Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device capable of building a wireless system considering interference with the surrounding area, an information processing method, and a program.SOLUTION: The information processing device includes: a first evaluation unit that evaluates the distribution of first radio waves penetrating an area when radio waves are emitted from one or multiple transmission points set outside a certain area; and a determination unit that determines information on the candidate positions of wireless base stations to be placed within the area based on the evaluation result of the distribution of the first radio waves. The first evaluation unit converts the evaluation result of the distribution of the first radio waves when setting the first number of sending points into the distribution of the first radio waves when setting the second number of sending points greater than the first number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] When constructing a wireless system in a specific area by arranging a wireless base station in the area, the arrangement of the wireless base station is determined so that the communication quality in the specific area satisfies a desired quality.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is room for consideration in constructing a wireless system in consideration of the influence (for example, interference) on the periphery of a specific area.

[0005] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure contribute to providing an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program capable of constructing a wireless system in consideration of interference with the periphery of an area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first evaluation unit that evaluates the distribution of first radio waves penetrating into an area when radio waves are emitted from one or more transmission points set outside a certain area; and a determination unit that determines information regarding candidate locations for radio base stations to be placed inside the area based on the evaluation results regarding the distribution of the first radio waves, wherein the first evaluation unit converts the evaluation results of the distribution of the first radio waves evaluated when a first number of transmission points are set into the distribution of the first radio waves when a second number of transmission points, which is greater than the first number, is set.

[0007] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure involves an information processing device evaluating the distribution of first radio waves penetrating an area when radio waves are emitted from one or more transmission points set outside the area, determining information regarding candidate locations for radio base stations to be placed inside the area based on the evaluation results of the distribution of the first radio waves, and converting the evaluation results of the distribution of the first radio waves evaluated when a first number of transmission points are set into the distribution of the first radio waves when a second number of transmission points, which is greater than the first number, is set.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes an information processing device to perform the following processes: evaluate the distribution of first radio waves penetrating into an area when radio waves are emitted from one or more transmission points set outside the area; determine information regarding candidate locations for radio base stations to be placed inside the area based on the evaluation results of the distribution of the first radio waves; and convert the evaluation results of the distribution of the first radio waves, which were evaluated when a first number of transmission points were set, into the distribution of the first radio waves when a second number of transmission points, which is greater than the first number, is set.

[0009] These comprehensive or specific embodiments may be implemented as systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media, or as any combination of systems, devices, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, and recording media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a wireless system can be constructed that takes into account interference to the surrounding area.

[0011] Further advantages and effects of one embodiment of this disclosure will be made apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or effects are provided by several embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them are necessarily provided in order to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of a limited area where a wireless base station for a secondary use system is installed. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the system configuration according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of an interference control boundary in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the evaluation results regarding interference in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of the evaluation results regarding service quality in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process for determining the placement of wireless base stations in Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 8] A figure showing a first example of the transmission point arrangement in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 9] A figure showing a second example of the transmission point arrangement in Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Figure 10] Block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) In a specific area such as a factory or a shopping mall (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "limited area"), a wireless system is constructed by arranging one or more wireless base stations that cover the specific area. In this case, the wireless base stations are arranged such that the wireless communication quality in the limited area is better. Note that the limited area is, for example, an area spatially divided by a wall or the like. Alternatively, the limited area may correspond to a local area where there is an area owner (for example, a party providing a wireless service) individually. For example, in an area not spatially divided by a wall or the like, when different area owners provide wireless services, a plurality of limited areas associated with the area owners may be defined in the area. For example, when wireless services are provided in each of an underground shopping mall and a passage of a station that are not spatially divided and are connected, the area of the underground shopping mall and the area including the passage of the station may be defined as different limited areas. Further, the limited area may correspond to an area conceptually divided by, for example, latitude, longitude, etc.

[0015] For example, it is being considered to use, in a limited area, a wireless system (sometimes referred to as a "secondary use system") that shares at least a part of the frequency band used by a certain wireless system (sometimes referred to as a "primary use system"). In this case, there is a possibility that radio waves radiated from the wireless base station of the secondary use system may leak outside the limited area. Note that the primary use system may be an already operating wireless system (sometimes referred to as an "existing wireless system") or a wireless system to be constructed in the future. Also, a plurality of secondary use systems may constitute the primary use system and the secondary use system.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a limited area where a radio base station of a secondary utilization system is provided. In FIG. 1, a limited area Ar and radio base stations B1 and B2 of the secondary utilization system provided in the limited area Ar are shown. Note that a primary utilization system is constructed outside the limited area Ar in FIG. 1.

