Installation determination system, installation determination device, and installation determination method

Abstract

To solve a problem in which it may be necessary to change the number of space communication devices depending on a communication load when communicating using an optical space communication device.SOLUTION: An installation determination system (100) includes acquisition means (101) that acquires information indicating a communication load of a first space optical communication device connected to a space optical communication network, and determining means (102) that determines the necessity of installing a second space optical communication device connected to the space optical communication network, according to information indicating the communication load.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation determination system, an installation determination apparatus, and an installation determination method. Background Art

[0002] Research is progressing on optical wireless communication that performs communication by irradiating light into space.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a spatial optical transmission apparatus that bidirectionally transmits data using light radiated into space and continuously temporarily stores communication logs at fixed time intervals.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a communication apparatus including a wireless communication unit that transmits and receives wireless signals and an optical communication unit that transmits and receives spatial light as communication light, wherein communication between communication apparatuses configuring a wireless communication network is performed using the communication light. Prior Art Documents Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-71368 Patent Document 2 International Publication WO2017 / 169913 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Meanwhile, when communication is performed using an optical wireless communication apparatus, it is necessary to change the number of optical wireless communication apparatuses depending on communication load. For example, if the current number of installed optical wireless communication apparatuses cannot accommodate the required communication volume at the installation location, there is a possibility that additional optical wireless communication apparatuses need to be installed. However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not describe any technology for determining installation of optical wireless communication apparatuses.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an installation determination system, an installation determination device, and an installation determination method suitable for determining the installation of an optical space communication device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the installation determination system of the present invention comprises an acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, and a determination means for determining the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network according to the information indicating the communication load.

[0009] One aspect of the installation determination device of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, and a determination unit that determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network according to the information indicating the communication load.

[0010] One aspect of the installation determination method of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network; and determining the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network according to the information indicating the communication load. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the installation of an optical space communication device can be suitably determined. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the installation determination device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an installation determination system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an installation determination system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an installation determination system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the installation determination system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an optical free-space communication network. [Figure 9A] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an installation determination apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating another example configuration of the installation determination apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an installation determination system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a map created by map creating means. [Figure 12A] FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an installation determination apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an installation determination apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 33 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of hardware of a computer according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [First Embodiment] (Installation Determination System) Hereinafter, an installation determination system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The installation determination system 100 is a system that determines installation of an optical free-space communication device.

[0014] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an installation determination system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1, each block represents the configuration of a functional unit. Therefore, the blocks shown in Figure 1 may be implemented in a single device or in multiple devices. In addition, some or all of the blocks may be implemented as functions in the cloud or the like. The installation determination system 100 includes an acquisition means 101 and a determination means 102.

[0015] The acquisition means 101 acquires information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network. Optical space communication is communication using light that propagates in space. Here, light may include millimeter waves, submillimeter waves, infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc. An optical space communication network means a communication network formed by optical space communication devices. Optical space communication devices constituting the communication network may communicate one-to-one with other optical space communication devices, or they may be interconnected with multiple devices and communicate many-to-many. Here, connection means being in a state where light can be transmitted or received in the optical space communication network. In other words, the first optical space communication device is in a state where it can transmit or receive light with other optical space communication devices (hereinafter referred to as the third optical space communication device) constituting the optical space communication network. Communication load means the load generated by communication on the optical space communication device and its network. Examples of communication load include the usage rate of the CPU installed in the optical space communication device, the amount of communication, and the number of channels used by the optical space communication device. Furthermore, when the optical space communication device communicates wirelessly with terminals, the number of connected terminals may be used as the communication load. Examples of information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device include the communication log of the first optical space communication device.

[0016] The determination means 102 determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, in accordance with information indicating the communication load. The second optical space communication device may be a device with the same configuration as the first optical space communication device, or it may be an optical space communication device of a different type or configuration from the first optical space communication device. The second optical space communication device may be installed and connected to the optical space communication network in accordance with the determination result of the determination means. The second optical space communication device may be installed and connected to the optical space communication network in accordance with the determination result of the determination means and the judgment of the administrator of the optical space communication network.

[0017] The operation of the installation determination system according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the installation determination system 100.

[0018] The acquisition means 101 acquires information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device (S201). The acquisition means 101 may, for example, acquire information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device from the first optical space communication device. Alternatively, the acquisition means 101 may acquire information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device from, for example, a device that collects information about devices constituting an optical space communication network.

