Radio wave visualization system, propagation simulator, radio wave visualization method, and simulation program

Abstract

To make it possible to shorten a time required for visualization of propagation of a radio wave.SOLUTION: A radio wave visualization system according to one embodiment includes: a model creation unit for creating a three-dimensional scale model; an evaluation condition creation unit for creating a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluation of a propagation characteristic of a radio wave for a target region, respectively; a propagation simulator for executing simulation of a plurality of propagation characteristics using the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the model creation unit, respectively, for the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit; and a visualization unit for visualizing a plurality of propagation characteristic simulation results output by the propagation simulator in order, respectively. The propagation simulator performs the outputs to the visualization unit in order from simulation results whose time required for propagation characteristic simulation is assumed to be shorter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radio wave visualization system, a propagation simulator, a radio wave visualization method, and a simulation program.

Background Art

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

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

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

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0005]

Non-Patent Document 1

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

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a radio wave visualization system, propagation simulator, radio wave visualization method, and simulation program that can shorten the time required for visualizing radio wave propagation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A radio wave visualization system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a model creation unit that creates a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings, of an area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system; an evaluation condition creation unit that creates a plurality of evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the area based on the performance of the wireless communication system; a propagation simulator that performs simulations of a plurality of propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit using the plurality of evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit, and outputs the simulation results; and a visualization unit that sequentially visualizes the simulation results of the plurality of propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator, wherein the propagation simulator outputs the simulation results to the visualization unit in order, starting with those using evaluation conditions that are expected to require a short simulation time for the propagation characteristics.

[0009] Furthermore, a propagation simulator according to one embodiment of the present invention is a propagation simulator that simulates the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system using a three-dimensional scale model of the environment including the terrain and buildings of the area to be evaluated, and is characterized by having an execution unit that performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics using a plurality of evaluation conditions created based on the performance of the wireless communication system to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the area, and a control unit that controls the execution unit to output the results of the plurality of propagation characteristic simulations performed, in order of the results of the simulation using the evaluation conditions that are expected to take the shortest time to simulate the propagation characteristics.

[0010] Furthermore, a radio wave visualization method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a model creation step of creating a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings, of an area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system; an evaluation condition creation step of creating a plurality of evaluation conditions to be used for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves to the area based on the performance of the wireless communication system; a propagation simulation step of performing simulations of a plurality of propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model created in the model creation step using the plurality of evaluation conditions created in the evaluation condition creation step, and outputting the simulation results; and a visualization step of sequentially visualizing the simulation results of the plurality of propagation characteristics output in the propagation simulation step, wherein the propagation simulation step outputs the simulation results in order from those using evaluation conditions that are expected to take a short time to simulate the propagation characteristics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the time required to visualize the propagation of radio waves. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

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

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

[0015] Furthermore, the environment of the target area may include reflectors or relay stations that reflect or relay radio waves emitted by base stations or terminal stations.

[0016] Model creation unit 2 acquires environmental information indicating the environment of the target area and creates a scale model to reproduce the environment of the target area. For example, model creation unit 2 creates a reduced three-dimensional scale model, including the terrain and buildings of the area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in a wireless communication system in which base stations and terminal stations communicate wirelessly, using a predetermined material, for example, by a 3D printer.

[0017] The evaluation condition creation unit 3 creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in a target area, based on wireless communication system information that indicates the performance of the wireless communication system, and outputs them to the propagation simulator 4.

[0018] The propagation simulator 4 includes, for example, an execution unit 40 and a control unit 42. It performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics on a three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit 2, using multiple evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit 3, and outputs the simulation results to the visualization unit 5.

[0019] The execution unit 40 performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit 2, using multiple evaluation conditions created based on the performance of the wireless communication system to evaluate the propagation characteristics of radio waves in a target area.

[0020] The control unit 42 controls to output, in order from the results of simulations using evaluation conditions assumed to have a short time required for the simulation of propagation characteristics, the results of a plurality of propagation characteristic simulations executed by the execution unit 40, respectively.

[0021] In this way, the propagation simulator 4 outputs the simulation results to the visualization unit 5 in order from the simulation results using evaluation conditions assumed to have a short time (computation processing time) required for the simulation of propagation characteristics.

[0022] For example, the propagation simulator 4 performs simulations in order from those with small numerical values such as the number of reflections, the number of diffractions, and the frequency of radio waves, or combinations of the number of reflections, the number of diffractions, and the frequency, and sequentially outputs the simulation results.

[0023] Specifically, when the number of reflections increases as 1 → 2 → 3 ···, the number of diffractions increases as 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 ···, or the frequency increases as 1 GHz → 2 GHz → 3 GHz ···, the amount of computation increases exponentially. Therefore, the propagation simulator 4 can be set to preferentially perform simulations on radio waves with small numerical values of the number of reflections, the number of diffractions, and the frequency, or combinations of these values.

[0024] Also, the propagation simulator 4 may be configured to perform simulations of the propagation characteristics of a plurality of radio waves in parallel. Also, the propagation simulator 4 may be configured to stop the simulation when the time required for the simulation of the propagation characteristics exceeds a predetermined time.

[0025] Also, the propagation simulator 4 may be configured to stop the simulation when a new following evaluation condition is added. That is, the propagation simulator 4 may be configured to stop the simulation before the evaluation condition is added or changed, and immediately perform the simulation after the evaluation condition is added or changed each time the evaluation condition is added or changed.

[0026] The visualization unit 5 is, for example, a display device, which sequentially visualizes the simulation results of multiple propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator 4.

[0027] Furthermore, the visualization unit 5 may be configured to sequentially add and visualize each of the simulation results output by the propagation simulator 4.

