Estimation device, system, method for controlling estimation device, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided is an estimation device with which it is possible to easily acquire material information pertaining to an obstacle present within a building. The estimation device comprises a position information acquisition means, a radio wave intensity information acquisition means, and an obstacle material estimation means. The position information acquisition means acquires position information pertaining to the host device at each position in a prescribed area. The radio wave intensity information acquisition means acquires radio wave intensity information relating to the radio wave intensity of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the prescribed area. The obstacle material estimation means estimates the material of an obstacle present in the prescribed area on the basis of the acquired position information and the acquired radio wave intensity information.

Description

Prediction device, system, control method for prediction device, and storage medium

[0001] The present invention is based on the priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-059856 (filed April 3, 2024), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to an estimation device, a system, a control method for an estimation device, and a program.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are techniques related to the installation locations of access points used in wireless LANs (Local Area Networks).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless LAN design device that easily determines the optimal placement of access points and clients by taking into account client response and radio wave interference issues. The wireless LAN design device in Patent Document 1 includes six means. The first means is a means for inputting a building layout plan of the wireless LAN installation location on a computer screen. The second means is a means for inputting the radio wave transmittance or radio wave reflectance of radio wave propagation obstacles. The third means is a means for arranging access points and clients. The fourth means is a means for dividing the building layout plan into areas as needed and inputting communication performance conditions. The fifth means is a means for calculating the radio wave strength from each access point at multiple points on the building layout plan based on the placement of the access points and clients. The fifth means further displays the range of radio waves with minimum radio wave strength from each access point, as well as areas where the radio wave strength does not reach the minimum radio wave strength and areas where radio wave interference occurs. The sixth means is a means for calculating the response time of each client and highlighting clients that do not reach the minimum possible communication speed.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-304255

[0005] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to perform a wireless LAN survey or a simulation for determining the location of an access point, it is necessary to prepare a floor map of the facility, etc. More specifically, in order to perform a wireless LAN survey or a simulation for determining the location of an access point, facility information such as a floor map and information on the material of obstacles is required.

[0006] However, it is often difficult for users to prepare information on the material of obstacles in advance, and obtaining information on the material of obstacles inside a building often hinders the implementation of wireless LAN surveys, etc.

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to provide an estimation device, a system, a control method for an estimation device, and a program that contribute to making it possible to easily obtain material information about obstacles present in a building.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an estimation device comprising: a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area; a radio wave strength information acquisition means for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the specified area; and an obstacle material estimation means for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system including an access point and an estimation device, wherein the estimation device comprises: a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area; a radio wave strength information acquisition means for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from the access point at each position in the specified area; and an obstacle material estimation means for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an estimation device, comprising: a location information acquisition process for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area; a radio wave strength acquisition process for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the specified area; and an obstacle material estimation process for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing a computer mounted on an estimation device to execute a location information acquisition process for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area, a radio wave strength acquisition process for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the specified area, and an obstacle material estimation process for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

[0012] According to each aspect of the present invention, an estimation device, a system, an estimation device control method, and a program are provided that contribute to making it possible to easily obtain material information of obstacles present in a building. Note that the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above. The present invention may achieve other effects instead of or in addition to the effects described above.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of the operation of an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of location information data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of radio wave intensity data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of floor map data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of mapping data according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an obstacle list according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an estimation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] First, an overview of one embodiment will be described. Note that the reference numerals in the drawings are added to each element for convenience as an example to facilitate understanding, and the description of this overview is not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the blocks shown in each drawing represent functional units, not hardware units. Connection lines between blocks in each drawing include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Note that in this specification and drawings, elements that can be similarly described may be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation.

[0015] An estimation device 100 according to one embodiment includes a location information acquisition means 101, a radio wave intensity information acquisition means 102, and an obstacle material estimation means 103 (see FIG. 1 ). The location information acquisition means 101 acquires location information of the device at each location within a predetermined area (step S1 in FIG. 2 ). The radio wave intensity information acquisition means 102 acquires radio wave intensity information relating to the radio wave intensity of radio waves received from access points at each location within the predetermined area (step S2). The obstacle material estimation means 103 estimates the material of obstacles present in the predetermined area based on the acquired location information and radio wave intensity information (step S3).

[0016] The estimation device 100 acquires (collects) location information and radio wave intensity information at each location within a building. The estimation device 100 estimates the material of obstacles present between each location and an access point based on the amount of radio wave attenuation (attenuation value) at each location. For example, the estimation device 100 estimates the material of an obstacle using reference data including a combination of material and radio wave attenuation value. For example, by utilizing a smartphone or other device incorporating the functionality of the estimation device 100, a user can easily acquire location information and radio wave intensity information at each location within a building. As a result, material information of obstacles present within the building can also be easily acquired.