[0019] The determination means 102 determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, based on information indicating the communication load (S202). The determination means 102 may, for example, compare the acquired information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device with a pre-set threshold, and determine that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary if the communication load of the first optical space communication device exceeds the threshold. Alternatively, the determination means 102 may, for example, calculate a statistical value of the communication load of the first optical space communication device based on the acquired information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, compare the calculated statistical value with a pre-set threshold, and determine that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary if the communication load of the first optical space communication device exceeds the threshold. (Installation judgment device)

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an installation determination device 300 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The acquisition unit 301 has the same functions as the acquisition means 101 and acquires information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network. The determination unit 302 has the same functions as the determination means 102 and determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network according to the information indicating the communication load. The acquisition unit 301 and the determination unit 302 may be computer devices in which processing is performed by a processor executing a program stored in memory. The acquisition unit 301 and the determination unit 302 may be provided in the first optical space communication device.

[0021] For example, the acquisition unit 301 may be a single computer device or a single server device. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 301 may be a group of computer devices operating in cooperation with each other, or a group of server devices operating in cooperation with each other. The determination unit 302 may have the same configuration as the acquisition unit 301. The installation determination device 300 can achieve the same effect as the installation determination system 100.

[0022] The installation determination system, installation determination method, and installation determination device according to the first embodiment determine the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network. By determining the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device, for example, the administrator of the optical space communication network can suitably decide whether to install an optical space communication device. For example, if it is determined that a second optical space communication device is necessary, the administrator of the optical space communication network can install a second optical space communication device in case the current number of installed optical space communication devices cannot meet the communication quality required by the user, or in case there is a possibility that the communication quality required by the user may not be met in the future.

[0023] When a second optical space communication device is installed, the communication load on the first optical space communication device is reduced. By distributing the communication load between the first and second optical space communication devices, for example, the CPU usage of the first optical space communication device can be reduced.

[0024] If the number of channels used exceeds a value pre-set in the first optical space communication device, it may become impossible to connect any new devices to the first optical space communication device. Also, if the number of channels used exceeds a value pre-set in the first optical space communication device, for example, one channel used for communication may be divided and used for communication with multiple target devices. When one channel is divided, the frequency bandwidth available for communication decreases, resulting in a decrease in the bitrate. Therefore, by distributing the communication load between the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device, for example, the number of optical space devices connected to the first optical space communication device can be increased. Also, by distributing the communication load between the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device, for example, the frequency bandwidth allocated to the target devices can be increased, thereby improving the bitrate.

[0025] Furthermore, by distributing the communication load between the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device, it is possible to prevent, for example, a reduction in the bitrate. This is because if the amount of communication between the first optical space communication device and the third optical space communication device increases, the bitrate of communication between the first optical space communication device and the third optical space communication device will decrease.

[0026] Furthermore, when the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device communicate wirelessly with terminals, the number of terminals that can connect to the optical space communication device can be increased by installing the second optical space communication device.

[0027] [Second Embodiment] The installation determination system 400 according to the second embodiment differs from the installation determination system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a setting means 403. Hereinafter, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0028] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the installation determination system 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The setting means 403 sets a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device. Here, the performance of the first optical space communication device is, for example, the performance of the CPU installed in the first optical space communication device, the number of channels set in the first optical space communication device, the transmission path capacity of the communication method of the first optical space communication device, etc.

[0029] The setting means 403 sets a threshold value that is a predetermined percentage of the performance of the first optical space communication device. For example, the threshold value may be 90% of the performance of the CPU installed in the first optical space communication device. The threshold value may be 85% of the number of channels set in the first optical space communication device. The threshold value may be 70% of the transmission path capacity of the communication method of the first optical space communication device. The setting means 402 may also learn the load on the first optical space communication device when the bit rate decreased in the past and use the load on the first optical space communication device when the bit rate decreased as the threshold value. The setting means 402 may also set the threshold value of the first optical space communication device by referring to the threshold value of an optical space communication device having performance equivalent to that of the first optical space communication device. The performance of the first optical space communication device may be maintained by the installation determination system 400. The performance of the first optical space communication device may also be acquired from the first optical space communication device by the acquisition means 101. Alternatively, the acquisition means 101 may acquire information about the type of device from the first optical space communication device, and the setting means 403 may determine the performance of the first optical space communication device based on the information indicating the correspondence between the type of device and its performance. When the setting means 403 determines the performance of the first optical space communication device based on the information indicating the correspondence between the type of device and its performance, the installation determination system 400 can handle cases where the performance of the optical space communication devices that make up the optical space communication network differs.

