Radio wave visualization system, evaluation condition creation device, radio wave visualization method, and evaluation condition creation program

Abstract

To make it possible to efficiently perform visualization of a propagation characteristic of a radio wave according to an assumed utilization frequency of the radio wave.SOLUTION: A radio wave visualization system according to one embodiment creates a three-dimensional scale model; creates a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluation of a propagation characteristic of a radio wave for a target region, respectively; creates a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for the evaluation of the propagation characteristic of the radio wave for the target region, respectively, in order from a high frequency region assumed to have a higher utilization frequency of the radio wave according to utilization frequencies of the radio wave, respectively; executes simulation of a plurality of propagation characteristics by using the created plurality of evaluation conditions for the three-dimensional scale model, respectively; and performs visualization while prioritizing a simulation result executed using the evaluation condition created, respectively, according to utilization frequencies of the radio wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio wave visualization system, an evaluation condition creation device, a radio wave visualization method, and an evaluation condition creation program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the introduction of new wireless communication systems represented by 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication System) and local 5G has been explosively progressing. When installing these wireless communication systems, evaluation using radio wave propagation simulation is essential. Also, in order to efficiently evaluate radio wave propagation, techniques for visualizing the results of radio wave propagation simulation and optimizing the settings of wireless communication systems have been studied.

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

[0004] It is desirable to perform radio wave propagation simulation and visualization before installing the wireless communication system. When installing a wireless communication system in an actual environment, since the environment may change and the required conditions may differ for each communication area, a system that can evaluate the radio wave propagation characteristics in real time is required.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

[0006] However, real-time operation of each step in propagation simulation is essential for visualizing radio wave propagation in real time. In particular, the calculations in propagation simulation are known to be a bottleneck. Specifically, as the evaluation conditions for propagation simulation become more complex, the computational load increases exponentially, making real-time visualization difficult.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a radio wave visualization system, an evaluation condition creation device, a radio wave visualization method, and an evaluation condition creation program that can efficiently visualize the propagation characteristics of radio waves according to the expected frequency of radio wave use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A radio wave visualization system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a model creation unit that creates a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings, of an area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system; a first evaluation condition creation unit that creates a plurality of evaluation conditions for use in evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves to the area based on the performance of the wireless communication system; a second evaluation condition creation unit that creates a plurality of evaluation conditions for use in evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves to the area, in order from high-frequency areas where radio wave usage is assumed to be high, based on the performance of the wireless communication system and the environment of the area, according to the assumed frequency of radio wave usage; and the model creation unit creates... The propagation simulator is characterized by having a three-dimensional scale model, which performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics using multiple evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit and the second evaluation condition creation unit, respectively, and outputs the simulation results; a selection unit which prioritizes selecting the simulation results performed by the propagation simulator using the evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit over the simulation results performed by the propagation simulator using the evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit; and a visualization unit which sequentially visualizes the simulation results of the multiple propagation characteristics selected by the selection unit.

[0009] Furthermore, an evaluation condition creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an evaluation condition creation device that creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system, for a propagation simulator that simulates the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system using a three-dimensional scale model of the environment including the terrain and buildings of the area to be evaluated, and is characterized by having a first evaluation condition creation unit that creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves for the area based on the performance of the wireless communication system, and a second evaluation condition creation unit that creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves for the area in order from high-frequency areas where the frequency of radio wave use is assumed to be high, based on the performance of the wireless communication system and the environment of the area, according to the assumed frequency of radio wave use.