[0017] Specific embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] First Embodiment The first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the estimation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment includes a location information acquisition unit 201, a radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202, a data storage unit 203, and an information processing unit 204.

[0020] The location information acquisition unit 201 is a means for acquiring location information of the device itself (estimation device 10) at each location in a predetermined area. For example, the location information acquisition unit 201 acquires location information of the device itself at each location on a floor in a building where an access point is installed.

[0021] The location information acquisition unit 201 identifies the current location of the device using a system such as GPS (Global Positioning System). The location information acquisition unit 201 stores time-series data of the acquired information (current location) as location information data 211 in the data storage unit 203 (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4, the location information data 211 includes location information (latitude and longitude coordinate system; X coordinate, Y coordinate) of the estimation device 10 at a specific time.

[0022] The radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 is a means for acquiring radio wave intensity information relating to the radio wave intensity of radio waves received from access points at each position in the predetermined area.

[0023] For example, the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 performs wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication with the relay device via a wireless LAN antenna (not shown in FIG. 3) in accordance with the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11 standard.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the estimation device 10 uses a wireless LAN communication module (not shown in Figure 3) to perform wireless LAN communication with an access point (AP) installed in a facility and measures radio wave intensity.

[0025] The radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 stores the acquired information (radio wave intensity) as time-series data in the data storage unit 203 as radio wave intensity information data 212 (see FIG. 5 ). As shown in FIG. 5 , the radio wave intensity information data 212 includes the radio wave intensity received by the estimation device 10 at a specific time.

[0026] The data storage unit 203 stores information necessary for system processing (processing of the estimation device 10). As shown in Fig. 3 , the data storage unit 203 according to the first embodiment stores at least three types of data: location information data 211, radio wave intensity information data 212, and floor map data 213.

[0027] The location information data 211 and the radio wave intensity information data 212 are acquired by the location information acquisition unit 201 and the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202, respectively, and stored in the data storage unit 203. By linking the radio wave intensity information data 212 and the location information data 211, the estimation device 10 can obtain the radio wave intensity received by its own device (estimation device 10) at a specific time and a specific location.

[0028] More specifically, the user moves to various locations within the facility while carrying the estimation device 10. At each location within the facility, the user photographs the interior of the building. The location information acquisition unit 201 calculates location information, and the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 calculates radio wave intensity information. The image data obtained by photographing is stored in association with the location information or the radio wave intensity information.

[0029] The floor map data 213 includes, for example, two-dimensional image data as shown in Fig. 6. Furthermore, the floor map data 213 includes information on the floor structure, the location of obstacles, and the location information of access points (image coordinate system; X coordinate, Y coordinate).

[0030] The floor map data 213 is input from an external system and output to the external system by any method.

[0031] For example, a floor map generation system that is connected to the estimation device 10 and automatically generates a floor map generates the floor map data 213. The floor map automatic generation system stores the floor map data 213 in the data storage unit 203.

[0032] Alternatively, a user such as a system administrator generates floor map data 213 using an input system (for example, a personal computer) and stores the generated floor map data 213 in the data storage unit 203 .

[0033] Alternatively, the estimation device 10 outputs the floor map data 213 stored in the data storage unit 203 to an external display system in response to an instruction from a user or the like.

[0034] The information processing unit 204 reads out the data stored in the data storage unit 203, performs processing using the read out data, and outputs the data to the data storage unit 203 (stores the data).

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the information processing unit 204 includes sub-modules such as an obstacle identification unit 221 , an attenuation information calculation unit 222 , an obstacle material estimation unit 223 , and a floor map editing unit 224 .

[0036] The obstacle identifying unit 221 is a means for identifying obstacles that exist between each position in the predetermined area and the access point, using the position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit 201. In this case, the obstacle identifying unit 221 identifies the obstacles that exist between each position in the predetermined area and the access point, using image data acquired at each position in the predetermined area.

[0037] First, the obstacle identifying unit 221 uses the floor map data 213 and the position information data 211 to map the position information of the estimation device 10 onto the floor map data 213. More specifically, the obstacle identifying unit 221 converts the position information (latitude and longitude coordinate system) of the estimation device 10 into floor map position information (image coordinate system) on the floor map data 213.

[0038] Furthermore, the obstacle identifying unit 221 identifies obstacles that exist between each position of the estimation device 10 and the access point.

[0039] As described above, information about the positions of obstacles is included in the floor map data 213. The information about the positions of obstacles is information that includes a correspondence between an obstacle ID that identifies each obstacle and the installation range of the obstacle in the floor map data 213 (hereinafter referred to as obstacle position information).