[0030] The determination means 102 determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device based on information indicating the communication load and a threshold. For example, the determination means may determine that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary if the information indicating the communication load includes information that the load of the first communication device exceeds a threshold. Alternatively, the determination means may determine that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary if, for example, the statistical value of the load of the first communication device calculated based on the information indicating the communication load exceeds a threshold.

[0031] By setting thresholds according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, the installation determination system according to the second embodiment can more favorably determine the installation of the second optical space communication device. For example, if optical space communication devices with different performance levels are mixed in the optical space communication network, the setting means 403 can set thresholds for each optical space communication device, thereby determining the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the processing capacity of each optical space communication device.

[0032] Although the second embodiment has been described as an installation determination system 400, the installation determination system 400 according to the second embodiment may also be provided as an installation determination device mounted on a single device. The installation determination device according to the second embodiment further includes a setting unit that sets a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, and the determination unit determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to information indicating the communication load and the threshold.

[0033] Furthermore, an installation determination method that adds a setting means 403 setting method to the installation determination method according to the first embodiment is also included within the scope of disclosure of the second embodiment. The installation determination method according to the second embodiment further includes a step of setting a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, and in the determination step, the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device is determined according to information indicating the communication load and the threshold.

[0034] [Third Embodiment] The installation determination system 500 according to the third embodiment differs from the installation determination system 400 according to the second embodiment in that it further includes a calculation means 504. Hereinafter, components similar to those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0035] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the installation determination system 500 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The calculation means 504 calculates a load index for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device. Here, the load index may be, for example, the average median, minimum, or maximum value of the load. The calculation means 504 may, for example, acquire information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device for a predetermined period and calculate the load index for morning, noon, and night. The time period divisions are not limited to morning, noon, and night, but may be predetermined time intervals such as 10:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 14:00, etc.

[0036] The determination means 102 determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device according to the load index and threshold for each time period. For example, the determination means may determine that installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary if the load index of the first optical space communication device during a specific time period exceeds the threshold.

[0037] The setting means 402 may acquire the average and maximum values ​​of the communication load for each time period calculated by the calculation means 504, and set a threshold according to the difference between the average and maximum values ​​for the same time period. For example, if the difference between the average and maximum values ​​of the communication load for each time period calculated by the calculation means 504 is greater than a predetermined value, the setting means 402 will lower the set threshold. This is because a large difference between the maximum and average values ​​of the communication load suggests that the communication conditions at the location where the first optical space communication device is installed are likely to fluctuate rapidly.

[0038] In the installation determination system 500 according to the third embodiment, the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device is determined according to the load index and threshold for each time period. For example, if the load index is calculated on a daily basis, the load index may be averaged out if the communication load is light in the morning and high at night. In the installation determination system 500 according to the third embodiment, by determining the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the load index and threshold for each time period, it is possible to determine that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary even if the communication load is high only during specific time periods, such as during rush hour.

[0039] Although the third embodiment has been described as an installation determination system 500, the installation determination system 500 according to the third embodiment may also be provided as an installation determination device mounted on a single device. The installation determination device according to the third embodiment further includes a calculation unit that calculates an index of the load for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, and the determination unit determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the index of the load for each time period and a threshold.

[0040] Furthermore, an installation determination method that adds the calculation method of the calculation means 504 to the installation determination method of the second embodiment is also included within the scope of disclosure of the third embodiment. The installation determination method according to the third embodiment further includes a step of calculating a load index for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, and in the determination step, the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device is determined according to the load index for each time period and a threshold. Note that the step of calculating a load index for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device and the step of setting a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device may be performed in either order.

[0041] [Fourth Embodiment] The installation determination system 600 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the installation determination system 100 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a specific means 605. Hereinafter, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The installation determination system 600 according to the fourth embodiment may also include the setting means 403 and calculation means 504 described in the second and third embodiments.