[0010] Furthermore, a radio wave visualization method according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including: a model creation step of creating a three-dimensional scale model of the environment including the terrain and buildings of an area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system; a first evaluation condition creation step of creating a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves to the area based on the performance of the wireless communication system; a second evaluation condition creation step of creating a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves to the area, in order from high-frequency areas where the frequency of radio wave use is assumed to be high, based on the performance of the wireless communication system and the environment of the area, according to the assumed frequency of radio wave use; a propagation simulation step of performing simulations of a plurality of propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model created in the model creation step using the plurality of evaluation conditions created in the first evaluation condition creation step and the second evaluation condition creation step, respectively, and outputting the simulation results; a selection step of prioritizing and selecting the simulation results performed in the propagation simulation step using the evaluation conditions created in the second evaluation condition creation step over the simulation results performed using the evaluation conditions created in the first evaluation condition creation step; and a visualization step of sequentially visualizing the simulation results of a plurality of propagation characteristics selected in the selection step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently visualize the propagation characteristics of radio waves according to the expected frequency of radio wave use. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure schematically illustrates the configuration of a radio wave visualization system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a radio wave visualization method used by a radio wave visualization system to visualize radio waves. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an evaluation condition creation device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following describes a radio wave visualization system according to one embodiment, using drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the radio wave visualization system 1 according to one embodiment.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the radio wave visualization system 1 includes, for example, a model creation unit 2, an evaluation condition creation device 3, an extraction unit 4, a modification unit 5, a propagation simulator 6, a selection unit 7, and a visualization unit 8. The radio wave visualization system 1 simulates and visualizes the propagation of radio waves in an environment including the terrain and buildings of an area (target area) where a wireless communication system is planned to be installed, for example, in which one or more base stations and one or more terminal stations will conduct wireless communication.

[0015] Model creation unit 2 acquires environmental information indicating the environment of the target area and creates a scale model to reproduce the environment of the target area. For example, model creation unit 2 creates a reduced three-dimensional scale model, including the terrain and buildings of the area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which base stations and terminal stations communicate wirelessly, using a predetermined material, for example, by a 3D printer.

[0016] The evaluation condition creation device 3 includes, for example, a first evaluation condition creation unit 30 and a second evaluation condition creation unit 32. The evaluation condition creation device 3 creates multiple evaluation conditions for use in evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in wireless communication systems, for a propagation simulator that simulates the propagation characteristics of radio waves using a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings of the area to be evaluated.

[0017] For example, the first evaluation condition creation unit 30 creates multiple evaluation conditions used to evaluate the propagation characteristics of radio waves in a target area, based on the performance of the wireless communication system.

[0018] Further, the second evaluation condition creation unit 32 creates a plurality of evaluation conditions used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves with respect to the target area, in order from the high-frequency area where the radio wave usage frequency is assumed to be high based on the performance of the wireless communication system and the environment of the target area, according to the assumed radio wave usage frequency (predicting the usage frequency).

[0019] For example, for each of the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction), the second evaluation condition creation unit 32 creates evaluation conditions in order from the candidates (candidate locations) of the high-frequency areas where the radio wave usage frequency is assumed to be high as exemplified below.

[0020] X-axis direction (horizontal direction): Outdoors, the evaluation conditions are created in the order of sidewalk, road, and square. Indoors, the evaluation conditions are created in the order of seat, corridor, room, and conference room.

[0021] Z-axis direction (vertical direction): As the height of the terminal, the evaluation conditions are created with priority given to a height of about 1 m. As the height of the base station, the evaluation conditions are created with priority given to a position at about the upper part of the building wall.

[0022] Also, the extraction unit 4 extracts a high-frequency area where the radio wave usage frequency is assumed to be high based on the environment of the target area. When there is information indicating candidate locations of the high-frequency area in advance, the extraction unit 4 extracts the high-frequency area based on the information. Also, when there is no information indicating candidate locations of the high-frequency area in advance, the extraction unit 4 may perform image analysis of the target area to extract a high-frequency area where the radio wave usage frequency is assumed to be high.

[0023] When the extraction unit 4 extracts a high-frequency area, the second evaluation condition creation unit 32 creates a plurality of evaluation conditions respectively in order from the high-frequency area extracted by the extraction unit 4 according to the assumed radio wave usage frequency.

[0024] Furthermore, the modification unit 5 modifies the conditions for setting high-frequency areas where radio waves are expected to be frequently used, based on modification information (e.g., terminal station information) input by the operator via a user interface (not shown) to the second evaluation condition creation unit 32.

[0025] For example, the modification unit 5 changes the conditions for setting high-frequency areas where radio waves are expected to be used frequently, based on the expected movement paths of moving objects (people or cars) within the target area.

