Verification system and verification method

Abstract

To be desirable to realize a technique capable of appropriately extracting a removable wireless access point by verifying an arrangement of a plurality of wireless access points.SOLUTION: A verification system 40 includes a reference radio wave intensity setting part 42, a radio wave intensity information acquisition part 41, and a verification processing part 44. The reference radio wave intensity setting part 42 sets a reference radio wave intensity at each of a plurality of observation points in a target area. The radio wave intensity information acquisition part 41 acquires observation point radio wave intensity information that is at least one of a predicted value of radio wave intensity calculated for each observation point and an actual measurement value of radio wave intensity measured for each observation point. The verification processing part 44 performs a verification process based on the observation point radio wave intensity information. The verification processing includes a removable access point extraction process of extracting a removable wireless access point while satisfying a radio wave intensity condition that the radio wave intensity equal to or higher than the reference radio wave intensity is secured at all of the plurality of observation points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a verification system and a verification method for a wireless communication system.

Background Art

[0002] An example of a wireless communication system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-160219 (Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, in the description of this background art, the reference numerals in Patent Document 1 are cited within parentheses. The wireless communication system described in Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of wireless access points (APs) and is configured to perform wireless communication with a terminal (T). Patent Document 1 describes that when the area to be arranged with the wireless access point (AP) has at least a wall surface (Sw) around it, the wireless access point (AP) is arranged in consideration of the reflection of radio waves on the wall surface (Sw). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 of Patent Document 1, the radius (Rca1) of the coverage area of the wireless access point (AP) in the area including the wall surface (Sw) is set to a value larger than the radius (Rca2) of the coverage area of the wireless access point (AP) in the area not including the wall surface (Sw), and the wireless access point (AP) is arranged according to the area to be arranged based on these radii (Rca1, Rca2). According to Patent Document 1, by arranging the wireless access point (AP) in this way, the number of wireless access points (APs) to be arranged in the area to be arranged can be optimized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Incidentally, the propagation of radio waves in the target area (the area from which radio waves are provided by wireless access points) is generally affected not only by walls, as considered in Patent Document 1, but also by various objects such as equipment placed in the target area. Furthermore, the magnitude of this effect can vary from object to object (for example, depending on the material of the wall surface), even if they are of the same type. Therefore, simply varying the radius of the coverage area depending on the presence or absence of walls, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, does not necessarily optimize the placement of multiple wireless access points, and there is a risk that, for example, more wireless access points than necessary may be placed. In cases where more wireless access points than necessary are placed, radio interference can be suppressed and costs reduced by removing the unnecessary wireless access points. Therefore, it is desirable to verify the placement of multiple wireless access points and appropriately identify wireless access points that can be removed, but Patent Document 1 does not describe such verification.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can verify the placement of multiple wireless access points and appropriately identify wireless access points that can be removed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The verification system relating to this disclosure is a verification system relating to a wireless communication system that includes a plurality of wireless access points arranged to provide radio waves to a target area and performs wireless communication with a mobile body moving within the target area, wherein the system includes a reference radio wave intensity setting unit that sets a reference value of the radio wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each of a plurality of observation points within the target area, with layout information including information on the shape of the target area and information on the arrangement of objects that affect the propagation of radio waves in the target area, and arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of wireless access points, and calculates a plurality of the radio wave intensity values ​​for each of the observation points based on the layout information and the arrangement information. The system includes a radio wave strength information acquisition unit that acquires observation point radio wave strength information which is at least one of the predicted radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the wireless access points and the measured radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points measured at each of the observation points, and a verification processing unit that performs verification processing on the arrangement of the plurality of wireless access points based on the observation point radio wave strength information, wherein the verification processing includes a removable access point extraction process that extracts from the plurality of wireless access points the wireless access points that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave strength condition that the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at all of the plurality of observation points.

[0007] The verification method relating to this disclosure is a verification method relating to a wireless communication system that includes a plurality of wireless access points arranged to provide radio waves to a target area and performs wireless communication with a mobile body moving in the target area, wherein the verification method includes setting a reference radio wave intensity, which is a reference value of the radio wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each of a plurality of observation points in the target area, with layout information including information on the shape of the target area and information on the arrangement of objects that affect the propagation of radio waves in the target area, and arrangement information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of wireless access points, and setting a reference radio wave intensity setting step; and calculating for each observation point based on the layout information and the arrangement information, the wireless communication system The system includes a radio wave strength information acquisition step of acquiring observation point radio wave strength information which is at least one of the predicted radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the access points and the measured radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points measured at each of the observation points, and a verification processing step of performing a verification process for the arrangement of the plurality of wireless access points based on the observation point radio wave strength information, wherein the verification processing includes a removable access point extraction process of extracting from the plurality of wireless access points wireless access points that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave strength condition that the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at all of the plurality of observation points.

[0008] According to these verification systems and methods, the verification process for the placement of multiple wireless access points can be performed based on observation point radio wave strength information, which is the radio wave strength for each observation point. Therefore, in the removalable access point extraction process included in the verification process, it is possible to appropriately extract wireless access points that can be removed. In this case, since the observation point radio wave strength information is at least one of the predicted value of radio wave strength calculated for each observation point and the measured value of radio wave strength measured for each observation point, it is possible to appropriately extract wireless access points that can be removed regardless of whether or not they are actually installed. As described above, according to the above verification systems and methods, it is possible to verify the placement of multiple wireless access points and appropriately extract wireless access points that can be removed.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the verification system and verification method will become clear from the following description of the embodiments described with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the target area. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a mobile device. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of the verification system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of an observation point. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing pre-processing and verification processes according to the embodiment [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the process for extracting removable access points according to the embodiment [Figure 7] This diagram shows three examples (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3) of communication areas for each access point. [Figure 8] Diagram illustrating the extraction process for removable access points in the first example. [Figure 9] Diagram illustrating the extraction process for removable access points in the first example. [Figure 10]Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the first example [Figure 11] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the first example [Figure 12] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the second example [Figure 13] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the second example [Figure 14] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the second example [Figure 15] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the second example [Figure 16] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the third example [Figure 17] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the third example [Figure 18] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the third example [Figure 19] Explanatory diagram of removable access point extraction process for the third example

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Embodiments of a verification system for a wireless communication system and a verification method for a wireless communication system will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the verification system will be mainly described, but various technical features of the verification system disclosed in this specification are also applicable to the verification method and the verification program (a program for causing a computer to function as the verification system), and in addition to the verification system, the verification method, and the verification program, a storage medium (for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical disk or a flash memory) storing the verification program is also disclosed by this specification.