[0042] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an installation determination system 600 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The identification means 605 determines the location for installing the second optical space communication device according to the determination result of necessity, information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices including the first optical space communication device, and location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. Here, location information may be, for example, latitude and longitude information, or relative location information. Relative location information is location information described with respect to a specific place or a specific building. Relative location information may be, for example, information indicating that it is located 30 degrees from the first optical space communication device and 40 degrees from the third optical space communication device, or information indicating that it is located 30 degrees from the first optical space communication device and 5m away. Note that the numerical values ​​are merely examples and do not limit the present invention in any way.

[0043] The operation of the installation determination system 600 according to the fourth embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the installation determination system 600 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0044] The acquisition means 101 acquires information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device (S701). In the fourth embodiment, the acquisition means 101 may acquire information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. The acquisition means 101 may also acquire location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices.

[0045] The determination means 102 determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, in accordance with information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device (S202). In the fourth embodiment, the determination means 102 may determine the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device for each of the multiple optical space communication devices, in accordance with information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices.

[0046] The identification means 605 identifies the location for installing the second optical space communication device in accordance with the determination result of necessity, information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices including the first optical space communication device, and location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices (S703). Specifically, if it is determined that the second optical space communication device is necessary, the identification means 605 identifies the location for installing the second optical space communication device in accordance with the information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices including the first optical space communication device, and location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. The information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices may be held by the identification means 605. Alternatively, the information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices may be recorded in the memory of the installation determination system 600.

[0047] [If it is determined that a second optical space communication device is necessary based on the load related to the number of channels] The identifying means 605 may, for example, if it is determined that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary based on the load related to the number of channels of the first optical space communication device (for example, if the load related to the number of channels of the first optical space communication device exceeds a threshold), identify the area around the first optical space communication device as the location for installing the second optical space communication device. By installing the second optical space communication device around the first optical space communication device, some or all of the optical space communication of the first optical space communication device can be distributed to the second optical space communication device. Here, the area around the first optical space communication device includes, for example, above or below the same utility pole as the first optical space communication device, or a different location in the same building where the first optical space communication device is installed. In the fourth embodiment below, the case in which it is determined that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary based on a specific load will also be described as a high specific load.

[0048] [If it is determined that a second optical space communication device is necessary based on the load related to the communication volume of one section] Furthermore, if the load on the communication volume of one section is high, the identifying means 605 may specify the area around the optical space communication device forming that section as the location for installing the second optical space communication device. Here, one section refers to the section in which one optical space communication device is connected to another optical space communication device. For example, if the load on the communication volume between the first optical space communication device and the third optical space communication device is high, the identifying means 605 may specify the area around the first optical space communication device or the area around the third optical space communication device as the location for installing the second optical space communication device. By installing the second optical space communication device around the first optical space communication device or the third optical space communication device, the communication between the first optical space communication device and the third optical space communication device can be distributed between the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device, or between the second optical space communication device and the third optical space communication device. Furthermore, the specific means 605 is not limited to the examples described above, and for example, if the load on the amount of communication between the first optical space communication device and the third optical space communication device is high, it may specify a location for installing the second optical space communication device so as to distribute the communication between the first optical space communication device and the third optical space communication device.

[0049] Figure 8 shows an example of an optical space communication network 800. For example, if the load on the communication volume between optical space communication device 801 and optical space communication device 803 (path A) is high, as shown in Figure 8, by connecting optical space communication device 804 connected to optical space communication device 801, optical space communication device 805 connected to optical space communication device 803, and a second optical space communication device 802, the communication volume between optical space communication device 801 and optical space communication device 803 can be distributed to the communication path (path B) of optical space communication device 804, the second optical space communication device 802, and optical space communication device 805. Here, optical space communication device 801 or optical space communication device 803 may be the first optical space communication device. The identifying means 605 may, for example, identify the location where the communication range of optical space communication device 804 and the communication range of optical space communication device 805 overlap as the location for installing the second optical space communication device 802. Here, the communication range of the optical space communication device may be defined as being within a predetermined distance from the optical space communication device. The communication range of the optical space communication device may be input by the user of the installation determination system 600. Alternatively, the communication range of the optical space communication device may be determined by the identification means based on a map of the optical space communication network 800 held by the installation determination system 600. Here, the map of the optical space communication network 800 may be a map in which the range in which the optical space communication device can be installed is input, or a map in which obstacles present at the installation location of the optical space communication network 800 are input. The identification means may also identify multiple locations for installing the second optical space communication device 802.