[0017] The limited area Ar in FIG. 1 is a room provided with two doors D and four windows W.

[0018] The radio base stations B1 and B2 in FIG. 1 communicate with terminals (not shown) existing in coverage areas C1 and C2, respectively.

[0019] Here, the radio waves radiated from the radio base stations B1 and B2 may leak outside the limited area Ar, for example, as shown by the arrow Ro in FIG. 1.

[0020] The radio waves radiated from the radio base stations B1 and B2 of the secondary utilization system that share the frequency band with the primary utilization system and leak outside the limited area Ar (for example, the arrow Ro in FIG. 1) may interfere with the primary utilization system. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the radio waves leaking outside the limited area Ar.

[0021] However, in the conventional method of constructing a radio system, the main focus is on ensuring the radio communication quality within the limited area, and interference to the outside of the limited area has not been considered.

[0022] The non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will describe the construction of a radio system considering interference to the outside of the limited area.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration according to Embodiment 1.

[0024] The system configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes a radio system 1, a frequency sharing system 2, a radio wave sensor 3, and a frequency sharing management system 4.

[0025] Wireless system 1 is, for example, a wireless system used both inside and outside a limited area. Wireless system 1 may include a wireless base station and terminals that perform wireless communication using a certain frequency band. Wireless system 1 may also include a control device (e.g., a server) that controls the wireless base station. For example, the wireless base station of wireless system 1 outputs operational information, including information about the frequency band being used and information about the number of terminals connected to the wireless base station, to the frequency sharing management system 4. Wireless system 1 may also be referred to as "primary use system 1".

[0026] Frequency sharing system 2 is a wireless system that shares at least a portion of the frequency band used by wireless system 1. Frequency sharing system 2 may include wireless base stations and terminals that perform wireless communication using a frequency band that includes at least a portion of the frequency band used by wireless system 1. Frequency sharing system 2 may also include a control device (e.g., a server) that controls the wireless base stations. Information regarding the frequency band used by frequency sharing system 2 may be notified, for example, from frequency sharing management system 4. Frequency sharing system 2 may also be referred to as "secondary use system 2".

[0027] The radio wave sensor 3 is installed inside and / or outside the limited area. The radio wave sensor 3 detects, for example, radio waves emitted from the radio base station of the wireless system 1. The radio wave sensor 3 then outputs information regarding the utilization status of radio waves in the frequency band used by the wireless system 1 to the frequency sharing management system 4.

[0028] The frequency sharing management system 4, for example, has one or more control devices and provides information to the frequency sharing system 2 based on information acquired from the wireless system 1 and the radio wave sensor 3.

[0029] For example, the frequency sharing management system 4 assigns the frequency band and radio specifications to be used in the frequency sharing system 2 based on operational information obtained from the wireless system 1 and information on radio wave usage obtained from the radio wave sensor 3. The frequency sharing management system 4 then outputs information to the frequency sharing system 2 indicating the assigned frequency band and radio specifications. The system may also output the interference level and interference management boundary for the wireless system 1. Further details will be described later.

[0030] This embodiment 1 describes an information processing device that determines the arrangement of wireless base stations of a frequency sharing system 2 when the frequency sharing system 2 is constructed in a certain limited area.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to this embodiment 1. The information processing device 10 shown in Figure 3 includes an interference estimation unit 11, a service quality estimation unit 12, and a placement determination unit 13. The information processing device 10 may be configured by a computer such as a personal computer (PC).

[0032] The interference estimation 11 determines a first evaluation result regarding radio waves that penetrate (or enter) the limited area Ar from outside the limited area Ar. For example, the first evaluation result may be a heat map representing the power distribution of radio waves penetrating the limited area Ar at each location within the limited area Ar. The first evaluation can be considered as an example of an evaluation regarding interference.

[0033] The interference estimation unit 11 includes an interference evaluation instruction unit 111, a first area propagation evaluation unit 112, and a first ranking creation unit 113. The processing of each functional block will be described later.