[0012] The verification system 40 is a system for the wireless communication system 30 (specifically, the system to be verified). As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system 30 includes a plurality of wireless access points 31 arranged to provide radio waves to the target area TA. The target area TA is an area where the mobile body 10 to be described later moves. In the example shown in FIG. 1, all the wireless access points 31 are arranged in the target area TA. However, the wireless access points 31 only need to be arranged to provide radio waves to the target area TA, and at least some of the plurality of wireless access points 31 may be arranged outside the target area TA. In this specification, the electromagnetic wave used for wireless communication is referred to as "radio wave", and the "radio wave" is not limited to electromagnetic waves in a specific frequency band. In the present embodiment, as an example, the "radio wave" is an electromagnetic wave having a frequency used in a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0013] The wireless communication system 30 performs wireless communication with the mobile body 10 moving in the target area TA. Specifically, the wireless access point 31 communicably connected to the mobile body 10 among the plurality of wireless access points 31 performs wireless communication with the mobile body 10. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication system 30 performs wireless communication with a plurality of mobile bodies 10 moving in the target area TA. The mobile body 10 includes a communication module capable of performing wireless communication with the wireless access point 31. The mobile body 10 is communicably connected to the wireless access point 31 by establishing a communication link with any one of the wireless access points 31 (for example, the wireless access point 31 having the strongest radio wave intensity). As the mobile body 10 moves, the wireless access point 31 with which the mobile body 10 establishes a communication link is switched (roamed). In FIG. 1, the communication area A where radio wave intensity above the reference radio wave intensity is provided (in other words, radio waves with intensity above the reference radio wave intensity reach) from the wireless access point 31 is simply represented by a circle centered on each wireless access point 31. The radio wave intensity is represented by, for example, a numerical value of RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator).

[0014] In this embodiment, the mobile body 10 is configured to move on its own. Therefore, the mobile body 10 is equipped with a driving force source for movement (e.g., an electric motor). The mobile body 10 moves, for example, autonomously or by remote control. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the mobile body 10 is an item transporter and is configured to move for the transport of item 2. Examples of item transporters include an item transport vehicle as illustrated in Figure 2, or an item transporter (e.g., a drone). The mobile body 10 may also be configured to move for purposes other than transporting item 2 (e.g., surveillance or information gathering). Furthermore, the target area TA, which is the area in which the mobile body 10 moves, may be an outdoor area (outside a building), but in this embodiment, the target area TA is an indoor area (inside a building).

[0015] The item transport vehicle, as illustrated in Figure 2, is an overhead transport vehicle that travels along rails 4 suspended from the ceiling. This transport vehicle 10 comprises a running section 12 equipped with running wheels 13 that roll on the running surface of the rails 4, and a main body 14 connected to the running section 12. The running wheels 13 are rotated by a power source such as an electric motor, causing the running section 12 to travel along the rails 4. As a result, the transport vehicle 10 moves along the travel path 3 formed by the rails 4. The item 2 is transported by the transport vehicle 10 while housed in the main body 14. The item 2 is, for example, a FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) that houses semiconductor wafers. Note that the item transport vehicle as the transport vehicle 10 is not limited to an overhead transport vehicle; it may also be a tracked transport vehicle that travels along rails provided on the floor, or a trackless transport vehicle such as an AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) or AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot). If the mobile body 10 is a trackless transport vehicle, the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10 is set to connect, for example, multiple detectable objects (such as 2D codes or wireless tags) placed on the floor, or it is freely set by calculations based on the recognition results of the surrounding environment.

[0016] Figure 1 shows a transport facility 1 in which an article 2 (see Figure 2) is transported by a mobile body 10, as an example of equipment to which a wireless communication system 30 is applied. Figures 1 and 4 show the planar layout (layout in plan view) of the transport facility 1, and the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper corresponds to the vertical direction (height direction). In the example shown in Figure 1, multiple pieces of equipment 5 are provided in the target area TA, and the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10 is predetermined to pass through multiple pieces of equipment 5. Examples of equipment 5 include a processing device that processes the article 2 (or the contents contained in the article 2) and a storage device that stores the article 2. Equipment 5 can be the source or destination of the article 2.

[0017] The transport equipment 1 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a control device 7 that controls the mobile bodies 10 (in this case, multiple mobile bodies 10). The control device 7 is equipped with a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and peripheral circuits such as memory, and each function of the control device 7 is realized through the cooperation of the hardware such as the processing unit and the program executed on the hardware. The control device 7 assigns a task for transporting an item 2 to one of the mobile bodies 10. The mobile body 10 that has been assigned a task is controlled to execute that task. For example, a mobile body 10 that has been assigned a transport task to transport an item 2 from a transport source to a transport destination is controlled to move to the transport source specified in the transport task, receive the item 2, and then move to the destination specified in the transport task to hand over the item 2.

[0018] The control device 7 knows the current position of the mobile body 10 (in this embodiment, the current position of each of the multiple mobile bodies 10). In this embodiment, the mobile body 10 is configured to recognize its own current position, and the control device 7 obtains information about the current position of the mobile body 10 from the mobile body 10. Details are omitted, but for example, a detected object that holds position information (e.g., a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, a wireless tag, etc.) can be provided at multiple positions along the travel path 3, and the mobile body 10 can recognize its own current position by reading the position information held by the detected object. The mobile body 10 recognizes its own current position based on the read position information and the distance traveled since the position information was read. The mobile body 10 can also be configured to recognize its own current position based on the output of a positioning device such as a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver.

[0019] In the example shown in Figure 1, the wireless communication system 30 communicates between the control device 7 and the mobile device 10. The wireless communication system 30 is configured to connect multiple wireless access points 31 to the control device 7 in a communicative manner. Specifically, the wireless communication system 30 includes devices (e.g., LAN cables and hubs) for constructing a communication network between the multiple wireless access points 31 and the control device 7. The wireless access points 31 relay communication between the mobile device 10 and the control device 7.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the verification system 40 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the verification system 40 includes a radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41, a reference radio wave strength setting unit 42, and a verification processing unit 44. In this embodiment, the verification system 40 further includes an access point number threshold setting unit 43. These functional units (41 to 44) of the verification system 40 are at least logically distinct, and do not necessarily need to be physically distinct. The verification system 40 (specifically, the control device included in the verification system 40) includes an arithmetic processing unit and peripheral circuits, and the functions of each functional unit of the verification system 40 are realized through the cooperation of hardware such as the arithmetic processing unit and a program executed on that hardware. Note that the verification system 40 may be realized not by a single device (for example, a personal computer or workstation), but by multiple devices that can communicate with each other.