[0026] Specifically, the extraction unit 4 or modification unit 5 adjusts the priority order of candidates for evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit 32, depending on the radio wave usage scenario (e.g., walking, cars, drones, office use, teleworking, factories, etc.).

[0027] The propagation simulator 6 includes, for example, a first propagation simulator 60 and a second propagation simulator 62. The propagation simulator 6 then uses multiple evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit 30 and the second evaluation condition creation unit 32, respectively, to simulate multiple propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit 2, and outputs the simulation results to the selection unit 7.

[0028] For example, the propagation simulator 6 performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics using evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit 30, and the second propagation simulator 62 performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics using evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit 32.

[0029] In other words, the propagation simulator 6 may execute simulations of multiple propagation characteristics in parallel. Alternatively, the propagation simulator 6 may execute simulations of propagation characteristics in order of increasing distance between base stations and terminal stations. Furthermore, the propagation simulator 6 may be configured as a single simulator.

[0030] The selection unit 7 prioritizes selecting the simulation results executed by the propagation simulator 6 using the evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit 32 over the simulation results executed by the propagation simulator 6 using the evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit 30. The selection unit 7 then outputs the simulation results to the visualization unit 8 in the order they were selected.

[0031] The visualization unit 8 is, for example, a display device, and sequentially visualizes the simulation results of multiple propagation characteristics selected by the selection unit 7.

[0032] Next, we will describe an example of a radio wave visualization method used by the radio wave visualization system 1 to visualize radio waves. Figure 2 shows an example of a radio wave visualization method used by the radio wave visualization system 1 to visualize radio waves.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the radio wave visualization system 1 first creates a three-dimensional scale model (S100) in order to visualize radio waves.

[0034] Next, the radio wave visualization system 1 has a first evaluation condition creation unit 30 that sets evaluation conditions (first evaluation conditions) for the first propagation simulator 60 (S102), and a second evaluation condition creation unit 32 that sets evaluation conditions (second evaluation conditions) for the second propagation simulator 62 (S104).

[0035] Then, the radio wave visualization system 1 has the propagation simulator 6 execute propagation simulations based on the first evaluation condition and the second evaluation condition, for example, in parallel (S106).

[0036] The selection unit 7 prioritizes and selects the simulation results executed by the propagation simulator 6 using the evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit 32 over the simulation results executed by the propagation simulator 6 using the evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit 30 (S108).

[0037] The visualization unit 8 sequentially visualizes the simulation results of multiple propagation characteristics selected by the selection unit 7 (S110).

[0038] Then, if it becomes necessary to change the evaluation conditions due to changes in the target environment, etc., the radio wave visualization system 1 returns to the process of S102 and S104, and if it becomes necessary to recreate the three-dimensional scale model, it returns to the process of S100.

[0039] In this way, the radio wave visualization system 1 prioritizes the visualization of simulation results performed by the propagation simulator 6 using evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit 32 over simulation results performed by the propagation simulator 6 using evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit 30. Therefore, the visualization of radio wave propagation characteristics can be performed efficiently according to the expected frequency of radio wave use.

[0040] Furthermore, each component of the radio wave visualization system 1 may be composed of hardware such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), either partially or entirely, or as a program executed by a processor such as a CPU.

[0041] For example, each component of the radio wave visualization system 1 can be realized using a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a storage medium or provided via a network.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the evaluation condition creation device 3. As shown in Figure 3, for example, the evaluation condition creation device 3 has an input unit 90, an output unit 91, a communication unit 92, a CPU 93, a memory 94, and an HDD 95 connected via a bus 96, and functions as a computer. The evaluation condition creation device 3 is also capable of inputting and outputting data to and from a computer-readable storage medium 97.

[0043] The input unit 90 is, for example, a keyboard and mouse. The output unit 91 is, for example, a display device such as a display corresponding to the visualization unit 8 described above. The communication unit 92 is, for example, a network interface.

[0044] The CPU 93 controls each component of the evaluation condition creation device 3 and performs predetermined processing. The memory 94 and HDD 95 are storage units that store data, etc.