[0040] The obstacle identification unit 221 determines whether or not an obstacle exists between the estimation device 10 and an access point by referring to the positions of the estimation device 10 and information on the position of the obstacle included in the floor map data 213. Specifically, the obstacle identification unit 221 determines that an obstacle exists between the estimation device 10 and the access point if a straight line connecting the estimation device 10 and the access point crosses the installation range of the obstacle (obstacle position information).

[0041] Furthermore, the obstacle identifying unit 221 uses image processing technology to determine whether an obstacle between the estimation device 10 and the access point is an obstacle that attenuates radio waves. Specifically, the obstacle identifying unit 221 uses image identification technology that targets image data stored in association with location information to determine whether an obstacle is an obstacle that attenuates radio waves.

[0042] For example, even if an obstacle is present on the floor, a low-height obstacle does not block radio waves and is therefore excluded from the object of material estimation. For example, if an access point is captured in the image data obtained by photographing, the obstacle identification unit 221 excludes obstacles between the estimation device 10 and the access point from the object of identification.

[0043] The obstacle identifying unit 221 generates an obstacle list including information about the identified obstacles (for example, obstacle IDs) and obstacle position information about the identified obstacles. The obstacle list will be described in detail later.

[0044] The obstacle identifying unit 221 also stores, as mapping data, location information (floor map location information) on which the travel path of the estimation device 10 is mapped and information on identified obstacles. Details of the mapping data will be described later.

[0045] The attenuation information calculation unit 222 is a means for calculating the attenuation value of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the predetermined area.

[0046] The attenuation information calculation unit 222 calculates the attenuation value of the radio wave intensity at each position to which the estimation device 10 moves, using the radio wave intensity measured directly under the access point as a reference value, and creates attenuation information data. The attenuation information calculation unit 222 creates time-series attenuation information data using the radio wave intensity information data 212.

[0047] The obstacle material estimation unit 223 is a means for estimating the material of an obstacle present in the predetermined area based on the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 201 and the radio wave intensity information acquired by the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202. More specifically, the obstacle material estimation unit 223 estimates the material of an obstacle present between one position and an access point based on the attenuation value at that position among the positions in the predetermined area where an obstacle exists between the position and the access point.

[0048] At this time, the obstacle material estimation unit 223 refers to the material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data. The material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data is data including the attenuation value of radio wave intensity for each material. The material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data is stored in the obstacle material estimation unit 223 in advance. In other words, the material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data is incorporated into the obstacle material estimation unit 223 as reference data.

[0049] The obstacle material estimation unit 223 estimates the material of an obstacle on the floor using mapping data including position information and obstacle information, attenuation information data, and material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data (reference data).

[0050] Specifically, when an obstacle is described in the mapping data, the obstacle material estimation unit 223 reads from the attenuation information data the radio wave intensity attenuation value corresponding to the recording time of the entry describing the obstacle. Furthermore, the obstacle material estimation unit 223 reads from the material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data (reference data) the material corresponding to the attenuation value that substantially matches the read attenuation value.

[0051] The read material is estimated as the material of the obstacle. The estimation result by the obstacle material estimation unit 223 is recorded in an obstacle list.

[0052] In this way, the obstacle material estimation unit 223 refers to the material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data, which describes the radio wave intensity attenuation value for each material, and estimates the material of an obstacle that exists between one of the multiple positions and the access point.

[0053] The floor map editing unit 224 is a means for editing the floor map data 213. More specifically, the floor map editing unit 224 reflects the materials of obstacles present in a predetermined area in the floor map data 213 of the predetermined area. That is, the floor map editing unit 224 reflects information in an obstacle list containing the results of material estimation in the floor map data 213.

[0054] The floor map editing unit 224 can use any method to reflect the information in the obstacle list in the floor map data 213 .

[0055] For example, the floor map editing unit 224 changes the color or pattern of a portion (area) on the floor map that corresponds to the obstacle. More specifically, the floor map editing unit 224 uses a different color or pattern depending on the estimated material.

[0056] Alternatively, the floor map editing unit 224 writes the estimated material near the part of the floor map that corresponds to the obstacle.

[0057] Alternatively, the floor map editing unit 224 may change the color of the part (area) on the floor map that corresponds to the obstacle, and write the estimated material near that part.

[0058] The floor map editing unit 224 stores the floor map data 213 reflecting the estimated material results in the data storage unit 203.

[0059] <Explanation of Operation> Next, the operation of the estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0060] The obstacle material estimation operation based on radio wave intensity performed by the estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment includes four steps (processes): "preparation," "information acquisition," "material estimation," and "output of estimation results."

[0061] In the preparation process, first, a system administrator or the like sets the positions of the access points in the floor map data 213. Then, the floor map data 213 in which the positions of the access points have been set is stored in the data storage unit 203.

[0062] The information acquisition process will be explained.