[0050] [When it is determined that a second optical space communication device is necessary based on the load related to the communication volume across multiple sections] The identifying means 605 may also specify a location for installing a second optical space communication device in order to distribute the communication between multiple optical space communication devices when the communication load between multiple devices is high. For example, if the communication load between optical space communication device 801 and optical space communication device 803 and the communication load between optical space communication device 803 and optical space communication device 805 are high, the communication load between optical space communication device 801 and optical space communication device 803 and the communication load between optical space communication device 803 and optical space communication device 805 can be distributed by connecting optical space communication device 804, optical space communication device 806 connected to optical space communication device 805, and the second optical space communication device 802. The identifying means 605 may, for example, specify a location for installing the second optical space communication device 802 where the communication range of optical space communication device 804 and the communication range of optical space communication device 806 overlap. As described above, the identifying means 605 may specify a location for installing the second optical space communication device so as to form a new communication path between the optical space communication devices that are responsible for both ends of the high-load section when the load related to communication volume is high. Alternatively, the identifying means 605 may specify a location for installing the second optical space communication device so as to form a new communication path between the optical space communication devices that are responsible for both ends of a longer section that includes the high-load section.

[0051] If the CPU load on one optical space communication device is high, the identification means 605 may, for example, identify the area around the optical space communication device with the high CPU load as the location for installing the second optical space communication device. By installing the second optical space communication device around the first optical space communication device, some or all of the optical space communication of the first optical space communication device can be distributed to the second optical space communication device. Alternatively, the identification means 605 may consider the communication load to be high in the section including the optical space communication device with the high CPU load, and may identify the location for installing the second optical space communication device so as to form a new communication path connecting the optical space communication devices at both ends of a section longer than the section including the optical space communication device with the high CPU load.

[0052] Furthermore, if the CPU load of multiple optical space communication devices is high, the identifying means 605 may specify a location for installing a second optical space communication device such that a new communication path is formed between the optical space communication devices that make up a section longer than the section containing the multiple optical space communication devices with high CPU loads. The location for installing the second optical space communication device may be specified in the same way as described above when it is determined that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary due to the load of communication volume in multiple sections. Also, if the optical space communication devices with high CPU loads are not consecutive, the location for installing the second optical space communication device may be specified for each optical space communication device with a high CPU load, in the same way as described above when the CPU load of a single optical space communication device is high.

[0053] A method for determining the installation of a second optical space communication device according to a fourth embodiment will now be described. The method for determining the installation of a second optical space communication device according to a fourth embodiment, an installation determination method according to a third embodiment, and further includes the step of determining the location where the second optical space communication device will be installed, based on the determination result of the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device, information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices including the first optical space communication device, and location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices.

[0054] (Installation judgment device) Figure 9A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an installation determination device 910 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. The acquisition unit 301, the determination unit 302, and the identification unit 913 may be computer devices in which processing is performed by a processor executing a program stored in memory. Hereinafter, when optical space communication devices 920-1, 920-2, and 920-3 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as optical space communication device 920.

[0055] An example of how the acquisition unit 301 acquires location information from the optical space communication device 920 is described below. Figure 9A shows an example in which the components of the installation determination system according to the fourth embodiment are mounted on the installation determination device 910. Here, the installation determination device 910 is connected to the optical space communication devices 920-1 and 920-3 in a communicative manner.

[0056] Optical spatial communication is performed between optical spatial communication devices 920 by an optical spatial communication unit 921. The optical spatial communication unit 921 irradiates light into space, and when it receives a response to the irradiated light, it determines that the optical spatial communication device 920 to be communicated with is located in the direction of the response and establishes a connection. The optical spatial communication unit 921 may include information about the direction of irradiation in the light it irradiates.

[0057] The position calculation unit 922 calculates the position of the optical space communication device 920. The position calculation unit 922 calculates the relative positional relationship between the optical space communication device 920, which is the communication destination, and its own device, for example, based on the direction of light emission or information about the direction of light emission contained in the light of the communication destination. Alternatively, the position calculation unit 922 may, for example, share information about the direction of light emission from two or more optical space communication devices 920 and determine the relative positional relationship between the optical space communication device 920 that shares information about the direction of light emission and its own device.