[0021] The radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41 is a functional unit that acquires radio wave strength information at observation points. The process of acquiring radio wave strength information at observation points corresponds to the "radio wave strength information acquisition process" in the verification method for the wireless communication system 30, and the "radio wave strength information acquisition function" is realized by executing this process. As will be described in detail later, the radio wave strength information at observation points is information on the radio wave strength for each observation point P. Multiple observation points P are set within the target area TA. Observation points P are set manually by an operator or the like, or automatically by the verification system 40. In the latter case, for example, the observation points P are set by the verification system 40 based on information on the shape of the target area TA and information on the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10.

[0022] As shown in the example in Figure 1, when the mobile body 10 is configured to move along a predetermined movement path 3, it is preferable that the observation point P be set at least at a location along the movement path 3. In this case, the observation point P may also be set at locations other than those along the movement path 3, but it is also possible to configure the system so that the observation point P is set only at locations along the movement path 3. Even when the movement path 3 of the mobile body 10 is not predetermined but freely set each time, if the possible movement paths 3 can be narrowed down to some extent, it is preferable that the observation point P be set at least at a location along the possible movement paths 3.

[0023] Observation point P is set in each of the multiple meshes created by dividing (meshing) the target area TA. For example, as shown in the example in Figure 4, observation point P is set in each of the multiple meshes created by dividing the target area TA into two dimensions (here, divided into two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions). In this case, the height (vertical position) of observation point P is set to, for example, the height of the movement path 3 (or the height of the moving body 10 moving along the movement path 3). Note that Figure 4 shows three types of observation points P: the first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3, but the first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3 will be described later.

[0024] In the example shown in Figure 4, observation point P is set to a point with the same range as the mesh, but observation point P may also be set to a point with a narrower range than the mesh. In this case, for example, a representative point in the mesh (e.g., the center point) is set as observation point P. Also, in the example shown in Figure 4, the entire target area TA is divided equally, but the size of the mesh may be varied depending on the location within the target area TA. Furthermore, observation point P does not need to be set throughout the entire target area TA, but only needs to be set in areas within the target area TA where wireless communication between the wireless communication system 30 and the mobile body 10 is necessary (e.g., areas where the mobile path 3 is located). In other words, observation point P may be set to be unevenly distributed according to the characteristics of each area within the target area TA (e.g., whether or not the mobile path 3 is located). For example, observation point P can be set only in the mesh containing the mobile path 3 among multiple meshes. In this case, observation point P will be set only at points along the mobile path 3.

[0025] As described above, the observation point radio wave strength information is information on the radio wave strength for each observation point P. Specifically, the observation point radio wave strength information is at least one of the following: "predicted values ​​of radio wave strength provided from each of the multiple wireless access points 31 calculated for each observation point P", and "measured values ​​of radio wave strength provided from each of the multiple wireless access points 31 measured for each observation point P". If the observation point radio wave strength information is the above predicted value, the predicted value is provided to all observation points P. If the observation point radio wave strength information is the above measured value, the measured value is provided to all observation points P. If the observation point radio wave strength information is both the above predicted value and the measured value, the following three cases are included. The first case is when both predicted and measured values ​​are provided to all of the multiple observation points P. The second case is when both predicted and measured values ​​are provided to some observation points P, and one of the predicted or measured values ​​is provided to the remaining observation points P. The third case is when predicted values ​​are provided to some observation points P, and measured values ​​are provided to the remaining observation points P. For observation point P where both predicted and measured values ​​are provided, for example, either the predicted or measured value can be used as the radio wave intensity at observation point P, or a value based on both the predicted and measured values ​​(for example, their average) can be used as the radio wave intensity at observation point P.

[0026] The above predicted and measured values ​​are provided in a way that distinguishes each wireless access point 31. Therefore, based on the radio wave strength information of the observation point, it is possible to define a communication area A (an area where radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength is provided) for each wireless access point 31, as illustrated in Figure 7, which will be referenced later. Figure 7 shows three examples (the first example, the second example, and the third example) of the communication area A for four wireless access points 31: the first access point AP1, the second access point AP2, the third access point AP3, and the fourth access point AP4.

[0027] The predicted radio wave intensity values ​​included in the observation point radio wave intensity information are calculated based on layout information and placement information. By calculating the intensity of the radio waves provided to each observation point P for each wireless access point 31 using a propagation model, a predicted radio wave intensity value for each observation point P can be obtained. Here, the layout information includes information on the shape of the target area TA (planar or three-dimensional shape) and information on the arrangement of objects that affect radio wave propagation in the target area TA (in the example shown in Figure 1, for example, the rails 4, equipment 5, and walls 6 that constitute the travel path 3). The placement information is information that shows the arrangement of multiple wireless access points 31. The placement information may be information that shows the arrangement of multiple wireless access points 31 set for simulation, or information that shows the arrangement of multiple wireless access points 31 that are actually installed. In this embodiment, the rails 4, equipment 5, and walls 6 each correspond to "objects".

[0028] If the radio wave strength information acquired by the radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41 includes a predicted value of radio wave strength, the radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41 acquires the calculated predicted value of radio wave strength, or acquires layout information and placement information, and performs calculations based on the acquired layout information and placement information to acquire a predicted value of radio wave strength. Figure 3 illustrates the latter case. In this case, the layout information and placement information are transmitted to the radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41 from a computer operated by a person such as a worker (for example, a computer for displaying verification results by the verification system 40). The radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41 can also be configured to acquire the layout information and placement information from the control device 7 (see Figure 1).

[0029] If the radio wave strength information acquired by the radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41 includes measured radio wave strength values, the unit acquires the measured radio wave strength information, as shown in Figure 3. The measured radio wave strength values ​​may be measured by the mobile unit 10 (specifically, the communication module mounted on the mobile unit 10) or by a device other than the mobile unit 10. In the former case, for example, the system can be configured to acquire measured radio wave strength values ​​for each observation point P by referring to a log storage device that stores a log of the location of the mobile unit 10, a log of the wireless access point 31 to which the mobile unit 10 was connected, and a log of the radio wave strength received by the mobile unit 10 from the wireless access point 31 to which the mobile unit 10 was connected. This log storage device is provided, for example, in the control device 7 (see Figure 1).

