and control at least one of data reading and writing in the memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0115] The processor 1001 controls the entire computer, for example, by running an operating system. The processor 1001 may consist of a central processing unit (CPU) that includes interfaces with peripheral devices, control units, arithmetic units, registers, and so on.

[0116] Furthermore, the processor 1001 reads programs (program code), software modules, data, etc., from at least one of the storage 1003 and the communication device 1004 into the memory 1002 and executes various processes accordingly. The program used is one that causes the computer to execute at least a part of the operations described in the above embodiment. Moreover, the above-mentioned various processes may be executed by one processor 1001, or by two or more processors 1001 simultaneously or sequentially. The processor 1001 may be implemented by one or more chips. The program may be transmitted from a network via a telecommunications line.

[0117] Memory 1002 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), etc. Memory 1002 may also be called a register, cache, main memory, etc. Memory 1002 can store a program (program code), software modules, etc., that can execute a method according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0118] Storage 1003 is a computer-readable recording medium and may consist of at least one of the following: an optical disc such as a Compact Disc ROM (CD-ROM), a hard disk drive, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk (e.g., a compact disc, a digital multipurpose disc, a Blu-ray® disc), a smart card, flash memory (e.g., a card, a stick, a key drive), a floppy® disk, a magnetic strip, etc. Storage 1003 may also be called an auxiliary storage device. The recording medium described above may also be, for example, a database, server, or other suitable medium including at least one of memory 1002 and storage 1003.

[0119] The communication device 1004 is hardware (transceiver / receiver device) for communicating between computers via at least one of a wired network and a wireless network, and is also called a network device, network controller, network card, communication module, etc.

[0120] The communication device 1004 may be configured to include, for example, a high-frequency switch, a duplexer, a filter, a frequency synthesizer, etc., in order to implement at least one of frequency division duplex (FDD) and time division duplex (TDD).

[0121] The input device 1005 is an input device that accepts input from an external source (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, switch, button, sensor, etc.). The output device 1006 is an output device that outputs to an external source (e.g., a display, speaker, LED lamp, etc.). The input device 1005 and the output device 1006 may be configured as an integrated unit (e.g., a touch panel).

[0122] Furthermore, each device, such as the processor 1001 and the memory 1002, is connected by a bus 1007 for communicating information. The bus 1007 may be configured using a single bus, or different buses may be configured for each device.

[0123] Furthermore, the device may include hardware such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and some or all of each functional block may be implemented by such hardware. For example, processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one of these hardware components.

[0124] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure may be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the intent and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. Accordingly, the descriptions in the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be restrictive in any way. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 10. Radio wave propagation estimation device 20 Transmitter 20A Transceiver Unit 30 Receiver 30A Transceiver Unit 100 CPS function 110 Return loss estimation section 120 Directivity control section 131 Camera 132 Image acquisition unit 140 Direction recognition unit 150 Unevenness estimation part 160 Communication Path Selection Unit 170 Cyberspace Information Exchange Department 200 Cyberspace 205 Information Gathering Department 210 Cyberspace Information Management Department 220 Reflective surface material estimation section 230 Propagation Loss Estimation Unit 240 Cyberspace Information Department 1001 Processor 1002 memory 1003 Storage 1004 Communication device 1005 Input device 1006 Output device 1007 Bus

Claims

1. A first propagation characteristic estimation unit is connected to a wireless communication device including a radio wave receiving unit and estimates the propagation characteristics of the radio waves based on the radio wave reception state, A second propagation characteristics estimation unit estimates the propagation characteristics of radio waves in a cyberspace that virtually reproduces the propagation environment of the radio waves, using the propagation characteristics estimated by the first propagation characteristics estimation unit. Includes, The second propagation characteristic estimation unit is a radio wave propagation estimation device that outputs the estimated propagation characteristics to the wireless communication device or an external device.

2. In the aforementioned cyberspace, a reflection surface estimation unit is provided to estimate the characteristics of the reflection surface of the radio waves, The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the second propagation characteristic estimation unit estimates the propagation characteristics in cyberspace using the characteristics of the reflecting surface estimated by the reflecting surface estimation unit.

3. The second propagation characteristic estimation unit estimates the communication path between the radio wave transmission point in cyberspace and the radio wave reception point via the reflective surface. The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 2, further comprising a communication path selection unit that selects a communication path to be applied to a predetermined frequency band based on the communication path estimated by the second propagation characteristic estimation unit.

4. The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the communication path selection unit selects a communication path to be applied to a predetermined frequency band from among the communication paths estimated using only static elements of the cyberspace whose position and shape are constant.

5. The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 3, wherein the communication path selection unit determines the stability of communication based on a dynamic element among the components of cyberspace whose position and shape change, and selects the communication path to be applied to the predetermined frequency band.

6. The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 2, wherein the reflection surface estimation unit estimates at least one of the material and surface irregularities of the reflection surface based on at least one of the color, brightness, and propagation environment of the reflection surface.

7. The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 2, wherein the reflection surface estimation unit estimates at least one of the material and surface irregularities of the reflection surface based on at least one of the received intensity and propagation delay time of radio waves in a low frequency band lower than a predetermined frequency band.

8. The second propagation characteristic estimation unit is: The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 1, which compares the propagation characteristics estimated in cyberspace with information acquired in real space and corrects the propagation characteristics estimated in cyberspace.

9. The system includes an information management unit that manages cyberspace information, including information on structures that constitute the aforementioned cyberspace. The radio wave propagation estimation device according to claim 1, wherein the information management unit updates the cyberspace information based on information of structures constituting the real space.

10. A wireless communication device including a radio wave receiving unit is connected, and the steps include estimating the propagation characteristics of the radio waves based on the radio wave reception state, The steps include: estimating the propagation characteristics of the radio waves in a cyberspace that virtually reproduces the propagation environment of the radio waves using the estimated propagation characteristics; and Includes, A radio wave propagation estimation method comprising the step of estimating the propagation characteristics of radio waves, wherein the estimated propagation characteristics are output to the wireless communication device or an external device.

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