[0034] The service quality estimation unit 12 sets candidate locations for wireless base stations in the limited area Ar. The service quality estimation unit 12 then determines a second evaluation result regarding the radio waves emitted from the wireless base stations in the limited area Ar, assuming that wireless base stations are placed at the set candidate locations. For example, the second evaluation result may be a heat map representing the power distribution of radio waves emitted from the wireless base stations in the limited area Ar.

[0035] The service quality estimation unit 12 includes a service quality evaluation instruction unit 121, a second area propagation evaluation unit 122, and a second ranking creation unit 123. The processing of each functional block will be described later.

[0036] The placement determination unit 13 determines information regarding the placement location of the wireless base station (for example, the coordinates of the placement location of the wireless base station) based on the first and second evaluation results. The placement determination unit 13 outputs the determined information regarding the placement location of the wireless base station (for example, the coordinates of the placement location of the wireless base station). For example, an administrator (user) who constructs a frequency sharing system 2 in a limited area places the wireless base station based on the output information.

[0037] The placement determination unit 13 includes an overlap evaluation unit 131 and a coverage area evaluation unit 132. The processing of each functional block will be described later.

[0038] The information processing device 10 performs an evaluation regarding interference (interference) outside the limited area and an evaluation regarding the quality of communication services provided within the limited area. Then, it performs an integrated evaluation of the results of these two evaluations and determines the placement of wireless base stations for the frequency sharing system 2.

[0039] Note that the configuration shown in Figure 3 may be included in different devices. For example, the first information processing device may have an interference estimation unit 11, and the second information processing device may have a service quality estimation unit 12 and a placement determination unit 13. In this case, the first information processing device may output an evaluation regarding interference (interference) to areas outside the limited area to the second information processing device, and the second information processing device may determine the placement of the wireless base stations of the frequency sharing system 2.

[0040] Furthermore, the configuration of two or more functional blocks shown in Figure 3 may be replaced with the configuration of a single functional block. For example, the first area propagation evaluation unit 112 and the second area propagation evaluation unit 122 may be replaced with a single evaluation unit. Also, the first ranking creation unit 113 and the second ranking creation unit 123 may be replaced with a single processing unit (for example, a single ranking creation unit).

[0041] <Evaluation of Interference> First, an example of the interference evaluation performed by the interference estimation unit 11 regarding interference outside the limited area will be explained. The interference estimation unit 11 evaluates radio waves that penetrate from outside the limited area toward the interior of the limited area. For example, it estimates the intensity (e.g., power) of radio waves that reach the interior of the limited area from the direction in which the interference-causing radio waves are emitted from outside the limited area. For example, the interference estimation unit 11 estimates the radio waves radiated by a virtually established transmission point outside the limited area (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "virtual transmission point") that penetrates the interior of the limited area, using radio wave propagation simulations, etc. Note that the radio waves radiated by the virtual transmission point may be the same as the radio waves radiated by the wireless base station of the secondary utilization system. Locations where the estimated radio wave intensity is below a predetermined level are set as candidate locations for placing the wireless base station.

[0042] The interference evaluation instruction unit 111 instructs the first area propagation evaluation unit 112 to perform an evaluation regarding interference. The interference evaluation instruction unit 111 also outputs parameters for the interference evaluation to the first area propagation evaluation unit 112. These parameters include, for example, parameters related to the interference management boundary located outside the limited area, and information regarding the placement of virtual transmission points at the interference management boundary. The interference management boundary is the boundary at which virtual transmission points for radio waves penetrating into the limited area are placed in the interference evaluation. The interference management boundary may also be called the limited area boundary or site boundary.

[0043] Figure 4 shows an example of an interference control boundary in this embodiment 1. Figure 4 shows an example of an interference control boundary Vr for a limited area similar to that in Figure 1.

[0044] The interference control boundary and interference level are specified, for example, by frequency sharing system 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the interference control boundary may be the same as the outer perimeter of the restricted area. Alternatively, if the restricted area is indoors, the interference control boundary may be the outer perimeter of the site.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, virtual radio transmission points Tr (e.g., radio base stations) are placed at the interference management boundary. Here, X in Figure 4 represents the distance from the restricted area Ar, and Y represents the spacing between the virtual transmission points Tr. Also, the arrow Ri in Figure 4 indicates the radio waves radiated from the virtual transmission point Tr located at the interference management boundary Vr and penetrating into the restricted area Ar.