[0030] The reference radio wave strength setting unit 42 is a functional unit that sets the reference radio wave strength. The process of setting the reference radio wave strength corresponds to the "reference radio wave strength setting process" in the verification method for the wireless communication system 30, and the "reference radio wave strength setting function" is realized by executing this process. The reference radio wave strength setting unit 42 sets the reference radio wave strength, which is the reference value of the radio wave strength from the wireless communication system 30 at each of the multiple observation points P within the target area TA. The reference radio wave strength is, for example, the lower limit of the allowable radio wave strength. The reference radio wave strength setting unit 42 sets the reference radio wave strength as, for example, a preset value, or as a value entered by a person such as an operator.

[0031] The reference radio wave intensity may be set to the same value for all observation points P, or it may be set to a different value for each observation point P. In the latter case, for example, the reference radio wave intensity can be set to a different value according to the characteristics of each observation point P. For example, the characteristics of observation point P may include whether or not it is a point along the travel path 3, or whether or not it is a point along a main line section of the travel path 3, or a point along a section other than the main line section of the travel path 3. As an example, the reference radio wave intensity setting unit 42 can be configured to set multiple stages for each section S of the travel path 3, and set the reference radio wave intensity to a different value according to the stage. These stages may be, for example, stages corresponding to the travel speed of the moving body 10, or stages corresponding to the traffic volume of the moving body 10.

[0032] To explain in more detail, the travel path 3 shown in Figure 4 comprises a first section S1 that does not pass through equipment 5 (see Figure 1) and a second section S2 that passes through equipment 5. In this case, the first section S1 is the main line section, and the second section S2 is the section other than the main line section. When the travel speed (average travel speed) of the mobile body 10 in the first section S1 is high, the required radio wave intensity in the first section S1 may increase. In view of this, the reference radio wave intensity setting unit 42 can be configured to set multiple stages according to the travel speed of the mobile body 10 for each section S of the travel path 3, and set the reference radio wave intensity to a higher value as the travel speed of the mobile body 10 increases according to the stage. In this case, the stage set for the first section S1 will be a stage with a higher travel speed than the stage set for the second section S2, and a higher reference radio wave intensity will be set for the first point P1, which is an observation point P along the first section S1, than for the second point P2, which is an observation point P along the second section S2.

[0033] In Figure 4, observation point P that does not follow the movement path 3 is designated as the third point P3. To distinguish between the first point P1, the second point P2, and the third point P3, the third point P3 is shown as plain, while the first point P1 and the second point P2 are shown with different types of hatching. It is possible to configure the system so that a lower reference radio wave intensity is set for the third point P3 than for the second point P2, or the reference radio wave intensity set for the third point P3 can be set to zero (in other words, the third point P3 can be excluded from observation point P).

[0034] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, if the amount of traffic (average traffic) of the moving object 10 in the first section S1 increases, the required radio wave intensity in the first section S1 may increase. In view of this, the reference radio wave intensity setting unit 42 can be configured to set multiple stages according to the amount of traffic of the moving object 10 for each section S of the travel path 3, and according to the stage, set the reference radio wave intensity to a higher value as the amount of traffic of the moving object 10 increases. In this case, the stage set for the first section S1 will be a stage with a higher traffic volume than the stage set for the second section S2, and a higher reference radio wave intensity will be set for the first point P1, which is an observation point P along the first section S1, than for the second point P2, which is an observation point P along the second section S2.

[0035] The access point threshold setting unit 43 is a functional unit that sets the access point threshold. The process of setting the access point threshold corresponds to the "access point threshold setting process" in the verification method for the wireless communication system 30, and the "access point threshold setting function" is realized by executing this process. The access point threshold setting unit 43 sets the access point threshold, which is the threshold for the number of wireless access points 31 that provide a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at each of the multiple observation points P. The access point threshold may be set to "1", but it is preferable to have a value of "2" or higher for communication stabilization. In addition, the access point threshold may be set to the same value for all observation points P, or it may be set to a different value for each observation point P. For example, the access point threshold setting unit 43 may set a pre-set value as the access point threshold, or it may set a value entered by a person such as an operator as the access point threshold.

[0036] The verification processing unit 44 is a functional unit that performs verification processing on the arrangement of multiple wireless access points 31. The process of performing verification processing corresponds to the "verification processing step" in the verification method for the wireless communication system 30, and the execution of this step realizes the "verification processing function". The verification processing unit 44 performs verification processing on the arrangement of multiple wireless access points 31 based on the radio wave strength information of the observation points. The verification processing includes the removalable access point extraction process described below. The verification processing may include processes other than the removalable access point extraction process. For example, the verification processing can be configured to include an additional point extraction process that extracts points where wireless access points 31 should be added, or a relocation point extraction process that extracts points where wireless access points 31 should be moved.

[0037] The process for extracting removable access points is a process that extracts from among multiple wireless access points 31 that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave strength condition that ensures a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at all of the multiple observation points P. It is also possible to configure the system to extract removable wireless access points 31 after moving or adding wireless access points 31, but in this embodiment, the process for extracting removable access points extracts wireless access points 31 that can be removed without moving or adding wireless access points 31.

[0038] In this embodiment, the removalable access point extraction process extracts removable wireless access points 31 such that, in addition to the radio wave strength condition, it also satisfies the access point number condition, which states that the number of wireless access points 31 that provide a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at all of the multiple observation points P is equal to or greater than the access point number threshold. Note that if the access point number threshold is set to "1" for all observation points P, the access point number condition is also satisfied when the radio wave strength condition is met. In this case, by extracting wireless access points 31 that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave strength condition, it is possible to extract wireless access points 31 that can be removed while satisfying both the radio wave strength condition and the access point number condition.

[0039] The pre-processing and verification processes according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 5, as pre-processing, a radio wave strength information acquisition process is performed by the radio wave strength information acquisition unit 41 to acquire radio wave strength information for observation points (step #01), and a reference radio wave strength setting process is performed by the reference radio wave strength setting unit 42 to set a reference radio wave strength for each of the multiple observation points P (step #02). In this embodiment, as further pre-processing, an access point number threshold setting process is performed by the access point number threshold setting unit 43 to set an access point number threshold for each of the multiple observation points P (step #03). Note that the execution order of these three processes (steps #01 to #03) shown in Figure 5 is just an example, and these three processes may be executed in any order, or two or three processes may be executed in parallel. After the pre-processing, a removable access point extraction process is performed by the verification processing unit 44 as a verification process (step #04).