[0045] The storage medium 97 is capable of storing programs and the like that which execute the functions of the evaluation condition creation device 3. Note that the architecture of the evaluation condition creation device 3 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0046] 1...Radio wave visualization system, 2...Model creation unit, 3...Evaluation condition creation device, 4...Extraction unit, 5...Modification unit, 6...Propagation simulator, 7...Selection unit, 8...Visualization unit, 30...First evaluation condition creation unit, 32...Second evaluation condition creation unit, 60...First propagation simulator, 62...Second propagation simulator, 90...Input unit, 91...Output unit, 92...Communication unit, 93...CPU, 94...Memory, 95...HDD, 96...Bus, 97...Storage medium

Claims

1. A model creation unit creates a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings, of the area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in wireless communication systems. A first evaluation condition creation unit creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the radio wave propagation characteristics in the region based on the performance of the wireless communication system, A second evaluation condition creation unit creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the aforementioned region, in order from high-frequency regions where radio wave usage is expected to be high, based on the performance of the wireless communication system and the environment of the aforementioned region, according to the expected frequency of radio wave usage. A propagation simulator that performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics using multiple evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit and the second evaluation condition creation unit, respectively, on the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit, and outputs the simulation results, A selection unit that prioritizes and selects the simulation results executed by the propagation simulator using the evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit over the simulation results executed by the propagation simulator using the evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit. The visualization unit sequentially visualizes the simulation results of the multiple propagation characteristics selected by the selection unit. A radio wave visualization system characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned propagation simulator is The simulation of multiple propagation characteristics using the evaluation conditions created by the first evaluation condition creation unit and the simulation of multiple propagation characteristics using the evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation unit are performed in parallel. The radio wave visualization system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The system further includes an extraction unit that extracts high-frequency regions where radio waves are expected to be frequently used, based on the environment of the aforementioned region. The second evaluation condition creation unit is: Starting with the high-frequency region extracted by the extraction unit, multiple evaluation conditions are created according to the expected frequency of radio wave usage. A radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The second evaluation condition creation unit further includes a modification unit that changes the conditions for setting high-frequency regions where radio waves are expected to be frequently used. A radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. The aforementioned modified part is, Based on the expected movement path of a moving object within the aforementioned area, the conditions for setting the high-frequency area, which is assumed to be frequently used by radio waves, are changed. The radio wave visualization system according to claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. In a propagation simulator that simulates the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in wireless communication systems using a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings of the area to be evaluated, an evaluation condition creation device is used to create multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves. A first evaluation condition creation unit creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the radio wave propagation characteristics in the region based on the performance of the wireless communication system, A second evaluation condition creation unit creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the aforementioned region, in order from high-frequency regions where radio wave usage is expected to be high, based on the performance of the wireless communication system and the environment of the aforementioned region, according to the expected frequency of radio wave usage. An evaluation condition creation device characterized by having the following features.

7. A model creation process to create a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings, of the area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in wireless communication systems, A first evaluation condition creation step involves creating a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the region, based on the performance of the wireless communication system. A second evaluation condition creation step involves creating multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the aforementioned region, starting from the high-frequency region where radio wave usage is expected to be high, based on the performance of the wireless communication system and the environment of the aforementioned region, according to the expected frequency of radio wave usage. A propagation simulation step is performed on the three-dimensional scale model created in the model creation step, using multiple evaluation conditions created in the first evaluation condition creation step and the second evaluation condition creation step, respectively, to simulate multiple propagation characteristics, and outputs the simulation results. A selection step in which the simulation results obtained by the propagation simulation step using the evaluation conditions created by the second evaluation condition creation step are selected with priority over the simulation results obtained by the first evaluation condition creation step using the evaluation conditions, A visualization step is performed to sequentially visualize the simulation results of the multiple propagation characteristics selected in the selection step. A method for visualizing radio waves, characterized by including the following:

8. An evaluation condition creation program for causing a computer to function as one of the components of the evaluation condition creation apparatus described in claim 6.

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