[0028] Furthermore, the visualization unit 5 may be configured to visualize the propagation characteristics simulation results only for a predetermined period for each evaluation condition. In other words, the visualization unit 5 may limit the time for which each simulation result is visualized. For example, the visualization unit 5 may visualize each simulation result with a display cycle of a predetermined number of seconds (a changeable initial value).

[0029] Next, we will describe an example of a radio wave visualization method used by the radio wave visualization system 1 to visualize radio waves. Figure 2 shows an example of a radio wave visualization method used by the radio wave visualization system 1 to visualize radio waves.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, in order to visualize radio waves, the radio wave visualization system 1 first has the model creation unit 2 create a three-dimensional scale model (S100). Next, the radio wave visualization system 1 sets multiple evaluation conditions created by the model creation unit 2 for the propagation simulator 4 (S102-1 to S102-N).

[0031] The propagation simulator 4 uses the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit 2 and the multiple evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit 3 to perform simulations of multiple propagation characteristics, and outputs the simulation results to the visualization unit 5 (S104).

[0032] The visualization unit 5 then sequentially visualizes the simulation results of multiple propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator 4 (S106).

[0033] Then, if it becomes necessary to change the evaluation conditions due to changes in the target environment or other reasons, the radio wave visualization system 1 returns to the process of S102-1 to S102-N, and if it becomes necessary to recreate the three-dimensional scale model, it returns to the process of S100.

[0034] In this way, the radio wave visualization system 1 can shorten the time required to visualize radio wave propagation by having the propagation simulator 4 output simulation results to the visualization unit 5 in order, starting with those using evaluation conditions that are expected to require a short time to simulate propagation characteristics.

[0035] Furthermore, each component of the radio wave visualization system 1 may be composed of hardware such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), either partially or entirely, or as a program executed by a processor such as a CPU.

[0036] For example, each component of the radio wave visualization system 1 can be realized using a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a storage medium or provided via a network.

[0037] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the propagation simulator 4. As shown in Figure 3, for example, the propagation simulator 4 has an input unit 90, an output unit 91, a communication unit 92, a CPU 93, a memory 94, and an HDD 95 connected via a bus 96, and functions as a computer. The propagation simulator 4 is also configured to input and output data to and from a computer-readable storage medium 97.

[0038] The input unit 90 is, for example, a keyboard and mouse. The output unit 91 is, for example, a display device such as a display. The communication unit 92 is, for example, a network interface.

[0039] The CPU 93 controls each component of the propagation simulator 4 and performs predetermined processing. The memory 94 and HDD 95 are storage units that store data, etc.

[0040] The storage medium 97 is capable of storing programs and the like that which execute the functions of the propagation simulator 4. Note that the architecture of the propagation simulator 4 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1...Radio wave visualization system, 2...Model creation unit, 3...Evaluation condition creation unit, 4...Propagation simulator, 5...Visualization unit, 40...Execution unit, 42...Control unit, 90...Input unit, 91...Output unit, 92...Communication unit, 93...CPU, 94...Memory, 95...HDD, 96...Bus, 97...Storage medium

Claims

1. A model creation unit creates a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings, of the area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in wireless communication systems. An evaluation condition creation unit creates multiple evaluation conditions for evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the region based on the performance of the wireless communication system, A propagation simulator that performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics using multiple evaluation conditions created by the evaluation condition creation unit on the three-dimensional scale model created by the model creation unit, and outputs the simulation results for each. A visualization unit that sequentially visualizes the simulation results of multiple propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulator. It has, The aforementioned propagation simulator is The simulation results using evaluation conditions that are expected to require a short simulation time for propagation characteristics will be output to the visualization unit in order. A radio wave visualization system characterized by [feature].

2. The aforementioned propagation simulator is Performing parallel simulations of multiple propagation characteristics The radio wave visualization system according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. The aforementioned visualization unit, The simulation results output by the aforementioned propagation simulator are sequentially added and visualized. A radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The aforementioned propagation simulator is If the time required for simulating propagation characteristics exceeds a predetermined time, the simulation will be stopped. A radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. The aforementioned visualization unit, Visualizing the simulation results of propagation characteristics only for a predetermined period for each evaluation condition. A radio wave visualization system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

6. In a propagation simulator that simulates the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in wireless communication systems using a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings of the area to be evaluated, An execution unit that performs simulations of multiple propagation characteristics on the three-dimensional scale model using multiple evaluation conditions created based on the performance of the wireless communication system for use in evaluating the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the region, A control unit controls the execution unit to output the results of multiple propagation characteristic simulations performed by the execution unit, in order of the results of simulations using evaluation conditions that are expected to take a short time to simulate propagation characteristics. A propagation simulator characterized by having the following features.

7. A model creation process to create a three-dimensional scale model of the environment, including the terrain and buildings, of the area to be evaluated for the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in wireless communication systems, A step of creating evaluation conditions, in which multiple evaluation conditions are created to evaluate the propagation characteristics of radio waves in the region based on the performance of the wireless communication system, A propagation simulation step is performed on the three-dimensional scale model created in the model creation step, using multiple evaluation conditions created in the evaluation condition creation step to simulate multiple propagation characteristics, and outputs the simulation results for each. A visualization step is performed to sequentially visualize the simulation results of multiple propagation characteristics output by the propagation simulation step. Includes, In the aforementioned propagation simulation process, Output simulation results in order, starting with those using evaluation conditions that are expected to require the shortest time for propagation characteristics simulation. A radio wave visualization method characterized by the following.

8. A simulation program for causing a computer to function as a component of the propagation simulator described in claim 6.

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