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the verification processing unit 44 repeatedly executes the non-removable access point setting process and the target point setting process, starting from a state in which all of the multiple wireless access points 31 are set as target access points and all of the multiple observation points P are set as target points TP (see Figure 8, etc.). That is, the verification processing unit 44 sets all wireless access points 31 as target access points (step #10) and sets all observation points P as target points TP (step #11). Note that the execution order of the two processes (steps #10 and #11) shown in Figure 6 is just an example, and these two processes may be executed in any order, or they may be executed in parallel.

[0041] The process of setting an access point as non-removable is a process in which, among the wireless access points 31 set as target access points, if the wireless access point 31 that provides a signal strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength to the largest number of target point TPs (hereinafter referred to as the "maximum coverage access point") provides a signal strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength to one or more target point TPs, the wireless access point 31 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (steps #12 to #14). In other words, the verification processing unit 44 searches for the maximum coverage access point that covers the largest number of target point TPs among the target access points (step #12). Here, "cover" means providing a signal strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength. Then, if the maximum coverage access point covers one or more target point TPs (step #13: Yes), the verification processing unit 44 sets the maximum coverage access point as a non-removable access point and excludes it from the target access points (step #14).

[0042] The target location setting process is performed by setting observation points P, which are set as target location TP, to locations with secured radio waves PX and excluding them from target location TP each time a non-removable access point is newly set (step #15). Specifically, the verification processing unit 44 sets the maximum coverage access point as a non-removable access point (step #14), and then excludes observation points P covered by non-removable access points exceeding the access point threshold from target location TP (step #15).

[0043] Initially, the target points TP are all observation points P, and their number gradually decreases as the removal-capable access point extraction process progresses (specifically, some observation points P are excluded from the target points TP during the target point setting process). The verification processing unit 44 repeatedly executes the non-removable access point setting process and the target point setting process while target points TP exist (step #16: Yes) (steps #12 to #15). Then, in the non-removable access point setting process, the verification processing unit 44 extracts target access points that no longer have target points TP providing a signal strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength as removable wireless access points 31 (hereinafter referred to as "removable access points") (step #17). In other words, when there are no more target points TP (step #16: No), the verification processing unit 44 extracts target access points that no longer have target points TP to cover (i.e., wireless access points 31 that are set as target access points at that time) as removable access points (step #17). Furthermore, if the target access point (TP) ceases to exist (Step #16: No), and there are no target access points (i.e., all wireless access points 31 are set as non-removable access points), it is determined that there are no removable access points.

[0044] By the way, in the arrangement of multiple wireless access points 31 that are subject to the verification process, there may be observation points P where the number of wireless access points 31 that are equal to or greater than the threshold for the number of access points do not provide a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength. In this case, it is determined that there is not at least one target point TP covered by the maximum coverage access point until there are no more target points TP (step #16: Yes) (step #13: No). In other words, it is determined that the remaining wireless access points 31 that have not been determined to be non-removable access points at that time cannot reduce the number of target points TP (in other words, the number of radio wave secured points PX cannot be increased). If it is determined in this way (step #13: No), the verification processing unit 44 determines that there is a radio wave strength insufficient point PY among the multiple observation points P (step #18) and terminates the removalable access point extraction process. In step #18, it is determined that the observation point P that is set as a target point TP at that time is a radio wave strength insufficient point PY.

[0045] In this embodiment, as an example, the verification process, based on the radio wave strength information of multiple observation points P, includes a process to generate data for correction when it is determined that there is a radio wave strength shortage point PY among multiple observation points P where a radio wave strength of a reference radio wave strength or higher is not provided (in this embodiment, an observation point P where a radio wave strength of a reference radio wave strength or higher is not provided from wireless access points 31 that are equal to or greater than the access point threshold). This correction data may include, for example, data identifying the radio wave strength shortage point PY, or data on the arrangement information after the correction to add a wireless access point 31 to the above-mentioned location. The verification system 40 then uses the above-mentioned corrected arrangement information to execute the radio wave strength information acquisition process and the verification process (removable access point extraction process) again.

[0046] Next, specific examples of the removalable access point extraction process will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 19. Here, we assume that the removalable access point extraction process is performed on four wireless access points 31 (first access point AP1, second access point AP2, third access point AP3, and fourth access point AP4), and Figure 7 shows the communication area A of these four wireless access points 31 for three examples (first example, second example, and third example). In these examples, the target area TA is divided into 64 (=8×8) meshes as shown in Figure 8, etc., and an observation point P is set in each of the 64 meshes. The communication area A shown in Figure 7 represents the area where observation points P are located, which are determined for each wireless access point 31 based on the observation point radio wave strength information and provide radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength.

[0047] In Figures 8 to 19, the numbers (circled numbers) attached to observation points P (specifically, the area within the mesh where observation point P is set) represent the wireless access points 31 that provide radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength to each observation point P. Specifically, observation point P marked with a circled "1" is provided with radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength from the first access point AP1, observation point P marked with a circled "2" is provided with radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength from the second access point AP2, observation point P marked with a circled "3" is provided with radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength from the third access point AP3, and observation point P marked with a circled "4" is provided with radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength from the fourth access point AP4. Observation point P that is provided with radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength from multiple wireless access points 31 is marked with multiple circled numbers.

[0048] Figures 8 to 19 show the number of target locations TP covered by each wireless access point 31 (AP1 to AP4) in the state shown in each figure, as indicated on the right side. In addition, in Figures 8 to 19, observation points P that are set as target locations TP are enclosed in a thick border to distinguish between observation points P set as target locations TP and observation points P that are set as radio wave secured locations PX and excluded from target locations TP.

[0049] <Example 1> Figures 8 to 11 are explanatory diagrams of the removalable access point extraction process for the first example (see Figure 7). In the first example, it is assumed that the access point threshold is set to "1" for all observation points P. The following explanation will also refer to each step shown in Figure 6.

[0050] First, as shown in Figure 8, all four wireless access points 31 (AP1 to AP4) are set as target access points (step #10), and all 64 observation points P are set as target points TP (step #11). In this state, the third access point AP3 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), and since the number of target points TP covered by the third access point AP3 (=40) is one or more (step #13: Yes), the third access point AP3 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (step #14). Then, observation points P covered by non-removable access points that are greater than or equal to the access point threshold (in this case, observation points P covered by the third access point AP3) are set as radio wave secured points PX and excluded from the target points TP (step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 9.