[0047] X and Y may be adjusted according to at least one of the shape of the limited area, the frequency band used by the frequency sharing system 2, and the computational complexity in the information processing device 10. Furthermore, X and / or Y are not limited to a single value. For example, Y, which represents the spacing between virtual transmission points Tr, does not have to be constant.

[0048] For example, if the frequency band used by frequency sharing system 2 is the 28GHz band, virtual transmission points may be placed 2m outside a 10m x 10m limited area, at 50cm intervals. In other words, in this case, X=2[m] and Y=50[cm] may be set.

[0049] The first area propagation evaluation unit 112 then determines the power distribution of radio waves that have entered the limited area, radiated at a predetermined power from a virtual transmission point set up at the interference management boundary, based on the limited area information. The limited area information is, for example, information about a two-dimensional (or three-dimensional) model that contributes to the evaluation of radio wave propagation in the limited area. The limited area information may include information on the shape and material of the walls surrounding the limited area. The limited area information may also include information on the location, number, shape, and material of windows and doors provided in the limited area. Furthermore, the limited area information may include information on the location, size, shape, and material of shielding objects within the limited area (for example, walls, partitions, etc. that divide the limited area).

[0050] Then, the first ranking creation unit 113 determines the rank of the determined power.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an example of the evaluation results regarding interference in this embodiment 1. Figure 5 shows a heatmap of the power distribution of radio waves radiated from the virtual transmission point Tr shown in Figure 4 and entering the limited area Ar, divided into grids in a mesh-like pattern. For example, the grid size is 50 [cm] × 50 [cm].

[0052] Figure 5 shows, as an example, the magnitude of power in the range from -120 dBm to 0 dBm, ranked by the intensity of the grid. In Figure 5, higher ranks indicate lower power.

[0053] A location where the power of radio waves entering from outside the limited area towards the inside of the limited area is low may correspond to a location where the power of radio waves emitting from that location towards the outside of the limited area is low. In other words, a location of a radio base station where radio waves are easily emitted from inside the limited area to outside the limited area may correspond to a location where radio waves can easily reach inside the limited area from outside the limited area.

[0054] For example, points P1 and P2 in Figure 5 have lower power radio waves penetrating into the restricted area compared to other points. In other words, the power of radio waves radiated outside the restricted area by the radio base stations located at points P1 and P2 is lower compared to other points.

[0055] Note that the grid division and rank division shown in Figure 5 are examples only, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. The finer the grid granularity and / or the finer the rank division granularity, the more appropriate the placement of wireless base stations can be determined.

[0056] This eliminates the need to evaluate interference from radio waves emitted by wireless base stations from any location within a limited area, thereby reducing the processing load associated with determining the placement of wireless base stations.

[0057] <Evaluation of service quality> Next, we will describe an example of an evaluation of service quality within a limited area performed by the service quality estimation unit 12.

[0058] For example, when a radio base station is placed at one or more of the candidate locations set in the interference assessment, an index representing the quality of service within the limited area is estimated using radio wave propagation simulations, etc. Then, if the estimated quality of service meets the predetermined quality, the placement of radio base stations corresponding to the estimated quality of service is determined to be a base station placement that satisfies the quality of service.

[0059] For example, the service quality evaluation instruction unit 121 of the service quality estimation unit 12 selects an arrangement to be evaluated from candidate locations of wireless base stations based on the ranking information of each grid within the limited area created by the first ranking creation unit 113. For example, the service quality evaluation instruction unit 121 sets the location of the top-ranked grid (the one with the most points) as a candidate location for the wireless base station, and selects one or more locations from the set candidates as the arrangement to be evaluated.

[0060] Then, the second area propagation evaluation unit 122 of the service quality estimation unit 12 determines the evaluation result regarding service quality when a radio base station is placed at the selected evaluation target location. As an example, the second area propagation evaluation unit 122 determines the power of the radio waves radiated within a limited area by the radio base station placed at the selected evaluation target location.

[0061] Then, the second ranking creation unit 123 of the service quality estimation unit 12 determines the power ranking within the limited area.