[0063] First, the user moves to the vicinity of (directly below) an access point together with the estimation device 10. Once the user moves to the vicinity of the access point, the user operates the estimation device 10 to instruct the start of information acquisition.

[0064] In response to the instruction, the location information acquisition unit 201 of the estimation device 10 acquires location information, and the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 acquires radio wave intensity information.

[0065] Next, the user moves to various locations within the facility while carrying the estimation device 10. For example, the user sets the access point as the starting point of the movement, moves through the floors along the route shown by the dotted line in Figure 7, and arrives at the end point of the movement.

[0066] The location information acquisition unit 201 and the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 of the estimation device 10 acquire location information and radio wave intensity information for each location. The location information acquisition unit 201 and the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 store the acquired data (location information data 211 and radio wave intensity information data 212) in the data storage unit 203.

[0067] Here, when a user carries the estimation device 10 and moves around the floor, the estimation device 10 can estimate the material of the obstacle only when the user moves to the opposite side of the obstacle from the access point. In other words, if an obstacle exists between the access point and the estimation device 10 and a straight line, the estimation device 10 can estimate the material of the obstacle.

[0068] Next, the material estimation process will be described.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the estimation device 10 in the material estimation process.

[0070] The information processing unit 204 reads out the floor map data 213, the position information data 211, and the radio wave intensity information data 212 from the data storage unit 203. The information processing unit 204 analyzes the position information data 211 and the radio wave intensity information data 212, which are time-series data, and estimates the material of the obstacle.

[0071] First, the obstacle identifying unit 221 analyzes the position information data 211. Specifically, the obstacle identifying unit 221 generates mapping data using the position information data 211 (step S101). More specifically, the obstacle identifying unit 221 maps the movement path of the estimation device 10 onto a floor map.

[0072] First, the obstacle identifying unit 221 associates the first position information in the position information data 211 with floor map position information of the access points installed on the floor. For example, the obstacle identifying unit 221 performs the association shown in the entry in the first row of the mapping data shown in Fig. 9. Note that the floor map position information of the access points is written in advance in the floor map data 213.

[0073] Furthermore, the obstacle identifying unit 221 associates the location information described in each entry of the location information data 211 with the floor map location information. Specifically, the obstacle identifying unit 221 calculates the difference between the immediately preceding location information and the location information to be associated, and multiplies the calculated difference by a predetermined constant to calculate the floor map location information. The obstacle identifying unit 221 maps each piece of location information by describing the calculated floor map location information in the mapping data. As a result, mapping data in which the location information and floor map location information are associated is obtained, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0074] The obstacle identifying unit 221 also identifies obstacles between each position described in the position information data 211 and the access point (step S102). Specifically, the obstacle identifying unit 221 identifies obstacles by utilizing a technique such as image recognition.

[0075] First, the obstacle identification unit 221 determines that an obstacle exists between each mapped position and the access point if a straight line connecting each position and the access point crosses the obstacle installation range (obstacle position information).

[0076] Next, the obstacle identification unit 221 identifies obstacles that attenuate radio waves from the access point, for example, by inputting image data taken from each position facing the access point into a learning model obtained by machine learning or the like.

[0077] The obstacle identifying unit 221 does not store in the mapping data obstacles that do not attenuate radio waves from an access point. The obstacle identifying unit 221 stores in the mapping data obstacles that attenuate radio waves from an access point. The obstacle identifying unit 221 distinguishes between obstacles that do not attenuate radio waves from an access point and obstacles that attenuate radio waves from an access point for each obstacle present on the floor.

[0078] The obstacle identifying unit 221 stores the obstacles that attenuate radio waves (identified obstacles) in the mapping data. The obstacle identifying unit 221 refers to information about the positions of the obstacles included in the floor map data 213, and acquires the obstacle IDs of the identified obstacles.

[0079] The obstacle identifying unit 221 uses the acquired obstacle ID to associate the identified obstacle with the position information of the estimation device 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the obstacle identifying unit 221 stores the position information, floor map position information, and the obstacle ID of the identified obstacle in the mapping data in association with each other.

[0080] The attenuation information calculation unit 222 analyzes the radio wave intensity information data 212 in chronological order and generates attenuation information data (step S103).

[0081] Specifically, the attenuation information calculation unit 222 sets the initial radio wave strength in the radio wave strength information data 212 as a reference value (the radio wave strength directly below the access point is set as the reference value), and calculates the difference between the radio wave strength of each entry in the radio wave strength information data 212 and the reference value. The attenuation calculation result is saved as attenuation information data.