[0058] The acquisition unit 301 acquires the location information of the optical space communication device 920 calculated by the location calculation unit 922. Here, the location information may include the relative positional relationship of the optical space communication devices 920. If the relative positional relationship is acquired, the identification unit 913 may identify the location of other optical space communication devices 920 based on the absolute positional information of at least one optical space communication device 920. In addition, the location information of an optical space communication device 920 that is not connected to the installation determination device 910 may be acquired from an optical space communication device 920 that is connected to the installation determination device 910. In the example of Figure 9A, for example, the acquisition unit 301 may acquire the location information of optical space communication device 920-2 from optical space communication device 920-1 or optical space communication device 920-3.

[0059] Figure 9B shows an example in which the components of the installation determination system according to the fourth embodiment are distributed and mounted on the installation determination device 930 and the optical space communication device 940. Hereafter, components similar to those in Figure 9B according to the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The acquisition unit 943 has the same functions as the acquisition unit 301 and further acquires the location information of the optical space communication device 940.

[0060] In the fourth embodiment, the location for installing the second optical space communication device is specified. By specifying the location for installing the second optical space communication device, for example, an administrator of the optical space communication network can install the second optical space communication device at the specified location. By specifying the location for installing the second optical space communication device, the burden on administrators of the optical space communication network to consider the installation location of the second optical space communication device can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, if an optical space communication device, such as optical space communication device 920 or optical space communication device 940, can calculate its own location, then the installation determination device 910 or installation determination device 930, which includes the identification unit 913, does not need to retain location information for all optical space communication devices that constitute the optical space communication network. Also, if an optical space communication device, such as optical space communication device 920 or optical space communication device 940, can calculate its own location, then even if a second optical space communication device is installed in the optical space communication network, the effort required of an administrator or other person to manually input the location of the second optical space communication device into the installation determination system 600, installation determination device 910, or installation determination device 930 can be reduced.

[0062] [Fifth Embodiment] The installation determination system 1000 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the installation determination system 600 according to the fourth embodiment in that it further includes a map creation means 1006. Hereinafter, components similar to those in the fourth embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted. The installation determination system 600 according to the fifth embodiment may also include the setting means 403 and calculation means 504 described in the second and third embodiments.

[0063] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an installation determination system 1000 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The map creation means 1006 creates a map showing the communication load of multiple communication devices and the location of the second optical space communication device identified, based on information indicating the communication load of multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. The map creation means creates a map that displays, for example, the installation location of the second optical space communication device identified by the identification means 605 and the locations of multiple optical space communication devices constituting the optical space communication network, and differentiates the display of the optical space communication devices according to the load index. Examples of methods for differentiating the display include displaying the optical space communication device for which the installation of the second optical space communication device is determined to be necessary in a different color from other optical space communication devices, or displaying the optical space communication device for which the installation of the second optical space communication device is determined to be necessary in a larger size than other optical space communication devices. Furthermore, for example, if it is determined that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary due to the load on the communication volume of a particular section, the color of that section may be made different from that of other sections, or the line thickness of that section may be made different from that of other sections. In addition, the map creation means may indicate the location where the second optical space communication device 1102 will be installed as a point or as a range.

[0064] Figure 11 shows an example of a map 1100 created by the map creation means 1006. In Figure 11, the optical space communication device 1105 is displayed larger than the other optical space communication devices. Also, the line indicating the section between optical space communication device 1103 and optical space communication device 1105 is displayed thicker than the lines indicating the other optical space communication devices and sections. Here, it is determined that the optical space communication device 1105 has a high communication load and that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary. Furthermore, it is determined that the installation of a second optical space communication device is necessary based on the load related to the amount of communication in the section between optical space communication device 1103 and optical space communication device 1105. In Figure 11, the location for installing the second optical space communication device 1102 is shown. The connection relationship with surrounding optical space communication devices when the second optical space communication device 1102 is installed may also be displayed. Furthermore, the map 1100 may also show a range of locations where the second optical space communication device 1102 can be installed. The map creation means may, for example, display a range of locations where the second optical space communication device 1102 can be installed on the map 1100, such as candidate locations 1107 for the second optical space communication device. In addition, even if it has not been determined that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary, the map creation means may display the optical space communication device or the section between optical space communication devices in a different manner depending on the communication load of the optical space communication device. For example, even if it has not been determined that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary, the display method for a device with a high communication load may be different from the display method for other optical space communication devices.