[0062] Figure 6 shows an example of the evaluation results regarding service quality in this embodiment 1. In Figure 6, a heat map of the received power of radio waves radiated by wireless base stations located at points P1 and P2 shown in Figure 5 is shown for each grid in a limited area similar to that in Figures 4 and 5.

[0063] Figure 6 shows, as an example, the magnitude of power ranked from 10 dBm to -120 dBm, indicated by the intensity of the grid. In Figure 6, higher ranks indicate greater power.

[0064] The indicators used to represent service quality are not particularly limited. For example, indicators of service quality may include received power within a limited area or throughput within a limited area.

[0065] For example, the second ranking generation unit 123 may determine that the estimated service quality meets a predetermined quality if the total value of received power or the total value of throughput is above a predetermined level. For example, the second ranking generation unit 123 adds up the ranks assigned to the received power of each grid in a limited area and determines the summation result as the evaluation result regarding the service quality for the configuration being evaluated.

[0066] Furthermore, if the indicator representing service quality is throughput, the second ranking generation unit 123 may determine that grids showing throughput above a predetermined value are of a higher rank (for example, 10 points). In this case, the second ranking generation unit 123 may determine that grids showing throughput below a predetermined value are of a lower rank (for example, 0 points). The second ranking generation unit 123 then adds the ranks of each grid in a limited area and determines the evaluation result regarding service quality for the configuration being evaluated based on the sum of the added values.

[0067] The evaluation of service quality is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the arrangement of radio base stations that shows the highest total received power within a limited area may be determined to be a base station arrangement that satisfies service quality. Alternatively, the arrangement of radio base stations that shows the minimum received power within a limited area to or above a threshold may be determined to be a base station arrangement that satisfies service quality. Alternatively, the arrangement of radio base stations that shows the largest range of throughput above a predetermined level within a limited area may be determined to be a base station arrangement that satisfies service quality.

[0068] <Integrated Evaluation> Next, an example of how the placement determination unit 13 determines the placement of wireless base stations will be described. For example, the placement determination unit 13 determines the placement of wireless base stations based on the evaluation results regarding interference and the evaluation results regarding service quality. For example, the placement determination unit 13 performs an integrated evaluation by superimposing the evaluation results regarding interference and the evaluation results regarding service quality to determine the placement of wireless base stations.

[0069] For example, the superimposed evaluation unit 131 of the placement determination unit 13 adds the rank assigned to the evaluation result regarding interference shown in Figure 5 and the rank assigned to the evaluation result regarding service quality shown in Figure 6 for each grid, and performs an integrated evaluation.

[0070] In this integrated evaluation, superposition conditions may be set. These superposition conditions include, for example, whether to prioritize the evaluation results regarding interference or the evaluation results regarding service quality, and / or the weighting of each evaluation result.

[0071] For example, the superimposed evaluation unit 131 weights and adds the rank assigned to the evaluation result regarding interference and the rank assigned to the evaluation result regarding service quality shown in Figure 6 for each grid based on the superimposed conditions. The superimposed evaluation unit 131 then outputs the added result to the coverage area evaluation unit 132.

[0072] The coverage area evaluation unit 132 determines whether the coverage area of ​​the limited area is sufficient based on the summation result of the ranks for each grid in the limited area. For example, the coverage area evaluation unit 132 may determine that the coverage area of ​​the limited area is sufficient if the summation result of the ranks is below a threshold.

[0073] Note that some of the above-described components may be included in a device other than the information processing device 10.

[0074] <Process flow for determining the placement of wireless base stations> Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process for determining the placement of wireless base stations in this embodiment 1. The process shown in the flowchart in Figure 7 is initiated, for example, based on instructions from an administrator (user) who constructs a frequency sharing system 2 in a limited area. For example, the administrator may issue an instruction to start the process for determining the placement of wireless base stations via the operation unit of the information processing device 10. The instruction input to the information processing device 10 via the operation unit is given, for example, to the interference estimation unit 11. In this case, the administrator may also input information such as limited area information.

[0075] The interference estimation unit 11 evaluates intrusive radio waves penetrating from outside the limited area into the area (S101).

[0076] The interference estimation unit 11 ranks the received power of the intrusive radio waves evaluated within the limited area (S102). Here, a map of the ranks of the received power of the intrusive radio waves (hereinafter sometimes referred to as interference ranks) is generated.