[0082] The obstacle material estimation unit 223 estimates the material of the obstacle (step S104). Specifically, the obstacle material estimation unit 223 uses the mapping data and the attenuation information data to obtain the attenuation state when the radio wave passes through each obstacle. More specifically, the obstacle material estimation unit 223 uses the recording time of the mapping data and the recording time of the attenuation information data to calculate, as the attenuation state, a combination of the obstacle (obstacle ID) and the radio wave attenuation value written in the mapping data at the same time.

[0083] The obstacle material estimation unit 223 estimates the material of the obstacle by comparing the attenuation status with reference data (radio wave intensity attenuation information data by material). The estimation result is recorded in an obstacle list. For example, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an obstacle list in which materials (materials estimated from the attenuation status) are recorded.

[0084] The floor map editing unit 224 edits the floor map data 213 to reflect the obstacle list, in which the materials of the obstacles are described, on the floor map data 213 (editing floor map data; step S105).

[0085] For example, the floor map editing unit 224 edits the floor map data 213 as shown in Fig. 11. For example, the floor map editing unit 224 obtains the floor map data 213 as shown in Fig. 11 by filling in areas corresponding to obstacle position information in the information on the obstacle positions included in the floor map data 213 with patterns and colors predetermined for each material.

[0086] In the example of FIG. 11, the materials of the walls inside the building are estimated to be one of three types: concrete, wood, and metal, and each material is displayed in a manner that allows the user to distinguish between them.

[0087] The edited floor map data 213 is stored in the data storage unit 203. The stored floor map data 213 may be output to an external system.

[0088] The data input and output to and from each module of the estimation device 10 can be summarized as shown in FIG.

[0089] As described above, the estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment acquires (collects) location information and radio wave intensity information at each location within a building. The estimation device 10 estimates the material of an obstacle between each location and an access point using the radio wave attenuation value at each location. More specifically, the estimation device 10 estimates the material of the obstacle using material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data including a combination of material and radio wave attenuation value. That is, the estimation device 10 disclosed herein collects its own location information and radio wave intensity information and estimates the material of the obstacle by analyzing floor map data 213 input from an external device. In this way, the estimation device 10 can analyze radio wave intensity information and video information to estimate the material of obstacles, such as walls, present on the floors of a facility.

[0090] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0091] In the second embodiment, a case where a user conducts a wireless LAN survey using a terminal such as a smartphone and simulates the installation of an access point will be described in detail. In the second embodiment, a mobile terminal 20 having the functions of the estimation device 10 described in the first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The mobile terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone.

[0092] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a processing configuration (processing module) of the mobile terminal 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] As shown in Figure 13, the mobile terminal 20 further includes an operation control unit 301, a display control unit 302, a location information unit 303, a wireless LAN communication unit 304, an automatic floor map generation unit 305, and a simulation execution unit 306 in addition to the configuration of the estimation device 10 shown in Figure 3.

[0094] The operation control unit 301 controls input devices (operation devices) such as operation keys, operation buttons, switches, jog dials, touch pads, touch panels integrated with liquid crystal panels, etc. The operation control unit 301 accepts operations of the input devices by the user and notifies the system (other processing modules) of information related to the operations.

[0095] The display control unit 302 controls output devices (display devices) such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) displays, liquid crystal displays, organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, etc. The display control unit 302 displays various screens on the display devices in accordance with instructions from the system.

[0096] The location information unit 303 uses a system such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) to calculate the current location of the mobile terminal 20. The location information unit 303 calculates the current location on behalf of the location information acquisition unit 201 and passes the calculated current location to the location information acquisition unit 201.

[0097] The wireless LAN communication unit 304 performs wireless LAN communication with the relay device via a wireless LAN antenna in accordance with, for example, the IEEE 802.11 standard. The mobile terminal 20 uses the wireless LAN communication unit 304 to perform wireless LAN communication with an access point installed in the facility and measures radio wave intensity.

[0098] The wireless LAN communication unit 304 measures the radio wave intensity instead of the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 , and passes the measured radio wave intensity to the radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 202 .

[0099] The automatic floor map generation unit 305 is a means for automatically generating the floor map data 213 using image data obtained by capturing an image of a predetermined area (for example, a floor in a building where an access point is installed). For example, the automatic floor map generation unit 305 uses image recognition technology or augmented reality technology to automatically generate the floor map data 213 from image data captured by an imaging device such as a camera.

[0100] Since existing technology can be used to automatically generate the floor map data 213 from image data, detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0101] Next, an operation of the automatic floor map generation unit 305 to generate a floor map while a user conducts a wireless LAN survey using a smartphone (mobile terminal 20) will be described.

[0102] First, the user photographs an access point using the imaging device (camera) of the mobile terminal 20. Next, the user moves to various locations within the facility while carrying the mobile terminal 20 and photographs the architectural structure. The automatic floor map generation unit 305 automatically generates floor map data 213 using the image data acquired at that time.