[0065] Figures 12A and 12B are block diagrams showing an example of an installation determination device according to the fifth embodiment. Components similar to those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted. The map creation unit 1206 has the same functions as the map creation means 1006. For example, in the installation determination device 1210 shown in Figure 12A, the components according to the fifth embodiment are mounted on a single device. Alternatively, the components according to the fifth embodiment may be mounted on different devices, such as the installation determination device 1220 and the identification device 1230 shown in Figure 12B. The installation determination device 1220 may also include an optical space communication unit 921 and a position calculation unit 922. Note that the installation determination devices 1210 and 1220 according to the fifth embodiment may also have configurations with functions equivalent to the setting means 403 and calculation means 504 described in the second and third embodiments.

[0066] In the installation determination system according to the fifth embodiment, a map is created showing the communication load of multiple communication devices and the location of the identified second optical space communication device. By creating this map, for example, an administrator of an optical space communication network can visually determine an appropriate location for installing the optical space communication device. Furthermore, by creating this map, for example, an administrator of an optical space communication network can visually understand the communication load status of the optical space communication device.

[0067] An installation determination method that adds a method for setting the map creation means 1006 to the installation determination method according to the fourth embodiment is also included within the scope of disclosure of the fifth embodiment. The installation determination method according to the fifth embodiment further includes the step of creating a map that shows the communication load between the multiple optical space communication devices and the location of the identified second optical space communication device, according to information showing the communication load between the multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices.

[0068] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the configurations, operations, and processes disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of this disclosure.

[0069] Each configuration according to the first to fifth embodiments may be comprised of a single piece of hardware. Furthermore, each configuration according to the first to fifth embodiments may be comprised of a single piece of software. Also, each configuration according to the first to fifth embodiments may be comprised of multiple pieces of hardware. Furthermore, each configuration according to the first to fifth embodiments may be comprised of multiple pieces of software. Also, each of the first to fifth embodiments may be realized by a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, each function according to the first to fifth embodiments may be implemented on the cloud. Each device, each function, and each process may be realized by a computer having a processor 1301 and memory 1302 as shown in Figure 13. For example, a program for implementing the installation determination method described in the first to fifth embodiments may be stored in the memory 1302, and the processor 1301 may read and execute the program stored in the memory 1302 to realize each of the functions described in the first to fifth embodiments.

[0070] The program includes a set of instructions that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to execute one or more functions described in the first to fifth embodiments. The program is stored in memory 1302. The processor 1301 can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 1302 can be, for example, Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Solid State Drive (SSD), etc.

[0071] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, the present invention can be applied in various forms that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of this disclosure. Some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to the forms described below.

[0072] [Note 1] An acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, A determination means for determining the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, in accordance with information indicating the load of the aforementioned communication, An installation determination system equipped with the following features.

[0073] [Note 2] The device includes setting means for setting a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, The determination means determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the information indicating the load of the communication and the threshold. The installation determination system described in Appendix 1.

[0074] [Note 3] The system includes a calculation means for calculating an index of the load for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, The determination means determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the load index for each time period and the threshold. The installation determination system described in Appendix 2.

[0075] [Note 4] Identification means for determining the location where the second optical space communication device will be installed, based on the results of the necessity determination, information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices including the first optical space communication device, and location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. An installation determination system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3, comprising:

[0076] [Note 5] Map creation means that creates a map showing the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location of the identified second optical space communication device, in accordance with information indicating the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. The installation determination system described in Appendix 4, which includes the following:

[0077] [Note 6] An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, A determination unit that determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, in accordance with information indicating the load of the aforementioned communication, An installation determination device equipped with the following features.

[0078] [Note 7] The device includes a setting unit that sets a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, The determination unit determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device based on the information indicating the communication load and the threshold value. Installation determination device as described in Appendix 6.

[0079] [Note 8] The system includes a calculation unit that calculates an index of the load for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, The determination unit determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the load index for each time period and the threshold value. Installation determination device as described in Appendix 7.

[0080] [Note 9] The acquisition unit acquires information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices, including the first optical space communication device, and location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. A specific unit identifies the location where the second optical space communication device will be installed, based on the determination result of the necessity, information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices, and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. An installation determination device as described in any of the appendices 6 to 8, comprising:

[0081] [Note 10] A map creation unit creates a map showing the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location of the identified second optical space communication device, based on information indicating the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. An installation determination device as described in Appendix 9, comprising:

[0082] [Note 11] A step of obtaining information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, The steps include determining the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, based on information indicating the load of the aforementioned communication, Installation determination method including

[0083] [Note 12] The step includes setting a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, In the determination step, the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device is determined according to the information indicating the load of the communication and the threshold. Installation determination method as described in Appendix 11.