[0077] In the ranking process in S102, the service quality estimation unit 12 sets the higher-ranked positions as candidates for the location of the wireless base station (S103).

[0078] The service quality estimation unit 12 selects the location of the wireless base station to be evaluated from the set candidates (S104).

[0079] The service quality estimation unit 12 evaluates the service quality within a limited area when a wireless base station is installed in the configuration under evaluation (S105).

[0080] The service quality estimation unit 12 ranks the service quality evaluated within the limited area (S106). A map of service quality ranks is then generated.

[0081] The placement determination unit 13 superimposes the interference rank map and the service quality rank map, and evaluates the placement to be evaluated based on predetermined criteria (S107).

[0082] The placement determination unit 13 evaluates whether the coverage area is sufficient (S108).

[0083] If the coverage area is insufficient (NO in S108), the placement determination unit 13 changes the placement of the evaluation target (S109). Changing the placement of the evaluation target includes, for example, increasing or decreasing the number of wireless base stations to be placed. Changing the placement of the evaluation target may also include placing wireless base stations with different performance characteristics, such as output power. Alternatively, changing the placement of the evaluation target may include changing the candidate locations. Furthermore, changing the placement of the evaluation target may include changing the communication parameters of the wireless base stations (e.g., transmission power, directivity, etc.). The flow then proceeds to S105.

[0084] If the coverage area is sufficient (YES in S108), the placement determination unit 13 evaluates the radio waves that would leak outside the limited area if a wireless base station were placed in the placement under evaluation, and adjusts the communication parameters of the wireless base station (S110). Then the flow ends.

[0085] Through the above processing, the information processing device 10 can determine the placement of wireless base stations while taking into account the evaluation of interference.

[0086] Furthermore, information obtained during the above-described process (for example, evaluation results regarding interference) may be output from the information processing device 10. In this case, the information processing device 10 may have an output unit that outputs the information obtained during the above-described process. The information obtained during the above-described process may be output from the information processing device 10 and used for secondary purposes.

[0087] Furthermore, some of the processes described above may be performed by different devices. For example, the first information processing device may have an interference estimation unit 11, and the second information processing device may have a service quality estimation unit 12 and a placement determination unit 13. In this case, the first information processing device may evaluate the distribution of radio waves (e.g., power distribution) that penetrate into the limited area when radio waves are emitted from one or more virtual transmission points set outside the limited area. The first information processing device may also determine information regarding candidate locations of radio base stations to be placed inside the limited area based on the evaluation results regarding the distribution of radio waves. The first information processing device may then output the information regarding candidate locations of radio base stations to be placed inside the limited area to, for example, the second information processing device.

[0088] As described above, with this embodiment 1, by considering radio waves entering the limited area from outside the limited area, it is possible to consider radio waves radiating from within the limited area to outside the limited area, thus enabling the construction of a wireless system that takes into account interference to the surrounding area.

[0089] In this embodiment 1, an example was shown in which the limited area is assumed to be a two-dimensional plane, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the limited area may be a three-dimensional space including the height direction. If the limited area is a three-dimensional space, the evaluation of interference and / or the evaluation of service quality may be determined in the three-dimensional space.

[0090] (Embodiment 2) This second embodiment describes an example of reducing the processing load related to determining the placement of wireless base stations in the first embodiment.

[0091] Figure 8 shows a first example of the virtual transmission point arrangement in this second embodiment. Figure 9 shows a second example of the virtual transmission point arrangement in this second embodiment. Figures 8 and 9 show the interference control boundary Vr provided for the limited area Ar, similar to Figure 4. In Figures 8 and 9, the number of virtual transmission points Tr placed on the interference control boundary Vr is smaller compared to Figure 4.

[0092] In Figure 8, the virtual transmission points Tr are located at the four corners of the interference control boundary Vr. In Figure 9, the virtual transmission points Tr are located at the center of the four sides of the interference control boundary Vr.

[0093] In this second embodiment, the processing load related to determining the evaluation of interference is reduced by decreasing the number of virtual transmission points Tr. In this case, the evaluation of interference when the number of virtual transmission points Tr is reduced may be converted to the evaluation of interference when the number of virtual transmission points Tr is sufficient (for example, in the case of Figure 4).