[0103] When the user takes a photograph inside the facility, the location information unit 303 acquires location information, and the wireless LAN communication unit 304 measures radio wave intensity.

[0104] Next, the operation of the mobile terminal 20 regarding the creation of a floor map and the estimation of the material of an obstacle will be described.

[0105] The automatic floor map generation unit 305 analyzes the acquired image data and position information to create a floor map. Furthermore, the automatic floor map generation unit 305 sets the positions of the access points on the floor map using the image data of the access points and the position information when the access points were photographed.

[0106] The mobile device 20 treats the radio wave intensity when the access point is photographed as a reference value, compares it with the radio wave intensity at the specific location, and obtains the attenuation status. Next, the mobile device 20 uses the location information and the created floor map to identify obstacles between the specific location and the access point. Furthermore, the mobile device 20 performs an analysis using the attenuation status and estimates the material of the obstacle.

[0107] The simulation execution unit 306 is a means for executing a simulation regarding the distribution of radio wave intensity in a predetermined area using the floor map data 213 that reflects the material of obstacles.

[0108] Here, the access point installation simulation process performed by the simulation execution unit 306 will be described.

[0109] The mobile terminal 20 displays the created floor map on a liquid crystal panel or the like, and the user can set temporary access points on the floor map using an operation device. The mobile terminal 20 creates a hit map (heat map) showing the distribution of radio wave strength using information on the set access points, obstacle material data, and the floor map (floor map data 213 reflecting the obstacle materials), and displays it on the floor map. The mobile terminal 20 can also display a radio wave strength map on images captured by a camera using augmented reality.

[0110] Note that a simulation for calculating the distribution of radio wave intensity of radio waves emitted from an access point while using the material of an obstacle can be realized using existing technology, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the mobile terminal 20 has been described as having the functions of the estimation device 10. However, the estimation device 10 may have the functions realized by the automatic floor map generation unit 305 and the simulation execution unit 306 described above.

[0112] As described above, the mobile terminal 20 according to the second embodiment incorporates the functions of the estimation device 10. The mobile terminal 20 can automatically generate a floor map using image data obtained from an imaging device (camera). Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 can execute a simulation of access point installation locations using the automatically generated floor map. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 20 can visualize the results of the simulation using an LCD monitor or the like. That is, the mobile terminal 20 can easily execute automatic floor map generation and wireless LAN simulation by using facility image data obtained by photographing.

[0113] Next, the hardware of each device constituting the information processing system will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the estimation device 10. Note that Fig. 14 does not show an operation device (e.g., a touch panel), a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal monitor), or an imaging device (e.g., a camera).

[0114] The estimation device 10 can be configured by an information processing device (so-called computer), and has the configuration shown in Fig. 14. For example, the estimation device 10 includes a processor 311, a memory 312, an input / output interface 313, and a communication interface 314. The components such as the processor 311 are connected by an internal bus or the like and are configured to be able to communicate with each other.

[0115] However, the configuration shown in Fig. 14 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the estimation device 10. The estimation device 10 may include hardware not shown, and may not include the input / output interface 313 as necessary. Furthermore, the number of processors 311 and the like included in the estimation device 10 is not intended to be limited to the example shown in Fig. 14, and the estimation device 10 may include multiple processors 311, for example.

[0116] The processor 311 is a programmable device such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). Alternatively, the processor 311 may be a device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The processor 311 executes various programs including an operating system (OS).

[0117] The memory 312 is a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory 312 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data.

[0118] The input / output interface 313 is an interface for a display device and an input device (not shown). The display device is, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc. The input device is, for example, a device that accepts user operations, such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0119] The communication interface 314 is a circuit, module, etc. that communicates with other devices. For example, the communication interface 314 includes a network interface card (NIC).

[0120] The functions of the estimation device 10 are realized by various processing modules. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 311 executing a program stored in the memory 312. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. That is, the present invention can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium storing the program. Furthermore, the processing modules can be realized by a semiconductor chip.

[0121] The estimation device 10, which is an information processing device, is equipped with a computer, and the functions of the estimation device 10 can be realized by causing the computer to execute a program. Furthermore, the estimation device 10 executes a control method for the estimation device 10 using the program.

[0122] [Modifications] The configuration, operation, etc. of the information processing system described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the configuration, etc. of the system.

[0123] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which data such as the floor map data 213 is stored inside the estimation device 10, but the floor map data 213 may be stored in an external server, etc. In this case, the estimation device 10 may acquire the floor map data 213 from the external server and estimate the material of an obstacle.

[0124] In the flow charts (flowcharts, sequence diagrams) used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps executed in the embodiments is not limited to the order described. In the embodiments, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected, such as by executing each process in parallel.