[0051] In the state shown in Figure 9, target locations TP still exist (Step #16: Yes), and in this state, three wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) are set as target access points. Note that, as a result of some observation points P being excluded from target locations TP, the number of target locations TP covered by these three wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) is reduced compared to the state shown in Figure 8. Then, the second access point AP2 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target locations TP covered by the second access point AP2 (=19) is one or more (Step #13: Yes), the second access point AP2 is set as an access point that cannot be removed and is excluded from the target access points (Step #14). Then, observation points P covered by access points that are excluded from the target locations TP (in this case, observation points P covered by the second access point AP2) are set as radio wave secured locations PX and excluded from the target locations TP (Step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 10.

[0052] In the state shown in Figure 10, a target point TP exists (Step #16: Yes), and in this state, two wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP4) are set as target access points. The first access point AP1 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target points TP covered by the first access point AP1 (=5) is one or more (Step #13: Yes), the first access point AP1 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (Step #14). Then, observation point P covered by non-removable access points that are greater than or equal to the access point threshold (in this case, observation point P covered by the first access point AP1) is set as a radio wave secured point PX and excluded from the target point TP (Step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 11.

[0053] In the state shown in Figure 11, there is no target point TP (Step #16: No), and in this state, one wireless access point 31 (AP4) is set as the target access point. Therefore, the fourth access point AP4, which is the target access point that no longer has a target point TP to cover, is extracted as a removable access point (Step #17). As is clear from Figure 11, even if the fourth access point AP4 is removed (see the × mark in Figure 11), radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength is provided to all observation points P from wireless access points 31 that are equal to or greater than the access point threshold (one or more in this example).

[0054] <Example 2> Figures 12 to 15 are explanatory diagrams of the removalable access point extraction process for the second example (see Figure 7). In the second example, it is assumed that the access point threshold is set to "1" for all observation points P. The following explanation will also refer to each step shown in Figure 6.

[0055] First, as shown in Figure 12, all four wireless access points 31 (AP1 to AP4) are set as target access points (step #10), and all 64 observation points P are set as target points TP (step #11). In this state, the third access point AP3 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (step #12), and since the number of target points TP covered by the third access point AP3 (=32) is one or more (step #13: Yes), the third access point AP3 is set as an access point that cannot be removed and is excluded from the target access points (step #14). Then, observation points P covered by access points that are greater than or equal to the threshold for the number of access points (in this case, observation points P covered by the third access point AP3) are set as radio wave secured points PX and excluded from the target points TP (step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 13.

[0056] In the state shown in Figure 13, target locations TP exist (Step #16: Yes), and in this state, three wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) are set as target access points. Then, the second access point AP2 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target locations TP covered by the second access point AP2 (=21) is one or more (Step #13: Yes), the second access point AP2 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (Step #14). Then, observation point P covered by non-removable access points that are greater than or equal to the access point threshold (in this case, observation point P covered by the second access point AP2) is set as a radio wave secured location PX and excluded from the target locations TP (Step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 14.

[0057] In the state shown in Figure 14, target locations TP exist (Step #16: Yes), and in this state, two wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP4) are set as target access points. The first access point AP1 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target locations TP covered by the first access point AP1 (=10) is one or more (Step #13: Yes), the first access point AP1 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (Step #14). Then, observation points P covered by non-removable access points that are greater than or equal to the access point threshold (in this case, observation points P covered by the first access point AP1) are set as radio wave secured locations PX and excluded from the target locations TP (Step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 15.

[0058] In the state shown in Figure 15, a target location TP exists (Step #16: Yes), and in this state, one wireless access point 31 (AP4) is set as the target access point. Then, the fourth access point AP4 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target locations TP covered by the fourth access point AP4 (=0) is not more than one (Step #13: No), the target location TP is determined to be a location PY with insufficient signal strength (Step #18).

[0059] <Example 3> Figures 16-19 are explanatory diagrams of the removalable access point extraction process for the third example (see Figure 7). In the third example, it is assumed that the access point threshold is set to "2" for all observation points P. The following explanation will also refer to each step shown in Figure 6.

[0060] First, as shown in Figure 16, all four wireless access points 31 (AP1 to AP4) are set as target access points (Step #10), and all 64 observation points P are set as target points TP (Step #11). In this state, the third access point AP3 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target points TP covered by the third access point AP3 (=53) is one or more (Step #13: Yes), the third access point AP3 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (Step #14). In this state, the number of wireless access points 31 set as non-removable access points is "1", which is less than the access point threshold, so there are no observation points P covered by non-removable access points that are greater than or equal to the access point threshold. Therefore, observation points P are not excluded from the target points TP, resulting in the state shown in Figure 17.

[0061] In the state shown in Figure 17, target locations TP exist (Step #16: Yes), and in this state, three wireless access points 31 (AP1, AP2, AP4) are set as target access points. The first access point AP1 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target locations TP covered by the first access point AP1 (=49) is one or more (Step #13: Yes), the first access point AP1 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (Step #14). Then, observation points P covered by non-removable access points exceeding the access point threshold (in this case, observation points P covered by the first access point AP1 and the third access point AP3) are set as radio wave secured locations PX and excluded from the target locations TP (Step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 18.

[0062] In the state shown in Figure 18, target point TP still exists (Step #16: Yes), and in this state, two wireless access points 31 (AP2, AP4) are set as target access points. Then, the second access point AP2 is selected as the maximum coverage access point (Step #12), and since the number of target point TPs covered by the second access point AP2 (=26) is one or more (Step #13: Yes), the second access point AP2 is set as a non-removable access point and excluded from the target access points (Step #14). Then, observation point P covered by non-removable access points that are greater than or equal to the access point threshold (here, observation point P covered by at least one of the first access point AP1 and the third access point AP3, and the second access point AP2) is set as a radio wave secured point PX and excluded from the target point TP (Step #15), resulting in the state shown in Figure 19.

[0063] In the state shown in Figure 19, there is no target point TP (Step #16: No), and in this state, one wireless access point 31 (AP4) is set as the target access point. Therefore, the fourth access point AP4, which is the target access point that no longer has a target point TP to cover, is extracted as a removable access point (Step #17). As is clear from Figure 19, even if the fourth access point AP4 is removed (see the × mark in Figure 19), radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength is provided to all observation points P from wireless access points 31 that are equal to or greater than the access point threshold (two or more in this example).

[0064] The embodiments disclosed herein are in all respects merely illustrative, and various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0065] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of the embodiments of the verification system described above.