[0094] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 20 according to this second embodiment. In Figure 10, components similar to those in Figure 3 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0095] In the information processing device 20 shown in Figure 10, the interference estimation unit 11 shown in Figure 3 has been replaced by the interference estimation unit 21.

[0096] The interference estimation unit 21 includes an interference evaluation instruction unit 211, a first area propagation evaluation unit 112, an evaluation result conversion unit 213, and a first ranking creation unit 113.

[0097] The interference evaluation instruction unit 211 instructs the first area propagation evaluation unit 112 to perform an evaluation regarding interference. The interference evaluation instruction unit 211 also outputs parameters for the interference evaluation to the first area propagation evaluation unit 112. The parameters for the interference evaluation include, for example, parameters regarding the interference management boundary provided outside the limited area, and information regarding the arrangement of virtual transmission points placed at the interference management boundary. In this second embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the arrangement of virtual transmission points is sparser compared to the first embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, the interference evaluation instruction unit 211 outputs information regarding the placement of virtual transmission points to be placed at the interference management boundary to the evaluation result conversion unit 213.

[0099] The evaluation result conversion unit 213 converts the power of radio waves that have entered the limited area, as determined by the first area propagation evaluation unit 112, based on the limited area information and information on the arrangement of virtual transmission points, to the power of radio waves that have entered the limited area when there are a sufficient number of virtual transmission points (for example, in the case of Figure 4). In other words, the evaluation result conversion unit 213 converts the evaluation result regarding interference evaluated when a certain number of virtual transmission points (for example, 4 in the cases of Figures 8 and 9) are set to the evaluation result regarding interference when a larger number of virtual transmission points (for example, the total number of virtual transmission points Tr exemplified in Figure 4) are set. The conversion of evaluation results in the evaluation result conversion unit 213 can be considered as interpolation for the portion that is not evaluated with a sufficient number of virtual transmission points.

[0100] The conversion method used in the evaluation result conversion unit 213 is not particularly limited. For example, the evaluation result conversion unit 213 determines a power distribution that is shifted according to predetermined conditions from the power distribution of radio waves that have entered the limited area determined by the first area propagation evaluation unit 112. The evaluation result conversion unit 213 may then determine the power distribution of radio waves that have entered the limited area when there are a sufficient number of virtual transmission points (for example, in the case of Figure 4) by superimposing multiple shifted power distributions. For example, predetermined conditions include, for example, a condition of shifting parallel to a certain direction, and a condition of rotating and shifting by a certain angle. The predetermined conditions may be determined, for example, based on limited area information and information regarding the arrangement of virtual transmission points.

[0101] The evaluation result conversion unit 213 then outputs the converted result to the first ranking creation unit 113.

[0102] According to this second embodiment, for example, by reducing the number of virtual transmission points with the configuration shown in Figure 10, the processing load related to determining the evaluation of interference can be reduced, and the processing load related to determining the placement of wireless base stations can be reduced.

[0103] In the embodiments described above, examples were given that consider interference from a secondary system sharing a frequency band with a primary system to the primary system. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, this disclosure may also apply when considering interference between multiple secondary systems sharing a frequency band. In this case, the placement of wireless base stations may be determined for each of the multiple secondary systems in the same manner as in the embodiments described above.

[0104] The information processing device in each of the above embodiments may be configured as a computer device including a processor, memory, storage, communication device, input device, output device, bus, etc.

[0105] In addition, the expression "radio waves entering the area" in each of the above embodiments may be replaced with other expressions such as "radio waves incident on the area" or "radio waves propagating within the area."

[0106] In addition, the term "...part" in each of the above embodiments may be replaced with other terms such as "...circuitry," "...device," "...unit," or "...module."

[0107] Furthermore, the term "frequency band" in the above embodiment may be replaced with other terms such as "frequency," "frequency channel," "bandwidth," "band," "carrier," "subcarrier," or "(frequency) resource."

[0108] This disclosure can be implemented using software, hardware, or software integrated with hardware.

[0109] Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be implemented partially or entirely as an integrated circuit (LSI), and each process described in the above embodiments may be controlled partially or entirely by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. An LSI may consist of individual chips, or it may consist of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. An LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the degree of integration, LSIs may be referred to as ICs, system LSIs, super LSIs, or ultra LSIs.