[0125] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and it is not intended that all of the above-described configurations are required. Furthermore, when multiple embodiments are described, each embodiment may be used alone or in combination. For example, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with another configuration.

[0126] From the above explanation, it is clear that the present invention has industrial applicability, and the present invention is suitably applicable to information processing systems that communicate using wireless LANs or the like.

[0127] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0128] [Supplementary Note 1] An estimation device comprising: a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of its own device at each position in a predetermined area, a radio wave strength information acquisition means for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the predetermined area, and an obstacle material estimation means for estimating the material of an obstacle present in the predetermined area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information. [Supplementary Note 2] The estimation device according to Supplementary Note 1 further comprises: an obstacle identification means for identifying the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point, and an attenuation information calculation means for calculating an attenuation value of the radio wave received from the access point at each position in the predetermined area, wherein the obstacle material estimation means estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point based on the attenuation value at one position among the positions in the predetermined area where the obstacle exists between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 3] The estimation device according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the obstacle material estimation means references material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data describing radio wave intensity attenuation values ​​for each material, and estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 4] The estimation device according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the obstacle identification means uses image data acquired at each position in the predetermined area to identify the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point. [Supplementary Note 5] The estimation device according to any one of Supplements 1 to 4, further comprising floor map editing means that reflects the material of the obstacle present in the predetermined area in floor map data for the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 6] The estimation device according to Supplementary Note 5, further comprising floor map automatic generation means that generates the floor map data using image data acquired by photographing the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 7] The estimation device according to Supplementary Note 5, further comprising simulation execution means that executes a simulation of the distribution of radio wave intensity in the predetermined area using floor map data reflecting the material of the obstacle.[Supplementary Note 8] A system including an access point and an estimation device, wherein the estimation device comprises: location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the estimation device at each position in a predetermined area; radio wave strength information acquisition means for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from the access point at each position in the predetermined area; and obstacle material estimation means for estimating the material of an obstacle present in the predetermined area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information. [Supplementary Note 9] The system according to Supplementary Note 8 further comprises: obstacle identification means for identifying the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point, and attenuation information calculation means for calculating an attenuation value of the radio wave received from the access point at each position in the predetermined area, wherein the obstacle material estimation means estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point based on the attenuation value at one position among the positions in the predetermined area where the obstacle exists between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 10] The system of Supplementary Note 9, wherein the obstacle material estimation means references material-specific radio wave intensity attenuation information data describing radio wave intensity attenuation values ​​for each material, and estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 11] The system of Supplementary Note 10, wherein the obstacle identification means uses image data acquired at each position in the predetermined area to identify the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point. [Supplementary Note 12] The system of any one of Supplements 8 to 11, further comprising floor map editing means that reflects the material of the obstacle present in the predetermined area in floor map data for the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 13] The system of Supplementary Note 12, further comprising floor map automatic generation means that generates the floor map data using image data acquired by photographing the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 14] The system of Supplementary Note 12, further comprising simulation execution means that executes a simulation of radio wave intensity distribution in the predetermined area using floor map data reflecting the obstacle material.[Supplementary Note 15] A control method for an estimation device, comprising: a location information acquisition step of acquiring location information of the device itself at each position in a predetermined area, a radio wave strength acquisition step of acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the predetermined area, and an obstacle material estimation step of estimating the material of an obstacle present in the predetermined area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information. [Supplementary Note 16] The control method for an estimation device according to Supplementary Note 15, further comprising: an obstacle identification step of identifying the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point, and an attenuation information calculation step of calculating an attenuation value of the radio wave received from the access point at each position in the predetermined area, wherein the obstacle material estimation step estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point based on the attenuation value at one position among the positions in the predetermined area where the obstacle exists between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 17] The method for controlling an estimation device according to Supplementary Note 16, wherein the obstacle material estimation step refers to radio wave intensity attenuation information data by material, which describes radio wave intensity attenuation values ​​for each material, and estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 18] The method for controlling an estimation device according to Supplementary Note 17, wherein the obstacle identification step uses image data acquired at each position in the predetermined area to identify the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point. [Supplementary Note 19] The method for controlling an estimation device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 15 to 18, further comprising a floor map editing step of reflecting the material of the obstacle present in the predetermined area in floor map data for the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 20] The method for controlling an estimation device according to Supplementary Note 19, further comprising a floor map automatic generation step of generating the floor map data using image data acquired by photographing the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 21] The method for controlling an estimation device according to Supplementary Note 19, further comprising a simulation execution step of executing a simulation of the distribution of radio wave intensity in the predetermined area using floor map data reflecting the material of the obstacle.[Supplementary Note 22] A program for causing a computer mounted on an estimation device to execute: a location information acquisition process for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a predetermined area, a radio wave strength acquisition process for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the predetermined area, and an obstacle material estimation process for estimating the material of an obstacle present in the predetermined area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information. [Supplementary Note 23] The program according to Supplementary Note 22, further causing a computer mounted on an estimation device to execute: an obstacle identification process for identifying the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point, and an attenuation information calculation process for calculating an attenuation value of the radio wave received from the access point at each position in the predetermined area, wherein the obstacle material estimation process estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point based on the attenuation value at one position among the positions in the predetermined area where the obstacle exists between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 24] The program according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the obstacle material estimation process refers to radio wave intensity attenuation information data by material, which describes radio wave intensity attenuation values ​​for each material, and estimates the material of the obstacle present between the one position and the access point. [Supplementary Note 25] The program according to Supplementary Note 24, wherein the obstacle identification process uses image data acquired at each position in the predetermined area to identify the obstacle present between each position in the predetermined area and the access point. [Supplementary Note 26] The program according to any one of Supplements 22 to 25, further causing the program to execute a floor map editing process that reflects the material of the obstacle present in the predetermined area in floor map data for the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 27] The program according to Supplementary Note 26, further causing the program to execute an automatic floor map generation process that generates the floor map data using image data obtained by photographing the predetermined area. [Supplementary Note 28] The program according to Supplementary Note 26, further causing the program to execute a simulation execution process that executes a simulation of radio wave intensity distribution in the predetermined area using floor map data reflecting the obstacle material.