[0066] The verification system is a verification system for a wireless communication system that provides radio waves to a target area and has multiple wireless access points arranged to provide radio waves to the target area, and performs wireless communication with a moving object moving within the target area, and includes information including information on the shape of the target area and information on the arrangement of objects that affect the propagation of radio waves in the target area as layout information, and information indicating the arrangement of the multiple wireless access points as arrangement information, and sets a reference radio wave intensity setting unit which sets a reference value of the radio wave intensity from the wireless communication system at each of the multiple observation points within the target area, and calculates for each of the multiple wireless access points based on the layout information and the arrangement information, and The system includes a radio wave strength information acquisition unit that acquires observation point radio wave strength information which is at least one of the predicted radio wave strength values ​​provided from each access point and the measured radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points measured at each observation point, and a verification processing unit that performs verification processing on the arrangement of the plurality of wireless access points based on the observation point radio wave strength information, wherein the verification processing includes a removable access point extraction process that extracts from the plurality of wireless access points wireless access points that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave strength condition that the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at all of the plurality of observation points.

[0067] With this configuration, the verification process for the placement of multiple wireless access points can be performed based on observation point radio wave strength information, which is the radio wave strength for each observation point. Therefore, in the removalable access point extraction process included in the verification process, removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted. In this case, the observation point radio wave strength information is at least one of the predicted value of radio wave strength calculated for each observation point and the measured value of radio wave strength measured for each observation point. Therefore, removable wireless access points can be appropriately extracted regardless of whether or not they are actually installed. As described above, with this configuration, it is possible to verify the placement of multiple wireless access points and appropriately extract removable wireless access points.

[0068] Here, the system further includes an access point number threshold setting unit that sets an access point number threshold, which is a threshold for the number of wireless access points that provide a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity at each of the multiple observation points. In the removalable access point extraction process, it is preferable to extract the wireless access points that can be removed in such a way that, in addition to the radio wave intensity condition, the access point number condition is also satisfied, which is that the number of wireless access points that provide a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity at all of the multiple observation points is equal to or greater than the access point number threshold.

[0069] This configuration allows for the extraction of removable access points in a process that satisfies both the radio wave intensity condition and the access point count condition at all observation points, while still extracting wireless access points that can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately extract removable wireless access points while ensuring stable wireless communication at all observation points.

[0070] Furthermore, in the removalable access point extraction process, the verification processing unit repeatedly executes the non-removable access point setting process and the target point setting process, starting from a state where all of the multiple wireless access points are set as target access points and all of the multiple observation points are set as target points. The non-removable access point setting process determines that, among the wireless access points set as target access points, the wireless access point that provides the most target points with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity to one or more target points is non-removable. The process involves setting an access point and excluding it from the target access points, and each time a non-removable access point is newly set, the process involves setting the observation points among the target points that are provided with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity by non-removable access points equal to or greater than the access point threshold, and excluding them from the target points, and the verification processing unit preferably extracts the target access points that no longer have target points providing a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity as removable wireless access points in the non-removable access point setting process.

[0071] This configuration allows for the prioritization of retaining wireless access points that provide radio wave strength above the reference signal strength at many observation points, while appropriately identifying wireless access points that can be removed.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable that the mobile body is configured to move along a predetermined path, and that the observation points are set at least at points along the path.

[0073] This configuration allows for the appropriate identification of wireless access points that can be removed, while ensuring stable wireless communication between the mobile device and the wireless access point.

[0074] Furthermore, it is preferable that the reference radio wave intensity setting unit sets multiple levels for each section of the travel path and sets the reference radio wave intensity to a different value according to the level.

[0075] With this configuration, even if the required radio wave strength differs depending on the section of the travel path, by setting the reference radio wave strength to a different value according to the stage of each section, it is possible to appropriately identify wireless access points that can be removed while ensuring stable wireless communication between the mobile object and the wireless access point.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable that the verification process includes, based on the radio wave strength information of the observation points, if it is determined that there is a radio wave strength shortage point among the multiple observation points where the radio wave strength is not equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength point, a process for generating correction data to add a new wireless access point to the radio wave strength shortage point at a location where the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength point.

[0077] With this configuration, if there are locations with insufficient signal strength, the verification process can generate data for making corrections by adding new wireless access points so that signal strength equal to or greater than the reference signal strength is provided to those locations. Therefore, if the verification process determines that there are locations with insufficient signal strength, the arrangement of multiple wireless access points can be corrected using this data, so that multiple wireless access points are arranged to satisfy the signal strength conditions at all observation points.

[0078] The verification system described in this disclosure only needs to achieve at least one of the effects described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 3: Travel Route 4: Rail (object) 5: Equipment (object) 6: Wall (object) 10: Mobile 30: Wireless communication systems 31: Wireless access point 40: Verification System 41: Radio field strength information acquisition section 42: Reference radio wave intensity setting section 43: Access point number threshold setting section 44: Verification Processing Unit P: Observation point PX: Location where radio waves have been secured PY: Points with insufficient signal strength S: Section TA: Target Area TP: Target location

Claims

1. A verification system for a wireless communication system that includes multiple wireless access points arranged to provide radio waves to a target area and performs wireless communication with a mobile object moving within the target area, Information including the shape of the target area and information on the arrangement of objects that affect radio wave propagation in the target area is defined as layout information, and information indicating the arrangement of multiple wireless access points is defined as arrangement information. A reference radio wave strength setting unit sets a reference radio wave strength, which is a reference value for the radio wave strength from the wireless communication system at each of the multiple observation points within the target area, A radio wave strength information acquisition unit acquires observation point radio wave strength information which is at least one of the following: a predicted value of the radio wave strength provided by each of the plurality of wireless access points, calculated for each observation point based on the layout information and the arrangement information; and a measured value of the radio wave strength provided by each of the plurality of wireless access points, measured for each observation point. The system includes a verification processing unit that performs verification processing on the arrangement of multiple wireless access points based on the radio wave intensity information of the observation point, The verification process includes determining for each wireless access point an observation point where a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is provided, based on the observation point radio wave intensity information, and extracting from among the multiple wireless access points a wireless access point that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave intensity condition that a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is ensured at all of the multiple observation points, and further includes a process for extracting removable access points. The system further includes an access point number threshold setting unit that sets an access point number threshold, which is a threshold for the number of wireless access points that provide a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity at each of the multiple observation points, In the removalable access point extraction process, in addition to the radio wave strength condition, the removalable wireless access points are extracted such that the number of wireless access points that provide a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at all of the multiple observation points is equal to or greater than the access point threshold condition. The verification processing unit, in the removalable access point extraction process, repeatedly executes the non-removable access point setting process and the target point setting process, starting from a state where all of the multiple wireless access points are set as target access points and all of the multiple observation points are set as target locations. The process for setting non-removable access points is to set a wireless access point as a non-removable access point and exclude it from the target access points if, among the wireless access points set as target access points, the wireless access point that provides the most target locations with a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength to one or more target locations, is set as a non-removable access point. The aforementioned target location setting process is a process in which, each time a non-removable access point is newly set, observation points among the observation points set as target locations that are provided with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity by non-removable access points equal to or greater than the access point threshold, are set as radio wave secured locations and excluded from the target locations. The verification processing unit is a verification system that, in the process of setting non-removable access points, extracts target access points where there are no longer any target locations providing a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity, as wireless access points that can be removed.