[0110] The method of integration is not limited to LSIs; it may also be implemented using dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or reconfigurable processors that allow for the reconfiguration of the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may also be used. This disclosure may be implemented as digital or analog processing.

[0111] Furthermore, if advancements in semiconductor technology or related technologies lead to the emergence of integrated circuit technologies that replace LSIs, then naturally, these technologies can be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, for example, is a possible possibility.

[0112] This disclosure is applicable to all types of devices, systems, and equipment with communication capabilities (collectively referred to as communication devices). Non-exclusive examples of communication devices include telephones (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (laptops, desktops, notebooks, etc.), cameras (digital still / video cameras, etc.), digital players (digital audio / video players, etc.), wearable devices (wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices, etc.), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth and telemedicine devices, vehicles or mobile transport with communication capabilities (automobiles, airplanes, ships, etc.), and combinations of the above-mentioned devices.

[0113] Communication devices are not limited to portable or movable devices, but also include all kinds of non-portable or fixed devices, devices, and systems, such as smart home devices (appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or measuring instruments, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an IoT (Internet of Things) network.

[0114] Communication includes data communication via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, and communication satellite systems, as well as data communication using combinations of these.

[0115] Furthermore, the communication device also includes devices such as controllers and sensors that are connected to or linked to a communication device that performs the communication functions described in this disclosure. For example, this includes controllers and sensors that generate control signals and data signals used by the communication device that performs the communication functions of the communication device.

[0116] Furthermore, communication equipment includes infrastructure facilities such as base stations, access points, and any other devices, devices, and systems that communicate with or control the aforementioned non-limited types of equipment.

[0117] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally also fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the above embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0118] The specific examples of this disclosure have been described in detail above, but these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples described above. [Industrial applicability]

[0119] This disclosure is particularly suitable for wireless communication systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 10, 20 Information Processing Devices 11, 21 Interference estimation unit 12 Service Quality Estimation Department 13 Placement determination section 111, 211 Interference Evaluation Instruction Unit 112 Area 1 Propagation Evaluation Department 122 Second Area Propagation Evaluation Department 113 First Ranking Creation Department 123 Second Ranking Creation Department 121 Service Quality Evaluation Instruction Department 131 Superimposed Evaluation Unit 132 Coverage Area Evaluation Unit 213 Evaluation Result Conversion Unit

Claims

1. A first evaluation unit that evaluates the distribution of first radio waves penetrating into an area when radio waves are emitted from one or more transmission points set outside a certain area, A determination unit that determines information regarding candidate locations for radio base stations to be placed within the area based on the evaluation results regarding the distribution of the first radio wave, Equipped with, The first evaluation unit converts the evaluation result of the distribution of the first radio waves, which was evaluated when a first number of transmission points were set, into the distribution of the first radio waves when a second number of transmission points, which is larger than the first number, is set. Information processing device.

2. The area includes a second evaluation unit that evaluates the distribution of wireless quality within the area when a second wireless radio wave is emitted from a candidate point set at the candidate placement position within the area. The determination unit determines information regarding the placement of the radio base station within the area based on the evaluation results regarding the distribution of the radio quality and the evaluation results regarding the distribution of the first radio wave. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes an output unit that outputs at least one of the evaluation results from the first evaluation unit, the evaluation results from the second evaluation unit, and the determination results from the determination unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit sets a position where the power of the first radio wave is below a predetermined level as one of the candidate placement positions. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Information processing device, The distribution of first radio waves penetrating into an area when radio waves are emitted from one or more transmission points set outside a certain area is evaluated. Based on the evaluation results regarding the distribution of the first radio wave, information regarding candidate locations for radio base stations to be placed within the area is determined. The evaluation result of the distribution of the first radio waves, which was evaluated when a first number of transmission points were set, is converted to the distribution of the first radio waves when a second number of transmission points, which is larger than the first number, is set. Information processing methods.

6. In an information processing device, The distribution of first radio waves penetrating into an area when radio waves are emitted from one or more transmission points set outside a certain area is evaluated. Based on the evaluation results regarding the distribution of the first radio wave, information regarding candidate locations for radio base stations to be placed within the area is determined. The evaluation result of the distribution of the first radio waves, which was evaluated when a first number of transmission points were set, is converted to the distribution of the first radio waves when a second number of transmission points, which is larger than the first number, is set. A program that executes a process.

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