[0129] Furthermore, some or all of the configurations described in Supplementary Notes 2 to 7 that are dependent on Supplementary Note 1 above may also be dependent on Supplementary Notes 8, 15, and 22 in the same dependent relationship as Supplementary Notes 2 to 7. Furthermore, not limited to Supplementary Notes 1, 8, 15, and 22, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements may be made dependent on various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0130] The disclosures of the above-cited prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative and that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that may be made by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concepts thereof.

[0131] 10 Estimation device 20 Mobile terminal 100 Estimation device 101 Position information acquisition means 102 Radio wave intensity information acquisition means 103 Obstacle material estimation means 201 Position information acquisition unit 202 Radio wave intensity information acquisition unit 203 Data storage unit 204 Information processing unit 211 Position information data 212 Radio wave intensity information data 213 Floor map data 221 Obstacle identification unit 222 Attenuation information calculation unit 223 Obstacle material estimation unit 224 Floor map editing unit 301 Operation control unit 302 Display control unit 303 Position information unit 304 Wireless LAN communication unit 305 Floor map automatic generation unit 306 Simulation execution unit 311 Processor 312 Memory 313 Input / output interface 314 Communication interface

Claims

1. An estimation device comprising: a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area; a radio wave strength information acquisition means for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the specified area; and an obstacle material estimation means for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

2. The estimation device described in claim 1 further comprises: an obstacle identification means for identifying the obstacles existing between each position in the specified area and the access point; and an attenuation information calculation means for calculating the attenuation value of the radio waves received from the access point at each position in the specified area, wherein the obstacle material estimation means estimates the material of the obstacle existing between the one position and the access point based on the attenuation value at one position among the positions in the specified area where the obstacle exists between the one position and the access point.

3. The estimation device according to claim 2, wherein the obstacle material estimation means refers to material-specific radio wave strength attenuation information data that describes the radio wave strength attenuation value for each material, and estimates the material of the obstacle that exists between the first position and the access point.

4. An estimation device as described in claim 3, wherein the obstacle identification means uses image data acquired at each position in the specified area to identify the obstacles that exist between each position in the specified area and the access point.

5. An estimation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a floor map editing means for reflecting the material of the obstacle present in the predetermined area in floor map data of the predetermined area.

6. The estimation device according to claim 5, further comprising an automatic floor map generation means for generating said floor map data using image data obtained by photographing said predetermined area.

7. The estimation device according to claim 5, further comprising a simulation execution means for executing a simulation of the distribution of radio wave intensity in the specified area using floor map data that reflects the material of the obstacle.

8. A system including an access point and an estimation device, wherein the estimation device comprises: a location information acquisition means for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area; a radio wave strength information acquisition means for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from the access point at each position in the specified area; and an obstacle material estimation means for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

9. A method for controlling an estimation device, comprising: a location information acquisition process for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area; a radio wave strength acquisition process for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the specified area; and an obstacle material estimation process for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer mounted on an estimation device to execute the following: a location information acquisition process for acquiring location information of the device at each position in a specified area; a radio wave strength acquisition process for acquiring radio wave strength information regarding the radio wave strength of radio waves received from an access point at each position in the specified area; and an obstacle material estimation process for estimating the material of obstacles present in the specified area based on the acquired location information and the acquired radio wave strength information.

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