[0084] [Note 13] The process includes the step of calculating an index of the load for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, In the determination step, the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device is determined according to the load index for each time period and the threshold. The installation determination method described in Appendix 12.

[0085] [Note 14] The step of determining the location where the second optical space communication device will be installed, based on the results of the necessity determination, information indicating the communication load of each of the multiple optical space communication devices including the first optical space communication device, and location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. Installation determination method as described in any of appendices 11 to 13, including the above.

[0086] [Note 15] The step of creating a map showing the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location of the identified second optical space communication device, based on information indicating the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. The installation determination method described in Appendix 14, including the method described therein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 100 Installation Determination System 101 Acquisition method 102 Judgment means 300 Installation determination device 301 Acquisition Department 302 Judgment section 400 Installation Determination System 403 Installation means 500 Installation Determination System 504 Calculation means 600 Installation Determination System 605 Specific means 800 Optical Space Communication Network 801 Optical space communication equipment 802 Second Optical Space Communication Device 803 Optical space communication equipment 804 Optical space communication equipment 805 Optical space communication equipment 910 Installation determination device 913 Specific section 920 Optical space communication equipment 921 Optical Space Communications Department 922 Position calculation unit 930 Installation determination device 940 Optical space communication equipment 943 Acquisition Department 1000 Installation Judgment System 1006 Map creation method 1100 Maps 1101 Optical space communication equipment 1102 Second Optical Space Communication Device 1103 Optical space communication equipment 1104 Optical space communication equipment 1105 Optical space communication equipment 1106 Optical space communication equipment 1107 Candidate locations for the installation of the second optical space communication device 1210 Installation determination device 1206 Map Creation Department 1220 Installation determination device 1230 Specific equipment 1301 Processor 1302 memory

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, A determination means for determining the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, in accordance with information indicating the load of the aforementioned communication, When the determination means determines that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary, the determination means identifies the location where the second optical space communication device will be installed, in accordance with the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices, including the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device. An installation determination system equipped with the following features.

2. The device includes setting means for setting a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, The determination means determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the information indicating the load of the communication and the threshold. The installation determination system according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a calculation means for calculating an index of the load for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, The determination means determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the load index for each time period and the threshold. The installation determination system according to claim 2.

4. The identifying means further identifies the location where the second optical space communication device is to be installed, in accordance with information indicating the communication load of each of the plurality of optical space communication devices, including the first optical space communication device. The installation determination system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Map creation means that creates a map showing the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location of the identified second optical space communication device, in accordance with information indicating the communication load of the multiple optical space communication devices and the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices. The installation determination system according to claim 4, comprising:

6. An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, A determination unit that determines the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, in accordance with information indicating the load of the aforementioned communication, When the determination unit determines that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary, the identification unit determines the location where the second optical space communication device will be installed, according to the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices, including the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device. An installation determination device equipped with the following features.

7. The device includes a setting unit that sets a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, The determination unit determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the information indicating the load of the communication and the threshold value. The installation determination device according to claim 6.

8. The system includes a calculation unit that calculates an index of the load for each time period according to information indicating the communication load of the first optical space communication device, The determination unit determines the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device according to the load index for each time period and the threshold value. The installation determination device according to claim 7.

9. A method for determining the installation of an optical space communication device, which is performed by an installation determination system, A step of obtaining information indicating the communication load of a first optical space communication device connected to an optical space communication network, The steps include determining the necessity of installing a second optical space communication device connected to the optical space communication network, based on information indicating the load of the aforementioned communication, When it is determined that the installation of the second optical space communication device is necessary, the process involves determining the location where the second optical space communication device will be installed, based on the location information of each of the multiple optical space communication devices, including the first optical space communication device and the second optical space communication device. Installation determination method including

10. The step includes setting a threshold according to the performance of the first optical space communication device, In the determination step described above, the necessity of installing the second optical space communication device is determined according to the information indicating the load of the communication and the threshold value. The installation determination method according to claim 9.

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