2. A verification system for a wireless communication system that includes multiple wireless access points arranged to provide radio waves to a target area and performs wireless communication with a mobile object moving within the target area, Information including the shape of the target area and information on the arrangement of objects that affect radio wave propagation in the target area is defined as layout information, and information indicating the arrangement of multiple wireless access points is defined as arrangement information. A reference radio wave strength setting unit sets a reference radio wave strength, which is a reference value for the radio wave strength from the wireless communication system at each of the multiple observation points within the target area, A radio wave strength information acquisition unit acquires observation point radio wave strength information which is at least one of the following: a predicted value of the radio wave strength provided by each of the plurality of wireless access points, calculated for each observation point based on the layout information and the arrangement information; and a measured value of the radio wave strength provided by each of the plurality of wireless access points, measured for each observation point. The system includes a verification processing unit that performs verification processing on the arrangement of multiple wireless access points based on the radio wave intensity information of the observation point, The verification process includes determining for each wireless access point an observation point where a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is provided, based on the observation point radio wave intensity information, and extracting from among the multiple wireless access points a wireless access point that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave intensity condition that a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is ensured at all of the multiple observation points, and further includes a process for extracting removable access points. The aforementioned mobile body is configured to move along a predetermined path. The observation points are set at least along the aforementioned travel path, The verification system includes a reference radio wave intensity setting unit which sets a plurality of stages according to the speed of the moving object for each section of the movement path, and sets the reference radio wave intensity to different values ​​according to the stage such that the value increases as the speed of the moving object increases.

3. The verification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the verification process includes, based on the radio wave strength information of the observation points, if it is determined that there is a radio wave strength shortage location among the plurality of observation points where the radio wave strength is not equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength of the observation point, a process to generate data for correction to add a new wireless access point to the radio wave strength shortage location at a location where the radio wave strength is equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength of the observation point.

4. A verification method for a wireless communication system comprising multiple wireless access points arranged to provide radio waves to a target area, and performing wireless communication with a mobile object moving within the target area, Information including the shape of the target area and information on the arrangement of objects that affect radio wave propagation in the target area is defined as layout information, and information indicating the arrangement of multiple wireless access points is defined as arrangement information. A reference radio wave strength setting step, which sets a reference radio wave strength, which is a reference value of the radio wave strength from the wireless communication system at each of the multiple observation points within the target area, A radio wave strength information acquisition step for acquiring observation point radio wave strength information which is at least one of the predicted radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points calculated for each observation point based on the layout information and the arrangement information, and the measured radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points measured for each observation point. The system includes a verification process that performs verification processing on the arrangement of a plurality of wireless access points based on the radio wave intensity information of the observation point, The verification process includes determining for each wireless access point an observation point where a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is provided, based on the observation point radio wave intensity information, and extracting from among the multiple wireless access points a wireless access point that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave intensity condition that a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is ensured at all of the multiple observation points, and further includes a process for extracting removable access points. The system further includes an access point number threshold setting step, which sets an access point number threshold that is a threshold for the number of wireless access points that provide the radio wave intensity at or above the reference radio wave intensity at each of the multiple observation points, In the removalable access point extraction process, in addition to the radio wave strength condition, the removalable wireless access points are extracted such that the number of wireless access points that provide a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength at all of the multiple observation points is equal to or greater than the access point threshold condition. In the verification process, starting from a state in the removalable access point extraction process where all of the multiple wireless access points are set as target access points and all of the multiple observation points are set as target locations, the non-removable access point setting process and the target location setting process are repeatedly executed. The process for setting non-removable access points is to set a wireless access point as a non-removable access point and exclude it from the target access points if, among the wireless access points set as target access points, the wireless access point that provides the most target locations with a radio wave strength equal to or greater than the reference radio wave strength to one or more target locations, is set as a non-removable access point. The aforementioned target location setting process is a process in which, each time a non-removable access point is newly set, observation points among the observation points set as target locations that are provided with a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity by non-removable access points equal to or greater than the access point threshold, are set as radio wave secured locations and excluded from the target locations. The verification process step involves a verification method in which, in the process of setting non-removable access points, the target access points that no longer provide a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity are extracted as removable wireless access points.

5. A verification method for a wireless communication system comprising multiple wireless access points arranged to provide radio waves to a target area, and performing wireless communication with a mobile object moving within the target area, Information including the shape of the target area and information on the arrangement of objects that affect radio wave propagation in the target area is defined as layout information, and information indicating the arrangement of multiple wireless access points is defined as arrangement information. A reference radio wave strength setting step, which sets a reference radio wave strength, which is a reference value of the radio wave strength from the wireless communication system at each of the multiple observation points within the target area, A radio wave strength information acquisition step for acquiring observation point radio wave strength information which is at least one of the predicted radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points calculated for each observation point based on the layout information and the arrangement information, and the measured radio wave strength values ​​provided from each of the plurality of wireless access points measured for each observation point. The system includes a verification process that performs verification processing on the arrangement of a plurality of wireless access points based on the radio wave intensity information of the observation point, The verification process includes determining for each wireless access point an observation point where a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is provided, based on the observation point radio wave intensity information, and extracting from among the multiple wireless access points a wireless access point that can be removed while satisfying the radio wave intensity condition that a radio wave intensity equal to or greater than the reference radio wave intensity is ensured at all of the multiple observation points, and further includes a process for extracting removable access points. The aforementioned mobile body is configured to move along a predetermined path. The observation points are set at least along the aforementioned travel path, The verification method involves setting a reference radio wave intensity step, which involves setting multiple stages according to the speed of the moving object for each section of the movement path, and setting the reference radio wave intensity to different values ​​according to the stage such that the value increases as the speed of the moving object increases.

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